Brendon’s story: Riding from Cape Reinga to Bluff
A physio at the Burwood Spinal Unit for ten years, Brendon Vercoe played a key role in helping people recover from a spinal cord impairment, many of whom were also supported by ACC. Now he’s looking to raise funds by taking on a record-breaking challenge.
Every morning at 5am when Brendon Vercoe goes out on his bike, he has one moment in mind.
He can’t help but think of riding into Bluff on the last stage of his world-record attempt.
“It’s always in the back of my mind – it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it,” the 37-year-old physiotherapist says.
“My wife and kids have booked their flights to Invercargill to be at the finish line and, whatever happens, that will be an amazing moment.”
On 17 November, Vercoe is taking on the unthinkable.
He will attempt to bike ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff in record time to raise money and awareness for the New Zealand Spinal Trust. Brendon is attempting to complete the 2100km ride in just four days.
That will mean riding around 500km per day, being on his bike for more than 20 hours per day.
“When you start talking about it, you realise it’s pretty crazy,” he says with a laugh.
“I’ll be on my bike for as much of the day as possible, which will be determined by how I’m managing physically and mentally.”
Spinal Trust chief executive Hans Wouters is grateful to Brendon for taking on this challenge to help others.
“I know he’s made some significant personal sacrifices to be ready for this,” Hans says.
“We hope people all over New Zealand will get behind him on this incredible journey.”
Funds raised will be put towards the trust’s mission – to empower people with spinal cord impairment and their whānau to embrace positive futures.
“We support people to take ownership of their own rehabilitation,” Hans says.
Many of the people who are helped by the trust are also supported by ACC, which can help injured New Zealanders with weekly financial compensation, medical appointments, aids and equipment, childcare and education, transport, accommodation, and counselling and therapy.
Photo: John Davidson
Inspired by those he’s helped
Over the past decade, Brendon has been inspired by people who’ve sustained spinal cord impairments and never given up in their recovery.
“This challenge for me is about seeing what grit and determination I have,” he says.
“The difference is that I’ve chosen this challenge, whereas those people that I worked with certainly didn’t choose to be in that position.”
He says the resilience these people have shown in the face of adversity has given him a sense of perspective.
“When I’m in those positions where I’m hurting and it’s hard, I draw upon that and remind myself there are others doing it much tougher.”
He’s seen the work the Spinal Trust does first-hand and believes it makes a massive difference.
“The support they give to people with spinal impairment and their whānau is simply incredible and something they can’t do without.”
Brendon wants to raise at least $10,000 for the trust and is asking for the media to help tell his story.
“A big part of this is awareness. If I can help people in our communities become aware of the help and support that’s available to them, then it’s all worthwhile.”
Photo: John Davidson
An incredible journey
The record for riding the length of New Zealand is four days, nine hours and 45 minutes. It was set by Blenheim endurance athlete Craig Harper back in 2017.
Brendon is focused on trying to make history by beating that time.
A support crew will be with him the whole time to ensure he’s coping mentally and physically. They will also ensure he’s kept adequately hydrated and fuelled for the arduous task.
“They have to know when to pull me off the bike for a rest and when to push me back onto the bike, despite my reluctance or resistance,” he laughs.
“In many ways, I’ve got the easy part – I just have to ride my bike. My support crew have the hard part. They have to look after and put up with me. They’ll make nearly all the decisions for me, especially when my brain and ability to think goes to mush.”
Photo: John Davidson
No substitute for experience
Brendon has met with the current record holder, drawing upon Craig’s vast experience to help plan and map out his journey.
“He’s an absolute legend – he’s been such a wealth of knowledge and support for me. The beating of the record would be great for me but it’s bittersweet because I don’t want to take it off him.
“Craig has said to me, ‘It’s not about competing against each other. It’s a competition against yourself’.”
Brendon has great experience to call upon in taking on this challenge.
He won the two-day Coast to Coast in 2014, the three-day Pioneer Mountain Bike Race in 2016 and the Tour of New Zealand cycle race in 2021. In 2022, he rode the Tour of Southland.
Throughout his career, Brendon has had a number of injuries which required support from ACC.
The most significant was a nasty road bike accident in 2010 while he was preparing for the 2011 Coast to Coast.
He broke his jaw in two places and suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
“I had several months off work recovering and rehabilitating, which ACC supported me with throughout. It was great to have that support.”
Avoiding injury on his upcoming endeavour is part of Brendon’s training plan. He has been on his bike as much as possible.
“I’m pushing my body to the limit to get accustomed to feeling fatigued and riding while fatigued, all the time trying to build up my endurance system.”
There are logistical challenges along the way. Brendon wants to make sure he doesn’t arrive in Auckland during peak-hour traffic. In Wellington, he’ll fly over the Cook Strait by helicopter.
Photo: John Davidson
Unconditional family support
Brendon says the support and encouragement of his wife Nicole have made this effort possible.
“There’s been a significant amount of time away from the family, training to make sure I’m ready,” he says.
“I’ve said to my wife that this will be my last hurrah with this sort of sporting challenge, at least until the kids leave home.
“She knows how much biking means to me and that this has given me a sense of purpose, passion and drive. That’s something you can’t do this without – that unconditional support.”
Brendon admits it’s a challenge he’s still getting his head around, for which he’s looking to draw upon the help of a sports psychologist.
Going into the unknown
Brendon has thought about the finish line a lot. He’s also considered the beginning.
He’ll have a mix of emotions on the start line at Cape Reinga.
“I can’t wish away the time, but I‘m really excited to get there,” he says.
“At the same time, there’s a great deal of apprehension and uncertainty, and knowing there’s going to be a great deal of pain.”
He’s confident he’ll have done the work to be ready.
“But the blood, sweat and tears I put into this will pale in comparison to the rehabilitation journey after suffering a spinal cord impairment,” he says.
“If there’s one thing in common, it’s that there’s no reward without hard work. And it’s not just about the outcome – it’s also about the journey.”
Photo: John Davidson
Donate to the cause
You can support the New Zealand Spinal Trust by donating to Brendon’s Cape2Bluff record-breaking attempt.
