FIRST STAGE DONE

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 12

FIRST STAGE DONE

BY ONE-XEGGED CYCLIST.

ROUND-THE-ISLAND EIDE,

The one-legged "Digger" cyclist, ,Rx tf eke, who is on his way for a ride round■;. the North Island, reports from New Plymouth after being a fortnight on the road from Auckland. Since he was ditched by a passing motorist at Huntjy he has had ho misadventure, though between Te Kuiti and New Plymouth he had to spend a night out with a-chance companion who was on the tramp, up to date he has been keepii'g to his schedule of twenty miles per day. His diary reads:—"Left Hamilton 9; a.m. September 29, passed Ohaupo and visited Rukuhia factory. Arrived Tβ Awamutu noon, departed 30th at 10 ■ a.m; for Te Kuiti .via Otorobanga, arriving Te Kuiti npon next day. Hangatiki looked like a lake. "Roads fair, direction, signs on roads a credit to Auckland Automobile Association. Weather fair, but head winds general. Public support good. Received gr*at welcome from 'Diggers' and public of Te Kuiti, kindness being shown on every hand. "Left Tβ Kuiti for New Plymouth 11 a.m. Wednesday, passing Piopio to Awakino. Roads very bad, worst yet, experienced. Scenery over Mt. Messenger just beautiful. Stayed over-night with a tramp on the road, -which was cut-up like the front line of the war. "Arrived New Plymouth 1 p.m. Friday from Urenui, riding through heavy ram. Still feeling in the pink of condition. Without mishap to cycle, have covered up to here, 272 miles. Go : ni; strong, and on time of contract. Ws'ither looks jrood to proceed through townsmen route for Wellington., Kai Ora."