Wheelman Judge David Wilson is officially "on his bike" and heading for Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island.
Mr Wilson, aboard Pioneer Spirit, is doing the ride unassisted.
Farewelled by the Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton, Mayoress Heather Familton and a group of supporters, Mr Wilson was accompanied to the outskirts of Oamaru by New Zealand champion, Oamaru wheelman Mitch Fox.
"We know you will do Oamaru very proud," Mayor Familton said.
"We wish you safe travelling and godspeed."
Mr Wilson, who will be reporting exclusively to the Oamaru Mail during his travels, said he was ready to go.
"There has been a lot of preparation and a lot of support and I really appreciate it all.
"I am ready for the journey," he said.
To help keep Mr Wilson sustained along the route, he will receive a package of rich decadent Victorian mud cake, baked and couriered to selected stopping-off points, by Miss Annie Baxter of Annie's Victorian Tea Rooms.
Mr Wilson's first stopover was north of Timaru yesterday and this morning, he pushes off for Ashburton where he will be met by local penny-farthing riders for a turn around town.
Mr Wilson is fundraising along the ride and donations can be made at any branch of Kiwi Bank.
A friend of mine saw Mr Wilson at Kaikoura and sent me a message on facebook. She was certainly impressed tackling the hills around there!
ReplyDeleteHi Aaron
ReplyDeleteYes Capt Wilson will have a lot of tough riding before he makes it to the top of NZ, I just hope the bike I built for him can hold together with all that extra weight he is carrying on board. I wish I was cycling with him as it's sure to be fun.