Day 121

In the beginning... There was an Exercycle...

I almost did it! I almost broke back into the 25 km range again! But not quite. 24.90 km covered in my session tonight. Bringing my total distance to 2988.56 km.

I am getting precariously close to the city monstrosity that is Auckland, however, as I am not legally permitted to cycle on the motorway, I am having to take quite a scenic journey into the city. Today's ride sees me cross back under the Motorway, and head East through Tuakau.

I end tonight's ride able to see the lights of Pukekohe in the distance....

Day 120

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Then, came a pair of walking shoes...

Those walking shoes dragged me up the hill today as the sun rose over an ever flattening Christchurch City.

I have discovered a hill walk, that in the real world, is a 10 km round trip from home, up Rapaki Track to Summit Road, and then back down to home again. For those not terribly familiar with the track, the first 5 km feels like it's straight up - VERTICAL. It's not of course, but it is a 300 m plus climb to the road where I turn around, catch my breath, enjoy the view from Kaikoura through to Quail Island (in Lyttleton Harbour), then walk back down again.

So, today I am adding the 10 km to my Virtual journey around the country. While tracking this, I have discovered that I am not allowed to travel on the Hamilton/Auckland Highway. So, I've had to take a wee detour over to SH2. I am sure I will be back on track again very soon.

Oh, and for the statisticians - my total distance today, is 2963.66 km.

Day 119

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle...

Well, I've finally done it - I've crossed the boarder. I'm now finally in the region of the country known as.... AUCKLAND!

Scary thought really. Today was another day below 25 km, with only a further 24.21 km added to my total, bringing my total distance travelled to 2953.66 km. It's kind of a scary thought really. I am surprised and disappointed with my journey both at the same time, and I've come to know myself a lot better on the way too.

My next post will cover the first of my walk sessions. And I tell you what, 45 minutes on an exercycle is quicker and easier than an hour hiking up a hill. But the view from the top of the hill, across my home city of Christchurch... Well, that makes all the sweat worth it!

Day 118

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle....

It has certainly been a while!! I have noticed that my distance has plummeted! I have dropped back below 25 km per session. Oh dear :(

Tonight's ride got me a further 24.63 km along on my virtual journey. Bringing my total distance so far to 2929.45 km. I have been through Huntly and am now enjoying the sights and sounds along the Thermal Explorer Highway... Interesting name for a road, I do have to say.

I have the mighty Waikato River to one side, and lakes to the other. The going is fairly flat, I'm in an area of plains at the moment, though I don't think that will last too long, as I can see I am getting closer and closer to New Zealand's first Super City....

Day 117

In the beginning... There was an Exercycle...

Ok, OK! So it's been a while! It's been a LONG while since I last posted. I most sincerely apologise to all who have been reading this at the delay in posting. Needless to say, life just got, well, busy. The good news is, that I have still been cranking away on the old exercycle.

Yes, there have been weeks where my faithful cycling buddy has been a clothes horse (by the way, exercycles DO make excellent clothes horses!), while I've snuggled up in front of a warm (clean-air approved) fire. There have also been weeks where I was struck down with what I consider to be the plague by all accounts. And there have been other times where I've basically been just too darn lazy to get in the saddle!

So, blisters on my bottom aside. Here I am, back again. In the saddle, and on the keyboard. Oh, and with an extra addition too, as I now walk (and this is in the real world), a 10 km hill loop once a week (it takes me two hours to complete), I am adding these to my total as well. So, there will be the occasional addition of a 10 km in lieu of my 45 minute session on my stationery lounge buddy.

Now for the boring bit - today I added 25.37 km to my total. 2904.82 km cycled in total. Which brings me to Huntly. An area well known for it's coal fired power station. I have to say, it seems just a bit weird that in a country that prides itself on being "clean and green" and here I am virtually cycling the country, that we are using a non-renewable, fossil fuel to generate power... Maybe we should all just have cycles in our homes to run our home heating, or maybe just a couple of lightbulbs.....

Day 116

In the beginning... There was an Exercycle...

Well, I didn't spot any Hobbits on my ride today, in fact, I only managed a meagre 25.03 km, I must have spent too much time enjoying the scenery and moo-ing at the cows! Today's ride takes my total distance to 2879.45 km, and puts me on the outskirts of Ngaruawahia.

Ngaruawahia is a place with a HEAP of history to it, at one stage it was to be our capital city. Even today, it is a place of great importance to Maori, being the home of the Kingitanga (Maori Royal Family) Movement.

The area is rich in lush farming and forestry, with the roads twisting and winding along valley floors and beside rivers. Quite different from the long, straight roads that bisect the plains along the eastern side of the South Island. The weather is certainly warmer up here too, though prone to good, thick fogs and the occasional frost. Just to remind me of home...

Day 115

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Well HOORAY!! The lovely people at Mapometer have fixed the glitch that was holding up my virtual ride!! I am a very happy camper that I can continue my ride and provide updates on how far I've gone. After a frustrating couple of weeks, I am back on track again in more ways than one.

This cycle has seen me achieve several things. Firstly I have added a further 25.03 km to my total distance of 2854.42 km. I have cycled through the lush wee township of Pirongia, and continued North on SH39 through Ngahinapouri. I am bypassing Te Awamutu and Hamilton so that I can enjoy the serene rural surrounds of the Waikato region - heck, I might even spot a Hobbit or two.

I've also achieved a personal milestone in my journey. I've lost 10% of my body weight. It's been a slow process, but, as I am intending that this becomes permanent, then I'm aiming for changes that area easy to make permanent.

Right, off now for some Hobbit-spotting.

Day 114

In the Beginning.... There was an Exercycle...

Right now, I'm a little bit glad of my cycling too... It's been bitterly cold lately, and has been nice to work up a sweat in the lounge of an evening. I still haven't decided to have a snack before I cycle, but am working hard on making a habit of cycling straight after work, so that I can kick back and relax for the rest of the evening.

After a short break for the weekend, I produced a respectable distance tonight. Maybe my fitness had a bit of a plateau with all the breaks I was taking, and now the body has discovered that it needs to step things up a bit. All I do know for sure is that I managed 25.46 km tonight which brings my total distance to 2829.03 km.

This has completed my wee detour to see the Waitomo Caves. Its been a very pleasant detour as well, lovely green countryside, not too much traffic, and friendly locals, along with a couple of lovely, secluded beaches make this area rather pleasant to be in.

I have now rejoined the main road, State Highway 39 and tonight sees me finishing my session just short of a place called Puketotara, just for fun.

Day 113

In the beginning... There was an exercyle...

Well, here I am, pondering the Big Question... to snack, or not to snack!?! So far, I'm going with the not to snack option. I am reconciling myself with having to work just a little bit harder to achieve the distances I want. My line of thought is that it' like cranking up the tension just one more notch.

My distance tonight was over the 25 km mark, which I am happy with. To be exact it was 25.09 km. This gives me of a total distance virtually travelled of 2803.57 km. It has occurred to me that I am fast approaching the three thousand kilometre marker. Hmmm, pause for thought.

I'm still not quite back onto the main road, but will have completed my loop by tomorrow's session. I am thinking I will take the more rural trip into the Big Smoke of Auckland. It will give me a chance to explore some quieter roads, as I continue north.

I'm still struggling to get my mapping program working properly, it's frustrating, but I am sure I will be able to get something to work (soon!).

Day 112

In The beginning... There Was an exercycle...

Feeling a little better tonight, my distance travelled has increased (FINALLY!!), after struggling with myself and my cycle, I think I might have cracked it. My distance this session was 25.57 km bringing my total travelled to 2778.48 km.

