Exeter biker organises world's first global motorbike ride in memory of those lost during pandemic
An ambitious worldwide memorial motorbike ride is to take place on Sunday 5th September 2021 following the sun across 99 countries, starting in New Zealand, and ending in Alaska in memory of those we have lost through the pandemic.
Ride Global is the brainchild of David Greensmith, who lives and works in Exeter, Devon, following the sudden and unexpected death of Alan Lewis, a family member through Covid-19. A keen motorcyclist and true altruistic, Mr. Greensmith’s vision to bring together bikers from around the world is to help raise funds to fight Coronavirus. All profits will be donated to The World Health Organisation COVAX, co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
David Greensmith – Founder Ride Global said: “We sadly lost a family member, Alan Lewis who died suddenly in January this year after contracting Coronavirus. As a keen motorbike rider, I came up with the idea of getting together with other enthusiasts to hold a ride in his memory and to those we’ve lost to this devastating worldwide disease. It grew from a ride across the UK to going global and our mission is to have bikers riding across the globe to follow the sun in 24 hours each starting at 10 am in their local time zone on the 5th of September 2021, and we hope to make it an annual event.”
He adds: “I was ‘over the moon when I received a letter of support from 10 Downing street on behalf of the Prime Minister via Ben Bradshaw MP, which was amazing. He fully supports us in our aim to raise funds for COVAX the global drive to vaccinations against the pandemic that affects us all regardless of religion or ethnicity. We want to unite as one to raise money for COVAX in memory of the people who have died as a result of the Coronavirus and to help safeguard the living by making the vaccine available to more people in impoverished countries so we can fight this destructive disease. Please join us in this quest and together we can make a real difference across the world.”
Exeter riders will meet at 9.15 am at the historic Guildhall with a send-off from Councillor Trish Oliver, the Mayor of Exeter. They will then ride in convoy to St Thomas Church for a blessing by The Revd. Sarah Cumming, and the official start of the ride will be made by Councillor Philip Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council. At 12 noon the riders will have official photographs taken outside Exeter Cathedral.
The ‘Ride Global’ team is made up of a small group of volunteers, including key members Faisal Malik based in Pakistan and Mark Wilsmore, of the iconic Ace Cafe in London who share a passion for motorcycles and supporting others less fortunate than ourselves. Ocean BMW is a supporter of the cause and opening their dealerships at Falmouth, Plymouth, and Torbay alongside its UK’s flagship store, in London’s Mayfair BMW Motorrad Park Lane, who have come together to offer refreshments to riders as well as opportunities to take photographs.
Chris Learmonth, Managing Director of BMW Motorrad Park Lane said: “It has been such an incredibly tough time for so many, so it is great that as a business, we are able to provide some support to David and his team as well as fellow riders, who are an inspiration as they start out on their journey raising funds for The World Health Organisation COVAX. We were delighted David reached out to us and look forward to welcoming riders on the 5th of September.
The Ace Cafe, independently acclaimed as the ‘World´s Coolest Motorcycle Event’, is a staunch supporter of Ride Global. The iconic cafe is holding its 27th reunion at their London premises and in Brighton from the 3rd – 5th September 2021 and supporting Ride Global by choosing COVAX as their event charity.
Mark Wilsmore, Managing Director of Ace Cafe said: “ It’s been 25 years since the first Ace Cafe Reunion was held on the famous and ever-popular seafront at Brighton in 1996. The annual event includes live music, ride-outs and special guests. The Brighton Burn Up - Ride with the Rockers leaves on the morning of Sunday 5th September, and as in previous years, thousands of motorcyclists will gather at the Ace premises celebrating the history and heritage of what is now regarded by many as an icon, Ace Cafe London. Attending will be riders participating in the inaugural Ride Global ‘Memorial Ride’ that takes place on Sunday, so it was a perfect opportunity to get involved with the Ride Global team and help to make this a roaring success.”
Ride Global the first of its kind in the world, takes place on Sunday 5th September 2021
To take part in the ride and/or donate visit our website: www.rideglobal.org
