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Milestones: 5000 Miles

Five thousand miles, last milestone in New Zealand. So here are the facts and figures for these 1000 miles.

Cycling

  • Continents: 1 (Oceania)
  • Countries: 1 (New Zealand)
  • Nations: 1 (New Zealand)
  • Cycled distance so far: 5000 miles (8045 Km)
  • Climbing so far: 196,304 feet (59,833 m)
  • Cycling Days: 24
  • Rest days: 9
  • Longest day: 72.10 miles (114.42 Km)
  • Average per day: 49 miles (79.4 Km)
  • Punctures: 0
  • Blow ups: 0

I cannot believe it, nearly 3000 miles in New Zealand and not a puncture. On top of that I did not blow up the tyres for months, it just goes to show, when you buy quality stuff it pays back in reduced problems.

These past 1000 miles have obviously been easier, I have removed almost all the non cycling from the stats so the 1000 miles are in fact 1000 miles cycled.

The big challenge of the stint was going around the Eastbourne cape, pushing the bike on the shingle and the sand with gale winds was not fun on the day, much better thinking about it now.

 

Accommodation

  • 1 Hotel/B&B
  • 10 Friends/Family
  • 3 Hostel
  • 19 Camping

 

Lots of camping and some staying with friends. Camping is easier now that I’m in the warmer north, the sleeping bag is almost adequate up here. I have already ordered a new one which is being made to speck in the USA.

A second breakage in the aluminium support of the tent, more gaffer tape and it is still working but the new tent will not be here soon enough.

Food

  • Average spent: £12.01 per day
  • Most expensive day: £34.00 (Napier)

I have started to, consistently carry red wine, this has considerably improved my mood at times.

Other things

  • I have sent back to Italy 7 kg of stuff that I am not using but might need in the future.
  • The decluttering is what allows me to carry more food (read wine).
  • The weather is holding, I have not got badly drenched too many times and with only 7 days to go and 300 miles I hope I won’t too much.

Commentary

 

the highlights of these 1000 miles have been more in the people than in the places. Granted I have seen nice places and camped in cool locations but spending time with the Marsden, Hamish and Mary and the Neasmith clan was the highlight.

Said that, Napier was fantastic, Coromandel and the 309 cool and I am finally warming up to Northland.

Not long to go to finish NewZealand and might finish another 1000 miles before I head back to Europe so next off to Australia.

4 thoughts on “Milestones: 5000 Miles”

  1. Amazing stats, you make it sound quite easy, although I’m sure it isn’t ! Those recent pictures of the ’90 mile’ beach are amazing, looked busy as well !
    Best of luck with the remainder of your nz stint xx
    Ps have you still got the ukulele ?

  2. Alex – just replied to your email. Well done on getting your competent crew ticket – look forward to seeing you in July when you’re back topsides! Peter

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