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RIDE MORE 

16-PAGE 

PULLOUT 

CHANGE YOUR LIFE 

IN 2018 

POWERED BY: 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH MCN’S TRUSTED PARTNERS 

l Essential events l 10 Amazing roads l 61 great destinations l Real-life stories

www.motorcyclenews.com 

02 

# RIDE MILES 

TO JOIN, LOG ON TO facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles March 21 2018 

RIDE MORE, BE HAPPIER 

#RIDE 

MILES 

5 GREAT RIDES 

4 

Five incredible 5000 rides that’ll inspire you 

to get out and about on your bike 

R5K NUMBERS 

6 

10 GREAT RIDES 

Pullout 

planner to 

put on your 

garage 

wall 

#ride5000miles members nominate ten easy 

weekend routes to help you build your mileage 

CONTENTS 

DESTINATION 

PLANNER 

The best events, 

bike meets, tea 

stops and race 

meetings 

8 

TRIPS OF A LIFETIME 

PERFECT BIKING YEAR 

12 

It’s never too late to start planning brilliant 

destinations and events for the biking year ahead 

SIGN UP NOW! 

Meet new friends, find new 

routes, broaden your horizons 

and have your best year yet 

#MCNwednesday 

03 

14 

U 

sing your bike more is a 

sure-fire route to happiness 

– and that’s a fact. Boffins 

in white coats have proven 

just spending time with bikes will release 

feel-good hormones in your brain 

– and in this world of uncertainty and 

strife, that can only be a good thing. 

MCN’s #ride5000miles is all about 

getting out on our bikes more. The 

average rider does about 3000 miles 

a year but having a target that pushes 

past that distance will enrich your life. 

At the very least, riding more will make 

you more at-one with your machine, 

but if you use the target to spend more 

time with your biking mates, or head 

out on a trip you’ve always fancied, it’ll 

improve your life, too. 

Nearly 5000 MCN readers took up 

#ride5000 miles is 

real community – 

and thousands have 

already signed up to 

ride more in 2018 

the challenge in the last year and our 

Facebook site has become a real community 

– a hub for route-sharing, tips 

and encouragement. It’s an inspiration 

that can’t help but make you get out on 

your bike. 

The world is a wonderful 

place full of twowheeled 

adventures 

waiting to be enjoyed 

– don’t miss out on the 

experience. 

Matt Wildee, 

Senior Editor 

HIGH QUALITY 

ITALIAN MADE 

ACCESSORIES 

How just riding 13 

miles a day will be 

enough to hit your 

5000-mile target 

7 

11 

Calais to Kazakhstan? Don’t mind if I do. 

Plus tours of Europe and the Alps 

JOIN THE ADVENTURE 

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04 

5 

# RIDE MILES 


GREAT 5K RIDES 

‘#ride5000miles makes 

you addicted to biking!’ 

Five incredible things that our members achieved in 2017 

These are just a selection 

of some of the incredible 

feats that members 

of the #ride5000miles 

Facebook group got up to last year 

1 

‘We headed east 

and into Russia, 

which is where it 

got a bit exciting’ 

MIKE TAYLOR 

Mike and his newly-retired dad hit the 

Nordkapp then delved into Russia 

Who needs a five-star hotel when you 

can bunk down in a cosy shed? 

You meet the nicest people on a Honda… 

‘I did 5500 miles in a month with my retired dad!’ 

Mike Taylor 

“My father has just 

retired. He had been to 

Norway years ago with 

mum and was keen on 

returning, so he suggested a bike 

trip there. I wanted to go to Romania, 

but he talked me into Norway. When 

we looked at the map I said ‘if we are 

going to Lofoten, we may as well hit 

Nordkapp.’ A few more beers and 

while hitting their target mileage. 

From raising money for charity to 

transporting blood and even riding 

to Russia, it was a busy year for MCN’s 

#ride5000miles brigade… 

Russia was added to the itinerary… 

“We set off on our Africa Twins 

from near Edinburgh and went down 

to Newcastle to get the ferry to 

Amsterdam and from there headed 

through Holland, Germany, Denmark 

and Sweden and into Norway. Once 

in Norway we headed up the middle 

towards the Arctic Circle and got a 

ferry over to Lofoten. The further north 

you go the more expensive Norway 

gets, and it’s bloody expensive to start 

with, but we managed to get some free 

accommodation in Lofoten through a 

shout-out on Facebook! 

“Once we got to the Nordkapp we 

headed east and into Russia, which 

is where it got a bit exciting. We were 

riding through the middle of nowhere 

and the only people we saw were 

police and army guys – and tourists are 

banned from using some of the roads! 

It was quite an adventure and did get 

a bit daunting at times, especially as 

no one seemed to know if the roads 

we had planned to take were open or 

not! After this we cut through Sweden, 

Denmark, Germany and then home. 

“The whole trip was just over 5500 

miles and took 25 days, which wasn’t 

as bad as it sounds, we had a couple of 

It was an experience 

like no other 

long runs but also two or three days 

off the bikes. It was one of the best 

things I have ever done – made even 

the more special by the fact I did it 

with my old dad.” 

2 

‘I covered over 

5000 miles for 

Blood Bikes’ 

ANDREW HARRISON 

“I returned to riding after a 27-year 

break so #ride5000miles has been 

an inspiration. On top of the 6000 

miles that I covered on my Triumph 

Tiger 800, I did just over 5000 miles 

on various bikes for Shropshire, 

Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood 

Bikes. So in 2017 I got back into biking, 

rode over 11,000 miles, passed my 

IAM test and became a Bloodbike 

volunteer! Amazing year. What can I do 

to top that in 2018?” 

3 

‘I rode 1000 

miles in a day 

and raised money for 

the Poppy Appeal’ 

GRAEME DAWSON 

“I’m a member of a small group of 

volunteers who run the Royal British 

Legion Riders (RBLR) 1000-miler. We 

gather together between 120 and 200 

riders and pillions if they want to come 

and ride a 1000-mile route in 24 hours. 

