Nene Valley Chapter's

Ride to the Wall

National Memorial Arboretum

"Ride to the Wall" - Bikers to pay their respect at the AFM
Article Published: 24 September 2008

‘Remember the troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice’

The Nene Valley Harley Owners Group is behind the UK’s first ever Ride to the Wall (RTTW) event. Open to riders of all motorcycles, the event commemorates all the troops that have died on duty since World War II.

The event is already proving very popular and organisers have accepted some 800 registrations for the ride to the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire on Saturday 11th October.

Modelled along the lines of the huge American ‘Run for the Wall’ where thousands upon thousands of bikers take part, the UK event gives people in this country the opportunity to show the respect that the members of the Armed Forces deserve as well as raising funds for the upkeep of the stunning stone memorial. The monument features the names of 16,000 Service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War engraved around its walls.

The idea for the event stemmed from the first Remembrance Day service at the Arboretum last November when a small contingent of Harley riders and a surprising amount of young people who attended the service, were particularly moved by the event.

One of those riders present was Martin Dickinson, Director of Nene Valley Harley Owners Group Chapter.
"The initial response to the idea of a ride and service was overwhelming with many offers of assistance to help with the planning and promotion of the event," said Martin. "This is an excellent way to show our gratitude and remember the members of the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

With the high number of registrations already received, organisers say as many as 1,000 bikes or more may attend the Ride to the Wall.

For those taking part, registration is at the Moto Services at Junction 10/A5 of the M42 starts at 9.30am on the 11th October with the 17 mile RTTW to the National Memorial Arboretum setting off at 11.00am, travelling along the A5 and A38 and arriving at the Arboretum about half an hour later. The ‘Parade of Flags’ bikes will form a ‘Guard of Honour’ with bikes parking up either side of Millennium Avenue.

A short memorial service will begin with a Piper and end with a bugler playing the Last Post.

‘Ride with respect, not to impress’