Motorbiking event raises $10K for Farmstrong

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A two-day motorbiking fundraising event brought a local biking community together and raised $10,000 for Farmstrong.

The Adventure Charity Ride was organised by Liam Ellis, who bought the motorbike dealership, Bradleys, in Rotorua in April this year.

The June event saw 85 motorbike enthusiasts jump on their bikes and ride from Rotorua south to Blue Duck Station, located near Whanganui National Park.

The bikers stayed overnight at Blue Duck Station before riding back to Rotorua the next day.

Supporting the rural community and Farmstrong

Liam, who grew up on a small farm in Palmerston North, says the event was a huge success and it was fantastic to raise so much money for Farmstrong.

“We took the back roads and gravel roads and travelled about 450km each way. There was a great mix of people and ages, women and men, and some had come from all around the North Island to take part.”

He says that despite the heavy rain on the first morning, a great time was had by all.

“It was a fun route, we got to explore new roads and back country in the middle of nowhere, areas that you wouldn’t usually go to.”

He says the event brought people together and gave them the opportunity to get away and have a break.

Liam, who worked in a motorbike dealership in Palmerston North for 10 years before moving to Rotorua, organised the fundraising event to support the local farming community and help Farmstrong.

“When I moved to Rotorua, I wanted to show my support for the local rural community and farmers and also support the great work Farmstrong does.”

Meeting new like-minded people

Ngakuru dairy farmer Chris Andrews took part in the event, riding his KTM 890 Adventure R Rally motorbike.

“It was great fun and well organised. I’ve only just started doing adventure riding but have done a lot of other riding in the past,” says Chris.

“It was really social and great to see some of the countryside that I wouldn’t normally see, and Blue Duck Station was a real highlight. I also got to meet some new, like-minded people which was cool.”

Chris says as he approaches 50 years of age, he’s keen to have more breaks and get out more, especially now that his farm is in a better position and he has more flexibility.

“As farmers if you want a break, you have to make it happen otherwise you just keep going and going.”