The route detours into Rangiwahia - just a km down the road from the Te Parapara Road intersection. Admittedly only 2 cyclists headed into Rangiwahia and probably, because they were on bikes, they didn’t miss it! Apart from a few houses, the Fire Station, the School, The Memorial Hall used for the Playgroup, the Rangiwahia Hall & Domain there’s not a lot in Rangiwahia. Or so it seems.
Go to the old Dairy Factory, which as a matter of interest, won a world champion prize for Quail Butter in 1925, and there you will find Junk and Disorderly an amazing “environmental arts group focusing on sustainability in creation of community spectacle”. In other words they create giant creations out of stuff they have grown or recycled for schools and community groups. There are 2 bush walks – one by the cemetery & the other up the road on the other side from Junk & Disorderly. Not only that if you have a campervan or caravan you stay at the Domain at the Campervan Site. And of course you have lovely views of The Ruahines.
The Trail continued back up Te Parapara Road on the way to Apiti. Ruapuna Park is situated at the start of the road and certainly a place to visit when more time allows. Cyclists were able to enjoy a brief rest & enjoy the stunning view from a picnic table sited at the Renfrew – Main South Road junction.
Then onto the metal road past Mike Bourke’s Wetlands and a challenging ride for some, especially when covered in a shroud of dust. The Mangoira Gorge would have been a good work out - I wonder how they fared on some of the corrugations? After the challenge of the metal road it was fairly plain sailing, apart from the Oroua Gorge, which thankfully is sealed.
After that exertion up the steep grade the cyclists sailed past the Apiti Golf Club and past the Table Flat turnoff which leads up to the Ruahine National Forest, Table Flat Horse Trekking, Limestone Caves, Sixtus Lodge, Alice Nash Heritage Lodge and of course The Iron Gates Gorge to name a few activities
A welcome lunch was held at Blanchy’s previously The Apiti Tavern. Lance Bickford was there helping the ladies with a fish, salad and chips lunch. It was great to chat with some of the cyclists and to learn about others from different walks of life. It was also good to see our Acting Mayor, Matt Bell joining in the celebrations along with other dignitaries, including Jim Jefferies, Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North and Celia Wade-Brown, Mayor of Wellington.
We are very grateful to Destination Manawatu with special thanks to Lance and Janet for the enormous work they have done to enable this Cycleway to happen.
