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RIDE MORE<br />
16-PAGE<br />
PULLOUT<br />
CHANGE YOUR LIFE<br />
IN 2018<br />
POWERED BY:<br />
IN ASSOCIATION WITH MCN’S TRUSTED PARTNERS<br />
l Essential events l 10 Amazing roads l 61 great destinations l Real-life stories
www.motorcyclenews.com<br />
02<br />
# RIDE MILES<br />
TO JOIN, LOG ON TO facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles March 21 2018<br />
RIDE MORE, BE HAPPIER<br />
#RIDE<br />
MILES<br />
5 GREAT RIDES<br />
4<br />
Five incredible 5000 rides that’ll inspire you<br />
to get out and about on your bike<br />
R5K NUMBERS<br />
6<br />
10 GREAT RIDES<br />
Pullout<br />
planner to<br />
put on your<br />
garage<br />
wall<br />
#ride5000miles members nominate ten easy<br />
weekend routes to help you build your mileage<br />
CONTENTS<br />
DESTINATION<br />
PLANNER<br />
The best events,<br />
bike meets, tea<br />
stops and race<br />
meetings<br />
8<br />
TRIPS OF A LIFETIME<br />
PERFECT BIKING YEAR<br />
12<br />
It’s never too late to start planning brilliant<br />
destinations and events for the biking year ahead<br />
SIGN UP NOW!<br />
Meet new friends, find new<br />
routes, broaden your horizons<br />
and have your best year yet<br />
#MCNwednesday<br />
03<br />
14<br />
U<br />
sing your bike more is a<br />
sure-fire route to happiness<br />
– and that’s a fact. Boffins<br />
in white coats have proven<br />
just spending time with bikes will release<br />
feel-good hormones in your brain<br />
– and in this world of uncertainty and<br />
strife, that can only be a good thing.<br />
MCN’s #ride5000miles is all about<br />
getting out on our bikes more. The<br />
average rider does about 3000 miles<br />
a year but having a target that pushes<br />
past that distance will enrich your life.<br />
At the very least, riding more will make<br />
you more at-one with your machine,<br />
but if you use the target to spend more<br />
time with your biking mates, or head<br />
out on a trip you’ve always fancied, it’ll<br />
improve your life, too.<br />
Nearly 5000 MCN readers took up<br />
#ride5000 miles is<br />
real community –<br />
and thousands have<br />
already signed up to<br />
ride more in 2018<br />
the challenge in the last year and our<br />
Facebook site has become a real community<br />
– a hub for route-sharing, tips<br />
and encouragement. It’s an inspiration<br />
that can’t help but make you get out on<br />
your bike.<br />
The world is a wonderful<br />
place full of twowheeled<br />
adventures<br />
waiting to be enjoyed<br />
– don’t miss out on the<br />
experience.<br />
Matt Wildee,<br />
Senior Editor<br />
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www.motorcyclenews.com<br />
04<br />
5<br />
# RIDE MILES<br />
TO JOIN, LOG ON TO facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles March 21 2018<br />
GREAT 5K RIDES<br />
‘#ride5000miles makes<br />
you addicted to biking!’<br />
Five incredible things that our members achieved in 2017<br />
These are just a selection<br />
of some of the incredible<br />
feats that members<br />
of the #ride5000miles<br />
Facebook group got up to last year<br />
1<br />
‘We headed east<br />
and into Russia,<br />
which is where it<br />
got a bit exciting’<br />
MIKE TAYLOR<br />
Mike and his newly-retired dad hit the<br />
Nordkapp then delved into Russia<br />
Who needs a five-star hotel when you<br />
can bunk down in a cosy shed?<br />
You meet the nicest people on a Honda…<br />
‘I did 5500 miles in a month with my retired dad!’<br />
Mike Taylor<br />
“My father has just<br />
retired. He had been to<br />
Norway years ago with<br />
mum and was keen on<br />
returning, so he suggested a bike<br />
trip there. I wanted to go to Romania,<br />
but he talked me into Norway. When<br />
we looked at the map I said ‘if we are<br />
going to Lofoten, we may as well hit<br />
Nordkapp.’ A few more beers and<br />
while hitting their target mileage.<br />
From raising money for charity to<br />
transporting blood and even riding<br />
to Russia, it was a busy year for MCN’s<br />
#ride5000miles brigade…<br />
Russia was added to the itinerary…<br />
“We set off on our Africa Twins<br />
from near Edinburgh and went down<br />
to Newcastle to get the ferry to<br />
Amsterdam and from there headed<br />
through Holland, Germany, Denmark<br />
and Sweden and into Norway. Once<br />
in Norway we headed up the middle<br />
towards the Arctic Circle and got a<br />
ferry over to Lofoten. The further north<br />
you go the more expensive Norway<br />
gets, and it’s bloody expensive to start<br />
with, but we managed to get some free<br />
accommodation in Lofoten through a<br />
shout-out on Facebook!<br />
“Once we got to the Nordkapp we<br />
headed east and into Russia, which<br />
is where it got a bit exciting. We were<br />
riding through the middle of nowhere<br />
and the only people we saw were<br />
police and army guys – and tourists are<br />
banned from using some of the roads!<br />
It was quite an adventure and did get<br />
a bit daunting at times, especially as<br />
no one seemed to know if the roads<br />
we had planned to take were open or<br />
not! After this we cut through Sweden,<br />
Denmark, Germany and then home.<br />
“The whole trip was just over 5500<br />
miles and took 25 days, which wasn’t<br />
as bad as it sounds, we had a couple of<br />
It was an experience<br />
like no other<br />
long runs but also two or three days<br />
off the bikes. It was one of the best<br />
things I have ever done – made even<br />
the more special by the fact I did it<br />
with my old dad.”<br />
2<br />
‘I covered over<br />
5000 miles for<br />
Blood Bikes’<br />
ANDREW HARRISON<br />
“I returned to riding after a 27-year<br />
break so #ride5000miles has been<br />
an inspiration. On top of the 6000<br />
miles that I covered on my Triumph<br />
Tiger 800, I did just over 5000 miles<br />
on various bikes for Shropshire,<br />
Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood<br />
Bikes. So in 2017 I got back into biking,<br />
rode over 11,000 miles, passed my<br />
IAM test and became a Bloodbike<br />
volunteer! Amazing year. What can I do<br />
to top that in 2018?”<br />
3<br />
‘I rode 1000<br />
miles in a day<br />
and raised money for<br />
the Poppy Appeal’<br />
GRAEME DAWSON<br />
“I’m a member of a small group of<br />
volunteers who run the Royal British<br />
Legion Riders (RBLR) 1000-miler. We<br />
gather together between 120 and 200<br />
riders and pillions if they want to come<br />
and ride a 1000-mile route in 24 hours.<br />
