The following FAQ section supercedes all previous FAQ related sections and contains the final information for the ride. Also to avoid confusion all previous Wootton Bassett blog articles have now been removed.
UPDATED 11th MAR 2010
Firstly some new and important information relating the day’s events:
Hullavington
- No spectators are allowed at Hullavington airfield
- No cars will be allowed access at Hullavington (with the exception of staff)
- There is no shelter from the weather at the airfield so please dress appropriately
- Do NOT leaflet for other events at Hullavington
When is the ride?
On Sunday 14th March 2010
Is the ride still on?
Yes, the organisers have informed us that the ride IS still on.
Who is organising the ride?
The ride is being organised by Julia Stevenson and Elizabeth Stevens via their Facebook group – “Bike Run in support of Wootton Bassett: Sunday 14th March 2010“. The Police, MOD, Wootton Bassett authorities and staff from Afghan Heroes charity are supporting them where needed. Afghan Heroes charity is the beneficiary of money raised on the day.
What time will it start?
Riders will be asked to muster from 8am at Hullavington Airfield (A429). Full details of arrival protocols will be published later and will also be emailed to all registered riders prior to the event.
Where/when will we get our wristbands?
Wristbands will be purchased on entry to the muster point. These will cost £5 perperson, please bring the right money with you as no change can be given.
How much are the wristbands
Each wristband will cost £5 – One per person will be required to enter the muster point. PLEASE NOTE: These are NOT the ordinary Afghan Heroes wristbands – they are special event commemorative wristbands.
Where is the muster/start point?
The ride will start within the Hullavington Airfield (A429) – Post code SN14 6GU.
What facilities are available at the muster point?
As well as the the registration desks there will be facilities serving hot food, tea/coffee and other hot drinks (yes, enough for 15K people) as well as toilet facilities. St John ambulance first aid and Paramedics will be in attendance.
What is the route?
The run will start on the runway of Hullavington Airfield (A429) undertaking the following route: A429 (NW to Burton Hill), B4042 (Priory Roundabout to Callows Cross), Callow Hill to White Hill Lane then A3102 through to Wootton Bassett. The ride will then go to Coped Hall (A3102) roundabout for dispersal. There will be dispersal routes clearly signed for those travelling to the North, South, East and West. View the map.
What is the end point?
The ride will end at Coped Hall (A3102) roundabout for dispersal. There will be dispersal routes clearly signed for those travelling to the North, South, East and West.
Why can’t we use RAF Lyneham?
Originally when the organisers approached the MOD the maximum anticipated number of bikes was 2000. As RAF Lyneham is an operational airbase, 10,000+ bikes on-site is impossible.
Will the ride go through Wootton Bassett?
Yes, the police and local authorities have confirmed that the ride can go through the town.
Will all bikes be allowed through Wootton Bassett?
Yes, the police and local authorities have confirmed that ALL bikes on the official ride will be allowed through the town.
Why was the registration closed early?
The organisers have been in close talks with the Police, MOD and Wootton Bassett local authorities. Following these talks a limit of 10,000 bikes was agreed as a maximum safe number for the event. Once this number of registrations was reached we were forced to close registrations.
Why only 10,000 bikes?
Simply put, Wootton Bassett is a small town with limited facilities in the local area to support a very large number of bikes/people. For the sake of safety, logistics, marshaling and the people of Wootton Bassett, 10,000 is the limit.
I was too late to register, can I still come?
The organisers would like to ask those who have not registered to please stay away. If thousands of additional bikes turn up on the day there is a distinct possibility that the event may be badly disrupted or worse, shut down. The purpose of the event is to show support to the people of Wootton Bassett and to raise funds to support our troops and their families. The best way for this to happen is for the event to run as smoothly as possible. we are very sorry if you did not manage to register and we thank you for your continued support, but please do not just turn up. There are other ways to support us, such as donations, buying a wristband or helping to set up/run an event in your local area etc.
What about the reserve list?
There is no longer a reserve list, it is now closed, anyone who has been selected from the reserve list will have been informed.
What use are the registrations now that we are not using RAF Lyneham?
It is true that the main reason for registration was to allow the MOD to vet all participants. The organisers are using the original registration list to determine who will make up the 10,000 as mentioned above. All registered riders will receive an email prior to the event containing full instructions/documentation of the route, arrival / leaving times and, importantly, a proof of registration which will give them access to the muster point. These mails have now been sent.
111 Comments
To PAUL and all the team a very big thank you for this task which you have carried out better than any other business or even local goverment organisations…the Team have brought this all together wall the questions and answers etc. the getting every body on board like the police the Town of Wooton Basset..to all who have put in the hours…this will mean so much to many of us…as many of us old soldiers cant get around especially to the town Of Wooton AS THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN SAY THANKS ON THIS SPECIAL MOTHERS DAY…#Once again a special thanks to you all….
Hi Maurice, what rank did you achieve during your service?
