The freezing rain and -15°c weather at home made me even more excited to start my trip. After an uneventful flight from Toronto to LA and a long lay-over, I was lucky to get the Air New Zealand Middle Earth plane for the second part of my journey. The hobbit safety video got things off to a good start and the 13 hour flight went by pretty fast. I arrived in Auckland with my fingers crossed that my bike and bag made it, and luckily both were there waiting. I was even lucky enough to have my own personal shuttle service from the airport to Rotorua. (you're the best)
I've had a few days to settle in, get some sleep and get out for a couple of rides (and I'm pretty sure this is heaven.) Right across the road is the Whakarewarewa Forest, with 100+ km of the best trails I have ever ridden. It's so nice to know that I will have the whole summer to explore and ride all these amazing trails.
Doesn't do it justice at all. |
The new bike's first time in the mud (lucky bike) |