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
Our journey completed 19 March 2025
After 7,267km of cycling over 428hours and 73,630 metres of hills, we have finally arrived back in Kerikeri. Mother Nature saved a burst of rain for our last 7km but a great welcome from our friend and supporters. Thank you to everyone for your encouragement to us and donations for The Bald Angels. It has been one heck of a ride for a couple of 72year olds.
Latest donations
Thank you for your very kind donation - very pleased that you have enjoyed our ramblings.
Thank you very much guys, much appreciated and look forward to following your future travels. Hope to catch up again in the future.
Thank you very much Robin. Enjoyed your comments throughout the journey and hope to meet up one day.
Thank you again Jill & Howard. It is a good cause and that has certainly helped to motivate us. Your regular words of encouragement have also helped to spur us along. Hope to see you tomorrow!
That is very kind of you - thank you. It has been a pretty amazing adventure but won’t be sorry to reach home tomorrow.
Who's involved?
