Cycling fundraiser riding high again

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Charitable organisation Bike for Blokes is riding high for the second year in a row after cycling the length of New Zealand and raising $250,000 to support men’s health.

Bike for Blokes was founded by good mates Bruce Cotterill and Paul Muir, who raised $200,000 in 2022 for Farmstrong and the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry to share equally.

Inspired by their experience last year, they decided to do it all again in 2023 supporting the same organisations. However, this year the Bike for Blokes core cycling team increased to six cyclists, including Bruce’s wife Rose.

They were also joined at various stages along the 2,600km route from Cape Reinga to Bluff by other cyclists riding with them in support of the cause.

The group set off on 20 February and arrived in Bluff on 16 March with only three rest days during the three-and-a-half-week bike ride.

Bruce says this year’s route was slightly different to keep things interesting and the support along the way was amazing.

“We already had momentum and credibility from last year so there was more awareness out there about what we were doing and trying to achieve,” Bruce says.

“We are really pleased with the amount we’ve raised, and donations can still be made at the Bike for Blokes website.”

Storm damage evident

Bruce says the team only suffered four punctures and one broken spoke between them, despite some tough conditions.

“The state of the roads in the Far North was challenging at times and we had to take some detours due to damage from the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.”

Due to those recent adverse weather events in the north, the team talked about whether undertaking the ride was the right thing to do, given a lot of people had been badly affected and were struggling.

“We talked to some people about whether the timing was okay, and a decision was made to go ahead. I’m so glad we did, because people were so glad to see us, and we had such a wonderful reception.”

He says cycling is the perfect way to see the country and meet people.

“The scenery was spectacular and when you look at your speed, walking is too slow and being in a car is too fast, so cycling is the perfect speed to really see things and meet people.”

Bodies held up well

Bruce says the team’s bodies all held up pretty well.

“The first four days were really tough. Up north is hilly, it was hot and some of the roads were a bit difficult, but those four days prepare you for the rest of the trip,” he says.

“It was hard yakka and full on but such an incredible thing to do. We were tired at the end, but we didn’t have any injuries and we all got to Bluff safely, which was awesome.”

Bruce says Bike for Blokes is delighted to be supporting Farmstrong.

“We love the work they do and working with them to support farmers’ wellbeing. Being able to support farmers is very pleasing.”

As for next year, Bruce says “watch this space”.

“Keep an eye out for an announcement about next year. It might be a bit different, or it might not. Either way, these charities still need supporting.”

For more information, to make a donation or get involved in some way for the next Bike for Blokes fundraising effort in 2024, visit www.bikeforblokes.co.nz.