We’re often told that the ABR Festival is like Glastonbury but with bikes. And it’s true that there’s incredible live music, mouth-watering food and drink, and an incredible party atmosphere at both, but the fact that you can ride your motorcycle around the ABR Festival puts it above Glastonbury in our estimation. That, and the regularly cleaned, first-class loos and hot showers…
So, what riding opportunities do you have at this year’s ABR Festival? Here’s a list of seven ways to ride in and around the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate, home of the ABR Festival…
1. Bridgestone Trail*
It’s the adventure jewel in the biking crown of ABR, it’s the flagship trail of the festival, it’s the Bridgestone Trail. Boasting 30km of proper off-road trails, it’s the perfect way to get your adventure biking fix around a stunning slice of English countryside.
The route crosses vast, open grassland and snakes its way through verdant woodland on a series of grass paths, logging tracks, and dusty trails that are specifically designed for big adventure bikes, so there’s nothing too challenging – just a chance for some great, fun riding.
But to get the adrenaline pumping, there are a few craters, some muddy sections, and a couple of water crossings (all the trickier sections can be bypassed if you’re not feeling up to them), so you can enjoy a complete off-road riding experience that turns the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate into an adventure biking paradise.
Learn more about the Bridgestone Trail here.
2. Manufacturer Test Rides
One of the most hotly anticipated features of the festival is the chance to test ride hundreds of different bikes from dozens of manufacturers, including BMW, Triumph, Ducati, KTM, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, and many more.
You’ll have the opportunity to test ride a huge selection of bikes on a combination of on and off-road routes, on the likes of the BMW R 1300 GS, the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, the Honda XL750 Transalp and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. And it’s not just adventure bikes – more and more manufacturers are bringing their wider ranges to the ABR Festival as well.
It’s the best place to ride all the latest and greatest motorbikes and compare all the most popular models from a huge selection of manufacturers.
Find out more about test rides at the ABR Festival here.
3. Off-Road Riding Schools
From new rider to off-road hero, everyone can learn something new when it comes to motorcycling, and that’s exactly what the Phoenix Trails Off-Road Training Zone is all about. Here, you can join world-class off-road instructors for group sessions to help you become a better rider.
With over nine of the UK’s best off-road schools at your disposal, including Phoenix Trails, BMW Off Road Skills, the Yamaha Tenere Experience, and Honda Adventure Centre, this is your chance to take your riding to the next level.
The best bit? Off-road tuition is completely free for all ABR Festival ticket holders and sessions are run on the schools’ bikes, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your pride and joy.
Find out more about the off-road schools at the ABR Festival here.
4. TRF Trail*
After you’ve had your fun on the Bridgestone Adventure Trail and you fancy a tougher riding challenge, then you’ll want to get yourself over to the on-site TRF Trail.
This 8km-long route is open to all road-legal bikes, and you’ll find a series of climbs, descents, water crossings, and more technical terrain that will test your slow-speed skills. You’ll also be able to take on sections such as the ‘Bog of Doom’, the ‘Swamp of Doom’, and ‘Woodland Wonderland’.
Off-road experience and off-road focussed tyres are a must, but if you’re up for the challenge, the TRF Trail will be incredible fun with a great group of riders.
Don’t forget, this incredible weekend of music is just one part of the vibrant atmosphere at the ABR Festival.
Learn more about the TRF Trail here.
5. The Beginner’s Loop*
If you’re a beginner to riding off-road or want somewhere to build your confidence before riding the main trail, the Beginner’s Loop is for you.
Think of it like a green slope at a ski resort: it’s easy to ride, there’s friendly, welcoming people, and it’s a place where you can take your time and get a taste for taking your bike off-road.
The loop takes you on a short route over grass and beside woodland and will be open exclusively to beginners, so there’s no pressure of having someone trying to egg you on.
Learn more about the Beginner’s Loop here.
6. Guided Greenlane Rideouts
Get out and about with the Trail Riders Fellowship, who are running a series of guided green lane ride-outs just a stone’s throw from the festival grounds. Whether you’re a member of the TRF or just getting into green-laning, it’s the perfect chance to explore a stunning network of trails with a great bunch of like-minded riders.
If you’re just getting into green-laning, it’s a fantastic way to meet experienced riders who will be more than willing to share their tips and tricks for off-road riding, finding green lanes, and make new friends.
7. Ride to the Festival
After all, the ABR Festival is all about biking, so pack your tent and your toothbrush in your panniers, jump on your bike, and head to Ragley Hall. People ride from all over to attend the ABR Festival, and with past visitors from places like Canada, Australia, and India, why not make an adventure out of your trip to the festival?
You’re more than welcome to bring your car or camper along, but it’s a special sight to see thousands of people camping next to their bikes, trading stories and swapping tips with newfound friends bonded over their motorcycles. It’s what the ABR community is built on, and it’s what makes the festival so great.
Come and join us
The ABR Festival 2024 will be an adventure biking paradise with so much to see and do across the weekend. So come and join us, along with thousands of other riders, for an adventure of a lifetime.
Weekend tickets are still available for only £159 which gives you three days of incredible riding and entertainment, including two nights of camping, within the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate. Buy yours today HERE before they’re gone.
*A Trail Access Pass is required to ride the Bridgestone Trail, TRF Trail, and Beginners Trail.