Ashington bikers geared up for Euro trip

Posted by The Journal on May 26, 09 09:27 AM in News

Biker buddies Tim McKay and Mark Sinclair are setting off today on a 2,000-mile trans-Europe road trip which will raise thousands of pounds for a children's cancer charity.

The two motorcycling fanatics from Ashington, Northumberland, are revving up to join more than 50 other bikers on the 11-day Barry Sheene Memorial Challenge along the roads and streets of France, Belgium, Germany and Italy, and back home.

Ashington bikers Tim Mckay (left) and Mark Sinclair

Ashington bikers Tim Mckay (left) and Mark Sinclair who are riding the Barry Sheen Challenge for CLIC Sargeant

The journey will take them through the stunning Swiss Alps and into the millionaires' playground of Monte Carlo.

The duo are hoping to raise more than ÃÂ£7,000 for the CLIC Sargent charity, which offers help, care and support to the families of youngsters diagnosed with cancer.

Tim, an engineer at the New and Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, and Mark, a dental technician, set off from popular bikers' haunt the Avalon Hotel in Whitley Bay yesterday for today's start of the sponsored ride at the Brands Hatch racing circuit.

Their powerful BMW GS650cc and Triumph Daytona 955i bikes have both been fitted with special GPS tracking devices which will allow their supporters and friends to follow their progress through Europe live via the internet.

Yesterday Tim said: "I don't think there's anyone who hasn't been touched by cancer, and every day 10 families are told their child has cancer. CLIC Sargent is there for them when it matters and we want to be there for the charity by raising money on this bike ride. We hope people will feel they are with us on the ride by tracking our progress."

The RX8 tracker device can track people and property anywhere in the world from a home computer or mobile phone. Olac Coombs, from RedWeb Security which has provided the trackers, said: "We're delighted to be involved with Tim and Mark and wish them every success."

Beverley Mackenzie, challenges event manager for CLIC Sargent, said: "I hope Tim and Mark's experience will inspire others to sign up for our fifth anniversary ride in 2010."

The Barry Sheene Challenge has been held annually since 2006. To support Tim and Mark's fundraising go to www.justgiving.com/marksinclair1

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk