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NZ Tour -- In Memory of Mike

  • But Wait, There’s More — 12th Man Brings Innings to a Close

      2 June 2024
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    As our fundraising efforts are now drawing to a close, there has been one 'last hurrah' this week from Martin who last year moved back to Christchurch. Martin was due to join us for the South Island part of the Tour but had to withdraw due to family illness in the UK. Given that 11 riders managed the whole trip from the Cape to Bluff, Martin was (to use cricketing terminology) the 12th man who wanted to bring the innings to a close.

    Martin decided that he would try to ride 10 days consecutively doing the same distance (and the same number of vertical metres) as we did on the South Island from Picton to Bluff except that he would do it around the Port Hills in Christchurch. He joined the normal Saturday and Sunday Phantom rides this weekend to finish off his 10 day journey. He was particularly grateful for the help of several 'domestiques', having ridden about 900km on his own before the final 2 days in Dunedin.

    It was also good to hear that he suffered from shortened daylight hours, a bad stomach, heavy morning frosts and two days of rain. Suffering is all part of being a Phantom on tour! It was Martin's way of honouring Mike's memory and making up for the disappointment of not being able to join the real Tour.

    And, as with the other 11, Martin suffered through a ‘climb from hell’, on his final day — the dreaded Norwood Rd in North East Valley. The photo on the update is Martin just after the climb. Chapeau Martin!

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  • Reset — Back to Regular Phantom Rides

      6 April 2024
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    Life as a Phantom reruns to normal now that the Tour is over and the bodies are rested — Easter was a great time for many of us to refresh (bike-free for some of us).

    What does normal look like for a Phantom Ride? Well, at this time of year it looks like *dark*, as we set off on our Otago Peninsula loop before dawn!

    This means it’s headlights and taillights on high, with the road ahead navigated by memory and torch beam (no street lights on most of the loop). The photo with the update is at Pukehiki, just past the summit of Highcliff Road, close to Larnach Castle.

    The early start gives us the joy of sunrise (around 8am today) and glorious views thereafter — the Highcliff/Portobello loop was rated as one of the top 10 urban bike rides *in the world* by Lonely Planet, so it is never boring or lacking scenery.

    It’s back to town via the bays on the low road, with the lure of coffee and cheese rolls a strong motivator by this time, with the legs starting to get a little weary.

    And the end-of-ride coffee is great at Salt, the Phantoms’ favourite cafe, and clearly the best in the known universe.

    We’re there by 9am, just as the vibe is building at St Clair with dog walkers, surfers and folks out for a stroll and a coffee. It was nice enough to pull together a Phantom table out on the pavement today, but as the winter months approach we’ll need to retreat indoors to thaw out instead.

    It’s nice to be home and back to our normal ride, but with great memories of the Tour…

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  • Updated Goal - Let's be Ambitious

      28 March 2024

    It was great to reach our main target of $27,000 for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust on our final day of the Tour, and fantastic to see donations still coming in.

    On this basis, let's be a little more ambitious, and raise the target! You might be able to persuade a Phantom to come and talk to your interest group if you were willing to donate. Or if you have a Phantom in your household or interest group they might be prepared to *stop* sharing cycling stories for a while in return for a donation....

    Anyway, we've set a new target of $35,000. This is based on the fact that:

    - there were 12 of us on Tour (11 riders and a driver)

    - total travel distance = 2,809km (including ferry crossing)

    - a donation of $1 per person per km is 12x$2,809 = $33,708

    - rounding this up to $35,000 seems like a sensible thing to do

    We hope this works for you!

    From "The Phantoms"

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  • PS — Maps and Stats

      25 March 2024
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    For those that might be interested in our routes through the North and South Islands, maps of these have now been collated, together with some helpful stats.

    The combined maps are presented as the image associated with this update, and the individual maps are in the image gallery.

    Summary of some of the key stats (which may vary amongst 'Phantoms') are:

    - 12 days in North Island: 1,551km cycled and 17,448m of climbing

    - 9 days in South Island: 1,158km cycled and 10,375m of climbing

    - 1 rest day: 100km Ferry Crossing, and a small amount of cycling (included in SI total). Zero climbing!

