Around 15,000 bikers roared through Wootton Bassett to honour troops killed in Afghanistan in the biggest ride of its kind.
The town in Wiltshire has come to represent the nation in paying respect to fallen soldiers as they are repatriated back to the UK.
Hundreds line the high street in silence for each funeral cortege that passes through the town on its way from RAF Lyneham to the coroner in Oxford.
Today’s crowds gathered along the High Street to hear the roar of over 10,000 motor bikers with about 5,000 pillion passengers pass the war memorial on route.
The ride, believed to the biggest of its kind, has raised more than £100,000 so far for the charity Afghan Heroes.
Wootton Bassett Mayor Steve Bucknell said: ”The vast majority of the people of the town fully support what the bikers are doing today.
”Too many times the town has had to stand still in silence but today is all about noise and movement.”
Laurence Phillips from Afghan Heroes said the event gathered pace after being posted on social networking site Facebook.
”It’s quite a staggering spectacle and an unbelievable show of support for the troops in Afghanistan and a mark of respect for the town of Wootton Bassett,” he said.
”I would imagine it is the biggest bike ride of its kind.
”The bikes have been coming in since 8am this morning.”
[More]
This is a really good idea and I can see it happening on the “Highway of Heroes” supporting the families of our soldiers wounded and dead. Maybe all our homegrown “bikers” need to stop and think about it.
It would take a lot of organization but I’m certain there are people out there who would know how to get it started.
I will add that I say “a lot of organization” because I tend to think big along the lines of the Olympic Torch Run. Communities great and small right across the country all being honored by an appearance and a lot of noise. There’s no telling where this could end.
My point: We have a lot of “bikers” in this country and most are not criminals. They do it for recreation and fun. What could be more “fun” than helping our troops in their hour of need?
See also: http://www.blueknightsbcvii.com/
Fun, recreation, stress relief… it’s like happy pills on 2 wheels!!
Jack!!!! Most are not criminals!!
The criminal elemnet are called the 1% ers…. LOL
Anyways… I know what your saying.
We love the freedom and stress relief, riding a bike gives us.
There’s not much question that the Club guys would support the troops in a ride like you’re talking about, lots of club guys are vets. Seeing as you have all this time since you’ve retired……..lol.
Pat