UPDATE 17 Nov - C2C(@A) - Christchurch to Coast at Akaroa
17 November 2019
The cancellation of the C2C resulted in some rapid rethinking of how to recognise the kind donations already received.
On Friday, I did a 100 km ride to Southbridge and back. Going was fun, but a strong northeasterly had picked for the return leg. 50 km into a headwind concentrates the mind. It would have been easy to stop and call for a lift home, but that wasn't the point. Those facing a future with diseases such as MD can't 'phone for a lift home'. They have to battle the headwind.
A suggestion from a friend quickly grew into more varied challenge for yesterday. I'd travel from Christchurch to Akaroa (on the Banks Peninsula) under my own steam; breaking the journey into four legs. 19 km on the mountain bike to Gebbies Pass was followed by an 18 km hike over Mt Herbert (919 m) to Port Levy Saddle. By this time, a howling northerly wind had picked up, but at least it was warm.
My amazing support team had picked up my bike at Gebbies Pass, so it was back on the bike at Port Levy Saddle for a 21 km off-road ride to French Farm on the west side of Akaroa Harbour. That just left a 7 km paddle (blown along by the strong tailwind) in a kayak over a very choppy harbour to Akaroa. I was accompanied on the last two legs by a great friend, who spurred me on. Thanks team!
It was a great day out and quite a challenge; 65 km travelled, 2,260 m of vertical ascent, and 4,200 calories burned.
Once again thank you to all of you that have donated to MDANZ. It really is appreciated and you spurred me on to think of new challenges for the weekend.