Jolly Good Chaps is aiming for 300 riders to join the fun in the 2025 Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Challenge.
Jolly Good Chaps is aiming for 300 riders to join the fun in the 2025 Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Challenge.
The Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Challenge is back for its fourth year and there’s still time to enter, say organisers.
Event organiser Jolly Good Chaps is aiming for 300 riders to join the fun, challenge themselves and support mental health in the Hawke’s Bay community.
The one-day trek will kick off at dawn on Saturday, March 1 in Napier.
Riders will depart Marine Parade with the goal of covering about 320km to reach Wellington’s waterfront by late afternoon.
“We’re thrilled to see the continued support for this event,” event organiser Glenn Fulcher said.
“In 2024, we raised over $140,000, and this year, we want to exceed $200,000. We’re looking for 300 riders to join us for this exciting event – whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the scene.
“It’s all about having fun, challenging yourself, and supporting a great cause,” Fulcher said.
Jolly Good Chaps is aiming for 300 riders to join the fun in the 2025 Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Challenge.
Unofficially the longest scooter ride in New Zealand, the challenge is not for the faint of heart, as riders face the Remutaka Range, which one rider has described as “like the Rotorua luge but on a scooter”.
The challenge is part of the fun, though, as riders work together to raise funds for the Jolly Good Chaps Charitable Trust, which supports mental health initiatives and other critical services in the region.
All of the funds raised stay in Hawke’s Bay, benefiting the local community.
Scooter challenge participants from all over New Zealand are expected, including Michele Harland, who will ride her scooter all the way to Napier from Auckland before the challenge even begins.
“Initially, I did my first ride to support mental health services in Hawke’s Bay after the 2023 flooding. I can’t imagine the burden of that destruction.
“Now, it’s for the fun, good times, and adventure – and to remind everyone that ‘I’m fine’ doesn’t always mean ‘I’m fine’.
“This year, I’m extending my route with a massive trip from Auckland, through Taupō, Napier, Wellington, Palmerston North, Raurimu, and back to Auckland.
“I’m calling it my ‘C U Next Tuesday run’ – I should be home by Tuesday.”
Jolly Good Chaps is aiming for 300 riders to join the fun in the 2025 Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Challenge.
There are prizes, such as “Most Money Raised”, which includes a one-year supply of beer.
There’s also “Best Dressed” and “Best Scooter” awards.
All participants who raise significant funds will be entered to win prizes, including luxury mattresses and more.
