SADDLE SORE

Impulse Bathrooms General Manager, Gary Hawkins, together with Logistics Manager John Green have recently completed a 1,000 miles in 24 hours motorbike endurance challenge ride for charity.

Both are motorcycle enthusiasts and take part in organised motorbike rides throughout the year on their iconic Harley Davidson’s.

“This was a tough one” says Gary “A 1,000 miles in 24 hours takes some stamina but it was for a good cause and we were pleased to succeed and raise some money.”

Organised under Iron Butt Association rules - the reasons for the name do not take a brain surgeon to work out - the route started from Leeds, proceeding through a large part of Scotland, before returning back to the Leeds starting point and was organised by the Royal British Legion with the aim of raising £10,000 for this admirable charity.

“With the current involvement of the country’s armed forces in war zones, we felt keen to support our troops and recognise in a positive way the fantastic job they are doing for the country” adds Gary.

187 riders started the challenge with over 150 actually finishing within the allotted 24 hours and early estimates show that the target fundraising has been dramatically exceeded.

“It is hard on a certain part of the anatomy” adds John Green “But very worthwhile and one way of showing those serving in places like Afghanistan and Iraq that the general public care that our service personnel are looked after and not forgotten.”

Having recognised the hardship endured by all the participating riders and their support teams it is now back to the day job - not that this is an easy option for anyone in today’s economic climate.

Gary and John are also undertaking another charity bike ride in October. The “Ride-to-the-Wall” is again raising funds for the British Legion with around 2,000-3,000 riders riding to the National Arboretum wall which commemorates all those in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in theatres of war since World War II.