Harry Bott covers 8000 miles on 96-year-old bike raising cash for the RNLI

Harry Bott, 23, rode into Southend-on-Sea late last month to visit the 238th and final lifeboat station in a challenge that has seen him cover roughly 8000 miles on a 96-year-old Sunbeam Model 1 in a bid to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Harry was inspired to embark on the epic after he and his dad restored the bike, which was bought in the 1930s by his great-grandad as a commuter. The Sunbeam was put away for storage in the 1950s, where it remained for the nearly 70 years.

Harry said: “Thank you to everyone who has been following along with me and everyone who has supported me in some way, whether that be all the amazing people who have donated to the RNLI or anyone who put me up for the night, gave me some fuel money or just stopped me and said hello and helped me fix the bike.”

Harry began his journey on April 6 using a coastal route planned out according to the map on a tea towel pinpointing every UK RNLI station.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though as the 350cc single-cylinder machine became “a little unwell” in the summer, forcing Harry to spend a month of the journey riding a Royal Enfield Bullet instead.

Harry’s JustGiving page has already raised £8766 for the charity, smashing the original target of £4000. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/harry-bott

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Sunbeam’s RNLI epic: Harry Bott attempts to raise £5000 on 96-year-old bike

First published on 10 May 2022 by Dan Sutherland

Intrepid 23-year-old biker Harry Bott is currently riding a 1926 Sunbeam Model 1 around the UK and Ireland visiting all of the RNLI’s stations in an attempt to raise £5000 for the rescue charity.

Harry set off around four weeks ago from Teddington RNLI centre and believes it will take him around four-and-a-half months to complete the ride, with the Sunbeam capable of a top speed of 45mph.

He’ll also be visiting various coastal islands on his trip, including the Isle of Man – using his skills as a trained engineer to keep the 96-year-old machine on the road.

“I’m averaging around 20mph, so everything goes by a little slower,” Harry said. “But that’s what you want when you’re on such a nice route.

“Everyone’s been really excited to see it. It’s not every day you get to see old bikes like this out and about.”

At the time of writing, Harry’s Just Giving Page has already reached a healthy £3144 – 62% of his target figure. You can donate to this great cause here.