Cyclists brave the elements for charity ride

JOHN BISSET, Timaru Herald

Rain go away: The Pink Bunnies weren't deterred by the soggy weather as they passed through Twizel yesterday on the fifth Central South Island charity bike ride to raise funds for various charities.

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THE spirits of riders in the fifth Central South Island charity bike ride weren't dampened yesterday as the weather turned wet and wild.

The riders, all 165 of them, hit the road on Thursday, cycling from Timaru to Tekapo, Tekapo to Kurow, and then back to Timaru.

They are expected to arrive back at their starting point, the SBS Events Centre in Morgans Rd, Timaru, about 3.30pm today. In the first year, the ride raised $28,000 for charity. Last year, proceeds topped $128,000. Riders have to raise $350 to enter, with many contributing up $5000.

The three main charities to benefit this year are South Canterbury Hospice, Arthritis New Zealand (Canterbury branch), and Aoraki Community Care Trust. Also benefiting are Neighbourhood Support, the Order of St John, Parent to Parent, Lysosomal Diseases NZ, and Epilepsy NZ.

- © Fairfax NZ News