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"....
Monday, 30 April 2012
Sunday, 29 April 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
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!
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.
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.
Monday, 23 April 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
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!!
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!!
Thursday, 19 April 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 16 April 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
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!!
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.
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.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
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....
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....
Sunday, 1 April 2012
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....
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....
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