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
Progressing north 5 February 2025
After a very wet start to the return journey the weather has been behaving. In fact, I have been riding up the West Coast for the last week and haven’t had a drop of rain. You can read about the ride to Hokitika at this link: https://detours.co.nz/2025/02/04/__trashed/
Latest donations
Hi Claire - thank you again for your kind donation and it was great to meet and chat.
Thank you Sue - I saw the donation come through just before I lost reception and tackled 690m hill over the Braeburn Tract to Lake Rotorua. Perfect timing. Cheers Cliff
You are a legend Inge - thank yet again for your generosity.
Thank you - your donation helps to remind us why we are doing this.
Thank you Keith, much appreciated and I will keep the write-ups coming. Been busy getting all of the dust out of my gear today. Not something you expect to encounter on the West Coast.
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