Looking for a way to make the most of the last few weeks of summer? We’ve got you covered…
Mini Mach
Billed as ‘Nick’s big afterparty’, Mini Mach is an intimate motorcycle festival held in the ancient Welsh capital of Machynlleth by legendary adventure motorcyclist Nick Sanders. It’s the little brother to the larger Mach festival (which was held in June), and it takes the best bits and relocates them to the Nick Sanders Expedition Centre. Limited to only a small number of tickets, you’ll camp in the heart of a secluded Welsh valley, enjoying stunning views, delicious home-cooked food, live music, a great ride out on some of Wales’s best roads, and the perfect chance to unwind.
When ‘N’ Where?
13-15 September at the Nick Sanders Expedition Centre, Tyn Twill, Abercegir, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8NR.
How
Head to www.machfestival.co.uk to find out more and to book your tickets. Spaces are limited, so you’ll want to act fast to secure your spot!
West Wales Sheep Dip Rally
The West Wales Sheep Dip Rally is one of the best adventure motorcycling events in September, and it’s certainly not one to be missed. Hosted by the friendly and welcoming Big Al from the Adventure Bike Rider Forum, the event starts on Friday 13 September with a few beers and a chance to get to know everyone and share tales of past adventures. Saturday morning kicks off how every morning should: with bacon sarnies before rideouts through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The evenings will bring the fantastic and now-famous homemade cawl, followed by a charity raffle, live music, and a pub quiz.
When ‘N’ Where?
13-15 September at West Hook Farm, Marloes, Haverfordwest, Wales, SA62 3BJ.
How
Head to www.bit.ly/westwales19 to register your interest in attending.
Haggs ‘Horizons Unlimited’ Adventure Weekend
This year marks the seventh year of the annual adventure meet at the popular Haggs Bank Bunkhouse. Here, adventure bike riders get together for a weekend of two-wheeled fun and games. Across the two days, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful North Pennines, including guided trail rides on sections of the Trans Europe Trail, guided road rides that take in the best stretches of tarmac in the area. Along with the riding, there’ll also be live music, a bonfire, a well-stocked bar, and plenty of good craic, so get your tickets booked and see off summer in one of the best ways possible.
When ‘N’ Where?
20-22 September, Haggs Bank Bunkhouse, Nentsberry, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3LH.
How
Tickets are available from the Haggs Bank website (www.haggsbank.com), starting at £35 for camping over the weekend. Bunkhouse accommodation is available, though you’ll have to get in quick as it’s likely to sell out.
Ride to the Wall
Saturday 5 October will see over 3,000 bikers riding to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to remember those who have given their lives serving their country since World War Two. There are multiple start points across the country, which can be found on the website below, but they all have the same endpoint: the Wall of the Armed Forces Memorial. Here, riders will be able to pay their respects to the 16,000-plus servicemen and women whose names are engraved on The Wall of the Armed Forces Memorial.
When ‘N’ Where?
5 October, with multiple start points and times, though all routes will converge at the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR.
How
Registration is £10 and the money goes towards the National Memorial Arboretum. To register and to find out where your nearest departure point is, head to www.rttw.org.
ABR Ecky Thump Rally
The ABR Ecky Thump Rally is back again for 2019, with the promise of two-wheeled fun in the wonderful setting of the North York Moors National Park. Hosted and organised by Biquad (Steve) and Devon John, long-time members of the Adventure Bike Rider Forum, the Ecky Thump Rally is a great chance to wind down before the temperatures start to drop as we head into autumn. Expect rideouts across the two days, good beer (the location has its own microbrewery), great food, and great chat from friendly, like-minded folk, along with an open fire in the evening to keep you warm. This is one not to be missed!
When ‘N’ Where?
11-13 October at The New Inn, Cropton Lane, Pickering, North Yorks, YO18 8HH.
How
Simply head over to the thread on the ABR forum (www.adventurebikerider.com/forum) titled ‘Ecky Thump Rally 11 to 13 October‘ to register your interest and find out more. Camping is £5 per night, and there is limited indoor accommodation.