Jersey hosted an annual conference and rally for one of the world’s largest motorcycle clubs this weekend, and raised thousands of pounds for local charity.
Blue Knights International is a global organisation for serving and former law enforcement officers, with a membership more than 19,000 people. Over three days the local chapter, Blue Knights Jersey 1, nearly 100 motorcyclists and their partners from the US, Europe and Great Britain came to Jersey for the annual UK & Ireland Conference and Rally, which includes the AGM.
Over 40 members travelled to the Island on their motorbikes, with delegates coming from Germany, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and all over the UK, and others flying in from as far away as the United States.
Blue Knights is a registered charity, raising funds for and supporting other local charities and events, all the while trying to promote good riding etiquette and skills for the world’s biker community.
This weekend’s rally raised £3,000 for Jersey’s Youth Inclusion Project, who treated guests to a signed performance of three popular music hits at the formal dinner on Saturday night, held at the Radisson Blu where the conference was based.
Rally organiser Andy Bisson said: “We have been very fortunate to have the support of several local businesses to make this event happen. DGR Slatter sponsored the weekend both financially and with logistics, Condor, the Radisson and local bike shops donated some incredible raffle prizes, and we were supported by Honorary Police and the St John’s Inn for our lunch stop at St John’s Parish Hall during our ride out on Saturday. Throughout the day we were afforded great support from drivers and members of the public as we rode around the Island to show our visitors how beautiful it is. The feedback from delegates was fantastic, with many saying they will return to the Island for a longer stay in the future.”
Blue Knights Jersey 1 President John McGraw said: “Blue Knights is an international organisation committed to supporting local communities and encouraging better riding among the biker fraternity. It was an honour to welcome so many visitors to the Conference, and to show off our Island in the best light. Everyone was made to feel very welcome wherever they went, the weather was amazing, and the hospitality was second to none.”
