Gerald Patterson is well overdue for a cup of tea and a lie down.
The Howick Village Association’s chairperson has finally completed his marathon bicycle journey across the United States to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease NZ (MNDNZ).
He undertook the journey with a group of cyclists from New Zealand, the United Kingdom and US.
They set out on May 18 to ride from San Francisco in California to New York, a distance of 5150km over 36 days.
Motor neurone disease is the name “given to a group of closely-related disorders that affect the motor neurones”.
“Upper motor neurones run from the brain to the brainstem or spinal cord to connect with lower motor neurones,” according to Motor Neurone Disease NZ.
“Lower motor neurones then travel out to connect with the muscles for swallowing, chewing, tongue movement, facial expression, breathing, coughing, and limb movement.”
The three Kiwi riders are very close to their goal of raising $51,500 for MNDNZ.
Patterson previously told the Times he’s doing the ride because he enjoys cycling as well as a challenge and it’s an “opportunity to join friends in raising money to assist a very worthy cause”.
His most recent update to supporters on June 23 announced the riders had reached the end of their journey in New York City 36 days after they set out, and they even had a police escort into the word famous Central Park.
Patterson says of the eight cyclists who began the ride, five completed the full route, including three Kiwis, one American and one Brit.
“The last week of the ride, in parts, was quite torrid! The temperatures have been extremely high and we needed to be very cautious and ensure there were plenty of water stops.
“Ironically, the closer to New York we got, the road surfaces improved but then we not only had to deal with the heat from above, but the heat reflecting off the black tarmac.
“It only took 30-45 minutes for iced water in our bottle to become tepid.”
Patterson says the riders’ entry to New York was “spectacular”.
“We ferried across from New Jersey to midtown Manhattan.
“There we were met by some riders from the New York Police Department cycling team and they, along with several motorbikes and cars, escorted us to Central Park.
“We did not have to stop at any intersections as the cars blocked the streets to give us a clear run.
“A lot of people on the pavements wondering what was happening with these cyclists in tartan riding through red traffic lights!
“We did have a ‘small’ celebration which restarted later at the Pig and Whistle pub. That event was arranged by some UK expats.
“Many thanks to all who have donated to MNDNZ over the past few months.
“Your contributions are greatly appreciated by us all.”
Patterson is full of praise for the cyclists he rode with.
“[It was] an amazing feat completed virtually unscathed, but hats off also to the support crew who have worked their butts off and the cyclists couldn’t have done it without them.
“A wonderful group of people. An adventure to treasure and one to be proud of.”
