Honda Australia has kicked off the festive season by delivering the winner of the 2012 Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation 2012 Snowy Ride with an adventure touring VFR1200X and the winner of the Snowy Ride raffle with a legendary CBR1000RR.
Bob Hayward of ACT was almost speechless when his name was called out from the over 3,000 strong crowd at the close of the 2012 Snowy Ride event in the alpine region of NSW. “I nearly had a heart attack, I just couldn’t believe it!” exclaimed Bob when asked about his first reaction. IMAGE: Bob Hayward on his new VFR1200X at Canberra Motorcycle Centre, ACT
A first time participant in the Snowy Ride, which has been held annually since 2001, Bob said he wishes he had gone many times in the past; “It was absolutely wonderful, to ride through the mountains with the contingent of motorcyclists was really great, and to be helping such a worthwhile cause makes it even more special.”
Since its inception, the Snowy Ride has raised almost $5 million for the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation, and from the onset Honda Australia has shown unwavering support.
Whilst excitedly collecting his new VFR1200X from Canberra Motorcycle Centre last week, Bob said he was thrilled with the new adventure touring machine. “It looks excellent; I particularly like the integrated look of the accessories and the convenience of having a single key to access the top box and panniers. Also, the ease of use of switchable traction control will be fantastic.”
Bob, who already has a Honda Goldwing and a Honda CB125e at home, plans to reserve his new VFR1200X for more adventurous rides, in particular, he will make the trip from Canberra to Alice Springs in 2014.
The second lucky Snowy Ride winner was not a participant in the 2012 event but purchased a raffle ticket to go in the draw to win a Honda CBR1000RR. Annette Payne’s winning ticket was pulled out of an incredible 13,543 tickets, which collectively raised a huge $67,715 towards the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation.
The NSW resident, whose husband is a volunteer at the Foundation, was in complete disbelief that she had won the Honda CBR1000RR. Speaking about the win, Annette said, “I spent at least a day just thinking that it couldn’t be possible, I just don’t win things!”
While collecting her new CBR1000RR from Hawkesbury Honda earlier this week, Annette proudly said her first motorcycle was a Honda, but now, since she does not ride anymore, her husband will most likely have a lot of fun on the new machine.
Reflecting on the Snowy Ride event, Annette said, “It’s just such a fantastic cause, my husband and I have a long association with the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation and we think it is wonderful that Honda donates so generously.”
The Snowy Ride, which is held on the first weekend in November every year, has grown to become the largest community motorcycle event in Australia attracting over 3,000 riders plus many pillion passengers and spectators each year.
Honda would like to extend a special thanks to the organisers, volunteers and participants involved in ensuring the 2012 Snowy Ride was a huge success.
stevenwalterfoundation.org.au