A MOTORCYCLIST from Burton is heading off on an epic trip through north Africa to raise money for a life-saving air ambulance service.
Ben Robinson, son of the Burton Albion chairman of the same name, will be taking part in the Cannonball Bike Run 2008 - a five-day motorcycle rally - starting on Thursday, October 2.
The event, now in its fourth year, was inspired by the legendary Cannonball Run car race across America, immortalised in the 1981 film starring Burt Reynolds.
Held for the past three years in Europe, the run is this year moving to Africa, with the 40 riders taking part completing a 1,500-mile circuit of Morocco, starting and finishing in the Mediterranean port city of Tangiers.
Mr Robinson, who will be riding his Yamaha R1 bike, says the chance to experience a different culture, as well as the sheer thrill of the event, motivated him to take part.
"It just seemed like a really good event to get involved in and a chance to go and see different cultures," he said.
"The furthest I've been on the bike before is up to Snake Pass, in the Peak District, but on the run we will be doing about 300 miles a day.
"I can't wait for it to start - I think it will be exciting but very tiring - I don't suppose we will get a lot of sleep."
The run takes participants from the Mediterranean, into the Moroccan interior and a circuit of the Sahara Desert, before returning north along the Atlantic coast back to Tangiers.
Riders can expect to experience a dizzying range of scenery and conditions, from the arid heat of the Sahara and spectacular coastal roads to breathtaking mountain passes.
There will be no 'slumming it' on this journey, however - riders will be able to cleanse themselves of the grime and dust of the road in luxury accommodation, according to organiser Nick Duncan.
"For most people this is something they have never done before," he said. "The riders will be doing an average of 350 miles a day, with 90 per cent of that on back roads.
"After a long hard ride it's good to get to a nice hotel, and all the places they will be staying are four and five star."
Mr Robinson has secured sponsorship from local companies Knott Group, Raygar, Hi-Trax, Hardy Signs, Racing Lines, Wright Motors and Burton Albion - where he works as the Pirelli Stadium's licensee.
He is also seeking sponsorship from individuals, with all money raised being donated to the County Air Ambulance.
"They are purely financed through donations and don't get any government backing," said Mr Robinson. "A lot of their call-outs are for motorbike accidents, so you never know - I may need their services some time."
Anyone interested in sponsoring Mr Robinson is asked to telephone Burton Albion on 01283 565938. A collection for the County Air Ambulance will also take place at the Brewers' game against Mansfield Town on Monday, October 13.
Mr Robinson will be keeping Mail readers updated on his progress with regular updates on our website at
Burton Mail.
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