The ride into the Coromandel was a breath of fresh air. While the roads narrowed even further, the traffic was less of an issue. Small inlets, wide beach expanses and a grueling mountain range that ran down the middle of the peninsula were all part of the passing scenery. The ride from the east side to the west presented a long ascent up Whangapoua Hill, which was more like a small mountain. 1200 feet of climbing in just 3km. Add over 90 degrees of radiant sunshine and sweat racing out of your pores so fast that holding on to your bike made you look like a three year old learning to ride for the first time...it makes for an incredibly relaxing time. That being said you've got to be thankful for the pot smokin' hippies at the top of the road. I was merely commenting on how this experience (the fact that I made it up to the top and was now off my bike for a few minutes) would be more enjoyable with a nice cold beer in hand. Well they had a few in a cooler and no sooner offered one to Brian and I. They were my new best friends. A half hour later we made the steep descent into the town of Coromandel, where we formulated our plans for the final leg of our trip, the Northland. Pics: 1. Bikes taking a brief rest overlooking Mercury Bay. 2. Harakeke (flax) in flower. 3. Punching through the surf at Waihi Beach
4. Waihi Beach reflection
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