#ride5000miles members brave the elements at the 58th Dragon Rally

While most of us wouldn’t want to spend a winter weekend under canvas, more than 1300 rally-goers braved the elements at the 58th Dragon Rally, organised by Conwy Motor Cycle Club.

We caught up with four #R5K members, who had a muddy, fun-packed weekend and came away with a sense of camaraderie.

“I’ve been riding since I was 16 and read about the Dragon but never got round to doing it. The years slip by and all of a sudden I’m staring 54 in the face and it’s time to go and get that badge,” said Chris ‘Parky’ Parkin.

“To be honest, the appeal of camping in the winter is somewhat limited but if you don’t put yourself out there then nothing fun ever happens to you. A bit of hardship is definitely more memorable than mild comfort.

“A tale in the pub never began with how comfy and warm you were one time ten years ago did it? It’s a rich source of tales.”

It was a memorable weekend, too, for Duncan Saunders: “With Snowdon as our backdrop we pitched our tents and chilled out watching every type of bike arriving through the day, we pushed some up the muddy field so they could get to a pitch. If you like bikes, beer, good times and mud then this is the rally to do. We’re definitely going back.”

With his Triumph Tiger 800XC laden with camping gear, Donald Gilchrist, made the trip solo. He said: “All my mates were too chicken and my other half, who I do most of my miles with, won’t take her Monster out in winter. It was no problem though, the Dragon is the friendliest rally I’ve ever been to.”

For local Kawasaki ZX-12R rider, Nigel Jones, it was only a short hop from home to set up camp but one he’ll be repeating. He told us: “I wanted to do the rally and went on my own, I’m hoping to go back next year and take the wife with me. My strangest memory is seeing a bloke with a dog box on the back of his BMW GS, who ended up taking a topple trying to get out of the field.”

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Get festival fever with MCN

We’ve arranged an exclusive #ride5000miles offer for a weekend of fun at the Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling in Peterborough on May 18-19. For the great price of £60 for a pair of tickets (a saving of £10) you’ll gain access to the action-packed show and live evening entertainment.

There’s a dedicated camping area, a beer on us and a commemorative #R5K badge. Visit the #ride5000miles Facebook page for more!