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Tour Kopiko 2024

  • Tour Kopiko | Day 10 - From Sunrise to Sunset. We reach the edge of the island.

      15 April 2024
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    Today marked the grand finale of Tour Kopiko, and what a ride it's been! Over the past 10 days, we've covered an astounding 1060+ km, conquering mountains, valleys, and everything in between. Most certainly one for the memory banks!

    As we take a moment to look back on our final day's adventure and all the incredible sights we've soaked in, it's impossible not to be awestruck by the sheer beauty of New Zealand’s North Island.

    Our day started from the middle of nowhere, amidst a logistical nightmare. However, eventually, we all got to where we needed to be and reconnected with one another in Lepperton for a coffee and scone. We then set off to New Plymouth. Along the way, we passed landmarks like the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, the Golf course, the laid-back Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park, and the serene mouth of Te Henui Stream. Since it was a Sunday, the walking and biking trails were filled with bikers, walkers, skateboarders, families, and dogs. Lots of smiling faces as the sun shined.

    The final leg from New Plymouth to Cape Egmont involved negotiating a muddy, challenging single track. Outside of New Plymouth, we began our final climb, 20 km 400+ meters, in a strong headwind.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/from-sunrise-to-sunset-and-reaching-the-other-edge-of-the-island

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 9 - Rain, Rockslides and a Race Against Time

      14 April 2024
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    Rain and rockslides in the morning, goats and gusty winds in the afternoon. Boy oh boy, today was a day of unexpected challenges!

    Day 9 of our Tour Kopiko began with a leisurely breakfast before we braved the rain to kick off our ride. We set off from Ohura towards Pukeho and onwards to Lepperton, we were expecting to cover approximately 102 km for the day.

    Despite the rain dampening our spirits, we conquered the Paparata Saddle, missing out on the stunning views of Tangarakau Gorge due to the weather. Our journey led us deeper into the Taranaki countryside, where we stumbled upon the mysterious Moki Tunnel and eventually crossed into the whimsical “Republic of Whangamomona.” Lunch at the iconic Whangamomona Hotel brought an unexpected surprise from David in Tara Iti’s Member Services team and his wife Pam, who presented us with a wonderful gift basket and a good dose of encouragement for the final days of our journey.

    However, the afternoon posed its own challenges as we battled through four peaks amidst pouring rain and relentless gusts of wind.

    To continue reading please click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-9-rain-rockslides-and-a-race-against-time

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 8 - Ponchos and Puddles

      12 April 2024
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    Wow, what a night at Camp Epic. Staying in a glamping tent sounds romantic and exciting, but as the northwesterly winds blew and the rains fell in sheets, it was more like a nightmare. Around 1 am in the morning, it felt like the tent would blow away. We had the alarm set for 5 am and awoke to high winds and heavy rain. Lots of thoughts went through our heads. “Will the track be open today?” How much rain will fall? Should we just sleep in and hope that the rain would stop?

    Instead, after breakfast and a photo in our ponchos, we decided we would indeed hit the track. We were expecting a real rollercoaster ride today, 92 km and 1,100-meter climb. But we took on the challenge and pedalled away from Cape Epic towards our planned destination.

    The day kicked off with crossing the 2.5 km awe-inspiring Maramataha suspension bridge. Spanning a whopping 141 meters. This engineering marvel left us breathless – not only from the views but more so from trying not to look down!

    We then hit a 3 km climb to the old railway terminus, where our legs got a good warm-up in preparation for another long distanced day. We kept our eyes peeled for the historic tramway, a relic of yesteryear that's now a playground for adventurous bikers.

    We encountered some iconic landmarks, including the Waione suspension bridge, the Waikoura suspension bridge, and the Mangatukutuku bridge.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-8-ponchos-and-puddles

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 7 - Trials and Tribulations of the Timber Trail

      12 April 2024
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    Although the alarm was set for 5 am, Linda and I found ourselves wide awake just before 4 am. We brewed a cup and went online to check our messages and the weather forecast. It revealed early morning showers, with conditions deteriorating throughout the day. Naturally, we were eager to set off and reach Camp Epic before the heavy rains and strong winds hit. Today's route was approximately 91 km, featuring a 1800m climb.

    All wrapped up in Gore-Tex, we braved the elements, ready to face whatever challenges the weather gods threw our way. Did we emerge victorious? Keep reading to find out...

    As we pedalled along, tracing the trail markers through Pureora Forest, the journey was a true pleasure. However, once we reached Arataki Trail, things got a little gnarly. The trail became a single track, washed out, muddy, and strewn with rocks. For 10 km, we battled through, averaging around 6 km/h, until we reached a gravel track, not quite a road, leading us towards the Timber Trail.

    Before tackling the Timber Trail, we paused for a quick break and an early lunch. And when I say quick, I mean it, as the winds howled, the rain poured, and the temperatures dropped.

