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Another gruelling day towards Dave's goal on the Otago rail track . After another early rise Dave retuned to Wedderburn to continue the daily grind. After the celebrations on reaching the highest point yesterday, the downhill didn't appear as downhill as expected. However, the pace did pick up and all the support team were now on bikes, except Hamish , who joined us in a beautiful chariot. The laughter and joviality was low key as the support team saw the effort and steely determination of Dave as he grinded out each kilometre.
The support team swelled its ranks once again when Andrea's parents, Pat and Norman joined us for the next few days.
A steady pace was maintained during the morning, interrupted by short breaks to take as much food that Lynn and Nick could persuade Dave to eat. Dave seemed to be in good spirits when we stopped for lunch at Waipiata, but we were quickly joined by high winds and steep dips in the rail track that brought Dave to an almost standstill. By 5 o'clock we reached Tiroiti expecting to finish for the day, not so. Dave announced he wanted to continue (at this point the sun was setting). Dave was asked if he wanted Lynn or Nick to join him on bike for the last section, Dave answered, "the one that will least annoy me". Not to give it away, but the one who drove the car has red hair.
After over eight hours of cycling, Dave covered a massive 31KM, and added 1.25 inches to his biceps. So with the moon high in the sky another day is over - almost to the big goal!
- comments
Mick & Clara Keep going David, wishing you all the best for the final MIGHT PUSH. Thinking of you, Mick & Clara
Jan, Alex, Erinn & Kiera Keep going David - brilliant effort so far and not long to go now!!!
Eric and Gill Keep going guys you must be nearly finished and we are missing you loads. We got back to Scotland at 11am today (Tues 20th) after 55 hours and 11 connections from Dubai....have a great party in Christchurch and say hi to all our new NZ friends and dont tell Tree I couldn't catch a fish during TMP. E and G
Mark and June Congratulations and well done, still think you needed a family mechanic with you, now have a well deserved rest, you may as well because i think airports have closed down again here! Chill and congrats once again, love Mark, June and all the kids.
Jacqueline & Alanna CONGRATULATIONS!!.....So proud of you!! xx...time to rest now and wish you the ash to disappear so you can get home xx... Thinking of you take care, luvs ya xx
Wattie Hi Eric & Gill. Great to see yiou are finally home. Sorry we missed you when you collected the car. Obviously it was an epic marathon to get home from Dubai - my only hope is that you set it up as a sponsored event! Looking forward to meeting you & hearing your stories at some stage. Meanwhile back in NZ......... nail it, guys! All good here in Newcastle, even the airport is opening up!