5 March 2007
We set off this morning with the knowledge that mountains were before us, well, not quite mountains but really, really big hills anyway. The night in Wellsford had brought me much needed and appreciated sleep, since leaving home, one month tomorrow, I have not been able to sleep through, and no, it has not been because of little trips to the bathroom, though come to think of it, there have been a few, no, my mind has been racing continuously and I wake up several times during the night with various odd thoughts, but we won’t go into detail with that. Speaking of the bathroom, it reminds me of the night I did actually make a little trip, however, being half asleep as I was, I did not quite make the right room and instead made my way outside, and before you ask it, no, I did not do what I needed to do in, on or around the garden dwarf, the cool South Island air brought me back to my senses and I was able to make my way to the little room.
Now, where was I, yes, Wellsford to Whangarei, today’s trip would be just 84 km. Just you say, yes, I would have said the same thing a couple of months ago, however, we have done a few long days and 84 km is a reasonable day. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure that once I get home, back to normal, (though after this adventure, I’m not quite sure that I will ever be normal) I think I will be like you, and say, “Oh, just 84 km, is that all”, with a slight sarcastic tone to my voice. As we were biking along, I kept thinking of the past few weeks, the time has really flown, and it is so hard to believe we have come this far. There have been times along the journey where I truly did not think I would make it, but with God’s strength and your encouragement, here I am in Whangarei. We were informed in our brief this morning that the dreaded Brynderwyn hills would be at around the 30 km mark, so as we approached this small milestone for the day I ensured my mind was up for the challenge. These hills, though rather steep were just 3 km long, which was not unfeasible, just physically demanding. The start of the climb became obvious as we drew closer, when the scenery reverted to tar which seemed to eclipse the trees. Fortunately the road surface was smooth making the ascent, believe it or not, quite pleasurable. I constantly watched my bike computer, taking note of each metre passed, congratulating myself on each 5% increment, and it wasn’t long before we were up the top. And yes, it was worth it, what a spectacular view, with a hot chocolate to boot. The descent was smooth and exhilarating, though a head wind slowed us down considerably.
At the bottom of the Brynderwyns my computer read 38 km, so just another 46 km to go, that was quite achievable and what’s more it was basically all flat, well, as flat as a person who is driving a car over the terrain perceives it anyway. The memorable but not entertaining portion of the day came as we were cresting the top of one of those so called flat sections, we seemed to be going incredibly slow when someone braked and those behind became the Circle of Courage Dominoes, not a nice game to play. Unfortunately Rebecca got the brunt of it and came tumbling down, with Dougie right behind her heels, no, her rear wheel is not quite the same anymore. Anyway, Norah swerved and managed to avoid them both, however, I had one of those blonde moments, no, I’m not blonde, though I always wanted to be, I managed to get in front, yelled out stop, and then motioned to get off my bike, when hey presto, there was the ground, with my left knee and elbow embedded in it, at least I have matching grazes now.
With plenty of time to spear we decided to drop into the Whangarei Adventist School, where we were warmly greeted with smiles, questions and a lovely cool orange juice, thanks guys, it was really appreciated. After meeting the mayor we made our way to the motel to enjoy a warm and relaxing shower. They tell me that tomorrow is rather flat and another sub 100 km journey, so I look forward to another day of adventure.
22 February 2007
Today we left beautiful Blenheim, where we have been staying for 2 nights and set off for Wellington, no, we didn’t ride across the straight, though some implied that we should have ridden round the ferry. We were joined by some locals from Blenheim on our way to Picton, thanks for the company guys, it was great. Before boarding the ferry I quickly swallowed a sea sickness tablet, no, it wasn’t rough, but I didn’t want to take any chances. We had an awesome trip across the straight which lived up to its reputation of supplying majestic scenery; it was a great break from the ride.
After dismounting the ferry we hastily made our way to parliament where we were met by several members of parliament, and yes, we discovered that they too are real people, hey, I bet if they rode a bike for several hours a day they would also perspire, just like me. It was great to be affirmed by them in our mission, and so with greater enthusiasm we headed off to the motel, another 25 km away.