Thank you to all that have organised this and thanks to everybody that has made this happen. It will be with Pride that I ride with so many fellow bikers. A truly emotional day awaits us.
Thank-you brave soldier.
It started with a rumble as the riders got near
Why are they coming, why are they here
I think it’s to say thank-you to those we hold dear.
Then came that feeling, and then came the roar
The feeling of power, unity and more
They rode as one, an unstoppable force
In one mighty army who believes in its cause.
Remember those fallen and shout out their name
Don’t let our heroes, be forgotten or loss be in vein.
And then came the silence, but their voice had been heard.
Remember those fallen and those that remain
Bring them home Wootton so we may see them again.
JD Scott
Such a beautiful poem…we rode today (14th) with some of our Hogsback Chapter members, and yes It was an emotional day. Would just like to say how well organsised the whole event was and a HUGE thankyou to the folks of Wootton Bassett and the surrounding areas for making us all feel so welcome…
Our Hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen…sleep well brave soldiers xx
John just like to say it is a great poem. As residents of Wootton Bassett we watched the first pulse of bikes and stayed until the last bike roared past the war memorial. It was truly an awe-inspiring day and the fact that all the bikers made a fantastic effort, (obviously some having to wait around for several hours) paying to come from all parts of the country is truly humbling. It was certainly a day we will never forget. It was incredibly emotional and our heartfelt thanks go out to all riders and of course the brave soldiers and their families.
It is I who thank you, for your Kind words and Support, A day I will remember forever. Thank you.
John my partner is Artistic Director at Wootton Bassett Theatre and as in 2009 her youth theatre company ‘scene and not heard’ will be involved in a remembrance production during armistice week. Last year’s production raised money for the poppy appeal and this year the children have asked if their donation can go to Afghan heroes. Diana would very much like to use your poem in the production which is entitled My War and concentrates on experiences of all those involved in war in varying capacities. Would that be possible? Diana is more than happy to chat with you via email on the above website as it seems slightly inappropropriate to tie up the Afghan Heroes web blog any further. Kind Regards Gareth
Hi to all involved and good luck with sunday, we will be watching the national news in the hope the profile is further raised by at least a mention.. A few of us tried to get on the list quite early but fell foul of the early hiccups the site suffered, we then couldnt get onto the reserve list so will be there in spirit only. We hope people respect the organisers wishes and dont turn up if not registered as this could be playing directly into the hands of other authorities that are already keen to see bike related events closed down…The Bulldog Bash springs to mind, we attended last year and there were no probs at all and we were able to purchase our Help For Heroes patch’s and wristbands… Ive a friend in the Marines whose served in Iraq and Afghanistan and he tells me how our troops are NOT suitably supported by our Government and how equipment is NOT supplied despite our Prime Ministers comments to the contrary…Who do we believe a Soldier from the front or a Politician sitting in a comfy London office??? Good luck to a brilliant cause, as a final thought, what about arranging another such event at a later date where maybe some of us unlucky ones may get a chance to show our support in person… Thanks and respect to all…
Steve, good news for you, Ride To The Wall (RTTW) takes place in October. Drayton Manor to Alrewas. Its a lovely location 150 acres, I was in the REME and also a crane operator, one of my tasks was to put some of the commemorative stones up. Have a look at the website rttw. another one is for the RAF in 2 weeks which is the easter egg run for the kids of those in the RAF http://www.rafa.org.uk
I will be flying the REME flag on the back of a triumph rocket tomorrow for our comrades that have fallen so will not let you down!
Looking forward to being there on the day. Let’s all hope for warmer weather!
Hi guys just to say i am a serving soldier over here in afghanistan from the first Battalion Grenadier Guards. ur ride in aid of this charity is amazing and if i was not here id join u all! thanks so much for ur support of all of us and i hope to ride with u all when im back over the summer! i own a CBR 600 rr LTD edition 2009 and i love it and being on it! roll on the summer!!!
Ben
Will be thinking of you and all the other bikers currently in Afghan. Take care out there and have fun riding your CBR when you caome back in the summer. I’ll be riding my CBF 600 tomorrow – it’s going to be amazing!
I am really looking forwards to the ride out tomorrow. I am a former RAF Nursing Officer (PMRAFNS) and will ride my heritage softail with pride through WB to show our continued support. God bless all our troops out in Afghan, we think about you constantly and pray for your safe return. Thinking about all of our fallen heros and their familys. Gonna need my tissues………….xxxxxxxxxxxxx
hi Ben , i am an ex soldier, served 17 and proud i did, will be thinking of all you hero’s out there (and everywhere else) when riding tomorrow, keep your head down and your spirits up , God bless you all.
thinking of all you brave boys & girls out there, doing a tremendous job of watching each others backs!!
YOU ARE TRUE AFGHAN HEROES!! We pray for you all to come home safe & walk or ride the town of Wootton Bassett. As well as thanking W.B. Today is for you All & your families.
