Saturday 16 February
Ian Insights + Photos By Group  

It was great to have our friend & NZOA Cultural Advisor Ken Te Tau ride with us!
He shares his warmth & wealth of knowledge generously  - including that of patient perspective.

Ken said a karakia to put us on the right track.

This gentle track is perfect for mixed age & abilities. It follows the original Wairarapa Line route over the Remutaka Range & the well formed walk/cycleway meant it was easy for us to chat along the way.

A great ride for families!

Troy Smithers helped an injured member of the public by reducing a compound fracture dislocation of the ankle on the track. 

Tunnels, bush & swing bridges - there's a bit of everything to explore including the 90 metre Siberia Crossing Bridge.  The section was called Siberia by the railway workers due to the severe winds that can blast the area & wind was responsible for the only fatal train accident to occur on the Remutaka Incline. Back in 1880 three carriages were pitched over the embankment by a gust resulting in four children being killed with several other passengers seriously injured. 

Is there light at the end of the tunnel...?
Resting at the Summit 

...then it was back down Roy Craig & Josie's place to relax in their lovely garden with drinks generously donated by Te Aro Brewing & Double Vision Brewing  - plus delicious platters
& tasty snags provided by the Palmerston North Pack'n'Save.

After we left Roy cracked on with his carving projects so his batons base will be finished & ready to be awarded to the first deserving recipient - more details on that coming soon!