Tour Aotearoa Biking Mission Fundraising For Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust

John and his team of cyclists are training to prepare for the physical challenge of the 3,000km Tour of Aotearoa ride in January and February 2023. During the process they are hoping to raise funds towards a new van needed by the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust. 

John McKenzie is joined by mates Lindsay Campbell,Terry Reardon, Doug Hudson and Warwick Swain – collectively known as the 'Mammoths Mountain Bikers'. The epic Tour of Aotearoa will see them riding the entire length of the country. The cyclists will divide into two teams for the challenge,  commencing the ride in the North Island at Cape Reinga on 7 January and 16 February, and finishing at Bluff in the South Island – date to be advised!  

Pictured above are John McKenzie and Terry Reardon. 

On average John trains 1.5 to 5 hours per ride and he anticipates that by the time he starts the challenge he would have covered 5,000 km in training. During winter and on inclement days John has been using his wind trainer which allows him to cover courses throughout the globe. 

How to donate to the Tour Aotearoa Biking Mission for Cancer

Go to the Tour Aotearoa Biking Mission for Cancer to make a donations to support John and the Mammoth Mountain Bikers on their cycling challenge. All donations received go to the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust. 

The special story behind the ride and fundraising

The reasons for getting involved in the race and connecting it to this van fundraising initiative is a very personal story. 

The Mammoths are riding the event to honour our close friend Leith Wilson who was originally from Whitianga and whose family are still residents here. Leith was a very passionate cyclist, who had entered for the Tour Aotearoa in 2019, but sadly passed away of Cancer before he could fulfil his dream. After a couple of years deliberating I purchased Leiths bike from his whanau and vowed to them that I would complete the Tour Aotearoa for him. Initially I was going to do the ride solo, but word soon got round my fellow Mammoths about my intentions and the other members were keen to sign up for the life changing adventure.

– John McKenzie, Mammoth Mountain Biker member.

All five of the Mammoths are in their early to mid Sixties, and come from competitive rugby, biking and basketball backgrounds. Each of the team is still very active and live by the mantra “Health Is Wealth”. John shares that the team also enjoys a beer at the end of their rides they do together around the country. 

To undertake a ride of this magnitude at our age, we have to do things right in terms of preparation and training, it is not for the faint hearted or else things can easily go wrong.

– John McKenzie (pictured below)

Why a new van is needed

The Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust has already begun fundraising but needs additional funds to achieve their goal of $45,000. The Trust require a dedicated van to transport heavy equipment such as beds and chairs from their storage facility to homes, and for patient transport on occasions when family or community transport isn’t available.

We are absolutely appreciative of John getting behind this vital fundraiser for our new van. He has a personal understanding of the difference our volunteer services can make for individuals and families affected by cancer. He is really dedicated, and we ask the community to get behind him in his efforts for this great cause.

– Jody Bower, Chairperson Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust 

Who are the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust? 

The Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust is a group of local volunteers who have all personally experienced cancer, or have supported others through their cancer journey. 

The Trust works closely in partnership with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Cancer society and: 

• Offers practical and emotional support from people who may understand the emotions and experiences that come with a cancer diagnosis
• Convenes monthly morning teas for cancer patients and their families
• Run the Cancer support book shop
• Coordinates the local annual daffodil day collections.  

More about the Tour of Aotearoa ride 

The Tour of Aotearoa cycle ride covers the length of the North Island including 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It follows cycle trails, tracks, paths, lanes and country roads. It is anticipated that riders should take no more than 30 days to finish the ride.

The event starts in waves of 100 people per day and participants need to carry all of their own gear.

For more information about the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust 

To learn more about the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust click on the related link below.