Cycling: Southorn keen to be tourist

Waipu's London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist Fiona Southorn will be back on the bike as the BDO Tour of Northland starts on Thursday.

Southorn, Northland's Sportswoman of the Year, will enjoy the rare chance to get out and experience Northland's picturesque scenery over the four-day race.

"It's a fun event," said Southorn, who will line up beside 475 riders, of which about 50 were elite. "Quite serious when you're on the bike, but when you're off it's quite social too."

The seasoned cyclist said that while she would use the event to build her base fitness and endurance, she's looking forward to catching a glimpse of of Northland scenery.

"[My favourite part is] going through the Waipoua Forest (where Tane Mahuta is located), it's pretty cool. Actually, no, Helena Bay because it's the last climb," laughed the 45-year-old.

"I'm not much of a roadie [road racer]. The last few years I've done it as training, a bit of endurance, and that's what this year is again. Normally I don't get much of a chance to get out on the road and race."

Like any top-class athlete, Southorn said the event came with personal goals of winning her age group, having fun, and staying upright.

Tour sponsor BDO will also sponsor Southorn during the tour along with Advanti, who will make sure her bike is in top shape.

The tour takes in coastal scenery of Northland, heading west along the Twin Coast Discovery Trail on day one and up the Kauri Bush Trail on day two.

Riders then cut from the west to the east through the rural Northland country side, before returning to Whangarei on day four down the Coast to Coast flyer. By the end, riders will have cycled 340km over the four days.

"Daily distances are achievable," said Stephen Cox, director of Dynamo Events and former New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games cycling representative.

"With accommodation options along the tour we are limited, but we are exploring other options for the next event which would see numbers lift," he said.

It is this achievable distance that Cox credits to the success of the event, with it reaching near capacity each year.

Organisers have called for the support and understanding from other road users during the four days.

Drivers need to expect a few holdups here and there as 475-plus cyclists - 50 more than last year - sharing the road will cause some minor delays.