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Higher passes, including Danseys and Black Forest Station, give way to river crossings, both dry and wet, challenging all riders yet a helping hand always available to ensure everyone fords even the deepest crossing. This is New Zealand adventure riding; it’ s promised that at least forty rivers will be crossed before the end of the tour.
The third day could be considered the most challenging. An early start from the central town of Alexandra takes in the Obelisk, a twenty-six metres natural wonder that sits atop the Old Man Range. The views are stunning, as is often the silence, although don’ t be surprised to be deafened by the howling winds whipped up with little protection from the surrounds, for here is the highest landmass before reaching Antarctica.
The ride leads on to the south across landscapes that are both breathtaking and challenging. Rocky and rutted, the ride is said to be level four, out of five, yet is easy enough at a pace that the rider is comfortable with, although some level of experience should be allowed for.
Piano Flat leads onto the Waikaia Forest, a thick forest of beech that is nestled between farm and pastoral lands, a chance to open up and enjoy the fast open
TRAVERSE 167