Biker sets off on 8,000-mile African charity ride (From Herald Series)

Biker sets off on 8,000-mile African charity ride

4:26pm Friday 24th April 2009 in Search By Hayley Cover

A MOTORBIKE enthusiast will spend the next three months riding through Africa for charity.

Steve Wilson, a writer and journalist from Fawler, near Wantage, will set off on his Short Way Up Challenge this Friday.

He will ride from the southern tip of Africa to Zambia, clocking up about 8,000 miles on his Ariel Red Hunter.

While on his road trip, Mr Wilson will also travel through South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.

The challenge, which will take him away from his wife Molly and 15-year-old daughter Rosie for three months, will raise money for a school in Kawaza, Zambia.

Mr Wilson, who is in his late 60s, is covering the expedition costs himself.

He said: “My fellow-rider Tony Page has been forced to withdraw due to circumstances beyond his control, so I’m now going on my own.

“Neither my wife or daughter are keen on the enterprise.”

But he added: “Schools in Africa are crucial, as education can help save our overcrowded world. They develop skills and lift people out of subsistence farming.”

Mr Wilson’s bike was air-freighted to Cape Town on Monday, ahead of the trip.

The keen rider began his travels at 17, taking a Vespa GS through France, Italy and Greece.

Since then he’s found enjoyment criss-crossing Europe and Morocco on Nortons and BSAs, in between publishing 21 books – including the six-volume British Motorcycles since 1950 series.

He also writes columns in classic bike magazines.

While away, he will be gathering ideas for his 22nd book.

To make a donation, go to: ariel-short-way-up.co.uk