Picton To Bluff 2015

On the 9th of February 2015 we began our journey in Picton. Over 9 days, we cycled 1125km down the West Coast of the South Island to Bluff. The majority of the riders had been cycling for less than 9 months prior to taking on this challenge. With an average distance of 125km each day, it was no easy feat. Along the way we conquered Haast Pass and the Crown Range, wind and rain – and we loved every minute of it.

We raised in excess of $200,000 – but it hasn’t ended there! Throughout our journey the awareness generated within rural farming communities was phenomenal. This awareness we generated was just as important to us as the money we raised.

People began openly talking about their experiences with depression and suicide. We were able to promote health and wellbeing in the process and to help people understand that depression was an illness - not a weakness. Not only did we see the changes within the rural communities we visited, but also experienced communities and Health Groups come together collectively working in the same direction.

It truly was a remarkable event, not just for the riders and those we helped, but for our sponsors too.

We opened the last leg of our ride to our sponsors and supporters who wanted to cycle the remaining 58km with the group. In doing this they experienced first-hand the greatness of what we (the cyclists) had achieved as a team.