Image above of Unit 6 this morning while the inmates are still asleep. TRM has experienced a spectacular increase in bikers this summer. This coincides with the growth of bike trails beyond this region.

Turangi is so well positioned geographically, half way to everywhere – within easy access to so many other trails.

Yesterday a typical couple arrived exhausted after the Old Coach Trail – Ohakune to Horopito – who then came here to bike the Tongariro River Trail in particular and were hoping to complete the other Taupo Trails – W2K, Waihaha, etc. from here in preparation for the Timber Trail – from Pureora to Ongarue.

Even the old bloke from TRM laundry has been allowed to sneak away to cross off a few more from his bucket list. Before the New Year holiday rush the Coast to Coast was crossed off. SWMBO operated as tour-guide with a shuttle bus service while I did the easy bit – the riding. After that was the Timber Trail.

Next week the Wanganui River Trail have to be crossed off the list. Such brilliant tourist rides that are so underrated. This opinion has been expressed so many times by bikers who started in the deep south – Otago Rail Trail, etc. but they discovered the North Island trails have so much more scenic variety and over shorter distances.

The new generation of e-bikes has made so many trails more doable. It is wonderful to hear from so many who have rediscovered the joys of biking. They may become too old to achieve many other more physical recreational hobbies and sports but biking is still possible. Biking really is the new golf.