ABR Festival 2024 - A Brief Visit
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- We'd really been looking forward to attending the 2024 Festival for a long time and then we had a dog sitter crisis which meant we could only attend for a couple of days. Nevertheless, we were determined to go and see what all the hype was about. We're so glad we did! Even a brief time spent at Ragley hall was amazing. The atmosphere, the scale, the bikes, the people, the talks, everything was as good as people had said.
The elephant in the room for Sue was always going to be accommodation - she really doesn't like camping so I convinced her that Glamping would be much better! In fairness, my last camping experience was many years ago and I'd forgotten the real downside which isn't so much the sleeping arrangements but the bathroom situation! The days of getting up in the night and walking 50 yards to the toilet in the middle of the night (or peeing in a bottle!) are long gone. We know lots of people really love the idea of camping and if you're one of them you'll really love the ABR! So the lesson for us is, next time we'll find some accommodation with a bathroom!
All that said, everything else was superb, we just wish we could have stayed longer as there were many things we didn't get to see and people we didn't get to meet.
Above all we both agreed that the real highlight was meeting people who follow the channel. It was so amazing to put faces to names, and for Sue, it was humbling to hear how she had inspired so many women to get into riding their own bikes! A massive thanks to everyone who came to say hello. We did try to capture most people on film but some we didn't, so a big thanks to Clive and Julia (Who were in the Glamping section on a 1250 GS and Triumph Scrambler) - it was great to chat to you both!
We hope you enjoy this snapshot of the Festival - we'll cover much more next time. Please feel free to like, comment and share. Thanks for watching!
Accommodation:- Glamping ("Beautiful Bells" - 5m Classic Bell tent) The cost of hiring the tent for 3 nights depended upon the package you opted for. To include a bed and all bedding it was £462, which is still an expensive option to sleep under canvas! Bringing your own tent is the cheapest option which is free as part of the weekend ticket - if you're into camping of course.
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You were the first people I met and spoke to as I parked up to check in. It was nice to meet you.
Thank you - nice to chat to you too! 😀👍
Ted is a legend in his 90s and still biking.
He certainly is - amazing man! 😀👍
Can’t believe I missed you folks!
Yes we were really looking forward to having a Guinness with you! Sadly, we had to cut it short (dog sitter problems 😟) - hopefully, next time! 😀👍
would of been great to meet you guys, we were there for the 4 days and stayed in my semi converted van - works really well, its a great festival but a long way from the highlands! Another cracking video guys
Thanks very much Bob - it would have been great to see you too! Maybe next year? - a converted van sounds great but that’s a hell of a trek from the North! 😀👍
I am so glad you made it there this year, just a bit disappointed that I did not see you there, I would have definitely said hello.
There is so much all going on at the same time you have to plan who you want to listen to etc, I saw Richy Vida a few times with the missenden flyer but never got to listen to his talk or get to say hello.
This was my 4th time and for the first time I took my bike (a brand new Himalayan 450) around the Bridgestone trail - first time off road too. It was not without incident but that’s what we ride for haha.
I am also of a certain age but I don’t mind camping as my tent I can stand up in too (helps being a short ass lol)
Maybe I will see you next year
Thank you - it’s a shame we didn’t get to meet you too! As you say there’s so much going on it’s difficult trying to get round every stand and speaker. Congratulations on taking the Himalayan on the trails 👍 we’re definitely going next year so hopefully see you then! 😀👍
Thanks so much guys for a brilliant video from a fab channel. At this stage the ABR has been done to death but somehow you both have shown it in a different light. Maybe it's your beautiful relationship or just your down to earth self's which comes across so good on every video you do. Looking forward to your next trip. You two take care and have fun. Best wishes from dreary Dublin, thank god I took a photo of the sun to show the grandchildren when they are older 🤪.
Thanks very much Clive 🙏 we’re glad you enjoyed our take on the ABR we really appreciate your comments! Such a shame this summer hasn’t happened yet ☔️ but Dublin is a great city, we loved our visit there and our Wild Atlantic Way tour is one of our favourites - Ireland is difficult to top! 😀👍
Strange, I did leave a comment when we originally watched. Guess the TH-cam bot must have disliked something??
A little like yourselves, I think we prefer a decent hotel room and ensuit bathroom. Thanks for showing the facilities.
An amazing event, we're just not sure it's for us.
Interesting you sat on the GS. I'm really not sure about the looks of the new GSA #Lego
Sam Manicom is a lovely guy and a total legend
Thanks Richard, yes, we’re definitely ensuite people! The beauty of the ABR festival is more about being surrounded by like minded people and a great atmosphere more than anything else, and it’s also great to meet adventure motorcycle legends in the flesh! Not sure about the new GS🤔 but definitely sure about the new GSA - awful 😬!
@@midlifemotorcyclediaries I think you're not the only BMW owner who thinks that way!
It was your solo trip down the Americas that first brought you to my attention, an amazing and very brave experience that I enjoyed from the comfort of my mancave chair.
