One of New Zealand's largest fundraising motorcycle trail rides took place on Saturday and is expected to raise more than $30,000 for Duntroon School.
The annual trail ride over about 120km of four trails of varying degrees of difficulty started in 2000 and had grown, this year attracting 970 riders, event spokeswoman Nicola Hutton said yesterday.
A lot of riders return each year from Canterbury and Southland, boosted by Central and North Otago participants.
Riding conditions, starting from 8am, were perfect, with no wind and rain last week helping reduce dust, she said.
The tracks provided a wide range of challenges, from loose riverbed gravels through old goldmining claims and plantations, rocky gullies, bogs and undulating tussock grasslands.
No major problems were experienced, apart from some minor injuries which were treated at the trail ride.
The annual ride has helped raise funds for upgrading of tennis courts, computer upgrades, interactive whiteboards for each of the three classrooms, upgrading the swimming pool, reading and maths resources, outdoor camps, skating and ski trips and a free sunhat and polar fleece top for all children starting at the school.
