Members of the Tauranga community are mourning the loss of a well-known businessman and much loved member of the biking community.

Dennis Michael Pedersen, also known as Deno, was killed in a crash on the Lindis Pass on State Highway 8 in the South Island on Monday.

Dennis Michael Pedersen, also known as Deno, was killed in a crash on the Lindis Pass.

The 54-year-old member of the Filthy Few Motorcycle Club and owner of the Curiosity business in Wharf Street was a well-known member of Tauranga's bike riding community.

Deno also played a big part in organising Tauranga's annual Metal Mania event, which draws large crowds each year.

The family has asked for privacy at this time, but tributes are flowing on Facebook for the rider who will be 'truly missed”.

'This is very sad news. He was one of the nicest guys,” one Facebook post read.

'This town won't be the same without him,” says another.

Others go on to say 'Tauranga has lost an awesome guy”.

'Forever in our hearts, will never be forgotten xx.”

Today flowers lined the front of the Curiosity body piercing and giftware store. A sign on the door states 'due to unforseen circumstances the shop will be closed until further notice'.

The obituary for Deno says he was the much loved husband of wife Lisa and father and father in law of Rynee and Daux, Kristina and Davina. He was the special poppa to Louise, Jewel, Saphire, Kash and Paige.

Deno was riding as part of a group returning from the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill on Monday when he and South Canterbury Road Knight Grant John Roberts collided with a southbound Nissan near Goodger Road around 2pm.

Both men died at the scene.

A 26-year-old Timaru woman pillion passenger was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash but have charged a 20-year-old visiting Chinese national with two counts of careless driving causing death. Other charges are likely to follow.

The woman was originally taken to hospital but has since been released.

Stuff.co.nz reports the woman appeared in Alexandra District Court and was granted interim name suppression and remanded on bail to December 12.

Deno's funeral will be held at Tauranga Park in Pyes Pa at 1pm on Friday.