Dubbed one of the premier mountain bike rides on the North Island, the 42 Traverse is an 42km long track of old logging roads cutting through the Tongariro Forest. We were dropped off at the state highway where we rode down a gravel road across the volcanic plateau with sweeping views of the perfect cone of Mt Ngauruhoe and the other volcanoes behind us. Before long we reached the official start of the trail where a well-maintained four wheel drive road snaked its way up and down hills, winding ever deeper into the lush native bush. The middle of the track is quite remote and would be a horrible place to find yourself with a punctured tire and no spares. The track had a few screaming downhills as well as some fun stream crossings. The hot weather was punishing on the uphill climbs. I went for a refreshing jump in the river at the end of the track before heading up the last hill. We ended the trip at the friendly Owhango Hotel pub where we feasted on massive hamburgers. In all it was probably one of the best mountain bike rides I have ever done.
Mt Ngauruhoe at right, Mt Tongariro at left
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