Q&A - What is Ride To The Wall?

Ride To The Wall is a unique motorcycling fundraising ride with a dedicated service of remembrance that provides an opportunity for all motorcyclists to ride as an organised group to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to pay their respects and recognise the sacrifice made by the 16,000+ service men and women whose names are engraved on The Wall of the Armed Forces Memorial.

What is the Wall?

The Armed Forces Memorial (The Wall) is a 43 metre diameter stone structure with two curved walls and two straight walls constructed of 200,000 bricks faced with Portland stone panels. The panels contain the names of those honoured by the Memorial providing recognition and thanks for those who have given their lives in the service of the country since the end of the Second World War.

Why the Arboretum?

There are many other already well established organisations raising money for other charities, but as far as we are aware; we are the only one raising money specifically for the National Memorial Arboretum.

Who Organises Ride To The Wall?

Ride To The Wall is a registered charity. The Executive Committee is a small group of volunteers who were brought together by the Founder, Martin Dickinson, to make the event happen. Ride To The Wall is a stand-alone organisation free from the constraints of affiliation to any specific outside governing body and is run entirely by volunteers.

Is Ride To The Wall anything to do with any Military Organisation?

No.

Is Ride To The Wall anything to do with a specific Motorcycling Club?

No. The ride is open to all motorcyclists.

How much of the money raised is donated to the charity?

All of the donations and contributions go directly to the Charity. Ride To The Wall is staffed by unpaid volunteers who donate their spare time and do so at their own expense. No-one is paid a wage or claims expenses. As a result of this, we are able to keep our running costs as low as possible. The day to day running costs are met by the profits of our merchandise range. Ride To The wall retains a small amount of funds from its merchandise activities to allow it to purchase the following years merchandise range and forecast running expenses, after this all profits go to the charity. We believe in total transparency and publish accounts every year.

Why should we "as a minimum" register as this is a charity event?

We ride to remember those who can no longer ride by our side and, by joining us and registering your contribution, you help to raise funds for the upkeep of the venue that perpetuates their memory.

One of many questions we received in previous years was:

"I have signed-up for Ride to the Wall for this year but will now be bringing a pillion with me. Do they have to sign-up too or will they be covered with my bike?"

Voluntary contributions are just that - voluntary. The more people who register their contribution the greater the amount we are able to raise and donate towards the upkeep of The NMA. We raise money through donations, voluntary contributions and merchandise so we leave it to your conscience, but either way you will both be most welcome.