News

May 22, 2023

Seals to eels scooter ride reels in $10,500 for rescue helicopter

There were cow and tiger onesies, a Where’s Wally, Minions and the Two Ronnies,

There were cow and tiger onesies, a Where's Wally, Minions and the Two Ronnies, all on two wheels on a long, slow ride for a good cause.

Colourful costumes ruled as a bunch of enthusiastic 50cc scooter riders took part in the Seals to Eels on Scooter Wheels charity ride on Saturday.

The 245-kilometre ride from Tāhunanui to Lake Rotoiti and back raised more than $10,500 for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter.

The general manager of the helicopter trust, Paula Muddle, said the event had grown steadily in its three years, and the 43 registered riders this year was a record.

READ MORE: * Two Tasman patients transported by Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter * Steady weekend for Nelson Marlborough Rescue helicopter * Teen winched to safety off forestry block after being hit in the head by rock * Tramper winched from Nelson Lakes National Park with leg fracture

Muddle said the day was a huge amount of fun, as the riders enjoyed perfect conditions on their 50kph journey through Richmond, Māpua, Motueka, Riwaka, and the Motueka Valley through to lunch on the shores of Lake Rotoiti at St Arnaud before returning via 88 Valley Rd.

There were five breakdowns as some of the older scooters struck trouble, and the odd singed cape, but it was a happy bunch who returned for the debrief at the Speights Ale House.

Muddle said she hoped to see more corporate teams taking part next year, building on the turnout of a team from Berkett Contracting this year.