BRING IT ON.
hi there well done everyone for getting this event up and running,with such massive interest as should be due to the reasons behind it just a massive thnks to everyone involved….
my question is the special armbands you purchase on arrival can you buy more than one of these armbands per person?
A MASSIVE THANKS TO ALL THE SOLDIERS OUT THERE FIGHTING FOR THERE COUNTRY……AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYS ARE WITH THE FAMILYS WHO HAVE SADLY LOST SOMEONE IN THIS WAR…
LEE NAISMITH..
I would like to thank you, in advance, for giving me the opportunity to say thank you to our troops, but also to say thank you to the people of Wootton Bassett for doing something that I should, but because of geography, am unable to do.
I hope you have a good day, and come away knowing that you have created something wonderful.
BLOODY MARVELOUS, WERE GETTIN ALL EXCITED NOW,THE BIKES ARE BOTH TAXED AND GASED,ALL READY, BRING IT ON
i have received my confirmation via e mail but do not have means to print out official pass can i stick relevant details on my screen. thankyou.
this is my first ride two wootton bassett and knot my last
Its going to be a great day,for a great cause,glad that I have been able to offer my services,Ben Parker out in AFG,look me up at Grenadier Day ,head down till then mate
Our thoughts will be with everyone on sunday and the reasons why you are all there, to show support, thanks and repect for the people of Wootton Bassett for the support and respect they show our Armed Forces.
It is unfortunate they my wife and I had to make the decision last night to drop out of this and cancel our hotel booking.
Since signing up for it our bike decided to blow a cyclinder head gasket, so have been working on it for the last 2 weeks under a gazebo in the back yard trying to get it back on the road.
Seemed to be all sorted on Sunday then when testing it to and from work on Wednesday it decided to start a couple of oil leaks, one of which was quite big.
Not enough time left to sort it before the weekend.
To all that will be there, ride safe and respect
Hi Keith, where do you live. I tried to register but could not. I have a spare bike very nice clean / chrome Drag Srar all road legal you would be welcome to use her rather than cancel your day
Hi Nick, thank you very much for such a kind offer, unfortunatley I have just read ths today and we had already cancelled our entry and hotel on Thursday night when I had to finanlly admit defeat in getting our bike ready in time to travel down from the North East.
My wife would have loved to have a ride on the back of the Dragstar, it would have been quite a change from our ST1100, we are now hoping to get it sorted this week ready for the Durham Police Easter Egg Run.
This just shows how people are prepared to help in any way they can withing the biking community, it is only a shame that this type of help is not as common in all ways of life, as we have just found out Friday night when some lowlife has “keyed” a number of cars in our local street incuding ours.
Thanks you once again for the very kind offer Nick.
??????? although I have received my proof of registration and I gave my approx arrival time I did not receive any instructions/documentation with the E-mail?
The documentation can be downloaded from the time confirmation page as a Word Doc or a PDF.
Just need dry weather, all the SLUT trikes that are participating are ready to roll. Wooton Bassett will remember this day for evermore !!
Its going to be a very proud day for me as my son is going out to Afghan soon and i feel it will be a good send off for him as im a very proud dad. I realy wish all our forces out on tour a safe time out there , please bring them all back safe.But for those who have not returned i thank you all for doing a job that most ppl could not do and thats to give there life for there Country R.I.P Fallen Heroes …..
Iwould also like to thank the ppl of Wb for making this bike ride possible we all salute you (THANK YOU W.B )…………..STEVO ZZR 600 E….xx
Am proud and honored to be attending this ride out..as an ex soldier..and now as a civilian it gives me the opportunity to just say Thank you to our men serving now, to those we have sadly lost and to Wotton Bassett for they unwavering support to our fallen.
can the team find out the tuth in what that swindon paper printed out on face book ,its all negative comments about what the residents of Wooton are saying that they dont want the ride to take place and over 15,000 bikes are riding through even called them hairy bikers… now having read some comments on facebook by some residents of Wooton they are looking forward to this even even with the rumble of all those bikes and the spirit of the whole event……
The article was a basically a reprint of a particularly bad comment piece in the Guardian the day before. Neither have any basis in reality. The town council have been involved from the start and I believe the residents have also been leafleted. Apart from that article there are literally hundreds of pro event press articles. The advertisers’ editors obviously realised they had made a huge error as the day after they produced another article supporting the event.
living near Wootton Bassett, the only negative comment i have heard is from an Anti Bike ex Soldier who really doesn’t like the fact theat the Royal British Legion Riders Association have a presence on Repatriation Days, and that they are not in uniform. Are they not also expressing their appreciation for the fallen? how they dress is not the issue, what they are doing is.
Hi Maurice, the atmossphere and reception will be great the route will be lined with people coming to watch, I know I live in the area and will be on the ride. IT WILL BE BRILL. Joe ( ex Reme)
Rode the bike for the first time yesterday, and hoping it will make a 500 mile round trip. See you all Sunday.
I joined the facebook page, does that mean that I registered for this event?
