100 bikers to ride through Vale of Glamorgan spreading festive cheer

A Christmas cavalcade will be revving up the Vale of Glamorgan when a bikers dressed as Santa, Elves and Snowmen get festive at an annual charity ride.

More than 100 riders are expected to take part in the ‘Santa Run’ on Sunday, December 11, which starts at the Llandow Race Circuit Café at 10.15am sharp and finishes in Cowbridge at noon.

The procession will be turning heads for 20 miles through Llantwit Major, Boverton, Eglwys Brewis, St Athan, Aberthaw, Rhoose, Barry through to the Island (where there is a tea break), Dinas Powys, Penarth, outskirts of Cardiff, St Nicholas and Bonvilston before reaching Cowbridge.

The spectacle, organised by Vale Moto Training, is once again raising money for military charity, Help for Heroes.

“It is a fantastic event to be a part of and to watch, the participants love it,” said Stephen Davey, Managing Director of Vale Moto Training. “Seeing everyone’s faces light up is very special, it really cheers everyone up.”

Stephen added: “I’ve been heavily involved in the biking scene for decades and in my experience, bikers and the military seem to have a certain bond. Because we have St Athan base nearby, we’ve trained many military personnel and we have a close friend who has been supported by Help for Heroes.

“We have seen, first hand, the work that Help for Heroes does and the differences it makes to help the Armed Forces community live well after service. We also have a few ex-servicemen on our training staff, so it’s a charity that means a lot to us.”

All Santa Run riders are welcome to meet from 9.15am at the Llandow Race Circuit Café, including those on 125cc bikes as it will be learner friendly. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes and dress up in festive fancy dress. Entry costs £5 per bike and there will be bucket collections en route.

Rhys Edwards, from Help for Heroes, said: “Help for Heroes believes that those who put their lives on the line for us, deserve a second chance at life. We rely on the generosity of the public for 90 per cent of our income so we are grateful for Stephen and his team for their continued support on what will be an amazing day.”