Let's get this show on the road

It's packing day for the Riding for Rakiura riders today.

Helen and Amy have arrived in Christchurch from points south (Te Anau and Queenstown, respectively). Alex has been busy ensuring that all logistics are sorted. Maureen, Mike, Mark, Sutter, Nicola, Alex and Ben are rushing to remove unnecessary gear from their bags and tidy up any loose ends at work in preparation for a week away from the office. And our more northerly compatriots are doing the same as they prepare to make their way to Wellington.

The final task on the South Islanders' to-do list today was loading the bike trailer after work this evening. We're off at the crack of dawn tomorrow (6 a.m.!!) from Christchurch so that we can get to Picton in time for the 1:10 p.m. Interislander crossing of Cook Strait. We'll meet Sean and Yoko on the ferry -- as if 556 kms wasn't enough, they're riding from Nelson to pick up the ferry in Picton. Bonus points for them!

The plan is for everyone to congregate at YHA Wellington in the evening for a team dinner and an early night in. Something tells me Sunday's going to be a big day...