Tunnel of Trees

The lung-bursting, heart-thumping climb out of Portage Bay to rejoin the ridge line certainly woke me up! The tarmac disappeared at Torea Saddle, where I rejoined the clay-based track, which continues to be given a guard of honour by the native shrubs and trees. Yesterday they protected me from the rain and drizzle, whilst today I was being protected from the burning sun. Shamrock Ridge offered up more stunning views from the day's highpoint and the start of the rocky, exposed switchbacks that descended towards Te Mahia Saddle.

From the saddle, the track followed old bridle paths above the water - marking a shift in grade to a more forgiving intermediate. Narrow undulating tracks then transformed into a wider more moderate mid-section. The long descent into Anakiwa passed through some particularly beautiful virgin native bush and, before long, Anakiwa came into view and so does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. Next up, the long slog to Picton...

The 21km ribbon of mind-numbing tarmac gave plenty of time to reflect on a mountain biking experience that is like no other. The track is very rideable, albeit steep and challenging, especially with a well-worn rear tyre and rain to render the clay-based track very slippery. That said, the meandering 70km track offers gorgeous coastal scenery and so there is little wonder why this is rated as one of the Country's twenty greatest rides.