Cycling around the Coromandel Peninsula in one hit

Time taken: 8 hours ride time

Distance: 122kms

Elevation gain: 2800 meters

Surface: 70% gravel 25% seal 5% single track

We have done this loop in an anti clockwise direction 3 times before but this time decided to try it in a clockwise direction. We departed from Little Bay on the Eastern coast of Coromandel excited and ready for the mission that lay ahead. We were straight into a nice solid climb out of Little Bay over to Tuateawa and then into another reasonable climb over to Kennedy Bay the sweat was pouring off even at 9 o’clock in the morning. Before we knew it we were tackling the biggest climb of the day the Kennedy Bay hill which goes from sea level up to around 400 meters. We were forced to focus on staying on our bikes as our lack of speed, the steep gradient and the loose dry gravel all conspired against us. Luckily the last and steepest sections of the climb were sealed and we managed to haul ourselves up and over the saddle. The beauty of the Coromandel is that every decent climb is rewarded with a more than spectacular descent – hurtling down towards Coromandel with the breeze in our faces was an unbelievably nice sensation. At the bottom of the Kennedy Bay hill we turned right away from the Coromandel Township and its cafes and coffee to start our journey up the western coast. The section from here to just after Colville town was sealed and apart from one significant climb was a relative breeze. Dropping down into Colville town the temperature had started to soar and we had been on the go for 3 hours so we decided to stop and refill our water bottles at the conveniently positioned water tap between the garage and the café. Continuing on from Colville we turned right onto Port Jackson road and then cruised along the stunning coastline. Wow what a road. This has to be one of New Zealand’s most scenic stretches of road. It certainly takes the sting out of riding when you are mesmerized by the surrounding scenery. After a relatively flat ride along the scenic coast we were faced with a decent hill climb over to Port Jackson. By now the heat of the day was really starting to bite and we stopped at the top of the hill to reapply sunscreen and stretch our backs and legs. Wow !! Dropping into Port Jackson was yet another visual feast with Little Barrier and Great Barrier to our left and white sandy beaches and rocky outcrops below us. We undulated our way along the top of the Coromandel Peninsula through some shady forested sections and a cooling ford down to Fletcher Bay to the start of the walking and biking track. Even though there was water available at the camp site at Fletcher Bay the signs recommend to boil all water before drinking so we were glad we had decided to fill up at Colville. We were now on single track and made our way up and over farmland to the intersection of the stock track which goes up to 500 meters then drops down to Stony bay and the coastal track that undulates and contours its way around the coast. For some reason we chose the lower easier more shady option rather than the steep exposed gnarly option (we may regret this decision come Godzone time) and pedaled and coasted our way around the track admiring the views and enjoying the coolness the shade offered. On arrival at Stony Bay we headed for the nearest shady spot and had another rest and a bite to eat before tackling the steepish 200 meter climb out of Stony Bay. We were now on the home stretch and apart from one decent climb out of Port Charles most of the hard work was behind us. Even better news, the camp store at Waikawau Bay was open, and we were able to fill up on chocolate milk, cold drinks and water. Ahhh !! Bliss … a great way to end an awesome day.