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The date for this year is Saturday 1st of October 2011, there are now 100 days to go!
Since the first ride in 2008, through your support and generosity we have raised almost £100,000 for the NMA. The money you have so kindly donated goes towards the upkeep of the stunningly beautiful & peaceful arboretum, which is home to the largest memorial outside of the capital, the Armed Forces Memorial wall.
Ride to The Wall started with 1800 riders in 2008 and saw rider numbers exceed 4000 in 2010 which when added to the non motorcycling participants took total numbers to 15,000 for 2010. The growth and the ever increasing scale of the event and the complexities associated with organizing Ride To The Wall has forced us to undertake a total review of all aspects associated with the Ride To The wall. In order to comply with legislation we were forced to review our legal status and I am pleased to announce that our application for charitable status has been approved by the Charity Commissioner. The new structure will allow more effective operations and will enhance our fund raising capabilities, in particular through the use of the gift aid scheme. The additional workload associated with our change in status has meant that we are launching this year’s event later than usual and thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.
The increase in numbers of participants has also forced a review of the starting point. For 2011 onwards, Ride To The Wall is evolving into something that has never been done before in the UK, with some seven starting points around the country being utilised to allow riders to gather with kindred spirits on the event and ride together.
Each starting place will have clearly identifiable marshals to assist along with full toilet and refreshment facilities to allow riders to rest prior to the organised ride in start.
Once the departure time is reached marshals will assist with exiting the start point and event marshals will lead riders from every departure point direct to the National Memorial Arboretum.
Arrival at the Arboretum will be timed to allow plenty of time to explore the beautiful complex of memorials and have lunch before the main remembrance service commences, and the staff of the Arboretum will ensure many more things to experience than in previous years.
We have a new website for 2011 with numerous new multimedia features including, web casts and blogs as well as links to Facebook and Twitter. The website also includes the history of Ride To The Wall, a gallery of images from previous years, full details of the start locations with maps, and links to the NMA but to name a few.
Following feedback from numerous participants in Ride To The Wall our range of merchandising is being enhanced and added to, with new products and designs expanding the offering. The range will be launched in July 2011.
Registration for voluntary contributions to Ride to The Wall 2011 will also be launched in July 2011. The recommended voluntary contribution will be £7.50. You will receive a year bar for 2011 and your name will be entered in the scroll of honour recognising the contribution you have made and the pride and respect that you show for the sacrifice made by the names on the wall.
All updates will be posted on the website, blog, our Facebook and Twitter pages so please visit regularly and we will keep you in touch with Ride to The Wall 2011.
In closing, I'd like to once again say a huge thank you for all your support and I once again look forward to seeing you on 1st October 2011 at this year's event where we will ride to remember those who can no longer ride by our side.
Martin Dickinson
Founder
Please visit the website at: http://www.ridetothewall.org.uk/
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