Members of St John’s Union Church, Ōpōtiki, are exploring potential for a motorcycle enthusiasts’ group, particularly targeting older riders.

Since the idea was floated last week interest has been shown by riders living right across the Eastern Bay.

A meeting to discuss it will be held at the St John’s Lounge on October 21, with Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club member Rev Ra Koia, of Whakatāne, the guest speaker.

During his time with the Patriots Rev Koia acted as chaplain for each ride, speaking if required for rides, such as the White Ribbon, Riders Against Teen Suicide and Cancer Awareness.

The group based at Ōpōtiki would set its priorities in line with the needs of members.

If interest is shown, the activity would initially comprise a monthly meeting based around fellowship and a guest speaker. Potential for group rides would be discussed.

“These meetings will be for anyone interested in fellowship around this theme,” said one of the organisers, Don Davies, of Edgecumbe.

“You don’t have to own a motorcycle currently or even have more than a passing interest in bikes. Anyone can come, but we think it likely many of those interested will be older men.

“We’re not trying to set up a full-on motorcycle club – just creating a space to meet up for a cuppa, perhaps some interesting videos or talks and maybe a bit of reminiscing.

“Right now, it’s more about creating a comfortable ‘talk fest’, an opportunity to get off the coach and have fellowship, than riding to Invercargill to attend the Burt Munro Challenge. On the other hand, you never know what the future holds.

“Some of us were once heavily involved in road racing or motocross; some may have taken on epic bike adventures here in New Zealand or overseas. Others may have done or are planning interesting restorations – we’d like to hear about such challenges and accomplishments.”

Davies, a builder and lay preacher rides a Harley Davidson on fine days. He grew up riding British bikes in the 1970s.

A fellow organiser, Mark Ellis, of Ōpōtiki, spent much of his youth commuting, racing and even hunting on a Yamaha IT 175 enduro.

Ellis also plans to restore a 1979 Yamaha XS 750 road motorcycle.

Retired journalist Paul Charman, also of Ōpōtiki, says some of his best times were when employed as a Honda motorcycle salesman selling XR 200s in Auckland during the mid-1980s.

Charman rides an Aprilia scooter these days.

“My bike barely qualifies as a serious

motorcycle but it’s age appropriate.”

Davies said those interested might currently ride, or have ridden, “anything from a moped to a grand full-dress tourer”.

“There’d be nothing to stop us arranging for a November meeting to comprise a picnic at a local beach or coffee somewhere on the coast.

“Let’s see who turns up and what they want to do.”