Awesome 'Winters' Day

What an awesome day for a cycle this morning.  I set off down to Devonport via Fitzwilliam Hill and East Coast Road, through The Strand at Takapuna.  Here I abused Sam, Ashley and baby Willow for holding up the traffic as they crossed the road!  I have to say it was lovely to stop and have a chat and enjoy the magnificent view of Takapuna Beach.  I carried onto North Head in Devonport where I stood and contemplated life before heading back to Torbay via The Naval Base, Bayswater, Takapuna and Beach Road.  I have to say that Beach Road is getting easier.  I'm not any faster, I don't think, but it is getting easier.  I have to remind myself to dig it in as it is very easy to drift off into dreamland!
53.26kms
2:10:06 Time
24.56 av speed
61.66 max speed
82 cadence
There may have been a few car accidents and pedestrians being blinded today.  Because it was such a nice day I wore my bike shorts instead of 3/4 bike pants.  My legs matched my white base layer perfectly.....

Next time I head off for a cycle I need to get sorted before I leave the property.  I forgot my gloves so had to turn around and go back.  I also forgot deodorant, sunblock for my face AND when I looked at my bare legs, I hadn't shaved in a couple of days.... well maybe more than a couple!  Nice :-)

First Impressions

This says it all really.  Interesting how someone can make you feel 1cm tall after one conversation.  The abusive use of assumption and taking a simple comment the wrong way.  Their first impression is marked by an inability to decipher fact from fiction from a straight up statement of truth and reality.  Ironically, my first impression is forever marked and will remain so.  I certainly won't be allowing them to live rent free in my head.  Not worth it.  Once I get over the injustice and disbelief and cheek of it all.

Rant over, off my soapbox, back to bike business in the morning!

Opportunities

I like this.  Simple, true, effective, exciting.

So many people don't make the most of new and exciting opportunities.

Make the most of opportunities as they arise.  

You never know what is around the corner!

And, what is holding you back may never eventuate....

Those Hills Really Slow Ya Down...

The stats aren't pretty, but something to work on I guess.
27.83kms
1:16:05
21.94 av speed
56.23 max speed
80 cadence

No incidents this morning which was great.  Apart from doing an 'All Black snot out' going down hill.  It stuck to my face then started to flap about!!  Gross but funny.  Made me giggle, which would've looked hilarious to anybody passing ;-)  When I was telling the kids in my class about it they were in fits of laughter!

I need a new pair of clear glasses.  I had to take mine off this morning as they were fogging up going up hill.  Might shout myself a new set for sun and early mornings in September....

Things You Don't Expect To See

A few interesting things on my cycle to Milford this morning.  Yes, I made it to Milford. Managed to haul myself out of bed fairly soon after the alarm went off.
1) The roads were wet until Campbells Bay and then 'dry as a bone' from there until the top of the Milford Marina hill.  Does it not rain in Campbells Bay?!!
2) A bunny rabbit danced its way in front of me up the Mairangi Bay hill.  Bizarre!  All I could think of was Dad with his gun and saying where there's one there's 50 of the b&*@*%&s!
3) You need to slow down going down hill on wet roads!  The curbs aren't pretty up close and personal!
4) I have to watch out for orange Holdens.... One mad woman tried to run me off the road.  She pulled up to the intersection.  I was halfway across and in front of her.   We made eye contact and I ended up on the other side of the road.  There may have been some colourful language and hand gestures.  She looked quite away with the fairies.  A close call!
5) Even though lights are off it doesn't mean Amy & Jeremy are having a sleep in.  Amy was at the gym and Jeremy out jogging (supposedly)  My superior assumption skills at work again.  I'd make a useless spy according to the Choco/Alcoholics What's Ap group!

Not terribly pretty stats today.  I had bumped the sensor on my wheel when I was cleaning it so it only started once I pushed in back into place halfway up the Browns Bay hill.
21.64km (+ 6.26 = 27.9km total)
Stats from Browns Bay Hill to home
1:00:35 time
21.43 av speed
55.26 max speed
79 cadence

Note to self.... It's not a good idea to put dinner on in the mornings after a cycle.  It makes you a tad late to work and the kids miss the bus!

Bugs Still Biting!

After a night of coughing and spluttering (thank goodness the kids were at their dad's) the last thing I felt like was going for a cycle.  But, when Jen text to say Jase was keen for a cycle who am I to say no to a cycle buddy!

