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AFTER THE RIDE
22nd and 23rd November 2012
22nd and 23rd November 2012
We may have finished cycling yesterday - but I reckon until we return Jucy Lucy - the trip is not quite over - so there are two more days of story and pictures!
22nd November 2012:
I awoke ........ still feeling somewhat surreal - had I really biked from Bluff to Cape Reinga in 21 days?????Y ES - I had - but it still seemed amazing!! Five years ago, who would have believed this - and what a cyclist I am - NOT - lol - who cares about cadence rates, and all those other healthy monitors - I am just a person that likes to sit on a bike seat - and keep pedalling on!!!! And look what can be achieved!!!!
It was so nice to get up and have breakfast in a leisurely fashion - after 3 weeks of early starts. I couldn't help but notice in the unit we were in the picture in the lounge was of Toi Toi, and the picture in the bedroom was a cyclist!! I thought that was amazing - we had only arrived, without booking, the night before around 8:00 pm - and yet the unit seemed to be made for us!!
Once breakfast was over and the vehicles were packed, first stop was a car wash that washes car bottoms - for those that have driven on the beach. I was wondering how all the salty sand was going to be removed - and this was so simple!
Next to the "Car Wash for Car Bottoms" was a fascinating Kauri factory and shop. They had some huge items there and to get from ground level to the first floor show room the stairs were actually cut in to a large Kauri tree stump.
Driving back to Whangarei we took the route we didn't bike - State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka's. I think we all agreed - going the more eastern way had been a much better option. At one stage my brother measured a 7 km twisting and winding climb. The descent wouldn't have been great either as it was also twisty and windy which would have required great care - especially if the road was wet! The native bush was lovely though and the countryside definitely "typical Northland".
When we reached Whangarei we went directly to Whangarei Bus Services where everyone sprung into action in the Bus wash-bay and steam and power cleaned the bikes in preparation for their flight back to Australia. The bikes drip-dried while we had lunch and then we gave them a final wipe down before dis-assembling them and putting them into the bike boxes Brooke had collected for us.We made it so that we could get 4 people, 3 bike boxes and our luggage all into Jucy Lucy, knowing that we would have to find time either later today or early tomorrow to pack the bikes and luggage properly when we returned Jucy Lucy.
We headed off, towards Auckland about 3:30 pm - and between the boxes in the back, I was able to tap away on my computer and co-ordinate and confirm with Jucy and the NZGCF that 3:00 pm the next day was when we had to part with this wonderful purple and green machine!
Between us we decided to head for the Top 10 Orewa Holiday Park - where we had stayed on our way up. We all had heaps of wet cycling clothing from yesterday, and we knew that the facilities at the par were super.
After checking in, EVERYTHING was lifted out of the van. Annie and Pat took over a couple of the washing machines and dryers and attended to large piles of washing. Meanwhile Don and I started to sort bike stuff and other luggage out so that we could do the complete pack and tape shut of bike boxes and suitcases in the morning.
When it got dark, I think around 8:30 we thought that's enough for now and headed to the Orewa shops where we enjoyed a beautiful Indian meal to finish our first day of non-biking for awhile - but nevertheless - it had been an extremely busy day!!
22nd November 2012:
I awoke ........ still feeling somewhat surreal - had I really biked from Bluff to Cape Reinga in 21 days?????Y ES - I had - but it still seemed amazing!! Five years ago, who would have believed this - and what a cyclist I am - NOT - lol - who cares about cadence rates, and all those other healthy monitors - I am just a person that likes to sit on a bike seat - and keep pedalling on!!!! And look what can be achieved!!!!
It was so nice to get up and have breakfast in a leisurely fashion - after 3 weeks of early starts. I couldn't help but notice in the unit we were in the picture in the lounge was of Toi Toi, and the picture in the bedroom was a cyclist!! I thought that was amazing - we had only arrived, without booking, the night before around 8:00 pm - and yet the unit seemed to be made for us!!
Once breakfast was over and the vehicles were packed, first stop was a car wash that washes car bottoms - for those that have driven on the beach. I was wondering how all the salty sand was going to be removed - and this was so simple!