4<br />
SALLY WEIGHILL<br />
5<br />
VANESSA GRUNWALD<br />
‘I passed my test and rode<br />
16,000 miles in a year!’<br />
“I only passed my test a few months<br />
before 2017 started and so it was my<br />
first full year of riding – but I made the<br />
most of it thanks to #ride5000miles! I<br />
got addicted to riding and after starting<br />
out on a Street Triple, then progressing<br />
to a Z900, I was doing so many miles<br />
I had to buy a Z1000SX as I wanted to<br />
go touring.<br />
“I live in Lincolnshire and I just love<br />
going to the coast, so I racked up miles<br />
doing that, and I also spent a week<br />
touring Scotland with a friend who has<br />
also completed the #ride5000miles<br />
challenge.<br />
Scotland is amazing, it was my<br />
first big tour on two wheels and after<br />
packing way too much I now know<br />
what to pack for the next trip. I’m<br />
planning on going back to Scotland this<br />
year, but I’d love to go to Cornwall as<br />
well and explore the south of England.<br />
And I’m also taking my IAM test – not<br />
bad going for just 16 months of riding<br />
experience and #ride5000miles has<br />
been a big part of it!”<br />
‘I got back into<br />
biking after<br />
25 years!’<br />
“After 25 years away from riding, 2017<br />
saw me take the plunge and get back<br />
on two wheels! Inspired by going to<br />
watch BSB, WSB and MotoGP, I started<br />
off going pillion, but quickly decided I<br />
What a year for<br />
returning rider<br />
Andrew<br />
“We raise money for the Poppy<br />
Appeal and although it’s a tough 24<br />
hours, the smiles on the riders’ faces<br />
afterwards say it all – it’s a brilliant day<br />
out and a great way to tick off 1000<br />
miles. This year we are starting from<br />
Squires Café on Saturday, June 16<br />
and there will be a choice of six routes<br />
(we will provide satnav files to make<br />
things easier) and even a 500-miler if<br />
you don’t fancy the 1000. A minimum<br />
sponsorship of £50 is all that is<br />
required to enter, but hopefully you can<br />
raise a bit more! If you want to join us in<br />
2018, visit www.rblr1000.co.uk.”<br />
wanted to ride again. I was doubtful,<br />
even questioning if I would be able to<br />
remember how to ride after such a long<br />
time off two wheels, but I booked with a<br />
training school to get some confidence<br />
back and now I own a Ninja 650! I’ve<br />
done a small tour of Wales, joined with<br />
all the ladies for the world’s largest allfemale<br />
parade around Silverstone at<br />
MotoGP and have already signed up for<br />
the Round Britain Rally. So far I’ve done<br />
1700 miles on the Ninja and I can’t wait<br />
to do even more in 2018.”<br />
1000 miles in 24 hours? It’s tough but<br />
100% achievable and rewarding too<br />
New rider Sally has<br />
become hooked on<br />
motorcycling<br />
Vanessa took the plunge and it’s one of<br />
the best things she’s ever done<br />
Your target is simple – to ride<br />
5000 miles in 2018. But this is just<br />
really a number – the idea is just<br />
to ride more, to enjoy riding and<br />
to love biking more than ever. So,<br />
make a note of your odometer’s<br />
Sounds obvious, but that’s all you<br />
need to do. These pages are full<br />
great roads to ride to and great<br />
events to attend, so go to some of<br />
them – and don’t let that awesome<br />
bike rot in the garage. This isn’t<br />
about jacking in work and heading<br />
around the world (though maybe<br />
By signing up to our<br />
#ride5000miles movement, you’ll<br />
be joining a club of bikers who all<br />
have the same common aim – to<br />
ride more and get more out of<br />
biking.<br />
People share their pictures,<br />
stories, routes experiences<br />
and arrange meet-ups on our<br />
#ride5000miles Facebook group.<br />
Our Facebook group is a<br />
wonderful, positive thing. It’s<br />
there for you to post regular<br />
Each week in our new<br />
#ride5000miles section, we’ll be<br />
sharing your best pictures and<br />
#MCNwednesday<br />
GETTING<br />
INVOLVED<br />
IS EASY…<br />
Just do the following…<br />
Ride your bike more,<br />
then tell people about it<br />
1<br />
MAKE A NOTE OF<br />
YOUR MILEAGE<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
RIDE TO SOME<br />
PLACES<br />
TELL PEOPLE<br />
ABOUT IT<br />
READ ABOUT<br />
IT IN MCN<br />
TO JOIN, LOG ON TO<br />
figure at the start. Take a picture<br />
of it, write it down, or even put<br />
a sticker with the figure on your<br />
bike as a reminder. On modern<br />
machines with two trip meters,<br />
reset your second trip.<br />
that’s not a bad idea too…).<br />
Instead, this about riding to work<br />
a bit more, going a bit further at<br />
weekends, doing that trip you’ve<br />
always wanted to do, or doing<br />
a tour with your partner. This is<br />
about making your life better<br />
through riding a bike more.<br />
updates of your year, sharing<br />
how you’re totting up the miles.<br />
The group has riders of all<br />
experience levels so if you’re new<br />
to motorcycling don’t be afraid to<br />
ask for help or advice.<br />
Don’t like Facebook? In that case,<br />
just send us your riding pictures<br />
and stories to ride5000miles@<br />
motorcyclenews.com.<br />
Sign up to our newsletter. Just go<br />
to www.motorcyclenews.com/<br />
ride5000miles.<br />
stories, so we’ll be with you every<br />
step of the way. Make 2018 your<br />
best biking year yet. Enjoy!<br />
facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles<br />
GET THE NEWSLETTER<br />
motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles<br />
05
www.motorcyclenews.com<br />
AS NOMINATED BY #RIDE5000MILES MEMBERS<br />
# RIDE MILES<br />
TEN GREAT RIDES TO GET YOU STARTED<br />
Kickstart your biking year with some of the best routes in the country,<br />
1<br />
THE MOORLAND ONE<br />
2<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
THE MOORLAND ONE<br />
COMPLETE<br />
North York Moors – Beverley to Whitby<br />
‘You can<br />
lose yourself<br />
for hours’<br />
As recommended by<br />
Chris Hood<br />
Length 68 miles<br />
What makes it<br />
great The North<br />
York Moors are a<br />
fantastic place to<br />
head towards for a<br />
ride because there<br />
are so many little roads heading<br />
off into the wilderness that you<br />
can easily spend all day exploring.<br />
Starting at Beverley, take the B1248<br />
towards the wonderfully named<br />
Wetwang and then on towards<br />
Malton. From here you enter the<br />
Moors. Either go to Whitby for some<br />
