From 30 May to 1 June 2025, Touratech invites riders to the legendary Travel Event - and this year there is a special reason to celebrate: the event is taking place for the 20th time! With a spectacular line-up of world-famous motorbike travellers, a varied programme and numerous riding experiences, the event promises unforgettable moments for all motorcycle travel enthusiasts.

Since it was first held in 2002, the Touratech Travel Event has developed into the get-together of the international motorbike travel and adventure scene. Often copied and never equalled, the mega spectacle around the Touratech headquarters attracts tens of thousands of adventure riders and tourers from all over the world every year. For three days, the Touratech Travel Event is all about being on the road on a motorbike.

The stars of the adventure scene on the Main Stage

For the 20th edition from 30 May to 1 June, the organisers of the Touratech Travel Event are naturally putting together a top-class programme. On the one hand, there is the impressive line-up of internationally renowned motorbike travellers who will be coming to Niedereschach. Among them are many old friends who have been associated with the company - which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2025 - for decades. Nick Sanders, who has travelled around the world by motorbike several times, will once again delight the audience with his humorous travel stories, the grand masters Simon & Lisa Thomas will bring plenty of thrilling stories from around 20 years on two wheels, and things will get really adventurous when Joe Pichler shares his almost unbelievable experiences. Another close companion is Charley Boorman, who, together with a Touratech team, will present the latest adventure film about a motorbike trip through the breathtaking world of the Azores.

Live music and sociable evenings

In addition to exciting presentations and interactive programme items, live bands on Friday and Saturday evening will ensure an exuberant atmosphere and the perfect end to an eventful day. The Touratech Travel Event 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for all motorbike enthusiasts - a unique mix of adventure, community and inspiration.

Even more action on the Adventure Stage

In consideration of the huge number of well-known motorbike travellers, the organisation team led by Philipp Blum, Touratech Head of Marketing, has created a second stage for live performances. ‘On the new Adventure Stage, speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds will talk about their adventures throughout the entire travel event,’ says Philipp.

ADV Travelbug, Martin Brucker, Claudia Courtin, Wolf Haenlein, Judith Seeberger, Irene Seidler, Charlie Spiegel, Dylan Wickrama and many more will appear on the Adventure Stage and present an exciting mix of live talks and workshops.

There will also be further workshops on the outdoor area. The wide range of topics on offer ranges from travel preparations, photography, motorbike repairs and first aid to enduro training. The breathtaking trial show rides provide a thrill.

With the Touratech Ladies Corner, the Travel Event 2025 offers a real premiere. ‘With this format, we not only want to make the numerous women who are now active in the travel scene visible, but also offer them a forum for exchanging experiences and networking,’ says Touratech Marketing Manager Vivien Benz.

Test ride programme with numerous brands

The anniversary edition of the Touratech Travel Event will also feature popular features such as the factory tours and the second choice sale. And of course there will also be plenty of opportunities to test ride the very latest adventure bikes. Aprilia, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha have already confirmed their attendance. Tyre manufacturers, training providers, tour operators, enduro parks, customisers and manufacturers of GPS and communication devices will also be presenting their latest products on the exhibitors' mile.

Visitors to the Touratech Travel Event 2025 can spend the night on a nearby camping site, which is available free of charge, as are the well-maintained sanitary facilities.

For a good start to an active day, a rich breakfast buffet with fair prices awaits guests on Saturdays and Sundays.

‘The Touratech Travel Event has always set new standards in the field of motorbike travel events with ground-breaking innovations,’ says Philipp Blum. ‘I am convinced that we will raise the bar once again with this year's event. It is both an obligation and an honour for us to give something back to the adventure community for the loyalty and solidarity of the last 35 years with this unique festival.’

Touratech Travel Event 2025, 30 May to 1 June, Dauchinger Str. 80, 78078 Niedereschach. Further information at www.touratech.com/events/travel-event.html

• The BSA Gold Star ridden by Dave Myers in the final series of The Hairy Bikers has been auctioned and raised £15,800 for charity 

• It went under the hammer at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull today (Wednesday 26th March) 

• Proceeds from its sales will go to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria, NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research 

The motorcycle ridden by Hairy Biker Dave Myers in his final TV series has raised £15,800 for charity when it was auctioned yesterday (Wednesday 26th March).  

The 2023 BSA Gold Star went under the hammer with H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull and the proceeds from its sale are being donated to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria, NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research. 

The motorcycle famously featured in the BBC’s “The Hairy Bikers Go West”, the last ever series made by the incredibly popular TV chef duo. 

Dave fought a long battle against cancer but sadly died just over a year ago. 

The auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star was a fitting tribute to his vibrant personality, together with his immense influence and love for motorcycling. 

The Hairy Bikers series ran for two decades, making household names of Dave Myers and Si King. Millions watched them on TV, enjoying their warm and jovial personalities, as well as their passion for motorcycling and cooking. 

