STH. AFRICANS ON CYCLING TOUR TO BAY OF PLENTY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 29, 3 May 1950, Page 4

STH. AFRICANS ON CYCLING TOUR TO BAY OF PLENTY

Pedalling their way round New Zealand since the end of last year they set out from Auckland, are two South Africans, Mr and Mrs C. W. Trollope, of Johannesburg, who are making part of their journey through the Bay of Plenty.

AJI-Steel Bicycles The bicycles they brought with them, two all-steel British sports models—light, but capable of carrying quite a load/ The loads comprise tent, sleeping bags, some cooking utensils, and a certain amount of spare clothing. They have done the Waikato, Taranaki, and the west coast of Wellington, and the whole of the South Island, taking in the West Coast and Lakes country as well as the more closely settled partfe. Both machines are showing over 2000 miles. Asked how they came to pick on New Zealand, Mr and Mrs Trollope said they had heard so much' about it that /they became interested and sent to the publicity authorities at Auckland requesting literature, pictures and all the information they could get. The response was so generous that they were able to map out the whole tour before leaving Johannesburg, and in fact they talk now not only of the places they have been but of the places they still have to see with such knowledge that it is hard to realise What perfect strangers they are. Are they disappointed? No, in nothing yet. It is a dear country, but then so is South Africa dear. It is a dry country; so is' South Africa dry. , Quite Independent

They are quite independent of acommodation houses. When thiey don’t make a motor camp they pitch tent at the roadside. Every day they have a fully-cooked meal, done over an open "fire. Their overal costs are very low, and besides getting to know the country they have been making many friends. Asked about road conditions and their relations with motoring, they were all praise. Motorists never disturb them, and the roads everywhere have been good. Their practice is to ride one behind the other. Mrs Trollope is no back-seater She goes first; he comes behind. She sets a smart pace. too. at times, he says.