Looking for an excuse to get out on the bike this November and December? We’ve got you covered…
Ride of Respect
Bikers from across the UK will ride together on the M25 (London) and the M60 (Manchester) to be part of the ‘Ring of Red’ on Remembrance Sunday. The aim is to form a circle of bikers dressed in red riding around both motorways to create the world’s largest poppy. The events are held to raise money and show respect for the men and women of the armed services on Remembrance Sunday.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: Both rides take place on Sunday 10 November. For information and meeting points, visit www.therideofrespect.co.uk.
HOW: No registration is needed although a voluntary donation is suggested. All you need to do is turn up at one of the meeting points.
Motorcycle Live
Motorcycle Live, held at the NEC in Birmingham, is an annual pilgrimage for bikers across the UK, including the entire ABR team. As ever, there’ll be a huge variety of bikes on display from the world’s leading manufacturers including Ducati, BMW, Honda, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki and plenty more.
There’ll also be the chance to browse all the latest motorcycle clothing and accessories and pick up a few bargains.
In between drooling over all the new bikes and gear, there is plenty of action taking place around the show to keep you occupied. This will include the Experience Adventure zone where you’ll be able to try out the latest adventure bikes from Honda, Yamaha, Royal Enfield and Triumph. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn some off-road riding techniques from expert instructors. The indoor dirt trail will be designed to mimic some of the challenging terrain you’ll come across during a spot of green laning.
Best of all, the ABR team will be at the show every day, so please do pop by to say hello and tell us about your latest adventures on two wheels. See you there.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: 16-24 November at the NEC in Birmingham, North Avenue, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The show is open between 9 am and 5 pm on weekends, and between 10 am and 5 pm on weekdays.
HOW: Standard advance tickets are available to buy online for £19.50, with concessions for seniors £12, children £1, and children under five going free. Ticket prices on the door are £25, with concessions for seniors £15. Child prices remain the same. There is also the option to buy a £25 advance ticket with an Oxford Products Secure HD Max Disc Lock (worth £25) thrown in. Visit www.motocyclelive.co.uk to find out more and to buy your tickets.
Malvern Drive-In Classic Car and Bike Autojumble
Take yourself on a treasure hunt at the Malvern Drive-In Classic Car and Bike Autojumble to uncover those ‘hard-to-find’ motorcycle parts, accessories, tools, manuals, clothes, vintage items, signs and plenty more. Located at Wye Halls, there’ll be more than 100 trade and autojumble stalls for you to sift through. Classic motorcycle owners are welcome to go along and display their pride and joy. The show is always a popular event, especially in the mornings, so visitors are advised to get there before lunchtime to pick up the best bargains and maybe an early Christmas present for yourself.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: Between 9 am and 2 pm, on 24 November, at Wye Halls at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs, WR13 6NW.
HOW: Tickets cost £7 for adults, £2.50 for children aged seven to 14 years old, and youngsters under seven go free. Visitor parking is free. Visit www.classicshows.org for more information and to book tickets.
Yule Tide Rally
Now in its eighth year, the Yule Tide Rally is the perfect opportunity to get in some adventure biking action before the winter well and truly sets in. This year’s rally is set to be another fantastic event featuring good company, great food, and plenty of real ale and cider on tap. Both on and off-road ride-outs are planned, as well as an auction on a Saturday night to raise money for an air ambulance charity.
One of the highlights of the rally is a delicious evening meal cooked by organiser Devon John which is enjoyed around a fire pit. Winter warmers don’t get much better than that.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: 6-8 December, at the Ultimate Adventure Centre, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5AP.
HOW: Camping costs £7 per night and there is also a bunkhouse option. For more information and to let the organisers know you are attending, email [email protected], or head over to www.bit.ly/YuleTide19.
Southern Classic Off-Road and Racing Show
Celebrate some of the finest motorcycles from a bygone era, as well as those from today, at Kempton Park this December during the final show of the season. The event combines an autojumble with an off-road and racing show featuring a wide variety of beautiful machines. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day, including ‘Best in Show’ and the Ace Café will be giving a prize for the ‘Best Flat Tracker’.
There will also be a huge selection of jumble stalls and trade stands offering specialist and general motorcycle items, ideal for those working on a project bike, or if you’re looking to pick up a Christmas gift for a motorcycle-loving loved one.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: Between 7:45 am and 3 pm, on 7 December at Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sundbury on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5AQ
HOW: Early bird admission from 7.45 am costs £10. General admission starts at 9.30 am and costs £7 for adults, £6 for over 65s, £6 for children (10-15), and entry is free for children under 10. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.kemptonautojumble.co.uk.