Lighthouse to Lighthouse

Nick Woods on 'Afternoons with Jim Mora'

2010-04-15T18:11:00.006+12:00

The attached link is a podcast of Nick's interview with Jim Mora on National Radio today. He chose the best song ever written' as 'Bicycle Race' by Queen. A rather appropriate choice!

http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/aft/2010/04/15/best_song_ever_written_-_bicycle_race

You may have to cut and paste this link to your web browser if you can't go direct from this post.

Cheers

Denis

We're There!

2010-04-15T09:00:00.011+12:00

We arrived at the Boulder Bank Lighthouse in Nelson Harbour at around 3.30 pm. We were joined by family and friends who came across in a water taxi. This had to get back to the 'mainland' pretty promptly, so Nick and I were left alone at the lighthouse (we had to paddle the short 1 km back across the harbour). It was a fitting way for us to finish the challenge, just the two of us left to contemplate what we had done over the past 12 days! I am very proud of what Nick has achieved in this challenge. I'm sure at times he wondered why he was doing it and whether or not he would make it. His sense of humour however is still intact and it was this that helped us both through some pretty tough situations. Lynelle in her support role did an amazing job and she managed to keep a brave face in times when it wasn't easy. An enduring memory however will be the support and interest we received from family and friends along the way. This challenge has been about Nick but I believe what he has done has affected many of those who he has had contact with over these past 12 days.

Awesome effort Nick, well done!

Signing of, Denis

Day 12 Map - Final Day

2010-04-15T08:46:00.003+12:00

We started on the Rainbow Valley road where we finished in the dark last night. Conditions were better this morning. We swapped mountain bikes for road bikes at the main road and had an awesome ride into Nelson. Geraldine and Hugo joined Lynelle and Louie in the support vehicle. It was by far the best conditions we have experienced on the road (tail wind and mostly downhill). Nick and Denis were joined by Pippa and Hugo - who travelled from Sydney to see the boys finish - along with Mike and Kathy McDonald at Tahunanui Beach carpark for the final two km to the start of the paddle to the lighthouse.

Day 11 Map

2010-04-15T08:40:00.003+12:00

Hanmer Springs to St Arnaud (almost). This was a really tough day. Strong head winds and a wet cold finish. Denis and Nick were on their own. Rex and Oscar were in support until Lake Tennyson.

Day 10 Map

2010-04-15T08:28:00.003+12:00

Waipara to Hanmer Springs. Rex Prebble joined Denis & Nick for this ride.

One Day to Go

2010-04-13T22:27:00.011+12:00

We haven't had a chance to get the blog updated for day 10 and we have just finished day 11! We are now comfortably in our digs in St Arnaud.

We had a tough ride from Waipara into Hanmer Springs yesterday. We seemed to have struck the nor westers at the wrong time. Nick and Rex myself hung in there for the 76 km stage. We arrived to a beautiful evening in Hanmer and relaxed around the brazier.

The day to St Arnaud through the 'Rainbow Rage' could only be described as 'bloody tough'. We had strong northerlies through to Lake Tennyson with a slight reprieve before heading into Rainbow Station when the winds picked up and it turned cold. We put on all the clothes we had to keep warm and at times had to dismount our bikes before we were being blown off them! We also had our first puncture of our trip in the worst place ever. I fixed it in far from record time with very cold fingers. Thank goodness we had no repeat for this leg. We were very pleased to see Lynelle and Louie in our support vehicle as we came through the last gate! We battled on in heavy rain and rode in the headlights of the car to gain a few extra kilometres before tomorrows ride to Nelson.

Its now the next day and although its still raining here in St Arnaud the reports are that it is fine, calm and mild in Nelson.

We hope to get on our bikes from where we left off last night at around 9.30am. looks like we will get wet for awhile but have the prospect of a fine finish.

We plan to paddle to the lighthouse from the car park near the Yacht Club and Coastguard buildings for those in the area and wish to come down and see us finish. Its been a big couple of weeks and Nick and I looking forward to finishing what has been a great adventure!

