Stuart’s GoldWing Blog

Thousands of bikers honour the Fallen

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The day dawned dark, damp, misty and unfamiliarly early as the alarm clock jangled me from my sleep and catapulted me into Saturday morning, 6:00am.  The weather forecast was hastily checked, sandwiches and flasks assembled, and by 07:00, we were on our way down to Knutsford Services in order to meet the other hardy souls attending RTTW 2009.

For those who may not have heard of the event, and to be honest, it was only just over a week earlier (thanks to a chance encounter at Southport Air Show), that Goldwings North West learned of what was to be a wholly worthwhile and moving occasion, here’s the lowdown.

RTTW or Ride To The Wall, was created last year by Martin Dickinson and his team of volunteers.  The idea behind the event was to give motorcyclists the opportunity to publicly remember those friends and family serving in the Armed Forces who had sadly lost their lives, and to show their solidarity and support for those currently serving in conflicts at present. As they put it: Our vision: ‘To remember those that can no longer ride by our side’.

To do this, they arranged a run from Tamworth Services to the National Memorial Arboretum.

The National Memorial Arboretum

I’ll let Martin explain:

“My initial wish was for at best 350 people to attend – with the help of a very supportive team of volunteers, it soon became apparent that the number would be surpassed at an early stage. The applications started rolling in and four weeks before the event the figure stood at 600. By the time Saturday 11th October 2008 arrived there was a total of 1104 people pre registered.

On the Saturday morning the first bikes rolled in to Tamworth Services at 0715 and the rumble of bikes continued right up to us leaving at 11.00. Another 820 people registered at Tamworth services.

We rolled out of the services escorted by 4 Police motorcyclists from Northamptonshire. The Staffordshire Police followed the procession, which took 1 ½ hours from the first bike leaving the services to the last bike arriving at the Arboretum. I have been informed by various sources that there were over 2,500 bikes on the ride and over 3000 people at the Arboretum to pay their respects.

The service and dignity shown by all was truly wonderful, with memories flooding back to many of those present.

We must not forget that the main aim of the day was, firstly to remember those that have died since WW2 and secondly to raise money for the Arboretum. The amount raised was a staggering £10,300.00. In December 2008 I was proud to present a cheque for this amount to the Arboretum.

I think that both the aims were achieved and surpassed quite considerably.”

Parked bikes as far as the eye can see

Having braved the patchy fog, and my own natural reticence at being up so early, Lynette & I arrived at Knutsford Services to find a healthy contingent of GWNW members (Lesley & Barry Halley, Bob & Jackie Summers, Brian Stanford, Alan Grundy, Jimmy Melia and Nigel Mackintosh from GoldWings North Wales) already waiting for the off at 08:30 for the journey down to Drayton Manor Theme Park, the muster point for RTTW 2.

As we waited, more bikes entered the car park, some from Harley-Davidson clubs, others from the British Legion Riders, and also individuals, all congregating for the ride down to Staffordshire. The different groups mixed and chatted freely, brand loyalties put aside and joined in unity for the event to come.

Heading down the M6, the group presented an impressive spectacle, judging by the number of drivers and passengers who drove by, open-mouthed and the kids almost hanging out of the windows to get a better look. Being greeted by friendly waves appeared to come as somewhat of a surprise to the car-dwellers, many thumbs-up being returned with accompanying smiles.

Poignant scenes as biker pay their respects

On the approach to Drayton Manor, it became obvious that this was going to be something special, as, all of a sudden, the traffic appeared to consist of nothing but bikes. The latest and most expensive mingled with the old and battered, one piece leathers with denims and jeans.

On arrival, the sheer scale came into sharp focus, with bikes lined up in row after row, and still they continued to pour in, with motorcyclists from as far away as Penzance, Brighton and northern Scotland.

This, of course, was butty and coffee time for GoldWings North West/Wales and flasks and mysterious packages appeared from top boxes, panniers, and in one case, a sidecar (yes, you Brian!). Taking the opportunity, Lynette & I wandered round the field for a look (and also, as is customary, to find the nearest loos).  Bikes and bikers of all shapes, sizes, ages and types filled the space, but far from the divisions which can sometimes exist between groups, old friendships were renewed and new ones formed.  Sportsbikes and Harleys, BMW’s and trail bikes, all were united. Many riders sported medals and insignia of former service.

The ride to the National Memorial Arboretum was split into blocks of about 100 or so bikes, but as we rode out of the park and along the route, it was both gratifying and heartening to see the support shown by members of the public.  They stood by the kerbside, in lay-bys and on bridges over the route, clapping and cheering as the groups swept by.

Excellent marshalling by the organisers ensured that no-one could get lost, and as we entered the NMA, we were directed to a parking space.

The memorial Service was due to start at 13:30, but at one point, this looked as though it may be delayed, as the organisers announced that there were over 4000 bikes parked in the NMA with still more being parked on the A38 outside.  Luckily, though, all was resolved and the Service began as scheduled.

Dozens of veterans with military medals pinned to their riding leathers and a Major General in uniform were among those who attended the service, and Major General Lamont Kirkland, who had ridden his Harley-Davidson from his base in Aldershot, Hampshire, tipped the RTTW to become even bigger in future years.

Talking to the media before the service, he said of the event:

“I think what you have seen today is the start of something really big – this will grow over time. It’s deeply emotional and it’s deeply poignant – bikers are deeply respectful people. It shows we are supported very strongly at home and that the Army has never been held in higher regard.”

Following the Service which, although brief, was a moving testament to those lost, a lone Spifire burst over the Memorial walls in a crescendo of noise and power. It made passes over the assembled crowds below, then disappeared into the, by now, blue sky.

A wreath laying ceremony then took place, many bikers climbing the steps to the Memorial to remember fallen family and friends. After this, Lynette and I took the opportunity to pay our respects and to view the marble walls on which the names of those lost are carved. Although we have been fortunate not to have lost anyone personally, Lynette said that the thing which made the greatest impression on her was not the expanse of wall which contained names, but rather, that expanse which didn’t. How wonderful it would be if that were never needed to be used.

All from GWNW wholeheartedly agreed that this was a most worthwhile day and that we should choose to make it a permanent fixture on our future calendars. We then left the NMA and made our way home, people leaving as their motorway junctions appeared. Arriving home just after 18:00 we reflected that it had been a long, emotional day, but worth every second.

Here’s to RTTW 2010!

Ian Duxbury

Acknowledgement: The photographs accompanying this Article were taken by Nigel Mackintosh who kindly aallowed them to be used.

The National Memorial Arboretum is located in the heart of the country within the National Forest near Lichfield and comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the concept of Remembrance.  It is the home of the Armed Forces Memorial, a striking and emotive structure that gives recognition and thanks for those who have died whilst on duty or as a result of terrorist action since the Second World War and acknowledges the enduring sacrifice of those who mourn their loss.