TRAINING EVENT (Pace and Endurance) Montana Heritage Trail (Waitākere Ranges)

This is a training event for members of any level. We won't be walking the usual way but will work on pace so you can build your endurance.

This is the first of many training events and anyone who is planning to join our multi-day and great walks are required to attend a certain number of them depending on whether they are current regulars, past regulars, non-regulars, or newbies.

Future events will be, aside from repeating pace, pack weight, elevation and hills, rough terrain/footing, and gear shakedown to test your gear and make sure you avoid blisters or chafing.

The Event

We'll walk 11 km for the normal Montana Heritage Trail, finishing around 12.30 pm. I will explain how we will work on the pace before we start walking.

After lunch we'll walk the loop the other way, finishing 4.00 pm. Please note that this will be different from the last Montana Heritage events where we completed 2 loops around 2.30 pm. Do expect to finish around 4.00 pm.

For those who don't know the Montana Heritage Trail, this unique trail in the Waitākere Ranges. Although there is quite a bit of climbing, the slopes are never steep, and the boardwalks and steps make this hike easy for fit hikers.

You will enjoy the beauty of the green surroundings and the views on the Waitākere Dam.

Difficulty (on a scale of 1-5): 3

Distance: approx. 22 km (11km morning, 11 afternoon)

Before 9.30 am – Meet at the Cascade Kauri main carpark. Easier to put 35 Falls Road (Waitakere Golf Course) in your GPS. After reaching the golf course drive along the gravel road until you reach the main carpark of the trail (at the bottom of the hill).

9.30 am – Start walking
12:30 am - Lunch
1:00-400 pm – Approx finishing time

OPTIONAL: After lunch: walk the Montana Heritage Trail the other way, bringing the total distance for the day to 22 km. Finish time around 5.30 pm.

What to bring:

· walking, running, trail, or hiking shoes with good grip (no need for hiking boots)
· hat and sun cream
· raincoat and warm top in case the weather changes.
· food (no need to carry food while walking as we will have lunch at the carpark)
· snacks
· water (2 litres minimum, 3 litres for those who will be walking 22 km)
· hiking poles (optional)

NO PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS. They are not illegal, but if you start using them, you will not only get addicted to them but will eventually suffer from diminished natural endurance, potential heart issues, and a much higher risk of injury as you push your body beyond its natural limits. We want to build strength the healthy way.

NO JEANS!

Carpooling to be arranged between drivers and passengers. Please post in comments whether you need a lift / can offer lifts, which suburb of Auckland you live in and your mobile number. We suggest passengers give $15 to their driver for fuel.

NOTE

Your safety is your responsibility.

Do not throw food waste into the bush - it feeds rats, which feed stoats, which kill NZ birds.

Rafick will control the pace. DO NOT not go ahead unless you have permission to do so. We will be in no rush to finish.

CONTRIBUTION:

Regulars: free
Non-regulars: $2 (mandatory)
Newbies: $3 (mandatory)

Please make a transfer to Wakahi.com 02-0200-0260173-000