Mountain Biking Travels: Part 2

So now I felt I was really on my way. It's a gentle grade from here on - no more pushing the bike uphill!

Start of the Rail Trail

Here we go on the two-wheeled choo choo!

Heading for the Hills

Next interesting historic feature is Munitions Bend where you cross a small creek. It is believed that an area near the original railway bridge was used for military purposes during the two World Wars. There is also a bridge that was installed in 2003, but I insisted on biking through the creek and of course I got my feet wet!

Through the creek at Munitions Bend

Bridge installed in 2003

Now we are on they way to Pakaratahi Tunnel. This is a curved tunnel and is said to be the first concrete block structure in New Zealand. The rails had not reached the tunnel when it was constructed so bricks could not be brought from Wellington to line it. Therefore 13,500 concrete blocks had to be made on-site.

Winding alongside the Pakaratahi River to the tunnel

Pakaratahi Tunnel entrance

Trying to show the curved tunnel

Next feature is the Ventilation Shaft for the current Rimutaka Tunnel which just happens to come out beside the old Rail Trail. And not far past this comes the Pakaratahi Truss Bridge. The original Howe-style truss bridge was constructed in 1876 and it was rebuilt after a fire in 1910. It is the oldest truss bridge in New Zealand.

Rimutaka Tunnel Ventilation Shaft

Approaching the truss bridge

Oldest truss bridge in New Zealand

What you would have seen out of the train window

Moving on to Ladle Bend Creek Bridge. This is New Zealand's second oldest simple beam (understrutted) bridge. It has stone abutments and a central pier. When in service on the Railway Line it had no side rails. I'm glad they have added some now.