Saturday, March 13, 2010

Day 11 Levin to Wanganui ..100km

Hi again, loyal bloggers.......For the second day in a row in the North Island, we have had a personal 'Police Escort' out of town. Like yesterday with Neil (of Wellington Central), this morning we had Ken Brannigan, ex NZ Police, age 77, guiding us safely and confidently toward our end destination (albeit at a more 'reserved pace'!) Ken is the cyclist father of an ex-firefighter mate of mine, Lance (who now lives in Orlando, Florida). Ken lives in Foxton, 20k up the highway from Levin. He and his wife Joan invited me to a lovely dinner last night at the Foxton R.S.A (thanks to the R.S.A for a tasty lasagne meal) and he gratefully accepted the invitation to cycle part of our day 11 with us. They duly arrived by car at 0730 at our Levin motel (thanks Mountain View Motel)with bike on the back. He was already kitted up with leg and arm warmers, colourful U.S. vest and an old muset full of Joan's home made biscuits. He rode a new "Blue" aluminium bike, sent to him by Lance from Florida.

At 0745 the five of us pedalled off towards Foxton, on what was probably the coldest morning of our journey so far; most needed leg warmers and full-finger gloves. Ken proudly led us out, and Joan followed in her car and she took a few snaps on the way. Using his local knowledge, Ken delivered us on to the long cycle path that avoids the narrow and dangerous 1km long Manawatu River Bridge....then soon into Main street Foxton where we checked out the only original working Dutch windmill in New Zealand. Requisite photos were taken, then we said our goodbyes to a wonderful old chap and his wife. It certainly was a great pleasure to have you riding with us Ken, on part of our epic adventure. He was rapt and so were we!

Onward through Shannon, then to Bulls, for our customary cafe stop....45 more kilometres remained (into a stiffening head wind) of thankfully rolling/mild hills; a pleasant escape from the 30 kms of mind-numbing flat and straight roads of the Foxton Plains!! We soon rolled into my 'almost' home town of Wanganui, looking forward to a rest and catching up with family.

Tonight the team are staying at the Millenium Kings Gate Hotel on The Avenue (thanks guys) whilst I am lucky enough to be ensconsed at the Stewart Family Villa up on 'Nobs Hill', along with Kath, who flew down from Auckland this morning just for the night to see her man. Thanks Kath from me and the team for the amazing meal, and to Bryan and Nola who were superb hosts.

Tomorrow morning, the Paraparas!! and onto Taumaranui......climbing from sea level to over 2000 feet ....nite nite x
Toddy

1 comment:

  1. Now keep focussed on the pedalling Tod and dont let Kath distract you enjoy that climb today boys plenty of time to enjoy the scenery

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