OFF THE WIRE
My view of Breast Way Round Pic: ©STV
STV Local’s Nicola Dowds writes about her experience of riding pillion throughout one of Scotland's biggest charity motorbike rides
Motorbiking isn’t as easy as riders make it look.
As a driver, I’m used to watching bikers zoom past me on motorways or move ahead of me a traffic lights. Until this weekend, I had no idea how much goes into driving on two wheels.
I do now.
I’ve just spent the last four days on the back of a motorbike as 2011’s Breast Way Round charity trip made its way across the West of Scotland.
It’s been an eye opening and incredible to experience what these women, and some men, put themselves through each day to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.
I arrived very early at Motherwell’s Route 66 Motorcycle Training base on Friday morning (May 27) to be told I would travel from the Lanarkshire town to head to Kilmarnock to join up with the rest of the Breast Way Round bikers.
Not only had the Route 66 team helped me with some my biking gear for the weekend, but they had also be giving me a lift on the first leg of the four day adventure – the first time I’d ever been on the open road on a motorbike .
As well left Motherwell along with the early morning commuters, any apprehension about travelling on a motorbike quickly left me we made our way to Kilmarnock. Getting used to the movements of the bike was easy, you don’t move. Pillions go wherever the bike goes, occasionally banging your head off the driver – sorry Tom!
Breast Way Round begins
When we arrived at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park’s car park a sea of bikes as the 100 women and men had already congregated.
The stadium is the traditional starting point of the run, which is now in its fourth year. Friends old and new greeted each other as they added the final pink touches to their bikes for the next four days.
It would have been easy to let adrenaline take over as the minutes to the 10.30am departure time ticked by, but speaking to Carolyn Falconer just before we set off, she very quickly put the whole event into perspective again.
She said: “All of this is to pay for our care.”
Those words were a quick reminder that this trip would raise thousands for Macmillan Cancer Support, and would directly benefit Carolyn, who is took part in the ride despite being terminally ill with ovarian cancer.
Moments later, under police escort, small groups of 10 bikers set off from Kilmarnock along the A71 north towards the Gourock Ferry on the A78. Being so exposed to the road it didn’t take long to get used to the elements as we meandered through Seamill, Hunterston and Largs.
The time flew past as quickly as we did and we soon pulled in at our first stop – the Gourock to Dunnon Ferry. Watching the women and men on bikes being waved into the ferry queue was quite a sight, and in no time at all, we had drove on to the ferry and crossing the water to head onwards to Inverary.
The clouds began to get darker and many around me started to put their waterproofs while we had a break from biking.
I learned another vital lesson about biking at this point, no matter what, someone needs to give you a hand. Thanks to Ann Wilson I was equipped for the elements with an all in one waterproof suit, which seemed very practical. However, with biking leathers and boots, pulling it on wasn’t easy and after getting a hand to put my arms into the sleeves, I was ready to go again.
The waterproof call was a good one - as soon as we made dry land the rain started and didn’t stop.
As we got closer to Inverary, the rain became heavier, but it didn’t prevent anyone from heading out with small green tins to collect for Macmillan – some even managed some lunch at the same time.
Quickly we set off again towards Oban – our final port of call for day one. The rain didn’t let up and the planned collection in the town was called off to let the bikers dry off for the night. Despite not being out with tins, the bikers still managed to add to their totals for charity by explaining why they had pink mohicans, bibs, hair or clothes.
It’s easy to have a preconception of biking and bikers. But, in meeting those who ride the Breast Way Round, its shattered within seconds of meeting them. They go through a real taste of endurance during the four day trip, especially with the wet and windy weather. During these conditions, it would be easy to stay indoors and warm – but for these bikers, it was never an option.
Day two – Oban to Aviemore
After what seemed like five minutes of sleep, I woke up to the sound of raining hitting my room window. The rain continued overnight and into Saturday morning (May 28), and with little chance of it letting up, waterproofs were the order for the second leg of the Breast Way Round adventure.
It would have been easy to back out and just head back to the hotel to have another cup of coffee instead of facing the elements, but if anyone did that they won’t raise any sponsorship money for Macmillan.
Their motivation is easy to understand. More importantly, if bikers like Carolyn and Shirley Ann Barnes, who has fibromyalgia and ME, are getting their waterproofs back on for another day, then so should I.
Setting off from Oban, still in small groups, I travelled with Kevin McKnight through to Aviemore. Dark, gray clouds continued overhead and heavy showers of rain continued, with cold winds blowing the rain and even hail into the faces of drivers.
Our groups of ten travelled along the A85 towards Connel in increasingly wet and windy conditions, northwards towards Ballachulish and on to Fort William.
The Highland town was the first stop for the bikers, after a testing few hours on the roads. Again, some took the break to stretch their legs or grab a drink while other groups took to the streets again to add to their Macmillan funds – and have a chat with some locals.
