More reflections from Jim on the South Island tour.
6 November 2021Here’s some more notes from Jim on his recent epic cycling journey, with heartfelt thanks to all he met and stayed with on the South Island leg of the journey:
“Monday 11 October we left Picton on the journey first calling at my Number one helper and itinerary organiser Peter Forman's nephew and my great nephew Dave Forman of Imagine Signs, Dave supplied us with monogrammed shirts, flour jackets, and signage for Pete's ambulance free of charge which was much appreciated. Thanks Dave and family.
Onto Christchurch where we stayed with my niece Sharron and her husband John Lee. We hadn't seen each other for years so was a great catchup. Spent two nights with them which we thoroughly enjoyed. While in Christchurch caught up with another Fragile X family at their house for coffee and chats. Wednesday we drove to Dunedin. I think was the only day I never did a ride because of vile weather. Arriving at daughter Kim’s and son in law Adrian’s house and was able to catch up with their Daughter Jaimie and son Brad both of whom have Fragile X we spent a couple of enjoyable hours with them. After a ride the next day, travelled on to my second cousin in Clyde, Kevin Boyle, with whom we were to stay for six nights. Kev and I started school together in Milton so were able to talk about the dim past. While I was riding some of the trails in the area Pete and Kev had a pretty good time in the ambulance telling yarns and generally having fun. Kev was a great host and Pete and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.
Was good to catch up with old shearing mate and his wife Snow and Lynne Quin and friends Bill Usher and partner Lynn. We moved on to Cromwell and stayed with brother Speed’s widow Marie who made us very welcome although she got a quite a shock when first seeing me as it was the day I face planted and obviously didn't look too flash. Typical Marie, took it in her stride and she and Pete had me looking my handsome self again. Also enjoyed having dinner with nephew Kelly and neice Levena.
Pete and I went through the Lindis Pass to catch up with Kim, Adrian and Brad at the Ruataniwha camping ground where we met up with another nephew on my wife Jean's side, Peter Lyall. We had a great three days there and some good riding, and think I did about 330 Km in that time.
On the Monday morning we set of for Greymouth with me actually riding a fair bit on the road, when we arrived at the motel which Pete Lyall had booked and paid for it was dark and rain forecast for next morning. This was only time on whole journey we never stayed with family. Met up with another Fragile X family next morning after my ride and enjoyed catching up with them though was only for a few short time as it was quite wet.
Then onto Motueka to stay with neice and husband Alana and Ray Joyce. Had a great catchup and good night's sleep and a ride in the morning with Ray. Also met their son Darryl who I had never met before. While in Motueka met and had lunch with a family with a Fragile X son. He was a delightful young guy and enjoyed our time with them. We then went onto Nelson for afternoon tea with Andrea and Dan Lee. Andrea is CEO of Fragile X NZ. We then went to spend the last night of our journey with Pete Lyall and partner Cheryl and family.”
Jim passes on his very grateful thanks to all those who helped along the way, those who donated to the cause, Waikawa Bay school for their wonderful support, and John and Peter, without who’s help it wouldn't have happened.
Cheers to all, Jim