    Totals: 2,709km cycled, 100km across Cook Straight by ferry, 27,823m climbed (equivalent to 3.14 'Everests', scarily close to pi 'Everests' for those with a mathematical interest — perhaps proving that the Earth is a sphere!).

    Anyway, speaking of pies, we didn't keep a count, but lets say there were 'numerous' pies consumed, along with 'endless' coffees...

    PPS: For those that want to interrogate the stats further, the maps were produced using 'Strava' and can be found if you search hard enough (or ask a Phantom for the links)

    Links (if available) are at at:

    - https://www.strava.com/activities/11018298058 (South Island)

    - https://www.strava.com/activities/10990263487 (North Island)

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  • Day 22 — Finito, Afgerond, Complevit, Finished, Done

      23 March 2024
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    We made it!

    Wow. Three weeks ago we set off as a group with a mission to honour a mate by repeating the ride that meant so much to him — with a special side trip to Herbertville to respect another of his wishes. We also set up a fundraising mission to extend the impact of our efforts more widely than our group.

    We’ve achieved all of our goals, with the fundraiser reaching its $27k target ($10 per km of our tour) last evening, and the group riding into Stirling Point together at 1.15pm this afternoon.

    We had supporters to greet us when we got there, with hugs and cheers and pats on the back all around.

    It was a very special surprise to see Claire, Mike’s widow, at the finish and very emotional for us all. Very special too that she had brought a bottle of the amber nectar, of Mike’s favourite distillery (Glenfiddich), with a dram for each of us—a sweeter sip has not passed out lips in quite some time.

    Riding today was a breeze, quite literally. With 2,600km in our legs and a fresh northerly chasing us downhill on the Southland Plains, we averaged more than 30km/h, our fastest day.

    Two coffee stops and two flat tyres had us in Bluff by around noon, but the tradition of the 2014 Tour required us to climb Bluff Hill before found to Stirling Point.

    This was a mean climb: 250m elevation over 2.5km, with the steepest gradient of more than 25%. It was *hard* (really **hard**)!!

    Then to the finish, the whisky and the photos. And oysters & chips as the rain set in.

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    • 25/03/2024 by Mark

      Wow Phantoms. It was great to follow your progress every day, and to hear those special stories re Mike. Nice touches re the extra FW coffee. Fantastic effort and great result re funds earned. Now some well deserved rest time no doubt - but if I know Rob at all he has probably already clocked up 75 km this morning. You are all legends

  • Day 21 — Chopper Time

      22 March 2024
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    The object of our fundraiser is to help support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service.

    On our way into our accommodation at the Quest Queenstown yesterday (thanks Mark and Maureen for the great stay!) we noted that the Queenstown base for the rescue choppers was nearby.

    So on the way out of town this morning we passed by for a photo, perhaps in front of the office or a hanger, but noticed that the lights were on so we knocked on the door and introduced ourselves.

    The staff welcomed us inside to show us their operations and facilities and were very pleased to hear of our efforts so far. We got heaps of photos, much better than we were expecting…

    We’ve also reached an important milestone, hitting our $27,000 fundraising target — thanks to Allan and Mary (well known to one of the Phantoms!) for making the donation that got us to our target. One of us will buy you a coffee next time we meet!

    But the Tour is not (quite) over, and the fundraising can and should continue. The target was set to achieve $10 per km we cycled, but if we make it to $12 per km that would be even better!

    As for the riding today, it was another stunner, down the lake to Kingston for coffee then on to Athol for lunch — a wood-fired slow-roast BBQ in the courtyard added wonderful aromas to augment the awesome coffee and food we had at there.

    Finally, to Lumsden as our last stop before Bluff. The weather forecast looks good, so long as we beat the southerly that’s due early afternoon…

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  • Coffee is the Fuel of the Tour

      21 March 2024
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    We all have our own nutritional preferences on Tour, but there is one common fuel we all rely on — COFFEE. (Pies are a close second).