Sorry about the lack of order in the photos but time is against me.

signing off, Denis

Day 9

2010-04-11T21:09:00.012+12:00

We were back to Sumner this morning at 9.30am to prepare for the paddle. We were absolutely blown away with all our friends and family that turned out to farewell us. Special thanks to Chris Milne and his mate Andy who supported us as we headed out on this leg. As we negotiated the swells on our way out in to the ocean, we were happy to see Tony and the Kaiapoi crew arrive to escort us.

Shortly after that we were joined by Nick and his Lyttleton crew and felt very secure as we paddled for our new destination at the New Brighton Pier.
The surf ‘threw’ us around a bit as we beached next to the pier! Once changed and fed (on a delicious mince and cheese pie provided by Al and Holly) we set off for Waipara on our road bikes. We were supported on the way by Mum and Louie, Al, Hail and Holly and Rex, Andrea, Geordie and Oscar. The slight tail wind turned to a head wind about Amberley, however we soldiered on to Waipara, just beating the support vehicles (who had popped in to Pegasus for a coffee, wine, beer and food)!

We enjoyed a few ‘big stubbies’ (bloaters) at the Waipara Hotel before climbing aboard the vehicles to head back to ChCh.

We ran in to a relation of our good friend Denis Kelly’s at the Waipara Hotel. Joshua Elwood and his mate Tony had been on a motorbike ride from Leithfield Beach.

Thanks to our ChCh family for a delicious meal hosted by Hail and Al tonight. We have been so well looked after during our time in ChCh and feel ready to take on the final part of our journey.

Signing off… Nick and Denis

Day 8

2010-04-11T21:01:00.009+12:00

It was the second of the ‘rest days’ in ChCh, however it was necessary to complete a ‘short’ bike ride from Mumra and Grandy’s (Bob and Lena’s) to Sumner beach.

The 23km journey provided an ideal opportunity to have our family join Nick and Denis for a leisurely ride to the beach. So, at 2pm we left 130 Reynolds Ave accompanied by Hannah, Mum (Lynelle), Mumra (Lena), Louie and Rex on bikes and Andrea and Hail in their support vehicles, along with Grandy, Geordie and Oscar in the truck (to get the bikes back) and headed for Sumner!

It was a great casual ride along cycle tracks to our destination. A special thanks to Louie Chapman (Nick’s cousin) for biking with him all the way to Sumner… great effort Louie!

We were welcomed to Sumner, with a well earned cup of tea, by Annie and Chris Milne.
Signing off… Lynelle

Day 9 Map

2010-04-11T17:23:00.009+12:00

Sorry something is wrong with link on this map.

Day 9 was altered as the day went on. We left Sumner Lifeboat Station at 10.00am and were joined by two coastguard crews from Kaiapoi and Lyttleton. The sea was very messy with a good nor east swell so with the prospect of worsening conditions we headed for New Brighton Pier and finished our paddle there. We then got on our bikes and headed to Waipara. The Coastguard crews were fantastic and many thanks for their support.

Day 8 Map

2010-04-11T17:19:00.003+12:00

Today was a small ride (23km) from Bob & Lena's, where we finished on Thursday, to Sumner Beach, where we leave from on Day 9. Nick & Denis were joined by family, the youngest being Louie who is 9, and rode the whole 23 km.

Paddle from Sumner

2010-04-11T07:32:00.004+12:00

This post is a bit late but we are heading out from Sumner this morning at 10.00am with support form Coastguard Canterbury. We are planning on leaving from the boat ramp at the base of Scarborough Hill and heading to Woodend Beach. We will ride our road bikes from there to Waipara to finish the day.

Chris Milne and a few of his mates are going to join us for the paddle.

Day 7

2010-04-09T11:23:00.012+12:00

A beautiful morning in Geraldine for the start of our ride to Christchurch. The Stewart and Millar families joined us for this leg along with Alan from the previous day. Chris started off and tagged Jake further down the road.

Our first stop was Mayfield where we had coffee and polished off a banana cake supplied that morning by Alex & Anne.

Alan rode a further 13 km up from Mayfield and headed back home. Many thanks to him again for sharing the front with Chris and Jake. Nick and I sat in the slipstream for as long as we could.

We met up with Rich MacIntosh about 12 km from Raikia. He rode down from Christchurch to meet us. He had a nice tail wind down but had to turn around in to a ‘stiff’ nor east wind for the trip back. We had a quick stop at Rakaia and worked out a strategy to get across the long bridge. Lynelle took the lead in our car while Serra was behind us in the truck. No one passed us and we had a large queue by the time we hit the other end. I hope no children decided to hold their breath in the cars behind us!

The wind got quite strong and it was single file up to Burnham before we could get off a ‘very busy’ highway 1.

At one stage Nick clipped Jakes back tyre which bought him down on the tarmac! Thankfully he fell the right way and no damage was done to him or the bike. It was a relief to get to Burnham and on to some less congested roads through to Christchurch.

We arrived at 130 Reynolds Ave (our destination) just after 5 pm to finish the day! We were welcomed in by Mumra and Grandy (Bob and Lena), Nancy and Brian and Valda.

The ride was 150 km but Rich ended up doing 161 km as he didn’t quite work out the halfway point.

It’s nice to be in Christchurch and a couple of rest days in front of us before we push on to Nelson.

Signing off, Denis

Day 6

2010-04-09T10:46:00.012+12:00

Frosty again this morning but a calm day and a flat lake. We were pleased not to be paddling for 4 or 5 hours today. Lynelle was away early in order to get around to Haldon Motor Camp with our mountain bikes. We had a quick 2 km paddle across the end of the lake while Lynelle had close to 170 km by road to get to the same place!

Bob and Lena towed the caravan for us and were our support crew for the morning .

Funny story about the paddle! We met up with Sal, Birdy and Tilly at the start point to get directions on exactly where to paddle. These guys had boated here lots... so knew all the short cuts?! Our directions were to head straight for the ‘fluffy trees’ – new code for willow trees – this seemed slightly different to the map but as there was agreement between Sal and Bird we figured they must be right. Anyway it became obvious when we reached the 'fluffy trees’ that we were in the wrong place. Our 2 km paddle turned into 6! I think they realised their mistake as we were heading out but we thought their cries were continued ‘whoop whoops’ in support. We should mention however that they were the instigators of our new route that saved us about 30 km of paddling so what’s 4 extra between mates.

The road out to Dog Kennel corner near Burkes Pass was about 50 Km (33km on recently graded gravel) and was a bit of a slog. Once at the top of Burkes Pass however we made great time through to Fairlie and on to Geraldine on our road bikes.

We were joined by Alan Kelly on the bike with about 20 km to go and he was a welcome relief as a wind break into the Nor Easter. Alan is a friend of Alex and Anne Wilson, our neighbours from Oreti, who now live in Geraldine.

Alex and Anne were at the finish to see us come in. This was the second day they turned up to meet us after driving all the way to Haldon Camp yesterday expecting to see us then. Some confusion in communication (oops)!

We had dinner with ‘The Scullys’ (Millars) in Temuka along with the Stewarts, Birdy and Matt. We negotiated a truce over the ‘Fluffy Trees’ incident!

Signing off Denis & Nick

Day 7 Map

2010-04-08T21:09:00.003+12:00

Made it to Christchurch and we now have a couple of day off!

We will update the blog with comments and photos over the next couple of days

Day 6 Map

2010-04-07T17:58:00.002+12:00

Today was another great day. Beautiful blue sky day and very little wind. You may notice that we got a bit confused as to where we were going to begin with. It seems that once you've seen one 'Fluffy Tree' you've seen them all! Thanks Sal and Birdy!

Day 5

2010-04-07T07:35:00.002+12:00

Luxury to enjoy a lie in and relaxing morning at Omarama camping ground. Nick and Denis had been ‘dreaming’ of a hearty breakfast at ‘The Wrinkly Rams’ and enjoyed tucking in to this late morning.

