V8 Supercars superstar Craig Lowndes is passionate about motorcycles and animals.
So is it any wonder he leapt at the chance to combine the two!
A couple of months ago he was the guest of honour for the second annual Ruff Riders 500 ride through the Brisbane hinterland.
The charity ride raises money for a children’s humane education facility at the Brisbane RSPCA.
Craig Lowndes has been RSPCA ambassador since 2008 and last year hosted the inaugural Ruff Riders 500 event which raised $50,000 and attracted 50 riders even though it was a miserably wet day.
This year 58 riders and 20 pillions attended with one flying in from Sydney just to ride alongside Craig. They again raised $50,000, so happy RSPCA organisers expect the building project to commence soon.
“I grew up on a farm in Victoria and have spent most of my life in the country, so I love screaming around the paddock on a bike and I love animals. This is the prefect mix for me,” he says.
Surprisingly the high-octane racer chose a Suzuki M109 cruiser for the charity event.
“I really enjoy riding cruisers. It’s something I like to do from time to time, but I think ultimately my passion is to migrate back to a sports bike,” he says.
“It’s a bit different because you put your feet out in front of you and I’m not used to that, but it’s a relaxed position for a long ride,” he says.
“It’s certainly much more relaxed than the Gixxer I rode last year.”
Next year’s Ruff Riders 500 will be held in March.
Participants have to raise at least $250 in sponsorship to enter.
Contact: mhornby@rspcaqld.org.au
Meanwhile, look for my feature on Craig’s bike in the next Cruiser & Trike magazine.
