"A lot of people reckon the modern calendar started more than 2000 years ago but any true-blue Bay of Plenty supporter will tell you we're now in the year 10 - as in, 10 years since we won the Ranfurly Shield," he said.
Leaming has been keeping a nervous eye on the forecast, with a cold snap hitting the deep south this week.
"I haven't warn shoes for 20 years but I'm seriously considering ditching the jandals for the last leg of the trip. Luckily, a mate of mine - who happens to be Leicester Rutledge's cousin - came through with some ugg boots, so that should keep the toes from falling off in the snow."
Leaming said the ITM Cup meant so much to many people and hoped some of them would stop to pick him up in the next few days.
He will leave this morning, and hopes to arrive in Invercargill before kick-off at 7.35pm on Friday night.
