Mark hits first milestone on way to Chch
Grit, sweat and just one beer. It took a little of all three to get cyclist Mark Robertson to his first pit stop in Timaru on his ‘‘epic’’ 250 kilometre journey to raise money for Ronald McDonald House and lose weight.
In July, the Oamaru McDonalds shift manager was challenged by his boss, David Bond to cycle to Christchurch.
It began after Robertson stepped on the scales and saw 184kg staring at him. He said he wanted to make a lifestyle change for himself.
‘‘The way I was going I’d be in an early grave,’’ Robertson said.
Since exercising and training for the trip Robertson had shed 15 kilograms, followed a rigorous fitness regime and made a dramatic change to his diet.
The duo departed Oamaru at 9.15am yesterday and arrived in Timaru shortly before sunset.
On the way Robertson and Bond had stopped off for a quick bite and a handle of beer at the Makikihi Country Hotel to replenish their energy before their final 30 kilometres to Timaru.
They had encountered another instance of community generosity there, he said.
‘‘The pub owners at Makikihi donated three beers and $50.’’
Those wanting to support him could do so on his Give-a-Little page, which was created to raise funds towards Ronald McDonald House.
The initial goal was $5000, which Robertson admitted had been ‘‘quite ambitious.’’ but it had grown to $7000.
Weather conditions had been good thus far apart from ‘‘the gust of stock trucks zooming past,’’ Robertson said.
Inspiration was simple, if Robertson ‘‘could stop of for a beer at every pub’’ it wouldn’t be too difficult, he joked.
Humour aside, Robertson said his strength came from the resilience of children coming through Ronald McDonald House.
‘‘Those kids at Ronald McDonald go through a hell of a lot, so if I can go through a hell of a lot for just a couple of days it will be worth it.’’