We’ve had a few days now and have hit a groove. Alissa had the idea of bringing the bikes as a way of getting around to save the expense of renting a car for all of us.
As we are on the island for around three weeks it will save us around $1200 which can be definitely be applied elsewhere.
Mountain biking for transport in Raro is totally practical it turns out; I did have some reservations with Tom being so young before we arrived but so far so good. The roads are totally flat, the speed limit is 50km/h or less everywhere and the drivers are totally accommodating.
From our house in Matavera on the eastern side above Muri it’s an 8km, 25 minute ride to Avarua or a 2 km 5 minute ride to Muri. Also, since the last time I was here 10 years ago there has been a concerted effort to distribute supermarket options around the island so we also have CITC petrol station and store at the end of our drive so the need to travel large (relative) distances to shop for the essentials is greatly reduced. There’s no absolute need to stretch the legs all the way into Avarua to the main supermarket unless you’re really looking for something rare. So, that all plays into the idea that a mountain bike is a practical solution.
Its also good to get everyone some mental improvements with completing some daily exercise. Especially with the Camino looming in the distance increasing all our leg capacity’s is going to be extremely helpful.
You can split the islands into 8km quarters at 25 minutes each so a trip to the other side (or a full round trip) can be completed in just under 2 hours.
Booked with Jetstar the bikes cost $25 per item for oversize baggage and then the total weight is included in your booked weight. We managed to squeeze 2 bikes in per bike bag and with some crafty packing managed to get them to weigh in just under the limit at 31.8kgs per bag. I don’t recommend this type of stress at the airport, get individual bags if you can.
The cons are that you are exposed to the elements and you will be a bit sweatier at times. You’ll need to avoid the heaviest of rain (try not to get caught on the other side of the island on a downpouring kind of day) but the standard showers aren’t really a hassle as its still hot, just a bit damp. Sometimes you’ll feel overheated due to the extra exertion but to be honest, it’s a bit sweaty here all the time so its not all that bad.
The bike shop is Ride Rarotonga just past the supermarket on the edge of Avarua if you need them, it looks well equipped and the guys are friendly and efficient so don’t think you need to bring a full tool kit over just in case anything pops off.
Nice day today, lazy run in to Avarua to send out some postcards, sort out some issues, a trip to Trader Jacks for lunch (iconic) and then drifting home again. Nate is still mad keen on his video blogging and is putting together some neat stuff, Max is committed to his writing task. Tom is his usual self, resilient and stoic at times. Alissa takes extra time to ride the long way back from Avarua around the back of the island to get some more effort in. Arrives back hot and smiling, I’m proud of her.
