The Vesparados might not have quite the public profile enjoyed by some of the more notorious motorcycle gangs, but they are about to fix that. Not that they are a gang, exactly, or that it is notoriety that they're after.
They are in fact a group of nine friends who began planning a road trip on Vespa motor scooters, starting from Cape Rēinga, destination the Burt Munro Motorcycle Rally in Invercargill next month.
As last year progressed, with all its challenges, one of the group was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and is currently having ongoing chemotherapy in Whangārei, but that hasn't slowed them down.
And they won't be doing it simply for the joy of feeling the wind in their hair.
"As plans for the road trip became more detailed, it also became apparent that here was a great fundraiser opportunity for our Far North Hospice, who assist so many people with their services," elder Vesparado Rosco Pennell said.
