Many scooterists will have known our friend and larger-than-life character, Dave Gould (seen here with his Series 1). His charisma and infectious laugh are sorely missed everywhere we go.
Having lived life to the full, Dave passed away in January this year after a short battle with cancer. Dave didn’t have a bucket list “I’ve done everything I needed to do” was his response when asked, although, during his last few weeks, he said he’d “Like a bench up the woods.” He also wanted to help raise some money for a couple of charities close to his heart.
It is what it is
Like many scooterists, most of Dave’s friends from Blazing Glory SC (and a few regulars from his favourite boozer, The Old English Gentleman) aren’t exactly athletic. They like a few pints, interspersed with binge drinking and would rather talk about football than kick one about. The idea of them doing anything physical was unheard of. Even so, they came up with a plan (whilst sat in the pub of course) to raise some cash to buy Dave’s bench and get it seated in a local woodland where he loved to walk his dogs.
The three peaks ‘Walk for Dave’ was the result of that drunken evening. That’s the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales over the course of a weekend. One mountain per day, and as Dave would often say “It is what it is.”
The weather forecast for Saturday is good but mountains are unpredictable
Ben Nevis: 1,345 metres
The weekend of the challenge is here. As you read this, the lads will have already set off from Loughborough in a minibus (kindly supplied by CR Civil Engineering Limited). They’ll be driving to Fort William ready to tackle the first mountain on Saturday morning (31st August). Ben Nevis, stands at 1,345 metres, and on its own is a challenge for many.
The eight-seater minibus is being driven by long-time scooterist, Adey. There’s also a car being driven by fellow BGSC club member, Nick Watts. Those two will arguably have the toughest jobs, lots and lots of driving and sitting around waiting for the walkers to return. They can’t even wait in the pub with a few pints.
On a good day, the views from Scafell are stunning, sadly there’s no pub at the top though!
Scafell Pike: 978 metres
After completing Ben, they’ll be driving straight down to the Lake District on Saturday evening ready to tackle England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. It may be smaller in height than Ben but this mountain is far from easy and requires a bit of scrambling as you reach the summit.
Begsey in his natural habitat on Snowdon, this was just a few weeks before he had a triple heart bypass in 2019…
Monday 2nd September: Snowdon: 1,085 metres
Having completed two very big walks in quick succession, the group will be driven down to Wales on Sunday night ready for an early start on Snowdon. If you’ve ever done any hill walking you’ll know that after a day you feel shattered. The descent is often as hard as the uphill part, your knees take a particular battering. Doing the three highest peaks in the UK is hard work. Add into the equation the lad’s lack of general fitness and this challenge is going to be very hard – both physically and mentally.
Some of the team pictured during a training walk at Dave’s bench earlier this week. From left to right along the back row, Marco, Jamie, Downsey, Rich and Martin, front row Nick and Adey.
The team
Scooterists often have varied skills and occupations. Luckily, BGSC member, Johnny Walker lives in Scotland and is a full-time mountain leader (both at home and abroad) so he’ll be leading the trip (he’s pictured in black leather at the side of Dave in the lead image). He’ll also be joined by his climbing buddy, Caroline. They’ll be helped by Begsey, also a scooterist and mountain leader.
Amongst the ‘ordinary’ team members you’ve got the following scooter riders, Rich Gould (Dave’s brother), Jamie Spary, Downsey, Adey and Nick. As well as Oliver Gould (Dave’s son), Martin Spary (Jamie’s better-looking brother), Marco and Lee.
Dave can be seen here handing over a large cheque for Reverse Rett a few years ago, with Blazing Glory members in the background. A local girl suffers from the neurological condition which usually strikes girls from the age of one to two and leaves them with lifelong disabilities.
Charity
Fundraising for this event started a few weeks ago and has already raised over £7,000. That’s enabled the bench to be built and engraved with one of Dave’s favourite sayings “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” The bench and costs to have it put into position have been paid but the lads are still raising funds for Cancer Research UK and local charity Reverse Rett.
Those generous folk from South West Scooter Clubs have put in a hefty donation and the walk is also being sponsored by ScooterLab, Think 19, CR Civil Engineering Limited, PPM Property Management. The Charnwood branch of the NFFC Supporters Club has also donated £250.
Want to donate?
You can donate using this GoFundMe link. There’s also a Facebook page for the event.
Live tracking
If you’ve followed previous charity events on live tracking you’ll know it can be quite addictive. Jamie will be carrying a phone with live tracking enabled, you can simply click this link and see where they are in real time. Tracking started at 7 am Friday 30th August and will last until they get home on Tuesday 3rd September.
Crusader Promotions
A special mention must go out to Daz at Crusader Promotions and the Damsels in Distress. He’s printed some special patches for the Gathering of the Clans Rally in Portrush and all proceeds will be going to the fundraiser, he’s donated £450 this morning.
