Day 24 Epilogue

New Zealand – Done and Dusted!

Well folks, this is the end of a remarkable adventure. Hazel and I want to thank you all for your support, comments and for just reading this.

I want to finish with some statistics.

We had 23 riding days to cover 2412 km at an average speed of 24 kph. Hazel spent 104 hours on the saddle. The longest ride was 177 km while the highest climb took us to 1037m.

We had over thirty media references. Three riders, Alison, Dave and Hazel rode the entire distance.  There were seven core riders and about five support people for most of the tour.

Over 100 different riders joined for at least one stage.

Hazel managed to raise about $2400 for the Mental Health Foundation while the total for the entire event almost reached $25000.

That’s all from the Tour de Aoteoroa.  We will see you all soon.

Day 23 Kaitaia to Cape Reinga (112 km)

Day 23



Day 23







Cape Reinga at Last!



Up the final climb



We were joined today by two new riders which, with all core riders on board made a party of eight for our final ride. The pace was steady for the first two hours. We actually stopped today for a coffee / ice-cream break before attempting the last 40 km climb to the cape itself.  The open rugged landscape of the far north was a joy to behold.

Riders and Supporters at the Finish

Having made the last climb to the car-park we all then rolled down the 800m walkway to the lighthouse itself. Kate’s mum collected $150 from tourists many of whom had seen us on Closeup last night.



The Finish at Last



Our tired but happy hero.



After many pictures, it was back to the cars for a 50 km drive back to our accommodation at Henderson’s Bay.

Our last blog before flying home will be posted tomorrow.

Day 22 Omapere to Kaitaia (93 km)

Day 22

Day 22

Almost there!



Morning Tea at Rawene



In this our penultimate stage, today was different.  After riding 25 km to Rawene, where we had to wait for the ferry to cross Hokianga harbour, we were all given a warm welcome at a morning tea presented by the area hospital board. A tour of their hospital followed, then over the ferry and back on the bikes. The ride into Kaitaia including the long climb at the end was very enjoyable. Although back on highway 1, the lower traffic volume and resealed road made riding less stressful. The scenery again especially up the   Mangamuka Gorge was magic. To watch all riders climb today on 23 day old legs was inspiring, in some respects more so than the rides around Queenstown.



Departing Hokianga Harbour



Tomorrow, we ride the last leg with mixed feelings. While glad the riding stops, there is a sense of loss as something special comes to an end.

Lilla, Duncan & Alison

This is also my last opportunity to acknowledge others. Alison Blyth was the inspiration behind and major organizer of this event. We all thank Alison for her efforts. Duncan is Alison’s Husband. His duties are many. As traveling parent to Lilla, he still managed to ride many stages or part stages as well as helping Jim in the bus. Duncan is a really nice guy.

Day 21 Dargaville to Omapere (83 km)

Day 21

Day 21

The Kauri Forests of Northland!



Through the forests



In what has been the most picturesque ride since leaving the south island, our little group rolled over the hills of the Waipoua forest into the hamlet of Omapere on the glorious Hokianga Harbour. The skies were overcast with heavy cloud but no rain as the group left Dargaville. A tailwind provided good riding conditions and the narrow, quiet road through the temperate forest provided over 50 km of superb scenery. The series of climbs were challenging and ensured there was nothing left in the legs at day’s end.



The glorious Hokianga Harbour



Tonight’s accommodation is in a four bedroom house overlooking the entire harbour. The views are really something.



Large Kaui Tree



To top off a great day, we had time for a little sightseeing at the Kauri forest.

Day 20 Wellsford to Dargaville (99 km)

Day 20



Day 20









Three Days to Go!

 
Seven riders left Wellsford today. The first two hours were spent together on the main highway.  After a break ( Haze had a coffee) at Paparoa, the tempo lifted and the boys averaged over 40kph for the last half. Needless to say, Hazel pottered along at her own pace and finished later. The ride had hills early but the home run was flat with a fresh tail wind. Tonight’s accommodation is at Bailey’s Beach.

All is good at the moment. Riders are all tired but spirits are high as we wind our way through the final days.

Day 19 Auckland to Wellsford (121 km)

Day 19

Day 19

Into the North!

Our Two day rest was just that. We chilled out at Steve and Heather’s lovely home, shopped a little and watched rugby.  On Friday night, we attended the Mental Health Association cocktail party where each of the riders was presented and their efforts acknowledged.  Chris McKelvie returned from Oz to rejoin the tour.

12 riders leave Avanti, Auckland

Today’s ride took us through Auckland slowly with many traffic lights. By 10am we had traveled 35km, when Haze and I were lost. We regathered ourselves and Haze rode alone for the next hour or so while we tried to catch up. Many of the day riders had taken off completely while the rest were also taking wrong turns in a bit of a shambles. Flat tires and other issues kept the Yarris busy all day. The last 40 km or so had some stiff climbing to do.

High country around Wellsford

With internet reception dwindling, my posts may become irregular.

