By Alan Irving

Published at 15:43, Wednesday, 02 December 2009

FRIENDS of the late Bill Barker will be out in force on their bikes for Whitehaven Motor Cycle Action Group’s annual Christmas bike ride.

The Two Tin Run takes place on Sunday week (December 13), starting in Keswick and finishing in Whitehaven.

Proceeds will go to Age Concern and Animal Concern in time for Christmas.

This year’s event has special significance following PC Bill Barker’s tragic death.

Bill’s hobby was motor cycling and for many years he was an enthusiastic member of MAG, campaigning as well for bikers’ rights.

While motorcyclists from all over the area are expected to take part in this year’s Two Tin Run, organisers say it is not being held specially as a memorial.

“Bill will be sadly missed on the ride and our group will be doing something in the New Year specially to honour his memory,” said one of the organisers.

Bikers from all over the county are welcome to take part.

Over the last two years bad weather has kept the numbers down but it is expected that 80 to 100 bikers, perhaps more, will be involved on Sunday week.

The ride starts in Keswick on the morning of December 13 (11.30am) linking up with other riders and to accept donations in Cockermouth Main Street (12.30pm), on to Maryport at Greggain’s garage (1.15pm) and finishing at Whitehaven harbour by Age Concern around 2pm.

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk