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Seventeen-year-old Mahurangi College student Jack Quinn is gearing up for one of the country’s toughest cycling events – the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge – with an inspiring goal that goes well beyond the finish line.
The Year 12 student, who has lived with eczema since he was a baby, is using this year’s 160km-race to raise funds and awareness for the Eczema Association of New Zealand.
“It’s something I’ve always had, so it feels normal to me,” Jack says. “But last year was the toughest year I’ve had with eczema. We tried new medicines that really affected my body and we didn’t have a clue what was happening. This year, I’m on a new treatment that’s made a huge difference – I feel so much better.”
Eczema has affected many aspects of Jack’s life, from diet and immunity to concentration.
“When my eczema is bad, it’s really hard to focus on anything. I get distracted and agitated easily,” he says. “But I’ve learned to manage it and keep doing what I love.”
For Jack, that passion is cycling, something he’s done since he was seven years old. He competes in the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge every year alongside his dad and uncle, steadily increasing his distance over time.
“My first year I did 5km, then 15km, then 55km. Last year was my first time doing the full 160km-race,” he says. “Last year gave me a taste of what it’s really like, so this year I’m aiming to beat my goal of five-and-a-half hours.”
Training rides take place most Saturday mornings, with the family cycling routes around Warkworth, Wellsford, Leigh, Tāwharanui and beyond.
“My dad [Peter] has done the Taupō race 11 times – I want to reach that milestone, too,” Jack says. “It’s a challenge, but I love the feeling of clearing my head and getting into that flow state when I’m on the bike.”
Jack hopes his story encourages others living with eczema or food allergies to keep pursuing what they love.
“Hopefully, I can inspire people not to feel limited by their conditions,” he says. “You can still do amazing things.”
The ride will be held on Saturday, November 29. Jack is inviting the community to support his fundraising efforts for the Eczema Association of New Zealand. Donations can be made on his fundraising page: https://shorturl.at/B6UVN
