Looking for an excuse to get out on the bike this September and October? We’ve got you covered…
Haggs “Horizons Unlimited” Adventure Weekend
This year is the sixth year of the annual adventure meet at the popular Haggs Bank Bunkhouse, in which adventure bike riders get together for a few days of two-wheeled fun.
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, and the chance to see the Beamish Trophy Trial, which sees pre-1980 bikes and sidecars taking on the track next to Haggs Bank Bunkhouse.
Along with the riding there’ll also be live music, a bonfire, a well-stocked bar and plenty of great chat.
When ‘N’ Where: 21-23 September, Haggs Bank Bunkhouse, Nentsberry, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3LH.
How: Tickets are available from the Haggs Bank website (haggsbank.com), starting at £35 for camping over the weekend. Bunkhouse accommodation is available, though you’ll have to get in quick as it sells out.
Ride to the Wall
Saturday 6 October will see hundreds and perhaps thousands of motorcyclists 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 end point, the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial, where 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: The ride takes place on 6 October, and there are multiple starting locations and times, though all routes will converge at the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR.
How: Register and find out where your nearest departure point is by heading to www.rttw.org.
ABR Ecky Thump Rally
The ABR Ecky Thump Rally returns for 2018, hosted and organised by Biquad (Steve) and Devon John. Meeting in the wonderful scenery of the North York Moors National Park, the weekend is a great chance to wind down before the temperatures start to drop significantly for autumn.
Expect rideouts across the two days, good beer, great food and top chat from friendly, like-minded folk, along with an open fire in the evenings to keep you warm. This is one not to be missed.
When ‘N’ Where: 12-14 October at The New Inn, Cropton Lane, Pickering, North Yorks, YO18 8HH.
How: Simply head to the thread on the ABR forum titled ‘Ecky Thump Rally 12th – 14th Oct 2018’ to register and find out more. Camping is £5 per night, while there is limited indoor accommodation.
Weymouth Beach Race
Every year for the last 33 years, riders have descended upon Weymouth Beach to race on the soft Dorset sand. Organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, the Weymouth Beach Race is an entertaining and exciting day out with multiple motocross beach races.
It’s not unknown for the race to draw in the big guns, with 2017’s Weymouth Beach Race seeing Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland duke it out to be king of the beach.
When ‘N’ Where: Sunday 28 October, Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, Dorset.
How: The event is free to spectate, though there will be donation buckets dotted around which will be raising money for various Dorset charities. Head to www.bit.ly/WeymouthBeachRace2018 for more information.
International Dirt Bike Show
An indoor event which welcomes thousands of off-road riders and enthusiasts from around the country through its doors. Running over four days, the show will be attended by major motorcycle manufacturers who will be showing off their 2018 off-road ranges, along with kit and accessory stalls.
You can also expect to see exciting live displays, interviews with big names in the off-road riding world and competitions.
When ‘N’ Where: 1-4 November, NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwick, CV8 2LG.
How: Advanced adult tickets cost £13 with discounts for children, senior citizens, families, and Thursday only tickets. Entry on the door is slightly more expensive (£16), so booking in advance is well worth it. For tickets and information www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk