Riding 3000kms to save lives - Tour Aotearoa - Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust

FURTHER UPDATE: Chris's ride was halted in Murchison on Tuesday due to the unfolding Covid19 crisis. He and Bob celebrated their adventure to date with a cooked chook, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine! (Think they bought the supplies out!)The scramble began to get him home before lockdown. Brother Terry drove from Christchurch to pick him up, his bike and gear was boxed up yesterday and we are happy to say that he is on a flight home this Thursday. His transponder is having a month's break with Tour Aotearoa saying all participants can rejoin the adventure where they logged out when things return to normal.

Many thanks once again for your support.

Keep well, look after yourselves and families in whatever unfolds ahead.

Kia kaha, arohanui.

JUST A QUICK UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who has donated to this cause so far.

He's over half way, and it's all downhill from now on....as if!

Everything has been going to plan and Chris is crossing the ditch as this is written. So far he has been on track averaging 100kms a day with the largest effort seeing nearly 160kms achieved. New Zealanders have been fantastic along the way. He has had to replace his chain, and had his slipping gears repaired in Whanganui. A huge thanks to New Plymouth Airport for their sponsorship, clothing and help establishing this Givealiitle page. A big ups to Laurie for helping him disseminate the winding route through Auckland, to Sue who provided transport to the Cape and has checked in a couple of times along the venture, to Lucy's Aunt for accommodation and a well earned meal, beer and bath in Ahipara after a wearying cycle with head winds down Te Paki stream and 90 mile beach, and to Robert Allemann for being his supportive riding partner. Tonight they will be staying in Picton before heading done the West Coast of the South Island. Keep watching their progress on the Tour Aotearoa 2020 Map progress site.

Once again, thanks for your valuable support to the Taranaki Helicopter Trust on his behalf.

https://touraotearoa2020.maprogress.com

Since finishing full-time work just over a year ago, I have had more time to focus on other things. Recently this has been preparing for the Tour Aotearoa and cycling the 3000kms from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This event is bi-annual and sees riders leaving the Cape on set days with the aim of completing a set route in 30 days or less. My departure date is Saturday 7 March.

The entry fee is a donation to a registered charity. I have chosen the Taranaki Helicopter Trust. Several years ago whilst on holiday in a remote part of the country with my family, I had a reasonably serious fall and required the rescue helicopter service to get to hospital. This incident made me realise how fortunate we are to have this organisation and the trained personnel who deliver this service 24/7.

This ride will provide me with an adventure and personal challenge but with your support it will also enable me to raise funds for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust. I have started this Givealittle page with the hope that I can raise $3000- a dollar for every kilometre I cycle.

Thank you for your support,

Chris Connolly.