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LAID BACK END TO END

  • Torrential rain, howling gales, coal smoke, salty air, and magnificent scenery.

      19 April 2010

    So far Mike has powered through 1,325 km (823 miles) and survived torrential rain, been stared at and photographed by dozens of tourists, negotiated a small gdrifth off the edge of the road, broken up Weka fights in the middle of the highway, and patiently responded to the exuberant interest of kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters programmes he has visited. If you havenft had a look Mikes journal you are missing a great read as he has some fascinating tales to tell. Read the latest about Mikes?adventures as he raises funds?so kids?who want a mentor can have one.? Read the journal?at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/

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  • The Milford Road: Te Anau to Lake Gunn

      10 April 2010

    The latest from Mike: ""...I decided to trike out to Milford as I am fairly sure that has never been done before. The weather has held so it is all blue skies and no wind. The nights are a star filled wonder although just a bit chilly. To add a bit of adventure my headcold has returned with a vengeance and consequently my sleep in the tent is only fitful dozing at best. Left Te Anau at 9.00am to let most of the buses depart. Only a few passed me on the road and all the traffic kept well away from me. The road seemed to be mainly up with only a few minor downhill sections, but there were no serious climbs - yet! It was basically just a gradual 80km ascent. The climb took its toll on my knees which were really aching towards the end. Read more at ""http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/

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  • Update for 05/04/2010

      7 April 2010

    Heading Out and Up: Bluff to Tuatapere Monday April 5, 2010, 115 km (71 miles) - Total so far: 115 km (71 miles) After a hectic drive down the length of the South Island over Easter, and seeing whales, dolphins and seals frolicking less than 100m off shore past Kaikoura, we arrived in Invercargill. And yes, we did see the yellow eyed penguins and they were doing exactly nothing - the end of the moult apparently.I directed us up to the Bluff Lookout which, though having an amazing view, was not the place to start. Undeterred I assembled the trike while Julie sorted out where the start point really was - which she did with unerring efficiency. That left me with a high speed run down the hill, whereupon I lost my flag in the rush. One of my daughters saved the day and flag and trike were reunited. And then the family were off to have a coffee I suspect before racing ahead in the car. I waved goodbye again as they pased me just before Invercargill. No support crew at all from here on in. I've got no maps so I won't be able to misread them! Read more.... ""http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/laidbackendtoend"">http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/laidbackendtoend

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  • Update for 01/04/2010

      6 April 2010

    Heading Out: An Exploration to find the Southern Pole Thursday April 1, 2010 Everything is packed and ready to go now. We have three solid days of traveling to get to that southernmost pole at Bluff. Sadly, due to a lack of forward planning on my part and to the relief of my daughters, we shall be driving right on past the Wanaka Air Show. Hopefully we will get to see Yellow Eyed Penguins instead - I'm just not sure they compare with roaring Merlin engines. I weighed the packed panniers etc for the trike, including emergency food but not water, using the hook and spring scales. The complete weight comes in at just under 18.5kg. I'm pretty pleased about that, especially as that includes wet weather and cold weather clothing as well as the full camping and cooking kit. I haven't booked any accommodation so I will just take it as it comes. There are some fairly remote campsites thrown into the mix along with staying with various people along the way. In between it shall be whatever I come across I guess. The end of the journey has now been set by a bus booked from Paihia back down to Taranaki as unfortunately Julie couldn't get more time off work to make the 12 hour trip up to get me at the end. The good news is that the bus is only costing me $1 - and $10 for the trike. Yay!! Heather at J & H Sportswear came up trumps with the cycling shirt and flags, as well as a long sleeve merino wool shirt. This was a last minute addition after I got the jitters about seeing snow on the weather forecast all the time! Anyway here is a photo of the cycling shirt looking very smart - it's just a shame about the stand-in male model! You can follow the latest journal entries at: ""http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/laidbackendtoend""http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/laidbackendtoend

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  • Update for 02/03/2010

      2 March 2010

    My profile is slim and getting slimmer. You can find all of the relevant information in my on-line journal at ""http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/laidbackendtoend"">http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/laidbackendtoend?from early March. My journal is easily found under Trikes in the list on the left hand side of the Crazy Guy on a Bike home page. I would really appreciate you leaving a message in the Guestbook and Ifll get back to you as soon as I find a computer.

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