Hawera man signs up for charity ride

A love of motorcycles and a passion for charities are driving Colin McDonald's desire to enlist in New Zealand's first Postie Bike Challenge.

The six-day ride from Cape Reinga to Wellington, from March 26 to 31, includes stops in New Plymouth and Hawera and is designed to raise money for Camp Quality NZ.

All participants will be riding postie-style scooters.

When Mr McDonald, from Hawera, first heard about the 1142km challenge, he settled on the idea almost immediately.

"A friend of mine was telling me about a similar one in Australia, which interested me, and while I was looking that one up online I stumbled upon this," Mr McDonald said.

After a short time working out the feasibility, it was all go.

"It's for a great cause and I don't like to just give money away to a charity.

"I like to be involved and offer my help," he said.

The only stumbling block is the severe downgrade of grunt from his usual two-wheeled hog.

"The post bike is 110cc and 80kg, which is capable of doing 70kmh or 75kmh downhill with a good wind behind you," Mr McDonald said.

"Then you compare that with my 1.8litre, 350kg Harley Davidson with cruise control and all the extras that I usually ride.

"The smaller bike has taken a little bit of time to get used to, but I'm getting there."

He is no stranger to long-distance rides and, fresh from the Americarna celebrations, he is looking forward to the experience.

"Riding along New Zealand with a group of 20 riders of a similar mind sounds like a great time," he said.

Riders supply the bike, tent and bedding. The entry fee of $1100 covers accommodation, breakfast, dinner, fuel and a donation to Camp Quality NZ.

Each year, at a cost of more than $550,000 and through the commitment of more than 750 volunteers, Camp Quality NZ delivers week-long summer camps and fun programmes for children living with cancer.

The riders will arrive in New Plymouth on March 29, then travel through Hawera on their way to Wellington on March 30.

This year marks 25 years since the organisation's first summer camp in New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News