ROC: 2024 Campaign. Motorbike Charity Rides

In 2019 my mother passed away from complications surrounding Alzheimer's Disease. I felt I needed to do something to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's Society but had no idea what to do or how. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that robs the person you love of everything that made them who they are. Dementia leaves behind a shell that you still need to love and care for, reminding you with every visit that your loved one has all but gone. I needed to do my part to help fund further research and improve treatments.

I had no idea what I was going to do, and explored many options until I passed my motorbike CBT (L-Plates) test in mid 2019. My mum was a rocker in the 1960's and always had fond memories of her days with motorbikes. I suddenly realised a motorbike ride would be the only logical option. I re-joined social media to research options and connect with local motorbike groups. At the time I was working as a teacher, so needed to use an alias to avoid being found by my students. I settled on the name Victor David, this was my father's first and middle names. In using my father's name it felt that both my parents were both involved in this venture.

I started to plan the very first trip, with Lands End to John O'Groats the obvious choice. I knew that if I wanted to raise money it needed to be more challenging or engaging. I decided to take the long route and ride every challenging road I can find, a bold choice for a rider with less than 6 months experience. I passed my full Motorbike test in December 2019 and was ready to go...

Worried about going alone I invited a friend, but after a few social media posts it became clear that so many people wanted to join me. This was the spark that led to founding ROC in 2019, with the big ride planned for 2020......

. The ride finally went ahead in 2021, with over 20 riders from across the UK coming together to ride and raise money. After over 3000 miles and some very dodgy roads, we fundraised £8826. This money was divided equally between two charities; Alzheimer's Society and Mind UK.

Due to the success of the first run, I planned a second adventure for 2022. Once again, strangers from across the UK came together and headed out to ride Ireland's 'Wild Atlantic Way'. Over 10 days we raised a total of £7550. This money was split equally between; Alzheimer's Society, Air Ambulances UK, The Stroke Association and Mental Health Motorbike. We also raised £250 for the Irish Community Air Ambulance.

In 2023, many riders were a little short on cash from too huge adventures, so we kept things local with weekend ride outs in Cornwall, Brecon Beacons and Yorkshire. We still managed to raise £2000, split between Alzheimer's Society and Mental Health Motorbike.

2024 is another BIG adventure year, heading back to where it all began; the NC500 (Scotland).

It is the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI, one of my mothers favourite charities. So this year we are fundraising for them, Alzheimer's Society and Mental Health Motorbike.

As of July this year we have competed part 1 of our 'Chasing Lifeboats Tour, visiting every Lifeboat station from Mablethorpe down to Southwold.

On July 27th we depart for our final ever run, visiting every lifeboat station along the NC500 route.

We invite all members of the Motorbike Community to join us, all we ask is that each rider makes a donation to the cause. All financial costs incurred on the rides remain the responsibility of the individual rider. All money raised will be split equally between our chosen charities.

Stay Safe, Stay Awesome

Victor David