Next to the "Car Wash for Car Bottoms" was a fascinating Kauri factory and shop. They had some huge items there and to get from ground level to the first floor show room the stairs were actually cut in to a large Kauri tree stump.
Driving back to Whangarei we took the route we didn't bike - State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka's. I think we all agreed - going the more eastern way had been a much better option. At one stage my brother measured a 7 km twisting and winding climb. The descent wouldn't have been great either as it was also twisty and windy which would have required great care - especially if the road was wet! The native bush was lovely though and the countryside definitely "typical Northland".
When we reached Whangarei we went directly to Whangarei Bus Services where everyone sprung into action in the Bus wash-bay and steam and power cleaned the bikes in preparation for their flight back to Australia. The bikes drip-dried while we had lunch and then we gave them a final wipe down before dis-assembling them and putting them into the bike boxes Brooke had collected for us.We made it so that we could get 4 people, 3 bike boxes and our luggage all into Jucy Lucy, knowing that we would have to find time either later today or early tomorrow to pack the bikes and luggage properly when we returned Jucy Lucy.
We headed off, towards Auckland about 3:30 pm - and between the boxes in the back, I was able to tap away on my computer and co-ordinate and confirm with Jucy and the NZGCF that 3:00 pm the next day was when we had to part with this wonderful purple and green machine!
Between us we decided to head for the Top 10 Orewa Holiday Park - where we had stayed on our way up. We all had heaps of wet cycling clothing from yesterday, and we knew that the facilities at the par were super.
After checking in, EVERYTHING was lifted out of the van. Annie and Pat took over a couple of the washing machines and dryers and attended to large piles of washing. Meanwhile Don and I started to sort bike stuff and other luggage out so that we could do the complete pack and tape shut of bike boxes and suitcases in the morning.
When it got dark, I think around 8:30 we thought that's enough for now and headed to the Orewa shops where we enjoyed a beautiful Indian meal to finish our first day of non-biking for awhile - but nevertheless - it had been an extremely busy day!!
PICTURES OF THE DAY:
23rd November 2012
Great sleep - I think the best I have had for quite some considerable time!! Breakfast over, the serious side of packing - everything had to be fitted into bike boxes and bags! It isn't always easy getting these bikes back into the boxes - or maybe its fitting in all the other bits and pieces that I didn't want to carry - but eventually we made it. Luckily the camp wasn't too busy and they allowed us to take our time and not have to be out by the standard 10:00 am.
Once packed, everything was reloaded into Jucy Lucy - and our first stop was at Don and Annie's friends, Sue and David in Birkdale. Here we unloaded all the bikes (I was to collect mine later) and Don and Annie's luggage. Lovely to meet you Sue and David, and thanks for the yummy chicken rolls for lunch!
All too soon we had to press on. I have to say the weather the last two days has been MUCH better than the previous few days, and it was such a contrast seeing Auckland today, compared to that absolutely appalling day (17th Nov) when we biked through. The harbour was a magnificent shade of blue, and the city looked a treat in bright sunshine as we approached over the harbour bridge.
We re-fuelled the vehicle and as we were running a bit ahead of time - cruised through the city and out to the Michael Savage Memorial as lovely views of the city are gained there. Driving along Tamaki Drive also brought back thoughts of the last time I had been along this road - November 2008 - completing the final half of my first and only (to date) marathon! It was much easier in a vehicle!! (and faster)!!
Our final act was to return Jucy Lucy to downtown Auckland at the agreed time of 3:00 pm. It was super to put names to faces!! We were met by Jucy's Marketing Manager Amelia Millett, with whom I have had considerable email contact organising both this trip and my previous one across Australia. A very special THANK YOU to Amelia and Jucy. You are a great company and your support has been unbelievable!!
It was also fantastic to meet Board Member for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Nicola Edwards. Again, great to put a face to someone who has been such a supporter of our ride and who I only knew by facebook words of encouragement!!
Jucy Lucy keys were handed back - and it is amazing how attached we had become to his bright green and purple vehicle! We had seen so many others on the road during our time, and we always waved wildly - and in turn - received great waves!! So much fun and so instantly recognisable! But we had to face the facts - the journey was over!!
