These are letters that we have received through your emails with questions, suggestions, and encouragement. And finally some answers.

Hey, Mike and John! How about a few words of greeting to our High Five audience! What do you think about winning the award??? -- David Siegel | High Five

We are just glad that people are enjoying the site. Being here in New Zealand is an award in itself, but it is good to know that all the hard work is being appricieted. Especially for Renee and the team back in the States. -- Mike and John

Mike and John, I hope you will find a way to keep your trip "alive" on the web for the next few years -- or as long as you can - at projectnz.org. Reduce the connection bandwidth if you must -- but keep it alive. My daughter - only now 13 (and a bit too young to do this on her own -- at least in my - her Dad's - opinion) is "ready to go". Keep your great experiences "on line" - and I'm sure many will visit NZ as a result! Best Regards, -- Chris Hudson

We do plan to leave the site on-line as we hope it proves to be helpful to anyone searching for this kind of information. For your daughter - tell her that we did see quite a few women cycling there. In fact, we passed one group of about 7 ladies on their way south. Best of luck when she goes! Thanks for your support. -- Mike and John

I have only just got into modern technology - and found you yesterday. I was born in Auckland 50 years ago, but left N.Z. when I was 2 years old. I will never be able to return (due to illness) -so THANK YOU for letting me travel around on what used to be my favourite form of transport! Best wishes, -- Jennifer Main | UK

It's great to hear that the timing was just right for your exposure to modern technology. Being able to share our trip with so many people around the world was truly a great experience for us. To hear that all our extra effort was appreciated just adds to it. Thank you, -- Mike and John

Having just retired its a thrill to be taking this trip with you. Living on the South Shore of Long Island you can imagine how wonderful it is to see the pictures and vistas of mountainous New Zealand. I hope you continue to have a grand and adventurous time and thank you for "bringing me along".

P.S. National Geographic should get involved on your next trip. -- Martin Sperber | Long Island

That is exactly why we are doing this. To share the beauty of New Zealand with anyone interested. Sure would be nice to have National Geographic behind us and I like the sound of our "next trip"... -- Mike and John

I am a nearing 70 year old who hopes to celebrate her 70th birthday (1999) by biking from San Francisco to the East Coast. Reading about your travels has been so exciting and interesting. Thanks for this great idea ... I may try to do it when I do my ride... something for senior readers, you know! The photos are absolutely marvelous and your descriptions make me feel as though I am going right along with you. Much success, luck, good health and happiness! Thanks again for sharing your trip with us. -- Kathleen Smith

I must say that your trip would definitely put ours to shame. Sounds like quite a challenge, we wish you the best of luck. Glad you enjoyed our site and when you go be sure to contact us so we can follow you! Thanks -- Mike

A example of technology and storytelling at its finest! The real-time chronicle of your adventure allows countless people to experience a part of the world many will never have a chance to visit in person. While I have had the opportunity to spend a day in Auckland -- on my way to Sydney, Australia - it is clear that my next adventure will be to New Zealand. Not only do you act as ambassadors for your home country, but also as visitors representing a truly special place to the rest of the world. The obvious geniality of New Zealanders and the breath-taking beauty of the place shine through in your daily dispatches. Congratulations on a first-rate effort! Best Regards, -- Eric Bedell

Even before we have completed our journey, I would highly recommend New Zealand to anyone wanting an adventure. Thanks for your support. -- Mike and John

Hello Mike and John, We have just figured out how to retrieve your bookmark that you left behind, clever aren't we. We are all very, very impressed with your home page and pleased that your photos arrived alright. We look forward to reading more about your travels and we hope that you can find an internet site every couple of days to update your journal. Please send us an email as we hardly ever get them. Hope that your journey continues to amaze you and goodluck with your travels. -- Dave and Verena Haynes | Punga Grove Motor Lodge, Franz Josef Glacier

Greetings, My husband and I have been planning the same trip for a year now, although we plan ours to be 2 months, as we hope to do a lot of hiking as well. We had hoped to set up a Web site (not so nice as yours) and chronicle our trip - you two were well ahead of us obviously. We've a couple of questions. One, is the rain as bad as we've heard? Two, how in the world did you get all those sponsors?-- Susan Luedke | Korea

We keep hearing the same thing about the rain. Especially on the west coast of the south island. However, we had mostly sunshine??? Just lucky I guess. Which happens to be the same answer to you sponsor question. Have fun on your trip! -- Mike and John

Hi guys. My wife Barb and I just returned from NZ. In fact, we were in Queenstown while you were there too! We rented some bikes and had an enjoyable ride to Arrowtown (for tea with scones & jam!), but that's nothing like the miles you two are covering! Our month-long tour of NZ consisted of driving and hiking in various places. However, we travelled in the opposite direction from which you are now headed. We loved the natural beauty of Queenstown, Lake Moeraki, Franz Joseph Glacier, St. Arnaud, the Marbourgh Sound and the Bay of Islands. NZ is truly a fantastic place! I'm sure you are enjoying your trip. Good luck with the weather and thanks for sharing your adventure with the rest of us!-- Pete Zivkov | Palo Alto

Sorry we missed you - we could have gotten a digital photo together! Have to agree, NZ is truly a fantastic place! -- Mike and John

Some of my fondest memories are bike tours I've done. I'm am fortunate in that my wife is from NZ which has allowed me to go to NZ. NZ is a perfect country to bike because there are no boring parts. I have friends that have crossed the US and that middle part tended to put them to sleep. Can't happen in NZ. You are great to share this great adventure with the world, though jealousy does play a part in my feelings. We now have a son, so such long ventures are a near impossibility (though we did cross a good part of Pennsylvania last year with the wee lad in his bike buggy.) Are you guys toting a laptop as part of your equipment? How long did it take you to get used to riding on the other side of the road? How did you get the press to attach a link to their newspaper site? Please excuse the ramblings of a stranger, but I am fascinated by what you are doing!!-- Tad Herman

You sure are right about never getting bored in NZ. This country was made for cycling. We are lugging around a laptop, along with a modem, digital camera, and all the bazillion adaptors needed to run this stuff. It does seem to be worth it as we are getting all sorts of encouraging email from folks like you. Riding on the other side came pretty easy. It's when you get off the bike and start crossing streets on foot that gets confusing (and dangerous!). The Press came up while I was doing research for the trip. I was in contact with a fellow there who liked the idea and it went from there... -- Mike and John