Cycling to save the children

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 231, 16 February 1988, Page 3

Cycling to save the children

Cyclist and fundraiser Vern Smith is on his way home to London, slowly. He expects to be back in time to watch some tennis at Wimbledon in July, after cycling the rest of the way round the planet. Vern left his home in Waltham Forest, London with his brother Scott two and a half years ago on push bikes to raise some money for the Stop Polio campaign, part of the Save the Children Fund. "I was a civil servant in London before the trip. I fclt I needed a person al and physical challenge," said Vern. "Scott and I were new to cycling when we left _ I couldn't mend a puncture!" Scott Smith is now cycling somewhere in the US. Vern said he doesn't quite know where as it is hard to keep in contact while they're both on the road. The pair have separated and re-met at various times in various places in the Middle East and Asia throughout the trip. The money Vern raises for the polio campaign comes from slide shows and talks on the countries he's visited. Rotary International is involved in the Stop Polio campaign and local clubs arrange his shows. "We try to give something back to people for their donations that's why we give the slide shows," said Vern. After half a dozen new tyres, just one dozen punc-

tures and two dozen countries Vern has covered 14,000 miles and raised $35,000 for the fund. His experience in New Zealand includes rafting and bush walking, night cycling, a 220km ride in

13 hours (Mt Cook Hermitage to Oamaru), and sleeping on mattresses rather than haystacks. The New Zealand Youth Hostel Association offered him free accommodation on his New Zealand stay in return for an article in their magazine. "That's an example of the New Zealand Hospitality," said Vern. As well as the comfort of hostels he has taken advantage of the cooking facilities and has been learning how to cook various dishes including the famous New Zealand pavlova. While in Ohakune Vern cycled up the Ohakune Mountain Road to the Turoa carpark and went for a walk, just as a side trip. He said the day wasn't the best so he will come back another time. People he's met on his travels include Crown

Prince Hassam of Jordan, Prince Henry, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg's son, Sir Edmund Hillary (in Delhi), and reporters from 30 newspapers in New Zealand. Among his experiences he counts the time he was invited to stay at an elderly gentlemen's house while cycling in 50oC heat and was nearly arranged into a marriage. "You've heard of mad dogs and Englishmen, this one was cycling in the mid-day sun and nearly had a wife the next morning."