I havent noticed an email come thru with all the details.
Andy
you needed to register through the afghan heroes website,unfortunately registration closed about a month ago..
wish i was able to make this ride. but being in the states (Tennessee – USA) will not – i have a daughter who is presently in the U.S.Marines and will be surely in afghan/iraq in the future. my heart and prayers are with our fighting men & women in the service of our countries. i support your ride and honor of our troops.God Bless you all
John Scotts words say it all !
We must ride with pride,respect ,and everything that our Troops deserve.Let us be remembered as a mighty force that is with our Forces and supports them and all their loved ones wherever they serve.
God bless you all.
Charlie.
Impressive organization for such a huge event – well done to all who have worked their butts off to make this happen. As a retired USAF fast jet guy, I welcome this opportunity to ride in respect of all UK forces, especially all those I have flown with and fought alongside.
Reallly looking forward to the day – even if the weather is foul – it’s the least we can do to support our troops and the people of W-B. Best wishes and good luck to ALL who are attending – thanks to everyone who has been involved in the organisation of this wonderful day – hope to see friends old and new – most of all – my prayers go to the people who reallly deserve them – the troops.
all our thoughs are with you guys in afga,because you are out of sight you are not out of our thoughs,keep up the good work,we cant wait until Sunday
Sadly we were a casualty of the early closure for registration and will not be able to pay our respects. We would still like to donate and purchase a couple of wrist bands for this special event, especially as everyone who didn’t register in time are being asked to stay away. Are these available to purchase and if so where from? To you lucky ones attending, a safe ride to you all and here’s hoping for dry weather.
Wristbands can be purchased from the Afghan Heroes Shop http://shop.afghanheroes.org.uk – We are experiencing delivery delays due to huge demands at the moment so be patient.
I’m a serving member of the RAF and will be riding in memory of 2 friends who have been lost out in Afghanistan – Cpl Darren Hicks and Cpl Jay Barnes – RIP guys – True Heros
Looking forward to seeing you all here in Wootton Bassett on Sunday. Hope you have a FANTASTIC day
Well done & keep up the good work!
this is going to be a very emotional experience for all attending, and to wooton bassett for letting us do this run, i am mystified as i thought ages ago that the red arrows would be there so i contacted the afgan site and told something better was going to happen if they can pull it off ????, cannot wait and see what will become of this, WELL DONE TO ALL WHO ARE ATTENTDING, as WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM AND A SPECIAL MOTHERS DAY TO ALL OUR FORCES FAMILIES.
been looking forward to this since i 1st found out about6 wks ago..has there been anything like this before involving so many bikers/riders-history in the making? and for such a good cause..our boys deserve all the help and recognition they can get ..
As a serving soldier this event ,and the way it has been organised is truly a fantastic thing!! To know how much support the guys and galls have abroad is truly humbling. See u all there on Sunday( triumph has been cracked out) and ride proud!! Thanks again everyone
Hi Guy’s and Gals, have a good day Sunday! We have a family run biker friendly Music pub in Greatfield. Head for Purton when you get to Coped Hall Roundabout, it’s about a mile on your Left hand side. Riffs Bar, http://www.riffsbar.com We will be running a Help for Heroes all dayer in June ~:)
Will be attending event, had a bit of a Whip round at work and collected £350, this has been converted into
a company cheque, will there be a point at Hullavington where I can Hand it over?
Thank you, yes there will be collections taking place on the day.
The ride will be passing our house in Brinkworth so expect we’ll be waving you as you go past! Also, four of the junior football teams from the immediate area, Brinkworth Cats (I manager them!), Bassett Rangers and Wootton Bassett Town FC (x2) will be kicking off games at the Ballards Ash sports ground at 2pm for scheduled league fixtures, as this is a stones throw from Coped Hall roundabout, I expect the sound effects to be awesome, talk about the delicate sound of thunder, I can’t wait…
Hope the sun shines for both the bikes and the football.
Andy
Looking forward to the ride tomorrow. I sincerely hope it wont be necessary to repeat it next year, though knowing our government it probably will be.
Just polished bikes.. fuelled up and checking final details… alll we need now is sunshine and everyone to spare a thought about those not so lucky as ourselves……Ride safe.
on our way down from bolton cant wait for the biggest meet ever and a just cause mick
looking forward to riding with all the other bikers tomorrow. I live in W B and feel proud to welcome everyone despite the two cretins in the Adver, you know who you are and so do we !!!!!!!!!!!
