Monte Carlo on Vespas

Three dads are tackling a 1000-mile Monte-Carlo-or-bust ride on 50cc Vespas to raise cash for and awareness about a childhood cancer.

They expect the round trip to take two weeks – and they can’t use motorways.

Stuart Mason, Mat Hobbs and Barry Jacobs are acting after the death from Neuroblastoma of Stuart’s son Felix, last summer, at the age of six.
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Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood cancer affecting more than 100 children in the UK each year.

Piaggio are supplying the bikes, which will then be auctioned off after the event, Scooter World, are donating a service crew and Dainese is providing clothing for the crew throughout the trip.

The dads have are also involved in a major fund raising exercise – sponsorships, fundraising dinners, social events, merchandise and charity auctions. For details check here: www.mopeds2montecarlo.co.uk (external site)

See page two for messages from famous friends of this trip

Messages of support from friends of the trip:

Bafta winner – Louis Theroux: As a former rider of Piaggio 50cc, I salute the courage of these three Vespa-nauts on their worthy venture, knowing just how cold your knees can get when you’re riding at your top speed of 33mph in cold weather for extended periods. I first met Stuart when I was house-hunting in NW10 and I’m sure he’ll bring the same tenacity and focus to the trip as he did when attempting to find me a Victorian three bedroom with original features. Good luck, brave knights of the motorized bicycle! – travel safely and never forget: mirror, signal, manouevre!”

TV presenter Suzi Perry: I would just like to wish you three guys all the very best on your ‘madcap’ ride. Enjoy the countryside on the way and here’s to a great reception in Monte Carlo – no gambling once there mind……….. Sorry that I won’t be able to be there at the start of your run, but we will be at Le Mans for the French round of the MotoGP. Stuart, Barry and Mat, I salute you – good luck.

Actor – Jeff Rawle (George from Drop the Dead Donkey): I should just like to wish you guys the very, very best of Luck. You are certainly going to need it. It is the most lunatic idea I have heard of since my Dad drove a pig to the Freckleton Agricultural Show in his motorcycle side car. Monte Carlo is of course synonymous with speed, elegance and sophistication. So I guess the question is not will these boys get there, but will they let them in?