The International Laverda Owners Club and NABD

bikers with a disability to ride safely with an appropriate conversion kit. The conversion kits promoted by NABD give people the opportunity to have the same degree of choice as to which bike they ride as any able‐bodied biker. After all, why should anyone be restricted in their choice of bike?

So if you’re a club that’s looking for a purpose or a reason to raise money, why not consider raising funds for NABD and support people with a disadvantage in following their dreams? We did and it really focused and added value to our fundraising activities! Mark Hastings Chairman International Laverda Owners Club

It is great that the NABD have the support of such great clubs. The fundraising efforts of the ILOC and other clubs really do enable us to help those less fortunate get back, or into, riding. Not only that, but the ILOC have been Affiliated Club members for over 20 years. That affiliation also means a lot, it contributes to the core running costs of the charity, enabling us to keep up our promise that every penny given in donations goes out to those who need it. Without the continued support of these

fantastic people, the NABD would not be able to do what we do. So, on behalf of the NABD and all those living with disabilities, we send our heartfelt thanks to the ILOC for their continued support. Vic Editor

If you would like to feature your club or group, then just send me a few words and pictures to openhouse@thenabd.org.uk (pictures need to be originals, minimum 750kb).

Organised by The Thames Vale Vultures, the Berkshire egg run is a charity motorcycle ride across Reading which takes place on Good Friday every year.

Riders from all across the south of England converge to ride through the centre of Reading donating Easter eggs to the Reading Rotary Clubs and West Berkshire Childrens Centre who distribute them across Berkshire to those children and adults who are for one reason or another in need of a little help.

The first run took place in 2006 and saw around 80 riders collect just under 1000 Easter eggs. This year, the tenth anniversary exceeded all expectations. Waking up to a day more akin to May than March we thanked whoever booked the weather and set off to the meeting point. Probably because of the good weather riders were already arriving as we pulled in. By 12:15 the car park was absolutely full with every type and style of bike, trike and scooter imaginable. Our official 'counter' counted an amazing 527 bikes with many carrying pillions too. Fancy dress included Easter bunnies, Easter eggs and rabbits as well as countless people wearing bunny ears on their Easter decorated bikes.

Leaving at 12:30 the ride across Reading took around 30 minutes to complete, at one point stretching for almost 2 miles along the main Oxford Road into town. Marshalls led the way, in bright orange 10th Anniversary T‐shirts making sure the procession stayed together. Arriving at The Abbey Rugby Club, the eggs were counted in. (It should be said that in the build up to the event, eggs are collected from various places and businesses including ASDA and Network/Crossrail staff as well as various other organisations). On the day we collected a fantastic 1551 Eggs making a grand total of 10,600 Easter Eggs.

10 years ago, we never thought that the egg run would grow to the size that it has, becoming the 2nd biggest biking run in Reading (we still have a way to go to catch up with the Reading toy run). We never ever imagined in our wildest dreams that

we would be able to bring a smile to 10,600 faces.

The fact that it is as big as it has become is down to the generosity, support and kindness of the businesses, groups and clubs in the area and, last but not least, the amazing biking community that supports the run, not only on the day but during the build up when their kind words of encouragement help us keep pushing when sometimes all we want to do is sleep.

On behalf of the Thames Vale Vultures and all who organise the Berkshire egg run, I would like to thank each and every one of you. We couldn't do it without you and it wouldn't happen without you.

See you next Good Friday.

Colin Hawkins Club Rep The Thames Vale Vultures (Motorcycle Owners Group).