The date of the first ever Ride to the Wall event in the UK – dedicated to troops that have died on duty since World War II – has been set for Saturday 11th October at the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire.
Open to all Harley Davidson riders, the idea for the event stemmed from the first Remembrance Day service at the Arboretum last November when a small contingent of Harley riders and a surprising amount of young people who attended the service, were particularly moved by the event.
One of those riders present was Martin Dickinson, Director of Nene Valley Harley Owners Group Chapter, who floated the idea of an annual event with other HOG UK directors late last year.
"Their overwhelming positive response together with the many offers of assistance to help with the planning and promotion of the event has been unbelievable,” said Martin. “This is an excellent way to show our gratitude and remember the members of the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
Modeled along the lines of the huge American ‘Run for the Wall’ where thousands upon thousands of bikers take part, the UK event gives people in this country the opportunity to show the respect that the members of the Armed Forces deserve as well as raising funds for the upkeep of the stunning stone memorial. The monument features the names of 16,000 Service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War engraved around its walls.
Set in a peaceful setting with space for families and friends to remember their loved ones, the memorial was dedicated last October in a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and attended by Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. It has been designed so that the sun will shine on the central wreath sculpture at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Organised by Harley Davidson HOG riders, the event this year is limited to riders of Harley Davidson bikes and hopes to attract as many as possible to remember those who can no longer ride by our side.
For those taking part, registration is at the Moto Services at Junction 10/A5 of the M42 starts at 9.30 on the 11th October with the 17 mile RTTW to the National Memorial Arboretum setting off at 11.00am traveling along the A5 and A38.
If you would like to join the Ride to the Wall, you can find more information along with the application form at the event's website: www.rttw.co.uk