I'm almost back onto the main road again, I've been travelling along the coast beside the Kaiwha Harbour. I'm now deciding if I want to go back to the main highway and continue to Auckland through  the larger towns of Te Awamutu and Hamilton, or to skirt them completely, take roads slightly less crowded, and enjoy some more of the country...

Oh, and I think I've nailed why my distances were declining. Something to do with the change I'd made to the time of day I cycle. Previously I had cycled really late in the day, after dinner, and just before bed-time. More recently, I have been cycling immediately after work, before dinner. I am wondering if cycling "on empty" is why I'm hitting the wall and finding things so difficult.

Now my dilemma is this - if I want to improve my distances, then, the consensus is that I should have a snack before cycling. But, do I really want to be eating first? I mean, doesn't eating extra defeat the whole purpose of cycling in the first place?

I might just have to ponder this next time I cycle....

Day 111

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Well, I am totally disappointed with myself tonight. It's taking me all my inner strength not to throw in the towel. I only managed a meagre 24.83 km tonight. I've dipped down below the 25 km per session barrier.

I am gutted by my efforts. I struggled on the bike, I just didn't seem to be able to get my legs working. As well as that, the program I'm using to track my virtual trip has had an "improvement upgrade",  and I can't seem to get it to work. All-in-all I am frustrated with the world.

My total distance so far is 2752.91, and the detour is proving to be the only bright light on the total journey. I'm about half-way around the loop and have just realised that I am cutting out Otorohanga.

In closing, I am comforting myself with the knowledge, that even though the going is slow... I'm still doing more than those sitting on the couch!

Day 110

In the beginning... there was an exercycle...

Well, today's effort was a little better, but I am still struggling to get any real distance on the cycle. I'm really struggling to get back into the swing of things.

I guess it just goes to show how easy it is to slip back into bad habits again. I am starting to accept that this is one aspect of my life that I will have to work at for the rest of my days... *sigh*

On a happier note. My distance was (marginally), better than my last session at 25.45 km, bringing the total distance to 278.08 km.

I've virtually been through Waitomo, and am taking a wee detour off the main road and am following Te Anga Road in a loop, past Waitomo, Te Anga and Kaiwha Harbour. Again, this is very pretty, very hilly country. It's a mixture of farmland and forestry, as is so much of this little spec of green in the ocean of blue.

Day 109

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle...

Back on in the saddle again, and again, today is HARD WORK! Two days, back to back though, and I am finding the first 10 minutes a struggle, and the last 20 minutes difficult too... What is happening to me?

My distance is down, and the actual cycling itself is difficult. I feel like I'm back at the beginning all over again. Today's distance is a meagre 25.16 km. My total so far is 2702.63 km.

I guess the good news is that I'm through Te Kuiti and almost at Waitomo. I am looking forward to a peek through the caves, they are world renowned for their glow worms, so that is pretty exciting.

I guess I will just have to practice being kind to myself until the actual blisters on my bottom burst (I haven't checked, but I'm sure I can feel them!), the calluses build back up again and my fitness builds back up.

Day 108

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Back in the saddle again tonight, and I am discovering (to my horror), how slovenly I have been this last few weeks. One cycle a week does not healthy make one. So, it's a recommitment to myself, my health and my lonely little exercycle.

My bottom is certainly feeling the after effects of slacking off. I think the  calluses have worn thin!!

Still, I'm back on the cycle again. I churned out 25.23 km tonight, bringing my total distance to 2677.47.

I'm travelling inland through the heart of the Waikato at the moment. Tonight sees me finishing just short of Piopio. The terrain is fairly hilly, maybe that's why I've slowed down, I'm climbing in altitude... If only it were that simple. Te Kuiti isn't too far away, and I should make Waitomo in time to have a peep at the glow-worm caves before the end of the weekend.

See you there!!

Day 107

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Today was a much better day than my last effort. Water helps I think. Keeping the "inner woman" well hydrated has helped to make the "outer cyclist" flowing smoothly.

Tonight's effort has seen me add a respectable 25.67 km to my total distance. Pushing that out to 2651.74 km.

Today I crossed over the Mokau River and rode through Mokau. From there I followed the coast north to Awakino. Now I have turned inland and away from the coast, and probably won't see that much more of the coastline until much closer to Auckland.

That's not a bad thing though. Right now, I'm following the Awakino River through the Waikato hill country. The river valley is full of dairy and mixed farms, and there are plenty of trees and forest country up on the hills.

Rather pleasant riding - all from the comfort of my lounge....

Day 106

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle...

OUCH!! Two nights in a row is HARD WORK!! Tonight I struggled through my 45 minute session, racking up a miserly 24.73 km.

This is not good. Just when I was starting to average over 26 km a session, a couple of weeks off has put me back quite a ways. Suffice to say, I am not happy with myself right now, and will use this as motivation to keep me at it.

I'm also trying something different to help me with my motivation. I am cycling earlier in the evening. Before dinner, basically as soon as I get in the door. It has worked these last couple of days. My fiance and I can discuss our days, plan dinner and I'm getting my exercise in nice and early, so I'm not totally hyped up just before bedtime.

My total distance tonight is 2626.07 km. Tonight's ride saw me wind my way back to the coast again. I have the sea on my left and the hill country on my right as I passed over the Tongaponutu River and the Mohakatino River. I also crossed the border between the Taranaki and Waikato provinces. So I am now officially in New Zealand's home of dairy products.

Tonight's ride leaves me on the southern banks of the Mokau River, so tomorrow I will cross over the river, and shortly after that, start heading inland again, continuing my trip to the top of the country.

Day 105

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

And after another week where I found every excuse under the sun not to cycle, I'm paying a painful price.

The last couple of weeks have seen a lot of disruption in my personal life. One of my main "support crew" in my journey is out of circulation for a couple of weeks, and that has really thrown my motivation out of the window. I'm learning that I am a person who is not huge on change, unless I'm the one controlling that change.

So, while I've been confronting one area of my comfort zone, other areas have gone into default mode, and one of those was to become a couch potato rather than being a cycle nut.

I guess that when cycling becomes the default setting to me dealing with stressful situations, I will have succeeded in making cycling an everyday part of my life.

But enough about me!! Tonight's 45 minutes seemed to take a very, VERY long time!! And my distance was short too. I struggled to get to 25.36 km tonight which brings my total distance to 2601.34 km.

I am still tracking north, parallel to the North Taranaki Bite, but I am a way inland now, and there are hills and forests blocking my view to the sea. Tonight sees me between two towns in an area that has mixed forest and farming and the road is winding its way between the hills and beside rivers in the area.

Yet another pretty part of the country.

Day 104

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

And today, I am glad it IS an exercycle! With snow on the ground outdoors, flooding in some parts of the country, and winds tearing roofs off buildings... I am grateful to be cycling indoors, in front of a warm fire.

I lost my mojo for a couple of weeks there... Life and flu-germs got a bit between me and my cycle lately. But, with an extra night free, I figured today was a good day to "get back on the horse" so to speak and get things rolling again.

So, here I am.

Tonight's effort got me 24.93 km tonight, bringing my total distance travelled to 2575.98 km. I am on the banks of the Urenui River, which is in the North Taranaki Bight.

Urenui is a cute wee town that has pubs (of course!), churches, a school, sports teams and all the usual amenities that you would expect to find in a rural community. Including a river and a beach!!

Day 103

In the beginning... There was an exercycle....

Yes, I know, it's been a while.... My cycle told me off tonight too, well, my bottom feels like it's been well spanked, so I guess that must be the bike getting it's own back.

