This trip to NZ appealed to me for several reasons -- it was two weeks long (which makes more sense than one week when you're traveling half way around the world), it was demanding (because 12 days of doing anything is tough), and it would provide a sense of accomplishment upon completion (which I needed as I'm going through some personal challenges!). I can truly say the trip was all this and more. First, our guides were stellar. They worked so hard, knew so much, encouraged us, and always were kind, funny, and diplomatic. Second, the routes we rode were great -- different terrain, new sites, side trips, interior routes and coastlines, mountains and flats, bridges, switchbacks, giant downhills and challenging ups. Third, the hotels/motels were perfectly adequate for what we were doing and the locations we were in. Meals varied from cool local restaurants to home-cooked fare by the guides, meals we all greatly enjoyed and appreciated. We were also lucky that all 12 of us riders and our two guides became friends and supported each other. We really had a great time. I hope any other biking trip I do will measure up to this one. Thanks Active NZ!

| January 1970