Good Luck to everyone who’s going tomorrow
) xx
Kieth or anyone who for any reason cant make tomorrow could you allow me to use your registration I will gladly pay both your and our reg fees plus some, the wife has after 33 years decided to get on the back just for this event – we missed the list due tio being in Irelannd visiting our daughter contact is 07956 460581 if anyone can help
Good luck to everyone taking part tomorrow l wish l was taking part but left it to late to enter .l think they are great bunch of bikers. well done.hopfully i will be watching in wootton bassett
as a serving soldier with the rifles im honoured that i will be riding with fellow bikers tomorrow so that i can honour my mates that lost there lives doing what they loved. ( filled her up and shes ready to go thats the bike not the wife lol) love you lads.we will remember them.
wow, after looking at the website i cant help but wish i was gonna be there to be apart of it. i dont ride but my mum and stepdad have travelled up from cornwall to ride with you guys, far out and cant wait to check out the pics and am so gonna watch the news
Well the wait is nearly over..Bike is ready and alarm set for 0600 for a 0700 start..I am so proud that i will be part of this..Huge respect to all who have made this possible..And of course the utmost of respect to our brave soldiers..Gone but never forgotten..See you all in the morning,safe journey there to you all..
Hi i am ex Royal Air Force 1979-!986,
I live in New Zealand now but my twin bro and his mates are taking part in the ride, wish i could take part in a good cause, i remember the Falklands war when i was serving and know what this ride out would mean to the lads serving out there, Wiil hope we get some coverage down here in NZ
Keep up thr good work.
Hi everyone – I know as I write this you’ll all be currently waiting to start your ride so won’t see this till later, but just thought I’d post a quick good luck and looking forward to seeing you all coming through our lovely little town. Wootton Bassett is behind you and we’re looking forward to seeing you all come through.
My family and I will all be out supporting you as you come through – you’ve got a lovely day for it so hope you’ve all enjoyed it and thank you.
This is fantastic, in support of Afghanheros, our son is riding and we are so proud of him for doing this, he was in the Army more than 20yrs himself.
Walking up to the high street to support you supporting us supporting them ……
Congratulations to whoever thought up this money making idea. I am one of those very disappointed bikers (with pillion) who would have loved to join this spectacle, but left it too late!
Due to the massive response to this bike ride out and the very large number of riders who missed the boat, hasn’t anyone suggested the obvious! A ride out every month (with different venues,around the country) would generate much more funds for our heroes! I’m sure that this type of fund raiser would’nt take anymore organising than any other charity event. This would produce a regular fund pot every month!
You can put my name down for the first regular event, and many of my friends who have missed out today!
Good luck everyone, BE SAFE!
Kind regards
Steve
Awesome effort everyone concerned! I live/work in Bahrain/Saudi Arabia and ride with several servicemen/woman from UK/US forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, Great respect to you all and our grateful thanks to all who serve.
It was with a great deal of pride that I watched my son ride off to take part in todays event. You are a very special band of people. Be proud of who you are. Ride with pride and ride safe.
Just got home from the Wooton Basset ride and i must say it was a total mess in respect to getting the riders off. The police and organisers didnt have a clue. So must for having an arrival time, it was total chaos not helped by a redhead screamin and shoutng orders untill everyone gave in to her. We waited 3 hours to get off and in the meantime later arrivals were setting off ahead of us. Apart from that it was a good day and i think there was only a few idiots trying to show off and spoil others rides. A great turn out of people who came to cheer us and say thank you. Was great to be a part of it.
Just got back from the bike ride – what a fantastic day, thanks to the organisers and all the people who turned up along the way from Wootten Basset and the surrounding villages – great support thanks.
To all those who were at Wootton Bassett, riders (registered or otherwise) spectators (as we were), or residents who were there to witness the ride, our most heartfelt regards, respects and best wishes, and to the organisers, all I can say is that there will be thousands who go home tonight touched by what you have helped make happen.
A bit “over the top” maybe, but todays event, and the Freedom Ride (after the 2005 bombings) made me think of Henry V, and the speech from Shakespeare before the battle of Agincourt, the extract that follows is what meant most;
“We few, we happy few, (although not THAT small a band this time round!) we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me,
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That rode with us upon this Mothers Day, 2010″
Ride Free,
John & Mo
Well people, just got back home from joining in at Wotton Bassett, sorry to you organisers but my wife and I could not stay away, so we booked a pub meal as an excuse to get through any police blockage ( which didnt exist) and stood in the High Street with the massive turn out by the local population who normally stand to honour the fallen. My wife and I were approached and thanked for our presence on numerous occasions. I felt that the town people genuinely appreciated ‘ our’ invasion, the sentiment expressed would best be described as the biking fraternity providing the town of Wotton Basset with a alternative memory to the all to frequent repatriations of our ‘ Afghan Heros’ Thank you Wotton one and all for allowing us to show in a small way that we apreciate your commitment, we are with you heart, mind and spirit Finally to the organisers and all those that made today happen thank you it was awesome and a priviledge to has experienced a small part.
I was lucky enough to have been on the ride today, it was one of the best events i have ever been to on my bike everyone who attended was a credit to 2 wheels. I was blown away by the reception from all the locals, from Hullavington to Wootton Bassett and back the rods were full of well wishers. cannot think of a better way to spend mothers day.
