Wilderness Trail
On Tuesday September 22, my classroom went on a bike trip from Milltown to Kapitea Reservoir. I was woken up by some loud purring from my cat. I got up feeling excited. I got dressed and headed downstairs. Mum made me grilled cheese on toast. I ate that and brushed my teeth. I packed my bags the night before, except for my lunch which mum packed while I was eating. I put on the bag, said goodbye to my parents and my brother. Then I headed downstairs. I had left my bike at school, so I didn’t have too drag it down the street/stairs to get to school.
I had to get my bike out of the classroom and onto the court. Ms Kemp told us to come back inside so she could sort out car groups. I was in a group with Indi. We then got into the van and drove to the Hokitika turnoff. I think we drove past Lake Kaniere and we eventually got to Milltown. We then unloaded our bikes and started the trail. It was very hard for my bike and it required a lot of effort to push myself up the hill. My bike is not suited for the hills like a mountain bike but I managed to get to the top and I celebrated by drinking some water. The weather conditions were strange. It drizzled a lot during the trip, and after some time it stopped drizzling and then it would start again.
I hated the uphill after the swingbridge. I had to pedal so hard that I felt my legs would snap off at the knees. It didn’t help that a tandem with an annoying horn was following all of us girls.The horn was honking over and over again. It drove me insane. Bille shouted at the tandem, “ DO YOU MIND?!?! I AM TRYING TO CONCENTRATE!” but the horn kept honking.
We then made it to Cowboy’s Paradise. Everyone was telling anyone who’d just arrived not to skid. From what I heard, somebody skidded on the track and some man came out and threatened them. We sounded off and then continued to Kawhaka Dam.
We reached a stop point and I was happy because I could eat. I started by eating my hotdog and then some walnuts. Lily handed out some pineapple lumps which made me very very happy.
Ms Kemp showed up and said we were going to reach the fords very soon. I was happy about going through the ford. There was a huge downhill which was so fun. I nearly fell off my bike because I slammed on the brakes and turned too sharply on a corner. We then made it to Cowboy’s Paradise. Everyone was telling anyone who’d just arrived not to skid. From what I heard, somebody skidded on the track and some man came out and threatened them. We sounded off and then continued to Kawhaka Dam.
At Kawhaka dam, we had the choice whether to pull out or not. I kept biking to the cattle bridge. Ms Kemp suggested I retire my bike. I thought I wanted to keep going so I said no. I continued riding with the class and soon wished I had pulled out. But I kept going because Olive had pulled out and I wanted to keep going where she couldn’t. My legs were aching and soon I was left behind. I made it to the end and I was so proud of myself.
I had a lot of support along the way. The people who found this easier showed great leadership skills by supporting those who were not equipped for the challenge ( in strength ). That just left the ride back too school. I nearly fell asleep in the van.
When we got back to school, everyone was pouring out of the classrooms and going home. I grabbed my brother and made him help take my bike home.
