This is such an upbeat, optimistic post. I’m so happy for the both of you that you’re gearing up for another round.

Lovely to hear from you Kathleen. We are really enjoying your latest journal particularly how you always manage to put a positive spin on things. My estimate is that you have at least 15 more years of cycle touring!

France is so amazing, isn’t it? I’d never heard of Moret before but now I want to go too. So many places like this.

How wonderful! This has been a happy read for me this morning. I did a lot of thinking yesterday on our rail trail ride about how long we can do this, and you make me very hopeful that it will be a good long time! We haven’t been back to New Zealand since our delightful lunch. Perhaps we can meet in France next fall.

I’ve gotten behind and finally got back to your journal. I’m so sorry you had to truncate your journey, though it certainly looks like the smart decision. I’m so impressed though at your accomplishment! Truly an inspiration. Thanks for taking us long with you!

We had a lovely weekend with Louise and I gave her your best wishes which were reciprocated

What a superb effort. We are in awe of your accomplishments on this trip and have loved following along. Side note: please say Hi to Louise from her old English teacher !!!!🤣👏

We had a great trip Keith and it does show that you can continue to ride in your old age even if pretty badly

Sorry to hear you had to end your adventure prematurely. But the right decision under the circumstances. Enjoyed following along … so positive and inspirational!

Keith

It was the right decision Steve. A bit disappointing but we are very satisfied with what we did and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Getting rid of the bikes was the major problem we had always considered that buying bikes was a more convenient option to hiring and probably not mich more expensive What Ken did was go into a bike shop and gave them to the somewhat bemused man
I can’t get over how stupid I was buying a bike with the battery on the back carrier. A more skilled rider would have been fine but my mobility difficulties make getting on and off difficult and that is when the instability is such a factor

I just did my check-in on your trip, after a bit of trauma out here too (which will enter our blog in a few days). I think over 1000 km traveled and significantly, over 2400 "likes" in a short period is a great achievement you have done. For us, it has been a nostalgic journey, following you in some of our favourite places.

And oh, a great demonstration of executive decision making and action, with rebooking and de-biking. I would be curious to have more of the story of how the bikes were so quickly disposed of...

Steve

It’s good to be sensible in your old age. We have had a great trip and didn’t want the whole thing to end in tears. The bike was terrific in so many ways. With any sense my physics training would have alerted me to the problem of all that weight on the back with such a high centre of gravity 😊

I've looked forward eagerly to your journal every day and will miss it. . . but you've made the sensible decision. Au revoir!

You have done incredibly well and should be so proud. I think you are both amazing. It sounds like the right decision to end on a positive note. I did wonder about all that weight on the back and had already decided a battery in the down tube would be more balanced. Hope you enjoy the time you have left. It’s been great following along with you.

Thank you Tao we have had a great trip and look forward to seeing everyone and puss when we get home 💕💕