200 motorcycle riders tour the Midlands for the Army’s national charity

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September 6, 2021

On Sunday, our East Anglia team proudly hosted ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s first Motorcycle Ride, raising £5,500 for the Army family.

200 riders and passengers from across the United Kingdom took part on bikes of all shapes, sizes, makes and models. Departing from The Triumph Factory Visitor Experience, Hinckley, participants took off for a 37-mile route ride, accompanied by an escort from Leicestershire Police complete with flashing lights and Police Outriders. We were delighted to also be joined by members of The British Army Motorcycle Road Race Team, Fire Service, who provided first responder assistance; Biker Down UK; and Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes.

Members of The British Army Motorcycle Road Race Team joined us for the day (Em Fitzgerald).

It takes an ‘Army’ to keep an event on the road!

There was an amazing atmosphere throughout the day, with riders enjoying not only the ride in glorious sunshine but socialising with each other and getting a chance to see a wide variety of bikes. For many, it was their first big event since the start of the pandemic, and they commented on how special it was to be in the company of so many people at an event again.

Simon Ferrier, Liaison Officer for our East Anglia office, commented, “It’s been such a long time since we’ve been able to hold a large-scale event due to the COVID-19 restrictions of the last 18 months. It has been wonderful to get out and about meeting supporters and putting on such a great event. We would like to thank everyone who has supported the charity and this event. It allows us to continue to be here for soldiers, former soldiers and their families for life.

Our wonderful volunteers greeting riders (Em Fitzgerald).

We are extremely lucky to have some truly amazing supporters including Jacqui Sage-Passant, Volunteer Community Fundraiser, who has been instrumental in organising the event and galvanising her network of members of the Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club, Milton Keynes Branch. Jacqui said, “When I first approached Triumph with an idea, they could have quickly dismissed it, however they put a top team on it and together with The Soldiers’ Charity team it was clear this event not only had legs but could be a showcase for this event spreading throughout the UK in following years to become a much-needed fundraiser for the charity”.

Members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes (Em Fitzgerald).

Participants were treated to complimentary bacon rolls and refreshments on arrival followed by a visit to the Triumph Factory Exhibition to check out the home and history of Triumph. They were also encouraged to visit the various display stands including that of Triumph Collector, Dick Shepherd, and his array of World War Two military memorabilia. The exclusive, limited edition Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition was on also on display, and a big hit with the audience!’

Simon Thrussell, Head of Customer Experience at Triumph Motorcycles added, “This is the first big event we’ve had since early 2020 so it’s great to see everyone back enjoying themselves safely and for a great cause. Thank you to all those who have attended and supported the event, we hope to see you again soon!”

The exclusive, limited edition Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition was on also on display (Em Fitzgerald).

It has been a very hard 18 months but events like this help us grow and continue to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families for life. We were thrilled to receive such a positive response to the event with lots of great feedback including many people looking forward to the next ride, and hope that the event will return next year.