Cancer Society Ride Relay Saturday 3 March 2012

[Maha]

Hey Maha, one other thing. I'll be leaving Auckland on Wednesday 22nd February, in the morning, to head to Picton by evening. If you want me to take batons (assuming they're not large) down at the same time, happy to drop off in Wellington somewhere that afternoon before jumping on the ferry.

I'll be at Paeroa during the weekend prior, as well... if that helps for passing batons to me.

The Batons are being organised in Wellington by Paul.

[ynot slow]

Well this still blows me away,told a hospice lady who visited us to give options,also another victim of the curse I know,both were truly moved at the GREAT network of bikers who WANT to help a person/s they hardly know.They said they're admiration is now changing towards guys/girls on bikes lol,I said just please take another look when in your cars for us.

My mum says thank you to you all,from bottom of her heart,she now understands the community I call my second family.

So to all involved keep the weekend of SATURDAY 25th February free for my way(and families way)of saying THANKS by coming to my piss up under TARANAKI on this thread,I want to meet the ones who are still to be met,and HUG the ones who I have and will have to write a speech me thinks,not off the cuff,so many to thank,and believe me thank you is a small word,but inspires me each and every day.

[Paul in NZ]

I don’t think you should over think this mate….

When its all said and done and despite all the squabbling over our minor differences we all have a lot in common. One of the things we all share is a secret fear that we too might have to deal with a similar situation and that we will not be able to cope with it in the same admirable fashion. Despite all the bravado and extravagant risk taking there still exists a healthy fear of our own mortality and an admiration beyond all for someone who can face down this with humility and dignity.

I’ve had a tiny brush with cancer myself. I was lucky, it was found early and all I lost was half a testicle. Unfortunately, partly due to diabetes (type 1) and partly due to bad luck I did pick up a post op infection which made me a sick as I’d ever want to be thanks! But that’s not the point – the point is for a short while I was faced with fear and frankly on a few deep dark nights I fell to bits in a very unpretty fashion. God only knows how you are coping with a certainty rather than just a fear which was what unmanned me. In other words while I have not travelled the road you are on my friend I’ve seen the intersection and that scared the living shit out of me!

Now the temptation is to fell some pressure of expectation from what I’m saying. Ie live up to the role! That’s simply not the case. This is what it is and will be what it will be. Its different for everyone and no matter what happens from here on in you have my respect and admiration – that’s why I’m going to do what is essentially a very small thing in the hope that somehow some kind of show of solidarity makes a difference when nothing else will…

Now – these blimmin batons…..

Hmmmm I’m thinking 500mm long PVC pipe with a closed end and a removable end so messages can be inserted into them. I’ll try and sus a marker pen so the riders can record handover times etc on them. (open to other suggestions as well but remember they need to be light enough to carry and big enough to hold messages)

[blue rider]

We will just chuck you in the princess bed as well Tony, you dont take up too much room

grouphug.......

[Maha]

I don’t think you should over think this mate….

When its all said and done and despite all the squabbling over our minor differences we all have a lot in common. One of the things we all share is a secret fear that we too might have to deal with a similar situation and that we will not be able to cope with it in the same admirable fashion. Despite all the bravado and extravagant risk taking there still exists a healthy fear of our own mortality and an admiration beyond all for someone who can face down this with humility and dignity.

I’ve had a tiny brush with cancer myself. I was lucky, it was found early and all I lost was half a testicle. Unfortunately, partly due to diabetes (type 1) and partly due to bad luck I did pick up a post op infection which made me a sick as I’d ever want to be thanks! But that’s not the point – the point is for a short while I was faced with fear and frankly on a few deep dark nights I fell to bits in a very unpretty fashion. God only knows how you are coping with a certainty rather than just a fear which was what unmanned me. In other words while I have not travelled the road you are on my friend I’ve seen the intersection and that scared the living shit out of me!

Now the temptation is to fell some pressure of expectation from what I’m saying. Ie live up to the role! That’s simply not the case. This is what it is and will be what it will be. Its different for everyone and no matter what happens from here on in you have my respect and admiration – that’s why I’m going to do what is essentially a very small thing in the hope that somehow some kind of show of solidarity makes a difference when nothing else will…

Now – these blimmin batons…..