What I want to know is who put all those hills there, and how is it possible to erect a house on those slopes?? It was really encouraging to be riding the streets of Wellington to be cheered on by the locals, encouraging us relentlessly as we tirelessly made our way up the hills. Maybe that’s why I lost concentration for a split second, or maybe I was just dreaming of the spa bath that was promised ahead, I don’t really know what it was but when I came back to reality it was with a thud, literally, that is, for there in front of me was Jake’s rear wheel and the next thing I know the Wellington tarmac and I were the best of buddies, we seemed to have a real intimate connection, it kind of reminded me of the connection I had with the school strap all those years ago, well, a few years anyway, it’s the kind of intimacy that is incredibly one sided and well, yeah, really painful. I quickly found myself on my feet while the tarmac suffered separation anxiety. And no, I was not badly hurt, well, my pride was damaged, but I’m pretty sure that’s repairable, just a few grazes on my right elbow and knee, you know, the traditional points of contact. Though shaken I managed to get back on my saddle, which by the way, is nothing like my husband’s western saddle for his horse, so who stole my sheepskin??
19 February 2007
Today we headed for Kaikoura, the area
renown for whale watching, though I have still yet to such these beautiful
creatures myself. We were in single file
most of today which was both tiring and refreshing, as I was able to catch a
glimpse of the magnificent scenery the area parades. The highlight of the day had to be the
tunnels, with my eyes not great in the dark I was pleased to see the light of
day again, no, they are not that long, but do you realize how long 3 or 4
seconds with no eyesight at all can be??
It was great to get into Kaikoura where I enjoyed a long shower.
18 February 2007
After a days rest I was feeling a little anxious about today’s ride, and when a certain part of my anatomy met the seat I knew I had reason to, no, seriously, although I was feeling rather stiff in my thighs I was relieved in a way to get back on the bike. The 100 odd km we would ride today would be 100 km closer to our destination.
This morning we got up at a respectable time, 7:30 am, after having a shower, breakfast, and yes, it included 2 pieces of marmite on toast, with no butter or marg of course, I still cannot stand the taste of either, we headed off to Hei Hei. Here we would be sent off by a friendly bunch of locals who hold a regular family day at their local community centre. After much encouragement and good wishes we were on our way. A little further up the track we were joined by 2 fit and enthusiastic local roadies, who proved to be not only good company but enduring athletes who competently completed today’s leg with us, well done guys!
With thighs slowly warming we gradually got back into the routine, but this time rotating with 9 of us, this proved to be beneficial to all as it meant less time on the front and more time staring at rear tyres, which by the way look all the same after 750 km. However, the tyres do offer some variety with different coloured stripes, some red, some yellow and some white, I am eternally grateful for those stripes, not only for their variety but for their ease of following.
After a brief lunch we were on the road again with another 55 km to our destination. With the wind in our faces this proved to be a greater challenge than first expected, however we pushed on and eventually made it to Cheviot school where we were met by the local Mayor.
Today proved to be the hottest yet, with the sun beaming down on us in the later afternoon, and yes, my tan line is becoming more prominent, some may say more ridiculous, but hey, they show character, well that’s what I’m saying anyway and I’m sticking to it. We are now staying at Broadway Motels on State Highway 1 in Cheviot, which by the way I would recommend; it has great water pressure, an all important aspect after a few hours on the road.
Today’s stats:
• Christchurch to Cheviot
• Total distance of 107 km
• Time on bike 4 ½ hr approx
• Average speed 24 km / hr approx (okay, I will be more exact tomorrow)
• Maximum speed 46 km / hr (yes, there were a few hills, but they weren’t that big, okay)
• Today’s highlight – hot chocolate fudge sundae, it was good!!
17 February 2007
Today is a rest day, and it is my daughter’s 14th birthday, so if you are reading this Amie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I just want you to know how proud I am of you, I feel very privileged to have a daughter such as yourself. Your talents with young children, your ability to write both creatively and journalistically really amaze me. I am missing you heaps and I am so sorry I could not be there for your special day.
I LOVE YOU HEAPS GIRLIE!!
15 February 2007
My back now only has a dull pain, the back rub last night seems to have done the trick, for that I am incredibly grateful.
