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Pedalling For HOPE

  • Done and dusted

      18 February 2018
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    A2W day 8. Otaki to Wellington

    Another day of perfect weather, ie;overcast, then clear, and a modest breeze meaning I barely had to pedal to get to Wellington in the first place. Super familiar territory also meant the ks kinda just disappeared. The old SH1 from Peka Peka to Raumati is beautiful to ride nowadays- almost zero traffic, plenty room, and nice and smooth. Noticeably higher incidence of Mamils coming into a metro area, but no problems all the same. Extra cool to see familiar faces too including the Wellington Water Peloton (pictured), plus whanau and other workmates at the Gasworks Miramar for what was possibly the nicest tasting pint Ive ever had. Very thankful to all and feeling very lucky. Before I sign off, some numbers for the data geeks:

    8 days, 740km, 6708m elevation gain, 26.5 hours, 16 bananas, 8 pikelets, 1 corned beef sandwich and 0 flats! :-)

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  • Bit of reflection

      17 February 2018
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    A2W day 7. Palmerston North to Otaki

    Riding today, while fun (basically a flat, short, fast run to Otaki) was a bit secondary to just pondering this whole thing. Realising though not any sort of amazing achievement, it's been significant for me. Coming to terms with being proud of myself for what I've done, and looking forward with confidence to whatever comes next. Had this ride idea kicking around for years but never knew if I could do it. Of course, you just don't know till you try eh. Preparing well has helped but possibly not as much as the good vibes all the way since before even heading off, from family, friends, workmates and all. Today, very lucky to stay with whanau, catch up, play backyard cricket, lego, jigsaws, guitar, and just yarn about the world and nuthin in particular. Life's pretty good.

    Today's photo: Otaki. Time for reflection (and for getting well beaten at cricket by young nephew)

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  • All roads lead to... Marton apparently

      16 February 2018
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    A2W day 6. Whanganui to Palmerston North

    Yep, pretty much lost count of the number of signs and turn offs promising the delights of Marton just down the way. Many opportunities missed is what I'm thinking. Anyway, bit of a slow start to the day, feeling a teeny bit sorry for meself after yesterday, but was reminded to enjoy the ride; after all, that's a big part of the reason I'm here. So... a decent muesli and toast brekkie at Cafe Red Eye and away. Maybe 20k in, legs had warmed up to the task and the rest of the ride was kind of a blur (apart from the Marton signs obviously). Lyrics of the day, Metallica (who else?) "gimme fuel gimme fire gimme that which I desire!", ie; remember to eat and drink properly ya mug!

    Extra thanks to Ambassador Motel Palmie today for donating half the accommodation charge as discount. Good folks.

    Today's photo: Palmie square, new sculpture, old clock tower (definitely no cross on top)

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  • Back in Canes territory

      15 February 2018
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    A2W day 5. Ohakune to Whanganui via river road

    Blue skies all day, a few tufts of cloud, light breezes... that's right, we're back in "Hurricanes" territory! That aside, a little bit of a tougher day at the office with more distance and climbing than expected, but still all good. Whanganui was running pretty brown and high with recent stormy stuff further north, had obviously done some damage earlier as there were roadworks and traffic managers a plenty dealing with washouts and slips. Much of the road being graded clay at present. Very thankful to be riding through in the aftermath rather than in flood strangely enough. Interesting place names along the way of tiny settlements such as Atene (Athens) and Ranana (London). Was very pleased to get over the last hill at Parikino and down to Upokongaro Cafe for a luverly fruju and some lunch.

    Bike is hanging together well. Rider at this point, well, just hangin.

    Today's photo: Best dairy name I've seen. Ever.

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  • The Eagles were on the money today!

      14 February 2018
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    A2W day 4. Taumarunui to Ohakune

    I typically ride with some kinda random selection of tunes playing in my head. One that came through this morning with a good message for the work ahead was Take it Easy by the Eagles. Just that simple message helped keep the legs soft for the mostly gradual climb to National Park. But there was a follow up line which became equally apt: "don't let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy". A slight a-rubbing noise somewhere near the back wheel, while not serious, did start to well, make me crazy! By the time I rolled into Ohakune, I knew I had to visit the bike shop for a check up. Good people at TCB sorted me out. Anyway, excellent ride today, especially the stretch from National Park to Ohakune which was an absolute blast. Very slight downhill and tailwind, plenty gas in the tank, awesome fun. Pretty lucky with the weather today as well, just misty till midday. Hosing down in patches once I'd settled into digs. Very happy.

