What a Ride! Paeroa to Waihi (and return) - 49kms

We were a little nervous riding our e bikes on gravel to begin with.  
We'd only experienced it once before on hired bikes on the Otago Rail Trail. 
After a km or two we'd adjusted to the bumping, though the noise took a little longer. 
    

From the motel, we joined the trail, following the Waihou River to the Criterion Bridge which we crossed on an attached walkway. 

On the other side, we rode through the sturdy, open flood gates that protect the town from the occasional Ohinemuri overflow.



From there the trail took us through shady avenues and bush clad hills. 

We crossed many small bridges and cattle grids.
To be exact, Del rode over the grids, while I dismounted and tentatively tiptoed across!

Eventually we arrived at the Karangahake Rail Bridge and its 1.1km tunnel.

At first the relative darkness caused temporary blindness, especially to Del. I led the way, with bike lights on, until eyes adjusted to the gloom.
On reaching the end of the tunnel, we found ourselves in the Karangahake Gorge with the Ohinemuri River flowing below us.


On leaving the Gorge area, we made a short detour to admire the Owharoa Falls.



Then back to the trail where we soon found ourselves at the remains of the Victoria Battery, a relic of the gold mining days. Cyanide tanks made an interesting feature.


                             




We finally arrived in the gold mining town of Waihi.
After a light lunch, we investigated a church-like building on a hill.

It turned out to be the replica of an old mine shaft.

Nearby we discovered an area laid out with  hundreds of white crosses each inscribed with the name of a fallen soldier.

A beautiful but sobering experience.

Lunch eaten and enjoyed, we set off to retrace our route back to Paeroa.

Note to self! Avoid returning to the Criterion Bridge, Paeroa between 3.00pm and 3.30pm. 
School's out and the Bridge and pavements are full of children.







Comments

  1. KimMarch 24, 2021 at 3:20 AM

    Great photos, looks like a fantastic ride and excellent weather

    ReplyDelete
  2. CindyMarch 25, 2021 at 7:11 PM

    A great experience, Kim, but very lumpy and uneven gravel. A bumpy ride on the whole, but we got used to it!

    ReplyDelete

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