So off to Milford and back via Beach Rd was our plan.  However, when we got to Milford the weather was superb so decided to carry on to Devonport.  We came across a running race so turned around at the bottom of North Head - Jase was too chicken to go up!  We did go home via Beach Road and the coffee shop in Torbay!  A great way to finish a ride.

Stats:

44.57kms

1:51:17 time

24.03 Av Speed

59.33 Max Speed

82 Cadence

Not a bad effort considering I'm still not 100%.  I'm tempted to start taking 14yo's leftover antibiotics.  Sick of this cough!
Amazingly enough when I got home I felt really energised so thoroughly cleaned my bike AND my car.  They both had birthdays!

Always a great part of the ride through The Strand in Takapuna

Kids Sport Comes to an End!

Finally the kids sport comes to an end.  Well, one more game of football.  BUT netball has finished, thank goodness.  It has cramped my cycling!  It is bang smack right in the middle of the morning which is when I like to ride my bicycle!  I could get up early but it's nice to have a sleep in one day a week....
So after football today I raced home, in the mighty corona, got my gear on and managed about 1km until it poured... After being off sick for 4 days a couple of weeks ago I decided to go home and ride on the rollers.  It's such a mental, head game.  Because it's hard work I think to myself after a few moments that I'll just do 10kms.  Get to 10k and think might as well do 20.... and so on!
So, today's effort:
1 hour cycling 1:12 total with drink, nose blowing and sweat wiping stops.  The stops are becoming a lot more spread out compared to when I first got on the rollers.
33.76 kms
33.62 average speed
38.20 max speed
88 cadence
Hopefully the rain comes through overnight and I can get on those hills in the morning.

Yeeeeehaaaaaa

First ride at 6am, by myself, under my belt...YUSSSSSS
Distance 22.02km
Time 59.33
Av speed 22.18
Max speed 53.13
Cadence 84
I managed to get to Red Bluff Rise in Campbells Bay.  I would've actually got to Milford if I'd got out of bed instead of lying there wondering if it was raining or not!
The great thing this morning was the lack of traffic.  There was hardly any at all.  It was great!  The old route I used to do every Tuesday and Thursday was busy as in comparison.
The funny thing, as I was cycling along, I was thinking about the people I know along the way, nice and warm inside their homes as I rode by.  Julz & Lincoln on Glenvar - I wonder if they've gone for a walk?  Deb & Rainer in Torbay - I wonder if they're up and about getting their kids organsied for school.  Erlene in Browns Bay - I must check in with her this afternoon.  I wonder how her packing is going? Sarah & Jason also in Browns Bay.  Opps I forgot to get back to her on Tuesday about her digital learning goals.... must touch base with her too.  The wood pigeons at the top of the hill in Browns Bay - are they dancing in the guttering waking owners under their duvets?  Lorraine & John in Rothesay Bay - Has she gone for a walk?  Will I see her along the way?  Louise in Murrays Bay - Hmmmm she should be joining me....  Holly & Rodney in Mairangi Bay - Hopefully I won't need an SOS for Holly to pick me up.  AND did she write her 700 words yesterday and will she be on fire to complete more today... Should call in and join her for a quick cuppa - or not!  And finally Campbells Bay - I wonder if Brenda & Martin make the most of living so close to the beach and are wandering along the waterfront?   I'm guessing not!
One of the great things on the ride back was the moon!  I should've stopped and taken a photo.  It was spectacular this morning.  It looked bright, huge and close enough to touch!

I realised this morning that cycling by yourself is a bit like having your morning shower... Lots of thinking gets done along the way.  Ticking off that mental list of jobs to do.  Who do I have to catch up with?  What needs to be done at home?  What is Sacha going to throw at me today?  Any meetings?  If so what for?  How will I deal with 'Joe', my tricky student, today? What strategy will I try to engage him today?  What is for dinner?  Just as my mind wanders again, onto the next thought, a young whipper snapper speeds past me, leaving me in his dust.  Time to wake up, dig it in and get home in under an hour......

So my next steps... get out of bed when the alarm goes off and get to Milford to abuse Amy & Jeremy at the Marina!

