Pez is riding to Coffs

It has been a while since the original 'Doin' it for Pez' foundation launched and we raised money for Pez to buy and service a custom made bike.  Since then, Pez and his bike have gone everywhere together.  Now, 13 years on, Pez wants to give back and is getting ready for a big adventure......

But before we go into the details of the ride, I want to recap, and share his inspirational story.  

Pez (or Ben to his parents) was a pretty normal guy.  He was a surfer, a skater, a dread locked road tripper.  Always looking for the next adventure.  Then he became a dad with Zayne.  As it turns out, he was and still is a natural parent, and life began getting 'full' and even more amazing.  

One day, when Zayne was 14 months old, Pez started to get double vision. He went into see Zayne’s Mum and within minutes, he was unconscious and no longer breathing.  Pez had suffered an aneurysm and a massive stroke.  He should have died.  

As time went by, life got more difficult and dark days were to follow.   Physically, he suffers from ataxia, which is like vertigo on steroids.  It basically results in complete loss of balance and has no feeling down the right side of his body.  His mental health was also suffering.   

But Pez didn't die that day.  He was and is a fighter.  And he, his family and his mates rallied and launched the 'Doin' it for Pez' foundation.  Here is an extract from the local newspaper campaign:


The foundation was hugely successful, and resulted in Pez being able to afford a customised recumbent bike.  

Since then, as I earlier alluded too, Pez and his bike are inseparable.   For those who live in the Sutherland Shire, you would have surely seen him cruising to Zayne's footy games, to the Man Shed in Caringbah or just general rides to keep the heart racing and the fitness levels at a maximum.   

So here Pez is, close to 16 years since his stroke, wanting to give back.  To help others that may not have had the help he has had.  So what is a way to give back?  How about riding from Engadine to Coffs Harbour to raise money for his favourite charity Beyond Blue?

That is an incredible 565km via a recumbent bike.  It would be a feat that propels Pez into the top echelon of recumbent bike distance riders anywhere in the world.   He is hoping that with our support, he can complete the journey within 10 days.  

I am hoping we can help Pez meet and go well beyond his target.  He will be testing his limits and pushing his mind and body beyond what most of us will ever have to go through.  And no doubt he will be telling us all about his accomplishment  for years to come.  Personally, I'd like to see him challenge the speed record on a recumbent bike which currently stands at 92.43km/h.

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.  And now, more than ever, Australian's are struggling.   Get involved and help Pez, help Beyond Blue.