It was Bonjour to Rotarian Cyclotourist, Pascal Temmar from Noumea Ducos Bulari, on his arrival in Wanaka on the 31St of January, an hour before his expected arrival. The hurricane like tail wind was responsible for the fast time from Haast to Wanaka. I met him at the Albert Town Bridge expecting him to be shattered, but he looked fresh.  I told him that there was a big hill to get to my place but it was short. I felt guilty ‘cos it was Gunn Road and Pascal had just ridden 500kms in 4 days. He survived.   

Pascal was completely absorbed in his tour of NZ and had just covered 3300kms since his start in December. He spent the 2 evenings practising his English and planning his next sector, which involved, weight allowances and nutrition requirements, all calculated to the nth degree, necessary when you are on a bike! The bike was heavy. Pascal was technologically savvy and I learnt a lot from him. He had 1 map of NZ but also spent some time on Google Maps refining his itinerary.  He also used GPS and set up a page on his Rotary Club website with the link which allows anyone to follow his progress as he rides through NZ 

We talked about Climate Change and the Farm School Projects that he was raising money for. He told me he loved NZ, specifically the bush, mountains, seascapes and the many people he met on the way.  

On Sunday 2 February, the weather had improved and Pascal rode off to Alexandra. He stopped at the Wanaka Rotary sign opposite Puzzling World, took pictures then waved goodbye.  

Pascal bon chance and au revoir a bientot.