When it comes to playing, the Oamaru Intergalactic Ukulele Ensemble will be hard to beat this weekend.
The group of about 25 musicians will play at the inaugural Lauder Ukulele Festival on Waitangi Day, then some will join part of the Midnight Express Cycling Challenge, a fundraising ride on the Central Otago Rail Trail for the Otago Community Hospice.
The Oamaru riders, on penny-farthings and veteran cycles, will raise money through sponsorship and donations for the North Otago Hospice House appeal.
The joint venture came about through North Otago artist Donna Demente, who is a member of the ensemble.
The ensemble had been invited to play at the festival in the afternoon.
When Ms Demente heard about the ride, she asked if some of their group, along with Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club members, could join in.
Ms Demente will ride a replica Peugeot veteran cycle and artist partner Oliver Briggs a penny-farthing.
It is not known at this stage how many penny-farthing riders from the club will join them.
The Midnight Express is a non-stop night ride on the 152km rail trail, but the Oamaru contingent's trip will be shorter.
The players will head to central Otago on Friday morning, drop their gear at Ranfurly and travel on to Lauder, where they will leave their van.
They will get a lift back to Ranfurly and join the ride about 9pm to cycle back to Lauder.
''It's going to be hectic,'' Ms Demente said.
Tomorrow at 7pm the ensemble has a dress rehearsal at the Grainstore Gallery in Tyne St, which will be open to the public for a donation for the North Otago Hospice.
The cyclists are also seeking sponsorship for the ride.
