Denys and Craig's TONZ Ride for NET Cancer

Denys is keen to keep fit and healthy and tries to find events that are going to be a challenge and at the same time something to experience with my like-minded friends. The only other cycling event Denys has completed prior to entering this event was the K150 in the Coromandel back in 2014. With travel restrictions in place due to COVID, our friend Lisa found this event and our group discussed it over a messenger call. We decided we couldn’t travel abroad on our usual group holiday and seeing this beautiful country of our own is where the journey was hatched.

There are 5 of us riding and 2 support crew with the van. We have been encouraging each other during training and we will have had three weekends away where we have gotten together to train and enjoy each other’s company.

Since meeting Denys 5 years ago, Craig has upped his exercise regime to keep up with his Lady. This will be Craig’s first big event in terms of length and distance. To date he hasn’t ridden in any road cycling events. He will tell you that Denys roped him in to the event and he didn’t realise the length and elevation of the rides. He thought it was mainly a group holiday. The entry fee, flights and accommodation has been paid so he will have to see it through.

As a couple, we were more than happy that we had the opportunity to support some great charities along the way. With 7 charities to choose from, it was a difficult decision. We decided to choose the Unicorn Foundation. We hadn’t heard of it before and figured it needed all the exposure we could give it. We would love to help raise money to bring equipment to NZ for cancer treatment rather than patients having a $60k cost of treatment over the ditch.