‘Top to Tip’ – From John O’Groats to Land’s End in less than 24 hours
I’m delighted to have been invited to link up with Royal Enfield for their ‘Top to Tip’ celebration ride. Fifty years after the world’s oldest motorcycle company in continuous production embarked on its first ever 24 hour ‘Top to Tip’ sprint ride, the challenge has been recreated.
How did it all start? In 1964, Roger Boss of Royal Enfield decided to test the speed and reliability of the ’64 Continental GT by getting a group of five riders to ride the length of the United Kingdom in a day. This initial 24-hour ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End proved the worth of the Continental GT in many ways. As part of the ride, noted motorcycle racer John Cooper lapped the Silverstone race circuit where he reached a record-breaking average speed of 73mph. At the time that made the Continental GT the fastest 250 in the UK.
So what’s happening with the ‘Top to Tip’ 50 year celebration ride? On Saturday 10th May 2014, five teams will flag off from John O’Groats on the all new Continental GT; the lightest, fastest and most powerful version there’s been. Each team is going to have six riders, who will form a relay, changing over at pre-determined points along the route. The aim for the riders is to reach Land’s End in less than 24 hours. To keep the ride in line with its historical roots, the riders will reach Silverstone at 1pm on Sunday 11 May where 76 year old John Cooper will again take to the circuit, this time for a lap of honour.
One of the riders is a lucky auction winner who has bid for the ride as a way of raising funds for the Riders for Health Charity. Check that link for information on who they are.
I’ve been invited to take part in the ride for the final section. That’s Shepton Mallet to Land’s End. I have to say I’m honoured to be involved in the celebration, and what a great opportunity to see what this bike will do!
https://www.facebook.com/royalenfield/photos_streamThere’s more on the ‘Top to Tip’ ride on this Royal Enfield Facebook Page and you can follow the ride on Twitter @royalenfield