GLCC Tour of Northland 2020
GLCC has finally entered the Tour of Northland 2020. We’ve managed to enter 3 teams. It has been a long time coming. Fortunately, the founding members of GLCC are riding. This coupled with 13 very strong other riders, should make for an exciting event.
The Tour Of Northland is only the second time that GLCC has ridden a multi-day stage race. For some, it’s the first time. It’ll be hard for them to not get caught up in all of the excitement, and ride too far in the red. As it’s imperative to ride well within yourself for the first 2 days.
The Tour Of Northland starts and finishes in Whangarei. It leaves there on Thursday 19th March and finishes in Paihia. Although the stages are short, less than 100km, it’s full gas from the out.
Stage 2 sees us ride from Paihia to Opononi. Opononi is one of my favourite places in NZ. A beautiful coastline, with the town nestled on the shore of the Hokianga. The views across the harbour are of large sand dunes that you can boogie board down.
Stage 3 is arguably the hardest. With very little warm-up, it’s straight uphill. And the hill in question is bloody tough. After the tough start, you’re gifted a wondrous ride through the Waipoua forest, skirting past Tāne Mahuta, the giant of the forest. Tāne Mahuta is a large Kauri tree, one of the few large trees left standing after the loggers went crazy!
From the Waipoua forest, you head past Kai Iwi Lakes and then into Dargaville. The less said about the kumara capital of NZ, the better.
Stage 4 takes us from Dargaville back to Whangarei. Although this stage looks easy on paper, it’s the last stage. Everyone is tired, so those with energy to burn will do well on this stage.
All of this makes for a very exciting event. But what’s more exciting is riding with 14 friends. A big thank you to Mark Erikson is in order for organising the teams.