Taking My LIfe In My Hands

It's really interesting that in the last 2 days I've had grandparents of a child in my class tell me that I'm mad for getting on a bike and that "I'm taking my life in my own hands..."  Yeah I do that everyday when I wake up and choose to get out of bed!
And another comment from a friend of mine trying to talk me out of cycling on my own.  Great that people care.  But life's short and if my time is up, it's up!  If it is up by riding my bike know that I've gone enjoying myself, even if it is up a bloody hill!  Hills are my friend.... hills are my friend..........

Fish Philosophy

I am reminded by this daily as it's on my office wall.  However, this morning it was posted on Twitter and it caught my eye.  That visual learner in me!  So it got me thinking, whose day am I going to make today?  I've already made Dana's day with a bottle of an awesome Central Otago Pinot - Squealing Pig.  So I wonder who'll be next on my list....

Nothing Like the Rain!

There's nothing like the rain to put a halt to a good plan.  I had my big girl panties all ironed and ready to go this morning, but it was pouring with rain.  I don't cycle in the rain.  If I'm already out there, no worries.  But to walk out of the door into a downpour.  NO DEAL!

Here's hoping Thursday morning's a good one!

Cycling Group Has Come to an End....

Well I guess all good things come to an end.  The group I have been cycling with for the last 2 years has disbanded.  With a couple of marriage splits and one of the girls recently moving house things haven't worked out.  The girls I cycle with made their decision and messaged me with their "we're pulling out" last night.  Very disappointing, but like I said all good things come to an end!  As one door closes another one opens.  So, what this means is that I can concentrate on building up that hill work.  I need to put on my big girl panties and cycle by myself, in the dark, in the mornings.  I guess if I stick to the main roads I'll be fine at 6am in the morning.  If I get a flat I hope the street lights are on and it'll be a smooth change.  If not I'll be calling my mates for a pick up!

Hills Are My Friend....

I went for a cycle with a friend today who chose not to go my easy, 1 hill on the way home route.  Instead we had to go via beach road.  I of course got left behind quite quickly to die quietly, with my lungs and legs screaming through inactivity, after 2 weeks off the bike with a hacking, chesty cough.  However, at the end the sense of achievement and 'survival' was a buzz!  I can do the hills.  I just need to work on picking up the speed and working through the burn.  The countdown to conquering Taupo in under 5 hours begins!

View from on top of North Head in Devonport

NZ Herald Article

Yvonne text me this morning to see if I'd seen this in the NZ Herald.  An interesting read and a bit of a buzz to see my name in the paper!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10910699

Sunday Ride

Jim Hickey had news that was music to my ears this evening.  It's going to be a great morning for cycling.  After not riding on the road for 2 weeks (I've had an awful hacking cough with debilitating lethargy) I'm itching to get out there.  I have managed to force myself on the rollers and do about 15kms at a time.  It's amazing the amount of perspiration, ok sweat, comes off me in such a short time!  It's an incredible workout compared to the road.  I'm up to about 33km average speed with 85 cadence.  Can't manage to do the full 15kms without stopping for a break yet!  I'll get there.  I did 30kms this afternoon.  It's not so bad with the music blaring!
Can't wait for the sunshine tomorrow and a return to the road!

The view from on top of North Head.... Nice trees!

Look Good, Feel Better 14 August '13

Some awesome news! Congratulations to the Look Good, Feel Better team. You have made my friend Yvonne's day. You can't put a price on feeling good about yourself!
Yvonne's Facebook entry today was:
"Wow had an amazing morning at Look Good Feel Better and came home with lots of goodies!!! They were so nice. Someone had rung and told them about me. They made me feel so well looked after and gave me the best of everything. So lovely made me feel good about my eye."
That is just total choiceness! Total awesomeness. I'm thrilled you had a great time Yvonne. Now.... how about you share some of those amazing goodies you took home.

The goodies Yvonne went home with - Awesome!

