Living Superficially

While searching for inspiration to write about my recent adventure I came across this quote from a dude who swam the length of Lake Wakatipu (81km).

“Most human activities don’t survive two or three lines of questioning. Marathon swimming and other extreme activities like mountaineering struggle to get past the first ‘why’ with credibility. But if you find enjoyment in an activity, however absurd, and it isn’t causing significant harm to others, then there is little benefit in thinking deeply about it. Sometimes it’s best to live superficially.”

- Ben Campbell-MacDonald

With which I completely concur – now back to the inspiration search.  I promise you will be rewarded for your wait.

  

I’m back

You may be wondering why Jan and I have not been writing for the past few weeks.  There was a very very very good reason.  As suspected, I have been on a most exciting adventure of the bodacious kind.  While Jan was stuck in the garage longing for Betty.  The adventure commenced with  Frankie and me getting taken apart (I am comfortable with that now and Frankie was staunch about it), packed in boxes and flying in an airplane.  My white paint is not as pristine as when we started, nothing a day at the spa won’t fix (I say hopefully).

Over the next couple of weeks I will tell you all about it, accompanied by stunning photographs of the scenery and of course me.  For a wee teaser it involved; riding with a stunning shiny pink bicycle (Jam would approve), a locomotive and goods carriage impersonation (myself and Frankie respectively), real trains that went choo choo toot toot; and remote valleys where only the brave venture, including a couple of English cycle tourers; oh and I almost forgot reaching my top speed ever, and we haven’t even started yet.

Be sure to come on back now.

Sand, Surf & Sun

After last week’s exploration that ended in a Ferry ride, Betty and I decided to continue with the holiday theme.  ”How, about the beach?” I asked.  ”Absolutely,” Betty’s immediate reply.  This presented a slight dilemma as the route to the West Coast beaches requires the ascent of a hill or two, something that Our Rider and MT try to avoid.  Fortunately mapmyride.com helped us misinform the riders by showing the distance as 55km with a mere 430 metres of climbing, with a manageable gradient of around 5% (give or take).

Betty and I met at our usual place at the usual time and started the slog out on the false flat into a wind. “At least we will have a tail wind home,” I observed to Betty. “Yes, and no rain today,” Betty joyfully replied.

We started up the first climb with my Garmin showing a gradient of 9.8%, occasionally when it dropped to 6.3% it seemed almost easy.  Yes by doing something more difficult, it makes what you did before seem easier.  On reaching the top Our Rider declared, “I don’t remember it being that long.”  Oh how time fades memory.  ”I think coca-cola at the beach will be on today’s menu,” MT, ever mindful of her cafe responsibility, commented.

We then entered one of the most pleasurable phases of the ride: a lovely descent followed by undulating country roads, where our ears strained to hear nothing as we rode in companionable silence.  We were starting to wonder when we would arrive at the beach and a little anxious if there would be a cafe there to refuel the riders, then we saw it:

"Surf's Up" - Photo by MT

The had been very little traffic and yet when we stopped to purvey this sign a convoy of at least ten vehicles drove by.  A little bit further down the road, we discovered their purpose.  The vehicles were full of trampers out for a Saturday meander, a bit like Betty and I really.  Except why walk when you can ride?

Slightly anxious Our Rider approached the parking area, concerned that the much promised cafe may not actually exist or be open.  Fortunately this was alleviated when a converted caravan with food, chairs and tables appeared.

Two coca-colas, one double espresso and a chocolate brownie would hopefully provide the ideal mix of sugar and caffeine to ensure the success of the return journey.  While relaxing the clouds dissipated and the sun appeared.  There are few things sweeter than feeling the warmth of the sun on my frame.  Betty’s Garmin told her it was 30 degrees!

"Sand beneath our tyres"

After a quick look beyond the sand dunes to confirm that the surf was there it was time to return, via a slightly different route to avoid the very steep climb, that we had enjoyed riding down.