Liliana Myers, Dave’s widow, said: “I’m delighted that Dave’s bike has found a new home and raised proceeds for three very worthy charities close to Dave’s heart.   

“It’s a special motorbike with some special memories and I hope the new owner will love riding it as much as Dave did, creating their own memories to treasure. Who knows, maybe that will even include riding it with us on Dave Day in June!” 

James Hewing, National Motorcycle Museum director, said: “Dave spread so much joy, it was an absolute pleasure to be involved in the auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star. 

“It’s a unique piece of motorcycling history which I’m sure it will continue to bring happiness wherever it goes.” 

Colette McKay, managing director at H&H Classics, which conducted the auction, said: “H&H Classics was honoured to auction Dave’s motorcycle and raise some very worthy funds for charity. 

“Dave’s popularity remains as strong as ever and, I’m sure, his motorbike has found a new home where it will be much loved by its new owner.” 

Ashish Joshi, CEO at BSA, said: “Dave’s love for motorbikes and cooking, as well as his genuine kindness and friendly nature, is well-known. 

“The auction was a fitting tribute to a wonderful person and we’re sure the new owner of his Gold Star will treasure it as much as Dave did.”​

About H&H Classics:

Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of commitment and service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.

Over the past 32 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.

To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

The British Motor Museum is hosting the UK’s largest BMW meet when it returns to Gaydon for a fourth year on Sunday 27 April.
The ‘Ultimate BMW Meet’ is the perfect event for BMW enthusiasts, uniting fans of classics, latest models, and everything in between.

Last year over 1,000 BMWs attended the ‘Ultimate BMW Meet’, with private owners and more than 30 Car Clubs showcasing everything from iconic classics to the rarest and most sought-after cars. This year the show will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Alpina, an momentous occasion, especially as BMW steps into a new chapter with the acquisition of the Alpina brand. 

Visitors can also see over 400 historic British cars on display along with the 1928 BMW Dixi which was presented to the Rover Group in 1994 to commemorate their new partnership.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “Come and join us for a fantastic day celebrating BMW’s heritage, community and performance! Whether you're a die-hard buff or just admire the badge, this meet promises to be an unforgettable day of BMW appreciation.”

Advance Show tickets cost £17 per adult, £9 per child, £15 per concession, £46 for a family of four and £52 for a family of five. Please note that 27 April is one of up to 5 Annual Pass Exempt Days per year. Members and Premium Members can visit for free, but annual passes and promotional vouchers are not valid for this event.

For more information about the ‘Ultimate BMW Meet’,  visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/ultimate-bmw-meet

 

The popular and informal 'Gaydon Gathering' events return to the British Motor Museum on Tuesday 8 April from 5pm – 8:30pm. The events, which are free to attend, are aimed at motoring enthusiasts, and take place outside on the arenas on the second Tuesday of each month. Over 500 vehicles regularly participated at the Gatherings in 2024 with an impressive mix of vehicle types, makes, and models. 

Pre-booking is essential, and tickets will be released online a few weeks before each event and announced on social media. The dates for the rest of the Gatherings are 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 12 August, 9 September and 14 October.

In addition to providing an opportunity for like-minded motoring enthusiasts to display their vehicles, each Gathering features the 'Collection Spotlight' at 6:30pm when one of the many unique vehicles from the collections will be brought out and driven around the grounds for everyone to see and hear. News as to which car will be in the spotlight are posted on the social media channels in the run-up to the events. Previous spotlights have been the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, the trio of Monte Carlo Rally winning Minis and an Ariel Atom V8.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “After a winter of Museum Late events, we are so looking forward to hosting our ‘Gaydon Gatherings’ outside again!  Each month until October, we will be running this regular meet-up where petrolheads can indulge their passion, hopefully in the sunshine!” 

Display vehicles will be parked in front of the Museum, and there will be separate free parking for those visitors who aren’t displaying. Visitors can enjoy refreshments with a special theme for each month, the first theme is Jamaican. There will also be burgers, teas, coffees and cold drinks as well as a bar courtesy of local Windmill Hill Brewing Company.

Dogs are welcome on leads.

Please note that the Museum itself will not be open for the evening gatherings.

For more information and to book your FREE tickets for Aprils’ Gaydon Gathering, visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/gaydon-gathering-april

 

Motorcycle trips offer an exhilarating sense of freedom, wind in your hair, and the open road before you. However, as thrilling as the journey is, there’s still the practical matter of how to pay for fuel, food, and accommodation along the way. In today’s fast-paced world, bikers need payment solutions that are quick, secure, and reliable, allowing them to focus on the road rather than stressing over payment methods.  

Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a lengthy cross-country adventure, having the right payment options at your disposal is essential. Here’s a guide to the most convenient ways to pay while on the road, ensuring a seamless experience and keeping your focus on the ride.

Cryptocurrency: A Growing Payment Option

Cryptocurrency, once seen as a niche payment method, is now gaining traction as a viable option for travellers, including motorcyclists. More merchants, both online and in-person, are

accepting digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it easier for bikers to pay for goods and services on the road.

