The Twigster is Back - 2017's Epic Cycle Challenges

The Twigster is back and preparing for an epic 2017.

My first event for 2017 is on 22nd Jan 2017.

100kms of ass numbing riding over undulating hills.

Some of you will remember that the last time I set a massive challenge - which was a series of Triathlons, I achieved all of them and even added a few extras for fun.

This time - I am on a cycling journey, all of which will end up with the epic Cycle Lake Taupo Event on the 25th of November 2017.

It's important that I make the most of my insane challenges and do some good for some charities as well. I could not decide on just one, so have decided to share the love among three of them. I wanted to do four, but that was not an option.

This year my chosen charities are:

Alzheimers New Zealand

Cancer Society

St John New Zealand

Alzheimer's New Zealand - Why:

My mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's right at the end of her working life, and had to retire early due to her memory loss. Things have progressively deteriorated slowly over the years, and due to this experience, this charity deserves my time and effort. My Dad does an amazing job every day caring for Mum, so this challenge is for the both of them.

Cancer Society - Why:

Like my last challenge, Cancer is something that affects everyone in some way, everyone can name someone they have loved and lost. I have lost many friends, family, colleagues and associates to Cancer.

This is always a charity I support.

St John New Zealand - Why:

Because I get to see first hand what these guys do everyday, as I volunteer as an Emergency Medical Technician for Gisborne St John. Up until I started cycling I was a regular Saturday Night shift EMT, now to fit in the events and the training, I have chosen to go fortnightly with my shifts. Also I hold down a full-time job at the Department of Corrections, so having more downtime in my weekends is important so that I am fresh for my paid work as well.

So this year:

I have 9 Epic Events planned....

I will put in the hard work, the training, and the dollars for entry fees and travel and accommodation.

All you need to do is show your support by making a donation, which will be spread evenly among my 3 chosen charities. My challenge to you is to donate a minimum of $15. So that my charities will each receive $5.

I will be updating my progress as I go on my facebook page. So please let me know if you have donated and I can add you in to my page so you can see progress.

I will make the posts about my challenge public, so those of you that want to be anonymous donators you will still be able to check in on what I am doing.

But my other general daily posts are usually private, so if you want to be added....send me an email.

Contact me on poohtao@xtra.co.nz

Thanks in advance for your support.