It's a 'made it' moment for Peter

PROUD MOMENT: Peter Caldwell shows off the aluminium and kauri plaque he received from the Invercargill City Council, after biking from Cape Reinga to Bluff. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

A Masterton cyclist who successfully completed a 2066km fundraising ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff has been rewarded for his efforts with a newly-minted commemorative plaque from the Invercargill City Council.

Peter Caldwell, who cycled the length of the country to raise funds for Diabetes Wairarapa, completed his journey last month and was presented with a special plaque to recognise his achievement.

The plaque was only the second such award to be given by the council.

It is made from kauri and aluminium from the Tiwai Point smelter and was presented to Mr Caldwell by councillor Lloyd Esler.

Mr Caldwell said the award, inscribed with the words "made it", was a surprise organised by his sister, who lives in Invercargill. "It was most unexpected but I was really delighted."

Completing the 32-day journey was an overwhelming experience, Mr Caldwell said.

"What was really nice in the last stages, was that three Invercargill cyclists joined me."

The other cyclists helped shelter him from the wind until they neared Sterling Point, he said.

"For the last kilometre I just rode it on my own. It was a fantastic feeling - it was indescribable, really.

"It was unquestionably one of the best things I've done. While I was doing it, it seemed very normal but since I've been back I feel like a different person ... when you do something that's completely unrelated or different to your everyday life, you are putting your mind and body into a different zone."

Mr Caldwell, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 10 years ago, cycled between 80km to 150km a day, and completed the journey two days ahead of schedule.

He was accompanied by a support van provided by Eastwood Motor Group.

Mr Caldwell's Roubaix Elite carbon-fibre road bike, nicknamed " Awesome Amy," was donated by Penny and Todd Hart of Carterton.

The trip has so far raised about $4000 for Diabetes Wairarapa.

Donations are still open at http://www.diabeteswairarapa.org.nz/