A Shitty End to a Shitty Couple of Weeks.... 13 August '13

I've had a couple of weeks of having to dig deep and get over a couple of things only to receive this Facebook message from my friend. It makes you realise your personal battles are minute / minuscule in the big scheme of things.... 
"Hey you, where to start, ride your heart out please I need it. Went to oncology appt yesterday, not really the place for this, but get too upset on phone. Not good news, it is back, have to have another scan, then onto containment chemo, only saving grace is nothing shows in blood, so with the hugest of miracles the lymph nodes that have wrapped themselves aortic artery could disappear like the last one around stoma, I asked the big question, and didn't like the answer, 2to3 years, I am going nowhere for at least 5, so there. Neither of us were happy chappies yesterday, understandably, but hey shit happens, have to get on and deal with it, will let you know when scan is, most probably next week, he wants me back on chemo in a couple of weeks, down here that could mean anything, country time. Love xxxx"
So the bowel cancer has returned after finishing chemo earlier in the year. I'll certainly be riding my heart and soul out come November.
What is it like to be given a life expectancy? The message says she isn't going anywhere for 5 years. You'd be wanting to beat it fullstop wouldn't you? I want her to beat it, fullstop!

One More Session To Go! 5 August '13

Yvonne has one more session of Radiation to go. I'm trying to coax her into stealing the sexy hospital gown. She did say that she gets to keep her 'Silence of the Lambs' face mask. I see a piece of garden or lounge art coming on. She wants a ceremonial smashing. Somehow that seems like a better option to me....!

Drinking & Cycling 4 August '13

Dry July was quite a blessing for cycling. To get up on a Sunday morning with a clear head and stomach that wasn't queasy has been bliss. Cycling today after the drought of dry July being broken at a friend's surprise 31st birthday was a bit of a struggle to say the least. I haven't felt that broken on a cycle for a long time! Perhaps I should only have one or two during the week and leave the weekends free of wine....... hmmm maybe....maybe not! Time will tell I guess! 

Only 3 More To Go..... 2 August '13

Yvonne has only 3 radiation treatments left. Wow, what a bloody hideous journey she's been on throughout the last 3 months. The awesome thing about it all has been her amazing positivity. A lesson to us all really. No matter how shitty your day is, for whatever reason, there is always someone out there battling a bigger battle!
That aside it has been an incredible insight to see how someone deals with this awful disease. I'm so impressed and in awe with Yvonne's positive attitude. It has to hold her in good stead for beating this bastard that WAS in her. I'm sure her positivity also impacted on Sammy as I haven't noticed any difference in her behaviour or attitude or learning in the classroom.
3 more my friend, 3 more....
Kia Kaha :-)

Got Any Dodgy Skin Imperfections? 1 August '13

I've just given the link to the Apollo Skin Cancer Clinic http://www.skincancerclinic.md/ to a friend today. I hope he makes an appointment ASAP. Like my friend & colleagues, Kate & Dana, the dodgy one will probably be ok but another unsuspecting blemish may not be. Had Dana left hers any longer.... who knows!
Got a dodgy bit? Get it checked - ASAP! 

Foggy Ride This Morning 29 July '13

What a ride this morning. It was like riding in pea soup! I actually felt a bit vulnerable for the first time with visibility being so low. I even had to stop and take off my glasses. After riding 107kms in the weekend the 30kms this morning was a struggle. Kept thinking of Yvonne and her current battle and it was 'pale in significance'! Chemo photos coming on Facebook later on tonight. That's another hideous journey she's been through. Not long to go now my friend. The party at the end of all of this is going to be a bloody good one!

Wearing Helmets 26 July '13

I've just got back from a ride down to Devonport and back to Torbay. I couldn't believe the amount of people, the majority older men, who weren't wearing helmets. It's not rocket science guys, fall off, knock head, life changes! Next time you're out for a cycle chuck your helmet on. Thanks...!

More Spin Offs For Learning 25 July '13

Driving back from a conference (for teachers) today my friend and fellow colleague was brainstorming her ideas for next term. She was thinking that she could use me as an example of an elite athlete (at this point I burst into uncontrollable laughter and pointed out that she couldn't use the word 'elite'!!). The topic is healthy eating and how an athlete would prepare for training and for big rides such as the Ride to Conquer. The kids have already asked lots of questions about the ride so this would be an awesome extension of what they already know. Cool stuff! 

Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre 24 July '13

I was lucky enough to be given a tour through the Research Department tonight. A group of the top fundraisers were invited to attend the tour and special presentation. Being school holidays I thought why not!
It was an eye opener in the sense that it wasn't state of the art, flashy stuff like you see on TV. The equipment was top of the range and hugely expensive, but the surroundings were a bit like something out of the 70s. 
Our research department has one of the highest success rates in the world for reaching clinical trial stages for the drugs to cure cancer. The only countries that rival them is the UK and USA.
One of the presenters was a cancer survivor of 13 years. When she was first diagnosed, the cancer treatments from 5 years prior wouldn't have cured her type of cancer. This just goes to show how important cancer research really is. One day soon there will be a cure.... 


Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre

Radiation Observation 17 July '13

It was an honour to be able to take Yvonne to her radiation appointment yesterday. She agreed to allow me to go into the room with her and take photos of the process (well, she had no choice actually...!).
We left Yvonne's home in Coatesville at 12pm and arrived for her 1pm appointment at 12:40. We waited in the waiting room with a variety of people from all races, ages & states of mind. As we giggled like school girls I couldn't help feel for the people who were there alone or quite obviously feeling like shite.
Eventually at around 1:30 we got called through to the treatment rooms. This starts with Yvonne getting changed into a sexy hospital gown and puts her clothes into a supermarket shopping basket! We then waited in a separate waiting room for about another 10minutes. The nurses made a great fuss of us as they were telling us about the North Shore Times article that is on their staffroom wall! They were also curious and questioning about the ride to conquer - very cool!
As one patient came out of the treatment room we were then called through. This is where I finally felt a deep sense of helplessness as Yvonne got up on the bed and had to nestle her head into the groove on the bed. They then put a tube into her mouth for her to breathe through. Once into place the mask, which goes down to the top of her chest and looks like something from Silence of the Lambs, gets pulled over her head and screwed into place to keep her super still. The lazers are then used to pinpoint her spots to be radiated. The precision and care of the technicians is to commended. They really did everything they possibly could to keep my severely claustrophobic friend at ease, comfortable and relaxed.
Once they were satisfied everything was in place we all then left her alone, strapped to a bed in the middle of a room the size of an average classroom. I sat back out in the waiting room and could hear, once again, the incredible care and attention being given to Yvonne through a speaker system as the radiation was doing its thing. This took about 10mins. Once it was over they unscrewed her mask and she walked out into the waiting room with the biggest smile on her face. A total contrast to the others I'd seen coming out of the other treatment rooms while I was waiting for her. AMAZING attitude and outlook!
Then we were off to another part of the hospital so she could see her Oncologist. This is something they do once a week to check everything is going the way it should be. By this time it was about 2:30 and we were off to a Lab on the Shore for Yvonne to give a blood sample which will check her white blood cell levels for her chemotherapy session next week. So all in all by the time I dropped Yvonne at home it was 3:45pm. I got to go home for the night and not worry about having to do it all again tomorrow and the next day for another 16 days.
Yvonne you really are 'gifted'! Your positive outlook is holding you in good stead. Almost there and what a bloody good celebration we'll have at the end of it.
Kia Kaha my friend.


Radiation Treatment

World Famous in the North Shore Times & Coatesville Chronicle 12 July '13

What a big week in the media! World famous on the Shore. Interestingly there have been no donations as a result..... However, Sammy (Yvonne's daughter who is in my class) has been published. Yusss So I can't wait until term 3 begins and she brings in her published letter about her mum and the Ride to Cure Cancer. The link for you to read is here: http://coatesville.org.nz/site/orgs/coatesville-chronicle/chronicles2013/
The first chronicle says January, it is supposed to say July! Sammy's letter is on the 2nd page.
I'm off to radiation with Yvonne on Tuesday so that should be interesting...
May the sun keep shining.

Ride To Conquer Headquarters 9 July '13

I took the TV Station group into the Ride to Conquer Headquarters after school today. I made the mistake of buying lollipops for the journey over the bridge....! They were high as kites, but they did do a brilliant job at asking them questions and filming. I thought it would be a bit of a non event for them but they all seemed to focus on the job at hand and made themselves at home filming and photographing everything they could! I can't wait to see what the end result (TV programme for school TV) will look like.

Some Great News! 2 July '13

My friend in the previous post has had some great news. Her lump is a "blocked duct to be kept a close eye on." I guess the lesson in this is that we need to check out any abnormality. You never know what's around the corner or which door will open or close! 

