Vroom for more as bikers group roars towards expansion

A group of expat motorcyclists are seeking more members as they look to increase opportunities for rides and meet-ups.

Brittany Bikers was set up seven years ago and has more than 250 members but John Checkley, one of the club’s administrators, says as Brittany is so big, it would be great to have more so that isolated members would not have to travel far to meet fellow bikers.

“Over the year we have several events,” said Mr Checkley.

“There are organised ride-outs on the 15th of every month and also spur-of-the-moment rides. We have a treasure hunt day, where we supply a list of items to be found and photographed, and camping weekends around Brittany. In the summer, there is a weekend away, when we go further afield, for example to the Dordogne or the Loire.

“We also take part in charity rides with other clubs, when there can be 450 bikers. There are quite a few of these, about 30 or 40 across Brittany every year. You pay around €5 to participate and the money goes to a good cause.

“In August, we join in the ride at Porcaro, a small village in the Morbihan, when about 20,000 bikers from all over Europe meet every year. We also meet regularly for lunches in the winter when we can’t go on the road so often.”

Mr Checkley said it was a fantastic region for motorbike enthusiasts.There are hundreds of kilometres of roads in beautiful settings, and all so quiet. It is a popular activity in the region so you can find everything you need. There are plenty of bike shops and mechanics.”

Club members communicate via an online noticeboard where they put up details of events and chat on a wide range of subjects. There is even a recovery section, so you can ask others to help if you break down.

“We have members aged 30 to 80, both women and men,” said Mr Checkley.

The group is free to join, which you do via the noticeboard – bbb.createmybb4.com.