Ride Of Respect – A Ride In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes.
Originally founded in london and organised by Julia Stevenson, the ride of respect started in 2010 in Royal Wooten Basset where 20,000 bikers gathered to show respect for the fallen, and to raise money for veterans, injured veterans and their families and a host of military charities. It was also a thankyou to the people of Royal Wooten Basset for their silent vigil offered during every repatriation, showing their respect on behalf of the whole country.
When the call went out in 2010 for the first mass ride, dubbed “The Mother’s Day Ride” it touched the hearts of Britain’s bikers and Veterans.
They came in their thousands to silently and solemnly ride their motorcycles in a dignified procession. They did so as a tribute to our service personnel and the families who care for them, also to help raise funds for many of the smaller military charities, soon this event was dubbed the “Ride of Respect” which is now an annual event.
Manchester Ride Of Respect
Soon after in 2013 Julia Contacted Jeanette “Netty” Kiely and asked for her help in organising a parallel event around the M60 ring road around Manchester to give Bikers from the north of the UK an opportunity to show their respect and further the fundraising efforts.
In 2013 the first M60 ring of red gathered around 550 bikers starting from Birch services then completing a circuit of the M60. Support is provided by The Highways Agency, Manchester Metropolitan Police and Birch Services owners Moto, all working together alongside Netty and her team to make the ride possible each remembrance sunday.
Over the years the event has continually grown, and last year (2022) a record breaking 5986 bikes attended with more than 6500 riders and pillion passengers showing their respect on and creating a truly stunning “Ring of Red” around the M60.
Funds raised by the event are donated to charities that support veterans and their families, and the families of those that have fallen to protect the country we love and the freedoms we hold dear. Charities are chosen each year that do not receive any funding from government or local authority, that are 100% voluntary (meaning no wages are paid to anyone within the charity, and no overheads for “administration”) Helping to ensure that every penny raised goes to help those who need it. Since 2018 more than £18,000 has been raised for good causes.
Members of the WMCC were proud to a part of that stunning show of support and respect and was described as a truly solemn experience.
WMCC would like to congratulate Netty and her team on such an amazing event and we look forward to joining you next year!
If you would like to join the Ride of Respect then please visit the Facebook group or therideofrespect.org for details. The ride is free to attend but merchandise is available prior to the event and all profits are donated to charity.
