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Six members of the Warkworth Riders group will cycle from Cape Reinga to Bluff in the Tour Aotearoa next month.
Tour Aotearoa, designed by Jonathan Kennett, started in 2016 and covers roads, off-road terrain and cycle paths. The ride must be completed within 30 days after the group sets off on February 10. Miles Williams and Jeremy Coote are using the ride as an opportunity to raise money for the SPCA, while Paul Donaldson, Geoff Ledbrook, Jim Dollimore and Joanne O’Sullivan will be raising money for Springboard Community Works, which assists at-risk youth.
“Springboard is a nice fit with the ride because it’s about endurance and working together,” Geoff says.
The riders will face around 3000km of varying terrain, starting with a 102km ride on day one from Cape Reinga and along 90 Mile Beach.
“That first day is meant to be one of the hardest because you are riding on sand, which absorbs a lot of your energy.”
Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes (left) is stoked to have Bevan Woodward fundraising for his cause.
The riders will be on mountain bikes weighing about 20kg each, including their gear. “Everyone has a different array of equipment, from Miles, who has almost nothing, to others taking sleeping bags and extra clothing.”
Geoff says it will be important to keep the weight down for stages like the Waikato River Trail.
“That day is only 57km of riding, but it’s ranked as a grade four, which is the highest difficulty rating for a bike track.”
Geoff says riding long distances for consecutive days will be demanding, but is looking forward to several sections on the tour.
“The Timber Trail will be an enjoyable part of the ride, and I’m excited about the Crown Ranges. We will also be taking a jet boat down the Wanganui River at one point after riding The Bridge to Nowhere. That will be a chance to catch our breath.”
Also taking on the challenge is Point Wells resident Bevan Woodward and Maurice Puckett, of Tawharanui. Both riders will be raising money for Homebuilders.
They start on the last departure day of February 28.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to see our beautiful country and, having been a foster parent, it’s a great chance to give back to Homebuilders, who I’ve worked with over the years,” Bevan says.
He believes cycling on busy roads will be the main challenge on the tour, but hopes that travelling in numbers will help them stay safe. “I’m really looking forward to the unexpected on this trip with no accommodation booked and so many variations in scenery on the route.”
Overall, 600 riders will start Tour Aotearoa departing on six different days.
To sponsor Springboard, visit givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/tour-aotearoa-ride-for-springboard-community-works# and to sponsor Homebuilders, email bevanw@orcon.net.nz
To follow the local riders on the tour visit facebook.com/mahurangimatters for updates.
