We rolled out from Hamilton in New Zealand’s North Island with a noticeably different energy to the day before. The nerves had faded, the legs had had their first real test, and the significant shake‑out ride was behind us. Now, it was time to settle into the rhythm of the journey and simply get on with it.
The plan for the day was no small undertaking: 161.4 kilometres to Rotorua with a total of 1,880 metres of climbing, spread across three major ascents. Before the real work even began, the Chain Reaction crew demonstrated calm professionalism, deftly navigating unexpected roadworks that blocked our planned route out of Hamilton. A revised course was quickly resolved and, just like that, we were rolling again.
Our first drinks stop offered a brief moment of calm before tackling the climb up Mt Pukemako. The ascent was forested, steep, and relentless, with some ramps estimated at a leg‑burning 16%. But the reward came at the summit, where sweeping views of rolling green farmland stretched out beneath us. Riders regrouped, caught their breath, and exchanged well‑earned fist bumps before continuing on across the ridge roads past Mt Otehika.
In the lead‑up to the event, Chain Reaction had shared snippets of course reconnaissance, but nothing truly prepared us for the beauty of the landscape. The rolling hills and wide‑open vistas felt almost otherworldly — it was easy to see why this region was chosen as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings.
Lunch was served in a charming old community hall, with food that was hearty, generous, and exactly what weary cyclists needed. Soon after setting off again, a gently winding back road encouraged us to ease back into the pedals before facing the final challenge of the day.
The last climb was a monster - nearly 16 kilometres long, with rolling sections for recovery and sharp pinches around 10%. It tested everyone, especially those already feeling the cumulative toll of the previous days. Reaching the summit brought instant relief, knowing the descent into Rotorua awaited.
Cruising into town, we were delighted to find an ice‑cream shop beside the hotel. After a day like that, nothing felt more deserved - or more fitting - than a chocolate milkshake in support of a great cause.
Aidan Murphy, Hutchies
