moto-strada

Italian bike specialists in Shipley, west Yorkshire.

Jason and Mark generously offered to prepare and service the bikes for free! Working on the bikes with them has left the team much of confident with bike repair and maintainance.

For sales and repair/service of all bikes, not just Italian stuff. The best motorcycle technicians in the area. Will actually repair stuff rather than just replace it!

Horizons Unlimited-The resource for motorcycle travel enthusiasts. Great place to find out up-to-the-minute information on every aspect of overlanding by bike.

Rory and Chris are pretty dramatically different in size. The Yamaha's, although comfortable, could be a little more plush for the 15,000 miles planned.

To solve these problems a visit to Damon at Motorcycleseatworks in Bradford (01274 604672) was called for. Damon re-made the seats with harder foam, made them wider(and lower for Chris!) and covered them in a tough one piece cover. He gave a huge discount as he already supports SOS.

Cheers Damon!

A few years ago a group including Chris set up Cloth Cat Studios, a not for profit enterprise based in the university ward of Leeds. It provides educational opportunities for local people through music and facilities to promote people who are involved, or want to be involved in music and are on low incomes.

www.clothcatleeds.org.uk/

Official website of the MotoGP world championships.

As a fitting end to the first leg of Moto-Hike the team hope to visit the Malaysian round of this years championship. Hopefully getting publicity for SOS, meet the riders and, who knows, maybe some brolly girls!!!!!

Manufacturers of fine Bolton built motorcycles!

Recently bought back by the company founding Clews family, CCM are back doing what they do best -building bikes!

Rory's employers, World Challenge Expeditions, specialise in the provision of leadership, teamwork and personal development training for young people. WCE works with schools, colleges, central government, individuals and youth groups to ensure that every young person is encouraged to have access to a wide range of skills development and educational opportunities.

World Challenge are supporting the Run From The Sun with comprehensive medical kits, and has advised on other safety and back up issues. ‘Travel Safe’ is a programme they offer to any independent traveller, you can find out more information on www.world-challenge.co.uk

Chris' employers and arguably the hardest working dance company in the country, performing over 200 shows a year. Famous for there 'ballet theatre' style, which never lets the dancing get in the way of delivering a powerful story! If all goes to plan the team will rendesvous with the company in Bangkok!

Totton Trail Bikes - Sells imported Japanese trail bikes down in Southampton. Thanks for the help!

CYCLING TO SYDNEY

Kira and Katrina Askaroff are undertaking another mammoth mission, but their's is powered only by legs and lungs.

They're cycling from the UK to Sydney(!) to raise money for the Red Cross and Friends of the Earth. They want to raise £1 for each of the £25,000 kilometres they cycle.