Pensioner Peter Driver from Barton embarking on a charity motorbike ride on his BMW 700 GS for charity Mind

A PENSIONER with a lifelong passion for motorbikes is embarking on an 800-mile charity ride round England.

Peter Driver (74), from Barton, will be raising money for mental health charity Mind.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “I have decided to take the scenic route and avoid motorways. I am hoping to visit many landmarks in different areas along the way, such as Tintern Abbey and the Haynes Motorcycle Museum.”

Peter said he first started riding bikes aged 16, “as soon as I could”, and has enjoyed doing so throughout his life.

The charity motorbike ride, which he will undertake on 4th September, was the idea of his wife June.

“We enjoyed lots of motorbike holidays in the past going all over the place,” continued Peter. “But it can be very boring for a pillion passenger, not to mention uncomfortable.

“So, she got to a point where she didn’t enjoy going for long rides. She knew I was missing them, so she suggested I went on one for charity.”

Peter says he is “really excited” about his trip, which will see him riding a BMW 700 GS.

His route will take him up to Gloucester and through Wales and then up to Sheffield. He will then make his way home via Norfolk and Sussex.

Peter, who works as a volunteer mechanic at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum, will be staying in cheap B&Bs during his ride and says he intends to ride 100-150 miles a day.

He said: “I am hoping to stop at a place of interest each day. And I intend to carry on riding motorbikes until the day I can’t.”

Peter said he chose Mind because he has family and friends who have suffered from depression and other mental health problems.

“I know what a great support the charity can be,” he said.

To donate, visit bit.ly/3xGl3kZ