    We’re varied in how we take it — single shot, oat milk, flat white, cappuccino, extra hot, espresso, long black (but no latte drinkers I think) — but all need to know where the first coffee stop of the morning will be.

    Today the first coffee was at the iconic Cardrona Hotel (see images) after a cool (cold) 25km cruise up the Cardrona Valley from Wānaka.

    Coffee fuel was essential here as we had the steep part of the climb up the Crown Range — to the highest point of the tour at 1,076m above sea level — to follow.

    Both the coffee stop and summiting the Crown Range were times for us to remember our mate Mike, as he was a man of the outdoors and this was the kind of environment he loved so much.

    So we bought Mike a coffee at the Cardrona Hotel — a flat white which is the photo accompanying this post. And then at the Crown Range summit the billy was boiled and there was time for a cup of tea and a yarn while listening to Leonard Cohen (I think) from Mikes ‘favourites’ play list.

    Then, off on the rest of our adventure. We descended safely to the main highway, then detoured through back roads in the Queenstown basin en route to our awesome accommodation at the Quest in Remarkables Park (thanks Mike)!

    We were also generously supported by the Z Queenstown service station who gave us free pies and (you guessed it) coffee to refuel!

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    • 21/03/2024 by Ruth

      Loving these daily updates, going to miss them! Thank you so much Phantoms for all you’re doing to honour Mike and supporting such a wonderful cause. Not long to go now, and as your rest your weary bodies once this is over will surely reflect on a journey well done. Incredible achievement to each of you. Ruth (the other one, Claire’s sister)

    • 22/03/2024 by Martin

      Have loved the updates - especially this one. I can just picture the scene at Cardrona and on the Crown Range summit. Not far to go now. Enjoy the last few days.

  • Day 19 — Let there be Light.

      20 March 2024
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    It was a Day of Light today, from the pre-dawn glow as we left Haast to the brightest of Central Otago blue sky afternoons as we settled into Wānaka 145km later.

    The photo of the day (courtesy Mike Adair) captures the sharpness and brightness of the light during our transit through the valley to the Gates of Haast towards to start of the day.

    Climbing was also the order of the day, with the Haast Pass being the only named mountain pass we have on the Tour. At 564m above sea level it is not our highest point (that comes tomorrow), but the grunt of from the Gates of Haast bridge, with sustained gradients of 15%, was certainly one of our toughest sections. We’re glad that’s behind us.

    After fantastic pies and coffee at Makarora (check out the photos) we had a brilliant run down Lake Wānaka with a 40km/h tail wind helping us along.

    Crossing over at ‘The Neck’ we than had gorgeous vistas of Lake Hāwea as we cruised and climbed towards our destination, dropping in to see a non-touring Phantom on the way…

    Off to the pub tonight, to enjoy the beautiful sunset that awaits us to end this Day of Light.

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  • Day 18 — Highway to Haast

      19 March 2024
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    I have a cycle computer that includes handy maps, and for most of the ride today this told me that we were on the “Haast Highway”.

    The first part makes sense, as Haast was our destination today, but the ‘highway’ part is a bit generous in our humble opinion.

    Not to say that the roads are not great — they are beautifully maintained with a great surface for cycling — but the predominance of tight bends and (in particular) one-lane bridges makes this more ‘byway’ than ‘highway’.

    But what a road we travelled today!! Glorious climbs between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier at the start of the day, and then around Knights Point just before Haast.

    We had a glorious stop at Bruce Bay where there was a coffee caravan doing a roaring trade and the glistening ocean to keep us company.

    We also encountered many other cyclists there, and at various other points during the day, on their own adventures.

    Lunch was at Lake Moeraki, where one of the Phantoms indulged in a traditional skinny dip (check out the photos) — in honour of Mike who would have been in there boots-and-all…

    What else say? Perhaps just to note that this is the end of our various West Coasr adventure on the Tour (North Island and South Island) — we now head almost due South to Bluff, with a few more climbs and some lovely lakes ahead.

    PS. It’s real sandfly country here, so heading inland will take us away from these carnivorous beasts fortunately!

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  • Day 17 — The Alps to Guide us and the Sun as our Friend

      18 March 2024
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    Leaving Hokitika this morning the distant view was of Aoraki and the Alps in the early morning light — magical!

    This set our compass for the day with Franz Josef / Waiau as our destination. We took the decision to have three stops rather than the normal two, as there were natural stopping points at Ross, Harihari and Whataroa — coffee, brunch and lunch.

    So, whilst the ride was longer than average at 135km, breaking it into four section of 30-40km each meant we arrived relatively fresh.

    It also helped that there was only one climb of any significance, Mt Hercules, but this was quite modest compared to some of the others we’ve scaled (or, perhaps, we now have our climbing legs fully fit).

    Another blessing today was to have the sun as our friend all day long!! From long shadows as we set off just after sunrise, to lovely early-Autumn rays warming our backs as we rode in the late morning and early afternoon. All we need now is a glorious sunset to round off another very memorable day.

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  • Day 16 — Along the Coast, from Pancake Rocks to Driftwood Signs

      17 March 2024
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    All the effort’s worth it on a day like this, being able to experience the sights and sounds and smells of Wild West Coast forests and beaches and cliffs and rivers.

    Most of the day was spent hugging the coastline, with only a few minor inland excursions. This gave us some modest hills to climb, the the rewards of fast downhills freewheeling with the wind in our faces to catch our breath.

    The first beaks was at Pancake Rocks, which never fail to amaze as geological oddities, and then on to Greymouth for lunch.

    We had a special treat there, with Mike’s daughters Alice and Kate joining us, along with their partners, having come over from Christchurch for the day. Even more special was Amelia, Alice’s daughter and Mike’s granddaughter, as a little bundle of delight amongst some lycra-clad rabble. Check out some of the photos in the gallery…

    The final leg was a flat 40km run to Hokitika, sunny and with a gentle breeze enough to keep us cool but not slow us down.

    Further South tomorrow, with some climbs a curves as we head into glacier country.

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  • Day 15 — Beautiful Buller Gorge (with 1 weka and 3 goats)

      16 March 2024
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    Another stunning day on the road, with our journey today completing the lower parts of the Buller River, from Murchison to Westport.

    Starting in cold and cloudy conditions (think of some of the misty forest scenes from LOTR) things soon cleared to let the sun shine brightly on the beauty of the lower Buller Gorge.

    Great roads, a great country and great company.

    We had a very special and emotional send off from the Kiwi Park Motels this morning, with two fellow cyclists who were on their own north-to-south journey via the TA (Tour of Aotearoa) route. One was a pastor so sent us off with a special prayer, after joining us and the Kiwi Park Proprietors (Sandy and Richard) while ‘Graceland’ was played from Mikes music play list.

    Along the way we have seen a wide array of wildlife, with bird calls often accompanying us through forest sections. Today we stopped at the Hawks Crag cutting for photos, where we were entertained by the resident weka.

    Not much further on, while crossing a bridge, we encountered three young goats hanging out and bleating merrily on the road (no troll in sight). No wonder they call this the Wild West Coast.

    Another great place to stay tonight, the Buller Bridge Motels, where the proprietors have given a kind and very generous donation to our fundraiser. Many, many thanks!!!

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  • Day 14 — When You Gotta Go…

      15 March 2024
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    Hydration is essential on the Tour, as with any high-intensity exercise, and some may wonder how we deal with over hydration when public facilities are few and far between. The photo says it all, and there are numerous fence posts that have been used in similar fashion so far.

    Today was tough. Up the Wairau Valley to St Arnaud for lunch, a 100km distance, had is climbing gently (with a steeper section near the end) from sea leve to a 750m elevation. It was sunny and warm(ish), but the killer was the head wind that increased in intensity alll morning and had some of us close to a standstill at times! Nature’s payback from some of the glorious tail breezes we’ve had on other stages.

    After lunch it was a race down the Buller to Murchison, trying to beat the rain that was threatening. Some made it before a downpour, while others were about 5km short when the skies opened in true West Coast fashion.

