Policemen pedal for funds

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 27, 1 December 1987, Page 16

Policemen pedal for funds

Ten Wellington policemen who endured torrential rain, gales and a touch of sunburn during a weeklong cycle from Cape Reinga to Lower Hutt recently were forced to keep their spirits high - or risk having an eyebrow removed by their fellow team members. Sponsors included DB, Heale's Pharmacy, Foodtown, Griffins, Foodstuffs and Jodi International. The major sponsor was VTC Cycles Lower Hutt, a branch of a bicycle manufacturing firm in Auckland. The firm donated helmets and uniforms for the entire team, who had the option to buy the sponsored bikes at a reduced price after the event. The threat of having an eyebrow shaved off was in fun but the men were in earnest to raise money for the Teomanga Hospice in Lower Hutt. The policemen worked in conjunction with the Lower Hutt Fire Brigade who organised a collectiori in the centre on Thursday night. A raffle being run in a local newspaper for the Hospice has already raised in excess of $15,000 and is expected to raise over $10,000 more by the end of the fund-raising campaign. The 10-strong cycling team and their back-up crew arrived in Lower Hutt on Thursday evening after completing the 1099 kilometre journey in all sorts of weather conditions. One of the riders, Senior Sergeant Peter Rodger, said the group battled a head wind all the way, as well as striking gale-force winds at the Cape and unseasonal thunderstorms in Auckland. Common complaints amongst the cyclists included saddle sores and blistered hands, but fortunately no serious injuries or accidents occurred. Cyclists were also plagued by numerous flat tyres between Cape Reinga and Auckland. Senior Sergeant Rodger said the men took it in turns to cycle, with a s many as six men riding at one time. Most cycled for stretches of three hours or more and swapped with another when they tired, he

said. The men conditioned themselves for 6-8 weeks before the ride, with individual training during the week and team cycling on Sundays. The group kept their expenses to a minimum by eating food donated by

sponsors, using first-aid equipment donated by a Wainuiomata Chemist and staying in caravan parks for most of the journey. Sgt. Rodger said the response from the public was encouraging. On several occasions the cyclists had to stop to pick up money thrown to

them by passing motorists. Public awareness of the charity ride was greatest in the lower half of the North Island, with many people offering the riders words of encouragement as they cycled through towns and cities en route to Wellington,