    The Timber Trail, one of New Zealand's Great Rides, presented us with Maori statues, suspension bridges spanning over 100 m, and even a historic Stump House.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/trials-and-tribulations-of-the-timber-trail

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    • 12/04/2024 by Heather

      Peter and I are following your daily progress and cheering you on from the States! Amazing riding and reminding us of the NZ beauty and spirit we love. You are inspiring us with your stamina!

  • Tour Kopiko | Day 6 - Natural Wonders and Cycle Trails

      11 April 2024
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    Today was Day 6 of our Tour Kopiko cycling adventure! Our 122 km expedition began in Murupara and concluded in Mangakino, with an overnight stay planned at the newly renovated Maratai Lodge. Anticipation filled the air as we set off on our bikes again expecting more beautiful scenery and kiwi experiences.

    We departed from Rotorua and resumed our journey where we left off yesterday, in Murupara. Heading west along the highway from the township, we remained watchful for logging trucks, a common sight in this region. We tackled the straight road with a 5% grade for 12 km, battling a headwind that slowed our speed to 8 km/h.

    As we cycled past the site of the Pink and White Terraces, once natural wonders of New Zealand, we reflected on their history. Reportedly the largest silica sinter deposits on Earth, they were lost and thought destroyed in the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, while new hydrothermal features formed to the southwest, such as the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley.

    Our adventure took an exciting turn as we veered onto the Te Ara Ahi cycle trail, leading us to the Rainbow Mountain picnic area. It was time for tea or our first lunch! We chose to bypass the thermal mud pools at Waiotapu.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-6-natural-wonders-and-cycle-trails

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 5 - Life in the saddle and horsing around

      9 April 2024
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    Today's leg of our Tour Kopiko adventure began with ambitious plans to cover 132.2 km, but we quickly realized it was too big of a push. Instead, we settled for a 96 km ride today, saving the remaining 120 km for tomorrow.

    Despite the adjustment, we reached a significant milestone: the halfway point between the two Capes! Our journey proved to be nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking sights awaiting us at every turn.

    Starting from Lake Waikaremoana, we followed Waikaremoana Rd, leaving behind SH38. Along the way, we passed Te Whero Bay, enjoyed a stunning lookout back to Mokau Falls, and made a memorable stop at the Mokau Landing Campsite.

    Our adventure took an unexpected turn when we encountered 11 wild horses, reminiscent of the Rolling Stones' tune, "Wild Horses." As we journeyed on, the road to the Waikaremoana Great Walk tempted us from the left, prompting us to mentally note it down for future exploration. The 44-kilometer tramping track, winding along the southern and western coast of Lake Waikaremoana, promises enchanting views and diverse landscapes.

    Encountering more wild horses along the way, we counted a total of 25. These Kaimanawa horses, descendants of domestic horses released in the 19th and 20th centuries, are known for their hardiness and quiet temperament.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-5-saddling-up-and-horsing-around

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 4 - Unexpected Action and Adversity

      9 April 2024
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    A is for unexpected Action and Adversity!

    Today's journey took us from Tiniroto to Lake Waikaremoana, covering a distance of 96 km with 1,800 meters of climbing. However, as it often happens on adventurous trips, things don’t always go to plan. At around 21 km into the ride, I received a text from one of our ever-watchful friends following us on MapMyProgress. They asked if everything was ok because we hadn’t moved in a while. Meg then asked, “Where’s your tracker?” and unfortunately, it had fallen off! So I biked back 8 km to try and find it. I searched everywhere with no luck, and then returned back to Linda. As we were catching up to the group, Meg and Eugene (the support vehicle) arrived, and I explained what had happened. They drove back and Eugene amazingly found the tracker under the bridge near the water.

    Despite the initial stress, we rallied together and pressed on, tackling two hefty climbs from around 100 meters to a whopping 450 meters.

    Today's journey really did feel like life on the farm, with us playing the role of diligent sheepdogs herding sheep and cattle along the way! We passed by some notable landmarks, including the majestic Te Reinga Falls, Doughboy Bridge (where our tracker decided to play hide and seek), and Ruakituri School.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-4-unexpected-action-and-adversity

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 3 - Embracing the thrills over the hills

      8 April 2024
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    We kicked off the day with a smooth 13 km cruise along sealed roads, where the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking as we made our way to Matawai. Along the way, we counted 34 Weka. Weka are one of the few flightless birds in New Zealand. They are hen-sized birds with caramel and black striped feathers, strong tapered beaks, sturdy dinosaur-like legs, and beady red eyes, indicative of their curious character. Fun Fact: Weka poop their body weight in a day.

    But the real excitement began when we hit the gravel roads, adding an extra element of thrill to our adventure. Passing by the picturesque Te Wera Homestead, we couldn't resist pausing for a moment to soak in the charm of this little hidden gem.

    The true highlights of the day were undoubtedly the ride through the high country sheep and Angus beef farms, Rere Rockslide, and Rere Falls. We stopped for lunch and spent some time there, enjoying the natural rock formations and snapping a few photos.

