Rotary trail ride ready to rev up again

A Rotary Paeroa fundraising trail ride will rev up on November 13 after two years of blown fuses due to Covid-19.
Vice president Ivan Petch told The Profile the trail ride had been full noise for around 16 years prior to Covid-19 and was one of the main fundraisers for Rotary Paeroa.
“We’ve raised around $8000 in the past and it usually goes back into the community,” he said. “A lot of it goes back into the schools. Netherton School helps on the day and provides staff to help run the sign in table so they usually get a donation.
“Hikutaia School have also been beneficiaries of the trail ride as well and we also support the likes of St John and various other recipients in Paeroa.”
Ivan said the event, which takes place between 10am and 2pm, was a “fun trail ride” for families and motorbike riders, with the start and finish lines at Plains View Farms at the top of Strange Rd, Hikutaia.
The main loop track is about 30km long, covering five farms and two forestry blocks, he said.
“We also have a junior track for riders who don’t want to go the full distance and a peewee track for beginner riders with adult supervision.
“I’m on the organising committee and the trail ride was originally instigated by Mark Whyte, Rod Coe, Walter Tye and Barry Williams, and they have a team of helpers to organise the event each year.”
Ivan said the Rotary Paeroa was hoping for “record numbers” this year. “I think the biggest number we had was something like 570 odd riders and most years we would get in the vicinity of 300 to 350 riders.”
Ivan said the event cost $40 for senior riders, $30 for junior riders, $10 for beginners and $100 for a family of two adults and three children who live at the same address.
Entry fees could be paid at the start line on the day of the event.
Those planning to attend should keep an eye on the Rotary Paeroa Facebook page for weather updates, he said.