Day 6

The troops had a bit of bicycle business to sort before departing Auckland on a stunner of a day. It was with much relief that the predicted winds did not eventuate, and the only slightly less positive moment of the day was having to wait until lunchtime for my three-shot caffeine hit. The climbs were minimal and the gravel and road very stress-free, but for the last couple of kilometres to the holiday park with some scary driving attitudes. We had a great pub dinner at the local and my yummy vegetable-vegan pasta was scrumptious.

Day 7

One would have to say an easy, cruising day. You have to love the names of cafes and stores along the way — 'Buggar Off Cafe' and 'Convenient Cow Store'. Loved being able to mull over my life choices and realise that life is worth embracing challenges, rolling with the experience and embracing the outcomes. Yes, some of the outcomes are not what one had in mind but with every experience there are pluses and minuses — concentrate on the pluses and learn from the rest. Te Aroha is a quirky little town with some interesting artwork. Loving this life choice immensely, thanks to TNT and TA Twinklers.

Day 8

A lovely brisk morning to start the day at a quaint wee cafe called Rustique. The route was relatively fool-proof but for a wee 'D-ion-toursion' — a detour version by Dion — that meant an extra wee bit of climbing for the pair of us. I am amazed at how lush and green everywhere is. Tonight we are in the horse-breeding capital and saw paddocks of some very fine-looking horses on the way to our accommodation. Missing everyone and hope your worlds are spinning calmly.

Day 9

Another stunning day of sun and very little wind after a misty start. We had some wee pinches of climbs — 1400 metres all up — and some lovely rolling downhills. One failed dog attack, a convoy of 100-plus motorcyclists, and a bus near-miss for Lisa made for an eventful day. We rode through Lake Karapiro where the North Island Secondary School rowing regatta was in full swing and stopped to soak in the atmosphere — and coffee number one for the day. Lisa's husband had prepared dinner and made up the beds for us in Mangakino, so we felt very relieved. Big day of climbing tomorrow.

Day 6

119 kilometres and 900 metres of climbing. The coast is magnificent — Kawakawa Bay is so pretty. A beautiful ride through beautiful country; the hills are still not my favourite but we get there. Weather gorgeous. Was pretty good with the sunscreen — only a little red around my watch face. Lunch in Clevedon; having some trouble eating enough on the bike and managing fluids. Another awesome day with an awesome team. Lloyd Jowsey is keeping me on track.

Day 7

Taking in Waitakaruru, Pipiroa, Kopu, Hikutaia, Paeroa and Te Aroha. Flat Hauraki Rail Trail — pedal, pedal, pedal. It seemed a long way and the outlook did not change much. Great lunch at Paeroa; no L&P consumed but a delightful stop in a garden cafe. Rolled into Te Aroha where we are staying in the old courthouse, beautifully converted to accommodation. Dinner at The Office — great drinks and food. Another wonderful day with great people; feel very supported and cared for. Reset, rinse, repeat.

Day 8

Only 75 kilometres today and the wheels kept turning. Still asking myself when it gets easier. A mixture of cycle trail and country roads; traffic mostly great, though one truck passing a tractor got close enough that I had to ride off into the grass — a few muttered words came forth. The morning routine of packing bags and loading the bike is getting easier; it still takes me longer than most but, touch wood, I haven't lost anything yet. Keeping up the food intake is hard but I am working on the little-and-often theory. Hard-boiled eggs and fruit are working well; breakfast is like a hobbit — often two of them — and late lunches are becoming the norm. Today's 2pm lunch was a welcome stop: great sushi and an energy drink. Staying at Aberdeen House and the Hobbit Sleepout in Tamahere as all the Cambridge accommodation was booked out for the North Island Rowing Champs. A lovely little cottage. Dinner was bread, pasta and sauce, salad and lovely corn cobs. Washing done and dry. Reset, rinse, repeat.

Day 9

110 kilometres and 1500 metres of climbing. Quick breakfast and on the road by 7:45am. A great sleep in my little Hobbit hut. Bit chilly; legs took a while to get into the groove. Morning coffee stop at Lake Karapiro, where the North Island Schools Rowing Champs were in full swing — brought back memories of the girls. Nice bike trail along the lakeside and then mostly country roads through rolling country, not too bad. Awesome sculptures through Cambridge; Dion's detours were good value. Lunch at Rhubarb Cafe in Arapuni, great food. Almost wiped out by a bus that wasn't watching its road position — the driver was focused on a large group of motorcycles coming the other way; luckily disaster was avoided. Met a few more cyclists today, a great bunch of people. Did not find my rhythm much in the afternoon and the last 30 kilometres felt like hard work. The gravel is not my favourite. Great downhills from Waipapa Dam but also some punchy climbs that nearly finished me. Finally made Mangakino around 5pm. David had prepared an incredible dinner — roast lamb, coleslaw and roast potatoes, with a special vege option for Erica. Bikes cleaned. Washing done. Reset, rinse, repeat.

Day 6

115 kilometres and 900 metres of climbing. Great day on the trail. Started with Lloyd breaking his chain 50 metres from the start, but a quick speed-link repair and we were away. Getting out of Auckland on any form of transport is always a drama, but once clear I was flying to Clevedon. A couple of lumps — another visit from a tui — and then flying into Miranda. Feeling really strong. Going to have a beer tonight.

Day 8

Today is not about me or the ride. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. Today celebrates the day I married the best thing in my life, Kirstyn — the one person who gives time, patience and energy to these bike rides and to life. I am the luckiest guy on the planet. I shall be riding a tad faster into Cambridge today.

Day 9

107 kilometres and 1300 metres of climbing. Tough leaving Kirstyn and Zane this morning after the chance to have Kirstyn pick me up and spend our wedding anniversary together. We spent the time putting some flat-pack desks together at the office — not glamorous, but such a great time to reconnect and have a few laughs. Really hot ride with a stop at Arapuni for lunch. Just as we left, about 150 bikers came roaring through, which was quite the spectacle. Big day tomorrow climbing to the Timber Trail and literally going bush for a couple of days. Give your kids or someone special a call and tell them that you love them.