Celebrities Line Up for Bike the Bridge

Celebrities Line Up for Bike the Bridge

5 November 2014

There are a host of different reasons why people choose to take part in Bike the Bridge and that’s just the case with the event’s many celebrity riders.

For Northern Mystics netballer Katherine Coffin, Sunday 16th November will be an important milestone in her rehabilitation from a troublesome knee injury as she attempts the full 105km course.

“My coach Deb Fuller was looking for something different to help us prepare for the pre-season,” she explained. “Going to the gym day in day out can be bit boring and the challenge was to find an opportunity to do something that we’re not normally good at.

“Some of the girls have taken up boxing, another player isn’t a strong swimmer and has taken up swimming, the coaches have taken up running and the last time I got on a bike was when I was six or seven, so I’ve taken up cycling.

“The cycle training for Bike the Bridge has really helped with my knee injury, the movement on the bike has helped me get over the weakness in the knee and I feel much stronger,” she added.

“I started my training for Bike the Bridge in the second week of September and have been cycling in the gym since then and once or twice a week I’ve been going for an actual bike ride.

“At first, I found it really uncomfortable sitting on a bike seat. I decided to learn to road cycle by myself and have not taken the easy option of asking someone to teach me how to do it. Recognising that people who suffer from MS have their own struggle, I decided that this would be mine. Learning to cycle on the road and getting used to changing gears has been difficult, but I’m getting there.

“I’m really excited about taking part in the event and especially having an opportunity to cycle the Harbour Bridge. I’ve asked my Mystics trainer if I can stop and take a photo, he said no way but I don’t trust my luck at trying to take a selfie while cycling – I wouldn’t want another injury!”

Legendary former Tall Blacks and Breakers basketball star Paul Henare has gone back into retirement after hitting the court again earlier this year to help his Southland Sharks side deal with a player shortage. He still keeps himself in good shape, however, regularly cycling the 8km route to work at Breakers HQ, where these days he is the assistant coach.

He has entered Bike the Bridge simply to help raise awareness of the event and of Multiple Sclerosis. “From my point of view, I’ve been lucky enough to be in the public eye for a long time and it’s great that I’m able to use my profile to help out with events like this,” he said.

“I’ve always helped with things like Shave for a Cure and Cure Kids whenever I can. For me it’s only a really small sacrifice and it can make a big difference. Bike the Bridge is about raising money for a great cause, Multiple Sclerosis, and I’m really pleased to be able to help out. I’m really looking forward to the day as it should be great fun.”

Someone else who is very excited about taking part in the event is TV presenter Petra Bagust. “Bike the Bridge! Bring it on!” she says enthusiastically. “I’m fully excited that good things in life are habit forming too!

“I'm a novice cyclist and when I got on my bike for TearFund's Poverty Cycle earlier this year, I felt a new love forming. It was a real challenge and it was an amazing buzz – tackling important stuff like Sex Trafficking and MS and pushing myself. I’m looking forward to cycling over our beautiful Harbour Bridge for the very first time and doing it with my daughter. See you out there.”

Bike the Bridge is open to all cyclists, young and old, serious and social. There are courses to suit all abilities, from the challenging 105km circuit, a 50km mid-range route or the short and sharp 20km distance, which is ideal for families or teams of riders who just want to enjoy a fun day out with their friends.

Each one of these routes includes the unique experience of riding over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and the full length of the Northern Busway.

All participants cross the same finish line at the North Harbour (QBE) Stadium, where primary school children ride on the closed ring road and toddlers can enjoy their own dedicated track inside the safe confines of the oval.

There’s a fantastic festival atmosphere waiting for riders at the stadium, with entertainment and hospitality creating a celebration of success for everyone to enjoy. Bike the Bridge is also a great way to raise money for a fantastic cause, with over $170,000 already raised for Multiple Sclerosis from the two previous events in 2011 and 2013.

Anyone can take part and for more information or to enter go to www.bikethebridge.co.nz

ENDS

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