Former BNP Paribas Securities Services NZ head, Doug Cameron, arrived in Bluff on December 2 under time and on budget in his epic end-to-end cycle trip through the country.
As reported previously, Cameron saddled-up for the trans-NZ journey early in November, planning to pedal from Cape Reinga to Bluff (in zig-zag fashion starting from Kerikeri) in 30 days.
In addition to meeting a long-held personal goal (and decompressing after 20 years in custody), he also used the occasion to raise funds for the Make a Wish charity, which offers terminally ill young people the chance to fulfill their dreams.
Cameron said he was on track to hit $10,000 with almost $9,000 already in the bank and more pledged: however, his JustGiving fund-raising link remains open for further donations.
The all-weather adventure took Cameron just 24 cycling-days to travel 3,300kms with an extra three rest days still keeping him well under deadline.
His biggest one-day ride covered about 220kms from Palmerston North to Wellington over the Rimutaka ranges, climbing almost 600 metres through blustery wind and driving rain.
“That’s something I never have to do again,” Cameron said.
Despite the rigours of the road, he emerged mainly injury-free bar an achilles niggle (from running) and with no major traffic incidents.
“I mostly traveled the back roads,” he said, citing highlights as the West Coast, Central Otago and a first-time look at Northland.
With the once-in-a-lifetime trip now complete, Cameron will put his feet up for a while before getting back on the career bike some time next year.