Charity ride gets under way
Age is just a number for some cyclists taking part in the Central South Island Charity Bike Ride.
Bryce Kerr, 71, is one of the more senior riders who pedalled out of Timaru on Thursday on a three-day 385km loop, while Walter Hume is older still at 77.
The pair are proof that hefty numbers signal some hefty achievements.
Kerr is taking part in the ride for the second time while Hume took up cycling in his 70s after 40 years as competitive runner.
A sprightly Kerr didn’t seem too fazed about the challenge as he joined Hume and 118 others on the ride.
Kerr, before setting off on Thursday, said training was key.
‘‘It’s not tough but you’ve got to do the training.
‘‘The training rides are a good thing. If you do the training rides you’ll get through it good.’’
In the lead up to the event, riders took part in fortnightly training sessions on a Sunday in Timaru.
‘‘I went to all the training rides, and during the week I would do a couple of rides as well.’’
Kerr said he hoped to keep taking part for years to come.
He said meeting people was the best part about the ride. ‘‘You get to meet a lot of people.’’
From Timaru, the ride overnights in Tekapo and Kurow before ending up back in Timaru on Saturday.
Hospice South Canterbury, Alzheimers New Zealand, Moreh Home in Fairlie, K2 Youth, Family Works, Life Education, Heart Kids South Canterbury, YMCA South Canterbury and Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand are among the charities to benefit.