Royal Enfield to recreate Top-to-Tip ride
1964 was when the original Continental GT broke cover and took the cafe racing scene by storm in the U.K. In the same year Royal Enfield decided to test the bike’s reliability by undertaking a 1000km ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 24-hours. At the time, renowned motorcycle racer John Cooper lapped the Silverstone circuit, en-route and set a 73mph (117kmph) record to make the ’65 Continental GT Britain’s fastest 250. Fifty years later, the oldest motorcycle company in the running is aiming to recreate the same ride known as the Top-to-Tip BurnUp.
Royal Enfield has partnered with a charity group called Riders for Health and will be calling on celebrities, motorcycle racers and enthusiasts to take part. On May 10, 2014 five teams comprising of six riders each will form a relay and change over at pre-determined points along the route. Starting from John O’Groats, the riders will aim to reach Land’s End within 24-hours riding the current generation Royal Enfield Continental GTs.
Keeping true to the events of the ride that happened fifty years back, 76-year-old John Cooper will do a lap of honour at the Silverstone circuit on May 11. Royal Enfield along with Riders for Health will auction off a place during the ride to provide healthcare in seven countries across Africa. RE will also donate a bike used during the trip which Riders for Health will use to raise further funds.
“Motorcyclists form a strong community — their bikes tie them together, wherever they are from. It is why Riders for Health receives support from motorcyclists all over the world. The machine that people use for fun in the UK is the tool that Riders for Health is using to help save lives in Africa every time we mobilise a health worker with a well maintained motorcycle, transforming healthcare for 14 million people. This is why we are so pleased to be involved in the Royal Enfield Top to Tip challenge,” said Andrea Coleman, co-founder and CEO of Riders for Health Riders.
The historic ride will also mark the opening of the first exclusive Royal Enfield store in London.
