From the left: Barry Walton, Peter Streen, Peter Armitage and Dave Coates
The principal organiser of the Cumbria Charity Bike Ride , which took place in June this year, went along to Colin Appleyard Motorcycles recently to hand over a cheque for £3,000 which was raised for Help the Heroes.
On hand to receive the cheque on behalf of Help for Heroes was Coronation Street Star Peter Armitage who along with Simon Gregson (who plays Steve Mc Donald) took part in the Ride himself, riding from Bowness on Windermere to Cockermouth.
Other celebrities taking part included Roy Walker from Catchphrase, Superbike rider James Ellison, his brother Dean and stunt rider Dave Coates who was also on hand for the cheque presentation.
The Ride attracted almost 700 bikers and formed an impressive four-mile convoy. The main organiser Peter Steen said “It was a fantastic day and we are already planning a bigger and better event next year. The ride took place in June just after the Cumbria shooting so we were in two minds whether to go ahead but Cumbria police were very supportive and said go for it as it would be a big boost for the area.” As well as the motorcycles, eleven mopeds from McGee’s Mopeds made the journey too, ridden by brave, not to say barmy, Cumbrians wearing fancy dress.
Marshalling for the Ride was organised by Barry Walton of Colin Appleyards who roped in about 50 Goldwing riders including Members of his own ‘Appy Wanderers Group and riders from several other GoldWing Clubs, notably nearby GWOCGB Regions.
Next years Ride is provisionally planned for Sunday 12th June when it is hoped to attract even more participating riders and provide more entertainment too. GoldWing riders will be invited by Barry to offer themselves as marshals in due course and an announcement will appear on this Blog, but if you want to be involved and want to be sure that Barry knows it, you can always give him a ring at Appleyards on 01535 606311.
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