The great Assen getaway begins

By 09.00 this morning the roads to Harwich were already starting to clog (geddit?) with bikes heading to Assen ahead of this weekend’s Dutch round of World Superbikes.

An estimated 25,000 British fans of WSB are expected to make the annual pilgrimage across the North Sea for a weekend of beer and bikes that’s only matched by Brands Hatch in July.

Click on the link on the right to find out where other riders are leaving from, where to hook up with them and where they’re staying.

So far the RAC is reporting no hold up along the A14 to Harwich, the most popular route to Assen via the Hook of Holland, although anyone travelling down from the North for the night crossing should expect overnight roadworks between junctions 29-31.

The weather in Holland is expected to be mixed over the next few days, the meteorological office at the BBC predicts showers on Friday and Saturday, but today and raceday (Sunday September 8), it will be fine.

Championship leader Troy Bayliss could wrap up the championship this weekend. He’s 29 points ahead with four rounds left, but a resurgent Edwards has piled the pressure back on to the defending champion and one slip could see the Honda rider narrow the gap still further.

We’ll be bringing you reports on qualifying, Superpole and results from every Superbike and Supersport race. Our WSB reporter Andy Downes is already in Assen and he’ll be bringing you the news first, as it happens right here on motorcyclenews.com.

If you’re going, don’t forget to send your pictures to dave.batchelor@emap.com – and if you spot any cameras, cops or traffic jams in Holland we should know about then text us on: 07799-061896 with the details.

And speaking of cameras, the Dutch are very fond of Gatsos, particularly in towns. The posted limits are 28mph (45kph) in town, 50mph (80kph) out of town and 75mph (120kph) on the motorway.

If you’re in a hurry, the best thing to do is slot behind a fast-moving local and let them alert you to the cameras.

The best way to get to Holland is by ferry. It’s served by two main routes, Harwich to the Hook of Holland, or, Hull to Zeebrugge. To book a Harwich ferry, click on to www.stenaline.co.uk or call the 24-hour ticket line on: 08705-707070. For Hull, visit: www.ponsf.com or call 0870-1296002. Prices start at around for a round ticket at £104 from Harwich and £160 from Hull.