''Diabolical weather'' has not deterred 28 motorcyclists undertaking a 2500km South Island ride in support of White Ribbon Day.
Taking a day off in Dunedin's Octagon yesterday, Sally Napier (55), of Christchurch, recounted the first few legs of the trip, on her new, two-week old 900cc Triumph Speedmaster.
''It really has been hard riding at times, wind, rain and even snow crossing over Arthurs Pass,'' Mrs Napier said.
While having ridden motorbikes when a teenager, Mrs Napier had until two weeks ago been a pillion passenger on earlier White Ribbon rides with husband Chuck, who rides a 1600cc Triumph Thunderbird.
Mrs Napier was unnerved by the prospect of snow, but the couple had in-helmet communication, so were able to pass on road conditions to each another.
The Napiers had initially ridden from Christchurch to Nelson to join the main group, and had since been across to the West Coast, through Central Otago, and to Bluff, staying at marae on the way. Their eight-day adventure ends on Wednesday when the group arrives at the final destination, Kaikoura.
Mr Napier said there were 24 motorbikes in their group, carrying 28 people, and occasionally other motorcyclists joined in.
The White Ribbon Riders operated in the South Island under a trust, the latest ride being the fourth, while there were like-minded North Island groups, also touring at present.
''Aside from some diabolical weather, it has been a great success in getting the anti-violence message out there,'' Mr Napier said.
