The Cook Islands Triathlon Association held their second mountain biking ride for the Movember initiative on Saturday. After a successful first ride the weekend before they were excited to get together and get riding again for the cause.

The association kicked off their initiative last week with their first ride through the back roads and tracks of Tikioki, taking in the orange plantations and across water intakes.

Over 30 keen riders attended, ranging from very experienced to first timers and also some fit kids who were keen to get involved and have some fun.

Cook Islands Triathlon president Roland Neururer said there was a large group of riders who attended the second ride, from families and kids to pro riders. 

“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,” he said.  

The ride took the group to the Avana Valley and Turangi water intake. Most of the riders did both valleys with some of the younger riders deciding to go back early for a swim at Muri lagoon.

Cold drinks were available afterwards and the riders were even treated to some cricket action at Nukupure Park.

This Saturday, the Movember charity ride will be hosted by Louise and Matt Wittwer. The ride will start from their house in upper Tupapa. There will be some marks on the road from the Super Brown shop for the riders to follow. They will follow the back road at the shop, turn left at the back road, and the right up towards Tupapa Heights to ride as far as they would like, to the end if they want.

Riders will be required to only bring a helmet, some water and a gold coin. 

All proceeds from their rides for the next few weeks will be given to a Men’s Charity to support the initiative of Movember which aims to celebrate men and raise awareness for health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.