I am sitting on my bed, it’s hot outside. My bag has been packed and repacked, but is still a whopping 20kg! Under limit but way over what I usually manage. We’re leaving for Melbourne in under an hour – our flight is 0900 tomorrow.

I can’t believe we’ve reached the point of departure! I am completely overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve (we’ve) been shown over the last 3 months. We are a tick under our fundraising target of $9K (set by MPA) which is not a bad effort considering the rising cost of living and the expense of Christmas thrown into the mix. Socks alone have raised $1800! Rod and Michelle sweated their way through the hottest and most humid day of summer at a Bunnings BBQ for a clear profit of $800. Incredible.

As is always the case with thanking individuals, someone might be forgotten – don’t be sad if I’ve left you off the list. In no specific order, please, a standing ovation for the following people:

Michelle Fleming, Trudi Wighton, Pip Johnson & Phillip Johnson – you have sold a bunch of socks in Rochester, Alice Springs, Benalla & Nambour. Thank you so much!

Rod – In the professional cycling world, there is such a thing called a ‘Domestique’ – this person is the workhorse of the team, the selfless athlete, doing the hard slog but not rejoicing in the glory of the victory. Rod has been my personal domestique over the past three months. He’s joined me on many rides, waiting at intersections when I was learning to ride clipped in, encouraging me, discussing hydration and nutrition and calming me when I doubted my riding skills two days ago. You’ve taken our fundraising campaign to your own workplace and put your hand up to run the Bunnings BBQ, as mentioned, on the hottest most humid day of summer. I love you and appreciate everything you have done. Thank you.

My Family & Friends – Your support has been greatly appreciated – whether it be purchasing goods or donating to my fundraising page. I will carry your encouragement with me over the next week. Love you guys xx

Cycling Friends – There are a few of you, but Trent, you’re really on the top of this list. You make me feel like I can achieve anything on two wheels! You are always positive, give good advice and encourage me no end. As you said yesterday, “you’re ready – go smash it!” Lyds, you deserve an honorable mention here too: with the loan of Blueberry (aka DS Giant Liv Lust) Michelle has been able to ride further and with more comfort. Blueberry is in good hands until you’re hitting the trails again with us.

My Team – Michelle and Jacqui (Torque is Cheap). Jacqui I am so pleased you were excited by my proposal: “Wanna do this with me?” (Ride in New Zealand) “I’d LOVE to do this with you Bel!” I will also be forever grateful for this comment: “We should ask Michelle to come with us” Jacqui, I know you have a cycling background so your commitment and skill has never been in doubt. Michelle you have blown us all away with your determination and dedication to the cause. Early January we rode 14km together and 4 days ago we rode 50km together. You have been brave and trusted us, you’ve mountain biked and compared bruises the day after. We now have a new topic of conversation in the office – bikes! Trails, kit, bikes, reels – we’re so glad you love riding as much as we do.

I’m finishing this post after arriving in our airport hotel. It’s actually still kinda hot, even though the aircon is on. Look it’s doing its best and that’s all we can ask. We’ve had dinner and have just checked into our flight. For some reason, I had issues, but all is sorted now. Michelle and I are on the kids beds (single beds) Jacqui has the double.

This morning I realised it’s just over 4 and 1/2 months (today) since my surgery at Peter Mac. My leg has completely healed, but the dip remains. I barely notice it any more. There is still some numbness, but it doesn’t impact on any of my movement or functionality. I would never have imagined 4 1/2 months ago that tonight I’d be preparing to ride for 5 days in New Zealand. For those of you interested in stats, I’ve ridden over 1300km since I signed up for the challenge, which equates to about 70 hours in the saddle. I’ve ridden a mix of mountain bike single track, rail trail and bike paths. Cycling gives us the opportunity to clear our heads and forget our woes – we’d be lost without it.

Join us on our trip – I’ll update the blog as often as possible from NZ. The fundraising portal will be open until we return, but I’ll put the link on the socials separately to save FB from taking down my blog (like last time). Love you all, Bel