West Coast cycling tour

Richard Kennaway

This ride is not all about me but I can say I've been pushing pedals for 25 years generally competitively with a great bunch of people from the Rangi Rockets including the guys Im doing this ride with.

I did this ride some years ago  and we did 4 x 200km days, so this time it is going to be cruisier. 

After doing all the normal road racing events like K1, K2, Taupo etc I'm at the age where touring sounds more fun so I'm looking forward to the riding next week with a great bunch of guys.

Richard Kennaway 

Barry Larsen aka Bazza -

What a privilege to be part of this adventure. When Ropey mentioned the plan to me I immediately offered support as I had loved having a similar role a few years ago at the Coast to Coast event.

Ropey, one of the most adaptable people I have ever met & should have won Toast Masters International such is his ability to talk & motivate.

Simon is perhaps the most considered and logical person I have ever met, he could have been our Prime Minister or at least our mayor, however, the good news for us is that he choose sport & comradery over politics.

Geoff as he stated in his bio is a great example of a busy person with a balanced life. He has turned his life around, becoming very fit,  while continuing to run a  busy and successful engineering business.

John I have yet to meet but if he is mates with this lot, well then that's good enough for me.

Richard is not usually shy however he has not fronted with his bio and will pay the price on the road next week.

As for me, I am very happy to  be going along for the ride,  & just be the drummer in the band.

PS  - The reason why my photo is next to everyone's name is because I cant figure out how to insert better looking bloke's pics

Geoff Chilcott

Simon Blincoe

Life is full of challenges; some we seek out, others are thrust upon us. The opportunity to undertake a challenge with great company, through stunning scenery and at the same time support a worthy cause, is too much to ignore. 

I met Barry during his marathon running days, we both competed in and managed relay teams, worked on Club Committees and coached together - his skilled management style and ability to inspire people is legendary. 

So when I heard he was Team Leader and Camp Mother I knew this would be a trip not to be missed. 

Looking forward to being part of this great team challenging ourselves to raise vital funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation along the way. 

On Road Team Leader - Graham Rope aka Ropey

Once I did my apprenticeship with Barry Larsen a World age group triathlete,  who was to tip me in a tight finish at the Whangamata international triathlon ... he set me free to take the cycling sport more seriously and I ventured to Kiwivelo to get a real road bike .. . Now I was ready to ride with pelotons and mates that I had also run with over the years. 

Simon Blincoe and I ran many marathons and so the transition to long distance cycling seemed to be in line with running and time on your bike meant you got sort of better and fitter. His encouragement and support was infectious and so I then became a keen cyclist competing in round Taupo, K2 and many long fun rides. 

One of the most enjoyable rides was from Auckland to Coromandel township with mates and these rides became annual events.

Cycling has now been a way of life. Maintaining fitness, meeting people, gaining more friendships and cycling places all over NZ and Australia pre Covid times. Covid also meant we could cycle for fitness around our bubble so we were able to get out and get fresh air.

Post Covid and while riding with friend Richard Kenaway, we decided it was time to venture south and experience riding down the West Coast of the South Island  and turn it into a holiday ride and week . 

Hence we are about to embark on the West Coast tour adventure with a team of 5 riders and team manager Barry Larsen. 

To ride with mates and enjoy the scenery and fit into size large cycle jerseys can only be good for you. When Barry suggested we could raise funds for Prostate  Cancer foundation NZ we all felt this was a very worthwhile cause and  we jumped at the opportunity to support the cause . So here we are on the eve of our tour from Christchurch to Arrowtown  and if you wish to follow our tour and journey check out Polarsteps app “west coast cycle tour 2020 . Bound to be some photos to share as we go !! 

Cheers 

Ropey 

Meet the riders John Tutill

I always say yes

I was shit talking to a mate about 13 years ago about my cycling prowess (i had ridden from Castor Bay to Devonport a few times) He thrust out his hand and said we will cycle Taupo this year ! I shook then asked about the event ! My son 13 at the time says I am doing it too (he would have canoed to the South Pole in his underpants if dad said we are going) We purchased another bike both with 3 rings on the front and both over 10kg and did about 2000kms training. I did a 5 hours no minutes no seconds and Jack did a 5 hr 1 minute, the rest is history

It has taken me to some great places with great energized people.