Motorbike rally helps Rural Support
Helen Upson of the Makotuku Black Dog Tavern loves riding motorbikes and having just returned from a 15-month 80,000km world tour on her Yamaha V Max 1700cc machine she decided to indulge her other passion of organising motorbike rallies.
On January 4 she held her sixth rally attracting 80 riders from as far away as Auckland and Invercargill. They mostly arrived on Friday and overnight there was a tent city in her back yard.
Next morning they embarked on the rally heading north through Whetekura, Flemington, Waipukurau and the back roads near Wanstead and Takapau before returning for a catered lunch.
In the afternoon there were games of skill involving jousting on peewee 80s bikes and rubber poles, riding the resident mechanical bull and other challenges before tea and a live band for the evening. A Kiwi breakfast next morning had most riders on their way resolving to return next year.
All together the rally raised $1300 towards the East Coast Rural Support Trust. Helen had recognised the high level of distress in rural areas and the help the Rural Support group provided combating depression and other mental issues amongst the rural community and supporting them during natural and human crises.
Jane Tylee, co-ordinator and field officer for Tararua, said there is a huge demand for councillors to help farmers and their families and the money will go to help pay these experts to come. Local trustee for Rural Support, Tony Rhodes, went on the rally and thanked the bikers after lunch for their generosity. If anyone wants to contact Rural Support they can ring 0800 787 254 or Jane directly on 027 367 3672.
Helen in turn thanked the huge number of people who helped support the rally, particularly Martin Ennor from the Ranui Farm Park in Flemington, who “was ring master for the day”, and Lou Peeti and Dannevirke New World Supermarket for helping cater. However Helen said it was all about the bikers who are always welcome at her establishment.