Mike Stone has watched his wife, Vicki, fight fiercely against cancer at close range. That’s what you do when your loved one is stricken.
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He has seen the treatment and talked to the doctors about the research that’s made her particular form of cancer a little more beatable.
And he’s been so impressed – by her and the research – that he’s decided to raise money to fund the search for more life-saving knowledge.
“The research has kept Vicki with me,” he said.
He and a friend are organizing a charity bike ride in Glen Innes on October 15 – and outside Glen Innes because the first part of it will be a "fun-ride” to Red Range (if 47 kilometres on or near the saddle can be called fun).
That will start from 7 am and be for everybody, of every age and standard, who wants to peddle for a good cause.
The next parts of the full cycling day will be for more serious riders, culminating in a race for top club riders, the highest standard in the region. These will be timed events – the person who rides furthest in 45 minutes wins.
Mike Stone generated the idea and now has the verve to drive it through. His pals have rallied round. How many will come? “I just don’t know. It could be ten. It could be a thousand. I’m hoping for two hundred”.
But the plans and the signs are for a substantial turn-out. Sponsors are lining up. Rotary is on board. Local stores have promised money or goods and services which can be offered as prizes.
Peter Teschner, the maker of top-notch Teschner Bikes has promised two carbon wheels and a carbon frame worth perhaps $4,000.
The police are being consulted and roads will be closed.
Cancer research will benefit.