Trip Statistics & Acknowledgements

March 19, 2025

Trip Statistics

I didn’t reach my goal of 5,000 kilometres but I’m completely filled up!

Waiting out a sideways torrential rain in a Wellington bus shelter.

Yesterday, I rode out of Wellington on cycle paths and was completely drenched by a torrential downpour. Then the skies cleared and I rode to the Remutaka Cycle trail on the coast. I only rode a couple of kilometres of the trail because it was so bumpy and turned back and rode a gravel road right on the water; the headwind was fierce but I wasn’t in any rush so I just plodded my way to the Days Bay ferry back to Wellington. So my final ride was 75 km with 939 m elevation gain.

In what feels like a simulation I met my sister on business for 3 days in Wellington.

Trip statistics

4953 km

62480 m elevation gain

Acknowlegements

There was a very unique situation in tennis recently where Mirra Andreeva, a 17 year old phenom, won a 1000 level tournament and thanked herself for always believing in herself, for never giving up, and for handling all the pressure.

I was told to come back because the cycling trails will continue to improve.

And while I’ve always had self belief I’ve never taken the risk to do a trip like this one solo. I’m grateful that others showed me what’s possible and I stepped out of my comfort zone and did it!

Gravel road along the ocean riding to Days Bay ferry.

It’s been an incredible experience and I couldn’t be more grateful that both physically and mentally I was ready for this challenge.

This feels like complete seclusion so close to Wellington

Wildlife? Goats were introduced to New Zealand.

I’d like to thank my gracious hosts on this trip. Robyn and Bruce who welcomed me to their home. You are both an inspiration to keep riding so that I can enjoy adventures for the next 3 decades and beyond.

And to Grum who helped me conceive of the idea for this trip and then hosted me in Hanmer Springs. I had so much fun with you. Your cycling adventures and community advocacy is inspiring.

To Rose who fed me countless tips along both routes.

What!? Free St Patrick’s day cupcakes on the Interislander.

And for every comment of encouragement I received along the way from this community, thank you.

I had a lot of interactions positive with people in vehicles, including two people clapping for me in their camper van, many encouraging honks, waves from giant trucks, and many people giving me the full lane or patiently waiting. All these little things added up to a great experience.

To all the people I met along this journey who shared their stories and took an interest in mine, thank you.

It’s been a blast! Until next time :)

Today's ride: 85 km (53 miles)
Total: 4,957 km (3,078 miles)

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Comment on this entry	Comment	15

Bill ShaneyfeltGood tour. Thanks for all the nature shots! Not many cycle tourists seem to notice nature, let alone take pictures and then post them with limited time, limited energy and limited internet.

Great job!
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3 weeks ago

Mike AylingGreat journal!
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3 weeks ago

Betsy EvansCongrats! It's been fun to follow along.
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3 weeks ago

Karen PoretAwesome, fun, educational, thrilling, and YOU made it happen! 👏
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3 weeks ago

Carolyn van HoeveAmazing tour that you did Andrew! So impressed with what you tackled every day and I think you got to ride all the best NZ has to offer. It's been really great following along. Sad it's over!
Safe trip back and hopefully another journal to follow some time in the future
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3 weeks ago

Angela NaefCongratulations on an epic ride! Thanks for journaling your ride so we could get a taste.
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3 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Bill ShaneyfeltThanks Bill! I loved the change of vegetation.
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3 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Angela NaefThanks Angela, it was epic! Recommend it :)
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3 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Carolyn van HoeveWish I could have done the full A to O but leave that for a possible return!
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3 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Karen PoretThanks Karen.
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3 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Betsy EvansThank you!
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3 weeks ago

Tricia GrahamThank you Andrew for a fresh view of our country. You should be feeling very proud of yourself. I will miss your journal
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3 weeks ago

Robyn Richards'Possible return' noted! Loved meeting you and hope to see you in Vancouver.
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3 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Tricia GrahamThanks Tricia, appreciate the kind words. It’s was great having so many Kiwis following along! I’m sure I’ll have future journals, and maybe again in NZ who knows.
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2 weeks ago

Grum FrithCongratulations mate. Glad you enjoyed our little country. You're always welcome for a return visit.
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1 week ago