McGrail's three-day bike trail

Merania Karauria | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 7:36

SUMMER CHALLENGE: Former Wanganui High School student Braedon McGrail set himself a summer challenge and rode from the Bombay Hills to Wanganui in two and a half days last week. PHOTO/STUARTMUNRO

Braedon McGrail wanted something to do - so he cycled from the Bombay Hills to Wanganui in two and a half days.

The 19-year-old Victoria University industrial design student said he thought about completing a challenge during his university break, and decided the cycle ride would fit the bill.

The only thing is, now he has to top the challenge.

On Waitangi Day, Braedon and his dad Colin set off from the Bombay Hills.

On each stretch of the road Mr McGrail drove 20km ahead and waited for his son to catch up.

On the Monday night, Braedon and his dad stopped for the evening in Te Kuiti; on the second night they stopped at National Park.

When Braedon cycled into Wanganui on the Wednesday, he did so with just sore legs to remind him of his mammoth feat.

The hills around National Park were the most difficult part of the ride, helped by the 21 gears on his dad's bike, although it was not set up for the trip.

Before he set out, Braedon bought a three-litre CamelBak pack to carry his water so he wouldn't have to carry a bottle.

He said he enjoyed the ride and the traffic was good. On narrow parts of the road, truck drivers signalled to him they were coming.