Imagine a world free from spinal cord injury. John Winkie, an inspiring octogenarian with oil flowing through his veins shares this vision. On Sept 19th and in his 80th year, he will be riding an 80-year-old race bike in one of NZ’s toughest one day cycle races – Le Race – from Christchurch to Akaroa with the goal to raise $80,000 for spinal cord injury research.
John has a personal connection after his good friend and fellow cyclist Jim Dollimore sustained a SCI late in 2019 while mountain biking.
“Charities supporting spinal research and rehabilitation need all the financial support they can get and I wanted to help them in some tangible way. If I can get people to sponsor me riding one of NZ’s toughest road races in my 80th year on my old racing bike then that would be a good challenge”.
John and his team have been busy raising awareness of this ride and planning some lead-up rides as they make their way from the North of Auckland to the start line in Christchurch.
Anyone is welcome to join in these rides and support John in his endeavours:
Wed 9th Sept 1 pm leaving from Cycle Time in Frankton.
Sunday 13th Sept – 10 am from Little Avondale Stud in Masterton to Martinborough. CatWalk founder Catriona Williams will be hand-cycling this ride with John.
If you are interested in joining on either of these rides please Contact Us for further details.
John and his supporters will also be at the Matakana Market on the 22nd and 29th of August to promote the challenge and to fundraise towards the target of $80,000. Donations to the Antique Roadie Fundraising can also be made here or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
