After a great night of catching up with Helen, Chloe and Jessica along with Dianne and Gary, it was time to get some sleep for the big 30k ride the next day.
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The next morning, Helen and the the girls set off to check out the Bay of Islands and we got organised and set off towards Horeke.
We simply crossed the road and headed off down the trail. The first part of the trail is downhill..some of it so steep that you are advised to walk it! The first third is pretty much downhill but then it flattens out and its up and down the rest of the way through to Horeke but the trail is pretty easy and nicely set out.
The middle part of the ride go’s through Snows Farm and past a Lily pond and the track is set in some really nice easy bush and along side a river. The scenery and countryside is amazing.
Eventually the track comes out to a road and then cross’s over to a huge wooden track built up over the Mangroves on the upper reaches of the Hokianga. From there it is only a few K’s to the pub.
Click on the Gallery below for a Slideshow
We were well and truly ready for a G&T and a sit down lunch and the lunch didn’t disappoint! The Seafood Chowder was recommended to us by Noeline at the Rail Stay so 4 Seafood Chowders later, everyone was happy.
Peter the Publican came over to say Hi and it was interesting talking to him. He has owned the Horeke Tavern for more than 25 years so has seen some big changes.
Peter runs a shuttle for bikes and gave a us a ride back to the Rail Stay. Gary being a bit of sucker for some more punishment, decided to ride back on his electric bike and did it in really good time too, despite it being mostly uphill on the way back.
Bugger It, we are off - www.buggeritweareoff.com 
Wow, really enjoyed your photos as you headed for the Pub and back. Was sweating as I read about your journey.
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It was a BIG ride for us and I was absolutely knackered but pleased we did it. We’ve since bought some electric bikes now so we can go further 😄
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