2007 Charity Ride

As many of you may know, my 2007 charity bike ride around the UK in aid of the NABD did not go according to plan, with my support vehicle crew deciding to withdraw from the ride in Scotland.

However, as stubborn and determined as I am, I decided to complete the ride solo and continued on my way down South along my planned route wherever possible.   I was now carrying a limited supply of clothing and equipment in a small rucksack.   With the help and assistance of both NABD and COBB members I was provided with a hot meal, a bed for the night and plenty of moral support.

From Scotland down to Plymouth I felt very alone and vulnerable, I had no support vehicle at all now.   However, I knew that everyone who as aware of my predicament was routing for me and I was in constant contact with my Events Manager who was liaising with NABD and COBB members and advising of my location each day.   Although I was riding the majority of my return trip from Scotland to Plymouth on a solo basis, there were occasions when bikers joined me for a ride along my route.   It was an honour and a privilege to be allowed to ride alongside a group of Harley-Davidson riders for a section of my journey.

I arrived back in Plymouth at approximately 1530 hours to Coypool Park & Ride Site, where the John Wade Memorial Bike Meet was taking place.   However, due to the atrocious weather conditions earlier that morning, I think a lot  were put off attending the bike meet.   However, there was a reasonable amount of support for my return to the event and for this I am extremely grateful.   Specials tanks to my supporters, sponsors and Devon & Cornwall Police who provided me with a Police motorcycle escort into the bike meet.   Also my very special thanks to the family of John Wade who also attended the bike meet.

So, now I am safely back in Plymouth at the bike meet, having just been 'showered' by a rather shaken (but not stirred) bottle of Asti Spumante that my Events Manager (and girlfriend) has just covered me and the bike in.   After a short radio interview with Plymouth Sound, cutting my birthday cake, and helping with the raffle, it was time to clear the site and head off home.

Now, a few weeks later I have to sort out how I am going to get my gear (quite a lot as it is) back from Scotland.   My girlfriend and I had planned on having a short break in August camping with the dog, but it ended up being slightly different.   The dog was put into boarding kennels and the car was loaded with a case, camping gear etc.   The back seat and boot of the car were nearly full - where on earth were we going to fit all of my gear to?

So, in mid August we set off heading up through Somerset, Wales, Cumbria to Blackpool.   From Blackpool it was across to Kirkcaldy in Scotland (to pick up my belongings), then down to Hull, stopping at Skirlaugh, then across country to York, Stroud, Bristol and back down to Plymouth.   It was a long journey, especially for my girlfriend as she had to do all the driving, as I do not have a car licence.

However, we did have time for some sight-seeing, long rest breaks from driving and the taking of some photos.   And yes, there were the inevitable disagreements along the way.

We visited Lake Windermere, Blackpool tower, Skipton Castle, a railway museum in York (free entry folks), the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, on outskirts of York (well worth a visit), York town centre and Bourton-on-the-Water.   We met some fantastic people along the way and have made many new friends.

We drove in sun, rain, fog and mist - but safety was foremost in our minds.   This was the longest journey my girlfriend had ever taken, and it was certainly an experience for her as she had never driven further north than Bridgwater or Taunton.

If you asked me if my 2007 charity ride has been an experience, my reply would be 'Yes, it definitely has'.

Take a look a the photo album our our Scotland Re-visited trip.

'Ride safe, and Ride with pride'