Four Warkworth riders breathed a sigh of relief on reaching the finish line in Bluff, after cycling the length of New Zealand over February and March.
Paul Donaldson and Miles Williams took 24 days to complete Tour Aotearoa, while Geoff Ledbrooke and Jim Dollimore took 27 days.
“It was definitely a satisfying feeling to reach the end after all the challenges we faced on the journey,” Geoff says.
The ride got off to a rough start with torrential rain during the first few days before the sun came out strong.
“It was like a furnace in that heat. We were all dehydrated when we reached the Kaipara Harbour ferry, which had no water on board.
“About 20 minutes offshore the boat then broke down. We didn’t get in to Helensville until 4am, by which time all of the stores were closed.”
The group also became mixed up in a man hunt in Jerusalem and were confined to the place they were staying by the armed offenders’ squad.
“Despite some difficulties, the tour was a great adventure and seeing New Zealand from that perspective was the real highlight,” Geoff says.
“I think the most enjoyable day was the descent on the Timber Trail in central North Island where we just raced down.”
The riders were on bikes from anywhere between eight and 12 hours each day and completed up to 215 kilometres each time.
“One track had so much clay on it that it took three hours to go 14 kilometres.”
As part of the tour, Geoff, Paul and Jim raised money for Springboard Community Works, collecting $1985.
Springboard Community Works founding director Gary Diprose says the riders are an inspiration.
“It’s been amazing for us to have these guys go the length of New Zealand and face a lot of challenges to help support the young people at Springboard,” he says.
“There is a great message in that for the people we work with about overcoming difficulties, and I would like the money raised to go towards something that addresses that idea.”
Also completing the tour were Bevan Woodward and Maurice Puckett, who took 31 and 30 days respectively while raising money for Homebuilders Family Support Services.
The pair encountered quite a few mishaps along the way. They had to be airlifted out of Whakahoro due to heavy rain which caused slips, and their bikes were stolen in Masterton.
“The biggest challenge was actually the weather on the West Coast where we were just soaked. That felt like the make or break moment of the ride,” Bevan says.
He says he would do the ride again, but it would be difficult to beat the original experience.
“Seeing the constant change in scenery across New Zealand was amazing, and on a bike, you have the opportunity to talk with so many people along the way.”
The two riders raised $5000 for Homebuilders. Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes says the money will go towards dealing with family relationship issues.
