He has done it.
Clinton and Waipahi local Warren Erickson completed his cycling journey of New Zealand — from Cape Reinga to Bluff — on Saturday last week, where he was joined by his wife Judithann (left) and daughter Hannah, who inspired the fundraising idea.
Mr Erickson began his journey on February 17 and made his way down New Zealand, with an average of over 100km cycled each day.
He cycled 2386km in total and recapped his favourite moments of the journey.
‘‘The highlights of the journey would definitely have to be visiting [organisation for the intellectually handicapped] IHC branches and residents of IHC homes,’’ he said.
‘‘I was greeted by incredible smiles, given afternoon tea and support. To see the smiles on people’s faces was a treasured moment. That’s why we do things like this.’’
‘‘I had a few different wholesome moments, the Clinton School kids and locals coming along to welcome me into Clinton was a lovely surprise. A woman named Allison also talked to me from the Gore IHC branch, and when I completed my journey in Bluff she was there with a placard saying ‘Thank you Warren, you’re awesome’ which was very heartwarming.’’
‘‘They were absolute highlights and special moments and definitely made it all worth it.’’
He had difficult days when chasing down the ferry to get to the South Island on one day and taking on many hills in one day including Mt Cargill and Three Mile Hill, where he accomplished 125km of cycling in one day.
Mr Erickson has exceeded his target of $12,000 and has in total raised around $20,000, which he said he was ‘‘very happy with.’’
‘‘I’m grateful to all who donated and supported alongside me and to those who came along for the ride. My son Aydan and my friend Steve Wilson both helped me in he last push to Bluff and it was great to have company on the final stretch.’’
Mr Erickson’s Givealittle page remains open.
STORY: EVELYN THORN