    Today's photo: Sir Lancelot the Brussel sprout, one of Munchie Manchester Carrot's many friends at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Fun Park

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  • Soggy bottom boy

      13 February 2018
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    A2W day 3. Waitomo to Taumarunui

    Wee bit of wet stuff today but actually pretty happy with that rather than baking sun. Few reasonable climbs as well but nothing next to a Moonshine Rd (east) or even a Blue Mountains so again, all pretty cool. Some places of interest today; Mighty Colin storming down the main street Te Kuiti, Cherry Gr reserve confluence of Ongarue and Whanganui in Taumarunui, and the hospital my Mum was born at also in Taumarunui. People here are... there's no other way of putting it, kind of lovely. My jaded city slicker ways may be at a bit of a contrast to the friendly chatty smiley locals. Or maybe it's just mild fatigue making me emotional.... yeah na.

    Today's photo: Cherry Gr Reserve view of confluence, Ongarue and Whanganui

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  • Corn and mucus

      12 February 2018
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    A2W day 2. Hamilton to Waitomo

    Day started off with an easy roll down to Waitomo, bookended by corn at one end: corn fields, the Pioneer maize research centre and of course corned beef sammies (and pikelets) in my back pocket for a snack along the way... blimmen luvly, don't knock it till you try it! Other end of the day of course, famous, snotty bioluminescent fly larvae doing their thing. Nice and cool underground during a hot n humid day, also got my wallet nicely lightened, which should help... A very nice homemade chicken and brie pie at Cafe Kai & Bar for lunch. Coulda been 4 and 1/2 stars but missed the half down to lack of milkshakes, or yoghurt or whipped cream for my raspberry slice. A surprising dearth of dairy related products given the location. 4/5.

    Today's photo: Sunset over Waitomo camp ground. Well, it would've been except phone isn't playing ball. Just use your imagination

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    • 12/02/2018 by Patricia

      So far, so good. Tomorrow will be a tough ride so take care and blow a kiss as you pass the signpost to Ohura. Thanks for the updates.

  • Thank goodness for waterproof sunblock

      11 February 2018
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    A2W day 1. Auckland to Hamilton

    Skinny waterproof sunblock at least got to perform half of its function today. Little bit of wet stuff over the country but can't complain, had no dramas en route save for an iffy moment going over an oblique and slippery level crossing through Huntly. Lovely ride out of Auckland on Great South Rd, which got me thinking... just how many of those finger board signs are there for that road? Hmmmm.... Lunch in Huntly, River Haven Cafe. 3 and a half stars out of 5 for the steak n mushroom pie, with the extra half star down to the four marshmallows in my hot chocolate. Happy days 👍

    Today's picture: last minute mods to cycle gear

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  • Not long to go now, starting on Feb 11th :-)

      16 January 2018

    Quick update…

    Training going really well. Enjoying the riding very much, even in the occasionally wet and/or windy Wellington weather. To be fair though, Welly has been fantastic of late, wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else!

    Baggage sorted. Just a 5L Roswheel rear carrier bag. Enough to hold a lite change of clothes, sun block and hydration tabs basically. Other bits and pieces starting to arrive from various online stores for a minor and long overdue overhaul of “the classic”.

    Route also planned out and looking pretty achievable. From Auckland, stopping at Hamilton, Waitomo, Taumaranui, Ohakune, Whanganui, Palmie, Otaki and finally Welly. Not gonna set any land speed records but hey, I am kinda wanting to enjoy the experience…

    Finally, to those various dudes who have flown past me on their e-bikes in the last few months without so much as a gidday… in the immortal words of Captain America, “take off the suit and what are ya?”

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  • Behold the machine...

      7 December 2017
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    A classic you could say. Tried and true, old faithful, circa 1999 Apollo Vitesse (yes those are down-tube shifters). 18 years I've had it since new. That's about 100 years give or take if you're being judged by fellow roadies. Not to worry, the motor's getting on too but, also being of a very simple nature, will manage just fine with the right amount of care and maintenance.

    Starting slowly to get some more k's under the belt although not really this week. Bout of sookie-la-la man flu to heroically overcome.

    Follow me on Strava: www.strava.com/

    Search: Anthony Clarke, Wellington

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