4 

SALLY WEIGHILL 

5 

VANESSA GRUNWALD 

‘I passed my test and rode 

16,000 miles in a year!’ 

“I only passed my test a few months 

before 2017 started and so it was my 

first full year of riding – but I made the 

most of it thanks to #ride5000miles! I 

got addicted to riding and after starting 

out on a Street Triple, then progressing 

to a Z900, I was doing so many miles 

I had to buy a Z1000SX as I wanted to 

go touring. 

“I live in Lincolnshire and I just love 

going to the coast, so I racked up miles 

doing that, and I also spent a week 

touring Scotland with a friend who has 

also completed the #ride5000miles 

challenge. 

Scotland is amazing, it was my 

first big tour on two wheels and after 

packing way too much I now know 

what to pack for the next trip. I’m 

planning on going back to Scotland this 

year, but I’d love to go to Cornwall as 

well and explore the south of England. 

And I’m also taking my IAM test – not 

bad going for just 16 months of riding 

experience and #ride5000miles has 

been a big part of it!” 

‘I got back into 

biking after 

25 years!’ 

“After 25 years away from riding, 2017 

saw me take the plunge and get back 

on two wheels! Inspired by going to 

watch BSB, WSB and MotoGP, I started 

off going pillion, but quickly decided I 

What a year for 

returning rider 

Andrew 

“We raise money for the Poppy 

Appeal and although it’s a tough 24 

hours, the smiles on the riders’ faces 

afterwards say it all – it’s a brilliant day 

out and a great way to tick off 1000 

miles. This year we are starting from 

Squires Café on Saturday, June 16 

and there will be a choice of six routes 

(we will provide satnav files to make 

things easier) and even a 500-miler if 

you don’t fancy the 1000. A minimum 

sponsorship of £50 is all that is 

required to enter, but hopefully you can 

raise a bit more! If you want to join us in 

2018, visit www.rblr1000.co.uk.” 

wanted to ride again. I was doubtful, 

even questioning if I would be able to 

remember how to ride after such a long 

time off two wheels, but I booked with a 

training school to get some confidence 

back and now I own a Ninja 650! I’ve 

done a small tour of Wales, joined with 

all the ladies for the world’s largest allfemale 

parade around Silverstone at 

MotoGP and have already signed up for 

the Round Britain Rally. So far I’ve done 

1700 miles on the Ninja and I can’t wait 

to do even more in 2018.” 

1000 miles in 24 hours? It’s tough but 

100% achievable and rewarding too 

New rider Sally has 

become hooked on 

motorcycling 

Vanessa took the plunge and it’s one of 

the best things she’s ever done 

Your target is simple – to ride 

5000 miles in 2018. But this is just 

really a number – the idea is just 

to ride more, to enjoy riding and 

to love biking more than ever. So, 

make a note of your odometer’s 

Sounds obvious, but that’s all you 

need to do. These pages are full 

great roads to ride to and great 

events to attend, so go to some of 

them – and don’t let that awesome 

bike rot in the garage. This isn’t 

about jacking in work and heading 

around the world (though maybe 

By signing up to our 

#ride5000miles movement, you’ll 

be joining a club of bikers who all 

have the same common aim – to 

ride more and get more out of 

biking. 

People share their pictures, 

stories, routes experiences 

and arrange meet-ups on our 

#ride5000miles Facebook group. 

Our Facebook group is a 

wonderful, positive thing. It’s 

there for you to post regular 

Each week in our new 

#ride5000miles section, we’ll be 

sharing your best pictures and 

#MCNwednesday 

GETTING 

INVOLVED 

IS EASY… 

Just do the following… 

Ride your bike more, 

then tell people about it 

1 

MAKE A NOTE OF 

YOUR MILEAGE 

2 

3 

4 

RIDE TO SOME 

PLACES 

TELL PEOPLE 

ABOUT IT 

READ ABOUT 

IT IN MCN 

TO JOIN, LOG ON TO 

figure at the start. Take a picture 

of it, write it down, or even put 

a sticker with the figure on your 

bike as a reminder. On modern 

machines with two trip meters, 

reset your second trip. 

that’s not a bad idea too…). 

Instead, this about riding to work 

a bit more, going a bit further at 

weekends, doing that trip you’ve 

always wanted to do, or doing 

a tour with your partner. This is 

about making your life better 

through riding a bike more. 

updates of your year, sharing 

how you’re totting up the miles. 

The group has riders of all 

experience levels so if you’re new 

to motorcycling don’t be afraid to 

ask for help or advice. 

Don’t like Facebook? In that case, 

just send us your riding pictures 

and stories to ride5000miles@ 

motorcyclenews.com. 

Sign up to our newsletter. Just go 

to www.motorcyclenews.com/ 

ride5000miles. 

stories, so we’ll be with you every 

step of the way. Make 2018 your 

best biking year yet. Enjoy! 

facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles 

GET THE NEWSLETTER 

motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles 

05


AS NOMINATED BY #RIDE5000MILES MEMBERS 

# RIDE MILES 

TEN GREAT RIDES TO GET YOU STARTED 

Kickstart your biking year with some of the best routes in the country, 

1 

THE MOORLAND ONE 

2 

TICK WHEN 


COMPLETE 

North York Moors – Beverley to Whitby 

‘You can 

lose yourself 

for hours’ 

As recommended by 

Chris Hood 

Length 68 miles 

What makes it 

great The North 

York Moors are a 

fantastic place to 

head towards for a 

ride because there 

are so many little roads heading 

off into the wilderness that you 

can easily spend all day exploring. 

Starting at Beverley, take the B1248 

towards the wonderfully named 

Wetwang and then on towards 

Malton. From here you enter the 

Moors. Either go to Whitby for some 

fantastic seafood, cut towards 

Scarborough, or explorie the Moors. 

