15th April: The Support Crew’s Perspective #2

North Island: Day 2

Great Bach last night and a beautiful morning in Opononi. Looking out the window to the sand dunes makes me think I’m in Egypt looking over the Red Sea into desert. I’ve found my iPod and an aux input in the car (lent to us generously by Honda). I also find a shop that sells me a cable to connect the two – I now have a soundtrack for the North Island.

I leave Team Hikurangi in Opononi (now joined by Alistair Woodward) and head inland to Kaikohe to catch-up with John Scollum and John Vujcich from the Kaikohe Community Trust. Hikurangi worked with Trust to get the Kaikohe Cycle Way up and running in its early days. When I arrive it’s good to see a race event (not the Tour!) in full flow along the Cycle Way – 500+ competitors apparently. We speak about the project and the dynamics between community and government ownership. We also discuss some very exciting future work where I hope Hikurangi can support the Trust’s new bold vision on energy.

One hour and a stunning backcountry drive from Kaikohe to Dargaville later, I meet up with my tired and hungry teammates. We head down to the day’s prize giving and share the All Good Bananas with the other teams and riders. They are gratefully received – all good.

Just when we thought the quality of accommodation was trending-up, we arrive at a stunningly location but a truly dilapidated bach. I eat pasta with an ice-cream scoop – it is the only kitchen utensil I trust. No hot water, mouse (or giant spider) patrolling the hallway, the whirr of an aging fridge, and the hypnotic crash of the Tasmin Sea… bliss.