LONG day....

After cycling about 160kms I finally made it to the Christchurch sign (as seen in the photo). My eyes were filled with tears of joy and happiness of my accomplishment... I was almost in the City. Throughout the day I had been thinking about eveyone that I've met on my journey around the country as well as those that have been supporting me and cheering me on from Canada (and around the world).

Earlier in the day I almost gave up...YES...after cycling about 140km I was in heaps of pain (legs were sore as) and I felt I couldn't go on...so I stopped and tried to hitchhike (yes a gutsy move with a bicycle). Funny no one stopped. Until a Ute slowed down that was packed and they informed me that Glentunnel was only 3km away... it was what I needed 'HOPE'.

Also at this point I remembered that I had brought Advil with me so I popped a tablet and cycled slowly to the town, where I had a much needed rest, a bacon and egg pie and a coffee. The spark was reignited and I was able to carry on.


I figure yesterday was my last official LONG day of cycling in New Zealand. Autumn has hit the South Island hard and cycling in the rain and dismal cloud for 6-8 hours a day is a bit grim...so I decided to book myself on the train to Picton area (Blenheim actually) so I might have to cycle to Picton (or catch a lift if I'm lucky) and then cross back to the North Island on April 13.

Thanks to everyone reading this - trust me when you cycle all day... you are all being thought of at least once or more.