Motorcyclist revs up for European bike challenge
A lifelong motorbike enthusiast is to get in the saddle to ride thousands of miles across Europe to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Dan Diorazio, a fleet brand manager for Wessex Garages in Bristol, is to pull on his motorcycle boots to ride 2,800 miles from Bristol to Anzio in Italy.
Dan, 40, has been riding since he was a teenager and hopes to raise £500 from his challenge.
The dad of 2 will be making the ride on his BMW bike.
“My bike is 20 years old and already has 80,000 miles on the clock,” he said.
“But she’s in pretty good shape for an old girl.
“I had bikes before I had a car and my first was a Vespa PK50. I’ve had more types of motorbikes over the years than I can remember.”
Dan’s other motorbikes include a 1970 Triumph Tiger which belonged to his grandfather. Dan restored the bike 10 years ago and kept it in his spare room.
He also restored a Suzuki B120 which was owned by his great grandfather as a lockdown project.
Dan will travel through France and Switzerland during his challenge, which he expects to take 10 days.
He will be staying in bed and breakfast accommodation along the route.
Dan first got involved with Children’s Hospice South West when Wessex Garages assisted the charity in finding new vehicles.
“We got talking about the work of the charity and then came in and had a tour,” said Dan.
“That tour and seeing the incredible work of the charity left a lasting mark on all of us at Wessex Garages and we knew then that we wanted to get involved.”
As part of the company’s commitment to support CHSW, each of the 18 strong fleet sales team is planning individual fundraising challenges.
Dan will be supported on his ride to Italy by his friend Dave.
“We are going to be covering around 300 miles a day,” said Dan.
“That in itself is going to be tiring, so we will be breaking it up and having plenty of stops. We are also looking forward to taking in some amazing scenery.”
Amanda Gallagher, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Charlton Farm said: “We’re thrilled Dan and the team at Wessex Garages have chosen to support CHSW this year.
“It's only thanks to generous support from businesses like Wessex Garages that we can continue to be here, caring for local families who need our support.
“I’m looking forward to supporting Dan and the rest of the team with their other fundraising plans later in the year.
Anyone who wants to support Dan in his fundraising challenge can do so at Daniel Diorazio is fundraising for Children's Hospice South West (justgiving.com)