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Warkworth rider John Winkie is doing New Zealand’s toughest road cycling race to raise funds to find a cure for paralysis for his mate who has been left bedridden.
Jim Dollimore, who has been friends with John for 13 years, has been learning to walk again after breaking his neck during a cycling accident in February.
John says spinal injury is all too common in the community whether it’s a rugby injury, cycling or car accident or from skiing.
To raise awareness and funds, John is riding in Le Race over the Port Hills in the South Island from Christchurch to Akaroa.
It covers 90 kilometres in length as well as an incline of 1600 vertical metres.
“But, our rider group assures me that it is not as steep as Matakana Valley Road,” John says.
It’s going to be especially challenging on John’s antique Duckett bike which was built after World War II for riding on cobblestone roads and across tram tracks.
John is 79 years old, but the bike is even older having been purchased when he was 12 years old and held onto for such an occasion.
He is hoping to raise $80,000 for the Catwalk Trust, which supports researchers who are working to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
John wants weekend cyclists to join him on a training ride on Sunday, September 6 from the Omaha Golf Club to Tawharanui and back. Meet time is 10am.
He has invited some popular cycling personalities from Auckland to attend and is anticipating some star pulling power on the day.
There will be collections buckets for those wanting to contribute, or see Facebook.com/antiqueroadie.
