Pulling power of pedals

Wairarapa people were riding for a good cause yesterday, although they weren't getting very far.

Riders from Wairarapa businesses took turns on exercycles in the window of the ASB Masterton in 15-minute slots to help raise money for St John.

Branch manager and organiser Sarah Liardet said the company was a major sponsor of St John but thought it would be nice to do something in store.

"We've got quite a strong local relationship and we try to get involved as much as we can," she said.

She said people have been really generous and supportive, and they hoped to raise about $500.

"The first rider that we had in here was actually just a customer that I approached in the supermarket yesterday and he said, 'yeah'," she said.

St John Wairarapa district volunteer manager Murray Pike said fundraising was an important part of the organisation.

"Without the support of the public or companies like ASB, St John would struggle to provide its service and functions in the community," he said.

Mr Pike said it was great to see a different kind of fundraiser and he was also offering free heart and blood pressure checks to those participating.

Zane Saba, of Chef on Demand, was one of the first riders of the day.

"My father doesn't have 100 per cent health so he uses this service regularly," he said.

The exercycles were donated to the branch for the day by Wai Weight.