Actually, I've been knocked around a bit by the first round of early winter bugs to hit town. A weekend in Auckland didn't help much (late nights, bad sleep, etc), so I got home, apologised to my cycle and crawled into "repair" mode for a week to get back on top of the bugs.

Today I felt enthusiastic enough to "get back in the saddle" so to speak. So I did. Was pleasantly surprised with my results. I managed a respectable 25.73 km tonight. Which, considering I've had a fortnight off, I think is pretty good. My total distance so far is 2551.05 km.

This has put me just outside of New Plymouth. It really is kind of a funky wee place! With Mt Taranaki looming over it, and a bustling port, this area is steeped in Maori history, something the locals seem to be pretty proud of. There's even this really funky bridge!!

Day 102

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Well, today, there was another Exercycle... That's right, I'm being unfaithful. I'm out of town, and I am cheating on my exercycle from home. Today, I went to a gym and used one of their "flash as" cycles.

And, it was, well, different. I thought I had the resistance about the same, but I sure didn't go anywhere near as far as I do on my Old Faithful back home. I still did 45 minutes, my heart-rate sure was up there like it usually is, and I did sweat quite a lot, but when the numbers were up at the end of my session, I had only covered 19.92 km. Considerably less than I would at home.... Was I holding something back? Or is one machine not as equal as the other? Who knows? Who cares?

At the end of the day, I got out of the hotel, I walked to a gym, I did some exercise, and I didn't just sit on my behind at the bar supping on wine and eating cheese. That in itself is something to cheer about.

On my virtual trip, I'm almost around Mt Taranaki, in fact, I'm right at the base of a wee "hillock/mountainock" (is that even a word?) just north of the Mount itself. My mapping software didn't give it a name, but it peaks at a little over 600m in height, and from Google Earth looks more like a practice run for the real thing which is just to the south of where I am. Other than that, Mt Taranaki is a perfect cone. It sure is a pretty impressive sight, to be travelling around it's seaward skirts.

Well, that's all from me tonight, I will let you know, that I do intend to continue my wee "affair" with the gym cycle for just a couple more days (well, one more at least). Then it's back home to my faithful bike in my lounge. What happens on tour stays on tour, right!?! I wonder if it's missing me? ....

Day 101

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Well, after a few days break for flu, I am feeling fully recovered, and climbed back in the saddle again.

Tonight saw me post yet another respectable distance (for me at least anyway), and made myself another wee milestone along the way. Tonight's distance was 26.31 km, bringing my total distance to 2505.40 km. I've passed 2500 km. And feeling pretty good about it too. I'm even considering increasing the difficulty on the tensioner on my exercycle, as things are starting to get too 'easy'...

Tonight's cycle saw me continue north around the Taranaki Peninsular. I feel like this mountain to my right will never end! I feel like I'm just going around, and around, and around it...

Still, it isn't far now, and I'll be in New Plymouth, then my journey has me turning north again to follow the coast further north... All the way to the top.

Day 100

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

Well, today marks quite a milestone for me. I've done my one hundredth session. Yes, I've been at this now for over 100 days! In that time I have never actually left the house to cycle....

Remember, this is all being done from the comfort of my lounge... I've cycled through aftershocks and during snowstorms, in hot and dry, cold and wet and the most I've done is break a sweat. I confess, I think this is the longest time I have EVER spent exercising in my whole life - a feat I am quietly a little proud of.

For the statisticians, tonight's session saw me cover 26.57 km, bringing my total distance to 2479.09 km (yes, my daily average is 24.79 km per session).

This brings my little "tour" closer to Mt Taranaki. I've cycled south from Christchurch, around the southern tip of New Zealand, and then up the West Coast. Through Marlborough and also cycled across Cook Straight. I'm currently travelling up the West Coast of the North Island, and tonight am just short of Opunake. I have the Tasman Sea to my left, and the Mighty Mt Taranaki to my right. I even got a reasonable view of the "super moon" this morning as it set in the sea....

Day 99

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle....

Struggled my way up Rapaki Track in the real world yesterday, so took the evening off cycling. So, this morning a friend and I traipsed up Hackthorne Road in the real world (for a bit of fun), and tonight I'm back on the cycle.

Tonight's cycle was a hot and heavy affair... We have had our quake damaged log burner finally replaced, so tonight was the first lighting of the new fire. I'm cycling around the lounge and the thermometer in the room is reading 35 deg C... It's hotter in here than it was most of the summer!

Despite the heat (my fiance did ever-so-kindly turn the fan onto me part-way through), I managed to clock on 26.55 km tonight. This brings my total distance to 2452.52 km. I'm right at the base of Mt Taranaki - well almost! I'm in a wee town called Manaia, it's just north of Hawera, but south of Opunake. I'm on a road called the Surf Highway, and I can see why, it's close to the coast, and the surf over here is looking good!

Day 98

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle....

After a two-day rest, I'm back on the cycle again, feeling refreshed and revived. I'm even looking forward to taking on the Rapaki Track again on Saturday. It's become quite the motivator for me, I am going to walk the whole track without stopping one day. Soon!

But that's probably for another blog, I'm getting off track.

Back to the cycle. Tonight's effort got me a rather respectable 26.48 km. Not bad after two days off. Total distance so far is 2425.97 km. Tonight I headed through Patea, made famous in the song Poi e. But I didn't stop there to enjoy the scenery, I carried on up the West Coast and finished in a cute wee place called Manutahi.

I'm getting into forestry/dairy country at the moment, heading towards Hawera. This area was well fought over during the New Zealand Wars in the 1860's. An era in New Zealand's history, that isn't really covered in schools.

From here I'm getting some awesome views of Mt Taranaki, the mountain legend has it was exiled from the Central Plateau for bad behaviour. Lets hope I don't suffer the same fate!

Day 97

In the beginning.... there was an Exercycle....

Today sees me camping at the Waverley Racecourse. Waverley? You ask? Where the heck is Waverley? Well, it's approximately 26.82 km from where I started today and around 2,399.49 km from where I started in Christchurch.... Or at least it is if you take the scenic route, as I have.

I am well pleased with my efforts tonight. I have improved on my distances a little every session this week, and have managed a "bonus" ride over the last week. I'm finding that I am starting to feel like there's something missing in my day if I don't either cycle or go for a good walk.

And now, to where I'm stopped tonight... Waverley. If you check out wonderful Google, Waverley is quite the happening place. There is plenty of wild-food gathering opportunities, a couple of motorsport events, and then there are all the other rural attractions that are such a cornerstone of life anywhere in New Zealand. Heck I bet they've even got a couple of real local characters about hanging out in a bar somewhere.... Think I might go and see if I can shout one or two of them a "lemonade"....

Day 96

In the beginning... there was an Exercycle...

Good session tonight. I am patting myself on the back a little after today's efforts. 26.29 km added today. Bringing my total distance to 2,372.67 km.

Today I virtually travelled from Whanganui (or is it Wanganui?), to the teeny, weeny spot on the map they call Maxwell. I'm told there's good pig hunting in the area and, looking around, with all the forestry in the area, I would say the locals are right. There's also a lot of farming too.

Maxwell has all the usual rural township amenities such as a church, school and swimming pool. I have it on good authority that there is also a really cool art gallery hiding in the area. I might have to see if I can find myself a masterpiece there.

Day 95

In the beginning ... there was an Exercycle...

Well, today, I feel like I got somewhere. Though my distance wasn't one of my best, only 25.45 km, my destination tonight is much more urban than last night. I think my distance was a little less than I have been posting lately as I started the day with a hike up the Rapaki Track in the real world. With a head wind blasting down the valley at me today, it certainly made the uphill walk hard work!