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! 29 June '13

I really have had enough of hearing about the amount of people who are affected by cancer. THIS MADNESS HAS TO STOP!
This week I had lunch with my good friend. She hadn't gone to work for the day and at that point I thought something was up... Never thinking it would be because she'd been to the doctor after discovering a lump on her breast. She has had the blood tests and is now waiting until Tuesday for the mammogram and ultra sound. I hope like hell it's just a cyst or an abscess.
The next day a woman who we deal with at work had said that she had been told that morning she had bowel cancer. Hers had been picked up through the national screening program. This starts once you hit 50. She had no idea. I guess this screening programme is doing what it should be doing. Should we be testing younger? Shouldn't there have been a cure by now? Why is it taking so bloody long to find a cure?
And today my 17 year old had her makeup done by a friend of my sisters. She had a scarf on which looked quite funky. When she left my sister filled me in:
She is 28 years old. Has had breast cancer. Is now going through menopause because of the drugs she is on. She can not have any children. She is a stunning woman. I'm not just meaning to look at. She is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but she is a really calm, sincere and genuinely nice person. I REPEAT.... Shouldn't there have been a cure by now? Why is it taking so bloody long to find a cure? 

World Famous In Pinehill... 26 June '13

What a day. I was filmed in my class teaching which included various poses! The TV station crew who are filming my Ride to Conquer journey were suggesting all sorts of things from "Can you sit with a group? Can you stand at the board? And can you sit at your computer and look at your webpage?"
That was first thing this morning, then at lunchtime Yvonne and I were interviewed by the North Shore Times. Maryke who interviewed us was so empathetic and clever with her questioning. It was quite an experience. This will feature next week sometime. Hopefully it's a slow news day and we hit the front page!
Finally this evening I gave a presentation at an Eduignite evening. This is for educators to get up in front of their peers and share learning of their own or their students or to share their passions. My presentation was on my passion at the moment which is actually an obsession. I am obsessed with this journey of mine. To raise as much money as I possibly can for those bloody clever scientists to find a cure. We have to find a cure for the sake of our children and our grandchildren. 
Here's a challenge for you: Contact 10 or more people, via email or Facebook or Twitter or whatever social media you use, with the link to this page and encourage them to donate. It doesn't matter if it's $10 or $1000! Every little bit counts.

Ignite Talk | Johanna Chambers from Emerging Leaders on Vimeo.

Sammy 20 June '13

The kids in my class are working towards a readers and writers festival which is in 3 weeks time. They believe they are readers, however, they are struggling to believe they are writers. Apparently you have to have a hard cover book that you can buy in the bookshops to be a 'writer'! In comes Sammy.....
Sammy had a day off last week. Her mum is my friend Yvonne. She decided on her day off to write a letter to the Coatesville Chronicle. Little did she realise that they would actually publish her 'story' about her mum and her teacher's crusade for her mum! Sammy will be a published writer! I can't wait until it is published and she brings it into share. Perfect! 

Pinehill Students Now Involved 16 June '13

We have a 'TV station' at school that showcases the things that kids around the school have been working on. For whatever reasons this has dwindled over the last few years. A couple of my colleagues are bringing it back to life with their first episode being about me and my journey so far for the 200km Ride to Conquer Cancer.
It's quite exciting to be part of some real meaningful and authentic learning for the 4 kids involved. They have a few goals to achieve related to the 'programme'. At the moment these goals are top secret! Another very neat thing is that I have taught the kids so I already have a connection with them. The bonus is that they are super cool kids who all have a great sense of humour - we are going to have some fun! 
So far they have interviewed me, made up a story board, planned what footage of me they are going to take - yes gross me on camera - the things we do to raise money! They even spoke about me waking up at 5:37am and stumbling around in the dark. One hopes they aren't wanting to do this live..... I think my 2 kids can do that part for them.
I'll keep you posted on the developments. I can't wait to see the finished product. 

Epic Impact Day 13 June '13

Wow! What a great initiative from the organisers of Ride to Conquer Cancer. I raised $2450.00 in a couple of days. Fabulous. I need to put my thinking cap on to keep the momentum going. Any ideas? 

Sir Peter Leitch 8 June '13

I sent a letter to Sir Peter last week requesting sponsorship, never expecting anything from it as he must get 1000s of requests each year. However, this morning I received a phone call from the man himself. No he can't sponsor me as he sponsors a lot already, but what a gentleman! We had a very nice 5 minute conversation and wished me well on this adventure. An interesting point he made, and I have thought about it myself, is that there are many different cancer fundraising organisations. Breast cancer, prostate cancer etc. If these organisations all came together under the one umbrella would this improve the capabilities of finding a cure for this hideous disease? Would the combined efforts join together as one to find the cure? Worth considering I think! 

