6 hours, 1000m climbing, 78.something kms. This was one of the days I was a bit worried about. The saddle is at 1250m and it’s 32 river crossings once you descend past the first hut. Everyone talks about walking the uphill of the saddle as it’s so steep so I was thinking about length of time out there, food, whether I would be completely on my own, and of course the weather – the one thing you have no control over.

So not sure if all that thinking translated into a sleepless night but I only got 3 hours sleep. I didn’t think I was anxious but definitely could not sleep – ended up reading 3/4 of a trashy Wilbur Smith book between 12-2am.

Once the alarm went off it was a good thing to get up and get going. Instant oats for breakfast with a banana tucked into the camelback. On the road by 7.50am and it was light but still dark judging by some of the photos I tried to take in the first 30 mins.

The first 18km were up Broken Hut Road to the carpark and start of the 4wd track. Tarseal for 10km then thick gravel quite slow going for the next 8km.

I met Ian and Gavin at the turnoff to the track and just as well – Ian corrected Gavin and I who were heading up the the east not west track. Rookie mistake but the guidebook was clear to turn right. The west track sidled around the hill and up the valley and was nice pedalling.

The climb started in earnest with a left turn up the valley and the next 2.5km were steep and unrelenting. I decided to see how much I could ride – similar gradient to parts of the Paparoa track with smaller rocks. I found I could keep going and rode the entire way up surprising a few on the way. Luckily it flattened out a bit and eased off after the first 2.5km so I could keep the heart rate at a sensible level. My bike has an incredible low spinning gear so I really used that to the max today.

The descent off the saddle is techy for 2kms but rideable and the ride down the valley is rough – riverbed 4wd track. It reminded me of the Blue mountain gorge ride with the numerous river crossings. I saw 2 horses being ridden in up the valley with a pack horse filling along unsupervised – had all the camping gear attached. Very cool.

Hawkdun Run Road had about 5km climbing then a long descent – maybe over 10km? A very nice surprise. It was hot biking across on the St Bathans Loop road – however once across the hill it was another 10km gravel road spin down to Oturehua. My accomodation is at the Crows nest and I have a peaceful secluded cabin with an awesome shower. My gear is everywhere – I feel right at home. Off to the Railway tavern shortly for dinner.

I should sleep well tonight – might be good to dig into some mediation techniques for when my brain just won’t switch off. I have not dived into this as it’s few and far between times that I cannot sleep – happened more on this trip so maybe the universe is sending a signal. Life is definitely a learning journey.