Brave bikers swap the smooth for the rough

Published on 21st June 2007 in News

A brave biker is getting ready to swap his top-of-the-range motorbike for a 30-year-old moped - for a journey of nearly 150 miles.

Iain Cook, of Barmby on the Marsh, rides a Honda Pan European motorbike at work but will ride in a sponsored rally on a rather slower moped.

"Cookie is the bike safe co-ordinator for West Yorkshire Police, so he's used to riding a Pan European motorbike at work," said Iain's wife Sarah.

"He's also a keen biker in his spare time, so to be on a bike more than 30 years old is the complete opposite of what he's used to!"

Iain will be riding with his friend Simon Chesterman, also of Barmby, and both men will be supported by their wives.

"The event is an annual moped rally, with over 50 bikes but it will be Cookie and Simon's first time," Sarah said.

"Cookie and Simon have bought bikes - well, I say bikes, they're very old - and there is every chance that they will be doing more pushing of the bikes than riding of them!

"Apparently the route is extremely hilly and their bikes are temperamental to say the least - especially Simon's - so Julie and I reckon that we'll be kept very busy, being on hand with tool kits and spare parts!"

Cookie and Simon will be raising money for two cancer charities, and will split all their sponsorship between Cancer Research UK and Wheatfield's Hospice in Leeds.

Charities close to riders' hearts

Both the charities have a special meaning for the riders and their families: the hospice looked after Cookie's dad before he passed away and Simon's dad suffers from a rare form of cancer.

Sarah, who lost her father and her oldest friend when they were 56 and 35, said: "Fundraising for these two extremely worthwhile causes is very close to all our hearts.

"We have raised well over £400 to date and hope to raise significantly more."

Anyone wanting to help them raise money for charity can email Simon at sales@collectablecameras.co