On Sunday 18th August 2013, Two Wheel Centre (Mansfield) Ltd organised a charity ride-out and open day, with all proceeds donated to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. The day was an incredible success, raising £1554.18 for this very worthy cause.
Bikers gathered en-masse at Two Wheel Centre from 10am – and even some from 9:15am, which surprised the staff! As the next hour passed (with many a bacon sandwich and cup of tea consumed!), it quickly became apparent that word of the charity ride-out had spread like wildfire among the local biking community, with between 100 and 120 bikes gathering at the venue by the time the group departed.
When 11am came, it was incredible to see and hear bikes of every shape and size leaving Two Wheel Centre. It was such a spectacle, with every person riding for this fantastic cause; to keep the life-saving air ambulance in the skies.
The group rode to the Trent Port pub in Gainsborough, taking a great route known as the ‘Gainsborough Grand Prix’ (although the ride was certainly not a race!), before stopping for a drink. On their exit from the Trent Port, a coincidentally well-timed police car stopped traffic and allowed all 100+ bikes to leave the pub car park safely and in tandem.
On returning to Two Wheel Centre, bikers were treated to more good food, drink and music. Many of Two Wheel Centre’s suppliers had come to support them, including Scorpion Exhausts, Putoline Oil and Fowlers of Bristol. Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes (an emergency blood transportation service entirely run by volunteers) also attended with their liveried ‘Blood Bike’. Taz Taylor, a young rider sponsored by Two Wheel Centre and currently riding in the 125cc British Superbikes class, also attended the day and brought his BSB spec Luyten Honda RS125 GP race bike.
The afternoon also saw the charity raffle winners drawn. The 30 prizes, which totalled over £1,800 in value, included an AGV helmet (£270), Hit-Air protective vest (£395), a hotel break (£200), Scorpion exhaust (£249) and two 3-day passes to British Superbikes at Cadwell Park, plus a £100 motorcycle training voucher and a £100 voucher to spend at Two Wheel Centre.
Overall, the day was an absolute success, with over £1500 raised for the Air Ambulance. Coincidentally, £1500 is the approximate cost of one life-saving call out for the Air Ambulance, so those who attended the open day can rest assured that they have played a crucial part in saving someone’s life.
Two Wheel Centre owe thanks to many people and companies who helped make the day a success. There are too many to name here, and each person will receive a personal thanks, but Two Wheel Centre would like to extend a special thanks to the following people:
The residents around Two Wheel Centre, Shane Taylor, Taz Taylor, Cindy Taylor, Caitlin Taylor, Alan Fisher, Stuart Reid, Rebecca Bown, Martin Broadbent, Linda Durr, David Durr, Steve Durr, Lee Hopewell, John Devlin, Judith Scott, Daren Brailsford, Graham Bradshaw, Gordon Holmes and Kath Woods.
Very well done to you all at the two wheel centre.
Looks like a good day was had by all.
best wishes from all here at the ryan holmes charity.
Gordon.