"Sand, Surf & Sun"

The route involved a climb that mapmyride had listed at around 4%.  More like 8% reaching 10%.  Still as I said before, “by doing something harder, it makes what you did before easier.”  The coca-cola and coffee were definitely working as it should, with Our Rider and MT successfully powering us up the hill and then the next one.  From then on it was a reverse false flat with a tail wind (as predicted) except for the cross winds, all the way home.  ”Yee Hah!“

With 65km ridden, 750 metres climbed and gradients reaching 10%, we certainly proved that mapmyride.com lies and Betty and I enjoyed a laugh at our deception.   When we heard Our Rider and MT cheerfully chat about riding the Buttered Chicken on our next date we both did a bunnyhop in delight.  We were most proud  that over the past months we have cajoled Our Rider and MT into making such fine progress and reminisced of  the time where we spent more time outside the cafe waiting than riding.  We knew they would!

Labyrinth Hunt – Part Three

After noticing a change in TVF, and in particular her change in attitude towards Betty and I, after she had been on two labyrinth hunts, I decided it was time to experience these labyrinths for myself.  I sent a message to Betty, who has some experience in labyrinth hunting and a rendezvous was arranged to coincide with Our Rider’s birthday celebrations.  However we were thwarted by a series of text messages between Madame Trainer and Our Rider.  Something to do with torrential rain, which resulted in the two meeting at a cafe without us bicycles.  Unacceptable!

Fortunately the outing was merely postponed and last weekend the day dawned with marginally less wetness in the air.  We were joined by the pesky Lynskey.  The mission for the day was to hunt the labyrinth, which Our Rider claimed, rather vaguely, to know  location, and to find the cafe that was somewhere on or just off the Green Route  that had mismatching cutlery borrowed from the neighbours, excellent home baked goodies and perhaps possibly called “Little something or other.”  With such exact instructions we were confident in locating this eating establishment.

Given Our Rider’s expanding girth I was pleased that we were riding the long way to the Labyrinth rather than catching the ferry there and back.  Our Rider had devised a route and it soon became apparent that the acquisition of a Garmin 800 Edge has not eliminated her tendency towards scenic diversion.  She had observed a cycle way on the map that followed the harbour.  After a few interesting turns we made it to the so called cycle way.  Let’s just say TVF was more suited to the terrain than I.  The three bicycles mutinied and an alternate route was found, which lead us to a formerly very dodgy (traffic wise) bridge, which is now far safer by the addition of a cycle way alongside the bridge separate from motor vehicles.

"Resting, after crossing the now safe bridge."

Not long after crossing the bridge we stopped, wondering what way to go (this was uncharted territory you must understand).  Fortunately another bicycle came along and pointed us in the direction that did not involve scenic diversions.

After repetitive periods of getting wet, drying out and getting wet again we eventually made it to the start of the Green Route, which TVF has ridden and has yet to tell you about.  There the cafe hunt started in earnest.  Madame Trainer has outstanding cafe sniffing out ability…. sniff sniff sniff she went, shake of head and on we continued.

We meandered and weaved thorough parks, followed the mangrove coastline, past a cemetery (sorry no photo)  and across long narrow bridges, which fortunately had sides to prevent us falling into the water below, given the cross winds!

Mangrove and water crossing

Still no sign of the elusive cafe.  A little further on Our Rider declared we were at the park where the Labyrinth lives.  ”I wonder where it is,” she pondered while perusing the conveniently placed map board.  ”There it is,” cried MT, as she pointed to a glade about 10 metres away!

This labyrinth was made of shells and bricks and I was slightly concerned that I may spring a leak as I dutifully walked the labyrinth.  On completion Betty and I spent a moment in contemplation.  The pesky Lynskey was sulking in the background.

Joined in contemplation

Yes you have noticed the change in Betty’s appearance haven’t you.  Pink bar tape discarded, replaced with black.  Fortunately she still retains her girly girl tendencies.

With coffee cravings overwhelming Madame Trainer it became essential to find the cafe.  So we diverted from the green route and took up the cafe hunt in earnest.  ”Sniff, sniff, sniff.  No“.  Across the road, “sniff sniff sniff perfecto.”  The Vauxhall it was (no “little” in its name at all). The riders replaced the calories burned (and possibly a few more) with delicious hot chocolate, excellent coffee and fabulous sweet treats, while us bicycles waited outside.

