Being Realistic! Resting in Invercargill

11 years ago, at age 70, Del did his very first bike tour, Cape Reinga to Bluff. 
Having just completed the South Island section with him, I now have the deepest respect for him and his amazing, solo achievement.
Del's memories of that trip had faded over the years, especially the uncomfortable ones - like endless hill climbs!

Unable to cycle overseas last year, we planned to cycle around the South Island on our electric bikes. 
When we found that it was impossible to fly them by Air NZ, we decided, as we've done so many times before on our trips to Australia, to take our push bikes and trailers!

We both love the thrill of cycling, at a good speed, when pedaling is almost effortless.
On only 2 days out of the 24 days we've been away, have we experienced this thrill. The remaining 22 days have been physically demanding and very tiring. 
Cycling in heavy traffic, handling the bikes and trailers over rough or non- existent road shoulders, negotiating river bridges and road works and, at times, hours of walking uphill, have limited any sight-seeing and made each day just hard work. Over time tiredness causes lack of concentration, which can lead to accidents.


To summarize, rather than continue and possibly find ourselves burning out or having an accident in the middle of nowhere, we have decided to "call it a day" and head home. We've cycled 942kms from Picton to Invercargill.  "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em."

Today we'll begin preparing for a flight home - starting with locating a couple of bike boxes!

Cycling is to be enjoyed. We certainly plan to do lots more of it.
Thank you for following our blog.
We've enjoyed reading your comments.

Comments

  1. Paul DenneyFebruary 21, 2021 at 8:08 PM

    What an amazing effort (and I don’t use that word loosely, having followed your trials and tribulations, at times). It has been amazing following you and seeing all those magnificent photos. I think you have made the right call (certainly in my book, and being much younger than yourselves) save your energy for France.
    Terrific effort. Look forward to catching up in person with all the stories you couldn’t post.
    Love Me and of course Si & Rocco who I am sure will be posting and sending their thoughts. XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CindyFebruary 21, 2021 at 9:35 PM

      Thanks, Paul. Enjoying some R&R in Invercargill. Home on Thursday. Talk soon. Xx

      Delete
  2. Harry WhorwoodFebruary 21, 2021 at 8:56 PM

    Good call. There was a little niggle in the back of my mind about enjoyment and stopping and staring, but that was overwhelmed by your adventures and achievements, lovely photos, and my personal introduction to NZ. Tough call, but the right one! Take care you two, my early morning cuppa has just lost its sparkle!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CindyFebruary 21, 2021 at 9:49 PM

      We both feel we've made the right decision, Harry. Had fab weather all trip but some mucky stuff expected this week. Pleased to be missing it.

      Delete
  3. JanetFebruary 21, 2021 at 11:16 PM

    What an achievement. 942 kms mostly up hill! Well done. Enjoy your trip home. Looking forward to catching up with you again. J & B.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CindyFebruary 22, 2021 at 5:09 PM

      Thanks, Janet. Home soon. Enjoying some R&R before we leave.

      Delete
  4. HazelFebruary 22, 2021 at 6:09 AM

    Just when I’ve finally mastered the ‘comment’!
    I’ve just be amazed at the task you set yourselves - the distance in that terrain - ‘pressing on’ with limited rest days. Many congratulations on what you’ve achieved. You’ve earned a massive rest and pampering session! Xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CindyFebruary 22, 2021 at 5:15 PM

      Thanks, Hazel. Both agreed that the most important element to any trip was enjoyment. Those hills made every day a battle - mind over body!
      Talk soon. Xx

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 22, 2021 at 12:22 PM

    Oh. You are both amazing.
    Have so enjoyed my morning coffee with you.
    You have made the correct call.
    Safe travel home.
    See you in The Jolly Farmer.
    Love Sheryn xx



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CindyFebruary 22, 2021 at 5:26 PM

      Thanks, Sheryn. We dodged level 3 lockdown, too, so feeling chuffed! Enjoying a short break in Invercargill now, then home. See you soon. Xx


      Delete
  6. Wendy CraigFebruary 23, 2021 at 12:17 PM

    Looking forward to seeing you at home.

    From the top of the South to the bottom, battling such heavy traffic and hills, is a great achievement.

    Respect!!!

    Wendy and Pete

    ReplyDelete

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