Jos Mason, who started B.A.D.D after her husband's death. Photo / Alan Gibson
More than 150 bikers are expected at a ride in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato tomorrow to protest against drink-driving.
The ride will be a tribute to bikers Leon Mason, Simon Short and Toni Dommerholt-Purchase who were killed by repeat drink-driver Gordon Armstrong in April.
The event
will also mark the launch of New Zealand Bikers Against Drunk Drivers (Badd), which was started by Mr Mason's widow, Jos.
"The purpose [of the ride] is first to honour Leon, Simon and Toni - their fantastic lives - but also to bring an awareness out there of the consequences of drinking and driving, and the devastation that it's caused," Mrs Mason said.
Mr Mason, 33, left two young children, one a baby.
Ms Dommerholt-Purchase, 43, was the mother of two girls aged 10 and 13. She and Mr Short, 37, were partners.
One of Ms Dommerholt-Purchase's daughters is expected to speak when the bikers gather at the Okoroire Pub, near Tirau. Mrs Mason said although the group would meet at the pub, they would not be drinking.
Badd is calling for tougher penalties for repeat drink drivers.
Protest ride
* Bikers Against Drunk Drivers (Badd) Ride.
* Meet at 9am tomorrow at Bayride Motorcycles in Tauranga, or 10am at the Okoroire Pub, east of Tirau.
* Ride to Hamilton and back to Tauranga.
* Pre-register at Bayride Motorcycles (07) 571- 3040 or www.bayride.co.nz
* Cost $10; all proceeds to Badd.
* Ride postponed until August 26 if raining.