Tonight I'm less than 3 km from Wanganui (or is it Whanganui nowadays?). My total distance is 2,346.38 km. I've travelled past the Ohakea Air Base today, and through Bulls. I've crossed the Rangitikei and Whangaehu Rivers and gone past a swag of lakes today. As well as over a couple of hilly patches. I'm at the northern end of the South Taranaki Bight.

I'm looking forward to getting through New Plymouth in a few days time.

Day 94

In the Beginning... there was an Exercycle...

Where on this good Earth am I tonight? I put on a further 26.89 km tonight, which is rather a respectable distance. My total distance so far is 2320.93 km which puts me... well, Here!

I'm not quite at Ohakea, I'm too coastal to be in Palmerston North (think I missed the turn-off, I might look it up on the way back down), I'm just cycling along a long, straight piece of road, that leads from a long straight piece of road, to another long straight piece of road. I'm surrounded by mixed farming, and I can see the planes from Ohakea zooming around overhead. It can be a bit distracting watching the antics of the aircraft when I'm supposed to be cycling.

So, tonight, I'm here, but I'm not really anywhere..... I hope to "find myself" again soon!

Day 93

In the beginning... there was an exercycle...

Well, today is ANZAC Day. The day that we remember those who sacrificed their lives to ensure ours are as prosperous as they are.

In salute of these brave and generous souls I decided to walk up the Rapaki Track, which isn't far from my home, all the way to Summit Road. It took an hour and 3/4 for the round trip (bottom to top to bottom again), 53 minutes of which was just heading UP! It was a hard trip, but I felt great at the top.

Then I got on my bike tonight and cycled a further 26.43 km. Just to prove I was completely crazy. My total distance so far is 2294.04 km. I'm just short of Foxton on the west coast of the North Island. The roads are heading a little further inland now, and I've swapped the Kapiti Coast for the Taranaki bite. It's still pretty farming country, lots of sheep, cattle and mixed cropping. Almost like Canterbury of the North, only I don't know how the locals would appreciate that. The rugby rivalry between this area and Canterbury is pretty strong.

Day 92

In the beginning... there was an exercycle....

I felt like I didn't put on much distance tonight, only managed a "mere" 25.37 km in my 45 minutes on the exercycle. Then I had a quick look back through some of my previous sessions, and 25 km is a pretty respectable distance. There was a time when 25 km was a "good" session. Now it's an "average" one. Hmm, I guess my fitness is improving.

Tonight my virtual "Journey" continued up the west coast of the North Island. I went through Levin, continued up the Kapiti Coast, over the Manawatu River and am just short of Foxton. I'm looking forward to getting into Foxton, it's got a cute wee windmill there that I'm hoping to get a close look at. In fact, part of the town is a bit like a living museum. There's even an old printery - that's still a viable printing business. Of course, there's a couple of museums too oh, and a stripper!! Flax striping, the area grows some great flax, or at least it did before tourism took over.

Day 91

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

After a weekend of walking around the local hills, I'm back on my bike again tonight. I clocked on a further 26.06 km tonight, bringing my total distance to 2242.24 km. I'm just short of Levin.

Levin is a lovely wee town on the Kapiti Coast I spent an idylic two weeks as a tween on a Girl Guide Jamboree. It's certainly grown a bit (OK, a LOT) in population since I was last in town. But they have a Subway!

The local beaches are much like the beaches along the Canterbury Coast, and I believe they are pretty good surf beaches. In fact the whole area is somewhat like home, it's all green and rolling and sheep and beaches and stuff. Very nice!!

Day 90

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle...

Well, after a couple of days off - the internet ate my route!! I just spent the last hour re-drawing my journey so far.... NOT happy!!

Still, I did get back on the cycle tonight after a couple of days off. I added a further 25.28 km to my distance, bringing total travelled so far to 2216.18 km. I am still on the Kapiti Coast, through Paraparaumu and tonight finished in Waikanae.

From the looks of things there's some not to bad surf beaches along the coast, if you're into surfing. I stopped in at Southwards Car Museum though. An awesome tribute to a family's collection of all things automotive. I would definitely recommend a visit to anyone who heads to Paraparaumu.

Day 89

In the beginning... There was an exercycle...

What a wonderful evening for a cycle!! I love this time of year - warm, dry, calm days; cool, crisp, refreshing nights.... Perfect harvest weather. And heading up the Kapiti Coast, there is plenty of harvesting going on.

Yep, that's where I went today. Through the lovely town of Tawa, and north up the Kapiti Coast. I went through Porirua, and over the bridge at the entrance to the Porirua Harbour. The road runs pretty much parallel to the road along here, so there are plenty of freight trains to help keep me occupied.

I travelled a further 25.98 km tonight, bringing my total distance so far to 2190.90 km. I'm in Paekakariki, which, I believe is the home of Christian Cullen.... The area has a rich rail history and some pretty good surf beaches too, so I hear - though the beaches I've seen so far are looking pretty rugged. Looking out off the coast, I can see Kapiti Island too. I'm off now for a couple of days, catch you all on Thursday.

Day 88

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle...

FINALLY!! I'm back on dry land again :) Hello North Island!! Was a good ride tonight, watching the Crusaders win against the Stormers in Christchurch. The exciting bits of the game certainly made me cycle a bit faster.

I managed a respectable 25.67 km tonight, which I am really rather pleased with as I did a 10 km real world hill walk this morning. I am not kidding when I say that the first 5 km were straight up! Of course the second 5 km were straight down again. I wasn't sure how the old legs would hold up to a ride this evening. Still, I am pretty pleased with the result. My total distance covered so far is 2164.92 km.

As I mentioned, I came ashore today in Wellington, and have discovered that the program I'm using to map my journey on my cycle will not allow me to follow roads that are normally closed to cyclists (eg, motorways). This has meant that I had to take a roundabout sort of trip through Wellington to get onto a road that was heading north.

I have left Wellington Central behind, and travelled through Johnsonville tonight. The end of my journey tonight has me finishing on the outskirts of Tawa, which I understand is Wellington's northernmost suburb. It's a lovely wee valley suburb, separated from the city proper by the hilly terrain, yet linked by road and rail. And just a bit pretty with the autumn colours in the trees. Not a bad spot to stop for today I think.

Day 87

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle...

Back into it with a vengeance tonight. Cranked on a further 26.21 km tonight, which was further than yesterday. Total distance so far is 2139.25 km. I'm in Wellington harbour, but still not quite at landfall yet.

Well, if I went ashore at Ophiro I would be, but as I am following the Inter-Island Ferry route, I still have a wee way to go to get to the terminal. Still, should be out of Wellington and heading north again by the end of the weekend. Then it's up the West Coast of the North Island before returning south down the East Coast and back to Wellington.

I hope the school holiday traffic isn't too heavy for the next week, and now that I'm heading into a major international shipping harbour, there's more than just the ferries and the odd pleasure boat I have to watch for. Container ships are pretty darned big when you are cycling along beside them!!

Day 86

In the beginning... There was an exercycle....

Hope you enjoyed your Easter break. I did, I took a week off the cycle.... OOPS!! Probably not the smartest idea. I didn't, however, spend the long weekend just sitting eating pizza. I hand dug a new vegetable garden - from scratch - and even planted some vegetables in it! So far, they haven't died on me yet either. Now, I just have to wait patiently while they grow.

So, I'm back to cycling across my lounge again. Tonight's effort got me 25.47 km, bringing my total distance to 2113.04 km. I am at the northern part of the Cook Strait crossing, I just have to round the headland and I'll be in Wellington Harbour.

