Tongariki, this place was fully restored in the early 90's, previously it was just like the rest of the coast. All the Moai's were toppled in the late 1700's, no one knows why. Internal warfare, earthquake, tsunami, or and call me cynical but is it just a coincidence that this is when the Europeans showed up. Whether we toppled them i don't know, we definitely intoduced small pox and slavery - decimating the population (toppling would seem like a good way of subjugating), i'm so proud.
Anyway, it's restored, it's magnificent, just me. Haven't seen another cyclist, is there something i don't know? Is this a good idea? the next 10 or so kms are along the north coast to Anakena beach. More dirt tracks, more wind and my arse is distincty displeased. Finally reach the beach, it's taken 4 hours. There's a bar, i have a diet coke, a fruit salad and buy some more water. Lie down under a palm tree and try not to look at the hill i think i have to go up.
This hill goes on for a long way climbs about 350m and it's stupidly hot. I get off. Walk the last bit, my legs are on fire and the fag breaks probably weren't the best idea. However from here i'm told it's all down hill. Praise the lord. Stop at Mt Pui, the festival has moved here for the afternoon and the local lunatics are hurtling down what is a very very steep hill lying on their backs on what looks like a type of banana boat. Hilarious,, no one crashes but a couple do managed to veer off course and into the crowd.
The final 15 km are a joy and took about 25 minutes, you have to love down hill. Bought a six pack, watched the sunset, watched 50 15 year olds cavort about in hoola dresses and went to bed. I was totally shattered, my arse ..., my legs..., but all in all it was a very very good idea.
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