Red Arrows to tackle LEJOG on scooters

THEY'RE MORE used to screaming across the skies in jet planes than riding step-thru scooters, but 10 pilots from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – the Red Arrows – and four Fighter Pilots from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take part in a sponsored scooter ride across the entire length of the mainland UK, from Land’s End to John o’ Groats (known as LEJOG) in support of a number of charities.

In their BAE Systems Hawk aircraft the Red Arrows pilots would cover the distance they’re riding in little over an hour, but the riders will be travelling on Vespa 125S scooters, taking four days to complete the 1000-mile journey at the end of the 2010 Display Season.

While some of the LEJOG riders hold motorcycle licences, the majority have little or no riding experience at all and eight have recently taken – and passed – their CBT. As an extra boost the Arai Race Service Support vehicle – usually seen in BSB paddocks up and down the country – will be meeting the LEJOG riders in Worcester at the end of their first day on the road, and will be servicing, checking and cleaning all 14 of the team's Arai Chaser helmets.

The aim is to raise a large amount of sponsorship money for various charities including Help For Heroes, The Royal Air Force Association, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Whizz-Kidz and Fly2Help. So, if you seen a tightly-drilled diamond formation of red and black Vespas somewhere between Land’s End and John o’ Groats at the end of September, give them a wave and, if possible, some money!