Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride -

Bob Parker (Co-Founder/Executive)

Hello, my name is Bob Parker [tambor] and I am a member of the RBLR, living in Kent.

I served in the Royal Engineers for 12 yrs [1961 - 1973]. This is my second attempt at being a ‘Legion’ member. I ride a Suzuki Intruder ‘Velusia’ and have taken part in several military type shows with members of the RBL in Kent.

This ‘RIDE’ was originally my brother’s [Norman] idea. He passes the cemetery quite often and thought it would be a nice idea to try to see if we could organise something to commemorate the fallen USA personell buried here. This website and attached information is a direct result of this idea.

As for me, I am well into my sixties, still very keen on riding and looking to do what I can to promote both the Legion and the Riders.

I have travelled extensively, lived in Germany [as a civilian] and been married twice. My current wife is my rock, she encourages me to ‘DO’ things, even if they are stupid.

I hope that anyone who reads and rides will participate in this event. We are getting lots of interest from media, both here and in the states and hopefully this will raise both money and awareness of the POPPY appeal as a charity that exists all year round, not just the week before Remembrance day.

Please sign up for this, the cause is good and the reward could be more than you imagined.

Bob Parker [Tambor]

Norman Parker (Co-Founder/Executive)

My name is Norman Parker. I originally come from the East End of London but have lived in Bedfordshire for the past 25 years. I'm a lorry driver by profession, and have been for most of the past 30 years, since leaving the Army.

I served in the Royal Engineers from 1971 - 1980. I did 5 Tours in Norhtern Ireland and was stationed in Germany. In the last few years of my Army Career. I was fortunate enough to be part of a British Army Training team where I spent time in Canada and Kenya.

My real passion in life (apart from my partner, Gill) is motorbikes. I've been a motorcyclist from the age of 16 and I'm now 58. In the late 60's I raced a Norton Dominator and my claim to fame is that I was lapped twice by Barry Sheen at Brands Hatch!!!

Gill and I have been together a year now and although she is a novice to the motorcycling world she now shares my passion for bikes. We are looking forward to many years in the saddle together - hopefully on a Rocket III (our dream bike) riding into the sunset, lol !!!

Last year was such a great success, lets hope its an even bigger one this year.

Regards
Norman Parker

Jon Sore (International Coordinator/Executive)

Hi, my name is Jon Sore although everybody knows me as Dino (pronounced deano!). I work and live in London with my clan. As a family, we enjoy bikes and the biking community as two out of three of my children also own and ride bikes.  I joined the RBLR in 2008 and this will be my fifth year organising the AMRR.

I am a serving member of the Armed Forces and have received the Queen's shilling for the past 32 years, having been 'press ganged' in 1980!. I have seen active service in the Falklands, the Gulf and Northern Ireland over the years but due to a serious motorcycle accident in 2007, I have been confined to a desk job! I ride a Bandit 1200S and also own a Fazer 600, Zypher 750, CBR 600 and Jawa 350 classic.

I offered my assistance to Bob and Norman for the first AMRR (formerly known as AWC2009) and somehow won the title of 'The Third Wheel'!

I have many reasons for wanting to take part in this ride; primarely to express my gratitude and give remembrance to all those that paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy today. I also like to think that I'm riding as a representative for the majority of decent people in this country to show our American cousins and Canadian brothers & sisters that we continue to remember and that we do care about those that have fallen in pursuit of freedom. Last but not least, I use this ride to remember and pay respect to our own troops and those of all our allies past and present that have, and continue, to lay down their lives.

Ride safe,
Dino

Sue Merry (UK Head Marshal/UK Organiser)

I’m Sue Merry.  I was given my first bike for my 16th birthday, a Raleigh moped that I painted purple & orange, but gave it up when I joined the WRAF (a long time ago!).  I had a couple of happy years as a Ground Electrician but left after three & a half years.   In 2003 some ‘girls’ in the street were learning to ride & I said I wish I’d done it years before, as I was too old to start ‘now’.  They persuaded me to have a go & I passed my test 1st time less than 6 months later.  I bought a TDM 900 when my two-year restricted licence was up.  Since joining the RBLR in Sept 07 I have ridden many miles including the Saddlesore last June.  A life-changing ride :O)

I attended this ride last year &, as Cambridgeshire Rep, helped at the RV.  I have been asked to organise it this year & will do my best but this will be a first for me so please be patient!

I tried to think of words to explain why I want to be involved in this event but Dino has done such a good job I’ll just put ‘ditto’.

Why they want my face & biog here I don’t know – this is very much a team project, I’m just happy to help.  Look forward to meeting & greeting you but please don’t expect me to remember all your names :O)

Geoff Dodgson (UK Chaplain)

Hi, my name is Geoff Dodgson and amongst other things, a Church of England Reader and the Hon Rural Officer for the Diocese of Ely. A country boy through and through,  you may wonder why I am involved in the ride when I am more at home using a gun to shoot rabbits? Simple - I come from a military family and Dad was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Artillery. My early boyhood toys were real 25 pound field guns and Mk1 Landrovers. So I have some understanding, not to mention huge respect, for those who serve in the armed forces. It is an honour to act as chaplain to the UK branch of AMRR and to lead worship at Madingley each year. I find it amazing and
evocative setting to thank God for all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice - giving their tomorrow for our today.

And, I am a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association who 'volunteered' me to lead worship on the first Cambridge, UK ride. I live a few villages west of the American Cemetry with my wife Rosemary and our two gundogs and I am a minister in four rural parishes.