An hilarious tale about an epic event, written from a unique
perspective. To be able to appreciate the story, the reader needs to be
young at heart, have a vivid imagination and a love for adventure. If
that sounds like you, join the writer on his journey, and experience his
daily ups and downs with him. The Tour Aotearoa is a mountain bike
'brevet' (a timed, long-distance cycling event) covering the length of
New Zealand. The Tour is held biennially and requires participants to
follow a set route covering 3,000 km which consists of existing mountain
bike trails scattered throughout the country and connected by back
country roads. The Tour is unsupported, so participants carry their own
gear. To be awarded the brevet, the riders need to cover the full
distance within 30 days. The writer took part in the 2018 edition of the
Tour. His experience was different from what he expected. He encountered
all types of challenges, from getting lost to physical ailments, serious
weather events and loneliness. In between he had plenty of time to
contemplate and let his thoughts and imagination run free.
