TWO major annual motorcycle rides will once again hit the region’s roads this summer to help raise money to support some very worthwhile causes.

The Boundary 500 and Boundary Classic challenges, backed by car dealer Simon Bailes Peugeot, are sponsored motorcycle outings that generate funds to secure the future of the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA) and help Zoë’s Place Hospice located at Normanby in Cleveland.

The biggest rides of their kind in the North-East are organised by ex-Policeman and keen motorcyclist Brian Laverick who kick-started the Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group in June 2006. The money raised by the big-hearted riders provides a vital source of funding for the GNAA which does not receive any Government or Lottery support.

In just 18 months, a number of sponsored rides have raised in excess of £110,000. With the region’s motorcycle community evolving to such an extent, a trust is currently being set up to ensure the structure and development of the group is professionally managed.

Brian said: "The size of the events have far surpassed any expectations I had when it was set up. With the help of Simon Bailes, Cleveland Fire Brigade and the rest of the sponsors, I now expect the Boundary 500 events to continue to grow, support our nominated charitable organisations and promote safe motorcycling across the region."

Participants are being urged to get on their bikes and apply early this year after 250 riders took part in last year’s Boundary 500. This event, named after the 500 mile area covered by the GNAA, costs just £2 per rider with a minimum £50 sponsorship.

The Boundary 500 ride will set off at 6am on Saturday 14^{th June from Simon Bailes Peugeot in Stockton. The 500 mile challenge lasts one-to-two days and stops off in Berwick, Whitehaven, Barrow-in-Furness, Skipton, Scarborough and finishes in Hurworth Grange near Darlington.}

The Boundary Classic is a 125 mile journey that will take place at 10am on Sunday 15th June from Hurworth Community Centre stopping off in Stokesley, Masham, Hawes and Thwaite before returning to Hurworth.

All Boundary rides are dedicated to the memory of John Toner, a rider who was tragically killed last year, and Dr Rupert Bennett, who was part of the Cumbria Air Ambulance crew who sadly died in a climbing accident at the start of 2006.

Simon Bailes, managing director at Simon Bailes Peugeot said: "The Boundary motorcycle rides are fantastic events that make a real difference to the charities they benefit. We were delighted to be involved right from the onset and are very proud to be associated with such a growing and worthwhile cause."

Great North Air Ambulance CEO Grahame Pickering said:"I would like to thank everyone involved in making this event such a huge success for the charity especially Brian Laverick. This event has resided over £110,000 for the charity which helps considerably in keeping our life saving service in the sky.'

The Boundary is also backed by Alt-Berg, Tillston Motorcycles and Morrisons.