Harleys rally together for CanTeen

United: The annual Harley Davidson spring run fundraising ride for Kids CanTeen, turning off SH50 Maraekakaho Rd into Valley Rd, Maraekakaho. Photo/Duncan Brow

The Hawke's Bay Harley Davidson club rallied together for their annual spring run to support CanTeen at the weekend.

Around 400 bikes arrived at the Angus Hotel in Hastings on Saturday to go on a ride for children with cancer.

Club treasurer Dale York said it was a fantastic day and he was really happy with the turnout.

"It is something the club enjoys doing, we love to help the kids as they get such a buzz out of riding with us."

Mr York said they had been supporting the charity for a number of years and this year they finished the ride with a presentation and auction before a live band played, which concluded the day.

"During the presentation we had two cancer survivors speak to us about their journey and it was very inspiring, they both spoke beautifully and it brought the cause home."

He said that in two weeks time club members were taking a 17-year-old with cancer on a ride becausehe only had a fortnight to live.

"It is times like this when you just want to help and the kids find the rides such an unreal experience."

Members of CanTeen also came on Saturday and helped with the day, providing a barbecue for all event goers.

Mr York said the barbecue was great because it was another source of revenue for the charity, which would add on to what the club was already donating from the auction and ticket sales.

"We gave them a $3000 cheque yesterday but we are meeting again to work out the money from the auction, so we hope to hand over a lot more once it is all worked out."

Mr York said it was a very successful day and club memberswere just happy to be able to help and offer support to a charity that New Zealanders were affected by every day.