MARTIN Weaver, who by day is a bespoke kitchen designer and in his spare time a keen cyclist, has taken on the challenge of a lifetime – to cycle non-stop from one end of New Zealand to another in 24 days (his personal target).
Martin made the decision to test himself and sign up for the Tour Aotearoa Brevet ‘race’ over a 3,000 km route from the north of New Zealand to the South. The challenge takes place every February and 100 cyclists leave per day. The aim is to do the trip in no less than ten days and no more than 30 days.
All cyclists are expected to camp along the route and carry their own provisions and camping equipment. For Martin, it was a challenge he wanted to face while raising money for the Malmesbury-based charity HEALS.
He said: “I wanted to test how much life there was in me and as a very keen cyclist this challenge really resonated with me. It’s also an amazing opportunity to help a local charity which makes a big impact in my own community.
“I hope to raise £4,500 so that 21 local children from lower income backgrounds can go on a summer camp in 2025 to enjoy a holiday experience the same way other children do. It’s easy to forget some young people don’t have opportunities to take part in outdoor activities such as camping, walking, cycling, archery and to understand the value of spending time in nature.”
Martin has lived in the Malmesbury area all his life and is well known as a kitchen designer who works with individuals, builders and property developers across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
His love of cycling has always been there, and for pleasure, he regularly cycles 240 km per week especially around the roads and lanes of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
“Cycling is part of my DNA now, I really enjoy it. It allows me to get out of my own head and just ‘be’ in nature and to see so many things we simply miss in our normal busy lives.”
Martin heads to New Zealand on Sunday Feb 16th to start the ride on Saturday February 22nd and hopes to complete the challenge in 24 days. He will be sending regular updates back home. Anyone who wants to support him can make a donation here https://localgiving.org/fundraising/TA-Bike-packing-challenge
Article from Scott Media