fantastic seafood, cut towards<br />
Scarborough, or explorie the Moors.<br />
Stop for a break at Goathland. Just<br />
off the A169, this is where Heartbeat<br />
was filmed and also the scene of<br />
the Hogwarts Express stop in Harry<br />
Potter.<br />
WETWANG<br />
BEVERLEY<br />
WHITBY<br />
‘One of my<br />
favourite days out’<br />
As recommended by Jon Ashley<br />
Length 110 miles<br />
What makes it great Being based in<br />
Manchester, this route recommended<br />
by Jon is his escape from the big city<br />
and although we have only highlighted<br />
a small section, there is plenty more<br />
to see and do! Starting in Manchester,<br />
you cross the northern tip of the Peak<br />
District on your way to Penistone<br />
on the A628 before cutting north to<br />
MANCHESTER<br />
North York Moors – Beverley to Whitby<br />
Squires Café in<br />
Sherburn-in-Elmet.<br />
From here you<br />
skirt York and aim towards Driffield<br />
where a wonderful lunch stop awaits.<br />
From here you can either explore the<br />
Yorkshire coast or loop back through<br />
the Moors to complete a great day.<br />
Stop for a break at Seaways café,<br />
Driffield.<br />
SQUIRES CAFÉ<br />
DRIFFIELD<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
3<br />
THE MID-WALES ONE<br />
Lake Vyrnwy loop<br />
‘The views<br />
are stunning’<br />
As recommended by Tom Watson<br />
Length 117 miles<br />
What makes it great Wales is a<br />
wonderful place to ride around and the<br />
views don’t get much better than at<br />
Lake Vyrnwy – even if you visit it in the<br />
middle of January as Tom did! Starting<br />
at Machynlleth, take the A489 and then<br />
A458 towards Welshpool before looping<br />
back on yourself and picking up the tiny<br />
DOLGELLAU<br />
MACHYNLLETH<br />
as suggested by MCN’s #ride5000miles members<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
B4393 that encircles<br />
Lake Vyrnwy. There<br />
is no need to rush as the roads are often<br />
covered in gravel, and once you have had<br />
your fill of the views, aim towards Bala<br />
and take A494 to Dolgellau. A really<br />
wonderful way to spend a morning.<br />
Stop for a break at The Old Barn Café,<br />
Lake Vyrnwy.<br />
LAKE VYRNWY<br />
4<br />
THE SCOTTISH ONE<br />
Borders to Kielder<br />
‘A really enjoyable ride’<br />
As recommended by Alex Morrison<br />
Length 142 miles<br />
What makes it great Instead of<br />
following the dull A1, take the A697 at<br />
Morpeth towards Coldstream and then<br />
pick up the A698, which are both fun<br />
roads to ride. From here, go towards<br />
Jedburgh and then into the Kielder<br />
Forest before winding your way back to<br />
Morpeth through the Northumberland<br />
COLDSTREAM<br />
KIELDER FOREST<br />
National Park using whichever route<br />
tickles your fancy. A great day out and a<br />
perfect way to blow off a few cobwebs<br />
– whatever the weather! And being<br />
this close to Scotland, waterproofs are<br />
often required…<br />
Stop for a break at Carter Bar on<br />
the A68 – simply<br />
wonderful views.<br />
MORPETH<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
5<br />
THE VALLEYS ONE<br />
Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge<br />
‘Always worth a visit’<br />
As recommended by Andrew Jones<br />
Length 70 miles<br />
What makes it great We have chosen<br />
Builth Wells as a good starting point,<br />
but as Andrew says, you can’t go<br />
wrong anywhere in the Elan Valley.<br />
Picking up the A470 you pass through<br />
Rhayader before swapping to the<br />
A44 enjoying some wonderful roads<br />
and scenery as you head towards<br />
DEVIL’S BRIDGE<br />
BUILTH WELLS<br />
#MCNwednesday<br />
PUT ON<br />
YOUR<br />
GARAGE<br />
WALL!<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
Aberystwyth. Before you reach<br />
this seaside town, drop south at<br />
Ponterwyd and stop at the stunning<br />
Devil’s Bridge. Loop back to Builth<br />
on some smaller roads that lead to<br />
Rhayader across the Elan Valley for a<br />
great morning’s riding.<br />
Stop for a break at Mid Wales Inn,<br />
Pant-y-dwr, Rhayader.<br />
6<br />
THE COMPACT ONE<br />
Grantham-Uppingham-Harborough<br />
‘Mainly B-roads and great views’<br />
As recommended by Tony Hubbard<br />
Length 90 miles<br />
What makes it<br />
great Rutland<br />
may be the UK’s<br />
smallest county,<br />
but it gives big in<br />
terms of riding<br />
enjoyment.<br />
Starting at<br />
Uppingham, the B664 is a wild<br />
rollercoaster of road towards Market<br />
Harborough that is fantastic to ride.<br />
Picking up the B6047 you head to<br />
the home of the pork pie, Melton<br />
Mowbray, before cutting through<br />
some lovely back roads as you head<br />
towards Colsterworth and Grantham.<br />
At this point you can pick up the A1<br />
south, but it is much more fun to use<br />
the smaller roads to visit Stamford<br />
and finally return to Uppingham. A<br />
great route for a sunny Sunday ride<br />
and Chris Walker Kawasaki is on the<br />
route, so why not pop in and<br />
say hello?<br />
Stop for a break at the Two Flags<br />
Café on the A47, near Morcott.<br />
GRANTHAM<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
UPPINGHAM<br />
MARKET HARBOROUGH<br />
7<br />
THE CHALLENGING ONE<br />
B660 – Kimbolton to Ramsey<br />
‘Built with bikes in mind’<br />
As recommended by David Smith<br />
Length 43 miles<br />
What makes it great The B660 is one<br />
of those roads that seems to have been<br />
built with motorcyclists in mind. There<br />
are faster ways to cover the relatively<br />
short distance between Kimbolton and<br />
Ramsey, but none are as exciting as<br />
the B660. While some think this area<br />
of the UK is all flat and featureless, the<br />
B660 proves doubters wrong and has<br />
KIMBOLTON<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
plenty of ups and<br />
downs as well<br />
as challenging<br />
corners. Occasionally the surface can<br />
be a little suspect, and farmers do like<br />
to spread mud on it during the winter<br />
months, but overall, it’s a great route<br />
to ride.<br />
Stop for a break at Extend your ride<br />
and stop at Old Warden.<br />
RAMSEY<br />
8<br />
THE EASTERN ONE<br />
East Coast - Hunstanton to Grimsby<br />
‘Part of the<br />
IronButt’s<br />
photo tour…’<br />
As recommended by<br />
Gordon Sears<br />
Length 95 miles<br />
What makes it<br />
great Starting with<br />
a belly full of fish<br />
and chips from one<br />
of Hunstanton’s<br />
many cafés, work<br />
off the grease with<br />
a gentle ride through King’s Lynn<br />
