Ride to the Tide: 'Biggest ever' memorial event for Ben Garland
The event was run to raise vital money for the RNLI
What's been described by the 'biggest ever' Ride to the Tide memorial event has taken place here in Wiltshire - with more than 240 riders joining the trip to Poole, all to raise vital cash for the RNLI.
The event was the fourth to take place, following the disappearance of Ben Garland back in January 2020, when he was swept to sea in Ibiza.
It's a particularly poignant event - with the bikes used in the Memorial Run representing how the 24-year-old ventured out on his Harley Davidson 1200cc Sportster to film the local surf on the day he went missing.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Ben's dad - Mark Garland - told us it's as much about remembering his son, as it is reminding people of the dangers of the sea.
He said: "The turnout on the day this year made it really special - we were totally blown away.
"It was lovely to see on the trip to Dorset the streets lined with people out, filming and clapping the riders... By far, 2024 was the best one yet.
"The event is one of my 'happy days'.
"I don't have too many of those - having also lost Ben's sister two and a half years after Ben left us. So, it just makes me happy, watching all of those people coming out to remember him.
"It's also for a great cause, as of course, the RNLI rely on donations to keep the organisation going.
"Ben was quite innocently in Ibiza after a storm had passed, but didn't take into account the very obvious dangers in front of him - and that's exactly why we do this ride, to raise awareness that the sea can be a very treacherous place."
The person who rides Ben's bike every year to Poole is Tom Eggleton, who's from Bath.
He sadly couldn't do it this year following an accident - but in paying tribute to Tom on the post reflecting on this year's Ride to the Tide, they said: "We would like to make a special mention for Tom Eggleton. Tom is one of the RTTT organisers and also a very close friend of Bens.
Each year, Tom has had the honour of riding Bens bike to Poole. This year, as Tom was riding to the event on his own bike he was involved in an accident that required him to be hospitalised. Having heard of this only an hour before the bikes were due to leave we were deeply concerned for his wellbeing and awaiting updates. Tom has been injured with broken bones and we wish him all the best in his recovery."
The tradition of riding Tom's bike continued, though, with Phill Damant stepping-in.
They added: "We absolutely have to thank YOU!
"The many people who came to watch those same bikers leave. The hundreds of spectators lining the streets as we passed through the towns and villages, encouraging our riders and showing your immense support. The people who donated to us, via PayPal, our website.
"The riders who attended – we literally wouldn’t have an annual RTTT event without you! Thank you for attending, donating, gearing up and being part of our success. You’re efforts not only helped our cause but also made the day of many young children as they watched (lots of them in awe!) you ride past and wave as you did so.
"To the organisers of RTTT and those who stepped in on the day to help us – each year this day comes about so quickly and we find ourselves questioning if we have everything in place. The dedication and hard work by all of the RTTT team showcased itself in 2024. Well done for making RTTT 2024 our biggest ride out to date – it’s instilled confidence in everyone to know we can cope with the growth that is to come in future ride outs."
You can find out plenty more about Ride to the Tide on their website - but you can guarantee there will be another ride in 2025.