Despite death threats from a skinhead gang, a charity
motorcycle ride involving gang members took place without
incident in Nelson today.
The Poker Run, which involved members of Hells Angels and the
Red Devils, had been threatened by the self-professed leader
of the little known Southern Skinheads, who said the Hells
Angels were not welcome in Nelson because they would bring
the drug P with them.
"We will burn any pub they drink at, any motel they stay at,
and may take it to the extent we will probably try to shoot
them off their motorbikes," Southern Skinheads leader "Max"
said on radio this week.
The result was that some hotels pulled out of hosting the
riders and the intended charity, St John Nelson, said it
would not accept any money from the Poker Run.
But today, at 12.30pm, the run left Isel Park gardens in
Stoke, Nelson.
"There were approximately 130 motorcycles involved in the
run," said Motueka Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews, officer
commanding Operation Joker 2, the police operation set up to
handle any trouble.
Police noted that there were approximately 35-40 gang patches
from both the Hells Angels and the Red Devils among the
riders.
The run left Stoke and travelled to Mapua. After a short stay
there, it continued on out to Marahau beach. After remaining
there the group traveled through to Upper Moutere via
Westbank Road. It finished at the Kraut's Restaurant on
Tahunanui Drive at 5.30pm and the prize-giving was expected
to take place there.
"Generally the run was well behaved and there were no
complaints or incidents involving motorcyclist on the run,"
Mr Andrews said.
"There were no arrests or confrontation involving any other
gang or groups."
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