World cyclist says N.Z. will be a holiday

Press, 22 December 1987, Page 6

World cyclist says N.Z. will be a holiday

After cycling 24,000 km through Europe, remote parts of India and Asia and barren stretches of Australia, touring New Zealand will be a “scenic holiday” for a Scottish cyclist, Francis Howard. Mr Howard, aged 27, began his attempt to cycle around the world and raise money for Scottish hospices from his home town of Fairlie, Ayrshire, in May, 1986. Since then he has enjoyed some of the best scenery in the world in Tibet and been stoned by suspicious villagers in Pakistan. Cycling through Asia

and India was, in his words "eventful.” “Cycling through New Zealand in contrast will be like a holiday. I’ll be able to relax and enjoy the scenery and meeting people,” he said. His journey, which has so far raised $50,000 for the Ayrshire Hospice Trust has taken him through eastern and western Europe, Pakistan, India, Nepal, South-East Asia and north-east Australia. He completed what was supposed to be the final leg of the marathon — Darwin to Sydney three months ago. “When I first set out my

intention was to cycle to Australia and finish there, but since I made it this far I thought it would be silly not to keep going,” he said. Several of his sponsors agreed .to continue their support and as much money again could be raised for the trust during his journey back through New Zealand, South America, the United States, and Canada. Mr Howard has covered his personal expenses although a sponsor provided his mountain bike and cycling equipment. “While I can raise money I can also provide good publicity for the en-

durance of the bike,” he said. His progress has been followed by the Scottish news media including several radio interviews from “scratchy” telephone lines in remote areas. Mr Howard, who arrived in Christchurch on Sunday and will head south this week to begin the road back home has only one piece of advice for potential cycling tourists. “Don’t be afraid to go off into the more remote areas of the world — it’s where you’ll have the best experiences of the country and its people,” he said.