The trip across the strait has been relatively smooth. I've caught up with some dolphins, some whales and a heap of seals too. The ferry traffic was also certainly extremely busy over the Easter weekend, especially as it is the start of the school holidays.

At least I'm travelling to warmer climes.

Day 85

In the beginning... there was an exercycle...

Well, maybe a pedal boat.... Second day straight, and second day in the water... So to speak.

I managed to cross a further 25.51 km of water tonight. My total distance so far is 2087.57 km. I have travelled down Queen Charlotte Sound and have just entered Cook Straight proper.

The islands and the Sounds in the area are quite pretty at this time of year. There are lots of little coves and some pretty secluded beaches that I'm pretty sure are only accessable from the sea.

The weather out here is still pretty good too, and unlike the peak of summer, there's not so many boaties around.

Got to watch the wash from those ferries though. Makes the going a little rough....

Day 84

In the Beginning.... There was an Exercycle....

Another FANTASTIC day on the cycle today. Another personal best AND my cycle is now a wet bike !?!

Yep, cranked out an awesome 27.05 km tonight. I am really feeling a bit proud of my effort. This has brought my total distance so far to 2062.06 km.

I've gone into Picton, and then off the end of the ferry wharf - and SPLASH! I'm cycling to the North Island! Today's effort put me in Queen Charlotte Sound, level with the entrance to Curious Cove, and what a curious place it is! There is sealife aplenty around here. Dolphins, fish, scallops, sea birds.... Just lovely.

And there's not as much traffic either. Just a handful of InterIsland Ferries! I guess I'd better watch for them....

Day 83

In the Beginning ... there was an Exercycle....

Wow!! What a weekend!! While you've been off living your exciting lives, I've been doing something totally CRAZY! Yesterday, I got out into the Real World and walked the City2Surf.

It's an annual event in Christchurch, and was cancelled last year due to the route being very badly damaged. This year, they changed the route (lengthening it) and folks turned out in droves to be a part of it. There were over 10,000 competitors running, walking, pushing toddlers in buggies, wearing Star Wars Storm Trooper suits (?!?). Mother Nature turned on a superb day and I finished the 14 km distance in 2 hours 31 minutes. Which I am quite satisfied with.

So, today, with slightly tight leg muscles, I got back on the bike.....

AND ROCKED OUT A NEW PERSONAL BEST!!

Yep, 26.86 km went on the clock tonight. Bringing my total distance so far to 2035.01 km. I am super happy with that!! Tonight I have travelled through Havelock, and Linkwater. By my next post, I will have been to Picton and have hit the water! Cycling on water should be a new challenge.....

Day 82

In the Beginning... There was an Exercycle....

Tonight I passed another milestone. I broke the 2000 km mark. That feels pretty darned satisfying to me. Tonight I cycled down and through the pretty Rai Valley crossed the Pelorus Bridge and passed through Canvastown.

I covered 25.81 km tonight bringing my total distance so far to 2008.15 km.

I've discovered, that in the right environment, I actually enjoy what I'm doing. I'm feeling fitter, I am certainly cycling a lot further every session now, than I was when I started.

For the first few weeks, to do a 25 km session was a good session, now it's an average session. While I'm cycling I am also noticing my average speed increasing, but my heart rate is not increasing as much. I guess this means that my cardiovascular fitness is increasing.

I also noticed tonight, that the difficulty is getting less. To the extent, I'm strongly considering moving the tension up a notch. Hmmm, maybe once I've crossed Cook Straight....

Day 81

In the Beginning... there was an Exercycle....

I'm climbing again tonight, this time heading to the head of the Rai Valley. I covered 25.90 km tonight brining my total distance to 1982.34 km.

I have well and truly left Nelson behind tonight and am making good headway towards Picton. My journey started tonight with a very twisty stretch of road as I started making my way up and around the ranges that form the top of the South Island. This area is very heavily forested in a mix of both managed pine plantations and also in native bush. So I am virtually sharing the road with a mix of logging trucks, tourist vehicles and the locals.

So, while I am dodging trucks, cars, and the rough weather we have been experiencing lately, I am looking forward to getting to Picton in a couple of days.

Day 80

In the beginning.... There was an exercycle...

Well, not quite around the island in 80 days, but I'm getting there! As expected I've cycled through Nelson today and am currently about half way between Whakapuaka and Hira.

Today's leg covered 25.61 km, bringing my total distance so far to 1956.44 km overall. I have just realised that in a couple more legs, I'll have broken the 2000 km mark. I will have ticked that off before I reach Picton.  I'm feeling just a little impressed that I've managed to stick it out this long.

Nelson is well known as having high sunshine hours over summer, and I know there are a lot of Cantabrians who holiday in Nelson. Since our earthquakes, there have been a number of Christchurch people have relocated to the Nelson are permanently. There is also a lot of industry in the area. Nelson has large areas of managed forest, the climate supports a wide variety of fruits and of  course there are vineyards aplenty.

As much as it would be nice to stay a while, I have a boat to catch before the end of this week.... To Wellington.

Day 79

In the beginning... There was an exercycle....

No record breaking runs today. I suspect maybe I've been too busy enjoying the scenery and the good taste of the local wineries to be busy making distance. However, I wasn't entirely distracted. I did manage to crank out a respectable 25.55 km in my 45 minute session. This brings my total distance so far to 1930.83 km.

I travelled today from Motueka through to Richmond. I am literally on the cusp of Nelson. The autumnal colours are starting to show in the trees, and the pip-fruit orchards are bursting with new-season apples and pears. The wineries are busy harvesting and preparing the vintage of 2011, or is it 2012...

While we debate the merits of what the locals in this area produce. I shall continue along my way....

Day 78

In the Beginning.... There was an Exercycle....

Well, here I am again, another day, another Personal Best. :) I am one VERY happy camper. OK, so it was only .01 of a km more than last time, but considering I did a Real World 10.4 km walk in 115 mins yesterday, I'm pretty happy with myself.

Tonight's record distance was 26.62 km bringing my total so far to 1905.28 km. I'm almost through Motueka tonight. Have come back down out of the mountains and I'm alongside the Moutere Inlet. I've reached the Northern most part of my South Island journey, and am technically a smidgen further north than the southern most part of my North Island journey (when I get that far).

I'm having a couple of days off to virtually enjoy the wineries of the area before I head towards Richmond, Nelson and Picton. Then I'll be cycling across Cook Straight (later this week) to Wellington. I might need to invest in some fatter tyres for floatation......

Day 77

In the beginning... there was an exercycle....

Well, tonight I did something completely unexpected. Not only have I "treated" - yes TREATED!! - myself to a ride on the bike...

I HAVE ALSO SET A PERSONAL BEST!!!!

Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited?

Maybe it's because I had a couple of days off... Maybe it's because I'm virtually riding downhill at the moment, or maybe it's because I'm actually getting fitter. To be honest - I don't really care.

Tonight I travelled 26.61 km in my 45 minute cycle. I've travelled a total distance so far of 1878.65 km.

I have left Tapawera and am travelling north to Motueka. Tonight I went through Woodstock! Although I'm travelling north, my altimeter tells me I am descending in altitude quite rapidly. So, it is quite literally, all downhill at the moment!

Well, tomorrow I'm trading in my exercycle for my walking shoes. I'm participating in the annual Kaiapoi to Rangiora fun run/walk. I'll be walking it, but it will be interesting to see just how long it takes me to walk the 10 km trip, I know I could cycle it in less than half an hour.

Day 76

In the beginning... there was an exercycle...

Woke up this morning a little saddle sore after last night's efforts. I guess that's the price I have to pay for having had almost a fortnight off. The other price has been an upward movement on the scales this week. It is just the motivation I need to get me back in the saddle again tonight. Tomorrow is a rest day, so I will be tending to any saddle sores I may have then. :)

So, off I headed. Still tracking North. I'm almost at the northern most point of my South Island circuit. I anticipate being in Motueka by the end of the week. After that, I will head towards Picton, and then into the North Island.

I added a respectable 25.25 km to my distance tonight. Bringing my total distance so far to 1852.05 km. I'm still in fairly mountainous terrain travelling between two National Parks. The forest scenery is wonderful, and the native birdsong is delightful. Fantails are very entertaining, flitting around in the trees. I passed through Tapawera alongside the Motueka River. Unlike the Buller River, I am following the Motueka in the direction of flow, which means that although there's still plenty of ups and downs along the road, the overall altitude is dropping. I guess that means the road is a bit like my journey.... Sometimes up a little, but better when down a lot overall.

So, until next time followers - happy trails :)

Day 75

In the Beginning.... There was an, Exercycle....

Well, I've had a little over a week off.... It's a tough time of year to be a Cantabrian right now. First anniversary of the Feb 22 earthquake has certainly left a lot of people feeling very low, including myself. I just didn't feel up to doing anything much.... So, I listened to my body. I felt blue, I allowed myself some self-pity, I cried a bit, and I had some early nights.

This morning however, dawned cool, crisp and bright. By that time, I had already done a light hand-weights workout and been for a 30 minute walk. So organised was I, that I came home, put dinner in the oven and hopped on my faithful friend, Exercycle.

We spent 45 minutes of quality time together for the first time this month, and it felt GREAT! I clocked on with 26.19 km tonight, which is an extremely good distance considering how long it has been since I last cycled.

That bought my total distance so far to 1826.80 km. I've crossed over the Main Divide (finally), having crossed Glen Hope Saddle. I'm now in the Marlborough province and heading northwards again. I'm still in pretty mountainous country, and it is pretty too. Lots of native forest around and the lovely sounds of native birds to keep me motivated.

Day 74

In the beginning... There was an exercycle....

OK, so I've had a few days off the cycle. But I'm back on it again, and I picked a lovely warm, calm evening to continue along my way. Of course a breeze would have been nice, but I forgot to turn a fan on when I started, and I wasn't stopping once I had started!

Tonight I added a further 25.38 km to my total distance of 1800.70 km. I'm still alongside the Buller River, this time along the southern border of the Kahurangi National Park. I passed through Owen Junction tonight, but didn't make it as far as Kawatiri tonight. In fact, I've just passed where the Gowan River meets the mighty Buller.

I am also climbing in altitude. The climb is fairly steady through here, and I'm starting to track more north than east as I angle towards Motueka. My intention is to head to Motueka, through Nelson to Picton, then I will leave the South Island and cross the Cook Straight into the North Island. I think it's going to be quite some time before I see home again.....

Day 73

In the Beginning.... there was an Exercycle.....

Today was just another day that I'm glad I'm not doing this in the real world. It's cold and wet outside today, and going by the traffic on our roads, certainly not cycling weather! Do you think that stopped me? In my warm, dry lounge? In front of the TV? HECK NO!! I got a cycle, got my shirt wet from the inside out, AND got caught up on some recorded telly.

I added 26.05 km to my journey today. There's something very satisfying knowing I've done more than 26 km in my 45 minutes. For so long it was a struggle to do 25 km, so to be able to break 26 km feels like success.

Tonight I travelled through Murchison further up the Buller River. It's getting much smaller now as I get closer to its source. I'm starting to get back into some steep country again, there's a lot more up-hill than there is down! My total distance of 1175.40 km puts me just over the Mangles River, a good sized tributary to the Buller. It won't be too much longer and I will leave the Buller River and cross the Main Divide. In the meantime, it's all up-hill from here!

Day 72

In the Beginning... There was an exercycle.

Whew!! It has been a busy, busy few days since I last cycled. I've been socialising, working, doing chores, walking and even managed an early night last night.

With the Coast to Coast race on, I was glad I was North of Karamea. Traffic would have been VERY heavy between there and Sumner over the last two days. Which reminded me of something on my Bucket List... To go to Sumner and be there when the last competitor finishes, just to congratulate the last person home. I figure that there are plenty of people there to congratulate the winners, but as the celebs head home, and the TV crews pack up and leave, the crowd thins too. Then its the real hard men and women that start arriving. They're the ones on a low budget, they may not be able to train as often as the professional athletes. They have toughed it out all the way. In my mind they are the true heroes. They've never given up.

While I'll never be brave enough to compete myself I can relate to the never say die attitude the last competitors have. I think it will be an awesome thing to do. Just once. So, in 2013 I'll do it.

In the meantime I'm still hauling along the Buller River. I passed through a wee place called Lyell, and am fervently hoping that I'll make it to Murchison tomorrow. Tonight I clocked on 25.72 km, bringing my total distance travelled to 1749.40 km. It won't be around the island in 80 days, maybe 80 years!

Day 71

In the Beginning... there was an Exercycle....

Today's ride is a bit of a bonus. I had programmed to have a rest day today and tomorrow as well. When I got home from work, some un-completed chores left me feeling somewhat grouchy.

In my "previous life" I would probably have had a rant, and sat down with a pie and a big bowl of ice-cream to drown my sorrows... NOT TONIGHT!

Tonight, I voiced my disappointment at not having things done around the house, then hopped on my exercycle and rode my grouchiness away. The chores will still get done, but I'm not angry now, and I haven't eaten anything that will put a road-block in my travels.

Tonight, my "bonus" ride got me 25.25 km further along the road, putting my total distance at 1723.70 km. I'm still beside the Buller River, tonight I passed through Inangahua heading east towards Murchison.  I'm also starting to gain altitude as I make my way into the Main Divide.

So, tomorrow is most certainly a Rest Day. I hope to catch you all back again in a couple of days....

Day 70

In the Beginning.... There was an Exercycle.....

Well, the sun actually came out today, in the real world....

Public holiday here today, so I had a day of domesticity. Made some apricot jam... Just waiting for the jars to cool down enough for the jam to set. Looking forward to having fresh, home-made jam on my toast in the morning!

Also had time to leap on the bike and blat out a 45 minute session. Racked up 25.56 km to make my total distance 1698.50 km.

I left Westport and tonight am travelling east at the moment, back into the Main Divide alongside the Buller River. The terrain is starting to get a bit steep as I climb up into the mountains, but the air is clear, and there forest on one side of the road, and the river on the other side.

If I wasn't sweating it out so much, I might even enjoy the view.

Day 69

In the Beginning.... There was an Exercycle....

After yesterday's lack of interest in cycling that turned out successfully, today I was much more motivated to ride a lap of my living room.

The results didn't match my enthusiasm however, maybe that was caused in no small part by my 5.5 km hill walk previously today. I will confess to a hint of saddle soreness when I started this evening. Thank goodness that wore off pretty quickly.

Tonight's action saw me add a miserly 24.31 km to my total distance of 1673.00 km. I haven't done that short a distance in my 45 minutes in ten sessions.

I did however, make my goal for this week. I have reached Westport. I tripped by Cape Foulwind and past the seal colonies, and tonight I am camped in Westport. Tomorrow will see me starting an easterly turn so I can head towards Nelson and Picton.

Hopefully for some drier weather. So, until then....

Day 68

In the beginning... There was an exercycle....

