R5K members celebrate the group reaching 13,000 riders
#R5K marks four years and 13,000 members
‘It’s the most fun I’ve had since I was 17’
Alittle over four years ago, on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, MCN’s #ride5000miles Facebook group was born, welcoming riders from across the globe to share inspiring tales, offer advice and encourage others to get more from their biking.
The forum has since grown rapidly, recently passing the 13,000 members mark. To mark the special day, members have shared what #R5K means to them and how it’s changed their lives. Hinckley-based Triumph Street Twin rider, Angi Todd, 46, bagged her CBT certificate in April 2019, before passing her test in August 2020. She says the group helped inspire her to pursue biking and she has gone on to cover 11,000 miles across two bikes in 17 months.
“If I hadn’t been invited to the group by my husband, Andy, and seen some of the members’ comments, I really don’t think I’d have done what I did,” she beamed. “I’m on quite a lot of mixed groups and #R5K is the best for not putting you down for being a female.”
With her new-found passion for riding and hopes that restrictions will ease as the year progresses, Angi is now planning a trip either to the south coast or Scotland’s North Coast 500. Born-again biker, Daniel Simpson, 29, got back on two wheels last year after a 10year absence. After heading into Europe twice on his Royal Enfield Himalayan in 2020, as well as having a go at his own maintenance, Daniel has now completed 15,000 miles and says the community was a big help for getting back on two wheels. “This has been the most fun I’ve had since getting my 125 at 17,” Daniel said. “I scan the group to find little tips on how to do things and there’s all sorts of great wisdom. It’s been hugely beneficial for getting back into the hobby.”
And 41-year-old Dean Jewell, from Swansea, says R5K has massively increased his mileage as tales and images prove so inspirational. He’s covered 7000 in the past 18 months, saying: “The #ride5000miles campaign shows you can do high mileage in style and it’s helped me find great roads on my doorstep!”