Martin Beveridge, who passed away from cancer in 2013, derived great enjoyment from climbing on his bike and riding. Photo / Supplied
The late Martin Beveridge loved his cycling, especially riding with his mates, and last Saturday it was a chance for family, friends and the cycling fraternity to come together and remember him on the annual memorial ride from Dannevirke to Akitio.
"This ride is about paying tribute and honouring the man," Ollie of Wellington told the Dannevirke News.
Ollie was one of a number of riders who were members of USO Bike Ride taking part in the event.
The group was organised to raise cancer awareness among Pacific Islanders and Maori, particularly men, with USO the Samoan word which in this context means "brother".
"It's about understanding, strength and overcoming," Martin's daughter, Meriama Taufale, explained.
"Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way or form and Dad died in 2013, not long after the group was formed, but he was a big supporter and joined rides."
USO Bike Ride is led by Meriama, husband Talalelei Taufale and Chris Te'o, and has 120 members.
In 2012, riders cycled the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga, and in 2016, they made the journey from south to north.
"Dad was bonkers on the bike, talked a lot while riding and he loved the fun of riding," Meriama said.
"He could talk till the cows came home and would always play his silly games trying to sneak away on a hill or sprint to a landmark when you were having a drink."
For Moana, Martin's wife, the ride is a very special way to remember her husband. Last Saturday began for her and family at Martin's graveside at Mangatera.
"Martin will be looking down on us and I'm very proud of the support everyone still gives me today," she said.
Joining the riders was new doctor in town Philip Lingard, from London, a keen cyclist who is working here for six months.
Joining him and the other riders was Shane Janssen, of Waipukurau.
"I did the Coast to Coast last year. It was a tough day, but I enjoyed it," he said.
Jason Holt and Mitchell Tiaiti were two of just three Dannevirke riders taking part in the memorial ride on Saturday, before their 150km round the mountain ride in Taranaki.
"This ride to Akitio is the one day in the year when we can show support to Martin and his family," Mitch said.
Last Saturday's fourth annual Martin Beveridge Memorial Ride, a 75-kilometre trip from Dannevirke to Akitio and back if the riders felt like it, was organised by Talalelei Taufale, Martin's son-in-law.
"This isn't a race," he said. "It's just a chance for a great day out, riding at talking pace, it's a great way to ride, with riders looking after each other."
With a tail wind from Dannevirke to Akitio, Prenter's hill on the outskirts of Dannevirke was a gentle warm-up for the gut-busting Simmons Hill 20km out of town.
Children were able to join the ride at the Akitio Bridge and ride the final 3km with their parents.
Many of the riders also took part in the Ride the Ranges on Sunday, taking the same route as the now defunct event used years earlier.
Stuff legends are made of:
• Martin Beveridge was born in Wellington on March 14, 1949.
• Martin was a devout Catholic, hardworking and an athlete who trained under Sir Arthur Lydiard.
• He was elected president of Master Painters New Zealand in 1995 and was on the advisory board of the industry training organisation.
• In 2008 Martin and wife Moana were presented with the inaugural Mike Rowley Memorial trophy for their contribution to the Infracon Akitio Challenge since the 1990s.
• In 2010, Martin was named the Dulux master painter of the year.
• Martin was a member of the Dannevirke Triathlon Club, its sponsor, board member and president.
• He helped organise and competed in he now defunct Infracon Akitio Challenge, a popular multi-sport event which was the final build-up event for the Speights Coast to Coast race.
• Martin devoted much of his free time as a volunteer and sponsor for schools, churches and sports groups across Hawke's Bay, Tararua, and Manawatū-Whanganui.
• A keen multisports competitor, a stalwart of the Ruahine Rugby Club and a Hawke's Bay referee, Martin also made a huge contribution to the local community.
• Martin was a man with integrity, passion, values, faith and humour, which were the templates of his success.
• He has been described by many as "the stuff legends are made of, one of life's good buggers and a true icon of our town".
• Martin died from cancer on May 10, 2013. He was 64.