Solo Cycle Tour of New Zealand

---

Feral Mike and the Beast of Burden

Coming Soon - Departure Day is Tuesday 13 October, 2009

http://www.oxfam.org.nz/events/teams.asp?a=show_team_pages&eventid=20&teamid=3838


My grandfather told me: Always wear underpants beneath your kanzu before you mount your bicycle. Foolishly I mocked him, and now my heart is a dry ear pod. I was cycling home from the market when a terrible whirlwind blew up my kanzu, ballooning it over my face and lifting me far above the ground. I kept control but when the bike landed I sat down hard upon my testicles, squashing them against the saddle to the flatness of patties. A sharp pain ran through my entire body. Then I felt an inner peace and went into a deep sleep.

Mzee Oposen

---

Photos

A Solo Cycle Ride - An Opportunity to Raise Funds for Oxfam
From one end of NZ to the other over the summer of 2009/10.
http://www.oxfam.org.nz/events/teams.asp?a=show_team_pages&eventid=20&teamid=3838

The Panniers Go On
A few days before setting out, I still haven't tried to pack the gear on the bike. Will it fit? How do I distribute the weight so I remain in control of the bike and not the other way around?

The Rolls Royce of Bicycle Stands
Made in Switzerland, imported from Australia, the bipod double leg kickstand by DGSE is regarded by most touring cyclists as the best available. It doesn't let the bike lean to one side as is the case with single leg stands. As a result, the bike doesn't tip over as it's loaded each day.

Sam at Palm Beach, north of Sydney
We made a quick trip to Sydney in early October to catch up with my son, Sam, and others.

Comments

[John Campbell]

Go Mike!
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.

[Kevin Patton]

Pedal Patter
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.

[tcippo]

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

[Lesley MacDonald]

Freedom!
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

[Mark Brockie]

Good on ya mate
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!

[Jennie]

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

[James Murray]

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

[Stephen Parker]

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

[Andi B]

You feral?
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.

[Melanie Nutbeam]

Hello From Honkers
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!).

[Fiona MacDonald]

take off time!!
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 :)

[sheryl]

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

[Penny]

Kanzu. Mike what exactlyis a kanzu? Whatever it is I hope your tour of the north goes well, the weather is foul, so you should be having a Really Good Time. Good luck and Safe Journey. cheers Penny
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

[clewis]

If you leave me can I come too ?
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

[Ross Maclean]

keep the weight on the pedals
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!

[Feral Mike]

Thanks!
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

[Cathy and Paul]

Fair Winds
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)

[Lesley MacDonald]

not good weather for cycling!
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!

[Feral Mike]

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

[Jim McCabe]

it seems like 40 years
Mike, mutual friends have drawn your cycling efforts to my attention and I am impressed, although a little surprised that any marathon feat you attempt does not involve some kind of yacht. If you are ever passing back through Wellington don't be a stranger.

[Feral Mike]

Blast From The Past
Hi Jim, Fantastic to hear from you. Yes, someone mentioned you were in Wellington. It would be great to catch up some time. We had some great times a very long time ago. regards, Mike

[Feral Mike]

Blast From The Past
Hi Jim, Fantastic to hear from you. Yes, someone mentioned you were in Wellington. It would be great to catch up some time. We had some great times a very long time ago. regards, Mike