Skip to content

Thousands of bikers honour the armed forces fallen

PA Media A man riding a motorbike with a passenger behind him. Both are wearing orange turbans and black scarves. The first scarf has the word "pride" visible. Two men riding motorbikes behind also wear orange turbans and one has a long white beard. Behind them other motorbikes can be seen. PA Media
Most motorbikes arrived in convoy at the Armed Forces Memorial in Alrewas

Thousands of bikers have taken part in an annual event to pay tribute to UK armed forces services personnel who "can no longer ride by our side".

Ride to the Wall (RTTW), now in its 18th year, saw motorcyclists from around the UK and overseas head to the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire on Saturday.

A service of remembrance was held at the Armed Forces Memorial, which commemorates those who have died in service since the end of World War Two.

Organisers said the event has raised more than £1.83 million since 2008 to support the arborteum.

PA Media A large group of motorbikes on a road. A steward in a green high visibility jacket is on the road. At the front of the image a man wearing a uniform with a camouflage pattern who is saluting the motorcyclists. He is wearing a beret and has a grey beard and dark grey hair. PA Media
Riders set off from 12 locations around the country

RTTW founder Martin Dickinson said: "Each year, thousands come together for Ride to the Wall, not only to honour those whose names are etched into the Armed Forces Memorial, but to ensure their courage and sacrifice are remembered for generations to come.

"Every mile ridden, every contribution given, and every salute along the route, helps us keep their legacy alive."

PA Media A man in a black jacket and black trousers is placing a wreath of poppies in front of him. In front of him are two military men standing straight and looking in front of them. A union jack which is rolled up. PA Media
The annual ride aims to keep the fallen armed forces personnel's "legacy alive", said RTTW founder Martin Dickinson

Most of the riders, who set of from 12 locations, arrived in convoy.

The arboretum's director Philippa Rawlinson said: "There's nothing quite like the thunder of thousands of motorcycles arriving for Ride to the Wall."

Motorists had been warned of additional traffic, while M6 Toll operators opened the road free of charge for motorcyclists heading to the event.

The ride is held on the first Saturday of October and marks the date when the Armed Forces Memorial was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.

It has previously seen riders attend from as far afield as Spain, Germany and the US.

Ms Rawlinson added: "Riding pillion again this year, I'm reminded of the energy, camaraderie and shared purpose of this remarkable community.

"We are deeply thankful for their ongoing support which enables us to remain freely open to all and continue sharing powerful stories of service and sacrifice with generations to come."

Last year's event raised a total of £170,000.

Why thousands of bikers across England came to Staffordshire

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story
Internet links