"Waiting outside - again with pesky Lynskey attempting a move on Betty"

While waiting outside we noticed that the sun came out.  For some reason we were ridden the short way home, via the ferry.  It seemed as if we were on holiday.

Enjoying a change under tyre.

I am uncertain as whether the labyrinth hunt resulted in any great revelation or life changing experience for me.  Still one never knows, these things can move in mysterious ways.  As always exploration is great fun and in addition to this I do believe we achieved our mission.  We found the labyrinth and the cafe.

Loo Art

Like TVF I have entered holiday riding mode.  Yesterday while riding a regular loop Our Rider made a wee stop where we noticed this…

Loo Art

Yes for security reasons I always accompany Our Rider to the bathroom, which is often a discreetly placed bush.  However on this occasion we were indoors and I was able to enjoy art while I waited.

Ever since my date with Betty to the cemetery I have become rather fascinated with these places of rest.  As my ride continued I saw a spot that I have often ridden past.  I decided to stop and peruse the tombstones.  I was stunned to see how many people die young.  Mind you there were others that had a grand innings lasting many many years.  Unfortunately this particular cemetery will shortly be turned into a lawn cemetery and memorials such as this will cease to exist.

"Grave Art"

TVF’s most recent post suggests that she may have had an epiphany about my relationship with Betty.  As we share the one rider, it simply is not possible for TVF and I to date.  Still I always look forward to her return as she excitedly tells me about her adventures with such childlike wonder, it is almost infectious.  She is a sweetheart with her big chunky tyres.

Labyrinth Hunt – Part 2

After successful hunt of Labyrinth One it was time to hunt the second one.  So off we went.  Ever since Jan’s & Betty’s date at the cemetery I have been curious about these places, where the dead people live.  As we were riding along I saw what appeared to be tomb stones very close to the dead centre of town (bad pun intended).  So we detoured among the overgrown lichen covered tombs.

"Almost the dead centre of town."

I wonder how many ghosts frequent this spot after dark.  Perhaps I have no need to find out.

On we continued and down a path off a busy street we found a peaceful oasis….

"Labyrinth #2"

As you can see this labyrinth was a bit different to the first one, which was made from soil and grass.  This one is an all weather labyrinth made of concrete.  It is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which exudes tranquility.  Once admiration of the garden was complete I commenced my walk.  This was a little more challenging than the first labyrinth as the corners were tighter and the paint design had a psychedelic effect.  I eventually made it to the centre and back out again.

Before we left we took time to examine the plaque that spoke about the labyrinth:

"A place to meditate and be. There is one path into the centre, and one path out. Walk the labyrinth in any way you wish; slowly, quickly, pensively, excitedly."

and I did walk it in all four ways.

As I was riding home my tyres humming a peaceful familiar tune, I realised I was happy, well not just happy I was very happy.  I have wonderful adventures exploring vistas near and far, a very big riding companion in Frankie and a rider who cleans me (sometimes).  I felt contentment my cup overflowed.

These thoughts led me to ponder on what I believed to be my unrequited love for Jan and the reasons for my attitude towards Betty.  Yes she may be a scarlet bicycle seeking to get her spokes into Jan, or any other bicycle for that matter, and then again she could be a bicycle, just like me, who loves exploration.  She may even have some insecurities of her own, or not. Maybe, possibly, perhaps if I allowed myself to think this way then I may feel joy that my garage friend, Jan, has someone to share his adventures with too.

Feeling fulfilled and content I returned to Jan and snuggled up to him and told him of the day’s outing.   He listened attentively as he always does.  He was most intrigued with the cemetery asking all sorts of details and the last thought that passed over my mind as I settled in for the night “I am such a fortunate bicycle“.

