Day 2 was always recognised as the biggest challenge: a distance of over 50 km along sections of the Waikato River Trail, starting at Waipapa Dam, riding to Mangakino in time for lunch, then on via Whakamaru to the pick-up point at Atiamuri Dam.

We knew before we started that the first section, between Waipapa Dam and Mangakino, was going to be challenging. Hydro dams are not typically built in flat terrain, so some degree of climbing the surrounding hills and dropping back into gullies around the river and storage lakes was expected. As the profile below shows some of those climbs were significant – particularly for four “over 60s” used to the relatively benign rides around the Wellington coast.  This is where those electric bikes really came into their own.

A long day ahead, so an 8:30 pick-up by Steve from Lake District Adventures for the drive to our starting point at Waipapa Dam. The drive took us past LDA’s home base at Lake Karapiro, so a quick stop for some extra spares and tools, then drop-off at the dam, with Steve’s warning of steep climbs in ringing our ears and generating some pre-ride anxiety.

And he was not wrong. The initial leisurely ride along the road to the start of the off-road track included a short gentle climb, but nothing too challenging. Something of a false dawn however, as the moment we hit the track proper it was into our first rapid downhill zigzag. Fortunately this was also short, but a good chance to refine our cornering skills and use of the eMTBs support modes and gears. A few “wrong lines” on entering or leaving corners, or too high a gear approaching a climb resulted in some unexpected stops and even a bit of walking, but also provided essential experience for the next stages: a series of steep climbs and quick descents broadly following the river up-stream to Mangakino.

Paul approaches the first tree obstacle

And just to add to our interest, parts of the track – typically on climbs – crossed bare, smooth rock, with minimal grip for those power-assisted back wheels. We learned quickly though: weight back, high assist mode, low gear/high cadence was needed to avoid wheel bounce and spin. Cornering techniques on the downhill zigzags also improved markedly on this section. Nothing like a 30-metre unprotected drop on your right as you round a sharp corner to sharpen your skills.

A couple of fallen trees across the track also meant we learned to stop quickly, as inevitably these were hidden around a corner. Made for a whole new experience too, trying to thread a 22 kg eMTB horizontally between branches on a fallen tree in order to continue riding.

Bus Stop Cafe, Mangakino

This section was only 20 km long, but all the slow climbs and careful descents meant that it was early afternoon before we reached our lunch stop at Mangakino. A quick – and unplanned – tour of the village (I’m sure Paul said he knew the way to the lake front?) and we were at the Bus Stop Café, a unique converted 1972 Bedford bus with stunning views across Lake Maraetai at Mangakino.

A perfect day, great views across the lake from our seats on the bank, and great service from the crew at the Bus Stop – our lunch toasties and coffee were delivered to us on the bank, and we were able to partially recharge several bike batteries – made it tempting to stay longer. The wash from a passing ski-boat put paid to that however, and it was time to move on.

Fortunately (for us) the next section through to Whakamaru was relatively benign. A few minor hills to negotiate, and the 70m-long Mangakino Stream suspension bridge to cross, but all in all a relaxing ride in cool bush for the most part, and a welcome break from the efforts needed on the previous section.

A quick stop for cold drinks at the local café, then on to Atiamuri. Because of forestry work in the area, the first part of this section is currently closed, so after crossing the dam there is a 2.7 km ride on the highway to negotiate, before dropping back onto the track proper.

Lake Whakamaru

The trail is moderately technical with some short steep areas and corners to navigate and is graded “intermediate”, with several challenging sections where the trail passes over protruding rocks and exposed tree roots. Concentration rather than physical effort is needed here to pick the right line to minimise bouncing and pedal strike – all four of us suffered at some stage, but no major falls.

This section is almost always in sight of the scenic Lake Whakamaru. In parts the trail hugs the Lake through pine forest and native bush (those tree roots again) and adjacent to farmland.

And finally, Atiamuri and the pick-up by Anne from Lake District Adventures for the long ride back to Hamilton.

All in all a great ride, through some challenging but very scenic territory. All made easier for the old boys by the added assistance of the eMTB motors.