A long day's traverse in National Park

By PETER MEECHAM

The 42nd Traverse mountain bike track which starts near the small hamlet of National Park in the central North Island and ends at Owhango has all the elements of a great ride.

Mt Ruapehu looms in the background, and the Whakapapa River provides respite to bathe weary legs in near the track's end.

Downhill sections with ruts, puddles and rock outcrops along with creek crossings and steady uphill climbs give the more aggressive and physically fit rider plenty of challenge.

We began our trip with 12 other riders from the Pukenui Lodge in National Park Village where the night's bed and breakfast and return transport to the start and finish of the track by bus costs $45 each. Cheap as chips, and the bus ride is nearly as exciting as the riding. The start of the track is on Kapoors Rd, 18km from National Park on State Highway 47.

The first 10km or so of the 44km track is easy 4WD territory so it's a delight for mountain bikers. As you descend to the Waione Stream the track gets quite steep and rutted and it's here that extra care is needed because if you wreck yourself in a crash it's a long way to get help.

After crossing the stream we began the steady climb out of the valley. This was just the point at which the sun decided to burn the cloud away and turn the valley into an inferno so I took shelter under overhanging bush to give my lungs a chance to recover.

The last 20km of the track is a series of steady uphills and exciting downhills including a long, gravel downhill road which ends at the Whakapapa River Bridge. A picnic area beside the river is a great place to take a dip in the cool mountain waters. You can even grit your teeth and carry on up the next hill for another 10 minutes and have a beer at the Owhango Pub.

This is a great day ride but because of the isolation and technical nature of the track it's best to be in a group of at least four riders for safety's sake. And don't forget to pack extra clothes, food, puncture and first-aid kits.

Contact: Pukenui Lodge, ph (07) 892 2882.