Stop for a break at Goathland. Just 

off the A169, this is where Heartbeat 

was filmed and also the scene of 

the Hogwarts Express stop in Harry 

Potter. 

WETWANG 

BEVERLEY 

WHITBY 

‘One of my 

favourite days out’ 

As recommended by Jon Ashley 


What makes it great Being based in 

Manchester, this route recommended 

by Jon is his escape from the big city 

and although we have only highlighted 

a small section, there is plenty more 

to see and do! Starting in Manchester, 

you cross the northern tip of the Peak 

District on your way to Penistone 

on the A628 before cutting north to 

MANCHESTER 


Squires Café in 

Sherburn-in-Elmet. 

From here you 

skirt York and aim towards Driffield 

where a wonderful lunch stop awaits. 

From here you can either explore the 

Yorkshire coast or loop back through 

the Moors to complete a great day. 

Stop for a break at Seaways café, 

Driffield. 

SQUIRES CAFÉ 

DRIFFIELD 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

3 

THE MID-WALES ONE 

Lake Vyrnwy loop 

‘The views 

are stunning’ 

As recommended by Tom Watson 


What makes it great Wales is a 

wonderful place to ride around and the 

views don’t get much better than at 

Lake Vyrnwy – even if you visit it in the 

middle of January as Tom did! Starting 

at Machynlleth, take the A489 and then 

A458 towards Welshpool before looping 

back on yourself and picking up the tiny 

DOLGELLAU 

MACHYNLLETH 

as suggested by MCN’s #ride5000miles members 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

B4393 that encircles 

Lake Vyrnwy. There 

is no need to rush as the roads are often 

covered in gravel, and once you have had 

your fill of the views, aim towards Bala 

and take A494 to Dolgellau. A really 

wonderful way to spend a morning. 

Stop for a break at The Old Barn Café, 

Lake Vyrnwy. 

LAKE VYRNWY 

4 

THE SCOTTISH ONE 

Borders to Kielder 

‘A really enjoyable ride’ 

As recommended by Alex Morrison 


What makes it great Instead of 

following the dull A1, take the A697 at 

Morpeth towards Coldstream and then 

pick up the A698, which are both fun 

roads to ride. From here, go towards 

Jedburgh and then into the Kielder 

Forest before winding your way back to 

Morpeth through the Northumberland 

COLDSTREAM 

KIELDER FOREST 

National Park using whichever route 

tickles your fancy. A great day out and a 

perfect way to blow off a few cobwebs 

– whatever the weather! And being 

this close to Scotland, waterproofs are 

often required… 

Stop for a break at Carter Bar on 

the A68 – simply 

wonderful views. 

MORPETH 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

5 

THE VALLEYS ONE 

Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge 

‘Always worth a visit’ 

As recommended by Andrew Jones 


What makes it great We have chosen 

Builth Wells as a good starting point, 

but as Andrew says, you can’t go 

wrong anywhere in the Elan Valley. 

Picking up the A470 you pass through 

Rhayader before swapping to the 

A44 enjoying some wonderful roads 

and scenery as you head towards 

DEVIL’S BRIDGE 

BUILTH WELLS 

#MCNwednesday 

PUT ON 

YOUR 

GARAGE 

WALL! 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

Aberystwyth. Before you reach 

this seaside town, drop south at 

Ponterwyd and stop at the stunning 

Devil’s Bridge. Loop back to Builth 

on some smaller roads that lead to 

Rhayader across the Elan Valley for a 

great morning’s riding. 

Stop for a break at Mid Wales Inn, 

Pant-y-dwr, Rhayader. 

6 

THE COMPACT ONE 

Grantham-Uppingham-Harborough 

‘Mainly B-roads and great views’ 

As recommended by Tony Hubbard 


What makes it 

great Rutland 

may be the UK’s 

smallest county, 

but it gives big in 

terms of riding 

enjoyment. 

Starting at 

Uppingham, the B664 is a wild 

rollercoaster of road towards Market 

Harborough that is fantastic to ride. 

Picking up the B6047 you head to 

the home of the pork pie, Melton 

Mowbray, before cutting through 

some lovely back roads as you head 

towards Colsterworth and Grantham. 

At this point you can pick up the A1 

south, but it is much more fun to use 

the smaller roads to visit Stamford 

and finally return to Uppingham. A 

great route for a sunny Sunday ride 

and Chris Walker Kawasaki is on the 

route, so why not pop in and 

say hello? 

Stop for a break at the Two Flags 

Café on the A47, near Morcott. 

GRANTHAM 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

UPPINGHAM 

MARKET HARBOROUGH 

7 

THE CHALLENGING ONE 

B660 – Kimbolton to Ramsey 

‘Built with bikes in mind’ 

As recommended by David Smith 


What makes it great The B660 is one 

of those roads that seems to have been 

built with motorcyclists in mind. There 

are faster ways to cover the relatively 

short distance between Kimbolton and 

Ramsey, but none are as exciting as 

the B660. While some think this area 

of the UK is all flat and featureless, the 

B660 proves doubters wrong and has 

KIMBOLTON 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

plenty of ups and 

downs as well 

as challenging 

corners. Occasionally the surface can 

be a little suspect, and farmers do like 

to spread mud on it during the winter 

months, but overall, it’s a great route 

to ride. 

Stop for a break at Extend your ride 

and stop at Old Warden. 

RAMSEY 

8 

THE EASTERN ONE 

East Coast - Hunstanton to Grimsby 

‘Part of the 

IronButt’s 

photo tour…’ 


Gordon Sears 


What makes it 

great Starting with 

a belly full of fish 

and chips from one 

of Hunstanton’s 

many cafés, work 

off the grease with 

a gentle ride through King’s Lynn 

before picking up the A17 towards 

Grimsby. It’s a pleasant road that 

winds through small villages (watch 

out for speed cameras) before 

dipping into the Lincolnshire Wolds. 

This route is best avoided when there 

is a major race at Cadwell Park as it 

goes right past the circuit entrance 

and on busy weekends the police are 

fairly active. 

