Three police officers planning to cycle from Cape Reinga to Wellington are giving themselves an extra challenge by leaving their flash road bikes behind and pedalling 1970s Raleigh Choppers instead.
The "Coppers on Choppers" will start their journey in Kaitaia this Friday. On Saturday they will take part in the White Ribbon Day ride before starting their ride in earnest at Cape Reinga on Sunday.
The trio of Waitemata District Community Constables - Grant Kenny, Megan D'Oliveira and Rob Gormly - will visit as many schools as they can as they pedal through Northland. They plan to complete the 1152km ride on December 11, which means they'll have to average 80km a day on bikes designed for style rather than speed.
The bikes are Mark III Raleigh Choppers bought on TradeMe.
They have been adapted to fit and the gears have been improved.