Due to the change in course, they decided to get a ‘short’ bike ride (40km!) out of the way this afternoon in order to make day 6 slightly easier. It was out on the road to Ohau C Camp-site mid afternoon… joined by me for the first part (before turning around to pick up the vehicle) and again for the last part (when I met up with Mumra and Grandy) . It was a lovely autumn afternoon, perfect for a relaxed bike ride!

We parked the kayaks at the edge of the lake for a quick get-away tomorrow and cruised back to the camp site to organise gear for the big day ahead!

Looking forward to getting through to Geraldine tomorrow…

Signing off, Lynelle

Day 4

2010-04-07T07:00:00.008+12:00

We woke to a frost and the potential for a positive day ahead. Our ‘wool underlay’s’ kept us warm and the morning cup of tea tasted particularly good. Mike dropped us back at St Bathans to start the day and it was just the two of us for the first time on this journey. We wave goodbye to the Cooks at the start of the Hawkdun Run Road and headed into the Oteike Conservation Reserve and over the Omarama Saddle into Omarama. We had a about four layers of clothes on as the morning was very crisp! It only took about 10 km of riding and a warning sun for us to strip back down to one.

The ride up toward the saddle was almost tranquil as we had a tail wind a blue sky day and some sweet chochie biscuits and chocolate rough – courtesy of Donna – in our back pockets!

As we were about to hit the steep climb to the saddle Matt and his dad Pete arrived in the Waitaki Honey ute with a couple of bikes on the back. Matt lost the coin toss and got on his bike and joined us up the climb. We climbed about 300 metres in what seemed about a kilometre and lost 800 in about five going down.

It was pretty much ‘downhill’ with a slight tail wind in to Omarama. Nick, Denis and Matt were escorted in by Pete, Kate and Abby and welcomed into the Omarama camping ground by Mumra and Grandy (Lena and Bob), Sally, CJ and Tilly, Bird, Matt, and friends!

We enjoyed a ‘debrief’ and relaxing afternoon with our welcoming crew and then a soak in the hot tubs at Omarama. With a delicious dinner in Twizel at Al and Jo’s (Aunt and Uncle) and Lena and Bob, it was bliss to have our heads on the pillow with the thought of a rest day tomorrow.

After discussions with some very knowledgeable ‘locals’ we have changed the course and will now bike from Omarama to Ohau C camping ground at the top of Lake Benmore and paddle all of about 3 km to Haldon Motor Camp, mountain bike up to Dog Kennel corner and road bike through to Geraldine.

Signing off… Denis, Nick and Lynelle

Day 3 - Extra

2010-04-06T22:20:00.007+12:00

Hannah and Lynelle completed the blog for day 3 but as we were out off cell phone coverage going through Thompsons Gorge to St Bathans no updates were available from us.
Everything went well though Thompsons Gorge. Much better going the opposite way to the Gold Rush course. There seemed to must more downhill going from west to east. We had the Cook family and Matt and Debbie as support and co participants. We had such a good time and the day epitomised what this challenge is all about ‘family and friends doing something a little outside the ordinary’! Emily Cook who is 12 rode from the saddle going into the gorge to about 18 Km from St Bathans. A great effort!

We made St Bathans just as the sun went down and instead of biking another 4 km out to the Hawkdun Run woolshed we put the bikes on the truck and set up our ‘digs’ for the night before we went back to the Vulcan Hotel for dinner. Many thanks to Dick and Joan for allowing us to bunk down as guests in their woolshed.

Mike the Publican was a great host and kept us entertained as a true Publican should! Russell and Robyn (part time locals for the last 20 years) helped fill in any gaps in the conversation during the evening and we managed to raise $200 for the Riverton Coastguard. Very generous locals and not so locals. It was great to meet Kerry Prendergast Her worship the Mayor of Wellington and her friends who happened to be celebrating their completion of the ‘Otago Central Rail Trail’ with dinner at the Vulcan.

Mike dropped $50 into our donation bucket along with some ‘sustenance’ for the following day (nut bars and moros) as we left and headed back to the woolshed.
Another great day done!