One of the main benefits of using crypto is its global reach. It can be used anywhere with an internet connection, avoiding the need for traditional banking services or foreign exchange fees. In remote areas where banking might be limited, cryptocurrency provides a useful alternative. Many shops, cafes, and accommodation providers now accept crypto, and you can even use it to buy clothing, gear, or food at select locations.

Additionally, cryptocurrency can be used to fund entertainment along your journey. Play-to-earn crypto games are popular amongst gamers and many online casinos now also accept digital coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The best crypto casinos 2025 has to offer allow bettors to buy in, fund, and withdraw their winnings using crypto. These sites have grown popular as cryptocurrency ensures that players are able to wager online with enhanced privacy, quick transactions, and reduced fees. Playing games online with crypto can be a good way to spend downtime or evenings on a motorcycle road trip

To use cryptocurrency, you'll need a crypto wallet on your smartphone and a reliable internet connection. While crypto acceptance is still growing, especially in larger cities and tourist destinations, its infrastructure is rapidly expanding, making it a convenient and secure payment option for motorcycle travellers.

Contactless Payments via Debit and Credit Cards

Contactless payments have become a standard in many countries, and the UK is no exception. In fact, one-third of adults in the UK now use mobile contactless payments regularly. With contactless debit and credit cards, you can make quick, secure payments by simply tapping your card against a payment terminal. This is particularly handy when you need to make a fast stop for petrol, grab a snack, or pay for a toll.

For bikers, this method is incredibly efficient since it doesn’t require you to fumble around with cash or take your gloves off to type in a pin code. Most petrol stations, shops, and even small cafes now accept contactless payments, and the limit for contactless payments in the UK has risen significantly, allowing you to pay up to £100 without needing to enter your PIN.

One important tip for bikers: always check that your card is set up for contactless payment and that the card is in good working order. Also, remember that some international regions might not have widespread contactless facilities, so always have a backup plan.

Mobile Payment Apps

In today’s tech-savvy world, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are fantastic alternatives for motorcyclists. These apps allow you to make payments using your smartphone, which is especially useful when you don’t want to carry physical cards or cash with you. All you need is a phone with NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, and you’re ready to pay with a tap.

The benefit of mobile payment apps is that they’re not only convenient but also incredibly secure. Both Apple Pay and Google Pay use tokenisation technology, meaning your actual card details are never shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique code is used for each transaction, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Another advantage of mobile payments is that you can link multiple cards to your app, which means you have several options for payment without needing to carry a wallet full of plastic cards. Additionally, these apps are accepted in most major cities and towns, and their popularity continues to grow in smaller locations as well.

Prepaid Travel Cards

While mobile payment apps and contactless cards are excellent options, it’s wise to have a backup payment method when on a motorcycle trip. A prepaid card is a perfect solution. These cards work like debit cards but are preloaded with a specific amount of money. They’re great for keeping track of your spending, especially on longer trips where you might not want to rely on your main bank account.

Prepaid cards are ideal for bikers who prefer to limit their expenses or who want to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. They also provide a level of security, as they’re not linked to your primary bank account. If your prepaid card is lost or stolen, you can easily report it and have it replaced without worrying about losing your savings.

Many of the UK’s major banks offer prepaid cards, and you can load them up with funds before your trip, either online or at the bank. These cards are accepted wherever standard debit or credit cards are used, including petrol stations, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Just be sure to check whether there are any foreign exchange fees if you plan to use the card outside the UK.

Cash: Always Have a Little on Hand

Despite the convenience of digital payments, there are still occasions when having cash is a necessity. Small, rural petrol stations or remote cafes may not accept card payments, and certain areas still rely heavily on cash for transactions. While digital payments are becoming increasingly popular, having a small amount of cash on hand ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

Cash is also useful for tips, especially when you stop at small inns or restaurants where staff may appreciate a little extra for their service. Additionally, some tolls or parking areas may still require cash payments, so it’s a good idea to keep a few notes and coins in your pocket, stored safely in a zip-lock bag or wallet that won’t interfere with your riding gear.

The key is to carry just enough cash for emergencies. Large amounts of cash are unnecessary and risky, especially when on the road. Always keep your cash in a safe and secure location, such as a hidden pouch under your riding gear.

Travelling with a Payment Backup

No matter how reliable your payment methods are, it’s always wise to have a backup plan. Keep a spare card or an extra payment app on your phone in case of any issues. In some cases, payment systems can experience glitches, especially in remote areas or while travelling internationally, and having an alternative can save you from an awkward situation.

It’s also a good idea to notify your bank ahead of your trip, especially if you're heading into less developed areas. Some banks have security measures that block payments made in unusual locations, so giving them a heads-up about your travel plans ensures you won’t be left without access to funds when you need them most.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image - Man on black cruiser motorcycle on highway – Free to use under the Unsplash License

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