Ride Aid

[Maha]

I often think back to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Ride in Auckland that I put together in 2011, and the numerous ACC protest rides I organised in 2009/10.
Some of these were big rides; the biggest local ride was in excess of 350 bikes in late 2009. Of course there were many others that helped bring these rides to success. There was always help from others on the day, and some even got in and helped without being asked. With a lot of help, I have managed to organise a national (Helicopter appeal ride) so I do know, with the right support, what I have in mind for Ride Aid, can be a national event if needs be.
The logistics of making these events happen takes time and effort, but the results are very satisfying and certainly worthwhile.
The Earthquake Appeal Ride is the one that stands out the most for me.
Thanks to Big Dave for this footage.
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Why? Because a bunch of likeminded people, motorcyclists (bikers), were out there, helping those who needed it the most at the time, for no other reason than they cared, and they could. None of us were personally affected by the earthquake, (though we may have had friends and family that were) yet we wanted to help and support the people that were. That was a proud day for everyone that attended.
Trojan’s footage is awesome…
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_4feH98LuRQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Maha]

There have been a number of occasions since then, that after learning of someone that has fallen on hard times, through no fault of their own, where I have wished there was a way to provide more support than my $20 or what have you, can provide. These are the times I remember how quickly bikers will come to the aid of those that need help, and wish there was a means for bikers, as a collective, to do so.
Hence my Ride Aid thinking.

Yes, there are the well-established, standard rides that raise money for all the usual worthy causes. They are wonderful! We should support them as we can. However, I am talking about something else here. The concept of Ride Aid will be fairly self-explanatory to people of a certain age, people coming together to raise money and awareness for others that are doing hard yards, for whatever reason. I see merit in the idea of bikers raising money, be it a little or a lot, and I am sure I am not alone when I see the need.

[Maha]

As I see it, all money raised will be donated to the nominated individual/ family/ group/ school/ town/ region or a charity anywhere in NZ that the organisers have decided to support. Obviously there will need to be some checks in place to ensure the monies raised end up where intended.
Who knows how often Ride Aid will need to act? I am thinking perhaps several events a year as and when the need arises. Each area will have a standard route mapped out; traffic management plans in place etc, and will be ready to jump when the need arises.
I can’t do this on my own, so I am looking for people prepared to help further the Ride Aid concept.

With the help of social media forums (and perhaps a website, long term) I feel there is a place for something like Ride Aid. Bike clubs could help with the bigger picture; I have a couple in mind that could possibly be tremendous help with large numbers …
Getting it to that stage only needs a few minds.

I will endeavour to answer any and or all questions, but will point out that Ride Aid is really in the ideas/planning stage for the now.

[iYRe]

If I can help let me know... i might be able to help with publicity - although its hard to convince journalists that any particular story is "news worthy". But if I can.. it might get the news out

[nodrog]

I am currently looking for 2 venolia pistons for an r90s , do i qualify for ride aid?

[Berries]

Glasses, perhaps.

[iYRe]

I spoke to the news guys at work, and they are interested in doing an "interest piece" - unlike other media outlets we like to have some good news stories. Once you have got what you're doing formalised in some way, they'd be keen.