They are unashamedly mature and riding into a town near you. The Antique Riders are cycling the length of the country - from Cape Reinga to Bluff - in a bid to raise $350,000 for the St John organisation.
The average age of the riders is 69 and the oldest, Eric Hunter, is almost 75. The cyclists, who all hail from Canterbury, are due to arrive in Otago tonight after cycling from Timaru to Dunedin.
A warm welcome is planned for the 12-member group when it arrives in Balclutha tomorrow. Clutha Order of St John staff are planning to officially welcome the riders.
Their South Otago visit brings the group close to its final stop, which is Bluff on Monday.
Team leader Bryan Mullaly (68) said he was pleased with how the trip was going so far and thrilled with the public's response and support for the cause.
The group left Blenheim on Wednesday morning for Kaikoura and Christchurch. From there they rode to Timaru, before tackling the journey to Dunedin today.
Tomorrow they make the 156km journey from Dunedin to Gore, but will enjoy a pit stop in Balclutha.
Clutha St John area chairman Colin Ward said the riders had covered some impressive ground so far.
"What makes this event special is the hard work of the Antique Riders who have all trained very hard. We welcome them to our town and hope that the local community show their support for them."
The group is scheduled to arrive in Balclutha about 1pm tomorrow.
Locals who want to ride alongside them are asked to meet in the car park behind the Balclutha War Memorial Hall at 12.30pm.
For a donation, locals can ride with the cyclists to the St John building for a barbecue and open day.
Spot prizes, a lolly scramble and a competition for best decorated bike will be held. Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so on Sunday, give online at www.
fundraiseonline.co.nz/antique, or phone 0900 RIDER (74337).
