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.