    From there, it was onwards to Tiniroto, navigating a diverse landscape that kept us on our toes. We also stopped to listen and watch a Red stag roaring, trying hard to attract a mate. While en route, very few vehicles passed, and the trucks that did generally had a stag or two in the back.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-3-embracing-the-thrills-over-the-hills

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  • Tour Kopiko | Day 2 - Conquering the Motū

      6 April 2024
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    Day 2 of our Tour Kopiko adventure was absolutely incredible! This was our first big hill day, and we were a little worried before we started. The route covered a distance of 116km, navigating through a mix of sealed and gravel roads, and encountering some truly breathtaking sights along the way.

    Our adventure kicked off from Te Kaha, after a delicious breakfast at the accommodation. We headed west on SH35, crossing the Haparapara River. After a pit stop where we were chased by two dogs, we continued our journey towards Motu Road.

    About 2 km on Motu road, we pulled over for lunch near a stream where we also watched trout having their lunch as well. After lunch at a roadside shelter, we started our 46 km gravel ride through beautiful bush-clad country with plenty of native birdlife interspersed with isolated farmland.

    The Motu Road Trail was built from 1915 – 1929 and was the only formed road between Motu and Opotiki. When we pedaled over this sensational road, we followed the journeys of more than 100 years.

    Fun fact: Along the way, we counted 7 microwaves and 1 full-size oven used as letterboxes.

    Our total elevation for the day was over 2000 meters, which was a challenge. However, the awe-inspiring views from the top made every ounce of effort worthwhile. We crossed the majestic Motu River and then conquered the biggest climb of the day.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-2-conquering-the-motu

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    • 07/04/2024 by Heather

      Love the updates! Makes us wish we were there to cheer you on….Cheers from the States! Heather & Peter

  • Tour Kopiko | Day 1 - First to see the sunrise

      5 April 2024
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    Today we launched and have just wrapped up the exciting first leg of Tour Kopiko! Let me tell you, Day 1 was nothing short of jaw-dropping! Picture this: from the most majestic sunrise at the East Cape Lighthouse to the charming Te Araroa, we blazed a trail today spanning 115.7 km.

    We set off at the crack of dawn to the East Cape car-park to witness the sunrise. It was unbelievable! The East Cape is the first place in the world to start the new day. But that was just the beginning, as we cycled along East Cape Rd, we took photos of several horses which I think I would have preferred to ride. We also couldn't resist a pit stop to marvel at the Te Waha o Rerekohu, the largest known Pohutukawa tree in the country. It's 21 m tall and 40 m wide, and most definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

    At Te Araroa, we stopped off for coffee at a cute little cart. Next up, it was time to shift gears as we conquered the road from Te Araroa to Waihau Bay, a heart-racing 57 km stretch with just enough twists and turns to keep us on our toes. Of course, no adventure is complete without constant caffeine boosts, so we made a swift detour to Hicks Bay township. Unfortunately, the coffee shop was closed so we continued along to Waihau Bay for a well-deserved lunch and break. We parked ourselves on the grass next to the jetty and began to eat.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/day-1-first-to-see-the-sunrise

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  • About to hit the road!

      3 April 2024
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    As we gear up for our next cycling escapade, Tour Kopikio, I can't help but feel the familiar mix of excitement and jitters. It's like the night before a big adventure is a prison sentence, and the morning brings the sweet taste of freedom. But before we hit the road, there are a few things keeping me up at night. Have we packed enough gear? Are we prepared for any mishaps along the way? And most importantly, do we have the all-important GPS coordinates locked and loaded?

    Once we're all set and ready to roll, the initial heaviness of the bike might catch us off guard, but fear not – that feeling will soon be replaced by pure joy as we pedal away from the East Cape lighthouse, the first place in the world to greet the new day.

    Leaving Mangawhai and work behind, the open road calls to us with its promise of adventure. The lush green landscapes and endless blue skies will be our companions as we wind our way along the roads. And let's not forget, it's not just about reaching our destination – the journey itself is an experience to be cherished.

    So, are we feeling confident about our upcoming ride? Absolutely! With a little preparation and a whole lot of enthusiasm, we're ready to take on any cycling challenge that comes our way.

    And if you would like to join us on our journey, be sure to check out our progress at https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1

    and https://siben.maprogress.com/kopikitaraiti.

    We'd love to have you join us for the ride!

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  • 10 days to go

      26 March 2024
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    The Tour Kopiko is a mammoth challenge that can easily overwhelm the best of riders. What we’ve learned over the years of running marathons, competing in triathlons and life in general is to keep the objectives in perspective and divide it all into bite-sized milestones.

    IN TRAINING

    Training can quickly morph from grin to grin and bear it, to I’m over it..! However with the help of a few cycling friends we’ve tried to set up a realistic, regular (and invariably progressive) goals to keep ourselves motivated and in a positive place.

    We have intensified our training these last few weeks to focus on hills and long hours in the saddles. The last several weeks have been filled with biking 40-50 kms 3 days a week with 1000+ meters and 1 day a week of 5-6 hours in the saddle or 100+ kms . It has been tough on all of us, but we are determined and excited to take on this challenge.

    To continue reading this update please click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey-1/10-days-to-go

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