The KillSpills campaign, sponsored by the BMF and formed to combat the threat that diesel spills present to motorcyclists and other road users, is this year changing tactics and going for gold with a new event - The KillSpills 617 Ride.
In a change from holding its annual KillSpills Rally to Westminster, the 26th May will see 617 riders set off on a London to Donington ride - and attempt three world records in the process!
The 617 Ride (617 relates to the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents, 2000-2005*), from Westminster will be fully escorted by Metropolitan Police motorcyclists to the Donington Park circuit where a new biking event, BikeFestUK (http://www.bikefestuk.com/) is being held and where KillSpills will be publicising its anti diesel-spills campaign.
The day will also see KillSpills going for three world records:
- The Longest police escorted motorcycle parade - 617 Bikes London to Donington - 87,500 bike miles!
- The widest variety of makes and models of motorcycles taking part in a single parade - Donington Park
- The 'Donington 4,000' - the greatest number of motorcycles completing a circuit of a Moto GP race track at one time
The day starts early at 07.30 in London with the KillSpills team delivering their annual report on the dangers of diesel spills to the Prime Minister at No 10 Downing Street. They then join the 617 Ride for an 8.0am ride from Embankment (Westminster Bridge end) to ITN and then to the BBC Television Centre before heading north, (with an escort provided by the Metropolitan Police), 140 miles along the M1 to the home of the UK round of Moto GP - Donington Park Race Circuit.
The event has been designed to be a fun-filled and entertaining day from start to finish but with a serious message - diesel spills kill.
At BikeFestUK, KillSpills will have their own area accommodating various police BikeSafe teams, plus other road safety interest groups including the Highways Agency, fire and ambulance and specialist firms from the diesel-spill prevention industry.
BikeFestUK itself is a new event with a broad mix of activities and attractions from track time to pillion rides with top racers. There'll be race personalities, manufacturers and traders, stunt displays, a mini moto track, off-road schools, freestyle motocross action and fairground attractions and plenty more.
World Record Attempt;
BikeFestUK organisers, Future Publishing, have given KillSpills exclusive access to the race track between 13.30 -14.30 for two of the track-based world record attempts which will involve a slow speed mass ride led by the Metropolitan Police at a speed of 20mph around Donington Park's world famous circuit. Anyone attending BikeFestUK with a full licence and bike, be it road, race, trail, cruiser, moped or scooter can take part in this unique record attempt.
KillSpills/BMF Award for 'Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills';
The KillSpills/BMF Award 2007 for "Achievement in reducing Diesel Spills" will be presented to a company or organisation that KillSpills believe have made a significant contribution towards reducing diesel spills on our roads. An announcement of the winner of this year's award will be made before the end of April
Refuelling;
Given the distance involved, bikes will be refuelled at the Welcome Break Leicester Forest East services on the M1. Ten to fifteen pumps will be cordoned off for exclusive use of the 617 Ride. KillSpills marshals will dispense £10 of fuel to each bike and breakfast will be provided for each rider, both items paid for in advance at time of registration.
Registration And Cost;
This year, 617 Ride participants will have to register with KillSpills beforehand and pay in advance to enable them to take part in the event and will include admission to BikeFestUK.
The registration fee will be £25.00 and includes £10 worth of fuel; entry to BikeFest UK (normally £15); a limited edition 'One of 617' Tee shirt (to be worn over riding gear) worth £10; breakfast worth £6.50 and a Welcome Break voucher worth £1.50 These items alone are worth £43.00, to which the rider only pays £25.00, a saving of £18.00!
The BMF as main sponsors are covering the cost of policing the event and we thank Future Publishing for their support in helping KillSpills stage the event at BikeFestUK, Donington.
To take part in the 617 Ride, riders will have to pre-register with KillSpills, hold a full motorcycle licence and have a bike capable of travelling at 70 mph on the motorway.
For more on KillSpills, how to register for the 617 Ride or take part in the world record attempt, go to www.killspills.org.uk or visit www.bmf.co.uk and follow the link.
