The day is finally here, the start of the Tour Aotearoa, a self-supported, 3,000 km cycling brevet the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It is “brevet”, not a race. For many it is a personal challenge of one kind or another. For others it is a rather unique approach to seeing a beautiful country.
It follows a set course with 30 photo checkpoints, which must be completed between 10 and 30 days. Yes, there are some riders that challenge themselves to finish in ten days, that is averaging 300 kilometers and up to 18 hours on the bike per day.
The ride begins at the northern tip of New Zealand, beautiful Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga is a spiritually important place for Maori, New Zealand’s native people. “It is here that after death, all Maori spirits travel up the coast and over the wind-swept vista to the pohutukawa tree on the headland of Te Rerenga Wairua.” A Maori blessing for the Tour is offered from a young Maori man who happens to be participating in the Tour along with his mother.
The route is set up to experience varied terrain from sealed road, to gravel, to single track of varying difficulty to various cycle trails…and plenty of hills! One can use a bike that is geared toward the trail and technical rides or one set up for sealed roads. Most choose a bike that is not ideal for either, but on average, can handle most terrain.
My choice, a 2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail. It turns out to be a good choice. It performed with no mechanical issues at all and helped me perform the ride virtually injury free.
Being a novice and not in ideal shape, my preparation involved months of planning, training, hours of researching bikes, bike equipment, gear and travel planning. I have not been an avid cyclist, thus, much of this area was new to me. But I enjoy learning, the challenge and a chance to get in a bit better shape. Setting a vision, a goal, and planning to achieve them is second nature to me given my many years in business, consulting and project management.
Cycling and gym work began in June 2016, cycling usually 4 days per week and 3 – 4 days at the gym. Training was interrupted by a diagnosis of osteoarthritis (which runs in the family) in November followed by some physical therapy, a couple cortisone shots and more focused exercises. Realistically completing the ride let alone even beginning it was put into serious question.
I purchased and rode my first ever mountain bike in November. Final training was conducted in January in New Zealand to experience some hills…as there are no significant hills in Sarasota (our last home in Sarasota was at 20 feet above sea level, one of the highest points in the city, lol). To read more about the training and for some insomnia cure, click here …
My riding partner for the tour was Jen Bury, a wonderful young lady Tracey and I met in Cambodia in 2017 at a two week Yoga retreat. Jen was completing a bikepacking tour across Southeast Asia which included riding unsupported across Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It wasn’t easy finding a victim for this challenge, but obviously this was something right in Jen’s sweet spot with her experience. Her experience and encouragement along the way were instrumental!
Completing the ride was very emotional, not really knowing for sure if this was something I could accomplish. The feeling was somewhat surreal though after 3,000 kilometers, more than 100,000 feet of ascent, over 100,000 calories burned, and lots of fish and chips, pies and pizza. Even with the increased food consumption I ended up losing more than my $400 Garmin Edge 1000 cycling computer. I also lost 12 pounds, 2 inches in the waistline, 2 inches in the chest, 1 inch off the neck, hips and thighs! My own 30 day challenge. It is amazing however how many items are lost on the ride from computers, to jackets, to phone and jandals.
I think we saw most of the 30 million sheep in New Zealand, rivers, lakes, beaches, mountains, glaciers, ferries, beautiful warm sunny days and on a day or two lots of rain, wind and near freezing temps. We avoided some serious flooding, cyclones and even a helicopter rescue that some bikers experienced.
We avoided camping along the way which, good or bad, enabled us to experience nearly every other type of overnight experience…many country hotels, motels, holiday parks and taverns. Seriously it was all good…just different, lol. There is not much of New Zealand we have now not seen…nearly every nook and cranny.
Achieving the Tour Aotearoa was a team effort, particularly with my key advisor and wife Tracey. Tracey provided great insights and help as we planned, analyzed and made this happen. Her dedication and commitment was well above and beyond as she “herded” me and other Tour riders along the way!
The amazing beauty of New Zealand, its people and all of the work of the organizers, the Kennett Brothers, made this an absolutely wonderful, unique experience. Heaps of thanks to the Kennett Brothers and all of our hosts across New Zealand. Their hospitality, welcoming kindness, locals sharing coffee ☕️ and food, and a genuine interest in what we were doing made this so enjoyable.
It was great meeting fellow riders and making new friends. Sharing stories and great conversation made the ride much easier at times.
And finally, the only thing longer than the ride is the Video…lol. Twenty-nine days and 3,000 kilometers condensed down to 30 minutes or so.
Caution, beware…It may be a cure for insomnia but you might like the music. But get some popcorn, sit back and see some of the beauty of New Zealand we experienced along the way. On to new adventures!
