$3k for the Bay

Kia ora all,

A big thank you to those who donated - and a final update.

On Friday evening I completed this epic adventure - riding from Cape Reinga to Bluff. 3000 kms in 3 weeks for 30 years of age - while raising $3k for the Hawkes Bay.

I felt strong all day, so rode the 230k through to Bluff - and 30k back into Invercargill so I could have the day off on Saturday 😂

I left Mt. Nicholas Station at first light, climbing straight into Von Hill. Steady at first, followed by a steeper section. As I crested the top, the sun appeared warming up my frozen toes after two ford crossings.

The section following was an incredible long, gradual gradient on hard pack gravel. I sat in the aero bars and spun along at 40+ for what felt like forever. A premium gravel riding experience in a surreal environment.

I arrived in Mossburn just before noon, and after a supply top up continued to Winton. Leaving Winton at 3 and arriving at Bluff 3.5 hrs later at 6.30.

A few pics and phone calls, followed by a ride back into Invercargill.

I treated myself to a boujee hotel, nice meal and a sleep in. I am now back in the big smoke and back at work.

I encountered my fair share of physical ailments throughout the Tour. My body did not respond well initially to the increase in volume. I was well prepared - having done between 15-20 hours of training per week. The increase to 40+ hours and the additional weight on my bike, resulted in bruising to my left patella, followed by a swollen right achilles, swollen left achilles and strained hamstring. I jumped from one physio to another as I descended the country. As I approached Wellington, I was unsure whether I was going to be able to ride through the pain I was experiencing and make it to Bluff. By hook or by crook, I was set on making it to Bluff. Through a mixture of massage, dry needling and stretching I pushed through.

Regardless of the mechanical, physical and logistical challenges I encountered - I loved every minute of the Tour. Those I shared the Tour with, and the days I rode solo. The varied and stunning landscapes I rode through. The kindness of strangers. I loved experiencing parts of NZ I had previously visited through a new lens. Cycling is a magical form of travel, with the slower pace allowing you to take in the surrounds and ride on roads most people never experience.

To finish the Tour is a real triumph for me personally. It was just 6 months ago that I was still crippled by long Covid symptoms. I spent the majority of 2022 impacted after catching it in March. A 20 minute jog would put me on the couch for the rest of the day. To ride the length of the country in 3 weeks and come out feeling stronger than when I started after the slog of 2022 - is satisfying. It is a great reminder of what we can endure and come out stronger from with ample grit, consistency and a positive mindset.

This trip has renewed my love for NZ and the sheer scale of adventure we have at our fingertips. We truly live in Godzone.

What's next?

Ps. $3,286 has been raised for the Hawkes Bay ($3k target). Thanks to those who have donated. I have left the page open for donations for another week. Let’s see if we can get to $3500 - or $4000?!