Enthusiastic scooter riders hit the road on Saturday to participate in the first Wellington “Capital 2 Country” Cancer Society Scooter Safari.
The riders completed a 181km journey on 50cc scooters, starting from the Wellington Indian Association in Kilbirnie, Wellington and crossing the finish line at Masterton’s Henley Park – with the route taking in Waiorongomai Station and Martinborough on the way.
Cancer Society Wellington’s fundraising events lead Mandy Evans described the inaugural North Island event as “amazing” [although the Scooter Safari fundraiser has been running for over a decade, up to now it’s only been held in the South Island].
The event has raised $42,000 for the Cancer Society so far, Evans said, with donations still being tallied up.
“We had a couple pull out before Remutaka because their bikes overheated, but everyone else finished with smiles on their faces, tooting those goddamn horns and waking up every local they could.”
Unsurprisingly, there was a small amount of wind in the capital but in Wairarapa, riders struck beautiful weather – and welcoming locals.
“At the square in Martinborough, everyone was standing out – you felt like a royal going through; it was like we had a crowd,” Evans said.
“That was really cool to have everyone out there supporting us.”
All of the event’s proceeds will support cancer research, supportive care services, education, and awareness programmes.
