Bridgestone Adventure Trail | Adventure Bike Rider Festival

There aren’t many places in the UK where you can ride over 30km of continuous off-road trails, but at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival you can. Whether you’re an off-road veteran or are curious about simply giving it a go, there’s no better place to be than at the ABR Festival.

The Bridgestone Adventure Trail winds its way for 30km through the magnificent grounds of the Ragley Hall Estate, and we’ve designed it specifically with you in mind. That means it’s big bike-friendly, and there are sections appropriate for all riding levels, from beginner to advanced.

For 2023, we’re introducing the TRF Trail, an 8km-long on-site route designed in collaboration with the Trail Riders Fellowship. This trail will be open to all road legal motorcycles with off-road capable tyres.

ride 30km of purpose-built big bike-friendly trails

The carefully crafted route snakes its way over vast, open grassland, through tight wooded sections, and there’s even a series of craters for you to play in. While there will be the occasional road crossing, the Bridgestone Adventure Trail is the perfect way to experience off-road riding on your big adventure bike in a friendly, non-competitive environment.

And, because the emphasis is on having fun and experiencing the joys of adventure biking, there will be strictly no racing and a 30mph speed limit. To ride the Bridgestone Adventure Trail, you’ll need a Trail Access Pass.

For 2023, Enduro bikes will not be permitted on the main Adventure Trail, but road legal versions will be able to ride the TRF Trail (scroll down for more information).

the beginner’s loop

If you’re a beginner to riding off-road or want somewhere to build your confidence before riding the main trail, the Beginner’s Loop is for you.

Think of it like a green slope at a ski resort; there are no egos, it’s easy to ride, and it’s a place where you can take your time and get a taste of riding in the dirt.

The gentle trail will take you on a short loop over grass and beside woodland and will be open exclusively to beginners, with rules in place to prevent ‘intimidating’ riding. Access to the Beginner’s Loop is included in a ‘Trail Access Pass’ ticket.

Better yet, to get you off on the right foot, you can join Patsy Quick and her team at Desert Rose Racing for a trail briefing. In these morning sessions, Patsy (who has over 20 years of off-road riding experience, including four Dakars, under her belt) will go over the basics of off-roading to ensure you can confidently hit the trail.

She will cover body positioning, bike handling, braking, and cornering techniques while giving valuable insights into the specific conditions of the trail on that day.

the TRF TRail

If you fancy a tougher riding challenge, then you’ll want to get yourself over to the on-site TRF Trail.

On this 8km-long route, you’ll find a series of climbs, descents, water crossings, and more technical terrain that will test your slow-speed skills. You’ll also be able to take on sections such as the ‘Bog of Doom’, ‘Swamp Man’, and ‘Woodland Wonderland’.

The TRF Trail is open to all bikes with off-road capable tyres, and access is included in the Trail Access Pass, and replaces Little London as this year’s all-bike trail riding offering.

WHICH TRAILS CAN YOU RIDE?

All of the trails at the ABR Festival have been designed with rider safety, well-being, and enjoyment in mind. That means they are all for leisure riding only and strict no racing rules are in place.

The Bridgestone Adventure Trail has been designed for adventure bikes and, following feedback from 2022’s festival, enduro bikes will not be allowed on this trail. For more information on what’s classed as an enduro bike, see this post here, but it can be summed up as bikes without rear footpegs fitted as standard.

The TRF Trail is open to all road legal bikes and riders, though it is primarily designed for more experienced riders and all bikes must be fitted with off-road capable tyres.

Bridgestone Adventure Trail Riding Rules

The first two rules of the Bridgestone Adventure Trail are to stay safe and have a great time. For us all to do so, there are some housekeeping rules we all need to follow.

There is a 30mph speed limit on open parts of the trail. The trail is for leisure riding only, and there is strictly no racing. Always ride at an appropriate and safe speed.
Enduro bikes will not be permitted on the Bridgestone Adventure Trail. For clarity, when we say enduro bikes, we’re referring to motorcycles that leave the factory without pillion pegs. So, a Honda CRF250L can ride the Adventure Trail, but a KTM 250 EXC cannot. These bikes will be allowed on the TRF Trail, providing they are road legal.
The trail is one-way and a pedestrian and spectator-free zone.
Please read and sign the ABR 2023 Trail Disclaimer and Safety Briefing at event check-in if you will be riding the Adventure Trail.
On signing of the safety briefing and disclaimer, you will receive a luminous helmet sticker. Please display this on the front of your helmet. No sticker – no entry to the Adventure Trail.
Course Marshals and Security staff are on the trail for assistance and to enforce safe riding. They are unable to give riding advice, instruction or tuition.
Only adventure bikes are permitted on the trail. Motorcycles which leave the factory without pillion pegs fitted as standard will not be permitted access to the trail.
Strictly no unregistered or non-road legal bikes or riders are allowed on the trail. Fully road-legal motorbikes and riders only.
Motorcycle riding is dangerous. Please wear appropriate motorcycle footwear and protective clothing while riding on the trail.
Wet grass and mud are slippery, we strongly recommend off-road tyres.
Panniers must be removed to ride the trail. They can be left at the marquee at the start of the trail or at ABR control at the information desk. Panniers are left at your own risk.
Single riders only. No pillions are allowed on the trail.
If you find yourself out of your comfort zone and ability, please alert the nearest trail marshal for assistance.
If your bike breaks down, alert the nearest marshal or call 01789 450024 for Trail Bike Rescue. Wait safely off the trail, keeping clear of motorcycles and riders. Trail Bike Rescue will come and collect you and your bike. At peak times, there can be a wait, please understand we’ll be working hard to get to everyone as quickly as possible.
If you suffer an injury, alert the nearest marshal or phone 07853163186 for the ABR Festival medic team.
If you find a fallen bike and rider and they are unable to continue:
– Make sure it’s safe for you to stop and help.
– Stop the next available rider and ask them to safely alert all approaching riders to the danger.
– Alert the nearest marshal on the phone at 07835 163 186 for medical assistance or 01789 450 024 for Trail Bike Rescue.
The trail has four public road crossings, all are signed appropriately and staffed by security personal. Please be extra careful at road crossings.
The trail has ‘expert only’ alternative routes which are clearly signed with a red X. Please do not take the expert option unless you have the necessary off-road experience and confidence.
Please use the Beginner Loop before riding the trail if you have little or no off road riding experience. Only venture onto the main trail if confident and competent to do so.
Any rider not respecting the trail rules and the safety of fellow riders runs the risk of being banned by the trail marshals or security. Marshal decisions are final and no negotiations will be entered into. Abusive behaviour towards marshals will not be tolerated.
It is a huge privilege to be able to ride at the Ragley Estate, please respect the environment by not dropping any litter and by keeping to the designated route.