NAPIER firefighter Trevor Griffon was one of 85 adventure riders who explored the King Country at the weekend. Photo Paul Charman.
A LARGE group of adventure motorcycle riders criss-crossed the King Country over the weekend, notching up 820 kilometres over two days to raise money for cancer patients.
Organiser Glen Carlsen said on Saturday, 85 participants took the back roads from Taupō to National Park and on to Blue Duck Station, Kaitieke Valley, where they stayed the night.
The next day they made their way to Te Kūiti, via Matiere and Ōhura, with some off-roading sampled on properties belonging to Kotare Farm and Waipa Valley farms, both of which generously allowed access.
The group made its way back to Taupō via more back roads, visiting Benneydale/Maniaiti and Pureora.
“We raised about $24,600 for Look Good Feel Better, which helps cancer patients – mainly women but also some men – with tips and tools to face cancer.
“It provides wigs, makeup and so forth to give victims more confidence after side effects such as hair loss,” Glen said.
Participants from right across the North Island took the arduous journey in their stride. Only one bike ended up on the support trailer following a breakdown.
A single rider fell off his machine, but picked himself up and rode home following the spill.
Glen said the event followed a similar one two years ago, which raised about $16,500.
