We gave ourselves a later start, allowing us time to explore the 'best city' in New Zealand a little more and go down and walk on the beaches of the sulphur lake. The lake itself was like nothing I had seen before with patches of boiling water bubbling up in the middle and great clouds of sulphur steam billowing up into the sky. Having had enough of the smell we both agreed it was time go get some breaky and head off to the local Pak n' Save to stock up on sweets and suncream, as we were both suffering from pretty bad sunburn.
With our pantry filled we aimed to head out of town, only to find the town was built like a maze, we found ourselves in locked compounds having to ask passers by with keycards to let us out. Once free of the industrial estate we swung an immediate right and headed up a dirt trail deep into the hills surrounded by other cyclists, all sporting brand new downhill bikes. I felt confident even with panniers negotiating my way through some rocks and roots in the dirt Alice however.. Not so much.
After an hour or two in the woods we were free of the Red Woods of Rotorua and back on state highway 5 although this time there was a cycle path and wasn't for too long.
Not too bothered with how long it took us we just plodded through the 85km ride, looking out at some amazing scenery and appreciating really for the first time where we were. That wore off fairly quickly when you ride 34k on a single flat road with 4 corners and no shade over the whole distance. Once at the end we were relieved to be heading down towards lake Taupo and agreed that it had been the best day of cycling so far despite the relentless sun. Alice had suffered worse in the heat and was struggling for the last few km, so a well earned meal out a few drinks was on the cards for tonight. Both very happy we had a lie in and a day out of the saddle to follow.
