HUNDREDS of motorcyclists turned out in Poole for a memorial ride in honour of a man who disappeared off the coast of Ibiza.

Ben Garland, 24 and from Wiltshire, is believed to have been swept into the sea in January 2020 after venturing out on his Harley Davidson to film the local surf in the aftermath of Storm Gloria.

Despite tireless searches by Spanish authorities, his body has never been found.

However, his memory lives on with an annual ‘Ride to the Tide - Ben Garland Memorial Run’ event arranged by his father Mark in which bikers ride from Ben’s hometown of Trowbridge into Poole.

This year’s run, the second to be held, took place on August 20 and saw more than 130 motorbikes from across Wiltshire and Dorset head down to Poole Quay.

Bournemouth Echo: The motorbike of Ben Garland on Poole Quay, a Harley Davidson 1200cc Sportster. Picture: Poole RNLIThe motorbike of Ben Garland on Poole Quay, a Harley Davidson 1200cc Sportster. Picture: Poole RNLI (Image: Poole RNLI)

For this year’s event, Ben’s bike was brought home from Ibiza and was ridden to Poole by one of his best friends.

Ben’s father Mark said he wanted to raise the money for the RNLI as the Spanish equivalent volunteer coastguards never gave up searching for Ben.

In the last week of September, Poole Lifeboat Station received a cheque in the post for £1,650 from Mark Garland following the event.

Poole lifeboat volunteer Anne-Marie Clark said: “This was the second Ride the Tide and it was an amazing turnout, to support Mark and his family in remembering Ben.

Bournemouth Echo: 2022 Ride to the Tide - Ben Garland Memorial Run event in Poole. Picture: Poole RNLI2022 Ride to the Tide - Ben Garland Memorial Run event in Poole. Picture: Poole RNLI (Image: Poole RNLI)

“Big thanks to the marshals for ensuring the Ride to the Tide was a safe one, as more bikes participated this year.

“I’d like to say from all at Poole Lifeboat Station a huge heartfelt thanks to Mark and his family for making this memorial event a great success and fitting tribute to Ben, keeping his spirit with us.

“Thank you so much for the cheque. It’s an amazing amount as a charity that relies purely on donations, we are extremely grateful and it will go towards saving lives at sea.”

The date is in the diary for next year’s Ride to the Tide which is scheduled to take place on August 12, 2023.