A marathon effort from thousands of cyclists is set to take place over the weekend – as a part of the “Ride to Conquer Cancer”, run by the Cancer Society of NZ.

Thousands of participants will cycle 200km over 2-day from Auckland to Pukekohe and back – rain, hail or shine. The Opening Ceremony is happening at Ellerslie Auckland Racing Club from 7am this Saturday morning where Riders dressed in yellow jerseys will kick off their epic journey.

The Ride is part of an effort to enable the Cancer Society Auckland (CSA) to support ground-breaking research & clinical trials at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC).
Many of the Riders will be flying yellow flags representing those who are cancer survivors themselves, or are currently undergoing cancer treatment – it is an emotional sight!
Moments before the Ride begins, Cancer Society Auckland CEO John Loof will announce the fundraising total and participant numbers for this year’s Ride.

Along the route Riders will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and crew members providing meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the course, comprehensive medical services.  

Upon arrival at the Franklin A&P Showground there will be a sea of blue tents, and riders will be able to grab a soft drink, hot showers, a massage as well as entertainment including dinner and a camp show on the Saturday evening. 
On Sunday morning they will be up bright and early, fed and ready to complete the final 100km journey back to Auckland.

Weatherwatch.co.nz is proud to support the efforts of the Cancer Society, in raising both awareness of, and funds for, the fight against skin cancer.

Details of the event are as follows:

WHEN: Saturday 16 November & Sunday 17 November, 2013

WHAT:  This Saturday, thousands of cancer survivors and riders supported by hundreds of crew and volunteers will begin the first annual Auckland Ride To Conquer Cancer.  The Ride is a 2-day, 200km cycling event from Auckland to the Pukekohe and back, to enable the Cancer Society Auckland (CSA) to support ground-breaking research & clinical trials at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC).

John Loof, CEO of Cancer Society Auckland, will announce the participant and fundraising totals at the opening ceremony, moments before The Ride will begin. 

The Ride to Conquer Cancer invites all members of the community to attend official cheering stations to support participants as they cycle through local communities.

WHERE:

SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER: AUCKLAND – PUKEKOHE

·         Opening Ceremony & Start  → Ellerslie Auckland Racing Club, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera7.00am

·         Lunch Stop → Clevedon Scenic Reserve, Thorps Quarry Road, Clevedon 10.30am – 2.00pm

·         Overnight Camp → Franklin A&P Showground, Station Rd, Pukekohe 2.00pm

SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER: PUKEKOHE – AUCKLAND

·         Overnight Camp → Franklin A&P Showground, Station Rd, Pukekohe 6:30am

·         Lunch Stop → Central Park, Chapel St at King Edward Ave  10.00am – 1.00pm

·         Finish → Ellerslie Auckland Racing Club, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera 1.00pm – 4.00pm

WHY: Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand accounting for 29.4% of all deaths.

Website: www.conquercancer.org.nz

– Cancer Society of NZ