No easy ride for Heywood part-time biker
1:00pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in Latest News By Will Frampton
A classic motorbike enthusiast from Heywood is taking his new Norton on a trip from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Tony Baldwin, 59, of Church Road, has been riding classic Nortons since he was old enough to get his licence, but the trip on September 13 will be his first real long distance journey.
He is setting off from Cornwall on his Norton 961 Commando SE with 11 other riders from the Devon branch of the Norton Owners Club, and they are aiming to reach the furthest northerly point of mainland Britain in two days.
Mr Baldwin, who works as a caretaker for Melksham Town Council, said: “I have always donated money to Wiltshire Air Ambulance because it is such a worthy cause, but I wanted to do something myself towards it.
“I heard some of my friends from the Devon branch of the club were riding this route for their local air ambulance, so I decided to join up with them.
“Whenever there is an incident around Westbury or Melksham and you see the helicopter, you remember all the work they are doing, and it could be any one of us who needs their help one day.
“It is going to be quite a challenge for me, I love the bikes, but I have to admit I’m a part-time rider.
“The longest ride I normally do is 100 miles here and there, and I have a job to get off at the end because my knees are aching so much.
“But it is a beautiful bike and I am looking forward to taking it out on the road.”
Mr Baldwin’s Norton is one of a limited range of 200 produced by the firm, which recently re-started in a new factory in Donington Park in the Midlands.
To sponsor him on his ride, visit www.justgiving.com/Tony-Baldwin