Stop for a break at Mablethorpe 

beach, there may be some beach 

race action. 

GRIMSBY 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

CADWELL PARK 

HUNSTANTON 

9 

THE LANCASHIRE ONE 

10 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

West coast – Skipton to 

‘A superb rideout’ 

As recommended by Daniel Tetley 


What makes it great Starting at 

Skipton, you cut through the gap 

between the Yorkshire Dales and 

Forest of Bowland. If you want more, 

just turn off the A65 and head into 

either, but we recommend you go 

towards Morecambe and see if you 

can spot John McGuinness sunning 

himself on the seafront! Then, 

MORECAMBE 

BLACKPOOL 

head southward 

avoiding the M6 

by picking up the A588 to Blackpool 

where rock, ballroom dancing and 

donkeys await. Take the A59 back 

to Skipton, or add more miles by 

turning left at Sawley to explore the 

Forest of Bowland. 

Stop for a break at Blackpool – the 

UK’s answer to Cannes! 

SKIPTON 

THE COFFEE-FUELLED 

Ryka’s Café to Loomies 

‘A run between two cafés’ 

As recommended by Robin Doughty 


What makes it great This great 

idea of a ride between two of the 

UK’s most popular biker cafés came 

from #ride5000miles member Robin 

Doughty. Starting at the famous Ryka’s 

at Box Hill in Dorking, after a warming 

drink you head south to pick up the 

excellent A272 as its runs across 

the UK. The quickest way is to head 

LOOMIES 

TICK WHEN 

COMPLETE 

down the A24 to 

Horsham, but there 

are several back 

roads you can take 

instead. Once on the A272, head west 

through Petworth and Petersfield. 

Just before you reach Winchester 

you’ll see Loomies where the A32 

crosses the A272. 

Stop for a break at Either café! 

RYKA’S CAFÉ

# RIDE MILES 

61 GREAT PLACES 

TO RIDE TO IN 2018 

Great meets, shows, events races and tea stops to explore this year 

PUT ON 

YOUR 

GARAGE 

WALL! 

This guide highlights 

some great destinations 

and events 

that are happening 

throughout 2018. But these are 

just a small taste of what is happening, 

for even more events, 

simply go to the #ride5000miles 

Facebook page. 

SHOWS 

Carole Nash MCN Festival of 

Motorcycling, May 19-20 

One of the highlights of the biking year, the MCN 

Festival is a great weekend of bikes and high-octane 

thrills and a celebration of early summer. Just like last 

year, there is the chance to test ride new models, brilliant 

racing in the speedway arena and enough side-shows 

and attractions for the whole family. 

www.mcnfestival.com 

SCOTLAND 

SHOW 

Grampian Motorcycle Convention, 

September 9 

Now in its 36th year, the Grampian Motorcycle 

Convention is held at the Grampian Transport Museum 

and is a friendly motorcycle festival with loads of 

things to see and do. There’s live music, trade stands, 

motorcycling demonstrations and even one or two 

biking celebs in the crowd. This year the museum 

even houses a collection of Guy Martin memorabilia, 

including his Saab 96 car! Entrance is £10 for adults. 

www.gtm.org.uk 

SHOW 

Manchester Bike Show, 

March 24-25 

Catch up with all the latest 2018 

models at the Manchester Bike Show. Now in 

its 7th year, the show has over 100 exhibitors 

and there will be more than 750 motorcycles 

packed into the arena as well as celebs and live 

action shows! Parking is free and adult tickets 

cost £14 in advance with children £4. 

www.manchesterbikeshow.com 

ULSTER 

NORTH 

ISLE OF MAN 

RACE 

IRELAND 

MotoGP, Silverstone, 

August 24 -16 

Quite simply the biggest 

biking event of the year. The 

Silverstone round of MotoGP gets 

has great racing, Silverstone has 

great facilities and it is a great 

opportunity to bring the family 

along too. Go support Cal! 

www.silverstone.co.uk 

WALES 

MIDLANDS 

EAST 

LONDON 

SOUTH & SOUTH WEST 

SOUTH EAST 

RACE 

British Speedway GP, Cardiff, July 21 

Speedway is a brilliant spectator sport and 

while there are loads of club races happing 

all over the UK every week during the season, the GP 

is the place to go if you want to get the full experience. 

The Principality Stadium has a 62,500-capacity and the 

atmosphere is like a massive petrol-fuelled party. An 

awesome event, but tickets go fast – book now! 

www.speedwaygp.com 

RACE 

The North West 200, Coleraine, May 13-19 

Unlike the TT, the NW200 is a full-on race and not a 

time trial, which means the action is hectic! All the 

stars use the NW200 as a warm-up to the TT and you can get so 

close to the action it will leave you awestruck as the bikes whiz 

past at over 200mph! An amazing event. 

