Not long to go...

Plans are now well under way for this year’s Motorcycle Ride Out in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, with a new registration and start point, a new route and a different location for the celebrations at the end of the ride.  This annual event, now in its 7^th year, traditionally attracts riders from all over the county of Devon and this year looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Bikers are invited to meet from 0900 on Sunday 8^th July at The Log Cabin at Knowstone, just off the A361 between Tiverton and South Molton.  There is plenty of parking and refreshments will be available.  After a safety briefing, the ride will start at 1100, following an 80-mile fully marshalled route through some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, finishing on The Den at Teignmouth, where there will be live music, hot food, a beer tent and entertainment for all the family.

One rider looking forward to the Ride Out this year is Andy Payne who, as well as riding the route, will also be displaying his 1000cc Aprilia v-twin racing sports bike on The Den at Teignmouth.  Andy, from Paington, was airlifted by Devon Air Ambulance in June 2010 following a head-on collision between his motorbike and a car.  Andy, in a great deal of pain from compression fractures to three of his vertebrae, was grateful to the paramedics who attended the incident, “I was very relieved to be taken to hospital by the helicopter as a land ambulance would have taken much longer and, undoubtedly been a far bumpier ride!  I am very happy to be back riding and racing again and I am delighted to support the Devon Air Ambulance wherever I can.” 

This year’s ride costs only £5 to enter; all riders receive a souvenir t-shirt and all bikes will be entered for judging.  Trophies will be awarded to category winners in Best Custom Bike, Best Classic Bike and Best In Show.

Caroline Creer, Director of Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said “Our annual Motorcycle Ride Out is always incredibly well supported. It’s such a good day out and the atmosphere is amazing. Like Andy, the motorcycling community of Devon is very appreciative of the work of the Devon Air Ambulance and this is one event where they can be involved and really give something back.”

In 2011, 33 motorcyclists were airlifted to a specialist hospital as a matter of urgency. The medical attention and care given by the aircrew at the scene of an incident and the speed with which they can convey patients to the most appropriate hospital is paramount to their survival and recovery.