    But all is good now, with lovely, warm rooms at the Kiwi Park Motor Camp for all. It may be an early night tonight after a hard (but rewarding) day at the office.

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  • Day 13 — Mine’s a Sav Blanc

      14 March 2024
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    We have arrived in Heaven — Marlborough on a beautiful sunny day with the Wither Hills as a backdrop to beautiful vineyards, and a warm nor’wester at our backs as ride effortlessly into Blenheim.

    We could do this every day!

    We also had an ideal crossing from Wellington to Picton, with our Bluebridge vessel (Connemara) sailing on schedule across a calm Cook Straight. Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the ride.

    But nothing is perfect, and the ride into Blenheim was delayed for some of us by a pesky puncture, with a tyre that was a challenge to get off the rims — much cursing was required, and when the exercise was competed the new tube immediately decided to go flat to compound the issue.

    Rinse and repeat, but second time was a charm and we arrived with plenty of time to relax, refresh and (for some of us) enjoy the fruits of the harvest this place is so very famous for.

    Hic!

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  • Day 12 — Ferry Annoying

      13 March 2024
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    Carterton to Wellington today, with the Rimutaka Hill to conquer along the way. Rain threatened but never arrived, but the lovely northerly tail wind changed to a southerly (head wind) just before we started the climb (rats!).

    Head wind all the way down the Hutt Valley, but that was OK because it was more-or-less downhill to compensate.

    A detour to Days Bay (for those observant map followers) was the result of a desire to avoid the motorway and catch the ferry to the city. But recent timetable changes, which were (in)conveniently not updated on the web site, meant we gave up on that idea once we found we’d have to wait two hours for the next service. Ferry annoying!

    Anyway, another great day on the road to Bluff, and we’re all looking forward to an early start tomorrow to catch the real ferry — Bluebridge to Picton, and hopefully no timetable hiccups. Next stop Blenheim thereafter, so only a short rode (unless we choose to detour through the Queen Charlotte Drive… ).

    PS. For coffee today the first stop was the Everest Cafe in Featherston (great coffee BTW). This made some of us think — have we yet done an “Everest” on the Tour, where our climbing metres equal the height of Mt Everest? Well, in adding the numbers up just now, our total climb to date is 17,221m — close to *two* Everests!! Phew, me may need a beer (or two) to celebrate this evening.

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  • Day 11 — Halfway There!!

      12 March 2024
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    Coffee in Pongaroa was a massive milestone — half-way there! Very close to 1,350 and 10 1/2 days into the Tour, so there are fewer days and less km’s to the finish line now.

    It was a really interesting and varied day, with heavy drizzle though the hills out of Herbertville, gnarly climbing and lots of gravel to navigate, followed by a warm afternoon with great tail winds to bring us home.

    It was great back-country riding with a few ‘sheep stops’ as farmers were moving stock, and surprisingly little traffic.

    Great accommodation tonight at the Matador Motel, with the added advantage of a swimming pool with the weather good enough to use it!

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  • Day 10 — To Herbertville and Beyond

      11 March 2024
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    A long day and a rather emotional day for us today.

    Herbertville was going to be the focal point for the Phantoms’ 2023 Tour, as can be seen from the bright yellow 2023 jersey a number of us wore today.

    The Herbertville focus was Mike’s idea, as he had never been there and it held a fascination for him.

    But, just before we set out in 2023 the cyclone struck the region and we had to reroute away from our planned Herbertville and Napier stops. Our new route took us out of the Waitarapa and into the Manawatu region, which is where tragedy struck for Mike.

    So, making it to Herbertville is very meaningful for us in many ways personally and as a group. It is a beautiful, wild and isolated part of Aotearoa and getting here has been very well worth it.

    We will remember you Mike, in this place and into the Beyond.

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    • 11/03/2024 by David

      Some event can jar us-this is one. A sad tragedy but Mike's memory of this unexpected time can help bind us to help others. The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service, (and others) are so amazing to help critical medical help.

    • 12/03/2024 by Jan

      Good work all!

