Healing ride crosses finish line

Sam Troth’s cycle trip around the South Island came to a close Tuesday evening in Blenheim, after completing the final leg of his Road to Healing circumnavigation mission.

The sexual abuse awareness advocate has spent April cycling over 2000km, speaking with people across the South Island about his lived experience as a victim himself for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

He hopes by sharing his story it will encourage fellow victims to tell their story to help combat New Zealand’s abuse statistics.

And after finishing surrounded by supporters and sponsors who had both joined him for the final day’s cycle from Ward, Sam was filled with happiness to cross the line.

“It was a stunning day to cycle in from Ward, except the headwinds we were battling into - but that meant there were lots of opportunities to stop and chat with people on the way, as well as a good long lunch stop.

“Marlborough has been so supportive, especially Lee and the team at the Marlborough Youth Trust, and Brendon, Angie and the team at Cycle World with the simply fantastic Specialized e-bikes I’ve been on.”

After getting off the bike for the final time, Sam said he’s looking forward to resting up the legs and enjoying some local hospitality before heading home.

“I’m staying around for a few days, having our kickstart breakfast at CBD Eatery tomorrow, and then heading back to the Coromandel to see family, rest up for a bit and then start planning the next adventure!”

The following helplines available for people needing help:

• Safe to Talk(external link) sexual harm helpline: 0800 044334, text: 4334, email: support@safetotalk.nz
• Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00
• Women's Refuge(external link): 0800 733 843
• Shine domestic abuse services(external link) free call: 0508 744 633 (24/7, Live Webchat is also available)
• Hey Bro helpline(external link) - supporting men to be free from violence 0800 HeyBro (439 276)
• Family violence information line(external link) to find out about local services or how to help someone else: 0800 456 450
• Oranga Tamariki line(external link) for concerns about children and young people: 0508 326 459, email: contact@ot.govt.nz1737,
• Need to talk?(external link) Free call or text: 1737 for mental health support from a trained counsellor
• Youthline(external link): 0800 376 633, free text: 234, email: talk@youthline.co.nz
• Shakti - for migrant and refugee women - 0800 742 584 - 24 hours
• Elder Abuse Helpline: 0800 32 668 65 - 24 hours, text: 5032, email: support@elderabuse.nz