Friends set for lake challenge

NICOLE GOURLEY/Fairfax NZ

GEARING UP: Michael Lee, who works at the WHK building, will cycle 470km around six of Southland and Otago's greatest lakes in February for charity.

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An Invercargill accountant is getting on his bike to raise money for Southland's Foundation for Youth Development.

Michael Lee, who works in the WHK building, will cycle 470km around six of Southland and Otago's greatest lakes next month.

He has been training with 12 friends for what they are calling the Great Southern Tour.

"I bike-ride most days and at the weekend we cycle up Bald Hill at a forest track near Otautau," he said.

He said the two-hour nonstop climb, to the top of the 850m hill, was good preparation for their ride next month.

The biggest challenge for the cyclists would be the Garston to Clyde section of the route, over the Nevis mountain.

Mr Lee, who raised $12,000 cycling 1100km from Nelson to Bluff in January last year, said the southern tour of six lakes should be a breeze in comparison.

"The chance to shake ourselves out of a mid-life crisis spurred us on last year but this time it's the challenge and a chance to raise $20,000 for charity," Mr Lee said.

He has invited any cyclists from the public to join his team on the charity cycle, which will visit lakes Manapouri, Te Anau, Dunstan, Hawea, Wanaka and Wakatipu.

"We want people to get in touch who would like to join us. Instead of paying an entry fee, they can make a donation," he said.

The tour will leave Riverton on February 2 and finish in Queenstown on February 6.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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