If you’re planning a lazy weekend, spare a thought for Sergeant Malcolm Lamont of Porirua.
Malcolm is one of 18 men cycling from Bluff to Cape Reinga on the USO Bike Ride, aiming to raise awareness of cancer and other health issues among Pacific Island and Māori communities.
They set off on 11 February, with their support vehicles and crew. Over five days, the South Island served up earthquakes, stifling heat, thick fog and unhelpful northerlies. They started their North Island leg from the Pacific Island Presbyterian Church in Newtown, Wellington, today.
“The South Island has been fantastic but the body really feels it,” says Malcolm. “I want to go to the factory and order a new backside.”
Malcolm began road cycling 18 months ago. He became involved in USO after he and a friend met some of the team on the start line of a Taupo- Rotorua ride. They started riding together regularly and when they started talking about the big one, Malcolm asked to join.
His preparation included cycling 40km to and from work each day, with weekend rides of up to 120km. He also did the 90km cycle legs of the Iron Māori and Taupo Half Ironman contests.
“Uso is Samoan for brother,” says Malcolm, one of three non-Polynesian riders. “But for us it also means understanding, strengthening, overcoming.
“I’ve had colleagues who have come through cancer. Two weeks ago one of the boys I used to coach at rugby passed away from cancer at the age of 28. I’ve got an uncle going through treatment at the moment.
“Everyone has some sort of connection with cancer.”
The team reaches Cape Reinga on 26 February. You can follow them online at www.usobikeride.co.nz, the USO Bike Ride Facebook page and on a real-time GPS tracker.