The Bermuda Long Riders Motorcycle Association completed their marathon 48-hour ride for diabetes on Sunday.

The group rode a total of 16 circuits of the Island and the final circuit was completed by 18 riders starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday and finishing just after noon. On the final stretch up Queen Street to City Hall all horns on the bikes were sounding alerting bystanders to their arrival.

Organiser Keith Dubois said the event was a success with over 100 riders taking part, which was over half of the Bermuda Long Riders members plus a few non-members.

?We certainly created a buzz,? he said, which was meant in both the literal and figurative sense as bikers engines preceded them as they toured the Island and the positive atmosphere could be felt throughout the event particularly outside City Hall.

He was pleased with the way the fundraiser had gone as they had kept riders on the road for 48 hours straight.

?There was a really nice atmosphere. I was really impressed. They all took care of each other,? he said.

Pledges are still being collected and donations are still welcome and as yet the total amount raised is unknown but donations were reported to have been coming in regularly.

When the fundraising is complete prizes will be awarded to those who raised the most money.

Riders rode in three hours shifts and there were several riders who did a total of 12 hours riding.

Austin Simons actually rode for 12 hours straight, starting at midnight on the Saturday and ending with the last circuit at noon on Sunday. Mr. Simons explained that the marathon ride was not very difficult for him as he practises martial arts. ?It was great to be a part of it,? he said.

The event was the idea of Beresford (Nine Eggs) Wade. As a participant he rode for 12 hours in total and both started and finished the ride.

?It was a great experience,? he said. ?The atmosphere was wonderful. Everybody had a great time.?

Mr. Wade said the cause was personal for him as he has diabetes.

A number of local businesses chipped in keep the riders well fed and watered.

Coffee was donated by Caf? Latte in St. George and Rock Island Caf? in Hamilton as well as Pirates Landing in Dockyard. Red Bull was donated by Pitt and Co., Butterfield & Vallis and the Ansari Brunswick Street Bakery donated snacks.

A post ride party was held at Clearwater Beach with food donated by Lindo?s Fine Foods, Supermart Fine Foods, KFC, Upper Crust Pizza, Hunt?s Food & Supplies Ltd., John Barritt and Son and Zaki?s Bakery. Prizes were donated by Meyer Travel, Digicel, Collector?s Hill Esso Station and Tangles.