before picking up the A17 towards<br />
Grimsby. It’s a pleasant road that<br />
winds through small villages (watch<br />
out for speed cameras) before<br />
dipping into the Lincolnshire Wolds.<br />
This route is best avoided when there<br />
is a major race at Cadwell Park as it<br />
goes right past the circuit entrance<br />
and on busy weekends the police are<br />
fairly active.<br />
Stop for a break at Mablethorpe<br />
beach, there may be some beach<br />
race action.<br />
GRIMSBY<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
CADWELL PARK<br />
HUNSTANTON<br />
9<br />
THE LANCASHIRE ONE<br />
10<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
West coast – Skipton to<br />
‘A superb rideout’<br />
As recommended by Daniel Tetley<br />
Length 143 miles<br />
What makes it great Starting at<br />
Skipton, you cut through the gap<br />
between the Yorkshire Dales and<br />
Forest of Bowland. If you want more,<br />
just turn off the A65 and head into<br />
either, but we recommend you go<br />
towards Morecambe and see if you<br />
can spot John McGuinness sunning<br />
himself on the seafront! Then,<br />
MORECAMBE<br />
BLACKPOOL<br />
head southward<br />
avoiding the M6<br />
by picking up the A588 to Blackpool<br />
where rock, ballroom dancing and<br />
donkeys await. Take the A59 back<br />
to Skipton, or add more miles by<br />
turning left at Sawley to explore the<br />
Forest of Bowland.<br />
Stop for a break at Blackpool – the<br />
UK’s answer to Cannes!<br />
SKIPTON<br />
THE COFFEE-FUELLED<br />
Ryka’s Café to Loomies<br />
‘A run between two cafés’<br />
As recommended by Robin Doughty<br />
Length 64 miles<br />
What makes it great This great<br />
idea of a ride between two of the<br />
UK’s most popular biker cafés came<br />
from #ride5000miles member Robin<br />
Doughty. Starting at the famous Ryka’s<br />
at Box Hill in Dorking, after a warming<br />
drink you head south to pick up the<br />
excellent A272 as its runs across<br />
the UK. The quickest way is to head<br />
LOOMIES<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
down the A24 to<br />
Horsham, but there<br />
are several back<br />
roads you can take<br />
instead. Once on the A272, head west<br />
through Petworth and Petersfield.<br />
Just before you reach Winchester<br />
you’ll see Loomies where the A32<br />
crosses the A272.<br />
Stop for a break at Either café!<br />
RYKA’S CAFÉ
# RIDE MILES<br />
61 GREAT PLACES<br />
TO RIDE TO IN 2018<br />
Great meets, shows, events races and tea stops to explore this year<br />
PUT ON<br />
YOUR<br />
GARAGE<br />
WALL!<br />
This guide highlights<br />
some great destinations<br />
and events<br />
that are happening<br />
throughout 2018. But these are<br />
just a small taste of what is happening,<br />
for even more events,<br />
simply go to the #ride5000miles<br />
Facebook page.<br />
SHOWS<br />
Carole Nash MCN Festival of<br />
Motorcycling, May 19-20<br />
One of the highlights of the biking year, the MCN<br />
Festival is a great weekend of bikes and high-octane<br />
thrills and a celebration of early summer. Just like last<br />
year, there is the chance to test ride new models, brilliant<br />
racing in the speedway arena and enough side-shows<br />
and attractions for the whole family.<br />
www.mcnfestival.com<br />
SCOTLAND<br />
SHOW<br />
Grampian Motorcycle Convention,<br />
September 9<br />
Now in its 36th year, the Grampian Motorcycle<br />
Convention is held at the Grampian Transport Museum<br />
and is a friendly motorcycle festival with loads of<br />
things to see and do. There’s live music, trade stands,<br />
motorcycling demonstrations and even one or two<br />
biking celebs in the crowd. This year the museum<br />
even houses a collection of Guy Martin memorabilia,<br />
including his Saab 96 car! Entrance is £10 for adults.<br />
www.gtm.org.uk<br />
SHOW<br />
Manchester Bike Show,<br />
March 24-25<br />
Catch up with all the latest 2018<br />
models at the Manchester Bike Show. Now in<br />
its 7th year, the show has over 100 exhibitors<br />
and there will be more than 750 motorcycles<br />
packed into the arena as well as celebs and live<br />
action shows! Parking is free and adult tickets<br />
cost £14 in advance with children £4.<br />
www.manchesterbikeshow.com<br />
ULSTER<br />
NORTH<br />
ISLE OF MAN<br />
RACE<br />
IRELAND<br />
MotoGP, Silverstone,<br />
August 24 -16<br />
Quite simply the biggest<br />
biking event of the year. The<br />
Silverstone round of MotoGP gets<br />
has great racing, Silverstone has<br />
great facilities and it is a great<br />
opportunity to bring the family<br />
along too. Go support Cal!<br />
www.silverstone.co.uk<br />
WALES<br />
MIDLANDS<br />
EAST<br />
LONDON<br />
SOUTH & SOUTH WEST<br />
SOUTH EAST<br />
RACE<br />
British Speedway GP, Cardiff, July 21<br />
Speedway is a brilliant spectator sport and<br />
while there are loads of club races happing<br />
all over the UK every week during the season, the GP<br />
is the place to go if you want to get the full experience.<br />
The Principality Stadium has a 62,500-capacity and the<br />
atmosphere is like a massive petrol-fuelled party. An<br />
awesome event, but tickets go fast – book now!<br />
www.speedwaygp.com<br />
RACE<br />
The North West 200, Coleraine, May 13-19<br />
Unlike the TT, the NW200 is a full-on race and not a<br />
time trial, which means the action is hectic! All the<br />
stars use the NW200 as a warm-up to the TT and you can get so<br />
close to the action it will leave you awestruck as the bikes whiz<br />
past at over 200mph! An amazing event.<br />
www.northwest200.org<br />
GET OUT MORE IN 2018<br />
SHOW RACE MEET TEA STOP TRACKDAY<br />
EAST<br />
Trackday Snetterton , Norfolk, April 9<br />
Show Carole Nash MCN Festival of<br />
Motorcycling, Peterborough, May 19-20<br />
Race British Superbikes, Snetterton,<br />
June 15 -17<br />
Tea stop Road Kill Customs grill, Cromer<br />
Tea stop Krazy Horse Cafe, Bury St<br />
Edmunds<br />
Meet Hunstanton, Norfolk<br />
MIDLANDS<br />
Race BSB, Donington March 31-April 2<br />
Race WSB, Donington, May 25-27<br />
Race MotoGP, Silverstone, August 24-26<br />
Race BSB, Silverstone, September 7-9<br />
Race Plum Pudding, Mallory Park, Dec 26<br />
Meet Triumph Factory Visitor Experience<br />
Show Brackley Festival of Motorcycling,<br />
August 12<br />
Café Super Sausage Café, Towcester<br />
Meet Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leics<br />
SOUTH EAST<br />
Trackday, Brands Hatch GP, June 4<br />
Show MCN Ally Pally Show and<br />
Supersprint, London September 22-23<br />
Race BSB Showdown finale, October 12-14<br />
Meet Bike Shed, London. Watch a MotoGP<br />
round with a beer in your hand<br />
Meet Ryka’s Café, Box Hill<br />
Tea stop H’s Café, Kent Motorcycles off the<br />
A2 near Barham<br />
Meet Ace Café, Stonebridge. Events<br />
happen every night<br />
Tea Stop Battlesbridge Motorcycle<br />
Museum, Battlesbridge. Sunday 11am-4pm<br />
NORTH<br />
Race BSB, Oulton Park. May 5-7 &<br />
September 14-16<br />
Show Olivers Mount Festival of Speed,<br />
Scarborough. May 5-7<br />
Race Olivers Mount Gold Cup Road Race,<br />
Scarborough. September 21-23<br />
Race BSB, Cadwell Park. August 17-19<br />
Tea stop Whistlestop Café, Whitby<br />
Tea stop Hartside Café, Alston, Cumbria<br />
Meet Craven Collection of Classic Bikes,<br />
Stockton on Forest, York<br />
Meet Squires Café Bar, Sherburn in Elmet<br />
SOUTH & SOUTH WEST<br />
Race BSB, Thruxton. August 3-5<br />
Race Goodwood Revival, Goodwood circuit<br />
September 7-9<br />
Meet Ace Café Brighton Burn-up, Brighton,<br />
September 9<br />
Race Weston Beach Race, Weston Super<br />
Mare. October 19-21<br />
Tea stop Legends Café, GT Motorcycles,<br />
Plymouth<br />
Tea stop Beaulieu Museum, Hampshire<br />
Meet Pool Quay, every Tuesday, April-Sept<br />
Tea stop Haynes Motor Museum, Yeovil<br />
SCOTLAND<br />
Show Carole Nash MCN Scottish<br />
Motorcycle Show, Edinburgh, April 7-8<br />
Race BSB, Knockhill, July 6-8<br />
Show Harley-Davidson in the City Festival,<br />
Brechin, Angus. July 14-15<br />
Show MCN Scottish Festival, Edinburgh,<br />
July 21-22<br />
Meet Grampian Motorcycle Convention,<br />
Alford, Aberdeenshire, September 9<br />
Tea stop The Biker’s Cove, South<br />
Queensferry, Edinburgh<br />
Tea stop The King’s Arms, Castle Douglas<br />
Meet Kingdom Bike Night, Cowdenbeath,<br />
Fife. Monthly meets from April to Sept<br />
IRELAND<br />
Show Dublin Classic Show, May 6<br />
Show Ireland BikeFest, Killarney,<br />
June 1-4<br />
Tea stop Joey’s Bar, Ballymoney<br />
Tea stop The Pondersoa, Dungiven<br />
Race Skerries 100, Co Dublin. July 7–8<br />
ISLE OF MAN<br />
Race Isle of Man TT, May 26–Jun 8<br />
Race Southern 100, July 9–12<br />
Race Classic TT, August 20–27<br />
WALES<br />
Race Aberdare road races, Aberdare,<br />
July 21-22<br />
Show Llanbikefest, Llangollen.<br />
August 4-5<br />
Tea stop Oasis Bikers Cafe, Abergavenny<br />
Tea stop West End Café, Llandovery<br />
Meet The Doof Café, Ruthin, Wednesdays<br />
Meet Whistlestop Café, Rhuddlan, Thurs<br />
SIGN UP TO THE NEWSLETTER<br />
For news of great MCN-endorsed events<br />
see motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles
www.motorcyclenews.com<br />
AS NOMINATED BY #RIDE5000MILES MEMBERS<br />
# RIDE MILES<br />
TEN GREAT RIDES TO GET YOU STARTED<br />
Kickstart your biking year with some of the best routes in the country,<br />
1<br />
THE MOORLAND ONE<br />
2<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
THE MOORLAND ONE<br />
COMPLETE<br />
North York Moors – Beverley to Whitby<br />
‘You can<br />
lose yourself<br />
for hours’<br />
As recommended by<br />
Chris Hood<br />
Length 68 miles<br />
What makes it<br />
great The North<br />
York Moors are a<br />
fantastic place to<br />
head towards for a<br />
ride because there<br />
are so many little roads heading<br />
off into the wilderness that you<br />
can easily spend all day exploring.<br />
Starting at Beverley, take the B1248<br />
towards the wonderfully named<br />
Wetwang and then on towards<br />
Malton. From here you enter the<br />
Moors. Either go to Whitby for some<br />
fantastic seafood, cut towards<br />
Scarborough, or explorie the Moors.<br />
Stop for a break at Goathland. Just<br />
off the A169, this is where Heartbeat<br />
was filmed and also the scene of<br />
the Hogwarts Express stop in Harry<br />
Potter.<br />
WETWANG<br />
BEVERLEY<br />
WHITBY<br />
‘One of my<br />
favourite days out’<br />
As recommended by Jon Ashley<br />
Length 110 miles<br />
What makes it great Being based in<br />
Manchester, this route recommended<br />
by Jon is his escape from the big city<br />
and although we have only highlighted<br />
a small section, there is plenty more<br />
to see and do! Starting in Manchester,<br />
you cross the northern tip of the Peak<br />
District on your way to Penistone<br />
on the A628 before cutting north to<br />
MANCHESTER<br />
North York Moors – Beverley to Whitby<br />
Squires Café in<br />
Sherburn-in-Elmet.<br />
From here you<br />
skirt York and aim towards Driffield<br />
where a wonderful lunch stop awaits.<br />
From here you can either explore the<br />
Yorkshire coast or loop back through<br />
the Moors to complete a great day.<br />
Stop for a break at Seaways café,<br />
Driffield.<br />
SQUIRES CAFÉ<br />
DRIFFIELD<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
3<br />
THE MID-WALES ONE<br />
Lake Vyrnwy loop<br />
‘The views<br />
are stunning’<br />
As recommended by Tom Watson<br />
Length 117 miles<br />
What makes it great Wales is a<br />
wonderful place to ride around and the<br />
views don’t get much better than at<br />
Lake Vyrnwy – even if you visit it in the<br />
middle of January as Tom did! Starting<br />
at Machynlleth, take the A489 and then<br />
A458 towards Welshpool before looping<br />
back on yourself and picking up the tiny<br />
DOLGELLAU<br />
MACHYNLLETH<br />
as suggested by MCN’s #ride5000miles members<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
B4393 that encircles<br />
Lake Vyrnwy. There<br />
is no need to rush as the roads are often<br />
covered in gravel, and once you have had<br />
your fill of the views, aim towards Bala<br />
and take A494 to Dolgellau. A really<br />
wonderful way to spend a morning.<br />
Stop for a break at The Old Barn Café,<br />
Lake Vyrnwy.<br />
LAKE VYRNWY<br />
4<br />
THE SCOTTISH ONE<br />
Borders to Kielder<br />
‘A really enjoyable ride’<br />
As recommended by Alex Morrison<br />
Length 142 miles<br />
What makes it great Instead of<br />
following the dull A1, take the A697 at<br />
Morpeth towards Coldstream and then<br />
pick up the A698, which are both fun<br />
roads to ride. From here, go towards<br />
Jedburgh and then into the Kielder<br />
Forest before winding your way back to<br />
Morpeth through the Northumberland<br />
COLDSTREAM<br />
KIELDER FOREST<br />
National Park using whichever route<br />
tickles your fancy. A great day out and a<br />
perfect way to blow off a few cobwebs<br />
– whatever the weather! And being<br />
this close to Scotland, waterproofs are<br />
often required…<br />
Stop for a break at Carter Bar on<br />
the A68 – simply<br />
wonderful views.<br />
MORPETH<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
5<br />
THE VALLEYS ONE<br />
Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge<br />
‘Always worth a visit’<br />
As recommended by Andrew Jones<br />
Length 70 miles<br />
What makes it great We have chosen<br />
Builth Wells as a good starting point,<br />
but as Andrew says, you can’t go<br />
wrong anywhere in the Elan Valley.<br />
Picking up the A470 you pass through<br />
Rhayader before swapping to the<br />
A44 enjoying some wonderful roads<br />
and scenery as you head towards<br />
DEVIL’S BRIDGE<br />
BUILTH WELLS<br />
#MCNwednesday<br />
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YOUR<br />
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TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
Aberystwyth. Before you reach<br />
this seaside town, drop south at<br />
Ponterwyd and stop at the stunning<br />
Devil’s Bridge. Loop back to Builth<br />
on some smaller roads that lead to<br />
Rhayader across the Elan Valley for a<br />
great morning’s riding.<br />
Stop for a break at Mid Wales Inn,<br />
Pant-y-dwr, Rhayader.<br />
6<br />
THE COMPACT ONE<br />
Grantham-Uppingham-Harborough<br />
‘Mainly B-roads and great views’<br />
As recommended by Tony Hubbard<br />
Length 90 miles<br />
What makes it<br />
great Rutland<br />
may be the UK’s<br />
smallest county,<br />
but it gives big in<br />
terms of riding<br />
enjoyment.<br />
Starting at<br />
Uppingham, the B664 is a wild<br />
rollercoaster of road towards Market<br />
Harborough that is fantastic to ride.<br />
Picking up the B6047 you head to<br />
the home of the pork pie, Melton<br />
Mowbray, before cutting through<br />
some lovely back roads as you head<br />
towards Colsterworth and Grantham.<br />
At this point you can pick up the A1<br />
south, but it is much more fun to use<br />
the smaller roads to visit Stamford<br />
and finally return to Uppingham. A<br />
great route for a sunny Sunday ride<br />
and Chris Walker Kawasaki is on the<br />
route, so why not pop in and<br />
say hello?<br />
Stop for a break at the Two Flags<br />
Café on the A47, near Morcott.<br />
GRANTHAM<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
UPPINGHAM<br />
MARKET HARBOROUGH<br />
7<br />
THE CHALLENGING ONE<br />
B660 – Kimbolton to Ramsey<br />
‘Built with bikes in mind’<br />
As recommended by David Smith<br />
Length 43 miles<br />
What makes it great The B660 is one<br />
of those roads that seems to have been<br />
built with motorcyclists in mind. There<br />
are faster ways to cover the relatively<br />
short distance between Kimbolton and<br />
Ramsey, but none are as exciting as<br />
the B660. While some think this area<br />
of the UK is all flat and featureless, the<br />
B660 proves doubters wrong and has<br />
KIMBOLTON<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
plenty of ups and<br />
downs as well<br />
as challenging<br />
corners. Occasionally the surface can<br />
be a little suspect, and farmers do like<br />
to spread mud on it during the winter<br />
months, but overall, it’s a great route<br />
to ride.<br />
Stop for a break at Extend your ride<br />
and stop at Old Warden.<br />
RAMSEY<br />
8<br />
THE EASTERN ONE<br />
East Coast - Hunstanton to Grimsby<br />
‘Part of the<br />
IronButt’s<br />
photo tour…’<br />
As recommended by<br />
Gordon Sears<br />
Length 95 miles<br />
What makes it<br />
great Starting with<br />
a belly full of fish<br />
and chips from one<br />
of Hunstanton’s<br />
many cafés, work<br />
off the grease with<br />
a gentle ride through King’s Lynn<br />
before picking up the A17 towards<br />
Grimsby. It’s a pleasant road that<br />
winds through small villages (watch<br />
out for speed cameras) before<br />
dipping into the Lincolnshire Wolds.<br />
This route is best avoided when there<br />
is a major race at Cadwell Park as it<br />
goes right past the circuit entrance<br />
and on busy weekends the police are<br />
fairly active.<br />
Stop for a break at Mablethorpe<br />
beach, there may be some beach<br />
race action.<br />
GRIMSBY<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
CADWELL PARK<br />
HUNSTANTON<br />
9<br />
THE LANCASHIRE ONE<br />
10<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
West coast – Skipton to<br />
‘A superb rideout’<br />
As recommended by Daniel Tetley<br />
Length 143 miles<br />
What makes it great Starting at<br />
Skipton, you cut through the gap<br />
between the Yorkshire Dales and<br />
Forest of Bowland. If you want more,<br />
just turn off the A65 and head into<br />
either, but we recommend you go<br />
towards Morecambe and see if you<br />
can spot John McGuinness sunning<br />
himself on the seafront! Then,<br />
MORECAMBE<br />
BLACKPOOL<br />
head southward<br />
avoiding the M6<br />
by picking up the A588 to Blackpool<br />
where rock, ballroom dancing and<br />
donkeys await. Take the A59 back<br />
to Skipton, or add more miles by<br />
turning left at Sawley to explore the<br />
Forest of Bowland.<br />
Stop for a break at Blackpool – the<br />
UK’s answer to Cannes!<br />
SKIPTON<br />
THE COFFEE-FUELLED<br />
Ryka’s Café to Loomies<br />
‘A run between two cafés’<br />
As recommended by Robin Doughty<br />
Length 64 miles<br />
What makes it great This great<br />
idea of a ride between two of the<br />
UK’s most popular biker cafés came<br />
from #ride5000miles member Robin<br />
Doughty. Starting at the famous Ryka’s<br />
at Box Hill in Dorking, after a warming<br />
drink you head south to pick up the<br />
excellent A272 as its runs across<br />
the UK. The quickest way is to head<br />
LOOMIES<br />
TICK WHEN<br />
COMPLETE<br />
down the A24 to<br />
Horsham, but there<br />
are several back<br />
roads you can take<br />
instead. Once on the A272, head west<br />
through Petworth and Petersfield.<br />
Just before you reach Winchester<br />
you’ll see Loomies where the A32<br />
crosses the A272.<br />
Stop for a break at Either café!<br />
RYKA’S CAFÉ
www.motorcyclenews.com<br />
#MCNwednesday<br />
12<br />
# RIDE MILES<br />
SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles March 21 2018<br />
13<br />
Grab a Guinness, sit on the<br />
grass and prepare to have<br />
your mind blown<br />
GET GOING<br />
A perfect<br />
biking year<br />
This thing is no gentle pre-TT<br />
amble on the roads<br />
APRIL<br />
Sample Irish<br />
road racing<br />
Cookstown 100,<br />
Co Tyrone April 27-28<br />
Why it’s a must If you want to<br />
experience the sheer insanity of<br />
