The Ulysses Whakatāne motorcycle group is holding its annual Mountain to Sea charity ride on November 8.

The ride will start at the Kawerau New World car park and finish at Thornton Beach Holiday Park.

One of the organisers, Theo Duyveston, said the event was a good way for motorcycle enthusiasts to meet new friends with similar interests while raising money for Hato Hone St John.

“We’re not a service-based club, it’s more for enjoyment for people,” he said.

The club has about 30 active members who meet every Thursday and Sunday for rides, usually stopping for coffee before heading out.

Duyveston said the friendships formed through the club were one of its best aspects.

“I think what I personally enjoy about it is the relationships you form with people after getting to know them.”

The club brings together people from a range of backgrounds, with motorcycle riding being their common interest.

“They cross the whole spectrum of society, and the common thing is the motorbike riding,” he said.

The annual charity ride is open to all motorcycle riders, including non-members, as long as their bikes are road-legal and they are licensed.

“Anyone can turn up, and we’re very welcoming” Duyveston said.

The route is approximately 120 kilometres, with markers along the way to help riders follow the course.

Registration opens at 10am, with the ride starting at 11am. Riders must arrive by 10.55am for the ride briefing.

A barbecue, raffles and prizegiving will be held at the end of the ride.

The club has chosen to support Hato Hone St John each year going forward, with the aim of building a stronger relationship with the organisation.

All money raised from the event will go towards Hato Hone St John.

For more information, contact Tricky Cunningham on 027 492 3317.