An abbreviated course for the Central South Island Charity Bike ride has been revealed as organisers wrestle with the Covid-19 red traffic light restrictions.
Committee chairman Max Munro said it had considered cancelling but instead it has reduced the annual three-day, 300-kilometre ride to two separate rides on February 17 and 18.
On February 17, participants will ride Timaru to Southburn on to Blue Cliffs and Cave, returning to Timaru via Taiko, while on February 18, riders will travel from Pleasant Point to Woodbury, through to Rangitata, to Temuka and back to Pleasant Point. Both courses are about 120km.
“So far, the riders have already raised $75,000, and we’ve got a target of about $110,000. That’s comparable with previous years, which is incredible when you consider all the obstacles we’ve had this year.”
Munro said even if the ride had to be cancelled the fundraising would continue.
This year, it is raising money for Heart Kids New Zealand, YMCA, Life Education Trust, Whalan Lodge Home Care in Kurow, Creative Corner Early Learning Centre, South Canterbury Child Restraint Rentals, Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury and South Canterbury Hospice.