How it all Began
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January 2012 a small group of riders cycled around the mountain to raise awareness for the Mellowpuff Foundation. The event was successful, and we rode on behalf of the Mellowpuff Foundation for the following 2 years. This spurred the desire to achieve a bigger goal for another charity, promoting greater awareness. This is how the Central Finance South Island
Charity Ride was born. The idea began with 8-10 cyclists riding the length of the South Island with the aim of raising $20,000. What happened as a result far exceeded our wildest dreams with 26 cyclists completing the ride and raising more funds than we had ever hoped possible. Picton to Bluff 2015
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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. We far exceeded anyone's expectations with an astronomical amount raised of $175,000 being raised. But it didn’t end there! Throughout our journey the awareness generated within rural farming communities was phenomenal. 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, for the good of our community. So Whats Next?
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The outstanding success of the 2015 ride has prompted our group to take this to the next level with new charities, new tours and greater awareness. On this page, you will learn about our charities, our sponsors and about the awareness we generate within our regional and national communities. We are a group from all walks of life and of all ages (26 - 65). Our close-knit team is our family and it is through Facebook we share with you this amazing journey we have taken on board. And remember.... your donations and support are forever greatly appreciated.
