The first Steelhouse Rock’n’Ride Motorbike Rideout saw bikers riding all the way from South Wales Superbikes, at Queensway Meadows in Newport, to Ebbw Vale Welfare and Rugby Club. The aim of the event was to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance service, South Wales Argus reported.
The bikers that participated in the event on 29 June wore fluorescent ribbons to pay tribute to motorcyclists, who have lost their lives on Welsh roads. Dozens of bikers took part in the rideout.
The event was organised at short notice by Limeface, a design and events company based in Ebbw Vale. This is the same firm responsible for organising the Steelhouse Festival in Ebbw Vale.
The inspiration for the Welsh gig was the “Ride for life” initiative in Shropshire, which brought together over 3,000 motorcyclists, said Limeface’s Bethan James. She added that the company felt something like this should also be done in South Wales. James said that before the event even started, they had already received donations totalling £500.
According to Limeface, the event is a great chance to raise money for a charity engaged in such critically important work. Wales Air Ambulance gets people to hospitals from places where other ambulance services cannot reach. The fundraiser was also a chance to remember those who are no longer with us, James said.
The company made 200 fluorescent ribbons and most of them are already gone. The event will return next year, James assured, adding that they will then have more time to organise it and let more bikers know.
Image: Steelehouse Rock’n’Ride
