The bikers at the heart of Telford
With a long ginger beard, bald and tattoo’d, Dan looks like a biker. He was tending to a Triumph when I walked into the True North Bikers HQ to talk to him about an event coming up.
I interviewed Dan at the HUB, a space for bikers and their families to unwind before and after runs. It’s round the back of an industrial estate in Telford, you’d never know it was there. Two floors of chill space and an honesty bar with sweets and soft drinks for the kids.
Dan Wharton and Steve Rawlins decided at a bike night at The Tiddly, in Ellerdine Heath, to set up their own biker group. In February 2024 it became a reality. True North Bikers. Telford-based, they decided that there was a need for a family-friendly, family supporting group.
The group has a focus on Mental Health, community support and a sense of belonging. There are now around 700 in the riding group from across the region.
The group get involved with prom runs, a pack of bikers escorting kids from their home to schools end of year parties. They make quite an entrance. “We can’t do them all, but the ones we do are special.” Often accompanying kids who have had a tough time through illness or bullying.
The reputation of bikers has swung a full 180 in the last 40 years. You are more likely to see bikers raising money for charity than raising hell outside a pub these days. Something Dan is keen to build on. “We want to help people. Whatever it is, we want to help.”. If you are in trouble, find a biker.
One cause that Dan has at his heart, is bike safety. Not something you expect from people who start bike groups. “We can’t afford to lose any more bikers” said Dan reflecting on the number of crashes, including fatalities. Dan had his own brush with an oncoming car last year which has temporarily stopped him riding.
The group are collaborating with Severn Valley Motorsport to stage the RSA25 event on 10th Aug at Severn Valley Motorsport, The Mill, Heath Hill, Telford, TF4 2JX from 10am to 4pm.
It’s a family car & bike show with a nod to road safety, but also lots of activities for everyone. There will be some spectacular machines from Severn Valley Motorsport as well as bikes.
There is also a Fancy Dress Bike Run – £10.00 to take part – with the money going to Dean Harris who suffered injuries earlier this year in a motorcycle crash on the A442.
The bike route is all around Telford and the same as the Christmas toy run. Lots of people are expected to line the route as the bikers make their way around Telford.
Approximate times & locations for 10th August Fancy Dress Run
12.02 – Shifnal Social Club
12.10 – Sutton Hill ( Sutton Way )
12.15 – Madeley (High Street )
12.20 – Woodside ( Woodside Ave )
12.25 – Aqueduct ( Castlefields Way )
12.27 – Brookside ( Brookside Ave )
12.29 – Stirchley ( Stirchley Ave )
12.35 – Telford Shopping Centre
12.40 – Oakengates ( Hartshill )
12.45 – St Georges (Cannongate)
12.50 – Donnington ( St Georges Road)
12.53 – Trench ( Wellington road )
13.00 – Hadley ( Hadley bridge )
13.05 – Wellington ( North Road )
13.10 – Admaston (Admaston Road )
13.15 – Shawbirch ( Shawbirch Road )
It’s not just the danger on the roads that Dan & Steve are trying to protect people from. One project bubbling under at the moment is trying to help Veterans in the community. Steve is a veteran himself and building relationships with local veterans who are having a hard time is something the group are keen to get involved in.
“We need access to a small piece of woodland” says Dan “Somewhere outdoors that ex-service people can meet up and get a camp fire going.” If you can help, reach out and we’ll put you in touch with Dan & Steve.
You don’t have to ride a bike to support Dan and the True North Bikers Community. You just have to want to be part of the solution.
