- After nearly two decades getting young people riding the right way, the Richmond Area Motorcycle Project (RAMP) suffered the loss of four CRF125Fs with the subsequent risk of permanent closure
- MX legend Dave Thorpe became aware of RAMP’s woes and offered to loan replacement bikes drawn from the Honda Adventure Centre’s fleet
- Honda UK Motorcycles to also offer support with spares with a view to the project reopening very soon
RAMP is a volunteer-run community motorcycle project that’s been operating for almost 20 years. Based at Risedale school in Catterick RAMP use off-road bikes to engage youngsters aged between 13-19 and provide structured training in road safety, maintenance, and the legal aspects of riding. Operating between March and October – almost every weekend – the aim is to steer teenagers away from crime and RAMP works closely with North Yorkshire Youth, PCSOs, Youth Justice, Early Help and Change Direction.
Honda’s CRF125F has been at the heart of RAMP’s activities and, with its mixture of enjoyable engine performance, genuine off-road ability and legendary reliability, is the perfect two-wheeled introduction for young riders. Back in early December 2025 RAMP suffered a break-in and four CRFs (along with a smaller machine) were stolen putting the entire project – which relies entirely on grants and charity donations – at risk of permanent closure, as the cost of replacing the entire fleet would simply be too much. While one bike was recovered in a damaged state, the others were long gone.
An official crowd funding page is in operation (see link below) but in the meantime Dave Thorpe – three-time 500cc Motocross World Champion – got news of RAMP’s troubles. Dave has been running the Somerset-based Honda Adventure Centre for a number of years and, alongside a fleet of CRF1100L Africa Twins, XL750 Transalps, CRF300Ls and CL500s also operates CRF125Fs. Not one to sit back, he got in touch with Honda UK, with an idea…
Dave Thorpe, Honda Adventure Centre:
“I was so disappointed to read about RAMP’s bikes getting stolen and feel that off-road bike theft is a challenge up and down the country. The CRF125F is a brilliant little bike which we make good use of at the Honda Adventure Centre and, as ours were due for replacement and only 12 months old and in great condition, I figured that we could give them to RAMP on loan to keep their dream, and riding programme alive. Honda UK is in full support and has also offered to supply and pay for a spares package to repair the damage of the one bike that’s been returned. The more young riders that start out the right way off-road the better, I feel and RAMP certainly does just that. Long may they continue.”
Andy Mineyko, General Manager Honda UK Motorcycles:
“What RAMP has been doing is so important to the local community and the younger generation. It seems many participants come back later as helpers and then go on to do their CBT and get a full licence. When Dave approached us with the idea of helping the project out, we were all ears and with his and our support, they’ll be back up and running very soon which is great news.”
Dave handed over the bikes to RAMP in person, and in the process through the event reflected both on his racing career as well as just what off-road riding means to him now with the opportunity he has to share his insight, knowledge and skill through the Honda Adventure Centre.
Commenting on the support being provided, Chloe Hollinshead, one of the main volunteers at RAMP said “We’ve been blown away by the quick and hugely supportive action that Dave Thorpe and the team at Honda UK have provided. From the point a few months ago where it looked like it was the end for RAMP, to now be in a position to have all this support and most importantly, continue to provide these riding opportunities for kids across the local area is just fantastic! And for the kids to then have the opportunity to get some knowledge and riding skills from a 3 time world champion, well, I just can’t believe it!”
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