Actor Danny John-Jules, who plays The Cat in cult classic TV series Red Dwarf, and endurance rider Graham Hoskins, are to undertake a grueling ‘Iron Butts’ Challenge in aid of Sport Relief, with the Honda Transalp as their chosen two-wheel companion.
The 7,000-mile ride will see the intrepid pair take in three continents and fourteen countries in just fifteen days – from 27 February to 14 March - circumnavigating the Mediterranean and passing through dramatic landscapes as they cross from Europe, into Africa, through the Middle East into Turkey and back to the UK. They will cover 480 miles on their shortest day and 630 miles on their longest – not a trip for the faint hearted!
In preparation for their challenge, John-Jules and Hoskins visited Honda’s acclaimed training Institute for some hands-on familiarisation with their Transalps and, a rudimentary introduction to motorcycle mechanics with one of Honda’s expert Master Technicians!
Hoskins, the man behind the creation of the Iron Butts Med Circle Challenge, is no stranger to motorcycling adventures. Since fighting his battle with cancer, he has undertaken a number of epic charity motorbike rides, including a 4,000 mile round trip in six days from London to Moscow in aid of the 2005 Children in Need appeal.
Hoskins commented, “I’ve owned a Honda Fireblade for the last ten years and it has never missed a beat, so in my mind a Honda was the only real choice for this trip due to their incredible reliability, quality and range which has something for all riding needs. We looked at a few different bikes in their range as possibilities, but the Transalp is definitely the right machine for our challenge with its great adventure riding capabilities, comfy riding position, renowned reliability, good tank range and great luggage capacity. Bike adventure riding has risen in popularity due to certain TV programmes in the last few years, but I wanted to find a way of showing how these types of adventures are not just for the privileged few – a life changing experience like this can be achievable for anyone with two weeks off work and no support crew!”
49 year-old Danny John-Jules is best known for his comic role in the classic hit TV show Red Dwarf, which is as popular as ever with a new series being filmed later this year.
John-Jules said, “This is going to be no holiday, but it will be an incredible trip and experience where we aim to raise money for Sport Relief but also promote the fun and freedom of safe adventure motorcycling. I love crazy adventures and there’s no better reason to do something like this other than to support a worthwhile cause and encouraging more people into motorcycling, which I’m passionate about.”
The pair will set off on their Honda Transalps from Alexandra Palace in North London on Saturday 27 February, during the 2010 Motorcycle Show being held at the venue.
To follow their progress, where both Danny and Graham will post a series of blogs and images from their amazing adventure, visit www.ironbutts.co.uk. You can also support this dynamic duo by sponsoring them at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ironbutts.
