The challenge is to drive from Nelson city to the Marlborough Sounds in four days. It sounds simple enough, but there are plenty of buts.
First, it must be done on a 50cc scooter, over some of the toughest off-road tracks in the top of the South Island. Then you must compete in challenges each day against the other riders with the winner raising cash for charity. Finally, you must do it with a smile on your face. Although founder and organiser of the Survivor Scooter Challenge, Jason Monopoli, admits he’s never seen anyone struggle through the last one.
The Survivor Scooter Challenge is now in its third year and will be bigger than ever. It’s a fun challenge, driving a 50cc scooter off-road and with great camaraderie. Jason started the event in New Zealand after competing in the Australian Postie Bike Challenge, where hundreds of people drive through the desert on a 50cc scooter. Since then it has grown from a few mates the first year to a maximum of 15 riders last year and 20 this year.
Jason says he has already had confirmations from some riders for this year’s event but would like to see more people get involved and urges anyone who may be interested to give him a call or an email to find out more about it. “It’s great fun and most of the people who have been in the past have never ridden a scooter before so you don’t have to be too experienced. Just keen to have a good time.”
The challenge starts on November 21 and will make its way to Ward beach in the Marlborough Sounds. “We want as much off-road as possible but still really scenic. Our challenges this year will be Olympic themed. We will pick some events and have some fun with them.”
Jason is also hoping to get some corporate sponsorship to help raise more money for the designated charity – KPH, a charity for children with special needs. Last year the event raised $4500 for KPH.
For more information visit www.survivorscooter.com, call Jason on 0508 467 264 or email info@orangedog.co.nz.
