Distance cycled: 61.6km from Helena bay to Paihia, North Island, New Zealand.
Average speed: 13.4km/h
Moving Time: 4h35m
Elevation Ascended: 1419m
Total Distance on Current trip: 367km
Distance until I have cycled the circumference of Earth: 8,040km
Money spent: $45
The coastal road to the town of Russell was in no way something Marlieke could have known to prepare for, the hills were relentless, short steep climbs leaving one bay and rapid descends to enter another.
I could understand her frustration not having the leg power to cycle up the near impossible gradients and having to resort to physically pushing her bike, especially when I was capable of doing so with a far heavier load. But she shed no tears and again fought through the pains of cycle touring.
Disregarding the arduous efforts of my strong willed missus the views along this coast, like much of what we have seen of New Zealand were again stunning, the sweet spot of blue skies, turquoise waters, sandy beaches, lack of people, pleasant temperatures and relaxed communities making this area a real gem and I hope that it doesn't turn into some holiday resort type of place making it loose the quaint hidden feel.
Marlieke was not taking in the sights simply because the sight of another hill upset/angered her but as I said before she fought through the long day and eventually we made it to Russell.
Here I got in contact with Afro Chris, a friend of my bothers and also of the family.
chris had just moved into his new home at the top of a hill with an epic view of the Bay of islands. At first, because he had only been there for a couple of days and did not know his housemates at all, he was a little hesitant about us staying with him but after a few drinks and after meeting one of his housemates all was well and we were about to stay.
Watch out here!
The town of Russell
Marlieke and Myself
The amazing view of the Bay of Islands fom Chris’ new place in Paihia