172

A great day out, finishing with the flat 'hill climb'. Not much let in the legs by that point! A good endurance training ride ahead of Taupo 😁

121

Only being familiar with 2 of the 5 climbs, I figured what better way to scout them than to link them all up in one ride! Of course hit up this week's segment first so I was fresh 😉

Unfortunately the Welly winds wanted to put a kibosh on things, starting out strong and only getting stronger throughout the day which made (almost) all the climbs that much harder.

Still had a great time and looking forward to putting the climb recon to good use over the next few weeks!

186

The challenge of a gruelling day of climbing awaits, running out of water and beginning to cramp, will the body break? will I opt out for a pick up? No, salvation in the first dairy since Scenic Drive.
Just one climb remaining, feels like the steepest yet. With tarmac melting, can I keep the cranks turning. Yes, with the feeling of completion, strength returning.
Plenty to get home.

158

If there's a badge with the word "Mad" in the title I'm there!
Perfect prep for Lake Taupo challenge!!!
Te-Mata Peak, Coops, followed by 40kms of flat Hawkes Bay roads encompassing stage 1 before the climbing started again Ohiti Climb in the opposite direction to Saturdays Ramblers race. With 4 stages ticked off there was another 37km to get to the final stage Torran Hill. Ouch 122km deep and I had nothing left but to hang it there. Oh but wait, its a head wind home!!!. I'm a Mad Dawg 100%

153

Up for a challenge on the bike, not much of a hill climber to be honest but couldn't pass up doing all of them in one ride. Only entered the series for this!

Hard work today in the heat but got it done. Elmore last was punishing!

44

Why not?