I Would like to give a whole hearted thank you to all of those who were involved with the organising and marshalling of todays event. Not only was the weather excellent for a change. From my point of view the event ran smoothly, plus it had all the creature comforts that I could have wished for. I have been on rides like RTTW where there have been up to 7000 riders and this has with out doubt gone just as smoothly, considering that the numbers were probably almost double I feel this was a remarkable achievement. I am hoping that I can put my REME flag away now but if we need to do it again in the future you can rely on me to get it out again. Well done to you all and have a well deserved drink on me.
An absolutely amazing day. Perfect organisation. A credit to everybody involved. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Brian Howell
We live in Wootton Bassett and would just like to say thanks for your efforts – it was moving to see so many take the time and for such a good cause.
Great day.
What a great turn out today. Big thanks to the organisers, marshalls and everyone who took part. Very emotional riding through Wootton Bassett.
Mal
Many thanks to all involved in organising the run. I could not belive the public support mind blowing the only way to describe it.
There is only one thing to say, AMAZING!!!
Thank you so much everyone it was a pleasure to ride with all of you.
Amazing day. Inspirational. Not just the 15000 odd bikes that turned up, but the people of Wootton Bassett and those living nearby who turned out to support the ride by cheering. clapping and waving flags. Thanks to all those involved in organising such a mammoth event, to all the bikers who came along, and to Wootton Bassett for making us welcome, and also for showing their support and respect for our fallen heroes.
To all the ladies and gents that organised this truly memorable ride today, thank you. It was one of the most emptional and wonderful experiences I have ever had, and it was so emotional riding through Wootton Bassett today with the support of the fantastic residents there. Well done, it was absolutely amazing and a fantastic tribute to our troops both those fallen and those that are still serving.
To my cousin, TJ who is serving now, you are a great guy and we are all so very proud of you xxxx
We will remember them.
Have just had the best of days! Thank you to everyone who organised the run, thos that provided the essentials – toilets and tea! – and all the bikers who took part – you all made a great day become a fantastic day – thank you one and all !!!!!!!!xx
What an amazing and fantastic way to thank all the brave men and women who have served and are still serving, and to the wonderful people of Wootton Bassett for their staunch support in times of heartache.
I have just returned home from being an emotional spectator to a wonderful Mothers Day ride. Your tribute to those who have fallen goes beyond words. You bikers have been magnificient….Thank you… Ride Free and may the Great Spirit be ever with you….
To those who have gone… we will remember you….
well done to all the bikers that turned out today. beautiful weather, beautiful machines of all shapes and sizes and i gather alot more than 15,000 bikes. a bit of hit and miss on the organization front, but even though we waited 5 hrs to get going, we had fun and made new friends. thank you to the people of Wootton Bassett, flag waving and cheering made us feel like heroes, which were not, the real heroes are our fallen kin. glad we could help, glad we turned up and maybe just maybe it can be an annual event. may your god go with you all, and safe journey home.
Just to say that I’m a father of 3 little ones who commutes 18k on a bike each year — in my case, this means I don’t belong to any clubs or visit websites or ride at the weekend, and so I genuinely had no idea of this event. I was delighted to be caught up in it on the way back from visiting my mother-in-law.
Well done to the organisers and police and residents for making it go so well. This was my first ever event (after 11 years of riding), and boy, did I luck out! It was the least I could do to make my registration donation in retrospect. A very worthwhile cause for a deserving bunch of people who I am utterly thankful I will never know what it’s like to be a member of.
Fantastic day, fantastic weather, someone was smiling on this event, perhaps it was all our fallen heroes,
Many thanks to all those involved in putting together the Wootton Bassett ride for Afghan Heroes. Having been one of the bikers who rode through the village to such a wonderful reception, I feel honured to have taken part. Hats off to those who organised this mamoth task!
From members of the Odiham Motorcycle Club (OMCC)
The ride out today was amazing and we feel privileged to have been able to attend such a wonderful event, the people of Wootten Bassett and all of the villages we rode through have made us realise that there is something left of England that is worth saving! To be able to support our Soldiers in this way was truly amazing and to see the good people lining the streets was very humbling, the people of Wiltshire should award themselves one almighty pat on the back. Rest in peace our fallen and Godspeed the safe return of the rest of our boys and girls!!
Blown away. What a moving day. Sooo many bikes!!!! As ex-forces, and now a copper in Wiltshire, it just goes to emphasise the regard in which our armed forces personnel are held. It also goes to prove what an absolutely great bunch of people the biking fraternity are, in that 10′s of thousands gathered for a brilliant cause and the day passed off peacefully. Our thoughts are with the fallen heroes, they are not forgotten as Mothers Day 2010 proved. Also, big thanks to the people of Wootten Bassett for coming out in force and showing your support. Well done to the organisers as they had to keep adjusting their plans as the ride snowballed to the fantastic event it turned ouy to be. Lastly big thanks to all us bikers who made the event what it was. See you next year for the second annual event.
A massive well done to the organisors, I wasn’t involved with the ride but it makes me proud to be part of such a superb charity.
Makes me wish I had a motorbike.
Shaun
Hi to you all. I want to say a big thank you and an even bigger well done for the ride out yesterday. To organise that many bikes was an achievement. The emtotion and warmth shown by residents along the way was heart warming. I brought a small group of 25 riders and was impressed by the overwhelming site of over 10,000.
It’s the longest queue I’ve ever seen for a burger van.
Lets’ make a call for a Wooton Basset Day.
Well Done
As a local to RAF Lyneham, I just wanted to do something/anything to show support of all you biker guys/gals on such a special day. I have no bike, just feet, but i did muster the largest flag ever, so simply draped it around myself and walked part of the route with you. Very, very emotional day; there WILL always be an England! … Mmmm … and how many of you did I see go round TWICE or more, eh???! Stay safe.
Superb day out, good weather and a chance to show the world that we care.
p.s. How do we get a wristband as they had all gone when we arrived about 11am!
Proud to have been part of this. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Thanks to the fine residents of Wootton Bassett, the organisers, the Police
(who were brilliant) and most importantly to the other bikers who made the effort
and shelled out some of their hard-earned dosh to help the Afghan Heroes charity!
A memorable day.
Brilliant idea, but the ride was total chaos,what was the point of registering it seemed that thousands or unregistered bikers were let in so when i arrived at my aloted time at 11-12 all the wristbands were gone, not that it was about getting some thing but a momento of the day would have been nice,to us bikers it was about saying thanks to our brave men and women who fight so we can live the lives we do.I wanted to remember the day as it was ment to be,one of solidarity from the biking world not spending 5 hours to get out, Perhaps if it is done next year, why not put us into an alloted area for that time slot, or better still why not do co-ordinated rides around the country it would be more manageable and I bet you would get thousands more.
Sorry Kelvin but your assumptions are somewhat inaccurate. Firstly, as you can see from the other comments here the ride was not “Total Chaos”.
After cancellations were taken off and the reserve list was included we had around 10k bikes fully registered with passes printed etc. We only had a few hundred “non registered” riders show up (even though we had asked people not to) and they were identified at the check in and guided into a different section. I KNOW this to be true as in the three hours I was working the gate I personally checked in hundreds of registered riders and only had to deal with less than 10 non-registered.
The wristband problem was that Chinese customs (for the second time) held our consignment on the quayside in China. This meant for the second time in a month we were 10′s of thousands wristbands short – and to have this happen to the ones for Sunday was a devastating blow for us as we never would have wanted any of you to have felt disappointed by our efforts. We are working on a way to make sure that everyone will get their wristband – I will let you know before Wednesday how that will work. Once again let me stress the wristband shortage was nothing to do with excess number it was a shortage of wristbands in the first place.
Please remember that Afghan Heroes was not responsible for the “on the day” organisation of bikes/marshals etc. Although some people felt that things didn’t go according to plan the vast majority seem very happy with how things went – I am not a biker so its very hard for me to tell whats good or bad, but the the mere fact that 10k bikes managed to get in, get out and get through Wootton Bassett without any major hiccups or incidents is amazing to me. I know others also felt they didn’t get on the road quick enough, and I’m sorry if you think that – but know this, it wasn’t intentional and I think I could safely say it was the exception rather than the rule.
IF this event happens again, I think that everyone will have a much clearer picture of what to expect.
Once again, I would like to thank you and everyone who turned up for their support.
KELVIN… I arrived around 2 hours before my allotted time and I went on the ride approx 3 hours AFTER my allotted time, no problem there, I was enjoying catching up with old friends, chatting with new ones, meeting lots of people from all over Britain and generally enjoying the whole experience…
Sorry mate, but I think you came there in the wrong frame of mind, I was just drinking in the atmosphere and enjoying every minute…
The way I see it is (being realistic) that this ride was put together in such a short time and with very short staff at first…..but then as it escalated over 10,000 and RAF Lyneham was unable to handle these numbers (Active Airfield), The Organisers had to find other options, I PERSONALLY think they did an absolutely marvellous job of getting it all together in the time they had…..
Kelvin, Think about all the good stuff that was done by a bunch of sweaty hairy Bikers and Motorcycle Enthusiasts all turning up in a field and joining in with the day…..the day that …..
“Will Be Remembered Always!!!” …..and YOU was a part of it!!! YOU was there!!!
I knew I was going to have some discomfort, I knew it was going to be a very difficult ride of that distance on “Colossus” ….. that trike takes a lot of riding over longer distances, I knew I was going to be in pain from the word go…but I wanted to be there on Colossus … I am technically 3 limb disabled and so what if there is a bit of discomfort, so what if it was going to be awkward for me…now think of what the guys n gals are feeling over there…..my bit of discomfort lasted one day…..theirs goes on for the whole Tour of Duty….. I stayed in bed a couple of days after…lol…but I had a huge smile on my face!!!!!
