R5K members get ready to ride
#Ride5000miles members are busy planning
‘I’ll have a run out and get the oil circulating’ #R5K MEMBER STEVE LANE
Thousands of eager #ride5000miles riders are gearing up for their first leisure rides of the year, as restrictions lift for two-wheeled travel in England on March 29. With the chance to enjoy the early springtime tarmac with up to five of your mates, plans range from cross country epics to easing back into it with a gentle jaunt closer to home.
“I’m going to have a run out and stretch the bikes’ legs and get the oil circulating,” says 65-year-old Steve Lane, who’s set aside time for a 30-mile shakedown on each of his three machines.
“I’m just looking forward to being able to go back out somewhere,” he continued. “Once I’ve done that a few times I might want to go a bit further, but it’s just about getting out and getting some miles on the bikes.” Having bought a new BMW R1250RS and Honda CB500X midway through last year, to sit alongside his BMW R nineT Racer, Steve is also planning an eight-night tour of Scotland to take place in September. Born-again biker Jon Powell, from Worcester, got back into motorcycling during the first lockdown after his other hobby of scuba diving hit the rocks. At around the same time, his daughter Adara, 16, caught the biking bug on her own 50cc scooter and the pair are now looking forward to post-lockdown rides, as she progresses to a 125 in April.
“I run my own business and the bike enables me to switch off and de-stress,” Jon told MCN. “Last year, we would go out on rides to local pubs together. It was a 30mph ride, but it just meant we had father/daughter time, which was lovely. I’m looking forward to that.” And he often takes his son Owen on the back, making his rekindled love of motorcycling a real family affair.
As restrictions continue to ease, Jon and family are also planning a biking camping trip to Walton Court – a favourite site in Powys, Wales. Sunderland-based Riaan Van Deventer is set for a 260-mile route on his Triumph Speed Triple, having stitched together a number of his shorter favourites. He said: “I can’t wait. It will be great to get out on the bike and have a bit of freedom.”