Hmmmm I’m thinking 500mm long PVC pipe with a closed end and a removable end so messages can be inserted into them. I’ll try and sus a marker pen so the riders can record handover times etc on them. (open to other suggestions as well but remember they need to be light enough to carry and big enough to hold messages)

Good work Paul...
We will be away from this Saturday till the 30th.
Can I ask of you that ...decisions to be made on this matter be left in your capable hands?
I am sure Barry/Marty/John and Al will help with anything.
I/we have a some other stuff to take care of reguarding this day when we return.

[Paul in NZ]

Good work Paul...
We will be away from this Saturday till the 30th.
Can I ask of you that ...decisions to be made on this matter be left in your capable hands?
I am sure Barry/Marty/John and Al will help with anything.
I/we have a some other stuff to take care of reguarding this day when we return.

Yeah - no worries. I'm going to investigate a few options this week.....

Worst case I'll saw a branch off a tree......

[Gremlin]

Would suggest it's shorter, depending on how each baton carrier would carry it. ie, 500mm probably won't fit inside a top box for example. Messages inside is a really good idea tho!

[Paul in NZ]

Would suggest it's shorter, depending on how each baton carrier would carry it. ie, 500mm probably won't fit inside a top box for example. Messages inside is a really good idea tho!

I was going to make a sling so it could be carried over a shoulder???

[Gremlin]

I was going to make a sling so it could be carried over a shoulder???

I'd be inclined to strap it onto the bike... personally prefer not to have stuff on me that can move around. Sling would want to go across your back (plus adjustable, as some are skinny little fellas).

Again tho, if all the carriers that carry it after you, are happy with slings, then no problem!

[iYRe]

I'd be inclined to strap it onto the bike... personally prefer not to have stuff on me that can move around. Sling would want to go across your back (plus adjustable, as some are skinny little fellas).

Again tho, if all the carriers that carry it after you, are happy with slings, then no problem!

the problem might be those without packracks, sissybars etc who might have somewhere to strap it..

A bit of webbing fed through 2 D link type things, with a simple clip would work. It could then go something like this:



That would go on your back like a backpack and not move around.. and it would be cheap - a coupla bux for the clips for the webbing, coupla D things or loops of some kind, some glue and a coupla bux for the webbing.. all available from yer local "emporium" type place..

Excuse the pic, I got my daughter to draw it.. lol

[Mom]

Excuse the pic, I got my daughter to draw it.. lol

Its ok, I cant see it anyways LOL.

[dogsnbikes]

I was going to make a sling so it could be carried over a shoulder???

I can drop you off a couple of adjustable shoulder straps,at least then battens will fit any size rider

[Rehab]

Saw there had been no posts for a cuppla days so I decided to take some action. I needed to have something to post though, so I have decided not to move to Chch after all. More accurately I have done a bit of sorting and now I don't HAVE to move to Chch!
I'm pretty bloody stoked to be honest. It means the ride on 2nd/3rd will actually be longer now, but then I only have to travel a very short distance to get home afterwards. Also means I can be in Taranaki on the 25th Feb (assuming you still want me there after you actually meet me Tony - prob about a 20% chance ).
The requests/bookings for beds remains the same though. As I'll be riding further I'm sure that cements my place in the princess bed - although if I have to share with Matt I won't shower first and I'll be wearing all my gear with wet weathers over the top for white sauce "protection" .
Right, I'm off for a ride coz it's stopped raining for about 5 mins. See yous fullas in Taupo.

In all seriousness, I'm actually happy with a rug on the floor that I have to share with the dog. But I'm allergic to cats.

[Paul in NZ]

I can drop you off a couple of adjustable shoulder straps,at least then battens will fit any size rider

I don't think the straps will be the issue but thanks for the offer.

I've been working on getting some alloy or SS tubing but I guess no ones back at their desks yet to answer emails. I might just have to go out to steel and tube next week myself and find an actual person to talk to ;-)

Then I'll get busy..... well busier, lets not get crazy here......

[iYRe]

By the way, isnt the Westpac Helo run usually about the same time?