Emotional finish to length of-the-country charity ride

31 Jan, 2022

Raising funds for the community has been a common theme for Matt Guzik over the past 25 years. The 62-year-old Tara Iti Golf Club general manager, who had previously completed 56 marathons on seven continents as well as competed in three Ironman Triathlons, has raised over $1.25 million for many charities. He recently set himself a new goal of cycling the length of New Zealand, 3000km, to raise awareness and funding for the Tara Iti Whanau Charitable Trust.

Matt has always wanted to complete Tour Aotearoa after hearing about it from local biking enthusiasts at the Mangawhai Cycling Club, many of whom have participated in this event over the years.

His daily rituals during the ride included waking up around 4.30 am, enjoying coffee, checking the weather and reviewing the course guide for the day. Also reading the motivational notes from the Tara Iti team along with messages on the Givealittle and social media pages. It was humbling to know people were following him and wanting to donate to this worthwhile cause.

All up Guzik spent around 200 hours on his bike over 25 days and you can imagine, it wasn’t all smooth cycling. One of the most challenging sections of the ride was Reefton to Murchison, truly testing his limit. Battling 100ml of rain, cold temperatures, flooding and detours, it was one of the few days that he wanted to pack it all in.

Other days the beauty of the environment and meeting interesting people along the way made it an unforgettable and positive experience. Some of the most memorable highlights included Tane Mahuta, Blue Duck Station, Bridge to Nowhere, the West Coast Wilderness Trail, Pike River Memorial, Haast Valley and the Walter Peak Station. These were simply spectacular areas to explore by bike.

On arriving at Bluff Matt was speechless and the tears flowed. You could be forgiven for thinking that Matt’s tour ended with a few final pedal strokes over the rise at Stirling Point followed by a final roll downhill to the famous signs at the coast edge, but it didn’t. He will never forget this journey. For him, the 3000km ride of Aotearoa was a life-changing experience that redefined him and his wife Linda’s relationship with New Zealand. The one big takeaway they share is how lucky and blessed they are to live in such a beautiful place.

Guzik felt thrilled and privileged to be able to raise over $150,000 through the incredible support of family, friends, colleagues and Tara Iti’s membership.

“We can’t thank everyone enough,” says Matt, “and truly appreciate that the funds raised will go towards supporting our people and organisations in our local community.”

The Tara Iti Whanau Charitable Trust was established in 2020 to support clubs and organisations in wider community including St John Ambulance, Mangawhai Fire Brigade, Surf Lifesaving Club, Mangawhai Museum, Westpac Rescue Helicopter,

Northland Emergency Services, Mangawhai Activity Zone, Te Whai Community Trust and many other worthwhile clubs and organisations in the wider Mangawhai area.

n To read the daily adventures of Matt’s ride and further information about the Trust or to donate, visit taraiticharitabletrust.com

Matt has wanted to complete Tour Aotearoa after first hearing about it from local biking enthusiasts at the Mangawhai Cycling Club. He says he will always remember the 3000km life-defining challenge. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED