David Burdus plans trip on special motorbike

Jan 8 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

Global challenge

WHILE David Burdus makes the 1,600-mile trip to Berlin in Germany, his biking teammates will continue across the globe.

Retired Scottish police inspectors Tom McInally, 49, from Edinburgh, and Gordon Thyne, 51, from North Queensferry, will continue on their trip as they attempt to circumnavigate the planet east to west.

As part of the TransGlobeMoto Round the World Motorcycle trip, they will continue from Germany to Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Japan and on to the US, before their bikes will be shipped home.

The team are using 2008 BMW R1200GS Adventures and have set aside six months to complete the journey. So far the team have raised s3,600 with the team trying to gather a s20,000 target for the disability organisation Capability Scotland.

For more information visit www.transglobemoto.com

Some machine

THE Martin Conquest motorbike is a specially designed machine that allows David Burdus to wheel himself on board.

Made from the front end of a BMW 1200R and an aluminium rear frame, the trike has an electronically operated ramp and a clamp then secures his wheelchair in place.

It is the first high-performance series production motorbike to hit the streets of England.

Designed by Manchester manufacturer Martin Conquest, the s20,000 bike can reach well in excess of 120mph and for an extra fee includes heated twist-grips and a sound system.

The bike was designed by Alan Martin after his then 21-year-old son was disabled by a skiing accident more than a decade ago.

Mr Martin, 66, planned a concept bike that would allow him to take to the road.

After initial funding from Sir Frank Williams, the principal of the BMW-Williams Formula 1 Team, the company now produces between 45 and 70 specially modified bikes a year.