Charity bike run set to roar into life

An appeal for over 200 bikes of all shapes and sizes to rev up their engines for CLAN Cancer Support is set to hit top gear.

Twelve months ago, the Orkney Bike Run hit the ground running, attracting 167 motorbikes, and raising over £11,000 for those affected by cancer right here in Orkney.

Now, the organisers behind the event are aiming to better that total, when a leather-clad army of riders return to the roads for the fundraiser this Sunday.

One of those behind the initiative, Dougie Stanger, is still awaiting a final confirmation of numbers, but he has set an ambitious target, and is encouraging anyone who owns a bike to turn up on the day.

“We had a fantastic response last year, and to have 167 bikes of all different kinds was exceptional,” said Mr Stanger, who lives at Hatston Park in St Ola.

“This year, we want to beat that total if we can — the ultimate target would be 200 bikes.

“It is ambitious, but I’m confident we can reach it and make it a super day out for all concerned.”

Registration for the run is from 10am on Sunday at the site of the old bus station on Kirkwall’s Great Western Road, before the motorcyclists take off at 11.30am.

From there, they will head up Kirkwall’s main streets and out to Dearness Community Centre, where the hall committee will be serving refreshments.

It is then out to Holm and to Orphir, and after arriving in Stenness, the bikers will head back to the old bus station.

It is £10 per person, and following the run’s conclusion, there will also be a raffle.

Mr Stanger stressed that the bike run is all inclusive, and he appealed for all riders, experienced and novices, of any bike to grab the opportunity to take part in this huge display of power.

“We need everything that’s road legal to turn up,” said Mr Stanger.