Story
THE GREAT BRITISH VESPA CHALLENGE
******UPDATE******
About 2100hrs on Thursday 18th June, I set of to Landsend in my Arnold Clark van, donated (by them for the trip), driven by Scotty McGeechie and Ken Pike, my trusted support team. It took us over 13 hrs to get there, as we were doing about 50 mph to try and save as much fuel as possibble, to keep our costs down. We traveled right thru the night and arrived about 11 oclock in the morn.We visited the start line, registered our event, and took some piccies.
It was from there to the Youth Hostel in Penzance. I really recommend it! A day room saw the 3 of us get some sleep, waking up about 5 or 6. Off to KFC, and with the van allpacked full of cereal bars, bananas, crisps and of course our 5 cases of BARRS DIET IRN BRU, we headed to the start line. A quick change in the back of the van, saw me don the big hairy helmet, the kilt and the rest of the Highlanders outfit! It looked mad, but brilliant!
The scooter looked awsome to, covered in its stickers of all the sponsors, supplied by Colin at Dynamic Graphics, Hamilton. just before I rather nervously pressed the starter button, and the wee darlin kicked into life. Of coousre it was always going to start, as Davy at Hamilton Motorcycle Services, Hamilton had spent hours servicing her and making sure she was in top condition. Not only did he not take any money, he actuallt gave me an additional £30 towards the fuel!! Thats why hes the best garage in Scotland!
So 0001 hrs Saturday just beginning and i was off!!!
What happened? Well the day was possibly the longest of my life!!! Some 23 hrs and 30 mins later (at 2331 hrs) I rode into John OGroats and crossed over the finish line. My mucsles had seized in my knees meaning I couldnt stand up on my own, and the "No Visor on my helmet" had done in my eyes, swolles to the size of tennis balls! But I had made it.
It was a truley amazing journey, wind, rain, coldness, mist, fog, snow on the hills and even some blistering sunshine! But when it got tough, I only had to look around at the members of the public, tooting their horns and waving encouragement. In addition, I was joined by about 20 Blue Knights from all over the UK, some who travelled all the way to Hamilton. 1 of which drove from Hamilton to John OGroats! And another who met us as he drove back to coulport from Kosovo!! And he ended up in JOG as well!! Two more were waiting on us up there, and supplied the Champers to toast my arrival.
A truley brilliant day, a geat achievement and all done in honour of Stuart Elliot a friend and colleague that we lost far to young, and inspired by and completed to show my son Craig, a Diabetes sufferer, that he is the best lad in the world, and hopefully he will be as proud of me as me and Kay are of him. Thanks Craig, you are my reason for living.
The following is where all this came from............!!! (READ ON MACDUFF)
You know that way you say your going to do something for charity but you cant decide what to do? Well I love motorbikes so I decided I had to do something bike related. But I had a bit of a problem, as bikes are just to much fun to be considered a challenge!! I thought about this long and hard and thought about the charities I want to raise money for.
My son is diabetic. He injects 5 or 6 times a day, every day. he misses out on a lot but never complains, he just rolls up his sleeves and just gets on with it. He is an inspiration to me in all aspects of my life. When its tough he gets on with it. I want to do something special for Diabetes UK, who have been a tremendous support for us as a family, so that they can offer others the same.
I am also doing this run for Riders for Health. Riders for Health supply motorbikes and support to locals in underdeveloped countries. These bikes are used by men and women who are trained by riders to deliver life saving services and medicines to villages. In short they endure horific conditions to save lives.
You can donate to Riders via my other Fundraising page:
www.justgiving.com/tommothomson
It didnt seem right for me to play on the bike for a bit and ask for money, so I have come up with a challenge!!!
On 20th June 2009 I will be riding my 125cc VESPA SCOOTER from Landsend in England (the most southerly point of Britain) to arrive in John OGroats, Scotland (the most northerly point) hopefully LATER THE SAME DAY!! When I say later the same day, its going to be hard as I will need about 21 hrs riding time so that only gives me 3 hrs for fuel stops etc.
This run will be supported fully by the Scotland chapters of the Blue Knights International MC Club.
In addition, Davy from Hamilton Motorcycle Services, Hamilton has rather kindly offered to prepare the scooter for the trip, including replacing some key parts, all at his own cost!! Also brilliant. HMS can be contacted on 01698 282999. Bikes for sale and great mechanic services so please call and mention my name!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The charity gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. All donations via this page are for Diabetes UK.
Thank you for your support.
Tommo Thomson
Other links you should all look at, cos the are interesting!!
http://www.bkscotland1.co.uk/ http://www.landsend-johnogroats-assoc.com/
http://www.bcgbikes.co.uk/ http://www.hamiltonmotorcycles.co.uk/