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I had decided to do something for charity, and after a vote at the Fallen bike club the NABD came out on top. Having settled on the charity the work of actually raising funds set in. It’s not as easy as it sounds to get people to part with their money.
Once Chapel Ash Harley Davidson dealership of Wolverhampton had kindly agreed to supply my steed, a brand new Heritage Softail Classic, things did get a bit easier. But as usual time caught up with me and before long I was leaving on a very wet morning to join up with the other riders at Santa Pod raceway.
My own bike is a Bandit 600 (unfaired) so the difference between this and the Harley was monstrous. I wondered if I would be able to cope, let alone the bike. In the end it was the bike that saved me. I don’t think I would have been able to complete the full distance had it not been for the Harley.
The feet-forward position and the ample legroom saved me from even more pain, and the screen and grunt of the engine made the going easier and more laid back.
Let me clarify that. I have for the past 20-odd years been classified as ‘disabled’. Whatever that actually means. I have two legs that would rather not be there (and may not be for too much longer) due to a Deep Vein Thrombosis cutting all the circulation off. This was after an accident on Christmas Eve 1982 and it’s been downhill since then. I now suffer from leg ulcers, Phlibitus and a host of other things I won’t bore you with.
There were 39 riders altogether attempting the full UK challenge of England, Wales and Scotland, plus 7 riders just doing the southern section and 19 riders joining us later for the northern section.
Some had come from as far a field as Holland, but the majority were from all points of the UK. The machines were as diverse as the riders, from an R1 and a Hayabusa through the Hornets and TDM’s right up to and including Pan Europeans, Goldwings and even a scooter, but no other Harley’s, or any other disabled riders.
Once settled in we attempted the first challenge, taking our bikes down the quarter mile strip. Yes I took the Harley down - twice in fact.
Then it was over to the Strata Florida Hill Climb in mid-Wales for the next challenge. Yes I took the Harley up the Hill climb as well, and caused less damage than some of the others who got a bit ‘over committed’ shall we say?
The overnight camping left a lot to be desired. Needless to say some people gave out and rented some B&B later in the competition. I was one of them.
The lack of a bed made the sleepless nights unbearable after a 300-mile ride. Mind you the BBQ and breakfast Bacon Bap was mighty welcome. As was the plentiful supply of alcohol after the day was over.
Once the hill climb was out of the way I took the opportunity to get the 1000-mile service done on the bike. Meeting back up with everyone at the Three Sisters Racetrack just off the M6.
I followed the next section of the route up to the Lake District. This was the part I was looking forward to, Lake District and Scotland. I was not disappointed either; the roads and scenery were breathtaking. The mountain passes and cliff top roads were challenging and rewarding. Some needing a second run to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
The route took us up to Boot, near Eskdale. Then up over the ferry to Oban then following the Scottish coast around to John O’Groats. Leaving the end of land we headed down to Knockhill racetrack before finishing at the Kelso Bikefest.
Needless to say I had some major problems with my legs, but not with the bike. The Harley never missed a beat and started first time every time. Once I got used to the riding style, and stopped trying to hustle it like a Bandit, then we had a great time and it did everything I asked of it.
I’m glad I did it, and if anyone out there is thinking of doing the same then all I have to say is go for it. You will regret not doing it for the rest of your life and if someone asks me to do it again would I do it? Why not? Where to next time? Europe, America? Why not around the World? Any offers?
See you about sometime.
Vern
(Black Country MAG / The Fallen)
To read the full details of the trip visit the Black Country MAG website at: http://www.blackcountrymag.org.uk
The total sponsorship raised by this epic journey of over 3,000 miles came to a very respectable £400.00 every penny of this will be used to help other disabled riders to adapt bikes or trikes so they can have the same joy of riding that Vic so very obviously does.
The donation was presented to the NABD secretary Julie Simmonds at the 2004 Autumn Nabd’ness rally at Cornbury Park.
If you are intending to do a sponsored event to raise funds for the NABD you should contact Gren Russell (NABD Research & Fundraising co-ordinator) for information and official NABD sponsorship forms.
You can contact Gren via the NABD office on 0870 759 0603 or by e-mail on research@thenabd.org.uk
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