72-year-old motorbike riders Len Bage and Robin Down, will be riding across the mainland United Kingdom to raise money for the amazing My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Bage and Down will be setting off from Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park, and travelling to every top-flight rugby club across England, Scotland and Wales.
The pair hit the road on August 14th, for an immense journey that totals over 1,300 miles. In total, the journey will take over a week to fully complete. They will be stopping off at every Gallagher Premiership rugby stadium in England, as well as visiting Scotland and Wales’ United Rugby Championship sides.
The veteran bikers are riding for a fantastic cause, as they aim to raise money for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. Former British & Irish Lion Doddie Weir sadly passed away due to MND last year, and Len Bage shared his message as to why he and Robin Down are tackling the monumental challenge.
“My mate, Robin Down, and I, who are both 72 years old, just don’t have it in us these days to run marathons or swim the channel for charity but we want to raise some money for the “My name’5 Doddie” Foundation which funds research in to Motor Neuron Disease, the affliction which ultimately ended Doddie Weirs life at the age of just 52 last November.
“Doddie was an International rugby player, representing Scotland and the British Lions on numerous occasions. I met him a couple of times at Newcastle Falcons rugby club. He was a special man in so many ways, much loved by the rugby community, and that’s why I want to help.”
You can donate to the Just Giving page using this link – https://www.justgiving.com/page/l-bage-1678883229182
Triumph Motorcycles will be backing the two bikers on their journey, and were quick to agree a sponsorship for the fantastic effort. Triumph Motorcycles will supply a ‘Beeline’ navigation unit for the ride, and also share thir message on social media, with the goal of increased donations.
“So, starting on 14th August, the two of us are riding our motorbikes around all of the senior rugby clubs in Scotland, England and Wales to raise money for the Foundation. We are liaising with the clubs to arrange ‘welcoming committees’ (hopefully, with a few famous players) for when we arrive at each one and will try to involve local press, radio and maybe even TV.
“The more people know about what we are doing, the more money we can raise for the cause! We have already agreed sponsorship with Triumph and are talking to J&S right now too. The ride will take us through all three mainland UK countries, will take a week to complete and cover over 1300 miles! It’s a lot to take on for two old farts like us but it’s for a great cause.”