Come Cycling

Lea survived her big ride but I'll let her tell you about that later in the week.

Today I want to take you on one of my cycle rides I do regularly. It is only about 25 km [15 miles] so I hope you can keep up the pace. We are going to be riding about 27 kph average but can slow a little on the up-hills. For those of you not feeling so energetic I hope the scenery will make up for the extra energy you are expending.

The ride leaves from my school on the outskirts of Waikanae.

We head now towards Reikorangi on a mainly flat part of the course but I'm sorry today you have a little wind to contend with...head wind I'm referring to, John if you are reading this! Hopefully the views help compensate if you can catch your breath to take it in.

As you can see there is a short uphill ahead. This takes us to the Reikorangi Church before we take in some rolling countryside.

This next part of the course I hope you will enjoy. We have a 7 km [5 mile] ride to the Mangaone Track which will be the turnaround point. Don't forget to take in the wonderful vistas in between breaths and on the pleasant downhill sections.

You've now arrived at the Mangaone entrance where the road ends.

You're on your own now! You don't need me any more as you are returning the way you came. It is a straight forward ride back to school. Enjoy the mainly downhill terrain and you have a nice tail wind to help blow you back.

Hope you enjoyed the ride and be sure to join me again soon! Thanks for coming along and keeping me company as it can be a lonely sport at times.

Big Day

I'm off after school today to Taupo to support Lea in her big bike ride. She is riding 90 km as part of a 3 person team.

She has been out cycling on weekends to prepare for her race and is starting to feel nervous. Although it is a big challenge I know she will achieve her goal and will get a lot of satisfaction when she completes it. Lea, Caitlyn and I will be staying at Birchlands Motels.

Lea's race starts at 6:40 with Denise swimming 2 km. Lea is next followed by Rose on the 21 km run.

I'm looking forward to the weekend and will report back early next week with photos.

Old Metal

On Saturday's run we passed Carlucciland that is made up of statues and sculptures made from old scrap metal. I was so blown away by them that I took quite a few photos and found myself having to put in some sprint work to catch up with the rest of the group.

Hope you like them!

 

Which one is your favourite?

Night Out

Lea and I had a lot of fun last weekend with the Saturday morning run / walk, watching movies and dinner on Sunday night.

We decided to go to the Waikanae Hotel and as is customary we had a couple of games of pool that was hard fought. According to Lea the better person won on the day. I did need to remind her though that her 2 - 0 victory was down to me fouling on the black both games. She wouldn't hear a word of it. it appears she is ready to take on my dad when we go to Dunedin during the Xmas holidays.

Try opening your eyes

That's better

Lea has cruelly suggested that my pool interests have ulterior motives.

This pool is thirsty work

We had lovely meals at the Angus Steak Restaurant complimented with a couple of glasses of Pinot Noir...one each that is!

 

Hope you all had a pleasurable weekend with loved ones!

New Territory

Summer runs are up and running for the Wellington Harriers Masters runners. Everyone takes turns at hosting a run and it is great to run in different places.

There were 7 runners and 5 walkers. The runners set off from Kilbirnie and took in the surrounding hill areas. Our course took us past the Wellington Zoo, Newtown and involved a climb over Kingston Heights to Happy Valley before returning to home base.

The day was sunny and I was able to get many picture postcard photos. Hope you like my selection.

There was a splendid feast awaiting us on completion of our run hosted by our esteemed running mate and good friend, Gordy and his delightful partner, Wendy.

If you are reading this Mike, at least we arrived!