Thousands of bikers join ride-out on shut motorway
The A5 and M54 were closed to the public for the event
- Published
Thousands of bikers have taken part in a ride-out on Shropshire roads to raise money for charity.
The convoy set off on a 26-mile route from Meole Brace, in Shrewsbury, at 10:30 BST on Sunday as part of the Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival.
About 3,500 riders drove in convoy along stretches of motorway that had been closed for the event, to reach the festival site at Weston Park on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border, organisers said.
Former World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty attended the festival, which was raising money for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity.
The ride-out followed the A5, M54 and A41 to the event's home at Weston Park, with the A5 and M54 shut to other drivers for a time.
Highways agencies had previously advised motorists to avoid travelling at the same time and allow extra time around related traffic restrictions.
The road closures have since been lifted.
Drone captures bikers arriving at Weston Park after huge ride-out
Steve Parrish, former bike racer and now motorsports commentator, said the Midlands Air Ambulance was a charity the motorcycle community had always "supported and backed".
He told BBC Midlands Today: "I've been doing this for nine years and fortunately each year we raise more and more money, so it's nice to be behind that.
"It's wonderful to ride all the way from Shrewsbury to here and see all the people on the bridges waving and cheering."
Another man who attended the event described it as "extremely special" and important to the community.
"It makes everybody a little bit safer on the road and raises a good amount of money for the charity," he added.
The event is raising money for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity
Air ambulance crews in the Midlands are called out to between two and four incidents every week involving motorcyclists.
Over the 12 years the event has been run by the charity it has raised more than £800,000.
Visitors to Weston Park this year were promised celebrity guest appearances, live music, food and stunt shows.
Among those expected to attend were Bez from the Happy Mondays and former professional motorcycle racer James Whitham.
Bikers arrived at Weston Park in convoy
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- Published14 July
