14th April: The Support Crew’s Perspective

North Island - Day 0 + 1:

After picking up enough bananas to feed the chimps at Wellington Zoo for a month (courtesy of ‘All Good Bananas’), Freda, Ashley and I hit the road North from Auckland. Destination Kaitaia for Tour of NZ registration: 5.30-7.00.

Good team banter in the car – and much needed given that I had forgotten my CDs. I have a week’s driving in front of me and my only listening material is Jeremy Rifkin’s new audio book; Lateral Power. Never been a fan of classic hits… may have to become one.

Enjoyed the drive, love Northland.

Registration goes smoothly, massive congratulations to the event organisers for making this happen. We then head off to find supper before the final slog up to the closest accommodation to the Cape that money can buy. Arrive at the Bates Motel themed ‘holiday park’ around 10. I reach for my flip-flops before heading to the toilet block. The night passes and we wake-up alive, and breakfast with a construction gang heading out into the bush to construct a cycle trail – the stars are aligning.

We get up to Cape Reinga early. What a special place. The calm of the world is here. I think this is like the world is without us… Then get to work posing for a few choice photo shots with the ‘All Good’ 6ft inflatable banana. We join a moving Powhiri; the lyrca twitches visibly throughout the ceremony. Then a quick photo at the lighthouse before I get off – support vehicles go first. The first Tour of NZ lines up for the start in my rearview mirror.