68-year old Staffordshire man completes 1,333 mile epic solo cycling challenge in New Zealand in memory of his dogs

Bob completed the ride on 28 March and covered 1,333 miles with 64,000 feet of elevation in 22 days, equating to over 60 miles per day.

The circular loop of the southern island of New Zealand started and finished in Christchurch. Going in an anti-clockwise direction, the challenge took Bob to some well known parts of the country, including Milford Sound, Franz Josef glacier, Queenstown and Kaikoura.

Bob said: “It’s been a tough old ride, with many challenges, reflections, memories and being so grateful to have the strength, fitness, health and opportunity to undertake such an adventure on behalf of Guide Dogs.

“I took a moment to think about our dear Hattie and Grace whose memory this whole ride has been for”.

The retired NHS clinician is no stranger to epic bike rides, having cycled 1,600 miles down the east coast of America less than one year ago.

A spokesperson for Guide Dogs, said: “The cycling challenges that Bob undertakes are incredible. We’re so grateful that he has chosen Guide Dogs to support.

“Every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight, and as a charity we’re almost entirely funded by donations. Every penny raised helps us make sure people living with sight loss don’t lose their freedom as well.

“If Bob reaches his £2,500 fundraising target he will be able to name a guide dog puppy. Giving a guide dog puppy a name is truly unique, and Bob will be able to follow the puppy’s journey in becoming a life-changing guide dog.

“We want to thank Bob for supporting Guide Dogs!”