Making a stand on three wheels

BY LUKE PARKER

Trike-enthusiast Ross Griffin is revving to make a stand against violence towards women in Waitakere.

The 46-year-old will be riding alongside fellow trikers in the White Ribbon Day Parade on November 25.

Mr Griffin has been keen on three-wheelers for more than a decade.

"I completed the build on my one 11 years ago and I've been riding since then," he says. "I've built others also.

"I have a V-dub motor that's slightly modified. It's 1600ccs plus a bit."

Mr Griffin hasn't been on the Pukekohe racing circuit to see how fast his machine will go but says it sits comfortably at the speed limit.

The Oratia resident loves the fact there are no two identical trikes on the road.

"Not one looks the same. I love how they are visually out there. They're very individualistic."

Mr Griffin has been a member of the Kiwi Trikers in Henderson since 1998.

"The club was established about 14 years ago," he says.

"A bunch of west Aucklanders got together and started it in a garage at Ranui. We've grown to more than 100 members nationwide."

About 25 west Auckland members meet monthly and on Friday evenings for get-togethers.

"Basically the Kiwi Trikers was something for the family. We've always involved our kids and the families of everybody right throughout the country."

"That's our belief - looking after our families," he says. "We deem it to be a great honour to be asked to attend and be a part of the parade."

Mr Griffin says the club loves getting involved in the community.

"We are at school galas most weekends this time of the year," he says.

"We give the kids fundraising rides around the school fields and donate the majority of the money back to the school. They love it."

Everyone is welcome to show their support and assemble at Mount Lebanon Lane in Henderson at 11.15am.

The parade will finish at Falls Park about noon with lunchtime entertainment.

- © Fairfax NZ News