Mangamahu Valley

 Out to start with in the car today, to the start of Mangamahu Road, some 27km from Whanganui.

Then a ride up the valley to the settlement, a round trip of 35km.

The first half is mainly flat, then the road gets a bit lumpy and rolling!!...but it was an easy ride, no hard hills really and a lot under trees. That is why we chose it, as the sun was hot today.

The old hotel is interesting..not been an actual hotel for a long time, but at times since then has been a place for artists and musicians to work. I believe that it is now owned by a flax(Harakeke... NZ flax) weaver. 

Looking over the valley to the tree felling

The village church

And back to the car...by some impressive hedges...it can get a bit windy..

Then instead of just retracing our route, we went on to the turn for the Turakina Valley to get back on SH1.  A beautiful route, with many twists and turns, a few washouts and rather narrow bridges! With a 2.35 metre width limit, you wouldn't be bringing a large lorry up there!!

It took us 10km to find a shady layby, which happened to be where I helped to Marshall a bike race ten years ago..and have a stop for sandwiches and fruit.

By the time we were back, late afternoon , it was much hotter..heading for the high 20s I believe..so time for a rest until it cooled down before making supper.