Since then I'm sure I've watched all your MMD vlogs and enjoyed every one and we have visited places you rode through or stayed at but by car that is.
What surprises me about the likes of the ABR festival is that I only hear about them after the event, not that I'd attend though as age has changed our life style, wife not willing to be pillion anymore, I miss her company when out on the Ducati.
But it's the same here in South Wales when something bike or car related happened and I see posts on FB by those wo attended, I think I must be mixing in the wrong on line groups as I'd never heard of the ABR festival either? Ride safe.
Yes it’s interesting as we only came across it probably a couple of years ago! But we started following it on FB and so got lots of information about the plans and future dates and have watched it grow exponentially. So this year we thought it was about time we checked it out and thoroughly enjoyed it ( apart from the camping 😂) - just a great event with fantastic atmosphere! 😀👍(it’s a shame Jan doesn’t pillion with you anymore 😟)
Having watched this video, I can once say, Seen em all! Really love the way of storytelling, great job!!!
Thanks so much Jan - we’re really glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! 😀👍
Thanks so much for this; I can’t make it, being over here in the colonies. Your coverage of the festival is the best I’ve seen by far. (I’m with Sue about camping: for me “roughing it” is a hotel with no turn-down service.) Thanks again.
Thanks very much Marco - Sue loves your comment! 😂 yes from now on it’s definitely en suite accommodation for us! 😀👍
Looks like a lot of fun. Defo no tent for me though. 😂
We agree Stephen! 😂😀👍
Thank you very much for the informative and honest response 👍
That Lambs Wool Seat info is just what I wanted to hear. Thanks guys
It’s a brilliant idea - we never realised just how good they are! 👍😀
Thank you for the great review. Next year, maybe 🤔
I'm with you on 'hotel rather than camping'. Too old for that .
That’s good to hear! I think we’re in the minority wanting the creature comforts! 😂😀👍
Video up to your regular professional standard Brian. ABR looks to be well organised and glamping is so much better than camping plus it must be better to be on site and not having to commute each day. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Brian - it was brilliantly organised 👍 and if you love camping/Glamping it’s definitely the place to be, right in the middle of the action! 😀👍
Hi both.
Hats off to Sue for trying the glamping. However, having toured and camped, there gets a point where you need home comforts and camping in any form doesn't provide this. And...... the trudging to the loo at 0300 is no fun.
Stick with your hotels/AirBnB. It's the way forward!
Enjoyed as always.
😎👆
Thank you 🙏 yes, we think that’s definitely the way forward 😂 we’ve tried the camping/glamping experience but it’s en suite from now on - thanks for watching! 😀👍
Great review, shame i couldn't make it due to work this year . Keep the adventures coming guys
Thanks very much Andy - can’t believe we haven’t been before - such a great event. Hopefully you’ll make it next year! 🤞😀👍
Great vid been the last 2 years camped for both 64 years old no problem 😀 it’s the best bike festival out there toilets and shower chad staff clean the all day very clean and well run 👍
Thank you 🙏 totally agree, the best festival for sure - no complaints about the cleanliness of the toilets/showers - just don’t like getting up several times a night a trekking to them! 😂😀👍
Next year I've got to visit the ABR festival, it looks fantastic. There's always a good amount of riders from up north travel down, and of course you bumped into one of my friend's Paul.
Many thanks for the vid, it just made my mind up to do it.❤
Thanks Chris- you’ll absolutely love it and it would be great to catch up with you again! 😀👍
Looks like you had a brilliant time. Can't beat the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Rolling hills and green.
Thank you, it was great and you’re right, beautiful environment to be in! 😀👍
Looked like a truck load of fun! Nice job guys!
Thank you it certainly was! 😀👍
Looks like a great festival, but I’m 100% with you on camping. I think they’ve taken some licence on the term ‘glamping’. Done it once on a bike tour around Rajasthan, India. Queens sized bed, internal shower, toilet & air conditioning. That was what I’d expect with the term glamping. Anyway hotels, pubs, motels now days.
Absolutely right Russell 👍 ABR Glamping was basically just a big tent! If it was as you described we’d be fine but like you, it’s hotels/pubs from now on! 😀👍
I wish I'd known you were at ABR. I was there and have been watching your video as using a G650 GS to do a multi-month tour and would have loved to get your advice for a long tour with that bike.
That’s a pity- would have been happy to chat to you - hope you enjoyed the festival! 😀👍
C,mon you two, get a grip!! 😂 I am 68 and love camping, Love the video and look forward for more to come. 👍
Obviously a stronger bladder than mine! 😂😀👍
That was a very refreshing insight , and I will make it my first trip next year .Thank you both .