www.northwest200.org 

GET OUT MORE IN 2018 

SHOW RACE MEET TEA STOP TRACKDAY 

EAST 

Trackday Snetterton , Norfolk, April 9 

Show Carole Nash MCN Festival of 

Motorcycling, Peterborough, May 19-20 

Race British Superbikes, Snetterton, 

June 15 -17 

Tea stop Road Kill Customs grill, Cromer 

Tea stop Krazy Horse Cafe, Bury St 

Edmunds 

Meet Hunstanton, Norfolk 

MIDLANDS 

Race BSB, Donington March 31-April 2 

Race WSB, Donington, May 25-27 

Race MotoGP, Silverstone, August 24-26 

Race BSB, Silverstone, September 7-9 

Race Plum Pudding, Mallory Park, Dec 26 

Meet Triumph Factory Visitor Experience 

Show Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, 

August 12 

Café Super Sausage Café, Towcester 

Meet Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leics 

SOUTH EAST 

Trackday, Brands Hatch GP, June 4 

Show MCN Ally Pally Show and 

Supersprint, London September 22-23 

Race BSB Showdown finale, October 12-14 

Meet Bike Shed, London. Watch a MotoGP 

round with a beer in your hand 

Meet Ryka’s Café, Box Hill 

Tea stop H’s Café, Kent Motorcycles off the 

A2 near Barham 

Meet Ace Café, Stonebridge. Events 

happen every night 

Tea Stop Battlesbridge Motorcycle 

Museum, Battlesbridge. Sunday 11am-4pm 

NORTH 

Race BSB, Oulton Park. May 5-7 & 

September 14-16 

Show Olivers Mount Festival of Speed, 

Scarborough. May 5-7 

Race Olivers Mount Gold Cup Road Race, 

Scarborough. September 21-23 

Race BSB, Cadwell Park. August 17-19 

Tea stop Whistlestop Café, Whitby 

Tea stop Hartside Café, Alston, Cumbria 

Meet Craven Collection of Classic Bikes, 

Stockton on Forest, York 

Meet Squires Café Bar, Sherburn in Elmet 

SOUTH & SOUTH WEST 

Race BSB, Thruxton. August 3-5 

Race Goodwood Revival, Goodwood circuit 

September 7-9 

Meet Ace Café Brighton Burn-up, Brighton, 

September 9 

Race Weston Beach Race, Weston Super 

Mare. October 19-21 

Tea stop Legends Café, GT Motorcycles, 

Plymouth 

Tea stop Beaulieu Museum, Hampshire 

Meet Pool Quay, every Tuesday, April-Sept 

Tea stop Haynes Motor Museum, Yeovil 

SCOTLAND 

Show Carole Nash MCN Scottish 

Motorcycle Show, Edinburgh, April 7-8 

Race BSB, Knockhill, July 6-8 

Show Harley-Davidson in the City Festival, 

Brechin, Angus. July 14-15 

Show MCN Scottish Festival, Edinburgh, 

July 21-22 

Meet Grampian Motorcycle Convention, 

Alford, Aberdeenshire, September 9 

Tea stop The Biker’s Cove, South 

Queensferry, Edinburgh 

Tea stop The King’s Arms, Castle Douglas 

Meet Kingdom Bike Night, Cowdenbeath, 

Fife. Monthly meets from April to Sept 

IRELAND 

Show Dublin Classic Show, May 6 

Show Ireland BikeFest, Killarney, 

June 1-4 

Tea stop Joey’s Bar, Ballymoney 

Tea stop The Pondersoa, Dungiven 

Race Skerries 100, Co Dublin. July 7–8 

ISLE OF MAN 

Race Isle of Man TT, May 26–Jun 8 

Race Southern 100, July 9–12 

Race Classic TT, August 20–27 

WALES 

Race Aberdare road races, Aberdare, 

July 21-22 

Show Llanbikefest, Llangollen. 

August 4-5 

Tea stop Oasis Bikers Cafe, Abergavenny 

Tea stop West End Café, Llandovery 

Meet The Doof Café, Ruthin, Wednesdays 

Meet Whistlestop Café, Rhuddlan, Thurs 

SIGN UP TO THE NEWSLETTER 

For news of great MCN-endorsed events 

see motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles


AS NOMINATED BY #RIDE5000MILES MEMBERS 

# RIDE MILES 

TEN GREAT RIDES TO GET YOU STARTED 

Kickstart your biking year with some of the best routes in the country, 

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‘You can 

lose yourself 

for hours’ 


Chris Hood 


What makes it 

great The North 

York Moors are a 

fantastic place to 

head towards for a 

ride because there 

are so many little roads heading 

off into the wilderness that you 

can easily spend all day exploring. 

Starting at Beverley, take the B1248 

towards the wonderfully named 

Wetwang and then on towards 

Malton. From here you enter the 

Moors. Either go to Whitby for some 

fantastic seafood, cut towards 

Scarborough, or explorie the Moors. 

Stop for a break at Goathland. Just 

off the A169, this is where Heartbeat 

was filmed and also the scene of 

the Hogwarts Express stop in Harry 

Potter. 

WETWANG 

BEVERLEY 

WHITBY 

‘One of my 

favourite days out’ 

As recommended by Jon Ashley 


What makes it great Being based in 

Manchester, this route recommended 

by Jon is his escape from the big city 

and although we have only highlighted 

a small section, there is plenty more 

to see and do! Starting in Manchester, 

you cross the northern tip of the Peak 

District on your way to Penistone 

on the A628 before cutting north to 

MANCHESTER 


Squires Café in 

Sherburn-in-Elmet. 

From here you 

skirt York and aim towards Driffield 

where a wonderful lunch stop awaits. 

From here you can either explore the 

Yorkshire coast or loop back through 

the Moors to complete a great day. 

Stop for a break at Seaways café, 

Driffield. 

SQUIRES CAFÉ 

DRIFFIELD 

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THE MID-WALES ONE 

Lake Vyrnwy loop 

‘The views 

are stunning’ 

As recommended by Tom Watson 


What makes it great Wales is a 

wonderful place to ride around and the 

views don’t get much better than at 

Lake Vyrnwy – even if you visit it in the 

middle of January as Tom did! Starting 

at Machynlleth, take the A489 and then 

A458 towards Welshpool before looping 

back on yourself and picking up the tiny 

DOLGELLAU 

MACHYNLLETH 

as suggested by MCN’s #ride5000miles members 

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B4393 that encircles 

Lake Vyrnwy. There 

is no need to rush as the roads are often 

covered in gravel, and once you have had 

your fill of the views, aim towards Bala 

and take A494 to Dolgellau. A really 

wonderful way to spend a morning. 

Stop for a break at The Old Barn Café, 

Lake Vyrnwy. 

