Solo Cycle Tour of New Zealand

Dearest Mike, have a fantastic trip. I say that with the reverential awe of a man who hasn't been on a bike since I last rode my Raleigh Twenty (gold - three gears) in 1974. I hope it's everything you want and deserve it to be. We'll miss you here, tremendously. But what a bloody wonderful thing to do. Ride well, MB. Lots of love, John.

So you've learned how to have fun and earn sainthood at the same time? I wish you well, Mike. May your reflective gear glow brightly, your kanzu strapped tightly.

If you are sharing your tent with the rolls royce of bike srtands..ahve you decided which sex it is ?

Does the phrase 'fair winds and following seas apply to cyclists'? 'Following winds, rainless days and careful motorists' perhaps? Have a wonderful time...ditch the bike stand and call Judy! love and hugs, Lesley

Go Mike! Wishing you a safe journey, smooth roads, legs that last the distance and warm sun on your back. looking forward to feasting on this feral fantasy!

Good luck! Hope the weather holds and the long trip to Muriwai goes well. Jen

Good to see the blog up and running - will endeavour to get it spread around.

Hey Mike, Is today departure day ? If so good luck. Hope you have a good tail wind and a long flat road to start off with. And when you hit those hills dont forget to keeping saying "its better than another day in the office" Keep us posted on the journey. Regards, Stephen

Mike, have the greatest time going feral. I can't imagine you being dirty and smelly but am waiting to be entertained by the hairy photos you'll post. Good luck. Andi B.

Hi Mike, here's to a little Hong Kong typhoon-style tail wind coming your way! I'll be hanging out for your blogs and cheering you on. And thanks for the opportunity to donate to Oxfam in honour of your effort - when the going gets tough it helps to know your sweat isn't in vain. Melanie xx (Got The Boss on your ipod, I hope!).

Hey Mike! Congrats on A) getting this website up and running :) and B) finally leaving the comforts of Auckland (and the luxuries of Judys cooking!!). Hope the first few days have gone successfully and you're enjoying the freedom of the road! (still think you're insane though!!). When you get to Wellington you'll have to pop in for a visit (and if you bribe me nicely with chocolate I may let you stay in our 1st class spare room (views of Oriental Bay included of course!!). Cant wait to hear all the stories!! Love Fi :)

Hi Mike, Enjoy your adventure - will look forward to your blogs. I thought a Motor Bike trip in Europe was hard enough!! Sheryl

I think I have just made my comment into the Comment title. Hope you can unravel this Mike, as you sit in your tent in the rain and wind! xx Penny

Well its been a good few days now. I would say you have been wet, hot, almost run down and buggered ...well and truly by now !. Just hang in there, as I know you will, not being the type of man to give up in a hurry. I sooooo envy you doing this, and I would have loved to come with you. Take care and dont get run over, you are irreplaceable. xx Cush

Hi Mike. Great meeting up at Langs then the next day in the Waipu forest. You look so happy and relaxed on your bike. Enjoy your journey on the open road. You are an inspiration. ps I would suggest soaking "the twins" at Ngawha Springs whether they need it or not!

Thanks to everyone for your comments. As I think you can tell, I am having fantastic fun! And it is wonderful to hear from you - sort of keeps me in touch with the real world. Too many to respond to you all individually, but be reassured I am reading and rereading your comments whenever I get a chance. regards to everyone, Feral Mike

Invercargill to Dunedin ?? Can't have been me...but I did once ride on a tandem with my cousin Fred from Invercargill to Waimahaka. We picked up half a dozen Lion Brown we'd stashed under a gorse bush on the way and when we got to our destination...probably about 30ks...we were a bit wobbly. Re: [h2] CYCLE TOUR - PRESSURE POINTS & TOUGH NUTS [h2]

Hey Mike. All your sailing buddies wish you fair winds and safe harbours. We will follow your journey with interest and raise the odd glass of port to you (actually, quite a few glasses of port)

Your weather is truly only good for ducks. Baling out [temporarily] would be in perfect order...enjoy Wellington. Reminds me of the atrocious weather when you and Judy set out from Waiaua Hut and needed hot coffee, fresh choccie banana muffins and a warm log fire in a cosy home!

Hi Lesley, I have a feeling there was some medicinal brandy involved as well - to help keep out the cold.