The final chapter for this adventure!

I feel this quote from Anthony Bourdain describes our adventure well.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” 

We have been blessed, no mechanical issues including no punctures.  While travelling down some steep hills I was always very grateful for the invention of disc brakes on my bike; at times they must have got very hot!  We had no physical injuries, our bodies served us well. Perhaps because we had plenty of rest days, what we liked to call  ‘getting to know our surroundings’ day. It’s been a wonderful cycling adventure and holiday.

As I write this blog sitting on my comfortable office chair, I think of Sari cycling her way back towards Wellington following the Tour Aotearoa route (Kennett Brothers).  She is one amazing woman and it was a pleasure and privilege to have her as my cycling companion and friend as we explored New Zealand back roads.

After Taupo Sari and I decided to go our separate ways, not because of any disagreement but for practical reasons.  Sari didn’t see much point in cycling up to Hamilton to only return south again and I agreed with her.

It wasn’t the same when I left Taupo to cycle back to Hamilton, it was extra quiet, no banter and no sharing of thoughts, sights and laughter.  While I’m happy to travel on my own I’ve come to realise to share experiences has more lasting meaning, you have someone to laugh and cry with, it even makes you evaluate why you think the way you think, and wonder how you can have such different perspectives on events and issues.  This adventure re-enforced the saying “don’t sweat the small stuff”!!

Waipara Road route

I choose not to cycle the Waikato River trails mainly because of the load I was carrying, instead rode Waipara Road route.  Still challenging but easier if you know what I mean – less concentration.  Again it was great seeing the country side and how it is farmed.  It was pretty hot, and I was very thankful there were plenty of homes I could ask for extra water.  One family insisted I have cold water with ice cubes and his partner came out with an ice-cream – it was heaven to me, I was so grateful and it certainly improved my mood!

Somewhere along Waipara Road I came across Blair (cyclist from Wellington) having a rest in the shade – always a good excuse to stop and hear about other peoples adventures.  He was doing a three day ride and had come from Kawhia (that morning) and heading to Taupo.  He was bike packing on a road bike.  I shared my aeroplane lollies (great sugar boost) with him and then we both set off in opposite directions.  Meeting and chatting to people along the way always give you a boost both mentally and physically and I love hearing about their adventures.

Arapuni Backpackers

The sight of a road sign saying 12 kms to Arapuni was a relief.  I was tired and just wanted to get to my destination.  Arapuni Backpackers was a welcome sight where I was able to enjoy unlimited cups of tea, and fresh sheets on my bunk bed.  Steve and Lorraine (owners) are British and have been in Arapuni some years, originally from Auckland.  They’ve created a very special place for travellers needing a night’s accommodation with clean sheets, new shower & toilet and you can even help yourself to the tomatoes and courgettes from their garden.

I meet Judy (English cyclist) here.  She had an interesting story to tell.  She had moved out to NZ to be with of her partner of 9 years or so.  After 10 days of being with him and in NZ he told her to leave!!!  So, she was cycling her way down towards Taumarunui via Timber Trail on a borrowed bike hoping to sort herself out??

The next morning as I cycled out of Arapuni village (knowing this was my last day), I had mixed feelings riding back to my home in Matangi.  This final ride enabled me the time to reflect on my adventure.

Reflections

What was good, thankful for, change for next time or something else

• Felt I had a good setup.  A lighter tent and smaller & lighter sleeping bag and mattress would be great, but that comes at a huge expense – is it worth it, not sure
• I packed too many pairs of socks and changes of underwear
• Need a lighter and more compact notebook
• My food choices about right – dehydrated food getting more tastier.  Will have more packets of dehydrated peas next time, they’re great to add to any meal
• Loved exploring the back roads of New Zealand – there’s plenty more to do
• Enjoyed the train journey to Ohakune – would definitely travel by train again
• Enjoyed drinking Jed’s coffee bean bags (took these to drink when there were no cafe’s available – though I’m not addicted to one coffee a day!!)
• Bike was great and very comfortable
• Always useful to have a pretty light-weight dress to wear 🙂
• Only taking cycling and walking shoes was sufficient foot wear
• Disc brakes – love them and would never be without them
• Loved meeting the variety of people along our way
• Will do more exploring with Sari
• Very pleased with how my body adjusted to the daily demands.  My knees were never an issue
• Thankful I arrived home safely and had no incidents.
• Love our country – I feel very lucky to be able to call it “home”

So that is it for now.  My inner ‘adventure desire” has been filled and for the time being I’m happy being at home.  Do you have those yearnings that just have to be meet, if so I’d love to hear about them and how you feel afterwards.  No I’m not talking about shopping!!!  That is it – take care out there Goldcard Gal  🙂

PS:  Notice my one coffee bean!!  Short black coming up soon Ollie!