grassroots Irish road racing, take<br />
a trip over to the Cookstown 100.<br />
Situated on the Orritor Road just<br />
outside Cookstown in Co Tyrone, the<br />
100 is essentially a square 2.1-mile<br />
circuit with loads of amazing viewing<br />
places and even a few grandstands.<br />
If the weather is dry, you can sit on<br />
the grass with a Guinness in your<br />
hand and watch the action. And<br />
consider this, the fastest lap saw<br />
Michael Dunlop lap at an average<br />
of over 91mph and top speeds are<br />
nudging 200mph, so it’s no gentle<br />
pre-TT ride out!<br />
While you’re there Pop to Joey’s<br />
Bar in Ballymoney, it’s only a 35-mile<br />
ride and the perfect pilgrimage.<br />
AUGUST<br />
Guys like Michael Dunlop don’t take<br />
it easy just because it’s a classic<br />
Like the TT<br />
but chilled<br />
Festival of Motorcycling,<br />
Isle of Man August 18-31<br />
Why it’s a must Comprising the<br />
Classic TT, Manx Grand Prix, Vintage<br />
Motor Cycle Club Rally and the Classic<br />
Weekend Trial, not to mention the Manx<br />
Ramsey Sprint, Jurby Drag Racing<br />
and Festival of Jurby, there is more<br />
than enough to keep you amused at<br />
the Festival of Motorcycling. While<br />
the track action is every bit as hectic<br />
and fast as the TT, the atmosphere<br />
for spectators is far, far more relaxed<br />
and the weather’s better. A simply<br />
wonderful event that keeps on getting<br />
bigger and better every single year.<br />
While you’re there A18 Ramsey to<br />
Douglas. It’s the best road in the world!<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
Explore Scotland<br />
Why it’s a must Scotland is one<br />
of the best spots in the UK when it<br />
comes to a touring holiday and if you<br />
have never been, make this the year<br />
you pack a tent and venture into the<br />
highlands. Others head inland to<br />
visit the various lochs for a spot of<br />
monster watching. A few prefer to<br />
simply get their head down and make<br />
a date with John o’Groats to say they<br />
have been there. The choice is yours.<br />
While you’re there The A838<br />
and A836 coastal roads are mindblowing.<br />
Strap a tent on the back (or<br />
book into some B&Bs)<br />
Why go to the Alps when we<br />
have our own biking heaven?<br />
Don’t let winter put you off!<br />
October<br />
Watch the carnage!<br />
Weston Beach Race, Weston-<br />
Super-Mare October 19-21<br />
Why it’s a must For this one<br />
weekend in October, Weston’s beach<br />
is devoid of donkeys and instead<br />
plays host to a bonkers off-road race<br />
that attracts two and four-wheeled<br />
nutters. It’s crazy to watch, let alone<br />
take part in, but riders love it and the<br />
fans just love to drink cider and cheer<br />
the carnage as it unfolds.<br />
While you’re there Take a detour on<br />
your way and ride through Cheddar<br />
Gorge on the B3371 and B3135.<br />
November<br />
See all the new bikes<br />
Motorcycle Live, NEC<br />
Birmingham November 17 - 25<br />
Why it’s a must The first chance<br />
for UK riders to see and sit on all the<br />
new metal from every manufacturer.<br />
Alongside the new bikes there’s loads<br />
to see and do with celebrities from<br />
BSB, WSB and MotoGP popping in<br />
and out, TT stars and more kit to buy<br />
than you can shake an empty kit bag<br />
at. Add to this live stunt shows, onstage<br />
interviews, test rides and it all<br />
adds up to the perfect day out and a<br />
great way to whet your appetite for<br />
the 2019 biking season and another<br />
Don’t forget to give the tyres a<br />
friendly kick. It’s part of the ritual<br />
5000 miles ticked off. Tickets go on<br />
sale from August 1, book early for<br />
discounts.<br />
While you’re there Pop in for a cup<br />
of tea at the National Motorcycle<br />
Museum’s café.<br />
December<br />
Watch madcap racing<br />
Plum Pudding Races, Mallory<br />
Park December 26<br />
Why it’s a must Now in its 44th<br />
year, the Plum Pudding is a lovely<br />
bit of two-wheeled light relief from<br />
arguing with the relatives and eating<br />
turkey over the festive period.<br />
While you’re there Park your bike<br />
next to the Mallory Park entrance,<br />
prove to other #ride5000miles<br />
members you got out on two wheels<br />
over Christmas!<br />
PACEMAKER PRESS INTL<br />
Stuck for somewhere to go? Here are ten must-do ideas to get you started<br />
MAY<br />
Have a great<br />
weekend away<br />
Carole Nash MCN<br />
Festival of Motorcycling,<br />
Peterborough May 19 - 20<br />
Why it’s a must A superb event<br />
and well worth a weekend away –<br />
even if we say it ourselves – as there<br />
is loads to see and do. A weekend<br />
camping ticket costs just £35 in<br />
advance and gives you access to<br />
a charming array of two-wheeled<br />
delights. From live flat-track<br />
action to trade stands to classic<br />
bike displays and even the chance<br />
to test ride loads of brand new<br />
2018 models, you certainly won’t<br />
find yourself bored. It’s a fantastic<br />
way to welcome in summer and is<br />
rapidly becoming a must-visit date<br />
in thousands of biker’s diaries.<br />
While you’re there Stop at<br />
Rutland Water for a coffee and<br />
the chance to see ospreys in fishcatching<br />
action.<br />
Camp for the weekend, grab a beer<br />
and check out the live music<br />
There’s full-on flat-track action,<br />
Hooligan classes and more<br />
Reckon you’re fast? Now’s<br />
the time to prove it<br />
JUNE<br />
Challenge<br />
a mate!<br />
Run What Ya Brung, Santa<br />
Pod, Northants June 2<br />
Why it’s a must Santa Pod holds<br />
loads of Run What Ya Brung events on<br />
its drag strip and entrance is just £35 if<br />
you want to challenge a mate, or £10 to<br />
watch. Just be careful when you drop<br />
that clutch as there is always someone<br />
who gets a bit carried away and gives<br />
the crowds a good laugh…<br />
While you’re there Visit the<br />
Super Sausage café on the A5 near<br />
Towcester for a slap-up breakfast.<br />
JULY<br />
Camp at British Superbikes<br />
BSB Brands Hatch, Kent July 20-22<br />
Why it’s a must The BSB circus<br />
visits Brand Hatch three times in<br />
2018, but do you really want to<br />
camp there in April or October? Of<br />
course not, so make a date for the<br />
July round when (hopefully) the sun<br />
will be out and BSB fans will be in<br />
the mood to party. Camping at BSB<br />
(or WSB or MotoGP for that matter)<br />
is a great laugh as the campsite<br />
is always lively as fans lubricate<br />
