Motorcycling from Land’s Ends to John O’Groats and back may not be the toughest of challenges – unless you do it on a moped!
That’s what Isle of Wight Council worker Calvin Wright is doing next month to raise money for the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group (IWPCSG).
The 54-year-old learning development officer, from Brighstone, has forsaken his flash BMW GS1200 touring bike in favour of a Honda C90 – just to make it interesting!
Calvin was planning to do the Garbage Run, an informal length of the country ride, but when he saw organisers were discouraging riders from using bigger bikes, he went to friendly local dealer, Vincent’s of Merstone, and picked up a classic little Honda C90.
The ‘Super Cub’ Honda is the workhorse of the world, with more than 100million built since the 1950s. It has a top speed of 40mph and is generally designed for commuting and short-range trips.
Calvin decided on the IWPCSG as his chosen charity as friends in the village had contracted prostate cancer and, as a man in his 50s, he was aware of the danger of not regularly testing yourself.
He said:
“It made sense really as the group does such good work and needs to raise more than £30,000 a year to pay for its testing schedule.”
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After riding down to Land’s End (over 200 miles in itself) Calvin will set out for the North of Scotland on 5th August, and aims to be back on the Isle of Wight, via the east coast, on 18th August.
Calvin added:
“Britain is such a beautiful country and I have never been to Scotland. I am aiming to ride along the famous North Coast 500 as part of my journey.”
He thanked Wightlink for providing his ferry travel and Island Automotive for a free MOT for the C90.
You can sponsor Calvin’s ride for the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group here and you can follow his progress here.
I cannot sponsor someone who is belching out exhaust fumes across the country on a journey that is not required.
Whilst his motives maybe decent, the environmental considerations have been ignored. How much pollution will that bike create on the unnecessary journey.
he should choose a more environmentally friendly way of raising money, instead of polluting the air
Hi Joe. I understand your point and wouldn’t want you to donate money. (In my defence the bike does over 100 mpg and I am camping rather than using accommodation to reduce my carbon footprint) I would be pleased if you are able to raise awareness of the need for PSA testing though. Take care
Good luck Calvin
raise money without pollution…everyone seems brainwashed Into thinking that it is ok to make the air we need to breathe, dirty.
you wouldn’t drink the water in the toilet bowl, so why are you content to breathe air that is not clean and fresh
repeated exposure to exhaust fumes can cause cancer of the lungs …you are contributing to these conditions by using a motorbike….get an electric bike instead
Im going out on my motorbike later for no other reason than my own enjoyment..then i have some old tyres i need to burn in my garden
You must be the type that only takes but never gives.
Wow you really have been brainwashed with that nonsense haven’t you.
There is only one person polluting the air in this thread
Mopeds have pedals, hence their name. This is a motorbike.
Hi Tony. Journalistic licence has been used for the term moped I believe.
Hi Calvin
Can I borrow your GS while you’re away please?
Best of luck, have a great & safe trip!
Light motorcycle ,but of it only does 40 mph it is broken… the record for John O` groats to Land’s end is just over 20 hours nonstop on a C90.
Good luck Calvin. Hope you have a fantastic adventure. Scotland will not disappoint with some of the best scenery in the world.
Best of luck for a smooth trip Calvin, hats off to you
Calvin amazing challenges ahead on that mega bike ! Good luck and try and stay under the speed limit. Best of luck in completing this task !
No pedals, not a moped.
why have the message regarding polluting the atmosphere with an unnecessary journey been removed – these are genuine environmental concerns – hypocrites talk of cutting CO2 yet here we are, someone intentionally polluting on a journey that is not essential.