‘Just so good to be heading out’
#ride5000miles campaigns start in earnest
With Covid restrictions easing, riders have been taking advantage of dry tarmac in a bid to reach their 5000-mile targets by the end of 2021.
From short jaunts to the seaside for a bag of chips, to helping a mate get back on two wheels after a 10-year absence, the MCN-run #R5K Facebook group has been full of smiling enthusiasts returning to what they love – riding.
“It’s been a great release for me,” Pete Muir, from Winslow, told MCN. “I think it’s important that, as motorcyclists, we take every advantage of going out.” Pete is now back out exploring local roads alongside his girlfriend, Lauren Tse, who recently graduated to a Kawasaki Ninja 650, from a 125, after passing her test.
“We’ll be staying local and making sure she gets used to the power and handling,” Pete added. “The aim is to build up Lauren’s confidence so that when we go away to the Peak District later this year, she’s happy with a bit of motorway work and the challenging roads.” Elsewhere, Essex-based Graham Bell took a break from volunteer medical prescription deliveries to finish running in his new BMW R nineT with a trip to Walton-on-the-Naze. He was joined by Mark Kenyon, who has just returned to biking after a 10year break.
Graham said: “It lifts your spirits and it’s great for the mind. It’s too much to put into words in a way – after all that anticipation of looking forward to simply riding for fun… when you actually do, it’s almost overwhelming.”
This was echoed by Mark, who said: “I’d only had the bike for about a week, and this was my first ‘proper’ ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It just makes you appreciate being alive.” Finally, with Scotland allowing non-essential journeys within individual local authority areas from Friday, April 2, BMW R1250RT pilot, Jason Dorey has also begun venturing back out and is already planning longer rides for later this year. “Riding just reminds you how alive you are and how connected you are with the environment – in a way you aren’t in a car,” Jason said. “It’s a bit of a drug, really!”
‘Riding bikes again is a bit of a drug really’ #R5K MEMBER JASON DOREY