Bikers rev for breast cancer this Sunday

Bikers rev for breast cancer this Sunday

More than 350 “pinked out” motorbikes, from 50cc scooters to 2000cc Harley Davidson and Suzuki cruisers, are expected to take part in the Women’s International Motorcycle Association’s (WIMA) annual Pink Ribbon Ride in Auckland this Sunday October 11, raising funds for the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.

A similar ride will be held in Wellington, also on Sunday.

The Auckland ride departs from the AMI Auckland Netball Centre in St Johns at 10:30am sharp, and finishes at Western Springs Stadium by 11:15. Thanks to a police escort, riders will enjoy a rare uninterrupted ride through Auckland’s streets, with guaranteed green lights.

Anyone, male or female, is welcome to ride their motorcycle in the Pink Ribbon Ride, with a $10 badge purchase the suggested entry fee. Decorating bikes with pink paraphernalia is encouraged. Riders and the public can enjoy a barbecue, coffee vans and raffles at Western Springs Stadium at the end of the ride.

The ride can be watched from anywhere – it’ll be hard to miss – but a good vantage point to take in the whole spectacle is the pedestrian over bridge near Parnell Baths on Tamaki Drive.

This year is the 12th anniversary of the ride and it still amazes Christine Mudford, WIMA’s National Pink Ribbon Ride Co-ordinator how many riders attend for the first time each year. “This event has proven to be very successful within the Motorcycle Charity Ride Calendar and the general public. It is a great event and I’m looking forward to a great turnout again this year. People come from all around the region, often because of their own connection to this disease.”

Since the inaugural ride in 2004, WIMA has raised over $85,000 for The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation through its Auckland and Wellington events. “This is one of my favourite events in the October calendar as it always creates such an amazing atmosphere that brings together women, men and families,” said NZBCF chief executive Van Henderson. “We so appreciate the money and awareness WIMA raises for us each year.”

Bikes will start arriving at the AMI Auckland Netball Centre, off Morrin Road in St Johns, from 9:00am on Sunday. The ride departs at 10:30am sharp, following Kohimarama Road, St Heliers Bay Rd, Tamaki Drive, Quay Street, Hobson Street, Pitt Street, Karangahape Road, Great North Road to Western Springs Stadium.

ends

© Scoop Media