Pictures were taken, fond farewells said - and we dispersed. Nicola dropped Annie and Don back to Auckland City Ferry Terminal, and my brother picked us up and we were off to spend a few relaxing days in Whangarei
Again - all I can say is a huge THANKS - to everyone that made this happen. I was almost going to say - we had the easy part riding the bikes - but I can assure you - NO - it wasn't easy!!! The main thing is - we made it - challenged ourselves physically and mentally - and achieved the goal we had set.
It is also pleasing to have almost reached our fund-raising goal of $10,000 for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation. The link with, and the amazing level of support from the Zonta Clubs in the districts that we rode through was a particular highlight of this trip and we are thrilled that our ride has resulted in a contribution to an extremely worthwhile cause. I'm not sure how long our fund-raising page will remain open for - but if you have enjoyed reading this website - feel free to click this link to our donation page and add a few dollars - it all helps!!!!! www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/2100kmsin21days/
Great sleep - I think the best I have had for quite some considerable time!! Breakfast over, the serious side of packing - everything had to be fitted into bike boxes and bags! It isn't always easy getting these bikes back into the boxes - or maybe its fitting in all the other bits and pieces that I didn't want to carry - but eventually we made it. Luckily the camp wasn't too busy and they allowed us to take our time and not have to be out by the standard 10:00 am.
Once packed, everything was reloaded into Jucy Lucy - and our first stop was at Don and Annie's friends, Sue and David in Birkdale. Here we unloaded all the bikes (I was to collect mine later) and Don and Annie's luggage. Lovely to meet you Sue and David, and thanks for the yummy chicken rolls for lunch!
All too soon we had to press on. I have to say the weather the last two days has been MUCH better than the previous few days, and it was such a contrast seeing Auckland today, compared to that absolutely appalling day (17th Nov) when we biked through. The harbour was a magnificent shade of blue, and the city looked a treat in bright sunshine as we approached over the harbour bridge.
We re-fuelled the vehicle and as we were running a bit ahead of time - cruised through the city and out to the Michael Savage Memorial as lovely views of the city are gained there. Driving along Tamaki Drive also brought back thoughts of the last time I had been along this road - November 2008 - completing the final half of my first and only (to date) marathon! It was much easier in a vehicle!! (and faster)!!
Our final act was to return Jucy Lucy to downtown Auckland at the agreed time of 3:00 pm. It was super to put names to faces!! We were met by Jucy's Marketing Manager Amelia Millett, with whom I have had considerable email contact organising both this trip and my previous one across Australia. A very special THANK YOU to Amelia and Jucy. You are a great company and your support has been unbelievable!!
It was also fantastic to meet Board Member for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Nicola Edwards. Again, great to put a face to someone who has been such a supporter of our ride and who I only knew by facebook words of encouragement!!
Jucy Lucy keys were handed back - and it is amazing how attached we had become to his bright green and purple vehicle! We had seen so many others on the road during our time, and we always waved wildly - and in turn - received great waves!! So much fun and so instantly recognisable! But we had to face the facts - the journey was over!!
Pictures were taken, fond farewells said - and we dispersed. Nicola dropped Annie and Don back to Auckland City Ferry Terminal, and my brother picked us up and we were off to spend a few relaxing days in Whangarei
Again - all I can say is a huge THANKS - to everyone that made this happen. I was almost going to say - we had the easy part riding the bikes - but I can assure you - NO - it wasn't easy!!! The main thing is - we made it - challenged ourselves physically and mentally - and achieved the goal we had set.
It is also pleasing to have almost reached our fund-raising goal of $10,000 for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation. The link with, and the amazing level of support from the Zonta Clubs in the districts that we rode through was a particular highlight of this trip and we are thrilled that our ride has resulted in a contribution to an extremely worthwhile cause. I'm not sure how long our fund-raising page will remain open for - but if you have enjoyed reading this website - feel free to click this link to our donation page and add a few dollars - it all helps!!!!! www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/2100kmsin21days/
PICTURES OF THE DAY:
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