137 kilometres, mostly flat. Hard to believe it is the last day. A wet day — the wet weather gear came out, including long pants. We have been exceptionally lucky with the weather throughout; it is a shame it turned on the final day. We set off with the plan to try and stay together for most of the day, which I appreciated as the exhaustion is hitting hard. Breakfast at the local cafe; fuelled up and rugged up, we got away just after 8am. Rain was steady throughout the morning but cleared once we reached Winton. Lunch in the Old Bank Cafe — nice to take the wet gear off and warm up. Off again on the final 60 kilometres; whipped around the outskirts of Invercargill via the cycleway. I honestly do not know how I have managed to cycle all these kilometres. I certainly would not have made it without the team and especially Lloyd, who has been my steady hand for the entire trip. Coming into Bluff was emotional — lump-in-the-throat stuff. Photo stop at the big sign, then all the way to Stirling Point, the official finish. Job done.

Rinse, reset, repeat — and done.

That is it. Done. A bittersweet day — glad to finish and looking forward to getting home, but also pretty stoked to have been able to do it again. This will be the last big one. Started with rain all morning and me on the front for the first 70 kilometres — feeling real good, and the bonus was not having to deal with all the bike wash from someone else's wheel in front of me. Cheese rolls in Winton to recharge, then back into it as the weather cleared and it was perfect all the way to Bluff. Had to wait at Stirling Point as someone had carried a 10-kilogram log all the way on foot — could not quite see the point myself. Lots of hugs and high-fives and straight to the pub for large Speights and, funnily enough, shots. Very much looking forward to getting home. For the last time, toodle pip.

When the adventure is coming to a conclusion, time to spin and reflect. Friends of nearly 50 years; friends of 40 years; friends of two years; and a 29-day-old sister-from-another-blister. The kilometres spun; the metres climbed and descended. Life is about living; appreciating those sharing with you or not; realising that life moments don't have to be recognised because what you as an individual experience is important; breathing; contemplating; zoning in or out; pushing yourself; feeling lost or validated; appreciating simplicity and living the moment. When you can just appreciate the luxury of living — when life is what you make it and you accept your embracing experiences as a journey to learn from — then you can reach peace. Riding through Bluff to reach the finishing point was emotional — good emotions; elation; pride; satisfaction; fulfilment. And there it was: the iconic signpost. TNT and TA Twinklers arrived safe and sound.

Loving life.