Day three Cycle CapeReinga to Kaitaia

So this has been the longest and most exhausting day so far! It was this morning I saw the seal or was it a sea lion ?! Anyway Dutch family took me to the road so I could avoid the unsealed section down to the camp - was really steep!!

Then started to make my way south. First part felt much faster than way up getting to the 15km from cape quite quickly but the hot weather and constant hills wore me out and had to walk with bike up some of the sections as gears not low enough to manage the load - might have to get that sorted!

Made it back to Te Kao - no tourist buses this time but passed a few on the roads. Meant to say most drivers cheered me on or gave me a wave which was cool! At Te Kao I had an ice cream and pie - quick lunch and should get me going with the steak!!

Scenery gorgeous and I started making up adverts for the many run down places up there that seemed to have been abandoned .... Landscape quite barren - thought there'd be more trees but most of the land is sand so that explained that one!

Te Kao to Pukenui felt easier as the hills lessened and here I stopped off for fruit and a yoghurt- going off stodgy now and craving fruit and veggies. Oh here is the place to buy advocadoes - really cheap!!

Pukenui to 14 km north Kaitaia was the hardest stretch as I was nearing the 100km mark for that day. Was so relieved to see the campsite sign 90 mile beach campsite. Another 5km to cycle to campsite - first hot shower in three days, washing done and dinner eaten and finally get connected.

Campsite ok but not a patch on the DOC ones I had stayed in. Thought this would be on the beach - off to explore now before breakfast and then 20km cycle to Kaitaia for first gig. Feel a little sick today - must drink more water - 3 litres a day on cycle not enough!!

Oh and interesting sites on the way - emu, turkeys, king fishers, seal, dead possums on the road, cemetery with AB support - new meaning to supporting team!

That's me over and out till hopefully tomorrow or next signal.

Day 2 Cycle Rawera Beach to Cape Reinga

On way out of Rawera Beach I bumped into this guy who had just about finished his run from Bluff to Cape Reinga for Stroke. Running!! He thought 100km a day sounded a lot and he laughed at my 36km backwards cycle on day 1!

The hills to the cape were exhausting - weight too heavy on bike and I ran out of water so turned off to campsite at taputepute (need to check spelling) but another gorgeous DOC (department of conservation) site and I plonked my tent with its full sea view. Met fab Dutch family who are traveling for 10 months around the world!! Their daughter showed me this sea lion that had chime up on the beach to sun bathe!

Oh at Te Kao met these two motorcycle guys and after chatting one of them Richard gave me 20 for the refuge - how cool is that!

Anyway after setting up tent I hopped on bike up the rough road to the cape to catch it before night fell. Fantastic! Even did wee video of me singing song on uke! Back to campsite, food and sleep!

Day 1 Cycle Kaitaia to Rawera Beach

Caught 8am flight Auckland to Kaitaia - smallest plane I've ever been on in nz!

Arrived to smallest airport I've seen! Put cycle together thanks also to help from airport staff!! Headed north went as far Pukenui stopped to get supplies and when I came out I headed off full of beans ... In the wrong direction!! Unfortunately it took me 18km to realize - had to turn back and decided to go as far as Rawera. My 96km was only 60km on way up!!

Camped at Rawera Beach - Doc campsite and absolutely gorgeous!! Met German father and son and English couple. Had first swim in sea - bit cold but fantastic!! Sleep ...

Thank you

Before I start I need to say a few thank you to .... Soph for looking after my gear. Feeding me breakfast before heading to wellington... To Jane and Mike for picking me and cycle from train station and getting us to airport on time... To jet star man for letting my cycle on... To Carol for taking me to Auckland airport to catch flight to Kaitaia ....

The voyage up!

Today has been somewhat stressful.didn't go to bed last night as too much to sort. Caught 6am train to waikanae got gear caught 9.30 train and was rescued by the lovely Jane who drive me and bike to the airport.had horrific time dismantling bike into box andy sellotape finished midway despite being new! Bike and gear over weight but lovely jetstar let me off and I got on the plane and fin landing got my gear and after much hunting found storage for the night and am in devonport heading out to play at cafe 121. 8am flight tomorrow to kaitaia and there start cycling. X

The night before ......

So here we are. Just about to pack my pannier bags and head on out this evening to watch Pauline Scanlon touring from Ireland and a friend and great bass player Andy Laking play in Palmerston North. Still a few things to finish off but pretty much there now. The painting experience of my bicycle was an interesting one. To be honest last night I didn't think I'd be able to put it back together having pulled it apart completely but this morning saw me finish that and try and tidy up the ugly pink and green paint job. The guys at the bike shop actually rather liked it - no accounting for taste!! Hopefully no one nicks it though - if you see this bike without me on it grab it will you!! Right better finish packing.........

Preparation

In just a few days time I will head up to Kaitaia and start my cycle tour from Cape Reinga to Bluff. I then catch a flight up to Christchurch to join friends for a one off concert on the 25th November - all in support of the Christchurch Women's Refuge Centre.

Along the way I will be performing some of the songs I have written from the stories I collected on my two month tour in April. These songs are of women's lives in 1800's NZ - check out my website for more info.

I'm just hoping I make it through the whole journey - I know its not going to be easy with 100km cycling to do each day but I need a challenge! So keep up with what's happening by dropping by to see how I get along...