3 weeks to go!

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you the exciting adventure that myself, my wife Linda and Meg Tara Iti’s People & Culture support, are about to embark on. It's been two years since my last cycling adventure, and it is time to top up the Trust again by taking on another biking challenge - Tour Kōpiko.

The Tour Kopiko route is a challenging 1100km bike-packing trail that promises to push us out of our comfort zones and into the rugged terrain of the North Island. With over 17,000 meters of climbing – almost the equivalent of conquering Mt. Everest twice – this epic journey is not just a physical test of endurance, but also a profound opportunity to make a difference by raising awareness and funds for our Tara Iti Whānau Charitable Trust.

What's even more exciting is that Linda has also embraced the idea and will be joining me on this adventure along with a few other enthusiasts including Meg Bennett, Simon Hardley, and Vince Moore. We are gearing up to pedal through the breathtaking landscapes, facing the grueling climbs and unpredictable weather of this demanding trail. Our adventure transcends personal limits as we unite to support this worthy cause, embodying the spirit of resilience and also compassion.

With only 8 weeks to prepare, we have intensified our training to focus on hills and long hours in the saddles. The last several weeks have been filled with biking 40-50 kms 3 days a week with 1000+ meters and 1 day a week of 5-6 hours in the saddle or 100+ kms . It has been tough on all of us, but we are determined and excited to take on this challenge.

Our approach to Tour Kopiko will be much like how I approach life – "Some days will be magic, some days will be tragic, and the rest of the days will be somewhere in between." We are expecting a mix of mostly remote gravel and sealed back roads as well as dedicated cycle paths including three Great Rides – the Waikato River Trails, the Timber Trail and the legendary Pakihi Track (part of the Motu Trails Great Ride).

The route features various highlights, and we are looking forward to experiencing many significant cultural sites, which will provide us with an opportunity to learn more about Māori history and heritage. We are also excited to interact with local communities along the route, experiencing the hospitality and culture of rural New Zealand.

Tour Kōpiko is ultimately designed to be an adventure that pushes us out of our comfort zones and allows us to discover some of the lesser-known parts of the country. We are thrilled at the prospect of experiencing a complete kaleidoscope of kiwi terrain including beaches, bush, mountains, forests, farmland, and riverbanks, along with lots of small settlements, some towns, and a couple of cities along the way.

We are reaching out to all of you to support us in this remarkable quest, where every pedal stroke contributes to a greater purpose. The Tour Kōpiko route beckons, offering not just a bike-packing challenge but a chance to create positive change and leave a lasting impact on the Tara Iti Whānau community.

We are counting on your support as we take on this incredible journey. So please stay tuned for updates as we prepare for another crazy adventure of a lifetime!

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!

Matt, Linda, Meg & Co.