Hawke's Bay riders to salute the services

Some of the scores of Bay motorcyclists who stepped up for last year's Social Cruizers Ride of Respect to raise funds for the local RSAs' Poppy Welfare Trusts. Photo / Paul Taylor.

When the Anzac and veteran welfare Ride of Respect idea was first floated nationally, the Hawke's Bay branch of Social Cruizers NZ Club were the first to kickstart it into life.

"We were the first to sign up because it is such and important event," local club president George Sands said, adding this would be the club's fourth time involved.

And he said as it would be the last staged by the original organising group, who had decided to step down the Hawke's Bay branch of Social Cruizers which had decided to take it onboard.

"We'll carry it on — it is for our nation — for our veterans and our fallen," Sands said.

This Sunday's Ride of Respect will set out from the Napier RSA at around 10am after registrations from 8am are wrapped up, with the great fleet of bikes and riders and passengers heading through Central Hawke's Bay before finishing up in the afternoon at Club Hastings.

Sands said while the ride was usually held just before Anzac Day, it was decided to stage this year's event on the following weekend as that worked out closer to the Thursday.

It was all about raising funds for the Poppy Welfare Trust, which operates within the RSA, with the proceeds going to assist returned and returning service personnel who are affected by hardship and health issues.

"We all know someone who has served so this is a real passion for us."

Last year's ride drew around 250 riders and the end result was a donation of more than $3000, which was split between the Napier and Hastings RSAs for their Poppy Welfare Trusts.

The organisers are hoping to exceed that number on Sunday and said the long-term ambition was to one day get 500 along.

"And then go for 1000 — which is a big target, but we'll try for it."

Like the previous rides, among the riders taking part will be former and currently serving members of the military through clubs like the Patriots MC, Military Defence Force MC and the Brothers In Arms MC.

Along the ride route the riders will stop at Onga Onga to lay a wreath there, as well as at the cenotaph in Waipukurau, where the local RSA will set up a fundraising sausage sizzle.

The registration fee is $15 and there would be some unique raffle prizes at the aftermatch gathering.

"It all goes to Poppy Welfare."

Sands said all riders and all motorcycles were welcome to join the annual Anzac-inspired cause.

Social Cruizers Hawke's Bay Branch Ride of Respect: Sunday, April 28, from Napier RSA around 10am (registrations from 8am)