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Cape Reinga to Bluff SOLO - Record broken!

Saturday 28 April 2007, 11:05AM

By Fraser Mills

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Colin Anderson
Colin Anderson Credit: Supplied
Colin Anderson at Bluff
Colin Anderson at Bluff Credit: Supplied
Report Courtesy of Craig's Computer Services, Princess St, Palmerston North.

New Record Set!

Wed 25 April – Thurs 26 April 2007

Colin took a sleep break of 11/2 hours at Timaru and was then back on the bike. He struck rain at 1,673 km. Wet weather gear was put on, the temperature dropped and miserable cycling conditions were experienced. Colin was “ordered off” his bike at Palmerston for a 15 minute sleep. Managing Colin’s sleep was critical and another sleep break was taken at Dunedin for 1 hour. Back out on his bike Colin faced some very steep hills coming out of Dunedin.

The crew rang Tim Shadbolt’s PA to advise him of Colin’s approximate time of arrival, only to find that the Invercargill mayor was out of town in Christchurch. So the wheels of “Make the finish happen for Colin” were put into action by the support crew.

Radio stations, newspapers and Police were rung to ensure that Colin’s finish would be verified. Meanwhile Colin, cycling on, was not made aware of all the crew’s efforts (until the finish). A Police car led Colin in over the last 2 kms on a dark, cold Southern night to the famous Bluff sign. Colin ended his epic ride at 11.40 pm. He set a new record for this 2,200 km ride in a time of 4 days 17 hours 40 minutes. He broke the old record of 4 days 19 hours 50 minutes by 2 hours, 10 minutes.

Colin’s reward was a chocolate fish and hugs from the crew, and a handshake from the policeman. One other local person was there at the finish, Marcus Lush – he was so rapt at Colin’s achievement – “the man, his bike and his bloody determination”.

Finding accommodation after midnight in the deep South became a worrying problem at first, but the crew saw people waving from a window and were offered wonderful hospitality by Jenny and Bruce at 388 Tay Motel. Warmed rooms, electric blankets and complimentary biscuits were very much appreciated by all. Colin at last enjoyed a much deserved massage and a real sleep!


Friday morning 27 April

Everyone wants a piece of Colin! Family, friends, media.

Colin and crew fielded calls from CUE TV, The Southland Express, The Southland Times, NewsTalkZB, More FM, Dannevirke Evening News, Steve at Sportzhub, and The Manawatu Standard.

Tim Shadbolt met Colin at 10.30am outside the Invercargill Council Chambers and received gifts from two Mayors: Yvonne Sharp (Far North District Council) and Maureen Reynolds (Tararua District Council)

Thanks to all who have donated to Heart Children – this has really encouraged Colin and the crew. It’s still not too late! www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/capebluffsolo

Colin will add his own highlights and lowlights as soon as possible.

It has been a privilege to be part of the support crew, witnessing Colin’s superhuman achievement.

Signing off…
Jenny Hughes and Royce Mills