Mike's Brewery

MIKE’S BREWERY, OUTSIDE Urenui (110km, 388km total) – Today was a long day without much to remember about the riding. We did manage to cover quite a bit of distance, the furthest so far, thanks largely to gentle terrain and long downhills. My knee has been feeling better and we almost considered pushing through to New Plymouth tonight. But those plans fell away as soon as we arrived at Mike’s Brewery outside Urenui. Even though the sign said closed, Shad wanted to check it out anyway. I’m glad he did. The owner was still around and gave us a free beer tasting of the four brews that they make there: a strawberry blonde lager, an ale, a lager, and a pilsner.

Fine Folks of Mike's Brewery

We also happened to meet three Americans who had been volunteering here at the brewery through W.W.O.O.F. Sara and Tracy were two beer and bike enthusiasts who have just recently completed a bike and brewery tour of the US (www.bikeandbrewtour.com). Paul was a traveller who happened to land at the brewery. The owner let Shad and I camp in the avocado orchard here and the five of us stayed up late talking, drinking, cooking, and eating.

Sleeping in the Avocado Grove

Today’s lowlight would have to be Awakino. After so long in the Wilderness, I was highly anticipating our lunchtime stop in this little seaside village. It turned out to be a complete hole. The tavern/hotel had bad food (my steak Sandwich was a strap of leather between 2 slices of white bread) and it was dirty and extremely unappealing. I was glad to make it a quick lunch.

Today’s highlight – definitely the brewery. Fine people. Fine camping. Fine beer. What more could you want?

Mike's Brewery

Urenui, New Zealand