Skin cancer survivor Mikki Kragelund and friend Nina Oosterveer will fly to Auckland on Tuesday to prepare for the 2400km-plus journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff, aiming to finish by early March.
Dutch-born Miss Kragelund spent a childhood outdoors in Cocoa Beach, Florida and at the age of 24 was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma, a malignant skin cancer which is fatal if left untreated.
The 25-year-old and former workmate Miss Oosterveer (24), of Holland, plan to celebrate life one year on since Miss Kragelund's last treatment by raising money for the World Skin Cancer Foundation and increasing awareness of the none-too-rare condition.
The farewell event would begin at midday and include live music, a sunscreen station manned by the women, free skin checks during the day and DJ Phatkat on the decks from 9pm until late, Miss Kragelund said.
Queenstown acoustic band Freefall will play, several more bands were planned and plenty of drink specials would be on offer. A dollar from each drink sold would be donated to the World Skin Cancer Foundation.
"During the day it's going to be nice and mellow and pushing that message of being safe in the sun, and then, at night, it's just going to turn into a party," Miss Kragelund said.
Since the women last spoke to the Otago Daily Times, Miss Kragelund had been provided with a bike by Hillcrest Dermatology and flights courtesy of her workplace, Flame Bar and Grill. Today's event was being sponsored by NZSki and Absolutely Natural.
Miss Oosterveer's bike is being provided by Brazz, and the pair have received free access to Queenstown Gym, help from Outside Sports and the Bead Shop, as well as several offers of accommodation during their trip.
Miss Kragelund said training was going well, despite the "speed bump" of Christmas and a couple of minor crashes, including one at Moke Lake, when she "got cocky and just went flying".
"So now we are looking forward to getting out there and doing the ride for charity, meeting with people, as skin cancer affects everybody, and just enjoying the ride and scenery away."
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sunnycyclers.com
