World’s First Ever Global Motorbike Ride
All content provided by Glen King
An ambitious global memorial motorbike ride, the first of its kind in the world, took place on Sunday 5th September 2021. Riders came together from 99 countries, starting in New Zealand, and ending in Alaska to remember those who have died from the Coronavirus.
Ride Global, is the brainchild of David Greensmith, who lives and works in Exeter. A keen motorcyclist and true altruistic, it was Mr Greensmith’s mission to bring together bikers from around the globe. The aim, to raise funds to help fight Covid-19, with in excess of $20,000 donated to The World Health Organisation COVAX, co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
David Greensmith said, ‘We sadly lost Alan Lewis, a family member who died suddenly in January to this devastating disease. I reached out to motorbike enthusiasts to hold a ride in his memory, and for loved ones we’ve lost. It quickly gained momentum, growing from a ride across the UK to going global. Motorcyclists hit the road at 10am local time for a two-hour relay, collectively following the sun around the planet within 24 hours. The support was outstanding with riders from as far afield as Hong Kong, Pakistan; Germany; Italy; France; North and South America; Malaysia; Guatemala; Finland and even China! It was so successful; we are looking to make Ride Global an annual event.’
Mr Greensmith was delighted when he received a letter from 10 Downing Street supporting Ride Global.
He said, ‘I was over the moon that the Prime Minister supported our cause to raise money for COVAX in memory of the people who have died as a result of the Coronavirus and help safeguard the living by making the vaccine available to more people in impoverished countries.’
The ‘Ride Global’ team, made up of a small group of volunteers, share a passion for motorcycles and supporting those less fortunate than themselves. Key members include Faisal Malik based in Pakistan and Mark Wilsmore of the iconic Ace Cafe in London. Ocean BMW is also a staunch supporter of the worthy cause. The dealerships opened across the South West in Torquay, Falmouth, and Plymouth alongside its UK flagship store - BMW Motorrad Park Lane- in London’s Mayfair, to offer refreshments to the riders.
On the day, members of the Exeter Classic Motorcycle Club headed up by Adrian Evans, rocked up to The Guildhall for a welcome address by The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor. They then headed to St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Cowick Street, for a blessing by Rev. Terry Litherland (Ret). Councillor Philip Bialyk, leader of Exeter City Council, was also in attendance to offer his support. The bikers then did a Rideout to Iconic locations across the city including The Custom House and Exeter Cathedral. David Greensmith was riding with the London contingency from Greenwich, home to the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory before going on to Brighton to the Ace Cafe.
The Ace Cafe, independently acclaimed as the ‘World’s Coolest Motorcycle Event’, was fully behind Ride Global. The iconic cafe held its 27th reunion at their London premises and in Brighton from the 3rd – 5th September 2021, choosing COVAX as their event charity with the Lord Mayor of Brighton introducing David Greensmith to the 20,000 strong throng of visitors.
Mark Wilsmore, Managing Director of Ace Cafe said, ‘It’s 25 years since the first Ace Cafe Reunion was held on the ever-popular Brighton seafront. The Brighton Burn Up - Ride with the Rockers - left on the Sunday morning with thousands of motorcyclists gathered at the Ace premises to celebrate the history and heritage of what is now regarded by many, as an icon. It was a perfect opportunity to get involved with the Ride Global team to help them make this inaugural ride a roaring success.’
To donate to Ride Global’s designated charity, COVAX visit the website: www.rideglobal.org
