Looking for an event to go to this summer? We’ve got you covered…
1. Adventure Bike Rider Festival
The countdown is on to the Adventure Bike Rider Festival 2019, and for this year we’re going the extra distance to ensure it’s the best adventure biking bash we’ve ever hosted. With test rides available from all of the major adventure motorcycle manufacturers, an on-site adventure trail that’s suitable for big bikes, access to an enduro park, inspirational talks from some of adventure motorcycling’s biggest names, and live music in the evenings, this is shaping up to be the adventure motorcycling event of the year.
Set in the beautiful and impressive grounds of Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, the Adventure Bike Rider Festival is all about giving you an interactive experience where you can ride bikes, learn off-road skills, try your hand at trials riding, and join the TRF for guided trail rides around the Cotswolds.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: 12-14 July at Ragley Hall, Alcester, B49 5NJ. Gates open on Friday morning at 9am and the festival finishes at 4pm on Sunday 14 July.
HOW: Get tickets from www.bit.ly/ABRfest19tickets, with prices starting from just £39. At the time of writing this, tickets are still available, though they’re selling fast, so you’ll want to act quick after reading this!
2. Conrad’s Ride and Festival
Conrad’s Ride is a family-friendly festival and rideout that takes place in the countryside of Warwickshire. The event commemorates Private Conrad J Lewis, who was killed in Afghanistan on 9 February 2011, with all proceeds raised from the event being donated to the 353 Trust that supports injured soldiers, families of the bereaved, and other military charities.
This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet, with a fundraising target of £10,000 being set by the organisers. The ride starts at Ragley Hall and heads via Warwick Castle and the church where Conrad Lewis lays at rest, to Claverdon Rugby Club, where there’ll be live music, great food, attractions and exhibitions planned after a mass rideout.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: Conrad’s Ride takes place on the 20 July and the meeting point will be at Ragley Hall (B49 5NJ) near Alcester, at 9 am. Alternatively, you can arrive at Claverdon Rugby Club if you just want to take part in the festival side of things.
HOW: Turn up on the day and pay £5 to join the ride and enter the festival. All takings go straight to the 353 Trust. Visit www.conradsride353.co.uk for more information.
3. Bexhill MotoFest
A family-friendly day festival bringing all things biking, music and fun in the sun (weather permitting) together at the Great British seaside. Bexhill MotoFest is filled with heaps of enjoyable entertainment, including stunt shows and motorcycle exhibitions, plus live music from a variety of acts which will be sure to satisfy any music tastes.
There are hundreds of parking spaces available in the town centre for bikes, and over 50 cafes, pubs and restaurants will be serving up tasty grub throughout the day.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: The event is free to attend and takes place on 28 July at De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN40 1DP, starting at 9am.
HOW: More details at www.bexhillmotofest.com.
4. ABR West Wales Sheep Dip Rally
The ABR West Wales Rally returns once more for 2019, and this is an event that’s not to be missed. Hosted by the friendly and welcoming Big Al from the ABR 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 wonderful Welsh countryside. The evening 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.
5. Adventure Travel Film Festival
Hosted by the legendary adventure motorcyclists Austin Vince and Lois Pryce, the Adventure Travel Film Festival is a weekend of inspiration and entertainment, with guest speakers, authors, live music, and film viewings in abundance.
For this year, the festival has moved away from its usual home of Mill Hill School in London, to the delightful Brodie Castle Estate in Scotland, a few miles east of Inverness, meaning you’ll be able to make the most of the journey there and back as you can head through the Cairngorms and Highlands. Wonderful.
WHEN ‘N’ WHERE: 13-15 September at the Brodie Castle Estate, Brodie, Forres, IV36 2TE Scotland.
HOW: Head to www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com to see a full list of what’s on and to find more information. Tickets start at £90 for a weekend pass.