CHARITY champion motorcyclists took on a ride of more than 1,000 miles to raise money for a good cause.
The 2022 Evel Knievel themed 'Ride Capitals Knievels' event left and returned to Wrexham earlier this month.
A total of 45 Evel Knievel lookalikes had set off in dramatic style as ex-international footballer Mickey Thomas and former world record motorcycle jumper Jason Rennie launched all entrants from a life-size gyro energizer - easily identifiable to all those who remember the favourite toy of the 1970’s.
The five-day event - which sees people reaching for their mobile phones and cameras to get photos - was the 11th year in succession to take to the highways in cape flapping fashion.
Created by Jason Lewis, of Corwen, it has now raised more than £185,000 for charity since 2012.
This latest version, which was a 1,285 mile route around the UK and visited the three mainland capital cities, has raised more than £35,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mr Lewis, aged 51 and formerly of Coedpoeth, said: "It was really good fun. The most memorable part was motorcycling through the centre of London.
"You seem to think Londoners have seen it all, but we definitely took something they hadn't seen before.
"The response was amazing - they were three-deep on the footpaths taking photos."
The only UK event endorsed by the Knievel family of Butte Montana, Ride Capitals Knievels sees riders dress in the style of the legendary Evel Knievel and raise sponsorship ‘Being Evel for a Good Cause’ as a condition of entry.
As a reward, between the capital city checkpoints, entrants were treated to visits to Oulton Park, Knockhill Circuit, Oliver’s Mount, Cadwell Park and Brooklands Circuit.
In addition the route took in a wedding at Gretna Green where entrants formed a Knievel guard of honour for the newlyweds.
READ MORE: Coedpoeth charity champion receives two awards for supporting good causes
A stop at Tower Hotel, at Tower Bridge, was the highlight of central London.
This was the same hotel Evel Knievel stayed at in 1975 for his Wembley Stadium jump.
At Ace Cafe London, entrants were joined by another former Motorcycle Jumper - Eddie Kidd OBE, as well as Stereophonics bass guitarist Richard Jones, a keen motorcyclist who rode amongst the caped crew in costume himself through the streets of London.
Following the final capital City of Cardiff being ticked off the list, the group returned to Wrexham for the Big Finish, but not before a penalty shootout between Wales Knievels versus England Knievels at Bala Town football club.
Mr Lewis said the event was also great "medicine" for him - after he sustained serious injuries in a collision in 2019.
He added: "I can't kneel or use ladders anymore, and I've had so much trouble with my leg.
"But riding the bike for five consecutive days, really has been the best medicine because I am not walking on it.
"I am going to keep riding, and whilst there are so many good people who want to be involved I have to keep the event going."
To add your support and to donate to the 2022 event, visit www.justgiving.com/capitals2022
For further information and to enquire in the 2023 event which will see a return to its trademark laps of Wales, email info@rideCymru.com
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