Afghan Heroes Run - Wootton Bassett, 2010

[Dave]

Thanks very much to Roy for sending in this story and photos from the Afghan Heroes Run held at Wootton Bassett on March 14th 2010.

Although I have been below par lately I had committed myself to take part in the Afghan Heroes Run. This event was organized to raise funds for military personnel and families who are injured or killed in Afghanistan, also to say thank you to the people of Wootton Bassett for the way they honor the repatriation of soldiers killed in the war.

The entry list had to be closed when some 10,330+ bikes registered in two weeks. The organizers having some six weeks to arrange everything.
Starting from the old airfield at Hullavington the run was only some 20 miles through a couple of small villages, then through Wootton Bassett.

We started out in groups of around 500 escorted by police, all along the route people were out waving flags, clapping and cheering.
Through Wootton Bassett  the streets were lined four or five deep in places, the atmosphere was awesome and very moving.
So far the event has raised over £102,000.

Although unable to see every bike, I have been informed that my 1927 EW was the oldest machine in the run, she also came in for a lot of admiration, being photographed by all and sunder. One chap remarked that he doubted it would get stolen as he thought no one would know how to start her, let alone ride it.

Roy Robinson

[richson]

Well done Roy. It was a very moving day. Without getting political, the support shown for the people out there and the casualties in particular was immense. I never saw your bike or any other Douglas but that's not really surprising given the numbers. Not a lot of old Brit Iron which was a bit disappointing but then I wasn't brave enough to risk mine on the M-way either, so sadly trundled about on more comfortable Yamaha. If this or any other similar event takes place in future I will make the effort to get a more patriotic bike to it, as you obviously did.

Cheers, Neil