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.....
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Friday, 23 March 2012
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....
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....
Thursday, 22 March 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 19 March 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
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....
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....
Sunday, 11 March 2012
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......
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......
Saturday, 10 March 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
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 :)
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 :)
Sunday, 4 March 2012
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.
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.
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