Rookie rider revs up for global test

SHE only got her motorcycle driving licence a few weeks ago — but later this year a former policewoman will set-off on a round the world fundraising trip.

Clare Southern will join partner Sam Farah on a ride which will last up to 16 months, cover 50,000 miles, and take them through 45 countries, from the snow and freezing sub-zero temperatures of Alaska, to the dry, blistering heat and desert terrain of the Middle East.

And the Mumbles-based couple will be doing it all for Wales Air Ambulance, and two other international charities.

It will be a second mammoth trip for former Olchfa pupil Sam, having already ridden from Dubai to Alaska.

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But property developer Clare, who turns 28 tomorrow, will be looking to get a bit more practice in before they set off in August, having only been on a bike around 10 times since getting her licence. "We were sitting in a cafe in Mumbles when we came up with the idea, and we decided to do it there and then.

"I had attended plenty of road traffic accidents involving motorbikes when I was in the police, and so it seemed obvious that we should do it for the Air Ambulance, which is a fantastic service and does so much for motorcylists.

"I just have to put in some more practice between now and when we set off."

Sam, 36, said: "Clare has only been on a motorbike 10 times, but she is phenomenal.

"She has got real guts, and not many people would take it on, including many men.

"I suppose we both have a bit of crazy about us to take it on, and we are selling everything we have before we go.

"But you cannot buy the experience we will gain."

The couple will undertake the challenge on their own, without any back-up team supporting them, and camp out as much as possible. In addition to helping the Wales Air Ambulance, the couple will also raise money for World Land Trust, and Riders for Health.