LAKE VYRNWY 

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THE SCOTTISH ONE 

Borders to Kielder 

‘A really enjoyable ride’ 

As recommended by Alex Morrison 


What makes it great Instead of 

following the dull A1, take the A697 at 

Morpeth towards Coldstream and then 

pick up the A698, which are both fun 

roads to ride. From here, go towards 

Jedburgh and then into the Kielder 

Forest before winding your way back to 

Morpeth through the Northumberland 

COLDSTREAM 

KIELDER FOREST 

National Park using whichever route 

tickles your fancy. A great day out and a 

perfect way to blow off a few cobwebs 

– whatever the weather! And being 

this close to Scotland, waterproofs are 

often required… 

Stop for a break at Carter Bar on 

the A68 – simply 

wonderful views. 

MORPETH 

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THE VALLEYS ONE 

Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge 

‘Always worth a visit’ 

As recommended by Andrew Jones 


What makes it great We have chosen 

Builth Wells as a good starting point, 

but as Andrew says, you can’t go 

wrong anywhere in the Elan Valley. 

Picking up the A470 you pass through 

Rhayader before swapping to the 

A44 enjoying some wonderful roads 

and scenery as you head towards 

DEVIL’S BRIDGE 

BUILTH WELLS 

#MCNwednesday 

PUT ON 

YOUR 

GARAGE 

WALL! 

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Aberystwyth. Before you reach 

this seaside town, drop south at 

Ponterwyd and stop at the stunning 

Devil’s Bridge. Loop back to Builth 

on some smaller roads that lead to 

Rhayader across the Elan Valley for a 

great morning’s riding. 

Stop for a break at Mid Wales Inn, 

Pant-y-dwr, Rhayader. 

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THE COMPACT ONE 

Grantham-Uppingham-Harborough 

‘Mainly B-roads and great views’ 

As recommended by Tony Hubbard 


What makes it 

great Rutland 

may be the UK’s 

smallest county, 

but it gives big in 

terms of riding 

enjoyment. 

Starting at 

Uppingham, the B664 is a wild 

rollercoaster of road towards Market 

Harborough that is fantastic to ride. 

Picking up the B6047 you head to 

the home of the pork pie, Melton 

Mowbray, before cutting through 

some lovely back roads as you head 

towards Colsterworth and Grantham. 

At this point you can pick up the A1 

south, but it is much more fun to use 

the smaller roads to visit Stamford 

and finally return to Uppingham. A 

great route for a sunny Sunday ride 

and Chris Walker Kawasaki is on the 

route, so why not pop in and 

say hello? 

Stop for a break at the Two Flags 

Café on the A47, near Morcott. 

GRANTHAM 

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UPPINGHAM 

MARKET HARBOROUGH 

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THE CHALLENGING ONE 

B660 – Kimbolton to Ramsey 

‘Built with bikes in mind’ 

As recommended by David Smith 


What makes it great The B660 is one 

of those roads that seems to have been 

built with motorcyclists in mind. There 

are faster ways to cover the relatively 

short distance between Kimbolton and 

Ramsey, but none are as exciting as 

the B660. While some think this area 

of the UK is all flat and featureless, the 

B660 proves doubters wrong and has 

KIMBOLTON 

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plenty of ups and 

downs as well 

as challenging 

corners. Occasionally the surface can 

be a little suspect, and farmers do like 

to spread mud on it during the winter 

months, but overall, it’s a great route 

to ride. 

Stop for a break at Extend your ride 

and stop at Old Warden. 

RAMSEY 

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THE EASTERN ONE 

East Coast - Hunstanton to Grimsby 

‘Part of the 

IronButt’s 

photo tour…’ 


Gordon Sears 


What makes it 

great Starting with 

a belly full of fish 

and chips from one 

of Hunstanton’s 

many cafés, work 

off the grease with 

a gentle ride through King’s Lynn 

before picking up the A17 towards 

Grimsby. It’s a pleasant road that 

winds through small villages (watch 

out for speed cameras) before 

dipping into the Lincolnshire Wolds. 

This route is best avoided when there 

is a major race at Cadwell Park as it 

goes right past the circuit entrance 

and on busy weekends the police are 

fairly active. 

Stop for a break at Mablethorpe 

beach, there may be some beach 

race action. 

GRIMSBY 

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CADWELL PARK 

HUNSTANTON 

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THE LANCASHIRE ONE 

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West coast – Skipton to 

‘A superb rideout’ 

As recommended by Daniel Tetley 


What makes it great Starting at 

Skipton, you cut through the gap 

between the Yorkshire Dales and 

Forest of Bowland. If you want more, 

just turn off the A65 and head into 

either, but we recommend you go 

towards Morecambe and see if you 

can spot John McGuinness sunning 

himself on the seafront! Then, 

MORECAMBE 

BLACKPOOL 

head southward 

avoiding the M6 

by picking up the A588 to Blackpool 

where rock, ballroom dancing and 

donkeys await. Take the A59 back 

to Skipton, or add more miles by 

turning left at Sawley to explore the 

Forest of Bowland. 

Stop for a break at Blackpool – the 

UK’s answer to Cannes! 

SKIPTON 

THE COFFEE-FUELLED 

Ryka’s Café to Loomies 

‘A run between two cafés’ 

As recommended by Robin Doughty 


What makes it great This great 

idea of a ride between two of the 

UK’s most popular biker cafés came 

from #ride5000miles member Robin 

Doughty. Starting at the famous Ryka’s 

at Box Hill in Dorking, after a warming 

drink you head south to pick up the 

excellent A272 as its runs across 

the UK. The quickest way is to head 

LOOMIES 

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down the A24 to 

Horsham, but there 

are several back 

roads you can take 

instead. Once on the A272, head west 

through Petworth and Petersfield. 

Just before you reach Winchester 

you’ll see Loomies where the A32 

crosses the A272. 

Stop for a break at Either café! 

RYKA’S CAFÉ


#MCNwednesday 

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# RIDE MILES 

SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles March 21 2018 

13 

Grab a Guinness, sit on the 

grass and prepare to have 

your mind blown 

GET GOING 

A perfect 

biking year 

This thing is no gentle pre-TT 

amble on the roads 

APRIL 

Sample Irish 

road racing 

Cookstown 100, 

Co Tyrone April 27-28 

Why it’s a must If you want to 

experience the sheer insanity of 

grassroots Irish road racing, take 

a trip over to the Cookstown 100. 

