'Mega' day out for the bikers
THOUSANDS of motorcyclists took to the road in what is hailed as the UK's largest charity ride-out.
Sunday's Plymouth Mega-Ride saw more than 8,000 bikers on a vast array of vehicles travel from Lee Mill to the Hoe.
They were cheered on by crowds of people who gathered at A38 flyovers and laybys as well as on the Hoe itself.
Organiser Helen McCrave said a record number of bikers had taken part in this year's Mega-Ride – the 14th event of its kind.
She said: “I'm overwhelmed by the number of people who have turned up to take part. It's been fantastic.
“I have been involved in 13 out of the 14 and I have never seen it so busy before.
“We raised more than £8,000 for charity last year and we want to raise even more this year.”
Money will this year go to the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association and Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys.
Bikers from all over the country turned up to take part in the event, some with their children or dogs riding pillion.
John Goodall, 69, of Plymstock, said he believed he was riding the oldest bike in the event – a 1929 Scott Squirrel.
He said: “This is the fifth year I've taken part in the Mega-Ride. I keep coming back for the camaraderie and to see old friends.
“It's a brilliant atmosphere.”
Colyn Thomas, 68, of Millbrook, who rode alongside Mr Goodall on a 1948 BSA Bantam, said: “This is one of the highlights of the year. It's a very enjoyable event.
“You meet people who all talk the same language, all have the same interests.
“The atmosphere is just magic when you go up on the Hoe and get cheered on.”
'Tich' Taylor, 57, from Plympton, was taking part in the event with other members of the Plymouth Motorcycle Club.
He said: “I've taken part in seven Mega-Rides. It's a fantastic event.
“This year seems to have attracted the most bikers I've ever seen.
“It's a great feeling to take part. You get all the people on the flyovers, all the people on the roadsides cheering you on and waving – it's just a happy event.”
Steve Clarke, 63, of Bodmin, added: “You see the solidarity of bikers in this ride-out. It's great to congregate.
“It's a great event and it gets better every year. More bikes – that's got to be better.”
The event saw motorbikes riding 25 miles from Lee Mill to Plymouth Hoe via Marley Head on the A38.
The event featured trade stands, bouncy castles and live music from top city bands Blue Angel and Karrallon on the Hoe.
Details of the amount raised by the event will be announced over the coming days.
For more details, log on to www.mega-ride.co.uk or contact Mrs McCrave on 07855 356684.
View video footage of the ride at www.thisisplymouth.co.uk.
14 Comments
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by Badger, South Brent
Friday, June 20 2008, 12:25PM
“This was my first Mega-Ride and it was great it could have been better if the group had stayed together or maybe 5 or 6 groups, as for the amount raised I would like to remind everyone that there are costs to cover which will have to come out of the total although this will still leave a large amount to be donated.
Well done to everyone involved.”
by KJ, Plymouth
Tuesday, June 17 2008, 10:51AM
“In previous years more of an effort has been made on the part of the bikers to keep together. I do the ride, and this year I found it very fragmented - a lot of racing off and not waiting for the "pack." Yes, other traffic will always break it up to some extent, but it was much more obvious this year - for a lot of the A38 stretch I didn't feel like I was part of a group at all!”
by Nigel voisey, plympton
Tuesday, June 17 2008, 5:57AM
“Thanks to my Dad Steve, Bonie, Lee and Sam for a great day
love Nigel”
by Dale, USA
Tuesday, June 17 2008, 1:51AM
“Great article, because of the squirrel and the bantam, I have linked this story to www.oldbikenews.com”
by Dale, USA
Tuesday, June 17 2008, 1:49AM
“Great story, because of the squirrell and bantam, I have linked the story to my site, www.oldbikenews.com”
by ficey, plymouth
Monday, June 16 2008, 11:35PM
“just gets better every year,a pat on the the back for all,a big thanks to carol(the brook in ) for the bacon sndwiches before we all set off.most enjoyable day and by all accounts a realy good result.”
by Dream on, Plymouth
Monday, June 16 2008, 11:07PM
“Cars and buses redirected, what planet do you live on. I applaud the fact that bikers rise money for charity and think its great. But cutting off a major route to the city is nuts. I avoid the barbican and hoe like the plague during this event (difficult when the majority of my family lives there), How about stopping pedestrians from crossing roads or walking in the middle of the road on the barbican. Stick a tax disc on their beinds and they can do what they want. Stop the traffic yeah geat one.”
by amanda, plymouth
Monday, June 16 2008, 7:57PM
“Well done to Karrallon they were really good. Hope they start gigging again soon.”
by mandy, plymouth
Monday, June 16 2008, 7:56PM
“My family and I have been going to the Mega Ride for as far back as i can remember. We had a great day and hope that all the bikers did too. We only have one complaint to make, we stand on Exeter St and watch the bikes come down the road, we were wondering whether there was any chance that next year somehow the cars and buses could be redirected so that everyone gets a good view because as soon as the buses and cars come through everyone has problems seeing the bikes. I know that most people go up on the hoe after but there are some of the public that don't and it would be better to see all the bikes and trike's and scooters come through at one time and not in dribs and drabs. Sorry if it seems like I'm having a winge but we were really cheesed off.”
by Kevin, Plymouth
Monday, June 16 2008, 7:18PM
“What a brilliant example of the positive power of motorcycling - incredible to see so many people turn out to wave at those taking part. Big thanks to the organisers and thanks to the police for managing the traffic so well (and to those in their cars for their patience). Long may this continue.”