Viva Valencia! Celebrity riders complete charity journey

By Lisa Crouch

Actor Danny John-Jules, BBC MotoGP presenter Matt Roberts and sponsor, manager and motorcycle dealer Steve Keys have arrived at the Valencia circuit, the final destination for their charity motorbike ride to raise money for Riders for Health.

The group set out from famed bikers' haunt the Ace Caf?, in London last Sunday, October 30th with the goal of reaching Valencia for Thursday in time for the Riders for Health charity day at the Cheste circuit.

For the duration of the trip Steve Keys and Danny John-Jules rode bright pink Yamaha R1's,with matching leathers, while Matt Roberts had the pleasure of riding Jorge Lorenzo's R1 from his appearance at last years Isle of Man TT event.

In their speeches at the Ace Caf? the riders dedicated their trip to the memory of Marco Simoncelli.

Danny John-Jules, who had met Simoncelli many times in the paddock said, "The ride has taken on another meaning, with the number 58... Hopefully we can do him justice."

Equally upset at the loss of Marco, Roberts turned his thoughts back to what motorcycling can achieve and how the charities scheme of providing reliable transport for health workers in Africa has had a positive effect.

"The point of the whole trip is to show people that motorcycles save lives" the BBC presenter added.

All three wore fetching, curly pink wigs in tribute to Simoncelli, but in keeping with the colour scheme and fun of the event.

Just before they set off, and in a final tribute, a 58 second round of applause was held.

In addition to the many bike and motorport fans who turned out to offer their support were British 125cc riders Danny Webb and Harry Stafford.

The journey to the Ricardo Tormo circuit was taken via France and included stops in the Champagne region and Barcelona and a meet-up with former grand prix star and charity co-founder Randy Mamola.

Upon arriving in Cheste, the trio met with local Riders for Health representatives, who led them into the Valencia circuit as part of their own Day of Champions and charity auction.

Although the ride is now complete donations can still be made at the official website: motoventures.co.uk