Yamaha UK support ‘Feeder’ drummer in Riders for Health ‘EnduroAfrica’

Yamaha UK are pleased to be able to help Mark Richardson, the drummer from rock group Feeder, in his quest to raise money for Riders for Health via his entry in their fundraising event; Enduro Africa.

Mark spent the weekend at Donington Park at the MotoGP and rode his loan Yamaha FZ1 as part of the ride-in and round the circuit on Day of Champions, to help raise awareness of the charity and its various activities.

In November Mark will ride a 2 week arduous rally of South Africa on Yamaha AG200 machines. These motorcycles are the same type as those that Riders for Health uses to help African health workers reach remote, rural communities. The aim of Enduro Africa is to raise enough money to supply and maintain 100 Yamaha AG machines for Zimbabwe, to help deliver vital health care to the poorest and most remote areas. The actual bike ridden by each Enduro Africa competitor will be bought as part of the entry fee and donated plus a contribution towards the running costs of the machines.

To help prepare for this adventure Mark will be trained at the Yamaha Off-road Experience, a trail riding school in mid-Wales run by ex-Enduro champion Geraint Jones and his family. Mark will experience various terrain and be shown the correct way to overcome hazards such as steep tracks, rivers, mud and boulders. Mark will also take advantage of his Yamaha contacts to learn advanced cornering skills at the California Superbike School based at Rockingham.

Mark already has good links with Yamaha as he owns a Warrior cruiser and YZ250 motocross machine. Mark is best known for his Yamaha Drum kit endorsement which he uses to good effect both in the studio, on tour and in the classroom as he teaches at various music colleges.

Mark; "I decided to ride Enduro Africa after visiting the Congo, the biggest problem in many of these African countries is that when aid arrives it cannot be distributed because of the vast and difficult terrain. What could be better than combining a good cause and riding motorcycles for two weeks?

I had a fantastic time at the Day of Champions with the ride-in, parade lap and a pillion MotoGP with Randy Mamola. Yamaha have been extremely helpful in arranging my training and supplying equipment."

To help Mark raise money for this worthwhile cause, visit justgiving.com/markenduroriders

To see the full story behind the tour see enduroafrica.com and the Riders for Health website; riders.org