Rod’s Life Cycle

By Colin Smith

Starting from Bluff (above left) in mid-February, Rod spent two months riding through the South Island stopping to enjoy some the attractions along the way.

WORKING AS A SOUTH WAIKATO FONTERRA TANKER DRIVER FOR

eight years – and before that carting dairy products from Longburn to Auckland – truckie Rod Rutherford is used to traveling long distances on the road.

But his current adventure – cycling solo the full length of New Zealand – is by far his toughest journey.

Cambridge-based Rod, 59, was diagnosed with cancer in December 2020 and he says the idea of riding from one end of New Zealand to the other came to him in a dream during his treatment.

“I didn’t know I had cancer. I thought I had a nagging cough and a sore throat, but the doctor had bad news for me. I had eight tumours,” says Rod.

“I had Stage 4 clear cell renal cancer. It had started in my kidneys, but it had already spread to my brain, my ribs and my lungs.

“I had two tumours removed from my brain in surgery and then some radiation treatment. While I was recovering, I had an amazing dream. I got on a bike and cycled the length of New Zealand.

“It was like the dream was telling me; `life can be better’.”

Rather than dream it, Rod focused on making it a reality.

“At first my wife told me I was nuts and she reminded me I didn’t even have a bike,” Rod laughs.

“But she’s also been my greatest supporter.” The bike issue was quickly solved.

“My brother turned up a few weeks later and gave me a bike. I know it sounds very odd but that’s what inspired it.”

Departing from Cambridge on February 8, Rod got some rides with friends and took a couple of bus trips to reach Invercargill.

“It took me seven days to get there, and I spent another five days looking around down in Invercargill.

“Then one morning I went out to Bluff, got my photo taken with the famous signpost and started to ride up the South Island. It took me a couple of months.”

Rod’s route took him to Christchurch before catching the Trans Alpine Express to the West Coast and then continuing to explore through the Buller region to Blenheim and Picton.

After an April 16 ferry crossing Rod left his bike in Wellington and returned home for some scans and medical tests that he says have been a mixture of good and bad news.

He resumed the ride from Wellington in early May and reckons he’ll he on the road for two-and-a-half months before the Cape Reinga lighthouse appears is in his sights.

“My plan is to head around the East Coast and then through Tauranga and up to Auckland,” says Rod.

“Then I’ll head out to the West Coast around the Kaipara Harbour,

cut back across to Whangarei and go through to the top. It’s a longer journey [than the South Island] but it’s the one I’m more familiar with. I don’t know for sure, but I think I should finish in the middle of July.”

Throughout his journey Rod has provided daily Facebook and Instagram updates on the places he’s been. He’s also raising money to support Cancer Society research efforts.

Video footage from his South Island trip is being edited by his sonin-law and posted to his YouTube channel.

“Along the way it has really opened my eyes to the amazing people of this country,” says Rod.

His e-bike tows a lightweight single-wheel trailer where Rod stows a few bare essentials.

“I’ve got a small tent and a sleeping bag, and I try to stay in campgrounds.

“But a few times I’ve pedalled up someone’s driveway, told them my story and asked if they would charge my battery and let me pitch my tent for the night.

“People have been incredible. They haven’t said no, I reckon it’s because I look like Santa Claus,” he says.

“One night I slept in a tree hut which was swaying back and forward in the wind.

“I’ve had a lot of laughs. It’s been a great adventure and I’ve met all sorts of crazy and amazing people.

“Cancer is definitely challenging but I’m trying to face it with a bit of humour and some adventure.

“For certain stage four cancer is not great news and generally it’s not recoverable. But 18 months ago, I had eight tumours and now I’ve got two, so who knows how this will turn out,” he says.

“So, I make the most out of every day I have and leave tomorrow to take care of itself. My attitude is to smile a lot, laugh a lot and live a lot.”

Rod’s Fonterra workmates are keen followers and supporters his cycling adventure.

Dale Richards, the team manager for Fonterra’s South Waikato depots describes Rod as “very goal-oriented with an awesome attitude.”

“He’s been through hell but he’s a trucker, so he just gets on with things,” says Dale.

“What he’s doing is pretty amazing and everyone here on the team is right behind him.”

To follow Rod’s adventure search for “Rod’s Life Cycle” on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The link to his fundraiser is www. youcanforcancer.org.nz/rodslifecycle T&D