This year will see the BMF once again host three rallies, the Crunchy Sleeping Bag, Dambuster and the Lucky Cup, each with its own unique character and location. As well as being enjoyable events in themselves and a fantastic way to meet with fellow bikers, the rallies are a vital part of the BMF’s fundraising efforts. Any money made supports the lobbying work done by the BMF in its determination to show the importance of motorcycling in the UK and to ensure riders don’t face discrimination based on their chosen mode of transport.

The BMF’s Events Director, Peter Laidlaw had this to say about the forthcoming season: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s rallies. There is a lot of challenging work that goes into organising and running the events, but it’s always great to meet up with friends new and old and see everyone having a good time and enjoining themselves”.

As always, these events couldn’t happen without Peter and his team of enthusiastic volunteers. Peter is always grateful for anyone who wants to get involved in helping make the events a success. There is always work to do setting up, marshalling and clearing up afterwards. If you think you could help by volunteering some time at any of the events, then please get in touch with Peter to lend a hand.

The Crunchy Sleeping Bag Rally – March

Held over the weekend of the 1st to the 3rd of March, this rally is a traditional and friendly event held at the Heneage Arms in Hainton, Lincolnshire, not far from the Cadwell Park circuit. The venue is small community run pub with decent food and a great atmosphere. There will be live music and room for those in the mood for dancing. Camping is in a small field to the rear of the pub and is included in the price. Tickets are limited for this event, so get in quick.

The Dambuster Rally  – August

This year will see the 8th anniversary of this popular event. Taking place as usual at the Thorpe Camp Visitor centre, Tattershall Thorpe, near Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Dates for this year are the 16th, 17th, and 18th of August. Thorpe Camp is an aircraft museum, with lots of open space for us to use for camping and entertainment. The famous Blue Bell pub, where many well-known WW2 aviators visited and scratched their names on a mirror, is a short walk away and a unique venue for food and drinks. There will be fun and music in the evenings, with a chance to look around the museum exhibits during the day on Saturday. Sample the delights of the NAAFI and its wonderful cakes – so wonderful there is always a queue!

The Lucky Cup Rally – September 

After a successful first year in 2023, this event will once again take place at Muncaster Castle, near Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast over the weekend of 13th, 14th, and 15th of September. The rally is based around farm buildings set in the grounds of the castle, with camping in a large field and permanent hot showers nearby. There is an opportunity to wander around the castle and its grounds and perhaps visit the sanctuary for birds of prey. The farm buildings at the heart of the rally offer a covered space for music, dancing and of course the bar, ensuring that any rain won’t dampen the party atmosphere.

If you are interested in volunteering, then Peter Laidlaw can be contacted at peter.laidlaw@bmf.co.uk

For tickets

Click here for Dambuster Rally 

Click here for Lucky Cup Rally

Written by Alex Parsons-Hulse

Top image courtesy of Mike Andrews