Not just humans... 6 June '13

I've just had a really sad text from my friend. For the past 14 years we have been walking, cycling or gyming in the mornings. The last 12 with Charlie her gorgeous black labrador. The text says:
I have some really sad news Charlie has a nasty tumour on his leg and is being put to rest on Saturday. Tomorrow will probably be his last walk but he can't walk far probably just the block. Can I change the plans in the morning and have you come here for a last walk with Charles?
So it seems we humans aren't the only ones who are struck by this hideous phenomenon - cancer. I hope that some great research and a cure comes out of this bike ride. Too many stories, too many lives lost, too many lives affected by this disease. 

And The List Goes On..... 3 June '13

Over Queen's Birthday weekend I travelled to Cambridge to visit friends of mine. I had a great weekend - full of far too much food and wine! However, I did have 2 great rides on Sunday and Monday. What awesome cycling down there. I must say I did enjoy the flat roads. A fabulous change from Auckland hills.
On my way home I visited another good friend who has just had a radical hysterectomy as she had hereditary cervical cancer. She listed the family members who had suffered from it. When is the list of cancer sufferers going to STOP! We MUST find a cure.

CHECK YOUR BREASTS! 30 May '13

I am a teacher at Pinehill School (primary) in Auckland. Yesterday one of my former pupils, a gentle, sensitive Chinese boy, very kindly helped me to my car as I had my hands full. I asked him casually how his mum was as she is a lovely lady and I hadn't seen her for a while.
He said "she's ok now."
To which I replied "what do you mean now?"
"Oh she's had cancer."
Coincidentally I saw her at school the very next day.
It turns out that she has an aggressive form of cancer and had a 30% chance of survival if she didn't have chemotherapy. She is currently still going through chemo and has lost her hair - she looks great in her wig. I wouldn't have known if she didn't tell me. The great thing is that I believe she will be a survivor. She had a really good positive outlook and was fighting it. Interestingly she had regular checks (mammograms) and a month before her check up she found the lump. My aunty Paula who I mention above had had her check and 3 or 4 months later found the lump. That's 2 very good reasons why we need to check our breasts regularly! 

Get Your Spots Checked! 29 May '13

I have finally bullied my friend into getting her dodgy looking spot that won't heal checked. However she can't get in for 6 weeks! And that's privately.... If you have a mole or yucky bit of skin that isn't normal PLEASE GET IT CHECKED! 

Why Does This Happen To Good People? 26 May '13

I've just got back from visiting my friend and colleague Yvonne in HDU in hospital. She is recovering from an 11 hour operation to remove an rare, aggressive and malignant tumor from her sinus. In the process she lost her left eye. She is sleepy, vacant, looking rather bewildered, lost and bereft. Nobody should have to go through this. Why is it that a good person like Yvonne has to go through this and not the pieces of shit that are locked away in Paremoremo prison? Why is it that nobody has discovered a cure for this hideous disease yet? Someone told me the other day that their theory is that drug companies do have the cure but that they make more money out of the chemo drugs etc. Surely this is not true. Surely they can put any price tag on the drug of cure?
Yvonne has 3 gorgeous kids and a devoted husband who are also affected by this. The kids haven't seen their mummy for 4 days now. They also don't know their mum has lost her eye. They are waiting until Yvonne has more energy and can hold a conversation. Good people should not have to go through this. It's just not fair. 

Very Impressed! 19 May '13

I'm so impressed and overwhelmed really, with all of the generosity already. It has become a bit of an obsession, checking my page and seeing the gauge increase day after day. The key is getting people to forward the link onto their friends and family. 
Roll on week 2 of my campaign. 

I've Started... 14 May '13

I registered for The 200km Ride to Conquer Cancer on the 'spur of the moment' a few weeks ago. A pack came in the mail of how to go about starting this journey. I've been sitting on that for sometime.
Finally, today I have set up my personal page and sent an email to my family and friends.
I think the key will be my email going viral! fingers crossed..... - See more at: http://www.conquercancer.org.nz/site/TR?px=1005748&fr_id=1040&pg=personal#sthash.32d8KlSq.dpuf