Last weekend, for the third year in a row, I attended the Rugby Bikefest. It turned out that this year’s event was the best so far. Previous outings resulted in blog posts and, in keeping with tradition (if three years is long enough to claim such a thing), so will this one. You can read the earlier write ups if you wish and I will try not to repeat myself too much (though it gets harder each time to find new angles to explore).
Bikefest 2015
Bikefest 2014
Year on year, the event has grown in terms of scope and attendance. In 2016 a greater proportion of the town centre was used for hosting purposes, more bands played on more music stages, there were a larger number of concessions, more shops were open and, in addition to motorbikes, the organisers allowed in some hot rods and military vehicles.
On Sunday 22nd May I got to Rugby at around 9:30am to ensure that I was able to observe the mass ride in – due around 10am. I took up station at Sheep Street with my camera. One of the first vehicles to arrive was a trike with the Mayor, Sally Bragg, on the back of it. She further proved that she was a good sport later…
…by having a go on the wheelie machine, which was situated outside the Town Hall (see photo).
By 10:30 the town centre was rammed with people and vehicles and there was a palpable sense of excitement and occasion. As in previous years, I wandered around taking photos of machines I thought were cool – a selection of my favourites shared for your enjoyment.
By 12:00pm I was about to leave when I was advised that a chapter from the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was due to arrive in Old Market Place. I decided to hang around for that because I expected the arrival to be dramatic…
…and it met with expectations.
At about 12:30pm, the bikers arrived en masse, noisily and like a black, leather clad, back-patched cavalry. The riders swarmed into the square and formed up in quick order. I was taking photos when a goatee-bearded, stocky fellow in shades leant up close and in a gruff voice said “no number plates”.
I thought his approach was quite good because he wasn’t aggressive, just firm – he gave the kind of instruction that was clear wasn’t going to be the subject of a debate.
I suspect that there is a hierarchy in the Outlaws MC, and that he had a position of authority. I don’t know if this evidences status in a ride in, but this chap was one of the first into the Old Market Place.
Anyway – of the Outlaws related images – no number plates are shared.
I was pleased that I’d waited around but once the photos were taken, it was time to go.
And that sentiment brings this post to a close too.
My thanks go to the organisers for putting on another great event.
I have spent some time thinking about how the festival could be improved upon for next year – because the bar has only moved upwards so far. Here are my thoughts:
Or maybe there’s no need to change the format at all. It worked, it was fun and it was doable in the timescale for setting up and packing down. I certainly left well pleased.
The Daventry equivalent of Bikefest is scheduled for 11th June. I’ll be going, maybe I’ll see you there.
Click on any image below to enlarge it.
Bikefest 2015
Bikefest 2014
Year on year, the event has grown in terms of scope and attendance. In 2016 a greater proportion of the town centre was used for hosting purposes, more bands played on more music stages, there were a larger number of concessions, more shops were open and, in addition to motorbikes, the organisers allowed in some hot rods and military vehicles.
On Sunday 22nd May I got to Rugby at around 9:30am to ensure that I was able to observe the mass ride in – due around 10am. I took up station at Sheep Street with my camera. One of the first vehicles to arrive was a trike with the Mayor, Sally Bragg, on the back of it. She further proved that she was a good sport later…
…by having a go on the wheelie machine, which was situated outside the Town Hall (see photo).
By 10:30 the town centre was rammed with people and vehicles and there was a palpable sense of excitement and occasion. As in previous years, I wandered around taking photos of machines I thought were cool – a selection of my favourites shared for your enjoyment.
By 12:00pm I was about to leave when I was advised that a chapter from the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was due to arrive in Old Market Place. I decided to hang around for that because I expected the arrival to be dramatic…
…and it met with expectations.
At about 12:30pm, the bikers arrived en masse, noisily and like a black, leather clad, back-patched cavalry. The riders swarmed into the square and formed up in quick order. I was taking photos when a goatee-bearded, stocky fellow in shades leant up close and in a gruff voice said “no number plates”.
I thought his approach was quite good because he wasn’t aggressive, just firm – he gave the kind of instruction that was clear wasn’t going to be the subject of a debate.
I suspect that there is a hierarchy in the Outlaws MC, and that he had a position of authority. I don’t know if this evidences status in a ride in, but this chap was one of the first into the Old Market Place.
Anyway – of the Outlaws related images – no number plates are shared.
I was pleased that I’d waited around but once the photos were taken, it was time to go.
And that sentiment brings this post to a close too.
My thanks go to the organisers for putting on another great event.
I have spent some time thinking about how the festival could be improved upon for next year – because the bar has only moved upwards so far. Here are my thoughts:
- I wonder if Bikefest will evolve into a Rugby Transport Festival. Having the hot rods present was a good call in my opinion. Earmarking an area of town for special cars would attract a broader audience.
- Maybe an area could be set aside for some moving motorcycle displays/stunts
- Maybe some motorcycling celebrities could be invited – think Guy Martin or Charlie Boorman
- Maybe a motorcycle auction could be held in town for bike sellers to find buyers
Or maybe there’s no need to change the format at all. It worked, it was fun and it was doable in the timescale for setting up and packing down. I certainly left well pleased.
The Daventry equivalent of Bikefest is scheduled for 11th June. I’ll be going, maybe I’ll see you there.
Click on any image below to enlarge it.
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