It all started with a message from Paul Sims and what began as a simple invitation has since turned into one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences of my life.

When Paul asked me to become involved with MARK (Motorbikers Acts of Random Kindness) as one of his volunteers for the brand-new Bike & Brew Passport initiative, I could feel it straight away that something special was brewing. It wasn’t just about getting out on your motorcycle, it was getting out riding with a purpose, connection and for great mental health wellbeing.

As someone who finds clarity, freedom and peace each time I release the clutch and take to the road on my trusty Suzuki, the event’s ethos “Release the Clutch, Quiet the Noise” resonated instantly – I was in, no hesitation.

And now, having experienced it first hand I can say with all my heart: this is so much more than just getting out on your motorcycle.
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Not Just a Ride — A Revival

The Bike & Brew Passport isn’t about riding to escape, it’s about riding to connect, to heal, to grow and feel truly included in a community that understands you and…. the best part is you’re having a damn good time doing it.

Since launching on May 1st riders across the West Midlands, Staffordshire, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, and Wales have been grabbing their paper passports (yep — no app!) and hitting the road. Collecting stamps from up to 90 biker-friendly cafés and venues, riders are discovering new breath-taking scenic roads /routes and visiting hidden gems they never even knew existed with some pushing through their anxiety / confidence issues, with each stamp in their passport representing another personal victory.

Some have even turned their journey into full-on adventures: weekend escapes, week-long tours, even motorcycle camping trips with the passport acting as their personal travel guide.

🗣️ “It has given me reason to ride to places I don’t tend to explore — supporting small businesses as we go” – Pete, Tamworth
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A Night to Remember

One of the most moving moments for me came on the very evening the event kicked off. I had volunteered to help out at a participating Staffordshire venue for their very first bike night – what can i say…WOW!, what a buzz!. Riders rolled in to purchase their passport with others having theirs to hand gaining that first stamp upon purchasing food or a drink. One lady had definitely been doing her homework on the run up to the event as her passport detailed planned routes, notes and annotations in each venue section but later I was blown away when one guy turned up grinning ear to ear as I gave him his 10th stamp of the day due to him having spent the whole sun-soaked day exploring.
Watching it all unfold, the excitement, the camaraderie and the stories already being shared made me notice a real sense of connection was starting to form within our biking community. This is where the soul of the event shines brightest: in real-life moments, real connections and the joy of sharing this journey together.
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The Venues: More Than Just a Brew

The venues are loving it too. Many have reported a surge in visitors and have also jumped on board by hosting bike nights, special menus and live music events too. Feedback has been so positive with most already keen to sign up again for the summer of 2026.
And here’s the exciting bit: next year’s Bike & Brew Passport will be even bigger in stretching across the Peak District, Derbyshire Dales, East Coast, the South of England,and further up the North where there’s even talk of extending into Scotland — a true national ride, but only if ambassadors can be sourced.

🗣️ “It’s been a great conversation starter for sure! Met so many happy bikers (and one or two not so happy.. probably due to the rain) We’ve had quite a kick out of stamping passports and finding out where everyone’s been or heading to next” – Woodlands Cafe and Tea Rooms Devils Bridge , Aberystwyth
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More Than Stamps: Prizes & Possibilities

For every 15 stamps you collect through purchasing a brew, piece of cake, ice cream or anything that takes your fancy (no minimum spend) at each participating venue gains you one free entry into the end-of-season prize draw. With up to a maximum of five entries per completed passport where you could walk away with some serious rewards —two of which are brand-new motorcycles.

2026 also promises even more, with plans to include biker-friendly accommodation such as B&Bs, camping spots, and pub stays — turning a day ride into a mini holiday.
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Connection, Confidence, and Clarity

As a volunteer, I’ve had the privilege of seeing this event already help transform lives. I’ve watched families bond over the road, friends turn it into a challenge and solo riders discover new confidence and companionship. I’ve even had strangers become mates and experienced café conversations turning into lasting connections.

Personally….. It’s given me a deeper understanding of myself as I’ve realised I may not have your classic addictions but I am most definitely addicted… to putting fuel in my tank. Every ride brings me closer to the truest version of myself & every café stop fuels that fire within just a little more.
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Want In? Here’s How:

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting back on the bike, it’s not too late to join the journey.

Get Your Passport:

Passports are available for purchase at participating venues or online:

Click here for Make Your MARK Charity Facebook Page

Click here for Passport Event Facebook Page

💬 Interested in Becoming an Ambassador or Volunteer?

Click here for more info

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Follow the Ride:

Stay connected on social media, share your adventures and tag your stops:
Instagram
Facebook

Help grow the map!

Visit:

Click here for Bike and Brew Map

lick here for Bike and Brew venue listings

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So… What Are You Waiting For?

Release the clutch. Quieten the noise.

Let the road do the rest.

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Some of the feedback…

“New places, new roads and confidence to message a friend to go out rather than overthinking it and not going anywhere” – Sue Ward, Birmingham

“Love it!, We’ve been to places we’d never heard of before, found some fantastic breakfasts, lunches and cake!!!
We’ve met some lovely people and having some wonderful adventures, looking forward to adding more stamps while we are off next week” – Steph & Chris Lynch – Cheshire

“I’ve really enjoyed doing new trips I wouldn’t have done before. It’s a great idea and I’d definitely do it again! – Samantha Wills

“Some Days it’s given me a reason to leave the house” – Kevan Peter Yates – Newport

“Absolutely brilliant! We’ve been on roads and seen places we would probably have not been to. We’ve met amazing people. We’ve found some great new places to eat / drink when we are out on the road. It’s definitely given us purpose, particularly on days when the weather isn’t the best, whilst being on holiday. Can’t wait for it to grow next year and continue our adventures finding the different venues who are supporting the Bike & Brew Passport event” – Paula Darlington – Nantwich

“Since my last baby started uni on Sept 24 I had felt totally lost. At the start of 2025 I was determined to get a grip and start living for myself again, up pops the Bike & Brew Passport Event on Facebook to save me 🙂 I got my riding buddy (my son) to grab a couple of passports and we’ve spent so much time together riding to places I’ve never been and meeting like minded people along the way, we’ve done day trips, an over nighter and tours. It’s been a fabulous few months and there’s still more to come.. We haven’t finished yet! This event has brought the Sparkle back to my eyes…Thank You x “ – Donna Newman – Worcestershire

“It’s given me the confidence to go to destinations even if I’m by myself knowing there will be other friendly bike & brewers doing the same thing!” – Nadine Bate, Black Country

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Written by MJ

All images authors own