‘Remember the troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice’
Such is the interest in the first ever UK Ride to the Wall (RTTW) event – dedicated to troops that have died on duty since World War II – that it is now open for riders of all motorcycle marques.
The event is already proving very popular and organisers have accepted more than 700 registrations for the ride and short Memorial service to the Armed Forces at the National Memorial Arboretum near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire on Saturday 11th October.
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.
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.
“The initial response to the idea of a ride and service was overwhelming with many offers of assistance to help with the planning and promotion of the event,” 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.”
With the high number of registrations already received, organizers say as many as 1,000 bikes or more may attend the Ride to the Wall.
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 and arriving at the Arboretum about half an hour later. The ‘Parade of Flags’ bikes will form a ‘Guard of Honour’ with bikes parking up either side of Millenium Avenue.
A short memorial service will begin with a Piper and end with a bugler playing the Last Post.
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: rttw.co.uk.
Tickets are £5 per entrant which includes a commemorative pin. After administration costs, all monies will be donated to the upkeep of the National Memorial.
‘Ride with respect, not to impress’
