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This is the first mountain I have ridden up since 2012.

At 1000 meters the body is complaining but I am taking no notice.

OK I just had to take a lie down on a flat surface to iron out the cramps. Done.

Hooning across the summit road and apparently all those razor wire gates that I am going through represent a road closed due to earthquake-induced rockfalls. No bother, I like cyclocross.

And finally down the other side with a flat white in hand (having given up on Kiwi macchiatos, I have discovered I need a small flat white in a tulip cup) I am happy.