Well just back from this years ABR and what a blast. Its such a contrast to the last ABR rally I attended , which if I understand was the second. That was at Kirby Stephen it had a set Indian Meal for a fiver, proceeds of which went to school in India adopted by the campsite owners wife/ partner.
Contrast that to this year year which could only be described as a mini Glastonbury. Feedback from last year was apparently more bars and food provision. Well the main bar must have been 80 m long with machines churning out 12 pints of Heinekin at £3 pint. There were crafty beers and ciders closer to £4.50.
The toilet and showers were spotless most of the time with staff working 6am till 10pm cleaning and provisioning them.
Free teas and coffees from 06:00 to 10:00 was a nice touch , sponsored by Metzeler.
In addition to a packed array of speakers was the opportunity to test ride bikes from the majors , BMW / Triumph/ Kawasaki/ Honda / Enfield Ducati / Suzuki and Yamaha.
Then there were test rides from Harley Beta Ktm Polaris and two electric bike manufacturers.
In each case other than Beta and Polaris there were test fleets of 12/15 bikes, so plenty to go around.
The off road course was busy all day and unfortunately attracted a fair amount of Air Ambulances and County Ambulances. I sense this was due to the track being so dry but dusty at times the cornes felt like marbles. Also lost of people test riding big bikes eg 1250GS’s on what was in part a challenging stage.
The new Ducati Desert X was in demand with a fleet of 8/10 Italian reg demonstrators. Ducati had flown in Antoine Meo to critique the new bike. He was interviewed along with Carl Fogarty who had been riding the Desert X
Laid back entertainment like the Inch Perfect trials boys and music in the magic teapot chillout tent rounded out the evening. For just £90 it was a busy three day event.
Contrast that to this year year which could only be described as a mini Glastonbury. Feedback from last year was apparently more bars and food provision. Well the main bar must have been 80 m long with machines churning out 12 pints of Heinekin at £3 pint. There were crafty beers and ciders closer to £4.50.
The toilet and showers were spotless most of the time with staff working 6am till 10pm cleaning and provisioning them.
Free teas and coffees from 06:00 to 10:00 was a nice touch , sponsored by Metzeler.
In addition to a packed array of speakers was the opportunity to test ride bikes from the majors , BMW / Triumph/ Kawasaki/ Honda / Enfield Ducati / Suzuki and Yamaha.
Then there were test rides from Harley Beta Ktm Polaris and two electric bike manufacturers.
In each case other than Beta and Polaris there were test fleets of 12/15 bikes, so plenty to go around.
The off road course was busy all day and unfortunately attracted a fair amount of Air Ambulances and County Ambulances. I sense this was due to the track being so dry but dusty at times the cornes felt like marbles. Also lost of people test riding big bikes eg 1250GS’s on what was in part a challenging stage.
The new Ducati Desert X was in demand with a fleet of 8/10 Italian reg demonstrators. Ducati had flown in Antoine Meo to critique the new bike. He was interviewed along with Carl Fogarty who had been riding the Desert X
Laid back entertainment like the Inch Perfect trials boys and music in the magic teapot chillout tent rounded out the evening. For just £90 it was a busy three day event.