Retired police officer Max Jones has adapted his Honda Goldwing trike so severe arthritis cannot stop him enjoying motorcycle adventures across Britain and Europe

A PEMBROKESHIRE motorcyclist who refused to allow severe arthritis to end his life on the open road has found an unusual way to combine his passion for biking with the mobility support he needs.

Max Jones, 75, travels on an 1800cc Honda Goldwing Tourer converted into a three-wheeled trike, towing a specially adapted trailer containing his powered wheelchair.

The arrangement allows the retired police officer to continue touring around Britain and Europe before unloading the chair and independently exploring the places he visits.

Max, who jokingly describes himself as “25 for the third time”, has been riding motorcycles since the 1970s. Over the decades, he has toured extensively through Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe, creating memories he was determined not to leave behind as his mobility deteriorated.

Severe arthritis eventually made conventional motorcycling and walking increasingly difficult. Converting the Goldwing into a trike gave Max greater stability and back support, but another problem remained.

Although he could reach his destination, he was often unable to explore it.

“I bought my first powered chair because I was becoming increasingly isolated,” Max said.

“We would visit places such as National Trust homes and gardens, but I was forever leaning on a stick, which was painful, and always looking for somewhere to sit down.

“In the end, my wife would go off on her own while I sat in the car park and read a book. I couldn’t carry on like that.”

Max needed a powered chair capable of supporting his six-foot-three frame while still fitting inside the trailer behind his trike. After trying several options, he chose a WHILL C2 powerchair, which can cope with different surfaces and longer days out.

The chair now travels behind the Goldwing, allowing Max to switch from the saddle to powered mobility whenever he reaches a destination.

He has since added a lighter folding model for journeys by car, bus and train.

The couple recently stopped at mobility specialist TGA while travelling to Norfolk for a motorcycle holiday. During the trip they visited Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, Blickling Estate and the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum.

Max said the powered chair made it possible to explore places he would otherwise have been forced to miss.

“I would never have managed to get around all those places on foot, especially the vast gardens at Blickling,” he said.

“I was able to travel across the grass and tackle the hills without any trouble.”

Max spent 27 years in the police, serving as a constable and later as a sergeant in different parts of South Wales. He also spent two years working as a law instructor at the Welsh Police Training Centre.

He recalls that policing in his early career involved considerably less comfortable vehicles than the Goldwing he now rides.

“In those early days, being six-foot-three was hard when packed into a Mini Panda car with four other burly officers doing a top speed of around 40mph,” he joked.

When off duty, Max also helped teach safer riding skills to people beginning their lives on two wheels.

His involvement with motorcycling has continued into retirement through the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, an organisation for serving and former police and law enforcement officers.

Max and his wife attend motorcycle events with the club and help raise money for charitable causes.

For Max, the trike is about much more than simply getting from one place to another. It provides a connection with the countryside and a sense of freedom he does not believe can be replicated inside a car.

“You can see the animals and birds, sense the atmosphere and smell your surroundings,” he said. “You cannot experience that in the same way from a car.”

He now hopes his experience will encourage other former bikers who have given up riding because of age, disability or health concerns to consider whether an adapted machine could help them return to the road.

“There must be so many people who still want to ride a motorcycle but feel they cannot because of health issues,” he said.

“With a trike, trailer and powered chair, it may still be possible. Take your time and do not put yourself under pressure. Learn something new slowly. That is the best way to broaden your horizons.”

Despite the challenges caused by arthritis, Max said continuing to travel has made a significant difference to his independence and wellbeing.

“We think we don’t look our age because we are happy,” he said.

“We are happy doing what we want to be doing, which is riding on the open road. It is a huge thing for us and massively important for our mental health.”

Picture caption:

Pembrokeshire biker Max Jones with his adapted Honda Goldwing trike and wheelchair trailer.

THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to travel to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las from communities across Wales and beyond.

Whether you are arriving by car, bus, train, coach or taxi, planning your journey in advance will help ensure you reach the Maes safely and in good time.

Travelling by car

Drivers should follow the yellow ‘Eisteddfod’ signs, which will direct traffic to the Maes and the free visitor car parks.

The Eisteddfod site at Llantwd is situated a few miles south of Cardigan.

From Fishguard

Follow the A487 north through Newport and continue towards the Maes entrance, following the yellow Eisteddfod signs as you approach the site.

From Narberth or Carmarthen

Leave the A40 at the Penblewin roundabout and take the A478 towards Cardigan.

Continue to the junction with the B4332 at Postgwyn, turn left and travel west for approximately two miles. Follow the Eisteddfod signs, which will direct traffic north from the B4332 before reaching Eglwyswrw.

From Crymych and Boncath

Travel to the junction of the B4332 and A478 at Postgwyn, then continue west and follow the Eisteddfod signs.

From Cardigan and the north

Travel south from Cardigan and follow the yellow Eisteddfod signs to the Maes.

Visitors should use the designated free car parks and must not park on the roadside. Parking restrictions will be in place around the site.

Travelling by bus

Additional bus services will make it easier for visitors to leave the car at home during the Eisteddfod.

TrawsCymru T5

The TrawsCymru T5 service will take passengers directly to the Maes at Llantwd, with regular services operating between Haverfordwest and Cardigan via Fishguard and Newport.

More frequent buses and late-evening services will operate between Fishguard and Cardigan throughout Eisteddfod week.

Service 430

The 430 bus provides a link between Narberth and Cardigan via Crymych.

Thanks to support from Pembrokeshire County Council, the service will operate every day during the Eisteddfod, with all journeys running to and from Narberth.

An additional late-evening bus will leave directly from the Maes at 11.15pm. Passengers travelling onwards will need to change at Cardigan.

The special T5 and 430 timetables can be downloaded from:

https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables/planned-bus-service-changes

Travel is free for passengers with an All-Wales Concessionary Bus Pass.

Young people aged 21 and under can travel for £1 per journey, with a maximum daily fare of £3. Passengers aged between 16 and 21 will need a MyTravelPass.

Special Eisteddfod fares are also available from Transport for Wales:

https://traws.cymru/en/catch-the-t5-bus-straight-to-the-eisteddfod

Free shuttle from Cardigan

Visitors can also use Bws yr Arglwydd Rhys, a free shuttle bus operating between Finch Square in Cardigan and the Maes.

The service will run every hour, on the hour, from 7am until midnight.

Travelling by train

Transport for Wales will operate regular free shuttle buses between Carmarthen railway station and the Maes.

Further information about rail services is available at:

https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel

Visitors can also plan their journeys through Traveline Cymru:

https://www.traveline.cymru

Special coach excursions

Several operators are organising dedicated trips to the Eisteddfod.

Jones Login

Jones Login will operate excursions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The coach will leave Carmarthen at 7.35am, with pick-up points in St Clears, Whitland, Penblewin, Narberth and along the A478.

Information and booking:

https://www.joneslogin.co.uk/Tour/Eisteddfod-Genedlaethol-Cymru

Windy Corner Coaches

Windy Corner Coaches will operate trips on Monday and Friday, as well as a special excursion on the first Saturday for the Super Furry Animals concert.

Information and booking:

https://windycornercoaches.co.uk/day-trips

Midway Motors

Midway Motors will operate services to the Maes every day throughout the Eisteddfod.

The daytime service will depart from:

• Tegryn at 10am
• Llanfyrnach at 10.05am
• Hermon at 10.10am
• Crymych at 10.15am
• Blaenffos at 10.20am
• Boncath at 10.25am
• Eglwyswrw at 10.35am

The return journey will leave the Maes at 6pm.

An evening service will also operate, departing from:

• Tegryn at 5.15pm
• Llanfyrnach at 5.20pm
• Hermon at 5.25pm
• Crymych at 5.30pm
• Blaenffos at 5.40pm
• Boncath at 5.45pm
• Eglwyswrw at 5.50pm

The evening return journey will leave the Maes at 11pm.

Fares are £5 for adults and £1 for children.

To book, call 01239 831267.

Travelling by taxi

Local taxi and private-hire firms serving the Maes include:

Kyle’s Taxis, H J Taxis Ltd, Tony’s Taxis, Fishguard Taxis, Morgans Private Hire, Letterston Taxi Service, Frank’s Cabs and St David’s Taxis, A2B Minibuses and Taxis, H&S Cab Service, Robins Taxis and Home James.

Visitors are advised to book taxis and coach seats in advance, particularly for late-evening journeys and major Eisteddfod events.

MUSIC lovers are invited to take a journey through the golden age of swing when SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing arrives at the Torch Theatre this August.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and world-class trumpet player Gareth John, alongside the acclaimed SOS Big Band, the show celebrates decades of iconic swing and big band music.

Audiences can expect much-loved classics made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, as well as more modern hits associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Renowned for his showmanship and passion for the genre, Gareth brings a natural warmth and energy to the stage, building an easy rapport with audiences wherever he performs.

During his career, he has shared the stage with a number of household names, including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The production has already received enthusiastic reviews during its tour, with one audience member at the Core Theatre in Solihull describing it as “a brilliant show”.

SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Saturday, August 1, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £28.50 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.