Nigel Winter is riding his Triumph motorcycle to raise money for Cancer Research. Lands End to John O Groats….hardly original ???. True but Winter’s route recreates a 1953 journey made by the “Gaffers” of the old Triumph motorcycle factory.
Motorcyclists are famous for their largesse. Away from the razamataz of modern celebrity orientated fund raising, thousands of motorcyclists go about raising money for charity. Every weekend motorcyclists have toy runs, regular rides for children in sidecars, and motorcycle clubs adopt charities. There’s a long connection between motorcyclists and charity.
And in the 1960s motorcycles were the nation's 4th largest foreign currency earner. Chief amongst them was the mighty Triumph. Whilst all others have gone, Triumph remain. On several occasions over the last 10 years they have held the title of the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe ! Small wonder the nation's motorcyclists are proud of Triumph’s recent achievements and their own reputation for charity.
Our islands are small but varied. Everyone, it seems, has an idea of travelling from Lands End to John O Groats. But you can’t just create a ride like the Gaffers Gallop.
There were pioneers first. As these islands have changed, our motorcycles have changed. Our generosity to good causes remains constant.
Please feel free to donate to Cancer Research
