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Day 3. The one that everyone had circled on the route profile with a mix of awe and mild fear. On paper? 150km.Nearly 2,000 meters of climbing. In reality? A rollercoaster of Kiwi coastline, big efforts, deeper reflections, and a perfectly timed weather escape.
This morning, instead of brekkie at the hotel, we loaded our gear into the trucks and rode in the dark to Grahamstown Bar and Diner, our familiar feed zone from last night’s dinner.
After eggs, coffee, and a solid portion of group banter, it was time to get serious—suncream applied, gels packed, bottles filled. We set off towards Coromandel under moody skies and moody legs. The first 20km? Utter postcard stuff. Coastal road hugging the sea, pohutukawa trees reaching over the tarmac like they were waving us along. Kiwi magic.
As for timing? Let’s just say we made it to Whangamatā with not a minute to spare. The heavens opened just as the last bikes were being wheeled in. Talk about cutting it fine—but hey, pros finish strong.
Now, as I sit here tapping away at the keyboard, I can hear the low hum of post-ride chatter around me—stories being swapped, laughs shared, riders rehydrating and getting a well-earned massage to get the legs back in fighting shape for tomorrow. It’s clear this group is bonding over something far bigger than the kilometres or the climbs. We’re here for a reason. And we’re all in.