themselves with lots of beer.<br />
While you’re there Make sure you<br />
head out into the woods of the GP<br />
circuit. The action is fast and you can<br />
get close.<br />
Mate, you’ve left the<br />
lights on and it’ll never<br />
start in the morning
www.motorcyclenews.com<br />
14<br />
# RIDE MILES<br />
TO JOIN, LOG ON TO facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles March 21 2018<br />
It’ll help<br />
you pile on<br />
the miles…<br />
ALEX MORRISON<br />
“My wife Sandra and I both<br />
reached the 5000 miles. We had<br />
some superb days out and this is<br />
a memory from just one of them,<br />
visiting ‘Tommy’ the war memorial<br />
at Seaham, County Durham.”<br />
IT’S LIFE-CHANGING<br />
Why you<br />
should join<br />
Inspirational stories from riders who’ve already signed-up<br />
You’ll make new biking friends…<br />
SANDRA MORRISON<br />
“This is one of my favourite photos<br />
from last year’s #ride5000miles<br />
experience. I rode for five hours and 45<br />
minutes (lots of cake and cuppa stops)<br />
covering 213 miles from Newcastle<br />
upon Tyne to attend the Motorbike<br />
Women’s record-breaking attempt at<br />
Ellesmere, Shropshire in July. Well<br />
over 1000 of us turned up and we<br />
officially broke the record! The ladies<br />
in the photo started out as strangers<br />
but became firm friends thanks to<br />
#ride5000miles – it’s one of the things<br />
that makes the group so special.”<br />
Ready to join more than 1000 women riders for a record attempt<br />
Alex and Sandra pay their<br />
respects to Tommy at<br />
Seaham in Co Durham<br />
It’ll get you out and about…<br />
WAYNE MARRISON<br />
“I’ve loved being part of the<br />
#ride5000miles – it has encouraged<br />
me to do the things I would not<br />
normally do on a bike, on a bike!<br />
The fact that I had a free T-shirt<br />
made me feel I ‘owed’ something<br />
back to the #ride5000miles group<br />
– so I now take that shirt with me on<br />
my bigger adventures. Here’s the<br />
biggest adventure I’ve done so far –<br />
approximately 2600 mile round trip to<br />
Brno in Czech last year to watch the<br />
MotoGP. Note the T-shirt (but try to<br />
ignore the belly and the legs)!”<br />
Wayne proudly sporting his MCN<br />
#ride5000miles T-shirt. Nice legs matey!<br />
Get in MCN…<br />
IAN SPEIGHT<br />
“It has been a great initiative made all<br />
the more successful by the Facebook<br />
members taking it on board and<br />
sharing their experiences and posting<br />
their photos. With MCN publishing<br />
regular articles, people get to see<br />
themselves in print which is really<br />
exciting. It has been ace! Roll on 2018.”<br />
You’ll broaden<br />
your horizons<br />
PETER JOHNSON<br />
“I’ve been going to Scotland for years<br />
and thanks to #ride5000miles I finally<br />
made it to the Outer Hebrides, Harris<br />
and Lewis. I was really lucky with the<br />
weather and all I can say is OMG.”<br />
It will take you to<br />
amazing places…<br />
ANDREAS RUHRMANN<br />
“After two weeks riding across Iceland<br />
and the Faroe Islands, I hit the 5000<br />
miles in just one trip. I rode for hours<br />
without seeing another person. An<br />
amazing experience that was only<br />
possible thanks to my motorcycle.”<br />
“There’s a few of us in the<br />
#ride5000miles group who<br />
have come to it as new riders<br />
who perhaps don’t understand<br />
how you keep the mileage down<br />
to 3k each year! Motorcycling<br />
has opened up a new freedom<br />
for me. Last year I took the GS<br />
from the South Coast up to<br />
Scotland to complete the North<br />
Coast 500. I travelled up with<br />
my mate Phil and as soon as we<br />
Ian’s become a<br />
regular on the site<br />
and in print too<br />
Peter’s been touring<br />
all over Scotland<br />
Andreas hit 5000 miles in<br />
single trip (and barely saw<br />
another person)<br />
Riding more opens up<br />
whole new freedoms…<br />
COLIN ROWLAND<br />
crossed the boarder the heavens<br />
opened and the temperature<br />
fell but we weren’t going to<br />
be put off. Fortunately the<br />
weather improved and travelling<br />
anticlockwise on the route from<br />
Inverness meant the scenery just<br />
got better and better. My first<br />
year of riding has been fantastic,<br />
clocking up over 9000 miles<br />
with the help of #ride5000miles.<br />
Here’s to more in 2018.”<br />
Your whole<br />
family can get<br />
involved too…<br />
SAM WICKS<br />
“I did over 5000 miles between picking<br />
up my Street Triple S mid-August and<br />
New Year’s Eve 2017 and have already<br />
clocked up over 1000 this year. Getting<br />
out on the bike is a good enough reason<br />
to go anywhere. Even my sister has<br />
been inspired to get involved, here we<br />
are before a trip to the Silverstone<br />
MotoGP – she bought the tickets!”<br />
Rob got this CBR600F as his first bike<br />
then swapped it for an Africa Twin<br />
PAUL NICHOLSON<br />
TRACY ATKINSON<br />
#MCNwednesday<br />
Sam and his sister about to set off for<br />
MotoGP at Silverstone last summer<br />
ROB PRESTON<br />
Paul tapped into the<br />
online community for<br />
great riding routes<br />
You will make glorious<br />
biking memories…<br />
15<br />
It will help<br />
you pass your<br />
full licence…<br />
It’ll find you new destinations…<br />
“I’d never really ventured very<br />
far from home before, mainly<br />
because I didn’t know where<br />
to go. I knew there were good<br />
roads out there, I just didn’t<br />
know where to find them.<br />
Joining #ride5000miles gave<br />
me the inspiration, and more<br />
importantly some route ideas,<br />
to get out more. There are<br />
so many amazing routes out<br />
there and I can’t wait to find<br />
more places to go.”<br />
“I wanted to finally reach my 5000<br />
miles, so organised a jaunt to Isle of<br />
Man in September with my husband,<br />
son and his girlfriend too. Wonderful<br />
“#ride5000miles gave me the<br />
motivation to get my full licence. After<br />
six months on a 125, I passed first time<br />
in July 2017. I bought a CBR600F as<br />
my first big bike but after a few months<br />
decided it wasn’t entirely ‘me’ so<br />
bought an Africa Twin as my Christmas<br />
present to myself and made it to 5000<br />
miles on December 30! I’m looking<br />
forward to reaching the 5k goal again in<br />
2018 – I’m already on 800 miles!”<br />
memories, fabulous riding and even<br />
the weather was good. Best of all – I<br />
cracked the 5k target! The campaign<br />
is great to get you out riding”