Bike Rally...

[mealexme]

2012 for me is going to be the year of bikes. My love of bikes is growing, I finally have a 600cc and already have a few bike nights planned in a few months time.

Down here in the southwest there arent many bike events. There is the Plymouth bike night which I think is once a month for a few months, the paignton bike night which is every week for a few months, and the megaride, but they are all about showing your bike off, or looking at others. Ok the mega ride you do get to ride, under police escort, at the speed limit (obviously I would never break it anyway) and on a duel carriageway/through Plymouth which aren't the best biking roads!

So, I was thinking about setting up another biking event sometime in the future. Nothing big, just a few friends to begin with, and maybe 10 or 20 people in a couple of years if I make it an annual thing.

But this is where I need you!

Basically I want to start a rally/event with a winner. Not one that encourages speeding, but I live next to some brilliant roads, so not one that discourages it either.

Where I have got to so far:

I find a meeting place, and set a time on a day with the least amount of vehicles, but out of work hours (probably a weekend)

Everyone gives me £1, at the start, write their name and registration number on a sheet of paper when they pay.

First to get pictures of their bike (possibly with numberplate in view) at all locations that are told at the beginning of the event, with a sign that I have put up in advance, clearly in shot and to get to the finish line gets all money raised at the beginning.

Or the first person to take a photo of their bike in front of a sign with an animal on it

Or the person that takes a photo with the most signs with an animal on it in a set time

Or... well I am open to ideas.

Ideally this will be done on the moors, so it has to be relevant and cant be "first to get a picture of some traffic lights" as there aren't any on the moors. Although it would be nice to have a mix of the nothingness of the moors and the hustle and bustle of Plymouth in one event.

Also it would be better if it wasn't a "first to get..." because 1. it would be encouraging speeding, and 2. I want to go on a ride too, and don't want to have to wait at the finishing point to see who turns up first.

Also I am not sure how long to make it, or how spread out to do it. Anyone, any ideas or answers to my many questions?

And does anyone know if I set up a rally, even if its small, if I can be taken to court for doing anything illegal (I know you can be penalised for organising a street racing event, so I want to do it in a way that it is clear it is not a race)

[cruz]

A few points,

1. Join a bike club (there are plenty to choose from)

2. lots of rallies/events take place in the South West

3. get to a few of them.

4. be prepared to work hard and not participate, at any event you organise.

If you join a club, become active help out with any events and learn from them, that is the best way to learn.

Oh and be ready to become consumed by the whole thing.

You can't expect others to sit back at finish point at your event while you go off and enjoy yourself.

All that said I would suggest a Poker Run, go on at least one before you try your own though.

[Susieque]

From what you're describing Alex, it sounds very like something we did a couple of years or so ago...

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... F+olympics

which was combined with this...

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... F+olympics

We all had a great weekend and was well supported.

Have a read & you might find some ideas (and possibly some of the pitfalls) as to how/what to organise

[mealexme]

are there cruz? i can't seem to find any. I may join a club though.

and thank susie!

[cruz]

Heres one site of many you should keep an eye on.

http://www.rideout-sw.co.uk/events.php?page=2

[mealexme]

I meant more south devon, but I hadn't found this site. my google skills obviously aren't up to much, thanks

[TC]

Alex TBH mate i would think the best way to start is to have a camping weekend with a rideout.

Its nice and simple to organise.

Find a campsite that allows groups of people, One's that allow a real campfire are a big plus so you have a focal point to gather around. Then work out a rideout with a few decent roads, a good cafe and a bit of scenery.

GarethNW does one in the Lake district every year.

If you need a hand or have any questions just ask.

The first time you go you might have 2-3 people but it does start to snowball over time.

2010

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... it=keswick

2011

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... it=keswick

[yorbandit]

Easter weekend would ne a plan as i want to tag lands end that weekend anyway LOL

[TC]

Alex have alook on here for campsites that allow campfires

http://campfires.cc/html/south_west.html

Idealy you would want one that has

Toilets

showers

Safe parking for the bikes

Allows groups

Possible somewhere to pitch our tents away from the main campsite (nosie issue sometimes)

[mealexme]

Alex have alook on here for campsites that allow campfires

http://campfires.cc/html/south_west.html

Idealy you would want one that has

Toilets

showers

Safe parking for the bikes

Allows groups

Possible somewhere to pitch our tents away from the main campsite (nosie issue sometimes)

They don't have it, but I believe the plume of feathers allows open fires, and is right next to a pub, so you cant complain!

Not sure about toilets or showers though. Its not on the list

[Susieque]

Something that you'd need to find out when choosing a campsite attached to a pub is if they allow people to take their own beer onto the site.

When we were looking for Forum Rally venues last year, most of the pubs would not allow us to take our own beer onto the site, expecting us to buy from them.

[mealexme]

Something that you'd need to find out when choosing a campsite attached to a pub is if they allow people to take their own beer onto the site.

When we were looking for Forum Rally venues last year, most of the pubs would not allow us to take our own beer onto the site, expecting us to buy from them.

I had not thought of that!

[cruz]

If it is the one in Princetown, then yes to free showers but it doesn't say about open fires, few do allow these days, elf 'n safety and damage to the ground.

update

Having done a refined search to include Public Houses and campfires there are none and only 13 in South Devon that do (fires that is). Of course that is only the one guide.

[TC]

Alex have alook on here for campsites that allow campfires

http://campfires.cc/html/south_west.html

Idealy you would want one that has

Toilets

showers

Safe parking for the bikes

Allows groups

Possible somewhere to pitch our tents away from the main campsite (nosie issue sometimes)

 

They don't have it, but I believe the plume of feathers allows open fires, and is right next to a pub, so you cant complain!

Not sure about toilets or showers though. Its not on the list

 

They don't have What ???????????

[mealexme]

Alex have alook on here for campsites that allow campfires

http://campfires.cc/html/south_west.html

Idealy you would want one that has

Toilets

showers

Safe parking for the bikes

Allows groups

Possible somewhere to pitch our tents away from the main campsite (nosie issue sometimes)

 

They don't have it, but I believe the plume of feathers allows open fires, and is right next to a pub, so you cant complain!

Not sure about toilets or showers though. Its not on the list

 

They don't have What ???????????

the website doesn't have the pub called the plume of feathers on it

[TC]

I meant to have a look and see if there are any suitable campsites there that will allow a group. Not just the Plume of feathers