Hospice to benefit from biker fundraiser

RIDE FOR RELIEF: Willy Ransfield of Design Studios shows off the prize pool for tomorrow's "On Ya Bike" charity run. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Knight St in Hastings will be transformed for a mass motorcycle meeting tomorrow as bike enthusiasts prepare to ride and raise funds for the Cranford Hospice.

The Hastings District Council is supporting the event and closing the road between 8.30am and 10.30am.

British American Motorcycle Club members are like-minded motorcycle-mad riders who have organised the "On Ya Bike Mystery Charity Ride", with mystery stops along the way before reaching their final destination at the Puketapu Hotel for a prizegiving.

Members approached 56 businesses who have donated to the cause, netting about $9000 worth of cash and sponsored prizes for participants.

Some prizes and raffle items include luxury accommodation, a leather vest tailored for a toddler, fresh prime cuts of "biker beef", "hog bacon", helmets, jackets and more.

The ride will cover about 170km with 200 to 300 riders expected to take part. The major prize is an "On Ya Bike" fridge full of mystery items valued at more than $1200.

Willy Ransfield of Design Studio helped organise the event and said safety was paramount on the day. He designed and donated the event's major mystery prize. "The pilot van will lead the iron-horse posse and travel at the safe legal speed. No rider is permitted to pass it," he said.

"This event is advertised as a fun safe ride, not a race.

"We also have two back-up support vehicles to include a trailer unit in the unfortunate event there is a breakdown."

Mr Ransfield said being the group's first such major charity event it aimed to run it as smoothly as possible.

"With safety being our first priority, we want riders enjoying a sunny road trip and just as important, raising funds for Cranford Hospice Hawke's Bay."

It would be an annual event.