Day 18 Huntly to Auckland (109 km)

Day 18

Day 18

Auckland at Last!

The start at Huntly

We all enjoyed a much better day today, all that is except the Mighty Yaris and I who got lost four times on the one stage. The group was joined by riders from the police department as well as the boys from Avanti.  We were also supplied with a police paddy wagon as escort, but they got lost as well. The ride into Auckland was not as hectic as expected as we stayed off the motorway.

Haze and I are staying with Dave’s mother and father in law. Steve and Heather live on 5 acres next door to Dave and his wife Niccy.  We are both looking forward to our two days off, before tackling five days riding up north.

Jim the roadie

This is also a good part of the trip to acknowledge our main support man. Jim Blyth is Alison’s dad. He has done a fabulous job as van driver, porter, navigator and general dog’s body. He doesn’t get lost as much as the Yarris.

Day 17 Te Kuiti to Huntly (105 km)

Day 17

Day 17

One Day Closer!

Riding to Huntly

Five riders started today. I think each of us is feeling jaded one way or the other. Dave however is as chirpy as ever, probably due to the fact he has plans to visit home tonight.

For the rest of us, although pretty in places, the increase in traffic means the ride is one to be endured rather then enjoyed.  Four hours after leaving Te Kuiti and without fanfare, we arrived in Huntly.  A change in planned accommodation means we are staying in luxury tonight at the Hillside nature Resort.



The long winding road.



Tomorrow, we ride into Auckland and a two day rest apart from some organized functions.

Day 16 Oakura to Te Kuiti ( 177 km)

Day 16

Day 16

And then there were three!  +Kate!!



The coast of New Plynouth



Dave tops Mt Messinger



Some days are just brutal. Today was one such day.

Today we left the Taranaki district and consequently, all the family connections are being left behind. With Chris and John leaving the party in Blenheim and no extra riders to join us, only Alison, Dave and Haze left Oakura at 8am. The forecast was for rain. Haze had plenty on her mind this morning as she rode slowly with Dave through New Plymouth (cities are not good).  Mount Messenger at 60 km was winding and steep (downhills are not good Bardie). 

Kate and Hazel

The group split here and Haze rode alone for long sections until Kate joined in for the last 40 km.  When Chief de Mission Pete ordered the two girls off the road and into a natural raspberry farm for an icecream, there were no complaints.(icecreams are good Dyanna) After a suitable refreshment, the girls tackled the last 20 km which included two very tough climbs right at the end. They arrived at Te Kuiti at 4:10 pm. With only 30 minutes rest all day, it has been a long day.





Pulled over for ice-cream

Day 15 Manutahi to Oakura ( 105 km)

Day 15

Day 15

With Spinnakers Set!

Shirley & Hazel 6am

Yesterday was a rest day which was just as well as the riders were pretty stuffed after the past two days. We stayed in Hawera slept in, went to the Ta Whiti museum then on to Dawson falls on Mount Egmont.  We had a very relaxing day.  Our host, Shirley Horner, Hazel and I went to Morrirons restaurant for tea. This amazing lady, well into her eighties then got up at 6am this morning to send us off with bacon and eggs for breakfast.



The start at Manutai



Today’s ride was our largest yet. Seventeen riders of all shapes and sizes set off for Oakura. It wasn’t long before the group split again, as, with a brisk southerly tailwind, the serious riders slipped away. Hazel had a great day and stayed with the lead pack until the last 2 km. It was her fastest average  yet.

Riding to Oakura

Riding to Oarura

Tonight, all of us are staying in the family bachs on the beach in Oakura. Tomorrow is our longest ride of the tour. With rain predicted, Haze is already dreading the 176 km to Te Kuiti.



Beautiful Mt Egmont



Day 14 Bulls to Manutahi ( 120 km)

Day 14

Day 14

Who said the North Island wasn't hilly!




$800 raised on this leg alone

Our 8 am start saw 11 riders set off from the Bulls police station. This included three originals, Alison’s husband Duncan, the three boys from yesterday and four new riders joining this stage.  The boys who rode yesterday on mountain bikes were pretty sore but game as they set off.  The ride was not easy. A stiff headwind all day coupled with highway riding and different abilities meant the group broke apart after 50 km. Hazel, who had been riding with the lead pack found herself alone for the next 50 km as the boys up front took off. Eventually, she was joined by Alison and Duncan for the ride to the finish. The Mountain bike boys finished about three hours later. The Manutahi district is much like Kin Kin – just a pub.  All the locals had gathered for the finish. They had placed a sponsorship chart on the wall. It raised over $800. Our total to date is over $16000.

The Symes family farm

Our main group are staying on the Symes farm in Manutahi (see pix ) but Hazel and I have been billeted by Shirley Horner in Hawaha. Shirley is a lovely, gracious lady who loves Rugby. Tonight, I’ve seen two games with her which combined with the Reds and Broncos wins last night makes me a happy chappy.

Outside the Manutahi Pub at days end.