NEW ZEALAND - Poker run riders can expect to be checked by police

OFF THE WIRE
Police are promising to be out in force for a controversial Nelson charity motorcycle poker run scheduled for tomorrow.
The event has been traditionally organised by people who identify with the Red Devils motorcycle gxxg and in the past has included Hells Angels riders from Auckland.
Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews, of Motueka, said police were monitoring the event and riders could be expect to be stopped at some stage on the ride.
Registration for the Nelson Bays Poker Run is from 10am to noon at Isel Park, Stoke.
Police would be undertaking breath alcohol screening of riders as the ride traditionally stopped at some licensed premises, Mr Andrews said. Police would also be checking that bikes were warranted and that riders had correct licences and were adhering to road rules.
Members of the Red Devils had bail conditions which meant they could not associate with each other, but there was potential for other patched gxxg members to be on the ride.
"I want people to be aware of this possibility. It may influence people whether or not they may wish to participate."
The 2009 Poker Run created headlines as the Red Devils' first public outing.
Several people associated with the Red Devils were arrested last year. Police raided the gxxg's Natalie St headquarters as part of Operation Explorer, which focused on the gxxg.
Police were not simply targeting Saturday's Poker Run as they had stopped and checked motorcyclists recently taking part in the TT2000 South Island motorcycle rally and they would check riders on other organised rides, Mr Andrews said.
People taking part in Saturday's ride should not have any problems if they were obeying road rules, their bikes were road safe and they had correct licences, he said.
It costs $20 to join the Nelson Bays Poker Run and this year's event, like last year, is in support of MediMax Ambulance.
Medimax is a private company that provided first-aid services at regional events, and this included motorcycle events.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/6549956/Poker-run-riders-can-expect-to-be-checked-by-police