Pihanga Climb

Pihanga’s Challenge was met in numbers by the Rock n Road Cycling club last weekend. The Sunday morning ride, that leaves at 10 am , was well attended by 10 riders. Graeme Barret had organized a guided ride to the Telecom tower at the top of the farm on Mount Pihanga. We are very grateful to John Haywood who not only gave permission to ride to the top but, being a keen cyclist himself, joined the group and guided us to the top.

The ride up took us past the Turangi Golf Club then followed a variety of Farm Tracks zig-zaging our way through paddocks until , finally, the Telecom building came into view . The group then spread out as those with more steam in their legs raced to the top whilst the remainder kept up the slog and finally we all re-grouped and recovered our breath and admired the superb view looking over the town and out over Lake Taupo. Opinions vary I am sure but for all those who made the effort I am sure they would agree that the view was worth the effort.

TO make the down hill more interesting Graeme and Maurice, with a series or hand signals, shouts and waves organized a timed run over the first part of the track. The section of track was quite steep and rough and the various styles and lines were interesting to watch . Some used the centre of the track others seemed to spend more time off it, the jury is out as to which is faster. The Times varied from a minute down to 43 seconds with age being no barrier.

The Truebridge brothers (Matt and James) took out the top times but Graeme Barett was nipping at their heels. From here John Haywood guided us through a series of tracks including some technical down hills and some flat out runs. Like a bunch of School kids on an adventure this group laughed and hooted their way all the way to the bottom. Going up Hill may be hard on the body but the downhill ride is definitely good for the soul.

This ride capped off a busy few weeks for the Club with a variety of rides taking place PM Sauturday’s AM Sundays and Wednesday evenings. We also have Wim and Roger heading away for the tour of Northland and later this year these 2 riders will follow part of the Great race (Tour De France). We wish these riders all the best for with their adventures and again thanks John Haywood for his cooperation and support ,Also to Graeme barret who is organizing the Ride Calendar and “spicing things up” . The Club is welcoming of new cyclists and can tailor rides to suit all abilities. Turn up to any ride or visit turangicycling.org.nz for more information.

Wally van der AA