Labyrinth Hunt – Part 1

Armed with everything necessary to hunt a labyrinth Frankie and I ventured out under grey skies.  Our Rider was of the opinion that the rain gods would remain restful as she did not wear a vest (it is summer).  However, the Rain Gods, who were working to a different agenda, started to giggle and as they did a few drops of water sneaked out of the clouds and then a few more.  Necessity dicatated the first stop.  The Bond St overbridge – only we were underneath it protected from the Rain Gods presence.

Once the precipitation ceased we continued and as the journey and destination have equal merits I decided on a detour to the Auckland Museum.

"Not a Labyrinth"

If you look closely in the photo you will see Frankie and me.  In front of the museum is a monument for those who gave their lives in war “Lest we forget”.  Given the terrible loss of life from war I pondered as to why the following are on the memorial grounds.

"Definitely not a Labyrinth"

After viewing this weapon of destruction I felt the need to calm my mind so I continued for a short distance and rode through the grounds containing a couple of churches and other buildings, several times.  Biggest Fan took time out to observe that some nasty bug was eating away at one of the hedges in a beautiful garden display.  He told the “Welcomer” about it who dispatched Biggest Fan to the Office.  Somewhere along the way Biggest Fan found the organist, whose knowledge of the organ was extraordinary.  However his knowledge of gardens was less so.  Fortunately the organist did know contact details for the groundsman, so hopefully the naughty bugs can continue their mischief elsewhere, or better still redeem their ways.

Having conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the grounds we found, right next to where we had ridden in, what we were on the hunt for …..

"Definitely a Labyrinth"

We were all rather impressed.  After a suitable period of contemplation I began my walk and fascinating it was too.  Just as I was about to reach the centre, or so I thought, the route would take me to the outside again, back in then out again and again.   Intriguing really.  One could easily lose oneself and always be found.  Although this labyrinth is on a busy street I soon tuned out of the traffic noise and relaxed with no thoughts other than the grass beneath my tyres and then I reached the centre.

"Centered"

Following my tyre treads (I promise you no damage was done to the grass) I retraced my path exiting where I entered returning to the world.

Although I had achieved my objective and had successfully hunted a labyrinth, I decided to explore the old church upon whose grounds the labyrinth rests.

"About to Enter - I wiped my tyres first"

The inside was beautiful, with stunning stained glass windows and Sir Edmund Hillary’s banner.  This church was consecrated in 1888, when bicycles and horses were the preferred form of transport.

"Amazing - It took only 2 1/2 years to build."

In hunting the labyrinth we found, evidence of Rain Gods existence, an over-bridge, a museum, a canon and a beautiful old church.  This Labyrinth Hunt is such good adventurous fun.

Go Hunt a Labyrinth

This year Our Rider and Biggest Fan decided to holiday at home, which given the stormy weather was a wise choice.  They pretended that our house was a tent and were very pleased that the rain did not seep in and that they did not get washed out, as most people involved in reality camping did.  Frankie and I have been well rewarded with exploring areas of our city that we never knew existed (I’ll write about those later) and for now….

Yesterday while happily riding along the cycle way with Frankie I saw a black and silver bicycle with pink bar tape progressing towards us and then we all stopped.  ”My Giddy Aunt Agatha,”  I whispered to myself,  I was handlebar to handlebar with that scarlet bicycle whose mission, I am convinced, is to steal Jan’s heart.    I stood there glowering lost for words (yes I know that is unheard of and occasionally it happens to the most loquacious).  I listened as Our Rider and MT discussed Jan’s and Betty’s next liaison, with nary a thought for my feelings.  As we were departing Betty whispered to me “Go hunt a labyrinth.”  This threw me onto a state of confusion, as I was not entirely sure that I had heard her correctly ( I will leave it to your imagination as to what she could actually have said) and also I had no idea what a labyrinth was.  I guessed that maybe it was some mythical creature like a leprechaun and that Betty was sending me on the proverbial wild goose chase, in attempt to get me out of the way so she could get her spokes into Jan.

