Karapoti Loop - Akatarawas

Tiger was pushing for a Karapoti loop to get the route in his head before the big event on 6th March. Much like Tiger's johnson, the group was small but distinguished, and at 8.40am Me, Tigerbroner, Cam Wood and Lanky Tim Wilding headed off from the trail head.

The weather was actually very good. Not too clear, but warm enough, and no rain. The rain from the previous couple of says meant that all the way to McGhie's Bridge was a puddle slalom, and we figured the ruts later on would be pretty deep too. Fortunately I spurned fashion and rode with my front and rear Crud Guards ftw.

I was pretty chuffed at managing to jog with the SS all the way up Deadwood without a pause. But then was told it was Warm Up climb and Deadwood was next. Tones and Tim rode Deadwood pretty well but Cam and I struggled for traction and gears and took the leisurely hiking option.

After hammering along the rollers we stopped for a feed at the top of the Rock Garden. We stopped for a bit to check out some lines on the first rock drop. The left line was steep but straight forward and Tim and Tones took that one, but it did nearly fully compress their forks. I had no shock so figured that line would compress my arms, shortly before I compressed my mug into the rocks.


We tried the right line too which once you lined it up was pretty good, although easy to grind yourself into the mud bank, as ably demonstrate by Tigs and Cam, although sadly split seconds after these shots.



Next up was Devils Staircase. This was the only time on the loop I could keep up with Lanky and Tigs. My SS is lightish and easy to carry, and I don't mind being on my feet. I reckon how you tackle this climb has a big effect on your race time. IMHO it is worth including some hard yacker carry climbs in your training if you want a good time. Otherwise your bikey calves might shit themselves. Know how best to carry your machine too. Special mention to Tigerbroner - He aced some very hard, steep, technical sections on Devil's in the saddle, and made it look easy. Nice work.

After another feed and no small amount of jawboning, we headed along the next rollers and Big Ring Boulevard. After making waves across the river, we started plugging away up Dopers climb. The boys rode off and I proceeded to walk about 95% of the climb and had to nail a couple of gels as I became more feeble.

How I look while walking Dopers.

It was great to get into the descent back down to the valley and slalom some more puddles back to the trail head. While changing, everyone was very jealous of my new grutz. My brother Jim sent some Top Gun grutz from the UK as a Christmas pressie. I have 'Maverick" across my ample arse. Not gay at all.


I think rides with rivers and creeks are always more rewarding.

A good ride. Including generous feed and recovery stops we did it in 4.5hrs. Conditions were no worse than normal, which was a surprise. Apart from harmless puddles the track was riding great. Maybe I've just never ridden it in good conditions? I'm looking forward to heading back with some gears as I'm not able to make a dent in the Karapoti climbs on my 34:17, and am too pompous to reduce the ratio.

Chalk and cheese.... mmmm, did someone say cheese?...

We had another feed at Macca's before heading to the Bike Hutt for a nosey. Mike had a big range of machines to perve at and I fantasized about having one and not finishing my rides at the back of the bunch with sore wrists. Mike also had some interesting steeds including an oldish school Yeti DH with Shimano Airlines shifting, and one of those Belt Drive singlespeeds from Spot Brand. Czech it out next time you are passing through Upper Hutt. I also learned that there are some mentally (but clearly not physically) challenged individuals riding CX bikes at 'Poti this year. Good luck to them!

Another weekend, another cracking outing.