Adventurous four riding for St John

Waipukurau St John station manager Sarah Johnson with Tim Mackie (second left), Ross Pepper and Dean Gough, three of the four-strong CHB Cycling team taking on the Tour of New Zealand and raising money for St John.

"It's only a small island ... right?"

This is what a team of four intrepid Cycling CHB members were convincing themselves as they mentally prepared for an epic ride around the North Island starting this Saturday.

Tim Mackie, Ross Pepper, Dean Gough and Marcus Smith are taking part in the North Island leg of this year's Tour of New Zealand.

Previously held in 2012 and 2013, the event is an eight-day amateur cycle race purported to celebrate everything about cycling "scenery, competition and community, played out on some of the best roads the country has to offer".

For the local riders, whose team is called "Veros and Villains" it's something of a bucket list challenge that will see them cycle 700km from Cape Reinga to Wellington, raising money for St John ambulance service along the way.

"We are four average cyclists looking forward to completing this adventure in good spirits and with less injuries than have occurred in training," Mr Mackie said.

"We have elected to raise money for St John, and certain training escapades would suggest that was a smart decision - here's hoping none of us need them during the event!"

For all but Ross Pepper it's the first time they have tackled anything like this.

Did Ross have any advice for the others?

"Just wait for me - don't leave me behind," he laughed.

The North Island phase starts at Cape Reinga on Saturday, April 11, where at least 200 riders will first be bussed from Kaitaia to the Cape, to ride a 50km time trial to sort out race staging.

From there they will make their way down the island, ending up in Wellington on April 18, where they will join up with the South Island riders for a criterium around the Beehive.

The South Island competitors start at Stewart Island for the opening 20km stage, before heading on to Bluff and up to Wellington.

The length of the daily stages vary from 70km to 130km, taking most participants three to six hours, depending on the terrain, weather and the calibre of the cyclists.

Last year the event raised $128,000 for the selected charities, and as of this week Veros and Villains had raised $450.

-You can support their efforts for St John by heading to the website www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz and searching for the team under fundraising.