A last update...
29 May 2016
Kia ora tatou!
It's been a couple of months since I finished riding Tour Aotearoa. As you can see, the cycling gear has gradually made its way through the wash - bags, clothes, tent, rainwear. Today I replaced the last of the worn out parts on my bike, and it's ready for a ride during the coming long weekend. I'm also well and truly back to work, with my sleeves rolled up.
So too are the fine folks at the HELP Foundation. I caught up with them last month, with my whanau and some friends, to hear about their plans. Working together - you, me and HELP - we raised $10,000. HELP is using that to upgrade its child counselling facility at the Porirua Office. The Office is in a residential area and has a sleep-out attached. The funds will turn that into a really child-friendly space for counselling - the plans looked just amazing. It was so exciting to see the work we did together delivering a tangible outcome. And it was great to share some of the ride's more memorable experiences with friends at HELP. We shared a great evening (and an outstanding waiata that was just right).
Like others who did the ride, I'm still thinking hard about my time on the road. It's left an indelible imprint. So I'm also thinking about what comes next. That will include cycling. Please stay in touch via my Facebook page for updates as I work that through.
For now though, thanks so much for your support.
Until the next adventure - ka kite ano!
Paul