Conan's Intro

 

 

My bike history has been typical. From riding for necessity to get to college, through all weathers, on 125 MZ's to my first large bike a Kawasaki ER-5 to my now more adventurous KLE 500 (see above).

My style of riding has change only slightly however, I do enjoy a good run on the bike like most but it's more about the places it can take you, especially when you've also got the ability to explore off-road.

I saw Paul's advert in Motorcycle News (MCN) in February and answered the call as I've had this ride on my list of things I'd like to do in life, so jumped at the chance to join this adventure.

The bike I've now got, I've only had a few months but has given me a lot of confidence and has inspired me to go out and explore, starting with the UK with this little 4k ride.

I'm originally from Scotland, now living near Kings Lynn, Norfolk with plans to move yet further south to Cambridge, for me the Scotland leg will be the most anticipated of the journey.

Already I'm starting to get ideas for future trips, first Europe then Africa, but let’s finish exploring Britain and Ireland first though.

Above image is the bike on the trip, somewhere in Scotland.

Paul Newman

 

 

My name is Paul. I'm putting this together in aid of the National Autistic Society in the hope's that we can raise some money and awareness for them.

Truth be known though this is more for my son as he has taught me that anything is possible!

Reece suffers with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and is mid-range on the spectrum. The cause is unknown, although there is many theories, and its affects are numerous and varies from person to person. It has always been my wish to repay the charity for their advice and kindness when I was in need.

It seemed a no brainer to incorporate my love of 2 wheels in an event for the charity.

My love of bikes started from a young age. Although I never really got the chance to have my own until about three years ago. I had spent some time on dirt bikes with my cousins but 3 years ago. I got an SR 125, got my CBT and never looked back. Since then I've had quite a few. I like trying as many as possible and so far I've had a GS 500, ZZR 600 Bandit 1250, ZZR 1100 C and now I am riding a 99 ZX6R. I have also had the privilege of riding the 2013 Sprint GT from Triumph. They loaned me the bike for the BMF show in February when we launched the idea on the unsuspecting public.

That's about it really, but I'm thrilled to be fortunate enough to be in a position to do some good for the charity in my own way and I'm glad I've got someone coming along for the journey with me (they've got a sat-nav lol !!!)

Ride for Autism UK

“A Great British Bike Doing A Lap Of Great Britain For Great British Charity"

August 31st –
 14th September

 

Some of you may have read in the 20th February edition of Motorcycle News (MCN) or maybe from their websites general news section on the 26th July, see link, a column my Paul Newman calling for riders to join in an open charity ride around the coast of the UK in aid of raising awareness for the National Autistic Society (NAS).

The advert caught my attention in February and as I’m based in Kings Lynn and getting fed up with the winter blues I was up for an adventure just like this. This is a blog I’ve setup to keep up to date as best I can, tracking the journey’s progress with photos and tales from the road.

Here’s some more information on the event and what’s it’s all about and how to get involved:

Paul has given an open invitation for motorcyclists to join, for as many miles as they wish. This near 4000 mile ride around the British coastline to raise awareness and funds for the NAS.

Here’s a link to the route: www.rideforautismgb.co.uk/route.html

The ride will start from C&A Superbikes in Kings Lynn, Norfolk on the morning of August 31st. Averaging between 200 - 300 miles / 6 – 7 hours per day, mostly on B-roads, pitching up at campsites in the evenings. We will be meeting up along the way with fellow bikers and riding together for as long as they wish to stay with us to show there support. We are also planning on stopping in at special schools and projects run by the NAS to show our support. The journey finalises in the central arena at the British Motorcycle Federation’s (BMF) Tailend event on the 14th –15th September so please show your support when we arrive, but forgive us our slightly road wearing look!

Paul hopes this challenge will help raise awareness of autism as well as the support and services offered to parents by the NAS.

Autism is one of three known disorders in the Autism spectrum under neurodevelopment disorders. People with this condition can struggle with social interaction, having difficulties with speech, language, eye contact and tend to lack the intuition that many people take for granted. It is highly variable in its diagnosis, signs tending to appear during infancy or early childhood and is distinguished by a list of symptoms from restricted interests to repetitive behaviour.

Paul has an eight-year-old son called Reece who has this condition, being diagnosed at the age of three. Paul moved Reece from mainstream school to Granta, a school for children with special educational needs, and has seen a vast improvement in his son.

As a way of thanking those that have helped Reece and to raise awareness of Autism Paul has decided to create this ride and would like as many fellow bikers to get involved as possible for as much as they can ride.

 

 

 

Paul has gained some excellent sponsorship notably from Triumph who have lent Paul the above pictured Sprint GT for the journey. Other Sponsors include the Iron Horse Biker Cafe' near Peterborough.
 
If you would like to get involved there are loads of ways of getting in contact:

Paul's email: paul.newman292@gmail.com

The Website: www.rideforautismgb.co.uk

Phone number: 0844 854 9760

The Facebook site: Ride for Autism UK

For Donations : Justgiving

Please follow this blog as I intend to update it through the day as events arise but mostly in the evenings once we have stopped and pitched up camp.