NB: This page has been written in chunks and may not make sense.
Still on the plane. Still somewhere over the Pacific (it’s a big old ocean). Six and a half hours until we reach our final destination and there’s a middle sized boy occupying a small portion of what I deem to be my personal space, so I am sitting at a fairly dodgy angle. I will complete the arrival portion of this post, well, upon arrival but I might as well get started, hey!
The adventure begins!
On a crowed plane, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, I am sure it is still Christmas somewhere and I am listening to Mariah’s Merry Christmas – apparently it belongs under the genre of ‘US and Euro Hits’. Who knew? Perhaps it is finally time to reflect on the whirlwind of the past couple of months, the many unwritten blogs and the journey so far, for it is now the end of the beginning. The challenge is here.
Whether it has been the sponsorship I have been given from friends, family and complete strangers or the advice and offers of accommodation, I have been on the receiving end of huge amounts of kindness and generosity. This week, I hit my first major fundraising target and through the second donation of Marie. I’m 10% of the way to my overall target and have now raised £0.20 for every single mile I will cycle. How exciting! Thank you all so much! Having reached this impressive total, I thought that it was about time to do some paying forward.
“Freedom camping has been outlawed in New Zealand.” These were the upsetting words I heard so long ago that I have forgotten their source. The words which have seen me frustrated, looking at holiday parks which cost around £20 for a single night and wondering how on Earth I was actually going to be able to fund this trip. And also thinking I would miss out on views like this:
Click for the link to Adventure Journal
Oh internet, for I assume it was you, how you failed me with your false words. Now I know it to be true that ‘freedom camping’ or wild camping is perfectly legal! Granted, it is preferred that you are in a self-contained vehicle but it is not a necessity. There are just new laws intended to fine those who ignored the existing guidelines. Read on to discover my findings.
Bonking can affect the brain… and you may feel anxious, irritable, confused and emotional. What a fabulous quote from Ride 25’s blog. Continue reading
Every year, I take roughly sixty children on an adventure holiday to Moorland Hall near Tavistock in Devon and, each time, have a wonderful time with the children and the amazing instructors. It’s incredible to have the opportunity to experience activities which I would otherwise find really challenging to organise due to lack of funding and time.
This year was particularly exciting as it all felt like excellent training for the adventures ahead. This post is as brief a roundup as a naturally garrulous person can manage with a few of my favourite pictures.
Whatever life has thrown at me, I have always struggled to remain misanthropic for any extended period of time and this weekend proved to be no exception to the rule.
Saturday evening was ended with a message to Flatty Plums, “There’s no way I can do a ride tomorrow; five hours of singing and dancing has left me useless.” But low and behold, the most fascinating Walk Through The Woods (cocktail tasting menu) later and a solid night’s sleep in the bank, I was desperate to get into the saddle for a wee pedal and sure enough, my pal was there for me. We arranged to meet at Hyde Park corner to enjoy the sun… just like everyone else…
Thanks so much to Martin Harris, who has spent a good deal of time setting up the pages which allow wonderful people to donate to me!
Please visit and donate generously – MyDonate
It’s only Wednesday of a bank holiday week, but already there have been a few ups and downs…
I have been greatly buoyed by the overwhelming generosity of Martin and Judy who have not only set me up, but kick started the charity pot with a massive £100 donation. Thank you so much! Not only this, but it has been lovely to receive heartfelt comments from friends and family in support of my crazy mission.
Though I have had this plan on the cards for a little while, I have finally told my mum which means I’m ready to blog! I didn’t get a negative reaction but she was full of cold, so I will wait for the onslaught of questions. I’m sure grandma will tell me what a ridiculous idea this is, even if my mum decides to show her full support!!
The start of my ride in December seems a long way off but there’s so much to do and, coupled with a burgeoning teaching commitment and a role in the local am dram version of Jesus Christ Superstar, time seems to be a somewhat challenging commodity to obtain in my life.
NZ by Bicycle 