Glowworms
Today Sarah and I made it to the Waitomo Caves to see the fabulous glowworms. As soon as we rolled up to Waitomo, we were greeted by the New Zealand tourism industry for the first time. We saw a lot of families in camper vans with tired, crying kids and a lot of young guys in wetsuits saying “My name’s Ian and I’ll be your guide today…”. We haven’t really been thinking about it, but we have been travelling through some rural farming country which is very beautiful, but which doesn’t have a lot of tourist activities. It still feels at this point like we are trying to figure out what this trip is going to be about. It is easy to travel all day by bicycle and enjoy the countryside and then just fall asleep in your tent as soon as the sun goes down without really doing anything.
We have both been impressed by how green and beautiful it is here and Sarah’s quadriceps have been impressed by the rolling hills. She still refuses to try clipless pedals, so she is stuck doing leg presses all day. Her bike has gotten progressively lighter every day so far and mine is getting heavier. However, she does have me as her personal soigneur and gets a leg massage every night, so life isn’t all bad and I’m sure she will get stronger soon.
It’s funny – Sarah and I are both nervous but about completely different things. She is worried this trip is going to be too difficult for her physically and I’m worried the bikes will break down beyond my abilities and we will be stranded somewhere in the toe jam of New Zealand with no chance of rescue. So far, we have both been spending a lot of time reassuring each other that everything is going to be allright.
Here are some photos from our ride today:
Tomorrow we will have to make a decision. Head for the East coast and Mt. Egmont National Park or head directly South towards Wellington which will take us by Tongariro National Park. We got some advice yesterday that the road heading directly South is much more bikeable and traffic is lighter, so we are leaning in that direction but are going to gather some more opinions tomorrow before making a decision.
January 5th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Whenever the rolling hills become too much to take, just start chanting “cubeass” and I’m sure you’ll feel better! James, your beard is looking amazing and Sarah, your first bout of middle earth trots is behind you. Yippee!
January 6th, 2007 at 2:32 am
Sarah and Jamie-
I had my interview for medical school today. Pray for me! Love, Emily
January 7th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Greetings Sarah & Jamie!
Wow, we all really enjoy the posts! Your journey is so much fun to follow. We have been telling all our friends and associates. Keep up the fantastic work!
Sir Jamie, you are a really terrific guy for sharing in Sarah’s bicycle load and for being Sarah’s personal masseuse! Thank you.
If you don’t mind I’d like to share a few hints, tips and clues about muscle cramping. Of course I have to get my legal disclaimer in here. I am not a Doctor, but I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night!
1) In my opinion, I think the muscle cramping may be primarily due to dehydration. Therefore, be sure to increase your intake of water, especially water with electrolytes like Gatorade, Coke, even good old fashion Tonic Water when available.
2) Increase your intake of calcium, magnesium and especially potassium. Therefore eat more bananas and have a glass of wine, especially red wine, every evening. The increased potassium will also be a benefit for your heart.
3) DHEA is a supplement that may benefit the increase of mass in lean muscle tissue. If you can find some this may really help over time with regard to fatigue.
Next, we really appreciate the links you provide for us to share in your experiences. All we have to do is click on “Waitomo Caves†and boom, there it is! Everything you have ever wanted to know about glowworms! Sarah, this life experience may give you a decided advantage when we play Trivial Pursuit next. Especially in the category of Geography which was always one of your strongest subjects. But that’s OK, bring it on!
Peace & Love,
Pops
January 7th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Dudes, you are doing great! If I am not mistaken, you did 60kms on your first day! That is totally awesome. I have been cycling for five months, and I only managed 60km yesterday. Some days you do 120kms, some other days you can only handle 20km. Some days you are throwing up with a 40 degree fever, other days you are cruising along a flat road pedalling your guts out because you want to make the most of the tail wind. At the end of the day you’re wasted. Your legs are wasted. You have to rest for three days. Two weeks perhaps (as I did in Tajikistan). But hey, do you have something you have to be back home for in exactly X amount of days? It’s all part of the adventure and trip. Take it as it comes.
As for the bikes breaking down, you have started out with awesome gear. I did the same and haven’t had so much as a squeak out of my bike for almost 7,000kms (10,000kms if you add the 3,000kms I did commuting before the trip began), and that’s on a full suspension recumbent. Imagine how much more reliable your reliable hardtail touring upright bikes are going to be!
Go for it, James and Sarah. Take it easy and enjoy what will become the spring board for even more awesome experiences in your life!
From a freaking freezing eastern Turkey,
Rob
January 8th, 2007 at 2:07 am
Hi guys,
Terry and I are starting to plan our wedding and he really liked Jamie’s tie. Do you remember where you got it?
take care,
Johanna
January 21st, 2007 at 9:19 am
Just took a glance at your website. How exciting for both of you. What a once in a lifetime experience. Will you also be going to Australia and if so where will you be? Erik did his student teaching in Perth and if you will be near there I can give you the name of his host Mum and Dad and I’m sure they would love to meet you. Happy riding! Aunty Linda