Frankie and I continued on our ride eventually making it home where I engaged in some research.   I must confess to being a little surprised at what I discovered.  I identified two labyrinth hunting grounds within bicycle ride from home and planned my outing……

Catching Up

No folks nothing really bad has happened to me, just my muse has been busy on other matters, well that is not true either.  Still here I am back again.  Several months ago a change occurred in our garage.  A rather nice man came and picked up The Falcon and put him in his car.  The Falcon has not been seen since, although I do believe he was promised a life of fun and adventure, which is fitting for a bicycle named after a famous explorer.  So does this mean that Biggest Fan’s sortie into the world of two wheels was short lived?

You will recall our conversation about 29ers after Biggest Fan and Our Rider’s return from a holiday in Wanaka.  While my life was saved due to Our Rider’s diminutive stature, the same can not be said for The Falcon.

Shortly after The Falcon’s departure Biggest Fan drove home, opened the truck and removed a monster of a bicycle with huge wheels.  In my opinion the bicycle is not as handsome as The Falcon.  Do you concur ?

The Black Monster

The only bling on this bicycle are the red nipples

Red Nipples to match Biggest Fan's hair

This bicycle as yet has no name.  I consider that Frankenstein could be appropriate.  Mind you as he will be my riding companion I may have to reconsider.  Biggest Fan is very happy with the big wheels, he can go faster and I have to spin my heart out to keep up.

Jimmy & Choo, Jan’s racing wheels, had quite an outing a couple of weeks ago.  They took Diva and Goddess all the way around Coromandel, almost 200km with 2000 metres of climbing. That is the longest Jimmy & Choo have ever ridden in one stint.  Jan is extremely jealous.

Speaking of Jan, he and Betty are solidifying their relationship with regular rides and have progressed to spending more time on the road than in the cafe.  I was rather perturbed and considered that they may be going steady, although after today’s date I’m not so sure.  Betty took Jan to the cemetery.  I repeat the Cemetery!  You know the place where dead people live.  At least it was daylight.  I really am uncertain as to what to make of that, as is Jan.  Actually I think Jan is understanding what it is like for me, to have another bicycle not returning one’s ardour.  Betty is either a bit loose or a very friendly bicycle as today, after the cemetery visit, she snuggled up to a titanium Lynskey who had joined them on the ride.  Leaving Jan all alone outside the cafe.

My disappointment with Jan’s infatuation with Betty was slightly mitigated when the Kennett Brothers new Mountain Bike Guide arrived with the snail mail and a peek in Our Rider’s mail box revealed upcoming adventures.  She better take me!

Stowaways Part 7 – The Final Day

After the action packed day of fishing and Japanese Tour partying, the intrepid travellers bounced off to find a beautiful beach to spend their last night.  Bramston Beach, with its beautiful golden sands and an open takeaway shop, delivered.  A pleasant evening was spent on the beach watching the sky change colour and the appearance of the moon and stars and perhaps some UFOs too.

Sometimes it is good to wake to the sunrise as our travellers discovered.

Capturing the sun's moment of perfection

So back to Cairns they travelled, with Gordon more than a little distraught to have only had three days of sunshine out of eight.  Truth be told he threw a bit of a tantrum when Jucy Lucy was delivered back to her home and he realised the end was nigh.

As it was a late night departure the travellers wandered along the Esplanade enjoying the sights of a tropical evening.  Then they heard the beautiful resonance of a flute.  A busker treated them to their last entertainment under the starry bat filled skies.

“C’mon Gordon,” said Red “it’s time to get back in the backpack.”

“No way,” said Gordon “that backpack contains a week’s supply of dirty laundry including Biggest Fan’s disgustingly stinky socks .  I’m getting in the carry on luggage instead.  I don’t think that we will be considered a security risk.“

“Hmm probably not,” replied Red as he joined Gordon.

And so it was that Gordon and Red made their journey home carefully stowed away in the overhead locker reminiscing of platypus, cassowary, red pandas, wombats, koala bears, precipitation and sunshine.  And in brotherhood they agreed “We must stowaway again, it was so much fun.”  Although I, TVF, say  only with us bicycles!

If you are lucky you maybe able to work out where the stowaways travelled.

Where did Red & Gordon go?