Knievels ride again: Welsh charity ride inspired by stunt legend gets ready to roll in 2023

A stars and stripes cavalcade of intrepid fundraisers dressed as Evel Knievel will attempt to raise thousands for the NSPCC in late May by covering more than 1000 miles across Wales on motorcycles between 25 – 29 May 2023.

• Make a donation to the cause here

Now in its twelfth year, the Ride Cymru Knievels charity challenge will see a maximum of 50 riders set off from Wrexham on Thursday, May 25 before visiting a number of checkpoints including Anglesey and Pembrey race circuits, as well as Swansea’s transport museum.

The special event will see most riders coming from across the UK, while Jee Pender from Tel Aviv in Israel will be travelling more than 2300 miles to make the start line.

Anyone else wanting to join in the fun must source sponsorship as a condition of entry, as well as sorting their own Knievel suit. Once at the start line, everyone will be sent on their way through a huge ‘red energiser gyro’ which will mimic the popular Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toy of the 1970s. 

Alongside support for the NSPCC children’s charity, this year’s event will also be in memory of Evel’s son Robbie Knievel, who died from pancreatic cancer in early 2023 aged just 60. A stunting superstar in his own right, Robbie successfully completed 350 jumps and achieved 20 world records during his illustrious career.

The Ride Cymru event was created in by Corwen resident Jason Lewis to try to raise £1000 for a charity that had helped a family member. That figure has now grown to a staggering £198,000 and is expected to top £200,000 before the first rider has turned a wheel this year.

As an added element to this year’s trip, there are plans for both football and rugby competitions for the Knievels – all dressed in their full attire and riding helmets. Other stop-offs include Glan Y Gors kart track, the RAF Valley air base, Portmeirion village, and many more.

Find out how you can get involved by contacting the organisation here.

Find the full plans and route for 2023 here:

---

Evel plan for charity fun: 2022 Knievel ride is bigger than ever

First published 1 June 2022 by Phil West

More than 50 caped crusaders are expected to take part in this month’s Evel Knievel charity ride which is poised to be the biggest and best yet.

And, with special guests including former stunt star Eddie Kidd OBE, a visit to Mathewson’s of TV’s Bangers and Cash, five different race circuits and The Stereophonics, it’s also sure to be the most entertaining, too!

The event is an annual five-day charity ride, either taking in a 1000-mile perimeter of Wales or a 1200-mile route of the UK mainland. It’s raised £160,000+ since 2012.

This year’s outing, dubbed ‘Ride Capitals Knievels 2022’ is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and takes in the UK  loop and will also visit the three mainland UK capitals plus a host of special events along the way.

Organised by Ride Cymru MCC, it sets off from Wrexham on June 1 taking in Oulton Park, giving a spectacular Guard of Honour to a wedding at Gretna Green, and riding at Knockhill.

On Thursday, June 2, they ride south via Edinburgh and Oliver’s Mount to Mathewson’s near Pickering in North Yorkshire.

Friday, June 3 takes in the Humber Bridge, Cadwell Park and Santa Pod before arriving at the Tower Hotel in London – the same place Knievel stayed in before his infamous 1975 Wembley Stadium jump.

Saturday, June 4 takes in the banking at Brooklands, and a rendezvous with Eddie Kidd at the Ace Café before arriving at Bristol joined by Richard Jones of The Stereophonics. While the final Sunday leg returns to Wrexham.