Thousands of motorcyclists form a Ring of Red around Manchester

Almost 6000 motorbikes took to the M60 around Stockport on Remembrance Sunday to create a Ring of Red, with bikers paying their respects to the Armed Forces both past and present.

The event was one of dozens around the country with the Ring of Red M60 choosing Greater Manchester’s Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year with donations and merchandise sales going towards training and mentoring veterans into new careers as HGV drivers.

Veterans into Logistics founder, Darren Wright led the ride out in a truck dedicated to his friend and former soldier Jamie Doyle, who served 22 years in the Royal Artillery but was tragically found dead at home, being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army.

Last year saw 4400 bikers take part in the M60 procession, bedecked in red. This year’s increased participation took marshals over an hour to safely release them from the starting point of the westbound Birch Services.

Mr Wright said: “It was deeply moving and very special to lead the Ring of Red M60 Ride of Respect. It meant a lot for me to show Jayne and Ellie the love and appreciation felt for veterans and all those who have fallen, including Jamie.

“It was overwhelming to be part of and I would like to thank organiser Netty Kiely and her team for choosing Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year.”

Ms Kiely added: “Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Ring of Red Remembrance Ride and showing their respect. I couldn’t have done this without my committee, volunteers and all the staff at Moto Birch Services.”

She added: “It was incredible to have our highest turn out yet – with 5986 bikes. Roll on next year.”

Remember, respect and ride in red

First published November 11, 2022 by Stuart Prestidge

On Remembrance Sunday, November 13, Ring of Red will be holding their annual show of respect and support for the armed forces with a motorcycle ride on Manchester’s M60.

The event is free to attend, and organisers ask participants to wear something red as a mark of respect.

The ride will start from Birch Services Westbound meeting from 9am and leaving at 1pm then go clockwise around the M60 Ring Road finishing at Birch Services Eastbound.

Aerial photographs of riders in red around the Motorway will represent the poppy and will be posted on the group’s social media pages.

For more information visit the organisations Facebook page.