Touring club joined in for 1,000-bike ride

Guernsey Touring Motorcycle Club members with club mascot Animal. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0566442)

THE Guernsey Touring Motorcycle Club has returned from a trip to France to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.

The club took 40 members on 22 bikes on its annual trip to Vannes, southern Brittany. A special event organised by French club Le Groupement des Motards Bretons to raise money for a French charity which researches the condition is based there.

‘The club has been taking part for seven years,’ said secretary Steve Carter. ‘The main part is the social side of things. It’s getting together and having a good time, basically. Not everybody goes on the organised ride, but most donate to the charity.’

More than 1,000 bikes descended on the town of Lanester, which Mr Carter said was actually down on the 3,000 who normally attend. He believed that was due to a similar event taking place in nearby Lorient.

‘It was a bit more low-key this year. I’m not sure if it’s dying out. A few members said it wasn’t as good as in past years.’

The local motorcycle group was featured in several French newspapers and was the only English-speaking club to attend the event.

The club’s mascot, Animal, accompanied them on the tour in memory of former member Richard Brockway, who used to carry the good luck charm on his motorbike. Mr Carter also has his number plate on his bike.

He said he was unsure how much had been raised overall but as each person taking part in the event had to make a donation, at least 5,000 euros would have been collected for the charity.

The club plans to take part again next year.

Article posted on 22nd April, 2008 - 11.15am

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