DUNSTABLE motorbike fan Ian Hyde is appealing for big-hearted sponsors to help get his planned round-Britain charity marathon ride on the road.
Ian, 43, aims to raise cash for Keech Hospice Care by travelling 3,468 miles on his motorcycle, around the coastline of England, Scotland and Wales.
But first the biker, of High Street North, needs sponsorship to cover basic costs such as fuel and campsite fees, so that he can carry out his fundraising bid.
Ian, an unemployed sheet metal worker, said: “I’d like to do a road trip.
“And around the coast seems the longest distance possible without a passport!
“Now I am starting to talk to people about it, I am getting excited. I’ve got my route planned.”
He was inspired to dream up the ride around mainland Britain after reading Jupiter’s Travels, by Ted Simon.
The book tells of Ted’s adventures during a four-year journey around the world on a Triumph motorcycle.
Now Ian wants to take to the road himself on a smaller scale – and help a great cause at the same time.
If all goes to plan, he should be setting out from Dunstable in early June on his Yamaha SR125.
He would like to start his round-Britain trip by heading for the east coast and then riding northwards.
And after travelling around the nation’s coastline, the motorcyclist hopes to arrive back home in Dunstable in mid-July.
The idea is that Ian would aim to cover 100 miles a day on his bike, on average.
At night, he would be happy to sleep under canvas on campsites.
Now Ian is hoping that backers will come forward to finance the marathon.
He would be willing to display company logos during the road trip in exchange for corporate sponsorship towards the costs.
And he hopes that he can then go on to give a welcome fundraising boost to Keech Hospice Care from the adventurous ride.
“I want to raise as much as possible,” he said.
Ian, who has one son, has been planning the marathon trip for the past year.
He has loved motorcycles since he was a young boy.
Asked why he prefers two wheels to four, he joked: “It’s the wind in your hair – and the bugs in your teeth because of your grin!
“I don’t know what it is. I just don’t get the same feeling in a car.”
>Businesses or individuals who would like to support Ian’s bid can reach him on 07934 801222.
