MORE than 370 motorbike enthusiasts signed up for Lye’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival 2018 on the first two days ticket sales launched.

Organised by the Dudley Road-based cause, interest in the popular event continues to rise annually – with overwhelming interest seeing ticket sales increase by 37 per cent on previous years.

When Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival first launched eight years ago just 154 people took part, but in April this year, 3,500 motorcycles took to the streets while more than 10,000 people attended the festival.

Those figures are expected to increase again next year when the event returns on April 22.

Jason Levy, chairman of the organising committee, said: “The level of interest is testament to Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival becoming one of the most anticipated events to kick start the motorcycle season.

“It also demonstrates the amazing support we receive from the motorcycle and local communities.

“Last year, we raised £73,800 towards our lifesaving air ambulance operations, which helped to fund 30 vital missions.”

The ride out takes in a 23-mile route from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford in Shropshire, home to the Bike4Life Festival.

To sign up for the 2018 ride out now, as places are already limited, visit www.bike4lifefest.com.

Previously the ride out has been led by world Superbike champion and racing legend, Carl Fogarty, motorcycle and truck racing legend, Steve Parrish, adventure motorcyclist and author, Nick Sanders, and Boyzone popstar and professional drift driver Shane Lynch.