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Stephen Sutton Ride Out
(By Rob Scott)
On 14 May I joined the Stephen Sutton Ride Out in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. As on any ride, I also hoped that the Mental Health Motorbike stickers on my helmet and bike might lead to a few conversations about the charity, and our aim to improve mental health wellbeing within the motorcycling community.
My only reservation was that I had never been on a mass ride out before, which was causing me a level of anxiety. However, certain elements of potential stress were within my control, such as finding the assembly point in good time, and I therefore I set off from home early. This I achieved successfully to such an extent that I believe I was the first rider to arrive other than the marshals and safety bikers.
The briefing instructions were simple and clear, primarily being that we would be riding in a staggered formation achieved by riding in column of two alternating files of bikes, evenly spaced at a safe distance apart. I was also advised that the speed was unlikely to exceed 35mph.
The ride out itself was a 27-mile route between Lichfield and Burntwood rugby clubs in Staffordshire, with food and drink available at either end, and additional stalls and live music at the finish. The good weather played its part, and approximately 600 bikes, trikes and scooters, decked in yellow bows, ribbons and flags, formed the convoy – the largest in the 11-year history of the event.
Once the ride had commenced, I realised an added benefit of arriving early was that I was near the front of the convoy, not far behind the marshals and significant other bikes, and I was therefore less affected by any dynamic ebb and flow of riding in a group. As the columns settled, I made myself aware of the bikes I was in closest proximity to, and formation riding with these neighbours soon felt comfortable.
I began to relax shortly after we all set off, and I was soon revelling in being part of the large number of bikes, all travelling together, and being greeted by those lining the sides of the roads. Once into the rhythm, the relaxed nature of the ride provided me with the opportunity for some individual contemplation and reflection. At the same time, the group had a collective sense of purpose, remembering Stephen and continuing his fundraising legacy, all in a celebratory mood.
On reaching the destination, parking up and removing my helmet, I was soon having a chat with those immediately around me. This was reflected across the field of bikes, and there was a friendly, benevolent and humorous atmosphere, mixed of course with the usual mutual admiration of respective machinery.
Just about everyone then wanted the loo, a drink, some food, an ice-cream, or some combination of those or other available options. I wandered around, within the circle of stalls, with a mint-chocolate ice-lolly.
Without the aid of any Mental Health Motorbike collateral to instigate a conversation, (mental note made to rectify that for the future), I only spoke to a small number of people specifically about Mental Health Motorbike. Nevertheless, every single conversation we have about mental health is meaningful, time well spent, and with the potential for a positive effect on others, (and ourselves).
Needless to say, the primary purpose of the day was to raise awareness and funds to make a material difference to the lives of young people diagnosed with cancer. But the charitable ethos ran deep, and I thoroughly enjoyed attending and being a small part of this memorable event, with several hundred likeminded individuals. I also achieved something new, and participated in my first mass ride out – An experience I am sure I will repeat soon.
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