  • Day 9 — From the Mountains to the Sea

      10 March 2024
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    Cool start from Taupō, climbing gently to the highest point of the tour so far, about 770m above sea level.

    Beautiful weather up on the volcanic plateau, with coffee at the Rangitaiti cafe/tavern — thanks for the donation, and for the spontaneous donation from another customer, Karen.

    Then we headed into the hard stuff — long windy descents followed by gut-busting climbs, losing and gaining about 300-400m of elevation each time.

    The last climb to the Harapaki Wind Farm was something else, with 3-4km at 10-12% gradient. Was definitely time for lunch after that!

    Great descents again for the final 45km after lunch, down into the Esk Valley where the destruction from events a year ago is still evident. On to our accommodation in Napier for some well-earned rest…

    We hit an important milestone today, somewhere on the volcanic plateau, getting the first 1,000km under our belts. Two weeks and 1,600km from here does not seem like such an insurmountable goal now — but still no walk in the park, with plenty of twists and turns ahead.

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  • Day 8 — Sunshine and Mountain Views

      9 March 2024
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    Heading across Te Ika-a-Māui today, into the mountains with Taupō as our destination. From a cool and cloudy start the weather improved all along, ending in sunshine and great early autumn weather.

    A big(ish) day, 130km and 1,700m of climbing, with some great downhill runs into Whakamaru for lunch (where the sign that’s the update photo was spotted) and then again into Taupō.

    Fun fact — one of the team scored a ‘Strava’ today, getting 5th fastest of all time for a specific section on the run into lunch. Very (pleasantly) surprising, and probably means they will have to shout the drinks tonight.

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  • Day 7 — Rainbows Day

      8 March 2024
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    Rainbows today, with showers following us most of the time. The most spectacular was a full, bright double rainbow as we set out from Raglan (photo courtesy Mark 2).

    We also had a bit of gravel and mud for good measure as we took the back roads from Raglan to Pirongia through the Waituna Valley.

    We then detoured through Te Awamutu en route to Ōtorohanga for lunch at the Fat Kiwi cafe. Delicious, and one group kindly donated $50 to the fundraiser!!

    On to Te Kuiti, back roads again, for rest and recovery by the pool at the Panorama Motel. Lovely.

    PS. Group photo by the Colin Meads statue another highlight…

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  • Day 6 — Raglan by the Sea

      7 March 2024
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    Waikato West Coast — wonderful.

    Good day for riding: calm, cloud cover (to keep the sunburn away), quiet roads and great company.

    From Port Waikato we backtracked to the Tuakau turnoff then headed South through beautiful rolling countryside to Raglan.

    First stop was Pukekawa for coffee and sustenance at the local service station. The proprietor, Vic, was a most generous host, quite literally by making us great coffee (Raglan Roast) and then giving us a quite substantial donation to our case.

    Thanks Vic, your spontaneous kindness and generosity and just the kinds of characteristics that Mike showed, and you made our day.

    Also special was lunch by the van at the side of the road, halfway between nowhere and somewhere, enjoying the company of colleagues with a common cause.

    Te Kuiti tomorrow!!

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  • Day 5 — Halfway to half way

      6 March 2024
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    Auckland to Port Waikato today, a leisurely 85km mostly on cycle paths and back country roads. Beautiful!

    Five days in and just under 650 cycled, that’s almost a quarter of the Tour (halfway to half way) under our belts. Some belief that we’ll make it, having endured two very long days before today.

    Highlights today were:

    - getting through early morning Auckland traffic unscathed

    - finding lovely quiet back roads through To Pukekohe — including “Ostrich Farm Road”, which was distinctive in the clear lack of any obvious signs of ostriches being farmed.

    - Lunch at a nice little cafe in Tuakau

    - Getting to the Port Waikato Holliday Park and relaxing in the sun for the afternoon.

    Stay tuned for further updates as we go through the rugged hills of the Waikato and King Country over the next few days.

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  • Day 4 — The Big Smoke

      5 March 2024
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    A very long day in the saddle — one of the longest at 170km — with more than 2,000m of climbing along the way. What madness is this that we are doing?

