Cyclist trades in suit for month in lycra
An intrepid journey through the heart of New Zealand to raise money for survivors of sexual abuse is also helping to get Kiwis discussing difficult but important topics.
More than 500 riders have, this year, taken on one of New Zealand’s toughest cycling challenges – Tour Aotearoa – a 3000km ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff in fewer than 30 days.
Among those is Wellington public servant Paul Ash who, for the second time, swapped his grey suit for lycra bike pants to fundraise for the Wellington HELP Foundation, a sexual abuse counselling organisation.
Over the past few years, Ash estimates he’s raised about $15,000 for the organisation, a significant contribution to help those impacted by sexual abuse.
‘‘The work they do is in an area that can often go under the radar and not be as high-profile as some other charities.
‘‘I was happy to be able to do something a bit deeper than just a jolly through the country.’’
He wasn’t alone in his fundraising efforts with radiologist Trina Whittaker and social worker Theresa (Tess) Andrews making up the threestrong Ride for HELP team, who completed the challenge in fewer than 30 days.
‘‘HELP has been profoundly touched by the team’s commitment to the work we do. Not many of us would put ourselves through a huge feat such as this - and everywhere they have gone, people have opened their hearts and homes to them,’’ HELP chief executive Conor Twyford says.
The 3000km ‘‘work of genius’’ trail stretches the length of the country, following a combination of cycle trails, tracks, paths and lanes.
‘‘On the way, we saw small, iconic Kiwi towns, large cities, national parks, highways and byways and classic bike trails. We saw New Zealand as it really is and it’s one of the most fantastic experiences you can have,’’ Ash says.
‘‘On a bicycle, you hear, see and smell everything, it’s a sensory overload just absorbing everything.’’
One of the team’s standout experiences from the ride was engaging in conversations, some awkward, about sexual assault in New Zealand.
‘‘Some of the men have an absence of vocabulary to talk about these topics but it’s certainly something being discussed more openly than it was a couple of years ago,’’ Ash says.
While Ash is unsure whether he’ll tackle the route for a third time, he’s on the hunt for some other events to participate in, as well as the possibility of coaching fellow cyclists keen to take on the challenge in 2020.
❚ To check out the team’s journey and donate to Wellington HELP, visit the Facebook page: Ride for Help Team - Tour Aotearoa 2018.