Signing off Nick & Denis

Day 5 Map

2010-04-06T19:08:00.001+12:00

This day was a rest day but we had a little change in course so we decided to get the jump on the next day by riding an easy 40km to the Ohau C camping ground. We now have a leisurely paddle across the top of lake Benmore to Haldon Motor Camp and a mountain bike ride to Dog Kennel Corner and on to Geraldine. We had planned to stop at Fairlie but will take the opportunity to shorten the ride to Christchurch the next day.

Day 4 Map

2010-04-06T13:47:00.001+12:00

Have a look at the elevation details on this day. It got very steep near the top of the saddle. Hit 22% gradiant. We gained hight in a very short time. Got to Omarama down the other side in pretty good time though. Had a nice tail wind all the way through.

Day 3 Map

2010-04-06T13:45:00.002+12:00

I lost a bit of concentration on both day 3 and 4 and left the GPS off for about 5 km on both days so have decided to leave it on all the time instead of turning on and off when we stop and start.

Day 3

2010-04-04T21:50:00.001+12:00

Coming to you from Hannah and Lynelle in the Omarama Camping Ground. Nick and Denis are camping the night, along with the entire Cook family; Mike, Sharon, Fergus and Emily, in a Woolshed in St Bathans! Thanks so much to the Cavanaugh Family for providing the accommodation.

The day started with a paddle up Lake Dunstan. After a cold start, both in terms of wet clothing (thanks to the rain last night!) and a brisk southery our boys enjoyed the latter part of the journey to the Bendigo boat ramp in brilliant sunshine. A Jimmy's mince pie, some more home baking and an additional rider (Mike Cook) saw them take off for St Bathans on their mountain bikes. It was great to have Sharon and John Faul there to cheer them on!

Along the way they were lucky enough to be joined buy the Cook kids, Emily and Fergus, for parts of their ride. On arrival to St Bathans the team were looking forward to dinner at St Bathans pub and a kip in the woolshed!

We look forward to welcoming them into Omarama tomorrow in the early afternoon. Nick will be looking forward to his mate, Matt Irving, joining him for the ride out as well as a and catch up on the journey thus far with another school mate Corey, his Glendhu whanau and his Mumra and Grandy from Christchurch.

Signing off, Hannah and Lynelle

Day 2 Map

2010-04-04T07:09:00.001+12:00

Day 2

2010-04-03T22:19:00.007+13:00

Day 2 started at 10:30am. Nick, Denis, Mike, Richard and Adam headed up the Nevis Road on their mountain bikes – the two us taking the much easier option of following in the truck! The boys took on first of the two major hills in an 1 hour and 45 minutes, an impressive effort by all. Stopping first at the original Southland Ski hut for a bit of food and a quick chat to some other visitors. Not long after Fergus subbed in for Mike and Hannah hopped on her bike and joined for the middle section.

Lunch stop at about 1:30pm and then full steam ahead for the bottom of the second major climb. Third and final stop at the bottom of the last stinker of a climb, and with a ‘slightly’ guilty conscience we both hopped back in the truck! After following for a while Hannah jumped out and joined for part of the climb up and Fergus subbed in again at the top to take on the final downhill ride. With a steady rain settled in we speed down the other side and were a never happier to hit a bit of tar-seal as we came out the other side. After another few k’s on this more ‘forgiving surface’ we arrived at the Cook’s a little after 6pm!

Signing off, Hannah and Fergus

Now after a shower, a beer, an amazing roast pork dinner a big thank you goes out to the Cook family for their hospitality tonight, to Mike, Fergus, Adam and Richard for their support in today’s leg. And finally to all who have sent messages of support and encouragement via the blog, texts or phone calls!

Nick doing some final stretches before the last hill (haha)

Day 1 Map

2010-04-03T06:19:00.004+13:00

This is a map of our trip for day 1. By 'clicking' on the graphic above it will take you to 'mapmyride ' software where you can see a map of where we have been. Check out the video flyby, it's pretty cool but I don't expect you to sit through the whole route. However spare a thought for those of us who rode it.