Situated on the Orritor Road just 

outside Cookstown in Co Tyrone, the 

100 is essentially a square 2.1-mile 

circuit with loads of amazing viewing 

places and even a few grandstands. 

If the weather is dry, you can sit on 

the grass with a Guinness in your 

hand and watch the action. And 

consider this, the fastest lap saw 

Michael Dunlop lap at an average 

of over 91mph and top speeds are 

nudging 200mph, so it’s no gentle 

pre-TT ride out! 

While you’re there Pop to Joey’s 

Bar in Ballymoney, it’s only a 35-mile 

ride and the perfect pilgrimage. 

AUGUST 

Guys like Michael Dunlop don’t take 

it easy just because it’s a classic 

Like the TT 

but chilled 

Festival of Motorcycling, 

Isle of Man August 18-31 

Why it’s a must Comprising the 

Classic TT, Manx Grand Prix, Vintage 

Motor Cycle Club Rally and the Classic 

Weekend Trial, not to mention the Manx 

Ramsey Sprint, Jurby Drag Racing 

and Festival of Jurby, there is more 

than enough to keep you amused at 

the Festival of Motorcycling. While 

the track action is every bit as hectic 

and fast as the TT, the atmosphere 

for spectators is far, far more relaxed 

and the weather’s better. A simply 

wonderful event that keeps on getting 

bigger and better every single year. 

While you’re there A18 Ramsey to 

Douglas. It’s the best road in the world! 

SEPTEMBER 

Explore Scotland 

Why it’s a must Scotland is one 

of the best spots in the UK when it 

comes to a touring holiday and if you 

have never been, make this the year 

you pack a tent and venture into the 

highlands. Others head inland to 

visit the various lochs for a spot of 

monster watching. A few prefer to 

simply get their head down and make 

a date with John o’Groats to say they 

have been there. The choice is yours. 

While you’re there The A838 

and A836 coastal roads are mindblowing. 

Strap a tent on the back (or 

book into some B&Bs) 

Why go to the Alps when we 

have our own biking heaven? 

Don’t let winter put you off! 

October 

Watch the carnage! 

Weston Beach Race, Weston- 

Super-Mare October 19-21 

Why it’s a must For this one 

weekend in October, Weston’s beach 

is devoid of donkeys and instead 

plays host to a bonkers off-road race 

that attracts two and four-wheeled 

nutters. It’s crazy to watch, let alone 

take part in, but riders love it and the 

fans just love to drink cider and cheer 

the carnage as it unfolds. 

While you’re there Take a detour on 

your way and ride through Cheddar 

Gorge on the B3371 and B3135. 

November 

See all the new bikes 

Motorcycle Live, NEC 

Birmingham November 17 - 25 

Why it’s a must The first chance 

for UK riders to see and sit on all the 

new metal from every manufacturer. 

Alongside the new bikes there’s loads 

to see and do with celebrities from 

BSB, WSB and MotoGP popping in 

and out, TT stars and more kit to buy 

than you can shake an empty kit bag 

at. Add to this live stunt shows, onstage 

interviews, test rides and it all 

adds up to the perfect day out and a 

great way to whet your appetite for 

the 2019 biking season and another 

Don’t forget to give the tyres a 

friendly kick. It’s part of the ritual 

5000 miles ticked off. Tickets go on 

sale from August 1, book early for 

discounts. 

While you’re there Pop in for a cup 

of tea at the National Motorcycle 

Museum’s café. 

December 

Watch madcap racing 

Plum Pudding Races, Mallory 

Park December 26 

Why it’s a must Now in its 44th 

year, the Plum Pudding is a lovely 

bit of two-wheeled light relief from 

arguing with the relatives and eating 

turkey over the festive period. 

While you’re there Park your bike 

next to the Mallory Park entrance, 

prove to other #ride5000miles 

members you got out on two wheels 

over Christmas! 

PACEMAKER PRESS INTL 

Stuck for somewhere to go? Here are ten must-do ideas to get you started 

MAY 

Have a great 

weekend away 

Carole Nash MCN 

Festival of Motorcycling, 

Peterborough May 19 - 20 

Why it’s a must A superb event 

and well worth a weekend away – 

even if we say it ourselves – as there 

is loads to see and do. A weekend 

camping ticket costs just £35 in 

advance and gives you access to 

a charming array of two-wheeled 

delights. From live flat-track 

action to trade stands to classic 

bike displays and even the chance 

to test ride loads of brand new 

2018 models, you certainly won’t 

find yourself bored. It’s a fantastic 

way to welcome in summer and is 

rapidly becoming a must-visit date 

in thousands of biker’s diaries. 

While you’re there Stop at 

Rutland Water for a coffee and 

the chance to see ospreys in fishcatching 

action. 

Camp for the weekend, grab a beer 

and check out the live music 

There’s full-on flat-track action, 

Hooligan classes and more 

Reckon you’re fast? Now’s 

the time to prove it 

JUNE 

Challenge 

a mate! 

Run What Ya Brung, Santa 

Pod, Northants June 2 

Why it’s a must Santa Pod holds 

loads of Run What Ya Brung events on 

its drag strip and entrance is just £35 if 

you want to challenge a mate, or £10 to 

watch. Just be careful when you drop 

that clutch as there is always someone 

who gets a bit carried away and gives 

the crowds a good laugh… 

While you’re there Visit the 

Super Sausage café on the A5 near 

Towcester for a slap-up breakfast. 

JULY 

Camp at British Superbikes 

BSB Brands Hatch, Kent July 20-22 

Why it’s a must The BSB circus 

visits Brand Hatch three times in 

2018, but do you really want to 

camp there in April or October? Of 

course not, so make a date for the 

July round when (hopefully) the sun 

will be out and BSB fans will be in 

the mood to party. Camping at BSB 

(or WSB or MotoGP for that matter) 

is a great laugh as the campsite 

is always lively as fans lubricate 

themselves with lots of beer. 