Today was a day we were all nervously dreading, the giant hills/ mountains out of Dunedin, first came a 7km climb and then a steeper 3 km climb.
For those of you who don’t know me, my brain works in numbers, the way I see it, if everyone had a number and not a name my chances of remembering who they were would be greatly increased.
In order to get over these hills I needed to know where I was on the hill, so I divided them up into 5% increments, for the 7km climb that would be 350m and for the 3 km climb that would be 150m, strange as that may sound, it really helps me, I celebrated the 50% mark with a drink, a few sips from the bottle which was on my bike, from there on I was over half way, it was with eager anticipation that I reached the 90% mark, then 95% and finally made it to the top, and yes, despite the fact that I probably zig zagged here and there, my calculations were actually quite accurate.
With the skills and fitness levels of the group varying drastically we decided to take it at our own pace up the hills, and yes, I was at the back, however this did not bother me as my goal was to get to the top, and that I did, and what a great reward was waiting for me, a spectacular view of Otago peninsula, a view well worth climbing 7 km for.
We truly do live in a beautiful country and I feel privileged to be able to experience it from the seat of a bike, the rest of the day was relatively flat, and despite being 115 km in total, I can honestly say it was the most enjoyable trip so far.
I am grateful that God is fulfilling his promise in me and giving me strength for each day.
13 February 2007
Last night did not grant me a lot of sleep, my mind was racing ten to the dozen and just did not want to wind down. Although yesterday was a short day, just 66 km, I found it exhausting, my first thoughts this morning were, “I think I have bitten off more than I can chew! What was I thinking, I am no athlete, I am never going to make it, the pace is just too much for me.”
After a quiet word in the ear of our fearless road leader, I nervously and hesitantly straddled my saddle again, for what I believed to be the last time, for this journey anyway. Today we would be riding from Balclutha to Dunedin, 95 km in total and I had no confidence that I would make it to the end. As my legs constantly rotated a text or portion of a text anyway, came into my mind, “ … so shall your strength be”. I spent the morning trying to remember the beginning when before I knew it we had stopped for lunch. Well, that wasn’t that bad after all, and for an extra bonus the entire text came to me, “As your day is, so shall your strength be”, yes that was it. This would be my focus for the trip, thanks Lord, I really needed that. After yesterday I knew that there was no way I could do this by myself, so from now on for each day I would claim this promise for myself and maybe, just may, I will make it to the end.
After a well deserved lunch we headed off again. I am now slowly getting used to riding in a group, I am actually starting to feel the difference to riding up close to the person in front of me and I am not only enjoying it but really appreciating it. My confidence has been bolsted today by a great day yet my troubles are not completely over, as when we actually made it to the motel, I found myself in great agony. Both my right shoulder and middle back were in complete agony, this concerns me and quite frankly really annoys me, I have achieved so much today but physically and emotionally, and I refuse to let this get in the way.
11 February 2007
Well, the day had finally arrived. It is hard to believe that just seven months ago I was contemplating this journey, considering the highs that would most certainly befall me, wondering whether I, a self proclaimed nerd and gadget lover, could realistically achieve such an enormous undertaking. And here I am, standing in front of the famous sign at Bluff, here I read that Cape Reinga is 1400 km away, and not 2300 km that we will be biking, I wonder whether I will be soon yearning for those wings of the crow.
After quickly being brought back into reality we are soon on our way, with farewells and good wishes from locals and tourists alike, South Islanders really are a friendly bunch, if you haven’t been here I would encourage you to do so, if not for the magnificent sights, for the friendly people who make you feel like part of the family.
This morning I would have to tame the butterflies which were doing back flips in my stomach, but I don’t believe I was alone in this unusual medical condition; however they were soon put back into formation as the journey lingered. My training, yes, I did train, was mainly done on my own and was primarily around Lake Rotorua, which by the way is a beautiful city and has been home for over 11 years now. Today I would be getting on the road training for riding in a group, and this proved to have its challenges. Fortunately most of the road today was flat, which was great training ground for a novice such as myself. By the time we arrived in Invercargill I was feeling confident but tired with another 65 km to our destination for the day, Gore.