    Weather was a bit patchy, with some strong westerlies and heavy squalls passing through, and we had some very busy roads to navigate (including 30km on SH1).

    But between showers and busy roads we experienced some great countryside, first along the Kaipara Harbour and then through the rolling hills and forests on the NW approach to Auckland.

    We were expertly guided through the city (thanks Tristan) and it was very enjoyable cycling once we hit the dedicated cycle lane network.

    An early night tonight for many of us because, quite simply, we’re stuffed!!

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    • 06/03/2024 by Loren

      Loving these updates! Thinking you all each day especially my Dad Rob.

    • 06/03/2024 by Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust

      Hi to everyone there - you are looking good! Our most grateful thanks to you for this stunning commitment to support the critical Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust. With our very best wishes to you for fun adventures along the way.

      Posted by Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

  • Day 3 — Tāne Mahuta (and much, much more)

      4 March 2024
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    Rawene to Paparoa through beautiful Opononi and Ōmōpere on the Hokianga, then on through the mighty Waipoua Kauri Forest.

    Special stop in the forest to take a look at Tāne Mahuta (for some group photos as well). Late lunch at Dargaville before heading across the plains with the *best tail-wind ever* on our way to Paparoa.

    We dodged the rain most of the day, except for the last 10km when it came down in buckets on and off. All dry and warm at the Motor Camp, and looking forward to a good dinner together.

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  • Day 2 — Pukenui to the mighty Hokianga

      3 March 2024
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    Another fantastic day: Pukenui to Rawene, with strong tail winds most of the way.

    It was a race to make the 2pm ferry to Rawene, but we all made it (with seconds to spare). Some light rain just as we were getting in but otherwise OK.

    We remembered Mike with an extra flat white at our first coffee stop in Kaitaia.

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  • Day 1 — Long drive and short ride

      2 March 2024
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    A long drive to Cape Reinga from ‘The Gathering’ in Auckland. We hit the road at 6am, but with a couple of major diversions on SH1 and some longer-than-planned rest stops, it took us 8 1/2 hours to get to the Cape.

    Quick change and onto the bikes, after an emotional jersey presentation ceremony (see separate post).

    The ride was great!! Tail winds most of the way, enough challenge with the early hill climbs, with beautiful scenery and great company the whole way.

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  • The Jersey Presentation — Very Emotional

      2 March 2024
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    It’s traditional to distribute tour jerseys just before we set off. Very special jerseys this year to remember Mike. Dave’s video says it all…

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    • 03/03/2024 by Eleanor

      Wow! LOVE the jersey. May the wind always be at your backs!

      Eleanor and Anna

    • 04/03/2024 by Baden

      Go well team! Stay safe out there!

  • Day Zero — The Gathering

      1 March 2024
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    We’re all gathering in Auckland for “Day Zero”. Most from Dunedin, with one from Christchurch and one from Queenstown. We’ll drive up to Cape Reinga early tomorrow to meet the van and our bikes — gear check and then we’re off!!! Wish us luck.

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  • Thanks Claire -- Our 100th Donor

      25 February 2024
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    Wow, even before we set out on our NZ Tour in Memory of Mike, we're hit a big milestone -- our 100th donor!

    Thanks Claire, as you also tipped us over the $11,000 mark for funds raised for the Rescue Helicopter Trust.

    Thanks to everyone who has donated so far and given us such wonderful messages of support.

    From "The Phantoms"

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  • Remembering Mike

      21 February 2024
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    It's a year ago that we lost Mike, who we are remembering on our forthcoming NZ Tour. He was a great guy, still sadly missed by family and friends and Phantoms alike.

    We set of on our memorial Tour in 10 days time, with the aim of collecting donations for the Rescue Helicopter Trust along the way.

    Please consider giving if you are able, and share to spread the memories of a really good person.

    From "The Phantoms"

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  • We’ve increased the goal…

      28 January 2024

    We’ve had a great response so have lifted the goal to $27k — that ten bucks for every km on our 2,700km Tour. All going to the amazing Otago/Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust!!

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