Issue 141 : June - July 2005
Riders Salute Simon
Winging It
Mile Munching Luxury
MAG Magistrate
Easter Egg Run
My Bike
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Riders Salute Simon
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Riders from around the world salute Simon
The Riverside Community Centre in Exeter hosted the event at which speakers from across the globe spoke of Simon's qualities which had made him a legend as a riders' activist and humanitarian. The bike on which Simon made his trip was positioned evocatively in front of a podium that was bracketed by two huge screens showing an impressive series of images depicting Simon's life from childhood to recent times. The two hour allocation of time was stretched to accommodate the volume of sentiments which people wished to express in tribute to a man who has probably done more than any other to defend riders' interests and foster the concept of the international rider community. The comments about Simon's work in the rider sphere were complemented by a description of his early life by his mother and brothers and of his humanitarian work by Willy Balawala from the Indonesian island of Flores. Kirk (Hardtail) Willard Of The Motorcycle Riders Foundation of America and Rob Rasor, President of the American Motorcyclists' Association shared their memories of Simon from his time in the USA and Antonio Perlot spoke of his impressions of Simon as someone who had stepped into his role at FEMA. Ian Mutch recalled Simon's early days with MAG and recounted anecdotes that illustrated Simon's character. After the formalities, the majority of those attending formed up for a run, with many riding bare headed in tribute to Simon's unequivocal stance on the helmet issue. Police turned a 'blind eye' as the riders proceeded to the Double Locks pub where marquees and a band had been provided, complemented by substantial meals and later in the evening a DJ who performed in the pub to which people retired. Simon's bike (pictured), was ridden by John Tee, the man who built the unique Rotax-powered special for the voyage of discovery and fund raising which Simon had almost concluded after five years on the road. The following day a meeting of Simon's friends and family was held to establish how best to proceed with ensuring that Simon's work in financing the Flores project can proceed. Simon was killed in a road accident in Mali, West Africa in March of this year as he neared the end of a five year odyssey of world travel during which he raised over $120,000US for charities which used motorcycles to bring medical aid to the needy in the third world. Prior to his world tour, Simon had been a MAG rep for Exeter and subsequently the South West of England before moving to Brussels to build up the embryonic Federation of European Motorcyclists. To say that he will be badly missed is the understatement of the century. A feature on the Flores project while be published in a future issue of Streetbiker. |
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The global motorcycle community featuring visitors from Indonesia to Washington DC gathered in Exeter to celebrate the life of ex FEMA General Secretary Simon Milward.