Sabbatical down under: Mtn Biking the Timber Trail

So last Friday I packed up my gear, left kids behind with the sitter, and went off with colleague and new friend/playmate, Santi Lala, to bike the 85 km Timber Trail in Pureora Forest in central North Island. Built in a dense forest that was once logged intensely, it is one of 21 cycleways in the country they are creating with the hope that one day there will be a complete cycle trail from tip of N. Island to the bottom of S. Island. It was built by the DOC-Dept of Conservation-who spent millions to complete the trail including the 8 big suspension bridges. It was a fantastic trip despite riding through hours of pouring rain and slick mud. We rode amongst the Rimu, Kauri, Totara, Panga ferns, Pine-all trees that towered high above. Many covered with epiphytes growing symbiotically on their branches, homes to the Tui and Kaka-forest parrot.

We rode a good 40 kms day #1 through sunshine and pouring rain. It rained so hard and the mud was so slick I just had to laugh at the comedy of it all. Once on the trail there is no turning back, so we sloshed and flew over our handle bars ( no injuries!!), we rode over bridges crossing deep gorges and I was grateful for Santi's companionship and sense of humor. We landed for the night at the Blackfern lodge, one of the more Kiwi places I'd experienced. A 30 acre farm and lodge in the midst of the forest, it offered us warm showers, home cooked meal and comfortable beds, a river to cast our rods for trout, a waterfall to hike up to and enjoy, and place to gather with friends for the night. We were a group of about 12, many other GPs, all outdoor enthusiasts, and eager to take in what the bush had to offer.

Day #2 a bit more of the same though more downhill than up, the track took over what was once kms of tramways used for the extensive logging in the area, and no rain, only bright sunshine and fluffy clouds. It was so much fun to get out and see this area. And so glad to meet some new friends who love to do what I do.

Realizations made while riding:

1. one reason I am sleeping so well here is that I am no longer on call. Not having this looming over me, takes away so much anxiety that I had not realized was even there. Glad to have made the decision to let that go.

2. Kiwis are go getters-no nonsense, nothing stops them from going for it. They seemed to love this biking in the pouring rain, as did I, but they did not hesitate for a minute! I had to pause a few times.

3. Good to get away from kids briefly for my own time and adventures.

4. I want to ride more of these cycle trails!!!