52 bike riders received a warm welcome from the people of Aitape on Sunday evening when they arrived after a long journey on the Sepik highway.

The 52 riders, 47 from Lae, 2 from Madang and 3 from Wewak are part of the Morobe Bikers Adventure Group that have been touring the country doing awareness on various issues such as drugs, alcohol and law and order.

Their journey from Lae to Jayapura is the 5th Major Tour that they have undertaken. They have already toured other regions such as the highlands and southern regions, and now have ridden through part of the Momase Region.

They arrived in Aitape on Sunday evening at 5pm to the welcome cheers of students and teachers at Aitape High School.

Then were escorted by the District Police Station Commander through the town to their campsite.

The bikers were in Aitape for only two days to enable the riders to revitalize and fix their bikes before they left for Vanimo on Wednesday morning.

Jay Simoi, President of group thanked the residence of Aitape for the warm welcome, and said that it was the first time the bikers were given such a heroic welcome.

He also thanked Misty the group's vice chancellor for providing them with transport to Madang and all Papindo stores who have supported them with donations of food throughout their journey, and especially the parents and families of the riders for their understanding and support.

Mr. Simoi also mentioned that although Dame Carol Kidu, Minister for Community Development had givenher moral support for the riders and what they were doing, there had not been any financial assistance to the group since they began their first tour.

He also appealed for other members of parliament to look seriously at supporting these kind of activities for the betterment of the country.

Mr. Simoi also said that the response that they had from various places they have visited to do awareness was very good, especially from people in the rural areas.

He also mentioned that the riders will need major assistance going back on the ship from Vanimo, and so is appealing for any donations to be made to the following account: Morobe Bikers Adventure Group #1000979626, BSP - Lae.