Getting to the start line and Day 1

I've made it to the start line then down to Broadwood today. Approx 147km and 1150m of elevation, which is definitely the longest I've ever ridden.
Getting to the start is somewhat of an adventure logistically. Thankfully both my bike and I arrived in Kerikeri as scheduled on Friday afternoon. However, a fellow passenger wasn't so lucky with his bike left on the tarmac in Auckland. He did get it on the very last flight that night with further stress after that.
1452km to Bluff, 3,015 by bike
Hmm, need to work out how to rotate the photos....
I camped last night at Taputoputo Bay having been shuttled up, and it was great to meet many of the other bikers.
Up at 4.45am to pack up, climb the 35 minutes up the hill, complete the administration and briefing for the 7am start.
Plan for the day was to get to Ahipara at the bottom of 90 mile beach, and then assess whether to push on to Broadwood.
Route took us 20km down the road, then down Te Paki Stream to the beach. Second half is pretty much riding in the sandy stream with the sand, definitely not great for the gear.

The bike track

Te Paki sand dunes


The first 40km were fantastic, initially in misty conditions with no wind. The last 40km on the beach were hard work, long, and I was tiring in slightly softer (but still firm) sand. It was a common view. However, the wind was kind and I arrived in Ahipara about 1.30pm from memory. 
After a good feed and rest I pushed onto Broadwood. A much smaller group with most staying in Ahipara, with a few pushing on further.
Tomorrow takes me across and around the Hokianga and Tāne Mahuta (photo checkpoint 3).
I may stop at the Kauri park or push onto to Dargaville.
The body is holding up okay so far.

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