Fraser ready to tackle 3000km ride of his life
Andy Fraser likes to ride a bike.
He holds the record for riding a Penny Farthing around Lake Taupo.
The longer the distance, the more he enjoys it.
Now he is about to perch his behind on a narrow leather seat to peddle 3000 kilometres - the length of New Zealand.
The New Plymouth engineer is one of more than 700 cyclists taking part in Tour Aotearoa, which begins on Saturday.
Cyclists start in 100 strong groups over six days with the more competitive expected to finish in around 10 days - averaging 300km a day.
Fraser, 59, will share the gruelling adventure with younger brother, Douglas, 55, sleeping in tents and eating at cafes along the way.
The pair plan to average 150km a day finishing the event in around 20 days - the tour has a 30 day deadline.
The biennial event, organised by national cycleways coordinator Jonathan Kennett, covers sealed and unsealed roads, and cycle trails, down through the central North Island and West Coast of the South Island to reach the finish line at Bluff.
Organisers emphasised the event was not a race, Fraser said.
‘‘We plan to take our time, stop and talk to farmers along the way and enjoy the trip,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m a roadie convert to mountain biking and have been preparing for this for three years since I stopped road cycling,’’ he said.
All up - with four bike packs stuffed with tools, clothes, sleeping and cooking gear, water and food his bike will weigh around 25 kilogrammes, he said.
‘‘We’re fit enough to complete the distance. We will start slow and build distance. We might lose a bit of weight but it’s about enjoying the adventure.’’
The event will exceed the longest bike ride he had undertaken - a nine day trip around the South Island.
‘‘There are places I’ve never cycled, like 90 Mile Beach, and the Waiotu in the South Island, which I’m looking forward to doing.’’
"We're fit enough to complete the distance... We might lose a bit of weight but it's about enjoying the adventure."
Andy Fraser