A DAD from Brimscombe will once again embark on an epic motorcycle journey to raise money for the Down’s Syndrome Association, as his son has the condition.

Steve Smith raised more than £12,500 when he rode across India last year and now he is hoping to surpass that amount with a new adventure in Spain this September, to thank the DSA for helping his four-year-old son Alfie.

“After last year’s adventure in India on the Enfield Bullet and the fantastic response received, both in terms of the amount of money generously donated and the genuine interest shown, it soon became obvious that a new challenge was needed for 2017,” said Steve, 47.

“I will be sticking a little closer to home this time but the riding will, if anything, be more strenuous than before with long days in the saddle over vast distances.”

Steve’s new challenge will focus on the Moto Piston rally in the Picos Mountains of Northern Spain, culminating in the infamous 5,000 curves ride – travelling 500km across mountains on bikes built before the 1980s, in one day.

“I am very lucky and have been offered a 1967 Triumph Bonneville to ride in this event,” he said.

To make his journey even more of a challenge, Steve will ride the 850 plus miles from Avon Tyres HQ in Melksham via the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry and through France in less than 48 hours – on his 22-year-old Mk1 Speed Triple, not a bike associated with long distance rides.

Steve will also be raising money for the Cotswold Downs Syndrome Group as it’s “very close to my heart,” he said.

See virginmoneygiving.com/SteveSmith52 for more information and to donate.