The Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari was started in 2009 by Mike and Jayne Rattray as a way to show support by my work colleagues at Air New Zealand in Christchurch, for another Air New Zealander, Blair Newton. He’d been recently diagnosed with cancer and this was thought to be a good way to raise money for the Cancer Society, who do such excellent work.
The Safari is a crossing of the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass from Christchurch to Hokitika, with the majority of participants on 50cc scooters. The idea being that although this can be an uncomfortable ride in wintry weather, that’s nothing compared to what cancer sufferers have to endure.
Blair rode his Nifty Fifty in the 2010 and 2012 events, appearing as The Stig and as Elvis, and in 2011 he rode from Christchurch to Wanganui to ride in the Central Plateau Scooter Challenge to Taupo. Blair passed away in 2014 but the Safari has continued in his memory, and we expect to raise a total of $1,000,000 in donations by this year’s Safari, on May 19.
With my wife Maree, who was also undergoing treatment for her own cancer, I rode in the 2010, 2012, and 2014 events, and she, too, passed away in early 2016. I rode in that year’s Safari as a travelling marshal. I now have Nicki in my life and for her first long ride on a bike (Honda Dio 110) we will attend this year’s Safari. We have plenty of two-up experience, but Nicki is relatively new to taking the controls – it’s a big deal for her to participate.
Would any Kiwi Bikers like to support this event? If so, please go to Nicki’s fund-raising page, and click the green Donate button. Here’s the link:
https://scootersafari2018.everydayhero.com/nz/nicki
Every little bit counts – thank you in advance.
Cheers, David and Nicki
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Originally Posted by Oakie
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