Napier: Record turnout for charity motorcycle ride supporting firefighters

K55 charity ride founder Rossco Arthur, left, alongside one of the inaugural riders Bevan Thompson.

A charity motorcycle ride in Hawke’s Bay supporting firefighters has been labelled “absolutely amazing” after a record turnout.

More than 50 riders took part in Sunday’s event from Napier to Taupō.

The Red Knights K55 charity ride has been held annually since 2019, with the exception of Covid lockdown years.

Waikato also started its own version of the charity ride this year.

Central Hawke’s Bay resident Rossco Arthur, a former volunteer firefighter, founded the K55 charity ride.

“K55 is the call sign over the radio for a firefighter needing support, that’s where it comes from.”

More than $2000 was raised on Sunday, for firefighters who have fallen on hard times, or are suffering from the likes of PTSD or cancer.

Arthur said Sunday’s event was “absolutely amazing” and attracted a record turnout.

“The first ride we did five years ago there were only five riders.”

The charity ride is supported by the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club.

Arthur said the ride also helped raise awareness about improving support for volunteer firefighters, such as better ACC cover.