Pedaling for Purpose: Mike’s Chain Reaction Challenge Update — Day 0

Day ZERO ride — warming up the legs — looking down on Lyttelton harbour

2023 SYDNEY 7 DAY CHALLENGE

Kia ora! I hope this message finds you well and ready for a new challenge — reading the daily updates from inside the Chain Reaction peloton, that is.

The background on why I’m doing this can be found here.

Day Zero — tomorrow marks the start of the 2023 Chain Reaction Challenge, and I’m super excited to embark on this 7-day journey through Te Waipounamu, raising funds for children in need through the efforts of Pure Storage, Pure Good, and Chain Reaction.

I’ve been preparing for this challenge for the past four months and have logged over 3,000 kilometers. My training has been going great, and I’m feeling confident and ready for the next 7 days.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of those who have generously donated. Your support is invaluable and makes a real difference in the lives of children through our charity partners, So They Can and BaptistCare HOPESTREET.

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, or you missed my initial call for help, it’s not too late! Every contribution helps, and I would be so grateful for your support. Please visit my fundraising page by following this link:

https://www.chain-reaction.org.au/fundraisers/mikecarpendale/2023-sydney

In the past week, I’ve been exploring Aotearoa while speaking to some customers and partners in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. As a Kiwi living in Queensland, I’ve adjusted (yeah-nah) to the cooler weather here in NZ (below 20 degrees is considered cold for me now!). Along the way, I’ve found a few hazy ales — the Panhead Sandman being my favorite so far.

As I gear up for the 7-day, 1,000km Chain Reaction Challenge, I can’t help but find the irony in it all. I’m about to embark on a grueling journey through the beautiful but challenging terrain of Aotearoa’s South Island, yet some of the Chain Reaction crew who arrived early couldn’t resist taking a pre-challenge ride. The Friday 5pm “assembly check” ride was a true “yeah-nah” ride… starting at 14°C and going downhill from there, thanks rain… what a mistake. But the bike held up after I reassembled it and nothing fell off, including me, mission achieved!!

Take 2 — Saturday morning, a later start than normal and a much lower temp too boot — the Garmin said 10°C as we headed out. Off we went towards the city and to a climb that will be our descent tomorrow. A nice little 7 km to get the body warmed up, with a few photo stops along the way — what a view.

Looking towards the Southern AlpsSome beautiful rolling hills along the top, with a section closed to cars — only bikes, walkers/runners, and sheep… then down to Sumner for coffee and a bite to eat.

Out to New Brighton to check out the peir. Ok, time to head back to the hotel and get cleaned up.

We came from over there….. the New Brighton pier — a full steamer day I reckon!That’s the joy of being a cyclist!

But in all honesty, I’m ready and eager to tackle this challenge and make a difference for kids in need. Let’s do this!

Starting with a popular training loop in Christchurch and ending on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, we’ll embark on a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes New Zealand has to offer. From the ancient volcanic craters of Day 1 to the lush green farmland and rainforest of Day 3, and the grand landscape of mountains and vast lakes of Day 5, this challenge promises to be an unparalleled experience.

As we climb through the sharp mountain range of Arthur’s Pass and grind up the Cardrona Valley, our tired legs will be tested, but the views from the top, including the famous descent down the Crown Range, will be a fitting reward. The final challenge of the week, the climb up Coronet Peak, promises to be a memorable finish.

So, here’s to a thrilling journey through Te Waipounamu Aotearoa and making a difference in the lives of children in need. Thank you for your support. Let’s ride!

Kia ora and haere rā.Mike

By Mike Carpendale on February 25, 2023.Canonical linkExported from Medium on February 19, 2026.