Movember gets early kick off . . .

Cook Islands Triathlon Association has come up with an initiative on wheels to raise funds and awareness for Cook Islands Men’s Health in the spirit of Movember which officially kicks off next month.

The association held its first community Movember ride to promote men’s health awareness on Saturday. There was a fantastic turnout with over 30 social mountain bikers, ranging from very experienced to first timers and also some fit kids who were keen to get involved and have some fun.  The group enjoyed a beautiful course led by the experienced CITAI mountain bikers through the back roads and tracks of Tikioki, taking in the orange plantations and across water intakes. 

CITAI President Roland Neururer said; “It is fantastic to see such a big group for our first ride, it’s super to be out there with everyone and also raising awareness of how this type of exercise is fun and good for our health.” 

Lucy McDonald, CITAI Vice President said they were really happy with the turnout for the first ride and were looking forward to the next one. The idea for the bike ride came about through the association wanting to plan something to promote men’s health that catered and was inclusive to everyone. “You find when addressing health, it’s not just about physical health but mental health too, so with things like this getting out and about and exercising and being with others will often lead to you realising you’re suddenly feeling better,” she said.

This week’s ride will start from Ngatangiia Rugby field at 2pm with a great course up through the many water intakes of Avana.  Meet at 2pm with your mountain bike, helmet and drink bottle.   Gold coin donation towards Men’s Health Charity is appreciated.  This will be the second ride of the five ride series and everyone is welcome.