Day 25: 125 kilometres and 960 metres of climbing. Yet another big day — fewer climbs but still substantial. My saddle is making itself known today, which hardly seems fair after 25 days. Lloyd and I were mostly on our own; the others seem to disappear into the clouds, though we always caught up for lunch — it reminds us we are a team. The sandflies attack the moment you stop. All road today and reasonably busy with campervans, buses and tourist traffic, though generally respectful. The road meanders through amazing kahikatea forest right up to the edge of the tarmac, with birdsong the entire way. Staying tonight at the Heartland Hotel — great facilities and a beautiful meal. A wine or three may also have been enjoyed. Rinse, reset, repeat.

Day 26: 130 kilometres and almost 1700 metres of climbing. Early start after a hotel cooked breakfast. I knew today would be big — and it was. I did not walk a single step over any of the climbs and I feel genuinely proud of myself, though also thoroughly exhausted. Amazing scenery: peaceful, full of birdsong, with incredible views. A toot and a wave from Linley and Warren Towers — small world. A tough but deeply rewarding day. Dinner at the Lake Hawea pub. Sleepy now.

Rinse, reset, repeat.

Day 25: big day, which started out at a pace I questioned — why bury ourselves so early with 120 kilometres to cover? Settled into a rhythm and all was good. Have been managing the inevitable saddle sore for a few days now, which is fine once positioned correctly, but every now and again it catches and the pain is significant. Really sore sit bones today. Body is generally in good shape and new gloves in Nelson sorted out the hands. I have discovered that the West Coast is my most favourite part of the trip. The team is tracking well with a possible early finish now on the radar. Toodle pip.

Day 26: 130 kilometres and 1400 metres of climbing. One of the big ones, but always going to be one of the best. This part of the country is just stunning. The Haast Pass never fails to deliver and what you miss in a car you pick up on the bike. The absolute beauty on the pass — the hidden waterfall you hear before you see it, the views that stop you in your tracks — no picture or words can fully tell the story. Like passing Dancing Creek. So many personal bests. I am a goat. Toodle pip.

Day 25: an early start in half-light and we caught up with the boys, who opted for a cafe breakfast while us girls decided to porridge it. Two legs today: Fox Glacier to Lake Paringa; then Lake Paringa to Haast — all road. A stunning day with perfect conditions and lots of time to stop, reflect, review the previous day, giggle at the conversations shared. Best blueberry muffin at Bruce Bay, where the sandflies have military combat training and literally bite you to pieces. The moments on the roadside, surrounded by native fauna with bird trills — it may look like I am solo and sad, however reflective time is very healing and valuable. Hard to believe there is less than a week to go. And there is even a bridge named after me.

Day 26: what an absolute magic day. The scenery was breathtaking. The boys had built up the climb to the top of Haast Pass and it was with huge relief that the so-called beast of a hill was all rideable, though challenging. Photos at the Neck where both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea can be seen. We had the most amazing conditions — blue skies, sun and a whisper of wind. Caught up with some of Helena and Gavin's whanau at dinner — what a great end to the day.

Loving life.