Keith Fletcher and daughter Eiizabeth have just returned from a cycling expedition of a lifetime – a seven day race from Wellington to Auckland through the heartland of New Zealand including a stage finish at Mount Ngauruhoe, the fictional Mount Doom featured in the Lord of the Rings film.
The pair took on the challenge to support local charity Home-Start that Keith has been supporting for ten years. But why New Zealand?
“I used to cycle with a group of Antipodeans posted to the UK who sent me the race link” says Keith, “Elizabeth and I liked the idea of a mutual challenge although I was hoping not to get murdered by my daughter.. I did ! – she came third in her age group!”
Elizabeth was keen for another reason “2017 is my year of doing things. I spend so much commuting I want to look back remembering things rather than wishing I had done them.”
The ride they say was hard, but no more than expected, except for the two days of torrential rain and winds gusting up to 80mph.
“Multi-day events are as much a mental challenge as a physical one but the adverse weather added significantly to both aspects! It was extremely satisfying completing the challenge, especially racing while beating the weather. The sun did eventually shine eventually so we could see the breathtaking scenery that New Zealand is noted for. We have set ourselves a £1000 target and are sitting at around £500 so far so have some way to go.”