Thanks very much Vic glad you enjoyed it - we loved it and will definitely be back! 😀👍
Great video thanks 👍👍
Thanks very much Jim! 😀👍
You were so lucky it was dry. Camping of any sort in the wet is miserable. Love Ragley Hall for any show, always beautiful. You should have gone around the hall. Great to see you both out and about. What aftershave did you have on!! X much love Sue
😂It was a Creed ‘knock off’, Sue 🤫 The tent itself was actually ok but the lack of loo facilities …….😬I think we’re past walking 50 yards by torch light 👵🏻👨🏻🦳😂xx
Ah, camping. Our children, boy/ girl twins, (they’re 31 now and our best friends) either lost or destroyed all our camping tea when they were in high school. So now we have the best excuse seeing that our camping gear is depleted..
Such a shame your camping gear has been depleted! 😂😀👍
@@midlifemotorcyclediaries To be honest, we’re pretty happy being hotel people.
Glamping. Hmm, I'd rather be in a B&B with a shared bathroom down the hall.
Was there anybody there that wasn't filming for their social media? 😉😁
😂 no, everybody and his dog were filming! 😂😀👍
I was with 3 friends. Of the 4 of us only one wasn’t filming!
Hey guys! How would I look up Dave and Laura PAH adventures? Is it on TH-cam?
I was wondering if you guys would do the accommodations review for you stay at the camp site. Very funny Sue!!😂
Good question? 🤫 just checked and we can’t find anything on TH-cam 🤷 a real shame - it sounded like a brilliant adventure! 😀👍
@@midlifemotorcyclediaries
Way too funny! Thanks but if you happen to stumble upon it please share it! Thanks again.
Come on guys my husband is 63 has a weak bladder and still will camp at the ABR so we can get the atmosphere and camaraderie with fellow bikers. Your not old Brian, your still in your prime 😂. I have to say I’m impressed that Sue went glamping but disappointed that you’re staying in a hotel next year! Oh well each to their own. 😅 we’ve been twice 2021 and 2022 and test road loads of bikes on road and went off roading on some, maybe you also next year?
Yes we loved the atmosphere and camaraderie too! But still not a fan of being under canvas - we tried it but I’m not pretending I’m a fan of getting up several times a night and trekking to the toilets 😂 the most important thing is that we’ll be there again - we loved it! 😀👍
@@midlifemotorcyclediaries it takes a certain person I get it! Glad you enjoyed it, hopefully you’ll get some more time next year and get out on the bikes. I’ve never been anywhere where you can test ride so many bikes. I’m not looking to change, like Sue, but I just love the opportunity to check other bikes out. Look forward to your next travels 🫶🏼
Loved the video but never been to this festival, only thing would put me off is all the off roaders constantly going around which I've seen a lot of the festival reviewers complain about this.
Thanks Dave, yes it’s busy alright but nevertheless a great atmosphere and loads to see, do and listen to! 😀👍
Hi - enjoyed your vid very much - I’ve been limbering up for this one but never got there - now I’m sold - but like you I’m in my 60s and I really do t fancy camping . Those days are over - BUT - I was watching TMFs vid and he and Carole were in what he called a metal tent - a wee caravan thing - did you see any - an idea if they are any good ? Cheers 🥃
Thanks very much - yes, we tried but camping of any kind is not for us anymore! I watched TMF and I’m not sure if he brought his own caravan of hired it? I did see quite a few “metal tents” so might be worth exploring! 😀👍
@@midlifemotorcyclediaries Thankyou Brian for taking the time to reply As it was TMF that’s was mentioning the metal tent I guess the sensible thing to do is ask him - Doh ! Not as sharp as I used to be 😂thanks again 👍
@mrwhiskym8818 I’ve asked him too! 😀
I'm not really into adv bike's and off roading, sportsbikes and nakeds is my interest, so would I enjoy the ABR?
Good question David🤔 - obviously there is a heavy focus on adventure stuff and travel but to be honest the majority of people who own adventure bikes rarely take them off road. What we really enjoyed was the atmosphere and being around the biking community. Every main manufacturer was there and you had opportunities to test ride bikes that were road bikes. The entertainment was also excellent but fundamentally it was mixing with like minded people that was the most important thing for us! 😀👍
How far is the glamping from the main area, food, bars, stalls, entertainment etc? As I’ve not been to ABR yet but want to go 2025
This year’s Glamping area was about 8 mins walk from the food stalls and some of the bars - it’s all pretty accessible but it is a huge area. Well worth going! 😀👍
Sorry, another comment. I find so amazing that an aristocratic English estate would host the ABR! We over in the States are wonderfully surprised that your aristocracy would put up with thousands of bikers! Looks to me like, at some levels, the world is getting better!
Thank you Bob - we agree 👍 but one of the reasons is that us bikers look after and respect the environment. If you see photos of the ABR before and after they are exactly the same - pristine! The mess that is left after the Glastonbury festival is shocking! 😀👍
Bit commercial and sanitised for me. Try the Farmyard Party at Duncomb Park in Yorkshire. Beautiful country estate on the edge of Helmsley. £50 for the whole wknd, with thirty bands playing across four marquees and a great array of food stalls and biking gear stalls. Plus you are supporting motorcyclists rights as its a MAG event.
Sounds like a great festival! 😀👍
Thank you, it is.