The Angel Tandem: Two 70+ year olds riding 7,500km around NZ for the Bald Angels
2 septuagenarians ride 7,500km unsupported around Aotearoa on a Tandem e-bike raising awareness and funds for Bald Angels Charitable Trust.
Northland
We are Cliff and Ruth Mail and we are in the 'sunset' years of our lives. We have decided that it is time for us to step up and out of our comfort zone to try and raise awareness and donations for an amazing charity (The Bald Angels) who support vulnerable tamariki (children and young people) of Te Tai Tokerau-Northland, who are in the 'sunrise' years of their lives.
Northland experiences the highest cases of poverty in Aotearoa. Many whānau (families) are living without running water, electricity and basic access to services. Our isolated communities are some of the most impoverished in this country. We also have the highest incidence of rheumatic fever, some of the highest rates of truancy, child deafness and tragically, youth suicide, in New Zealand and the Western World.
In 2024 we will start our 7,500km unsupported journey around Aotearoa on a Tandem e-bike. The average daily distance will be 70km. While we have completed multi-day bicycle rides, we have never ridden a tandem bicycle before!
With a virtual angel seat provided via social media and our website, you can join us on this journey. Or, better still, be guest Angel on the actual Angel Seat - this could be for a pedal around the park, block or a bit further for the more adventurous.
All funds raised will be donated to Bald Angels who have spent the last 11 years supporting vulnerable tamariki to thrive.
'Energise our riding by supporting the charity we are riding for!'
Other page links
Latest update
April Update 27 April 2024
We debated whether to start fundraising with the first stage of our ride as it was going to result in a long period of apparent inactivity before our main stage starting on 12 October. We are in that quiet period but behind the scenes there is plenty of activity - the bike has been tweaked to make it safer on the gravel - some bookings have been completed and we have our first guest riders on Ruth's Angel seat. One is 85 and is going to ride 250km the other is 76 and also going to ride 250km. We have been off-bike for a few weeks due to some health niggles but getting back into some light training again. Will update again next month.
Latest donations
Hi Steve Thanks for your kind donation and encouragement. Good to know that our blog efforts are enjoyed.
Thank you for your donation. We look forward to meeting up with you later in the year in the deep south when Rod will become the Acting RA - hope he is up for a bit more than acting though.
Thanks so much for your support and we hope that you continue to follow our journey - the big challenge gets underway in October.
Thanks for your kind support Hilda.
Thanks for your kind support Mary - see you at the next working bee
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