Tribute to memorable Northlander during race

NEARLY one year ago to the day, Northland businessman Michael Springford suffered a heart attack while taking part in the Wellington-to-Auckland Cycle Challenge and died during stage two of the race. Springford's son-in-law Aaron Gascoigne was with him at the time.

Gascoigne returns to the event this year to pay tribute to Springford, who Gascoigne describes as his "best mate", including presenting the Michael Springford Memorial Trophy to the winner of stage two from group three. Gascoigne will be taking Northern Advocate readers on his journey over the next few days.

They say time flies when you are having fun. Well, you know what - time flies when you have had the worst year of your life, too.

Just under a year ago I lost a father-in-law, my best mate. Jacinta (my wife), Manuel, Lyndon and Callum (his sons), lost a dad. Seven grandchildren lost a "Big Da", and Sharyn lost a soulmate.

So yeah, bring on 2014 cause it sure as heck has to be better than last year!

I made a tough decision this year to go back to Wellington and ride the stage that ultimately took Michael's life. I needed to get back down there and be Mick's representative throughout some of the formalities that are occurring marking the first anniversary of his death. They include the de-registration of number 138 - never to be used in a cycling event arranged by Steven Cox again.

A neutral peloton lead by me and Geoff Crawford to the exact location and at the exact time of Michael's death - a minute silence will be held at that spot and stage two of the race will commence from there. By the way, the irony is not lost on me that old Mick has finally helped me get to the front of a peloton at a bike race - this will be the only time you see me and Geoff at the pointy end of a cycle race so I had best get my camera ready, and that evening we will be presenting the "Michael Springford Memorial Trophy" given to the winner of stage two from group three.

I will fill you all in over the coming few days as to what's going on throughout the race. I am going to celebrate Michael's life and remember him as I grind up the Rimutakas and tackle the flats through Martinborough on his actual bike - "The White Stallion". Again, the irony is not lost on me that Michael named his bike after a horse!

I will raise a glass of the finest Heineken after each stage and toast the man who has made such an indelible mark on my life and will always continue to do so.

Emotionally I am ready - physically? You have to be kidding, I am going to be visiting the hurt locker - hence why I am only doing half of the tour. There is always next year.

I'll catch you on the road!