I am quickly coming to the conclusion that I am not going to see a great deal of the South Island or the North for that matter, for I am forming an intimate relationship with the rear tyres of my fellow riders, which by the way I am watching intently, I fear that I will soon know them better than the back of my hand.
After 97 tiring km we made it to Gore, I am feeling confident after today’s ride, I believe that if I persevere I will actually make it to that light house in the distance. It has been a huge milestone to complete this day, the journey has truly begun.
10 February 2007
The phone rang and woke me from my daydream. I was 6 months pregnant with my first child and had lots to dream about. This would be the start of an amazing journey, a journey which I longed for. As I waddled over to the phone, I dazzlingly dreamed of what the future would hold for my new family.
“Hello, this is Norah,” I spoke clearly through the mouth piece. A soft, reassuring, yet confused voice met my ears. I don’t remember who it was, I just remember the message. Lisa was dead! But how?
She was 24 years old, my best friend from high school. We grew up together through those awkward and sometimes embarrassing teenage years, and now she was gone. A car accident? A sudden sickness? No.
Lisa had taken her own life. I crashed to the floor with waves of emotion overtaking and controlling my whole being. This could not be happening, this could not be true.
Memories of all night intense discussions and debates flooded thru my mind, she had actually done it.
Yes, we had talked about it. Suicide that is. Many times as teenagers, and it is with much regret and anguish now, that I never told anyone about our discussions. Looking back now, maybe it was because we felt there was no one to tell, no one who would care anyway.
I now know that there were many people who cared and loved us, but to us we were solo on uninhabited islands. We used to think that to take your own life you had to be gutsy. Gutsy and courageous. In a warped sort of way we actually admired those who had gone through with it. They had what it takes, or so we thought.
But now I was angry, angry at her and angry at the world for allowing this to happen, and yes, I was angry with God. As time went on, I was consoled with the knowledge that while her family and I were weeping, God was weeping with us and he was there wiping our tears and giving us the strength to move on, move on from such tragedies, and for that I praise him.
Sadly my story could be told by many New Zealanders, maybe you are one of them. To my horror just 3 years later, I experienced it all over again when another of my high school friend also took his life.
But I want to tell you something. It doesn’t have to be like this, this is not the norm, suicide is not just another reality of our society that we accept and almost expect to happen. It is time for us to do something about it, to make a difference, to say we’ve had enough, and for me personally this is what the ‘Circle of Courage’ ride is all about.
I want to tell New Zealanders, people like you, that you can make a difference in the lives of others, and in particular, young people. You can literally be the difference between life and death. By having association and genuine interest in the lives of young people it is telling them that you care, that they are special, they have a future and that you are available for them. My challenge to you personally is to get to know the kids in your community, make a difference in their lives and an impact on your own.
It is Saturday afternoon and I am contemplating the journey before me. must tell you that I do not claim to be a great athlete; I am no Sarah Ulmer and really have no intention of being so. n fact I am quite the opposite, growing up I would quite easily classify myself as a nerd, some might even say that I was an arrogant nerd, you know, the intellectual type.
Sport played no role whatsoever in my life and that was the way I wanted it to be. I resented those who earned brownie points on the rugby field and netball courts, and had no intention of ever joining their ranks. Besides, even if I wanted to I couldn’t for I inherited no sporting abilities at all, I was clumsy, my reactions slow and my hand eye coordination was non existent. o, I was never meant to be on the silver ferns team, and yes, as a very young naive girl, before I was informed of my inabilities, I did dream of it. So for me, the thought of riding from Bluff to Cape Reinga just blows my mind away, if you had of told me just 3 years ago that I would be doing this I would have laughed, and told you it was just not physically possible.
But here I am today, I am still astonished that I am actually doing this. It will not be by any physical ability that I get to the end, and I pray that I do, no, it will just be pure determination, (and I can be stubborn at times, some may some obstinate) grit, the encouragement of friends and the strength of my God that will get me to the light at the end of the tunnel so to say. And the one other driving force behind me will be the young people of New Zealand, young people like my 2 friends who needlessly took their lives, it is in memory of them that I commit my ride to.