I didn't want to cycle tonight.... I really didn't want to cycle tonight.... I had had a long day, trying to focus on something I really didn't want to be focused on. And we all know how difficult that is. Well, when I got home, all I wanted to do was blob out in front of the TV and veg out....

Then I got a text from a very good friend "you on the bike yet?"

Damn!! "I don't wanna, please don't make meee" was my immediate response. If I had been in bed, I think I'd have pulled the blankets over my head and hidden.

It was James that clinched it for me when he said "if you don't bike tonight, you'll only beat yourself up about it for not going tomorrow"

So, with that kind of peer pressure going on, how could I not? I donned my gear, and got on the cycle....

And cranked out a very tidy 25.60 km!! The worst thing was, when I was done, I felt GREAT! Sure, I was hot and sweaty. I was also really glad I'd done it.

25.60 km added to my total brings me to 1648.79 km. I'm almost at Westport, on the recommendation of a friend, I am taking a wee detour to a place called Cape Foulwind. There's a concrete manufacturing plant there, and I'm told a great seal colony. So, while tonight, I only made it to the turn-off, by my next ride I should be able to tell you all about it.

Is there a lesson to be learned from tonight's ride? Well, I guess there is. With all the negative connotations we have for peer pressure in our lives, there are also some positives to be taken from it. If used in the right way, peer pressure can be a great motivator, and, make us all a bit healthier.

Huge thanks to James and Kirsten for being my Buddies along the way. xox

Day 68

In the Beginning.... There was an Exercycle.....

Well, did you miss me? Hehehe, I didn't think so.  I've had a couple of rest days, but tonight was back "in the saddle" so to speak.

As seems to be the way with me, my first one back from a couple of days off I seem to be able to post a really good distance. Today was no different, I turned out a respectable (for me anyway), 25.41 km. I've by-passed Punakaiki, gone past the pretty Woodpecker Bay and am heading to Charleston.

It really is a very scenic area I'm in, especially in the Papaora National Park. It's a bit wet, and the sandflies are still pretty large over here, but I am really enjoying spending time on my bike again.

I've also been doing some walking, early mornings, out in the real world.

We have a long weekend this weekend in New Zealand. We're celebrating our national day, so rest assured, I'll be being active all weekend.

Goodnight from me tonight. I will leave you all with my total distance covered so far.... 1623.19 km.

Day 67

In the Beginning.... There was, an Exercycle....

Day 67 was pretty hard yakka. I'm kind of in a bit of no-man's land at the moment. I'm north of Greymouth, but my ride tonight leaves me short of Punakaiki. I didn't even make the famous Punakaiki Rocks, which is a little disappointing because now I'll be whizzing by them on my next session....

Think my slightly shorter distance tonight was caused by a slightly later than usual dinner. Full tummy equates to a slower speed for me apparently, and hence a shorter distance. Tonight I managed 24.95 km, and it was fairly hard work.

I've discovered a new feature on the mapping I am using tonight too. A terrain feature. It's not quite as distracting as satellite, but certainly gives a lot more info than just a map.

Tonight's ride was an interesting blend of farmland and forest. Split evenly by the road I'm following. Quite the contrast in scenery.

My total distance covered so far is 1597.78 km for all the numbers geeks.

Tomorrow is a rest day for me, but I have promised myself I have to do at least one more session this week before Thursday.....

Until next time.... :)

Day 66

In the beginning.... There was an Exercycle....

WHEW!! What a day. Cold and damp outdoors, but on my exercycle in the lounge - the weather is PERFECT!

James has suggested that he could squirt me with water to give my rides "more realism". I used some naughty words to suggest what he could do with that idea!

Was really pleased with my distance tonight, 25.89 km. Put me well through Greymouth and Runanga. I made it all the way to Ten-Mile Creek. There's some really stunning scenery in this area. The native bush, quite literally comes right to the edge of the highway. Ferns and moss-covered trees that you could reach out and touch - if it wasn't so darned wet!

Total distance so far is 1572.83 km.

Oh, and the sandflies.... Think I might harness them and get them to tow me along!

Days 61 - 65 (present)

In the beginning .... There was an exercycle....

Well, you've stuck with me, and reached present day. I'm posting this immediately after completing my 65th session. The last 5 days between my last post and now are thus:

Distance travelled = 127.38 km bringing my total overall to 1546.94 km.

I've broken the 1500 km mark this week. Feeling quite chuffed about that.

Something else I'm a bit chuffed about, is that in 1500 km, I've shed 5 kgs. I've shifted house, got engaged, endured plenty of aftershocks, survived snow and am addressing my relationship with food. I'm feeling just a little bit proud of myself and my achievement so far.

But, I digress - on with the story!

I left Whataroa and continued north up the West Coast. I virtually travelled through Hari Hari, Ross and Hokitika. They have the most awesome glass blowing studio in Hokititka, I would certainly recommend a visit if you ever get there in person. Glass blowing is fascinating to watch.

Tonight alone, I headed north from Hokitika through Kumara Junction, yep, past the place that the Coast to Coast race starts from. The competitors will be heading off from there in only a couple of weeks. Might have to pop down to Sumner and see them arrive at the beach this year.

So, tonight, I finished my session in a wee place called Gladstone.

The next time I post will be after day 66. And if you are really keen to keep following along - I'll post after every session, until I reach The End of the Lounge. :)

Days 51 - 60

In the beginning... There was an exercycle.....

I think it has finally struck me that this is going to be a long haul.... These 10 sessions have seen some pretty big upheaval going on in my non-cycling life.

You won't know from where you are reading this, but between day 52 and day 53 there was a three week gap while I shifted house. A pretty big task when you realise it was a blending of more than two entire households into one, right on Christmas, having taken no time off from work to do it (so that means evenings and weekends only), whilst cleaning the new place (rental tenants had left quite a mess!),  amongst all the shakes and quakes we've been experiencing in Christchurch.

The Exercycle spent nearly two weeks blocked in in the garage alone, until we could clear enough space to set it up in the lounge of the new place. But OH! was it good to get back!!

I had a day of "saddle soreness" after my first session back. I think it was the cycle expressing its displeasure at being abandoned for so long. I also noticed a drop off in my distance averages, probably due in no small part to having lost a little fitness during the break. Still, I am cranking away, having clocked on a further 249.68 km all while shifting house!

My weight is continuing to track downwards too. I have officially lost 5% of my original body weight, which is a smidgen short of 5 kgs. Although it has been a little up and down (weight wise), week by week, the overall trend is downwards, which is exactly as I want it to be.

My virtual cycle journey continued through Mt Aspiring National Park, over the Main Divide and onto the West Coast of New Zealand. Ahh, the West Coast famous (or should that be infamous) for it's gold, beer, people, rain and sandflies!! Yet another time I am glad I'm not actually doing this in person. I'm the type that the small sandflies would have carried me off into the bush for the bigger ones to eat!

I left Mt Aspiring National Park and continued North through Haast, past the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, the western side of Mt Cook (our highest peak) and through a wee town called Whataroa. There is certainly some lovely sights to see in an area of the country that has some of the highest rainfall. There is an abundance of something you don't see on the eastern side of the Main Divide, lush natural rain forests.

So, until next time, I'll cycle on....

Days 41 - 50

In the beginning.... there was an exercycle....

This section saw me achieve some milestones. I am topping 25 km per session now, as illustrated in my travel time for this 10 day bracket. 252.02 km travelled in only 10 sessions! Not only that, but on Day 44, I finally broke the 1000 km travelled mark. It's taken 45 days, but I've come quite a ways.

