The 1989 Yamaha Riva Razz has sat in Mr Oakley’s garage for much of the past 20 years, but it will be cleaned up and given a few runs out ahead of the November 7 safari.
The biennial scooter trek takes 250 riders from Christchurch to Hokitika on a scenic 250km trip and is a fundraiser for the Canterbury/West Coast division of New Zealand Cancer Society.
Mr Oakley hopes to raise $1000 for the cause and his mates at the Vintage Car Club have already chipped in $100.
“I agreed to do it in a weak moment when fellow car club member Danny Symons suggested it.
“But, actually, I do think you do need to have a bit of fun and sense of adventure in life, no matter how old you are.”
Mr Oakley, who is 71, said he expected better weather and road conditions in November than the original safari date of May.
He intended being seen on the road and had plans to dress up as a bright yellow daffodil.
Mr Oakley’s wife Marion will act as his advanced support crew, and an official support crew will follow the procession over to the Coast.
“I’m not sure how I’ll go over Porters Pass, but I hope to complete the safari in six to seven hours.
“Luckily I don’t have to scooter back as well.”
Mr Oakley’s usual driving pride and joy is a 1926 Austin 12, an impressive 1800cc beauty that he takes on car club drives and longer trips.
To support his scooter effort go to the scootersafari.co.nz website and search for his name under the donate page.
