Ride Day 2 at Rotorua

Today we learned I spoke too soon about the hills. But more on that in a moment.

On the way climb up Nursery Rd after the hikers' car park, we noticed an area blocked off with "construction zone" tape and warning signs. As part of the Crankworks early next year they are building a massive dual slalom track that looks like a cross between a two-lane luge and a dirt jump park among the massive redwoods. Amazing stuff. Will be one to watch on redbull.tv.

Today we started with Paddys Trail (formerly A Trail), Tickler, B Rude Not 2, back up Red Tank Rd, Bunny Jugs 1 and 2, and the a wait for the shuttle that was full when it arrived.

So off we set up Hill Rd. Here I was cursing my decision to leave the 26/39 cranks on. 24T granny gear would have led me spin a little easier. Here I was channelling Chris Froome staring at my stem. My young 'un was off and walking, aware that he's not had much bike time in the last year and wanting to avoid a repeat of the knee ligament strain he acquired at last year's Mont so he can enjoy the full week.

From there we turned right and hooked up with G Rock, Chestnut Link (supposedly green but with an unannounced 4 foot drop to flat on the wide line around one corner) Roller Coaster and Old Chevy (recommended to us by kittheknightrider).

The winding and sometimes steep switchback descent from G Rock to the end of Roller Coaster was brilliant. While Old Chevy has as many pinch climbs as it does whoop-inducing descents, it was a real highlight. The light was pretty dim at around 7:30pm when we hit it but the redwood forest can only be described as a spectacular riding environment.

Looking forward to using the shuttle tomorrow and repeats of Corners and finishing off with either Split Enz or Eagle vs Shark.