29 February 2016
Dad Embarks on Fundraising Tandem Bike Ride Across NZ for Physically Disabled Kiwis
Adrian McKenzie, a father of three from Wellington has embarked on a 23 day ride across New Zealand on a tandem bicycle
to raise funds for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation – the charity which enabled his physically disabled son to
enjoy the simple act of riding a bike.
The Raumati Beach resident started his ‘Adrian’s Ride For Halberg’ journey yesterday in Cape Reinga. Adrian is riding a
tandem bike received from funding from the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation for his seven year old son Ted, who has
cerebral palsy from contracting pneumococcal meningitis as a baby.
The tandem has been specially modified so Ted can sit in the front to join Adrian and his family for bike rides. It has
been a big part of Ted’s rehabilitation as he received it when he was five and unable to walk. The fitness and core
strength it provided him assisted greatly and soon after using the bike his family saw Ted taking his first steps.
The idea for the epic journey came from Adrian who wanted to set himself a challenge while repaying the charity that has
given so much to his family.
“The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation has been fantastic supporting Ted and the tandem bike has had a huge impact on
our family. We now do weekly rides and it’s provided a fantastic bonding experience for us and created some great
memories,” says Adrian.
Adrian knows the ride will be a test of his strength and stamina but will have Ted and his wife joining him for the 23
day journey to provide support and keep his spirits up along the way. “I know a big challenge is ahead but I’m excited
to explore New Zealand and meet some great people along the way.”
‘Adrian’s Ride For Halberg’ will travel through the country and finish in Bluff on Monday 21 March. Different riders
will join him for the 23 day journey including some of New Zealand’s sporting legends along with members of the public.
To make a donation go to www.adriansride.co.nz or text ‘Halberg’ to 8595 to make a $3 donation.
All money raised during Adrian’s Ride will go to the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, the charity set up by Olympian Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ), which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled New
Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation.
As well as giving grants to physically disabled young people to help cover the costs of adaptive sports equipment the
Foundation’s work includes a team of Disability Sport Advisers throughout New Zealand who provide training and work with schools, sport and recreation organisations, facilities and
clubs to support inclusive sports programmes and events. It also hosts the Halberg Junior Disability Games - a national three day sports competition for physically disabled young people in Cambridge. www.halberg.co.nz
Adrian’s Ride for Halberg scheduleDayDateDistanceKms travelled1Sunday 28 February 2016Cape Reinga - Kaitaia 1172Monday 29 February 2016Kaitaia - Paihia 1003Tuesday 1 March 2016Paihia - Whangarei 714Wednesday 2 March 2016Whangarei - Warkworth 1055Thursday 3 March 2016Warkworth - Auckland 706Friday 4 March 2016Auckland - Hamilton 1377Saturday 5 March 2016Hamilton - Rotorua1138Sunday 6 March 2016Rotorua - Taupo 849Monday 7 March 2016Taupo - Taihape14310Tuesday 8 March 2016Taihape - Palmerston North 11211Wednesday 9 March 2016Palmerston North - Raumati Beach9512Thursday 10 March 2016Raumati Beach - Wellington5313Friday 11 March 2016Wellington - Blenheim (Riding on Ferry)2914Saturday 12 March 2016Blenheim - Kaikoura 13115Sunday 13 March 2016Kaikoura – Culverden10316Monday 14 March 2016Culverden – Christchurch9817Tuesday 15 March 2016Christchurch - Ashburton 8918Wednesday 16 March 2016Ashburton - Timaru 8019Thursday 17 March 2016Timaru - Oamaru 8720Friday 18 March 2016Oamaru - Dunedin 11521Saturday 19 March 2016Dunedin – Balclutha8222Sunday 20 March 2016Balclutha – Invercargill12623Monday 21 March 2016Invercargill – Bluff 30
ENDS