Day 1 - Auckland to Miranda - 110 km, 1189 m climbing

 Whacked!

Whacked is how I feel right now. 110 km's in close to 30 degrees mostly. However a shower, two bottles of Lemon Lime and Bitters have helped to meke me feel something like human once again.

A big vote of thanks go out to Shelley and Paul who looked after me so well these last few days - first a nice relaxing time at their great bach at Ngarimu Bay and then in thier Ponsonby apartment.

I got away from Sheeley and Paul's just after 7:00 AM and rode out to the Hearland Hotel at the Airport to join up with Peter and Stephen who had flown  in from Melbourne early Moday morning.

A stop at Countdown had our rolls and fruit for lunch sorted along with another coffee for the boy's then it was back on the trail. A perfect riding day to begin with although later on it did heat up and we need to ask a local for some water as well as School along the way - both happy to provide.

About 20 - 25 km from the end i got severe cramping in my iner thigh that made turning the pedals on any hill section impossible and for several I had to get off and walk. I've never experienced any form of cramping before and now can sympathise with those who do - it is not fun.

We thought we were cutting it too fine to be at the Miranda Holiday Park by its shop close up time of 5:00 PM and switched to haveing a session at the Miranda Pub with food then head on to the Holiday Park. Unfortunately the Pub was not at the crossroads where I thought it was going to be so we carried on and arrived at 5 past 5 to find the shop still open. Three frozen pre made Pizzas i will be for our dinner.