Tue, 24 Nov 2009 5:42p.m.
By Hamish McKay
This Saturday more than 11,000 cyclists will tackle the Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.
While most will be attempting the 160km ride right around the lake, for 30 youngsters riding the last 5km will in itself be a major achievement.
Riding alongside his brother Caleb, Eroni Clarke Jr looks like any other 11-year-old. And while he dreams of wearing an All Black jersey like his dad Eroni, since birth he has faced a battle that affects 600 newborns in this country every year.
"It was 1998 when we woke up one morning with a son that was born with a heart condition," says Clarke, "and it was quite a shock. He had a seven-hour operation, and he's doing really well now, and of course with Heart Children its something we feel we can always give back to."
On Saturday Eroni Jr, or 'EJ' to his mates will join 30 other young heart patients in a 5km ride to the finish of the challenge in support of Heart Children New Zealand.
"You know, so often we just get to see the children in the ward, so to see them participating in such a challenge is just fabulous for everyone involved," says Lara Syddall, CEO.
While EJ has already climbed a major mountain in his short life, he is keen to progress from the 5km ride to possibly riding the full 160km.
"Probably one day, but I'm gonna get fitter for that," he says.
And maybe that means less time watching videos of dad's old rugby games.
EJ's aunty, Silver Fern Sheryl Scanlan, was also on hand for today's training ride, as was Eroni's old teammate Michael Jones.
Jones learnt a helping hand to two-and-a-half-year-old Guy Pinfold, who will be the youngest rider on Saturday in Taupo.
3 News