Why? Because my last ride was aborted due to unforseen circumstances and, I am not one to give up, to hence the re-run.
Why Diabetes UK? Simply because my close riding buddy and friend 'Honeymonster' has Diabetes. When he was diagnosed it was not only a shock to him but to all his friends. We have ridden many many miles together and although his bike is a lot bigger than mine, I will still wait for him to catch up. There are also many people with diabetes, not only bikers.
So, on the 27 August 2009 I will be riding my Honda CG125 cc motorbike from Plymouth to Carlisle, Carlisle to John O'Groats to Inverness, Inverness to the Midlands, the Midlands to Lands End to Plymouth. The full route is: A38 Plymouth to Bristol, A4, A403, across cycle path with M48, A466, A49, A6, B road following the M74, A702, A720, A90, A9. Same way home adding the A30.
Any bikers out there wishing to ride with me part of the way are more than welcome to do so, whether it be a lone rider or a bike club. Please email my Webmaster giving as much detail as possible regarding your location, my Webmaster will then be able to give you my approximate location and time to meet up. Please note that the email link will direct you to Outlook Express, if you do not use Outlook Express, just copy and paste the email address into your usual email pane.
I am known by many bike clubs worldwide and most think that I have lost the plot but I hope they respect me for what I do.
On my last four charity rides members of the First & Last MCC have supported me highly and 'Honeymonster' has either ridden out with me or been there at the end. He is a true mate.
So, by doing this ride I hope to raise money to help with the research into Diabetes not just for my mate but to help other sufferers too.
If you wish to sponsor me, you can do so by clicking on the 'DONATE' button which will take you directly to my 'justgiving' page. If you are a UK taxpayer you can Gift Aid your donation.
Thank you for your donation.
A short ride diary is located on this page after the fuel sponsors.
Set off from Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, at 0600 hours. Arrived in Tintern at 1145 hours. At 1750 hours in Wigan, heading towards Carlisle. At this point I am currently 1 hour behind schedule due to a bad RTA when I had to wait in traffic. Many thanks to Honeymonster and crew for riding up from Cornwall and riding all the way to Exeter with me. Many thanks also to Eifion and Clair who rode with me from South Wales to Hereford.
FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2009
An early start from Carlisle ensured that Stu would make John O' Groats today. At 1136 hours he was approximately 6 miles from Kirkcaldy. He was 10 miles south of John O'Groats and decided to stop for a break, sheltering in a bus stop from the wind and rain. At approximately 2100 hours he had reached John O'Groats, had taken a few photographs and booked in at a guest house. He will be homeward bound tomorrow with an early start.
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 2009
OK folks, got a call from Stu at 1224 today to say that he was 20 miles outside of Perth on the scottish side. He stopped at Aviemore for something to eat (probably a pasty!). He is heading towards the Midlands, Lands End and onto Plymouth. I am currently awaiting a further phone call and possible some more photos.
Just had a call from Stu at 1954 hours to say that he is 10 miles from Lancaster and is a little ahead of schedule. Good on you Stu xx
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2009
Well folks, Stu is well on his way now, last I heard he was fuelling at Okehampton and heading towards Cafe One (Hayle - I had to google it to make sure that's where it was) for 1200 hours. Then it's onto Lands End, then the A30 to Roche, and Plymouth. There is a meeting point on the A30 at Roche approx. 1530 hours (suitable layby) and also at KTM (JD Racing) at Prideaux Close, Tamar View Industrial Estate, Saltash (1700 hours), then the ride into Derriford Hospital. It's still not too late to make a donation to sponsor Stuart, the link is http://www.justgiving.com/stuart-morrissey
Well folks, Stu did it. He rode from Plymouth/John O'Groats/Lands End/Plymouth on a 'solo' basis for Diabetes Uk. He rode into Derriford Hospital, on time at 1800 hours today. Many thanks to all the cornish bikers who rode up with him from Lands End. Many thanks also for everyone else who attended to see Stuart home to Plymouth. If you haven't already sponsored Stuart, you can still do so by visiting his justgiving site, the link is listed above.
Well, as you probably might have guessed, Stu is not one for giving up and yes, he did complete the charity ride 'Solo' with no support/back-up team. He rode into Derriford Hospital on time. He rode back from John O'Groats/Lands End/Plymouth in 17 hours. He rode in some terrible weather, torrential rain, mist and fog. But he carried on and did not give up. A big 'Well Done' Stu, you deserve it.
