Danny MacAskill saddles up for Children in Need event

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 10:14

IT HAS been with him up trees, bombed along spiky railings and soared over cars.

But now superstar stunt biker Danny MacAskill will step down from the saddle in the name of charity.

Tollcross-based Danny, 23, will wave goodbye to his best friend when he auctions his 1,800 bike on the BBC website and eBay today for Children in Need.

One lucky fan will be able to pound pavements, steps and fences – if they dare – on the trials bike that entertained more than 12 million people on popular website YouTube.

Although the pro rider said he would be sad to see the bike go, it was the kind of cause he could not refuse to support – and he pointed out that it would force him to stay off the saddle while he recovers from a broken collar bone.

He said: "I'm finding it tough to keep away as I'm always itching to ride my bike. But after I smashed my collar bone in America I've been told to stay off until Christmas.

He joked: "I'm hoping the bike will raise one, maybe two million for Children In Need, although I'd be very happy with a couple of thousand.

"It's great value, just a few bumps and scrapes."

Danny, who yesterday filmed an interview that will be aired on the BBC during the charity show, has seen much international success in the past six months. In July he filmed scenes for Doves single, Winter Hill, and he has performed gobsmacking tricks with globally-renowned bikers, including eight times world champion Kenny Belaey.

Despite riding it all over Europe, Danny said there were still miles left in the bike if the buyer wanted to give it a spin.

He said: "It's up to the person what they do, but they could ride a bike. I suspect somebody will display it as a memento on their wall. As long as it serves its purpose and makes lots of money I am happy with whatever the buyer chooses to do."

Although Danny is remaining tight-lipped about what he plans to do when he gets back on his bike in December, he hinted that there were more shock stunts to come.

He revealed: "I'll be travelling around the world, perhaps performing at some different landmarks. People will have to wait and see."

He joked: "I'll have to get a bike for Christmas first though."