After the stop, the groups rode out of the town in their formation, heading north towards Drumnadroicht – the next stop for my group, which was led by Jill Polanski. The weather continued in typical Scottish fashion, which was tricky for even the most experienced of bikers, and sometimes scary when the winds picked up.
But they just kept going.
Their determination is something to be admired.
Along the road, locals and tourists stopped to wave as the bikers passed. Other bikers honked their horns, even some drivers did too while their passengers waved out the windows.
The trip was labelled as “iconic” by Shirley Ann, and riding along the picturesque route it’s easy to see why.
After a quick regroup in Drumnadrochit, it was time to continue to follow Loch Ness to Inverness. The Highland capital would be the last stop before Aviemore, where they would spend the night.
Some groups made a stop in Fort Augustus and once everyone regrouped in Inverness, with the Kessock Bridge and the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium as a backdrop, the riders continued left in sequence to head to their final destination of the day – Aviemore.
At the end of the half hour drive, the bikers passed along the town’s main street which was lined with locals and tourists, before they were piped into the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort. The path to the resort was paved with people watching the bikers ride in, snapping their cameras and listening to the pipers.
After another tough drive for the bikers, and passengers, it was time to ditch the waterproofs and tuck into dinner.
Day Three: A day off
The third day of Breast Way Round is usually a free day for bikers, giving them a chance to go out themselves and explore the scenery.
I got a reprieve from the elements and caught a lift in one of the support vans from Gina and Phil Jones. This couple played an important role in the trip of not only helping to carry luggage, but arriving at each town to welcome the bikers and display the Macmillan welcome banners and serve up some snacks.
A day out of the biking leathers should have been something to look forward to, but I started to miss the wind and rain - well, until I watched beads roll down the windscreen and the wind howled.
By lunchtime we were in Fort William, and I was joined by Sheilagh and CeeJay, who were taking part in their first trip . Slowly but surely more Breast Way Round bikers began to arrive in the town and it was soon time for dinner and bed before the final day.
Day Four: Fort William to Glasgow
Everyone I’ve spoken to about Breast Way Round has told me that George Square is the highlight of their trip.
Four days of biking and hundreds of miles clocked up culminate in the return to Glasgow, and even before the first morning fry up was served, the excitement was already starting to build.
I had followed Moira Smith throughout the journey. The excitement was palpable as she scoffed coffee and toast. She was a spectator at George Square the year before, and now here she was, a rider.
I couldn’t wait to get going for our final 104 miles, but was also sad to think it was the last time I’d be on the back of a bike.
Breakfast eaten and bags packed we headed off. Locals and tourists gathered to wave us off – many taking photos.
Keeping a tight formation, the bikers travelled down the familiar A82 towards Ballachulish before heading on to Glencoe. Making good time we arrived in Tyndrum ahead of the scheduled stop to be welcomed by the Real Food Cafe.
Not only had the cafe opened its doors early for the flotilla, it provided free cakes for everyone. The owners also donated £100 to the collection.
Generosit y and friendly welcomes were a common sight for the bikers. Even I felt touch by how friendly people were towards the group.
Arriving at Loch Lomond Shores, we were greeted by Strathclyde Police’s motorbikers who would again be escorting us into Glasgow’s busy city centre.
At this stage of the journey, STV’s Sean Batty joined the trikes group to ride into George Square. This small trip was in addition to his important role on the day - of judging which of the men was sporting the best bra.
Police held up the traffic for us as we zipped past Dumbarton and into Glasgow. Cars beeped their horns, mums and kids waved and other bikers gave us the thumbs up as we whizzed by.
Getting nearer George Square, the noise of the engines echoed around the tall buildings as more and more people stopped to look. As we turned into West George Street, the noise from the square was booming as we all pulled up to park.
Helmets off and gloves removed, the adrenaline of it all gave way to emotion. Everyone hugged one another, sharing words and thoughts of the enormity of what had just been achieved.
Crowds cheered as the mob of pink and black leather made its way to the front of the stage to celebrate the success of Breast Way Round 2011.
Heading home
When I first visited Shirley Ann at home, she had a banner about the trip which read: “Great rides change lives”.
It’s true.
Breast Way Round changes people’s lives. Whether they are benefitting from the services Macmillan offer or they are biking enthusiast who make new friends or simply people like me who are just there to watch, this four day trip leaves a huge impact and gives those taking part and watching a huge dose of inspiration.
I’ve met an incredible group of people who are among the bravest and most fearless I know and am very happy I’ve been able to join them and share their stories.
I might not be heading out to buy my first Harley but, if there's space on the back of someone's bike I’ll happily take part next year my new Breast Way Round friends from this trip and the new bikers who will come along for the first time next year.
How many sleeps till Breast Way Round 2012?
http://local.stv.tv/bellshill/news/18658-breast-way-round-a-view-from-the-back-seat/