Riding for charity

Scooter fundraiser. Three Rotorua guys riding from Taupo to Wanganui.

Four Rotorua good sorts are taking to their scooters to raise money for hospice.

Bob Nutley, Bill Rottier, Karl Rottier and Mark Johnson will ride from Wanganui to Taupo along the Desert Rd for the Central Plateau Scooter Challenge on March 21.

The four, who are named Team Blues Breakers, will travel 270km on four bikes especially prepared for the challenge to fundraise for Wanganui Hospice.

It will be the second time brothers Bill and Karl Rottier have undergone the challenge, which runs every two years.

This is the third time the event has run.

The four will leave Wanganui at 7.30am and arrive at the Taupo RSA at about 6pm.
Their service driver Lisa Parker will follow them on their journey.

"There is nothing like the thrill of riding the desert road at 35 miles per hour on a summer day with a t-shirt on," Karl said.

Karl Rottier enlisted neighbours Mr Nutley and Mr Johnson for the challenge.

The drive should take about 10 hours.

They will have to refuel about three times and will have stops at regular intervals along the way, he said.

"This year we have jell cushions coming for the seats.

"Last year we raised money for child cancer and this year it is for Wanganui Hospice - it's just a bit of fun really, and it's for charity," Karl said.

None of the men have ties to Wanganui but said a love of motorbikes and wanting to contribute to a charity made them get involved.

They hope to raise at least $700 for their efforts.

"It's really just to raise money and to have fun, it's just a bit of fun for a good cause."

To donate to Team Blues Breakers, call Karl Rottier on
(027) 478 4191.