Bikers rev up for rescue crew

Shane Sinclair of D and M Autos, Hastings, checks over his Yamaha WR450F before the fundraising trail ride he had organised for the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helipcopter.

The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter service received a $4500 boost after more than 200 off-road motorcyclists enjoyed a fundraising ride at Kereru, west of Hastings.

Organiser Shane Sinclair was delighted with the result.

"It was a great day and when the Lowe Corporation helicopter called in at lunchtime it was swamped by kids."

He organised the fundraising ride after having been a patient of the service after a motorcycle crash about 18 months ago.

"I wanted to say thank you."

Mr Sinclair said 212 riders turned up to take part in the event over 37km of loop circuits and while the organising was daunting, he would look at making it an annual event.

"I was in a bit of a blur - all over the place on the day, but I had a core of about eight helpers who had been involved in organising these rides before and I couldn't have done it without them."

He also thanked the management of Kereru Station and Ross Allan, who runs a property at the end of Gull Flat Rd for allowing the cross-country ride to take place on Sunday.