While you’re there Make sure you 

head out into the woods of the GP 

circuit. The action is fast and you can 

get close. 

Mate, you’ve left the 

lights on and it’ll never 

start in the morning


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# RIDE MILES 


It’ll help 

you pile on 

the miles… 

ALEX MORRISON 

“My wife Sandra and I both 

reached the 5000 miles. We had 

some superb days out and this is 

a memory from just one of them, 

visiting ‘Tommy’ the war memorial 

at Seaham, County Durham.” 

IT’S LIFE-CHANGING 

Why you 

should join 

Inspirational stories from riders who’ve already signed-up 

You’ll make new biking friends… 

SANDRA MORRISON 

“This is one of my favourite photos 

from last year’s #ride5000miles 

experience. I rode for five hours and 45 

minutes (lots of cake and cuppa stops) 

covering 213 miles from Newcastle 

upon Tyne to attend the Motorbike 

Women’s record-breaking attempt at 

Ellesmere, Shropshire in July. Well 

over 1000 of us turned up and we 

officially broke the record! The ladies 

in the photo started out as strangers 

but became firm friends thanks to 

#ride5000miles – it’s one of the things 

that makes the group so special.” 

Ready to join more than 1000 women riders for a record attempt 

Alex and Sandra pay their 

respects to Tommy at 

Seaham in Co Durham 

It’ll get you out and about… 

WAYNE MARRISON 

“I’ve loved being part of the 

#ride5000miles – it has encouraged 

me to do the things I would not 

normally do on a bike, on a bike! 

The fact that I had a free T-shirt 

made me feel I ‘owed’ something 

back to the #ride5000miles group 

– so I now take that shirt with me on 

my bigger adventures. Here’s the 

biggest adventure I’ve done so far – 

approximately 2600 mile round trip to 

Brno in Czech last year to watch the 

MotoGP. Note the T-shirt (but try to 

ignore the belly and the legs)!” 

Wayne proudly sporting his MCN 

#ride5000miles T-shirt. Nice legs matey! 

Get in MCN… 

IAN SPEIGHT 

“It has been a great initiative made all 

the more successful by the Facebook 

members taking it on board and 

sharing their experiences and posting 

their photos. With MCN publishing 

regular articles, people get to see 

themselves in print which is really 

exciting. It has been ace! Roll on 2018.” 

You’ll broaden 

your horizons 

PETER JOHNSON 

“I’ve been going to Scotland for years 

and thanks to #ride5000miles I finally 

made it to the Outer Hebrides, Harris 

and Lewis. I was really lucky with the 

weather and all I can say is OMG.” 

It will take you to 

amazing places… 

ANDREAS RUHRMANN 

“After two weeks riding across Iceland 

and the Faroe Islands, I hit the 5000 

miles in just one trip. I rode for hours 

without seeing another person. An 

amazing experience that was only 

possible thanks to my motorcycle.” 

“There’s a few of us in the 

#ride5000miles group who 

have come to it as new riders 

who perhaps don’t understand 

how you keep the mileage down 

to 3k each year! Motorcycling 

has opened up a new freedom 

for me. Last year I took the GS 

from the South Coast up to 

Scotland to complete the North 

Coast 500. I travelled up with 

my mate Phil and as soon as we 

Ian’s become a 

regular on the site 

and in print too 

Peter’s been touring 

all over Scotland 

Andreas hit 5000 miles in 

single trip (and barely saw 

another person) 

Riding more opens up 

whole new freedoms… 

COLIN ROWLAND 

crossed the boarder the heavens 

opened and the temperature 

fell but we weren’t going to 

be put off. Fortunately the 

weather improved and travelling 

anticlockwise on the route from 

Inverness meant the scenery just 

got better and better. My first 

year of riding has been fantastic, 

clocking up over 9000 miles 

with the help of #ride5000miles. 

Here’s to more in 2018.” 

Your whole 

family can get 

involved too… 

SAM WICKS 

“I did over 5000 miles between picking 

up my Street Triple S mid-August and 

New Year’s Eve 2017 and have already 

clocked up over 1000 this year. Getting 

out on the bike is a good enough reason 

to go anywhere. Even my sister has 

been inspired to get involved, here we 

are before a trip to the Silverstone 

MotoGP – she bought the tickets!” 

Rob got this CBR600F as his first bike 

then swapped it for an Africa Twin 

PAUL NICHOLSON 

TRACY ATKINSON 

#MCNwednesday 

Sam and his sister about to set off for 

MotoGP at Silverstone last summer 

ROB PRESTON 

Paul tapped into the 

online community for 

great riding routes 

You will make glorious 

biking memories… 

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It will help 

you pass your 

full licence… 

It’ll find you new destinations… 

“I’d never really ventured very 

far from home before, mainly 

because I didn’t know where 

to go. I knew there were good 

roads out there, I just didn’t 

know where to find them. 

Joining #ride5000miles gave 

me the inspiration, and more 

importantly some route ideas, 

to get out more. There are 

so many amazing routes out 

there and I can’t wait to find 

more places to go.” 

“I wanted to finally reach my 5000 

miles, so organised a jaunt to Isle of 

Man in September with my husband, 

son and his girlfriend too. Wonderful 

“#ride5000miles gave me the 

motivation to get my full licence. After 

six months on a 125, I passed first time 

in July 2017. I bought a CBR600F as 

my first big bike but after a few months 

decided it wasn’t entirely ‘me’ so 

bought an Africa Twin as my Christmas 

present to myself and made it to 5000 

miles on December 30! I’m looking 

forward to reaching the 5k goal again in 

2018 – I’m already on 800 miles!” 

memories, fabulous riding and even 

the weather was good. Best of all – I 

cracked the 5k target! The campaign 

is great to get you out riding”

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