A KEEN motorcyclist, who was today due to be riding across the country on his beloved bike, was left bitterly disappointed after it was stolen.

A KEEN motorcyclist, who was today due to be riding across the country on his beloved bike, was left bitterly disappointed after it was stolen.

Jason Mann, of Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, had just finished preparing his Yamaha Thunderace for a week-long trip visiting Britain's three highest peaks. However when he pulled back his curtains on Monday morningand looked out his back garden, he realised the bike was gone.

It was stolen some time between 6pm on September 6 and 9.30am on September 7. Mr Mann heard some noise from outside between 10.30pm and 11.30pm, but assumed it was the neighbours.

The 29-year-old, who is a berth operator at Felixstowe docks, said: “I was supposed to be riding to Wales and starting the Three Peaks Challenge there.

“I had just finishing doing the bike up and have taken the week off work. I was planning to just ride around on my bike and stop at campsites. I have left it a bit late in the year because the weather will get too bad now.

“I was meant to go on the trip last week, but with the weather being as it is, I decided to put the trip back a week.

“Now I can't go at all. I'm really gutted about it. It was a fantastic bike and that is why I wanted to do this trip.”

Mr Mann had just spent �400 on a service for the bike, which he bought in March this year.

The yellow and white bike has a registration number R3 XUP.

Police are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious at the time, or knows anything about the theft to call Pc Wendy Jochan at Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.

Have you been the victim of crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.