20180411-IMGP4688-1 by jenkwang, on Flickr
Pentax K1+FA31ltd
Probably the most memorable section of the ride.
An ascent of 900m up by bike up to the snow line of the Ruataniwha Conservation Park.
Well if it was Autumn as planned, then there would be no snow line, but since it snowed, there was and that needed quite a bit of care and handling.
Think of cycling on beach sand and you will get an idea of how it is.
The view (this is from midway) is really grand.