What really topped it was a Personal Best of 26.16 km travelled on Day 49. Was pretty excited about that. Now I have a new motivator. Not only to see how far I've travelled, but to see how much distance I can clock up in my 45 minute sessions. Am feeling pretty confident with myself right now.

This is almost becoming an addiction. I am really enjoying getting on the bike almost every night now, and belting out my 45 minutes. It's a little bit of "me" time every day. I'm finding I'm sleeping better, and I am feeling better in myself too. And of course there's the added bonus of having shed a further kg by this point.

By day 50, I have travelled a total distance of 1169.88 km. Where has my trip taken me this time? Let me tell you of all the exciting places I've virtually been. As you will recall from my previous post I was just south of Kingston. From there I headed north alongside Lake Wakatipu until I reached Queenstown. Queenstown is a real touristy stop, there's lots to do and some pretty scenery to take in on the way. From there it was on through Arrowtown, through Gibbston and Cromwell, the stonefruit capital of New Zealand. At Cromwell the roads head more northerly again, so it was up and through Tarras then back towards the west towards Wanaka. From Wanaka, I finish this leg in Mt Aspiring National Park.

My route here is a little meandering as there are a fair few mountains to navigate between. This area was made famous by the filming of Lord of the Rings movies, and it really is God's Own movie set. There are rugged mountains, wide plains, natural river terraces, alpine bowls, blue opalescent glacier-fed lakes. The scenery is from tussock grassland and orchards/wineries to alpine forests. It's a great illustration of the diversity of the environment that we live in every day.

Days 31 - 40

In the beginning .... There was an exercycle....

Day 31 saw me leaving Pahia and heading north again, this time I was hitting the West Coast.

Most days I managed to surpass the 25 km mark for each of my sessions except one. It was cut short and only managed a mere 16.71 km which brought my average down. Still, at least I had got on the bike that day.

Distance covered over the 10 days was 245.24 km bringing my total distance to 917.86 km. VERY close to the 1000 km mark.

By this point I think I have to admit, I'm an addict. Sad as it may seem. There is no discomfort in my posterior and I actually feel really good when I get off the bike and record my distance. I have found a series of TV shows to watch as I cycle that take me one session to watch, and as the excitement in the story builds, I am finding I am starting to cycle, just that little bit faster.

This leg of my journey sees me virtually travelling through some of the South Island's most photographed scenery. I head north through South Westland and alongside Lake Manapouri. From there to the lovely Te Anau, then on through to Mossburn and Lumsden. This trip takes me to just short of Kingston which is at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu.

While completing this leg of the journey Spring finally starts to show itself in Christchurch and I am not needing the heating on so much when I'm cycling. Won't be long and I'll need the air-conditioning on to help cool me down!

Days 21 - 30

In the beginning .... there was an exercycle....

So, three weeks in and I'm going great guns. I'm averaging 25 kms per session, and I am actually enjoying the riding.

My wonderful partner is being encouraging, making sure I'm amply supplied with lots of water to drink. The catch being there's no cup/bottle holder on my exercycle. This means my glass of cool water is sitting on the TV cabinet - just out of my reach! His encouragement "you can drink it when you can reach it".... Sometimes I wonder about his motivations....

I'm even having some success on the scales - in three weeks I've lost 1.5 kg. So am feeling well motivated by that too.

I have covered a further 224.37 kms bringing my total travelled distance to 672.62 km. I've travelled through the beautiful and rugged Catlins area. Lovely green rolling hills, steep cliffs that stare down the Great Southern Ocean and wind-sculpted trees and forests.

I've also been through Invercargill. New Zealand's most southern city. There is an awesome private truck museum there that was started by Bill Richardson. Truly, truly an amazing place to visit (I have actually been there a couple of times in real life).

My journey has continued through Invercargill and now I am turning North, and up the awesome West Coast.

I am starting to frighten myself by how much I am enjoying this.....

Days 11 - 20

In the beginning... There was an exercycle ....

Well, the next 10 days/nights/sessions (I cycle in the evenings generally), saw me continue on my way south (virtually of course). I left Waimate and headed down through the historic cycling town of Oamaru and continued on towards Dunedin.

The blisters had burst - or I had started to develop calluses - and I was getting into a kind of rhythm. I was also starting to notice my distances were starting to creep up just a smidgen.

As I got closer to Dunedin, I also became very pleased that I wasn't actually doing this in the real world, that I wasn't experiencing the real weather out there. We had had snow in Christchurch, a very rare occurrence in this part of the world, so was glad to be cycling from the comfort of my lounge.

Also, there is no traffic, and no hills to contend with. So, I just straight out cycle for 45 minutes (on resistance setting 6 of 8) and record my distance. I confess I REALLY appreciated that when I went through Dunedin. In the real world, there's some NASTY hills heading into and out of the port city.

In the second 10 days of my Tour, I racked up 250.13 km. Bringing my total distance to 448.25 km. I had travelled from Waimate, headed south THROUGH Dunedin, and on south, through Milton and Balclutha. At that point I left the main highway, and continued South but into the Catlins. A lovely area of the country that has some really rugged scenery.

I was rather looking forward to what lay ahead.....

First 10 Days

In the beginning... There was an Exercycle....

As mentioned in my previous post, this is my journey to a healthier lifestyle.

After setting the "rules of engagement" between myself and my cycle, I also had to decide on a goal.

Let's face it, sitting on an exercycle in your living room pumping your legs up and down for 45 mintues a night isn't terribly exciting. I needed inspiration, something to keep me interested - this was going to be a long haul after all.

So, I figured maybe a Virtual Tour of the country. I started with my home address and using an awesome online tool have mapped my distances. See http://nz.mapometer.com. So, I had a virtual start point for my journey.

My start point was Christchurch City, New Zealand.

I also decided to get a handle on my physical start point for myself. So, I jumped on the scales..... BAD move!! 82.5 kg of me OUCH!!

With that in mind, I threw my leg over the seat of my exercycle, and departed. I left Christchurch and headed South down the East Coast of the South Island.

In the first 10 days, I covered 198.39 km. Remember that's in bursts of 45 minutes per session.

It was HARD WORK. My body did protest exceedingly for the first 4 days. I never thought my poor wee bottom  (OK, so wee is probably the wrong word to describe my behind), would ever cope with the seat of my exercycle.

Now, I think I have developed calluses on my behind, and the seat is somewhat more comfy. I had a couple of rest days, and managed the distance between Christchurch and Waimate.

Waimate is a lovely wee town famous for it's summer berries. They have a Strawberry Festival every year in November. Unfortunately for me, it was August when I went through - far to cold and wet for strawberries in winter in New Zealand.

Still, I cycled on.....

In the beginning... There was an exercycle....

Welcome to my blog.

This is a journey to health and fitness. And here is the background to my future posts.

In the beginning ..... There was an exercycle.....

I purchased an exercycle to get (funnily enough) some exercise. After assembling and putting in the lounge, it proceeded for the next few months to collect dust, and become a wonderful clothes horse - so much for getting fit!

The along came TV coverage of that wonderful cycle race Tour de France. My flatmate challenged me to cycle for 30 minutes each day that the professionals cycled.

So I did.

And I enjoyed it.

Then the Cycle race finished.... What to do??

A new challenge was required.

So, I decided to carry on cycling (around my lounge, it is an exercycle after all).

Rules of Engagement are:
Use cycle almost every day - a maximum of two rest days every 7 days is permitted
Cycle for 45 minutes
Record distance "ridden"
Starting at my Home address, map how far I have travelled that day.

Until now, that is precisely what I have done.

Now I am adding a new challenge.

BLOG it!

In my next post, I will let you all in on just how far I've come so far, and where I'm heading to.