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Tapping into the competitive spirit is proving to be a successful formula when it comes to fundraising.
In the next few weeks, several locals are involved in challenging competitions that will test their physical strength and fitness while raising money for good causes.
It is the first time that former professional cyclist Gordon McCauley of Gulf Harbour has taken part in the Tear Fund Poverty Cycle. He and professional cyclist Mike Torckler of Cambridge have been added to the Life Church team, along with Brett Burton, Rob Scarlet and two Coast riders – Stanley Ross and Cameron Hoyle.
The six-man team will ride the 120km course in Clevedon on August 29 in two-person relays.
Gordon, who attends Whangaparaoa Baptist Church, says he is more than happy to be “a hired gun” for Life Church.
Last year the Poverty Cycle raised $85,000, which was used to help prevent child trafficking in Southeast Asia and Nepal.
Gordon says while fundraising is the key goal – the team target is to raise $5000–$6000 – the race is still about “boys on bikes” who want to win.
Gordon’s 10 year cycling career highlights include winning a bronze in Individual Time Trial at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and multiple titles in elite road cycling.
The 43-year-old has broken many bones in crashes: his legs are held together by plates and screws after a major crash early last year, not long after his retirement from professional racing.
“Retirement” still involves racing in the elite category 20–25 days each year and training six days a week by riding around the Hibiscus Coast.
He is more than prepared for the Poverty Cycle, having raced the same course seven or eight times for the Gallipoli Cup, and also has the fundraising total in his sights.
To make a donation, visit povertycycle.org.nz
New fundraising heights
The annual Sky Tower Challenge, which sees fire fighters race up the 51 floors of Auckland’s tallest building to raise money for charity, has given a group of Manly volunteer fire fighters a thirst for more.
A team of six from the Manly station are heading Melbourne to compete in the Firefighter Stair Climb, which takes place on September 5.
The event will see around 350 fire fighters from all over Australia, as well as 40 Kiwis, compete.
Initially, deputy chief fire officer Shayne Kennedy was planning to compete in Melbourne by himself, until others put their hands up to join him.
Among them are 23-year-old Nichole Coch, who has been a fire volunteer for 18 months, and station officer Mike Williamson, who placed 11th overall in this year’s Sky Tower Challenge. Mike says the 28 floors of the Crown Metropol sound like a breeze by comparison, but he expects it will still be tough. Apparently 3:21 is the time to beat.
Like the Sky Tower Challenge, the Melbourne event, now in its second year, simulates the actions of a fire fighter entering a burning high rise building, so full structural protective clothing, and breathing apparatus must be worn – these weigh 25kg.
The Manly fire fighters have been training for weeks using the escalator at The Plaza.
After returning from Melbourne, the team will again be heading upstairs, taking part in the 9/11 Memorial Climb at the Sky Tower.
Mike says the team hopes to raise around $1800.
Donations can be made online at firefighterclimb.org.au or dropped into the Manly fire station.
