More than $365k raised riding the alps

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FUN FUNDRAISING: Team Care Bears is family affair for the Croy family. Stopping for a break at Lake Lyndon are (from left back) Gareth Croy, David Halligan, Trevor Croy and Kayne Johansen, and (from left front) Rochelle Halligan, Lisa Croy, Linda Croy and Kathryn Johansen.
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Anyone driving from Christchurch to Hokitika on Saturday may have wondered what they had come across as almost 300 scooters took part in the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari.

It’s an annual fundraiser for the Cancer Society.

Among the riders were eight colourful bears. They were the Care Bears, which included Trevor and Linda Croy from Ashburton and their family.

It was the Croy’s third safari ride. They raised almost $18,000, placing them second on the teams’ leader board for overall fundraising.

The Super Scooter Safari Squad took out first place raising $21,793.31 of the total more than $365,000 raised.

Ashburton radio jock Luke Howden of Ashburton with best dressed winner Nicola Garlic of West Melton. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Another Mid Canterbury rider was radio jock Luke Howden. Through a sausage sizzle, dessert drop and smashing a giant pumpkin, he raised $5060.

Trevor said doing the ride was ‘‘a family affair. This year our son Garth and his wife Lisa came over from the Gold Coast to ride,’’ Trevor said.

‘‘It’s a wonderful experience even though it’s a crazy day riding scooters from Christchurch to Hokitika. We now have good scooters and all the right gear so the weather doesn’t impact us to much. Before we left we had to de-ice the scooter seats as they had frozen up.’’

Howden thanked the pit crew of his family, and supporters.

‘‘Freezing cold start, strong nor’west wind, and then rain from Arthur’s Pass. Thankfully it let up for a fine finish into Hokitika.’’

There were many ‘‘weird and wonderful creations’’ as people dressed their scooters.

‘‘Could be convinced to do it again, the scenery is incredible.’’