Bikers happy to help out the helpers

Members of the Hawke's Bay branch of the Ulysses Club with St John chief Brendon Hutchinson and some of the vital equipment they have helped raised funds for. Photo / Paul Taylor

During the past decade the motorcycling members of the Ulysses Club of Hawke's Bay have dug into their pockets to the tune of around $10,000 for an organisation they know will "be there" if they need it.

"If something were to go wrong out there on the road they will come and collect us - look after us," club president "Tiny" Tim Stewart said of St John Ambulance.

"That is the reason we support them."

Mr Stewart said it was simply a case of members of the community doing something for an organisation which did so much for their community.

Several club members rolled up at the Greenmeadows headquarters of St John yesterday afternoon, to hand over the proceeds of the annual Anzac Day fundraising run.

Heretaunga territory manager Brendan Hutchinson was delighted to welcome them in for a look around and to receive the $1000 they had raised.

"Without groups and clubs like Ulysses doing this, we would be in an entirely different position," Mr Hutchison said. Much vital equipment was purchased through donations.

Mr Hutchinson said the latest cash effort from the motorcyclists would be earmarked for St John's ongoing replacement programme for "lifesaving" gear.

Mr Stewart said the club's support for St John would be boosted for next year's fundraising ride.

"We are planning to make it bigger and better, and are looking to see how we can re-format it and get other motorcycle clubs involved."

He said links forged within the motorcycling community through the years would get more riders involved. About 160 bikes rolled out for this year's 65km ride, joined by members of local hot rod clubs as well as riders from outside the region.