The annual Trip Out: Choppers, bands and more

Updated: 07 September 2017

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The Trip Out, now in its sixth year, is an experience not to be missed. Harking back to those halcyon days of the 60s and 70s when the chopper was king, metal flake ruled and freedom was everything, it’s an antidote to modern trends.

The event welcomes everyone with open arms and the brotherhood is truly international, with regular visitors from Australia, Japan and the west coast of the US, not to mention a vast European contingent. It’s not an event for posers; these are builders and enthusiasts with a real passion for traditional choppers and bobbers. That said, the atmosphere is totally inclusive, so ride-up on whatever you’ve got and join in the fun.

The bikes in the arena are the real deal – hardtails are de rigueur, as are extended forks, narrow seats and skimpy fuel tanks. Many have a drum front brake (if any at all) and almost everything has a kickstart. Most of the hundred or so bikes featured are ridden to the rally, no mean feat when you consider the unusual ergonomics and reliability issues of vintage custom machines.

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As if the bikes and camaraderie aren’t enough to occupy the thousands who flock to this event, a full package of entertainment runs right through the weekend. Bands and DJs rock until the early hours and for those who want to kick back, a selection of cult road movies are screened in the cinema – plus there’s the all important chill-out tent.

Daytime distractions feature some seriously gnarly skateboarding, a kickstart competition with Le Mans style start, award-winning tattooists and of course the biker build off.

This year’s Trip Out is taking place at Bentwaters Park near Ipswich, once known as RAF Bentwaters and location of one of the UK’s most famous UFO sightings, the infamous Rendlesham Forest incident.

“With the option for all the action to take place under cover, the Trip Out will rock whatever the weather,” as organiser Andy Porter always says. “It’s about peace, love and f*** the man.”

How much? £59 in advance, £65 on the gate

When is it? Friday-Sunday, September 15-17

Where is it? Bentwaters Park, Rendlesham, Suffolk IP12 2TW

Contact: www.thetripout.co.uk

If you want to get your meet in MCN, email: sam.williams@motorcyclenews.com

Have a browse for your next bike on MCN Bikes For Sale website or use the MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.

By Justin Hayzelden

Products Editor, shed enthusiast and tournament winner. Justin has been a regular contributor to MCN since 2009, serving as a road tester, roving reporter, and feature writer. He has extensive experience testing the latest motorcycles and evaluating motorcycle gear under real-world conditions. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Justin began riding at 16 on a Suzuki TS50X and has since owned numerous bikes. His time as a London courier honed his skills on busy roads, and as an instructor, he has trained many novices. When not testing products, Justin is often found in his shed, maintaining, restoring, and rebuilding bikes and other mechanical items.