Tour Aotearoa and Mental Health

In March I am riding the Tour Aotearoa, a bike packing event from Cape Reinga to Bluff (3,000 km). I am aiming to complete the ride in 23 days. It involves following a set route carrying all my equipment on my bike.

I have always wanted to travel the length of New Zealand under my own steam since watching the Xerox Challenge in 1990. I turn 60 in February and see this as a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday. As well as being a personal achievement I am dedicating the ride to my nephew Cody.

I lost my nephew Cody Singer to suicide last year and I am riding to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. Cody suffered from depression after several concussions whilst working as a jumps jockey. I want to help the Foundation raise awareness of people suffering depression and pain so that they may find the help they need.

Of the money raised here 50% will go to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and the other 50% will go towards the costs of my ride - accommodation and food (riding 8-10 hours a day is going to require a large calorie intake).

I start my ride on Monday February 26th and hope to finish on Tuesday March 20th. You can learn more about the Tour Aotearoa here - http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/home.html

You will be able to follow my progress down the country here - https://touraotearoa2018.maprogress.com/

Thank you for your support.