Brother's health spurs solo ride

Lance Tavinor is raising money for Kidney Health New Zealand. Photo / File

It's not enough to offer to donate his kidney to his brother, now Rotorua man Lance Tavinor is also planning to raise money for the cause.

Mr Tavinor said he was "devastated and angry" when his older brother Grant was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure earlier this year and would need constant dialysis to replace the function of his kidneys.

He immediately offered to donate a kidney to his brother - and is now undergoing tests to see if he is compatible - but he is also planning to ride the solo category at the Gloworm 24 Hours of Nduro from midday January 31 to midday February 1 to raise money and awareness for Kidney Health NZ.

He will be taking pledges for each kilometre and lap he covers.

"I'm pretty fit, but I'm taking this very seriously and already doing six-hour training rides ... it'll be a big challenge, but nothing like the challenge Grant is facing."

His brother plans to be in Rotorua to cheer him on.

"Lance's support is immensely important to me," his brother Grant said.

"I want to be at the side of the trail at the 24 Hours of Nduro."

Two weeks after the Nduro, Lance will be putting his best pedal forward at the annual 10-day Rotorua Bike Festival, which starts on Friday February 13.

"There are events you can rock up and ride in and others where you can watch some of the best athletes in the country in action."

The Rotorua Singlespeed Society is also supporting his fundraising efforts, said spokesman Paul Laing.

The society has run three previous national championships and the Singlespeed World Championships in 2010.

While these events are always light hearted, there is always a serious side, with the society making substantial donations to charity.

"We gave over $500 to the Cancer Society in 2013," said Mr Laing.

"In 2015 we will donate to the RSA and Kidney Health New Zealand."