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.
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.’’
