Freedom lover dies on cycling tour

Catherine Sheehan. Photo / Supplied

A woman who rented out her house and jetted off to cycle the world has been killed in Malaysia.

It's understood former Auckland journalist Catherine Sheehan, 56, was hit by a car while on her bicycle in Kuala Lumpur this week.

She celebrated her 56th birthday in China in May, and had been exploring the country on her bike for a second time.

On her blog, Ms Sheehan wrote that she had always enjoyed reading about long-distance cycling, but never thought she would make her way around the world the same way.

Before she died she had cycled, carrying 20kg of gear, across Vietnam, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, France and Thailand - visiting some countries twice.

"At first I joined a cycle touring group in Auckland, did some tours in New Zealand. Then went on a group tour in Laos with Red Spokes in 2005, and then their Karakoram to Kyrgyzstan tour in 2007.

"As soon as my younger son turned 18 and was about to start university, I abandoned all pretence of being a responsible adult, rented out my house and flew to China for a year's solo cycle touring funded by the rent money."

She said on her blog that some of the highlights of her travels included a weight loss of more than 20kg, some astounding scenery, meeting people from many different cultures, feeling very positive and optimistic, constant mental stimulation, spending her days outdoors and the "total freedom".

"To me, cycle touring represents selfish freedom and escape from responsibility, which are not compatible with being Mum (at least not in our family).

"I love the freedom, the beauty and the simplicity of cycle touring... I now know that I am not as lazy as I thought I was. If there is no urgency I can solve problems and rise above difficulties with patience, calmness and humour."

On a recent blog post she spoke about her fears on the road.

"Missing my family and friends. Being lost. Not being able to find a hotel when exhausted. If in a place with other foreigners, feeling lonely... Scary drivers, tunnels; ghastly city traffic, fumes and motorways; landslides, high altitude and bad weather," she wrote.

Ms Sheehan's last blog was written on August 29, after she had covered about 10,000km.

"Today is my last day of cycle touring in China. I'm not ready to leave yet. It has been wonderful. Thank you, China, you have given me an incredible eight months of learning, living and cycling."

Ms Sheehan worked as a journalist before taking a role with the Waitakere City Council, where colleague Eion Scott said she shaped the Retrofit Your Home programme.

Mr Scott said Ms Sheehan had a massive impact on the programme. "She was lovely. I really enjoyed her sense of humour and personality.

"She was very interesting. She was always very curious and interested."