I am just so glad I was allowed to come, and so proud to have been there on that day, a day that I shall Remember Forever…..
I was one of those who needed help with getting my passes printed etc…..panicked over not getting everything done right for the day…..and yet…..I found the whole experience from coming through the gate to going home ran so smoothly, I did not feel ‘cattle trucked’ in and stacked, racked and booted off at the end, it was a really easy day for me…..and to everyone who made my day just flow I thank you, right from Tim, and others from same team helping me out, to finally setting off for home after dark, I rode there in the dark – and I returned home in the dark – filled with a memorable day…..
I SAY IT AGAIN….ALL YOU GUYS N GALS ROCK!!!!!
ORGANISERS, HELPERS, AFGHAN HERO’S CREW, AIRFIELD CREW, MARSHALLS, MEDICS, COPS, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS THE DAY IT WAS…..AND OF COURSE THE RIDERS TAKING PART TOO!!!
Hi,
What a day, a big thanks to all who helped, marshalls, police, highways a big thanks to all the bikers, without who we would not have had such a memerable day and of course a special thanks to all the fine people of Wooton Bassett, not just for the ride day but for all the dedication shown towards our fallen hero’s.
On a final note I realy did want a wristband to remember the day and present to my grandson, at this time serving in Afgan, did not get one seems to have been a shortage, any idea how I can get hold of one?
I just put up a new post about the wristbands.
For anyone who couldn’t get a wristband on Sunday please read this: http://afgh.org/Af3Y4U5
What a fantastic day, quite emotional, so the organisation was abit hit & miss, we have to sacrifice so little and they have sacrficed everything to protect our nation, huge thankyou to the people who stood around for hours, you should give yourselves a much deserved cheer and to the organisers, the person who came up with the idea and lastly for those of which was the reason we where there, god bless and stregth to you all.
I will gladly be there year on year, but i hope this was the frst and last time that we will need to be there
What a day! I have never felt so proud and honoured as I did when I rode through WB. Even though we were waiting for hours on the airfield, it didnt matter because we were there for a good cause, to raise money and to show the world that we all Care. I know that we didnt all get our wristband and I was one of them. I do look foreward to getting mine so that I can wear it with pride. Roll on the next one because I will be there!
what a magic day-loved every moment-been riding bikes since 1957 but never had a day to beat that one-what about an annual rally at hulavington–if you could get hold of the news footage,would make a great dvd-you could sell thousands and raise more funds–i would love a copy to send to my son in kandahar just to show the troops we care–thanks ron
Great idea Ron, the dvd has got to be a MUST! And has got to be pip-squeak simple to produce compared to organising this mega ride! There was plenty of film being taken along the route, Just how many hours can you get onto a dvd!?? We need all of it, EVERY bike! A fab spot was as Callow Hill joined Whitehill Lane – All the bikes/trikes were cruising to the junction, cornering, and revving throttle a little to pull away on the straight – all in one smooth continuous convoy – just awesome! Things were understandably slightly more gentle in Bassett High Street but still thoroughly emotional. Like those troops who were in everyone’s hearts on that historic day, this event will never be forgotten. We all hear the repatriation plane overhead before landing far too often; we long for the day it no longer needs to return to RAF Lyneham.
sorry Tim if I sounded discruntaled i didn’t mean it, I’ve marshalled at hogging the bridge so I know how difficult it is. I think the problem was that people were pushing in when they saw the the lines moving and yes I agree people will have a better idea next time,and you guys did a great job.
What a day WOW, absolutely brilliant, even the weather was with us. Thanks a million to the Ladies and Organiser for the whole event. Would be only to pleased to do it year on, but hopefully the present will be finished with and it will be to help those still needing our support.
I was lucky enough to have the support of so many Hungerford people and when I asked who to give the Cheque to, I was told to go over to the blonde Lady in leathers, Ha Ha Ha, there were so many it was guess who, but the correct Lady was fantastic and the ride was superb.
If anyone has copies of a video of any part of the journey that I could purchase copies of, it would be great to hear from you please, as my Daughter and Son-in-Law would love to have been there but are stationed far to far away.
Thanks a million everyone for a brilliant day, not forgetting the Polices help of course, which was really good and kept us going right through, Thanks.
…….Oh and……the problems with getting out was to do with OUTSIDE the Airfield…lol…it was a huge volume of traffic to get through without disrupting (TOO MUCH!) the local and through traffic…
…..Oh and…..we were put into allotted areas…lol…the lanes were set up that the first in had the extreme left hand lane …..and it went out first…..and so on across the runway…..
But did you see? As soon as the lanes were emptying they started filling right up again…..and STILL there was loads waiting from the gate to that runway to get parked…..
hi everyone,
any news on the dvd`s. i ordered 2 on 27 march ( order no 1740 ) but have heard nothing since. is thre a delay on delivery or is our postal service at fault.
kind regards
mike torrington
The company who are producing the DVDs said that it could take up to 28 days to ship the DVDs.