Kiwi Dad starts tandem bike ride across NZ for charity

Adrian McKenzie, a father of three from Wellington has embarked on a 23 day ride across New Zealand on a tandem bicycle to raise funds for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation – the charity which enabled his physically disabled son to enjoy the simple act of riding a bike.
 
The Raumati Beach resident started his ‘Adrian’s Ride For Halberg’ journey yesterday in Cape Reinga.  Adrian is riding a tandem bike received from funding from the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation for his seven year old son Ted, who has cerebral palsy from contracting pneumococcal meningitis as a baby. 
 
The tandem has been specially modified so Ted can sit in the front to join Adrian and his family for bike rides.  It has been a big part of Ted’s rehabilitation as he received it when he was five and unable to walk.  The fitness and core strength it provided him assisted greatly and soon after using the bike his family saw Ted taking his first steps.
 
The idea for the epic journey came from Adrian who wanted to set himself a challenge while repaying the charity that has given so much to his family.
 
“The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation has been fantastic supporting Ted and the tandem bike has had a huge impact on our family. We now do weekly rides and it’s provided a fantastic bonding experience for us and created some great memories,” says Adrian.
 
Adrian knows the ride will be a test of his strength and stamina but will have Ted and his wife joining him for the 23 day journey to provide support and keep his spirits up along the way.  “I know a big challenge is ahead but I’m excited to explore New Zealand and meet some great people along the way.”
 

Photo courtesy of Halberg

‘Adrian’s Ride For Halberg’ will travel through the country and finish in Bluff on Monday 21 March. Different riders will join him for the 23 day journey including some of New Zealand’s sporting legends along with members of the public. 

To make a donation go to www.adriansride.co.nz or text ‘Halberg’ to 8595 to make a $3 donation.
 
All money raised during Adrian’s Ride will go to the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, the charity set up by Olympian Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ), which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation.

As well as giving grants to physically disabled young people to help cover the costs of adaptive sports equipment the Foundation’s work includes a team of Disability Sport Advisers throughout New Zealand who provide training and work with schools, sport and recreation organisations, facilities and clubs to support inclusive sports programmes and events.  It also hosts the Halberg Junior Disability Games - a national three day sports competition for physically disabled young people in Cambridge. 

Adrian’s Ride for Halberg schedule