The ability for us to be able to add this sort of info to the site was through the assitance of Steve and Carol Goodlass of 'shebikeshebikes' and 'Solandra Lodge'. Have a look at their website which is accessable under our supporters on the main page.

Cheers Woodsy

Day One

2010-04-02T21:29:00.007+13:00

Day 1
Amazing start to the event! Perfect conditions for the paddle. Departed Riverton Coastguard at around 7:45am, beautiful sunrise to start the day. I was lucky enough to be able to join them on the Coastguard boat and accompany them in their first leg of their amazing journey. We arrived at Centre Island at about 8:20am. Nick and Denis disembarked and took the opportunity to take photos up at the Lighthouse. They launched off Centre Island at 8:45am and made their way across an ‘oily calm’ Foveaux Straight in about 1 hr 30 min. Many thanks to the boat crew, Noel, Ranui and Mark. Also a big thanks to Ken at the shed and Dusty at the boat ramp in Colac Bay. Finally we thank the Oraka Aparima Runaka for allowing access to Rarotoka.Your support is greatly appreciated.

A huge crowd gathered at the Colac Bay boat ramp to welcome our boys in. Many slightly caught out by their early arrival! Once out of the kayak and up the ramp, there was a ‘quick’ change, a bite of baking and farewell to their supporters whom they wish to say a huge thank you to! Also many thanks for all the generous donations.

Just along the road in Riverton they were joined by Derek and almost Brendon, who unfortunately brought an odd combination of bike shoes! He managed to catch up with them just before Otautau. The boys battled in to a sturdy Nor-Wester and were slightly ‘stuffed’ by Wreys Bush. With the addition of Gary Horner, and for a fleeting moment Mandy Crawford, they soldiered on! Another fuel stop at Mossburn and another rider, Richie at Five Rivers the boys took on their last leg to Garston!
Arriving in Garston just before 6pm they finished in good spirits but very keen for a sit down! Special thanks to Derek and Brendon for minimising the ‘wind factor’ for our boys!
Day 2 brings a change of pace and equipment – tackling the Nevis Road to Cromwell being their next challenge. I intend to do my part by riding with them (only on the down hill!) tomorrow.

Signing off, Hannah

All ready for a start tomorrow

2010-04-01T18:37:00.005+13:00

Just tried out Sarah & John Kennedys double kayak in preparation for tomorrows paddle from Centre Island.

Looks like we should arrive at Colac Bay between 10 - 10.30am. So for those joining us on the bike ride to Garston we hope to get away at around 11.00am from the reserve above the Coastguard building.

Interview with Jim Mora on National Radio

2010-03-31T12:31:00.002+13:00

Have a listen to Jim Mora's interview with Denis

http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/aft/2010/03/24/family_challenge

Nick home for the challenge

2010-03-30T23:21:00.003+13:00

It's been a busy week getting final things done for the trip.

Nick is home from 'Johnnies' tomorrow night. His Mother and Father are looking forward to giving him some jobs to do!

Less than a week to go!

2010-03-28T21:14:00.003+13:00

Well there is less than a week to go before we head up the Island. I think everything is just about sorted. A few last things to get organised. For anyone joining us on the bike ride through to Garston it looks like we should be getting away from the reserve above Coastguard Riverton around midday. We will be riding up through Otautau and on to Mossburn across to Five Rivers and over the Jollie's Pass to Gartson. Anyone is welcome to join us and can start and stop where they wish. The weather at this stage looks reasonable.

Thanks to those who have donated to the Coastguard already and for the interest and support shown in this challenge.

Keep an eye on this site as we will be providing more detail about each day's routine as it is finalised.

Final plans for day one will be posted within the next couple of days.

Accessing the pages on this blog

2010-03-17T10:57:00.000+13:00

Hi all

For those who are unfamiliar with links in a blog, to gain access to the pages with the various information all you need to do is 'hover' over the page heading and click your mouse when it is highlighted. Good luck.

Cheers Denis