BIKERS will be riding out on Fathers’ Day in memory of loved ones they have lost.

The ’71 Motorcycle Club will be setting out from Dorchester on a 100-mile ride in memory of members Paul Riley, Graham Makepeace and Peter Balistrari – three friends who died within a few months of each other.

Mr Riley died of cancer in July 2008, Mr Makepeace lost his battle with cancer in October the same year and Mr Balistrari died while riding his motorbike on the A35 near Bloxworth last January.

This is the second Father’s Day running that bikers will be heading out in memory of the trio, with last year’s event attracting over 50 bikers and raising £750 for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Mr Riley’s widow Dorothy, 53, from Stratton, said: “The first one was a trial run to see how much interest we would get and it was so successful it is going to become an annual event.

“It was a lovely day but very emotional as everybody is there for that same reason.”

This year’s ride on Sunday will see the bikers head up to the New Forest and enjoy lunch at Burley before winding a scenic route back to Broadmayne, where a host of live bands and entertainment has been lined up at the Black Dog pub.

There will be a hog roast and a raffle to help raise funds for this year’s chosen charity, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Mrs Riley said: “Every single thing is donated, the bands are donating their time for free, the pub doesn’t charge us and every single penny goes to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

“They all would have loved it. It’s a fitting tribute to three lovely men.”

Mr Riley’s daughter Crystal, 26, who rode in last year’s event and is sticking to an organisational role this year, said the ride was particularly emotional for her as it took place on Fathers’ Day.

She said: “It was brilliant and it was really good to see some of his old friends.”

Vanessa Balistrari, Peter’s widow, said she will be seeing the riders off at the start and join them afterwards.

She said: “It was all quite close together that the three of them died and I think the whole group found it distressing.

“It’s nice we can do something like that in their memory.”

Call John Read on 01305 261659 for more information.