A big thank you to the hundreds of motorcyclists from across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire who took to the streets in early September for their annual Ride of Thanks ride-out raising £1088 for LNAA.

Roland Johns, volunteer and joint organiser of the event tells of the day’s success.

“Approximately 280 bikers attended the ride which was a fantastic result as we weren’t sure how many bikers would attend considering the two-year break due to Covid. Several trikes and 3 wheelers also joined in on the action.

Starting and ending at Newark Showground the procession wound its way round the 62 mile circular route taking in some of the most glorious countryside and villages across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. It was a fantastic spectacle.

On-line registration was slow to start with but increased nearer the event and even a few bikers turned up on the day and donated the £10 requested to take part.

As part of the preparation, we contacted all the 26 villages on the route and encouraged residents to come out and give us a wave as we passed by. I am pleased to say that we received great support and it was lovely to be greeted at all the villages that we passed through.

The Lincs & Notts Ride of Thanks (formerly the Lincs and Notts Ride to Save Lives) has raised a total of £3264 which will be split between LNAA, the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service and Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes. Both blood bike groups provide a free service to the LNAA ensuring that life-saving blood and plasma are delivered on board 24/7.

The Ride of Thanks was such a success due to the hard work and commitment from all committee members, sponsors Robin Hood Harley Davidson, the volunteers that marshalled the route, the people in the communities that cheered us along the route and of course all the bikers who took part.

The date for 2023 will be announced soon. Plans are already underway to make the event bigger and better so we can raise even more vital funds for the three life-saving charities.