Last year the Grim Riders MCC challenge sent us chasing horizons across the UK, ticking off as many of the fifteen National Parks as we could in twelve months. It became a year of sweeping roads, changing landscapes and the kind of miles that stay with you. We completed the set, with Bob and Bonzo even doubling back to revisit a few favourites along the way.
This year the theme shifted from scenery to history.
The 2026 challenge is called The Battlefields Ride. The mission is simple: visit as many of the fifteen listed UK battlefields as possible, with an optional sixteenth across the Irish Sea for the truly committed. I’ve put together a Google Map marking every location, the ones we’ve conquered and the ones still waiting patiently on the horizon.
Although the challenge officially began on the first of January, today felt like the real starting line for us. Three battlefields. One day. A decent stretch of tarmac in between.
First stop was Bosworth in Leicestershire, where the Wars of the Roses reached their dramatic conclusion. From there we pushed north to Winceby in Lincolnshire, then turned south again towards Naseby in Northamptonshire. A triangular route stitched together by country roads, open skies and that familiar hum of engines settling into rhythm.
But before any great campaign begins, there is a more pressing strategic decision to be made.
Breakfast.
Thankfully Bosworth Battlefield has a café that understands exactly what riders need. After grabbing the obligatory challenge photos at the sign, we headed inside for a proper breakfast. Plates loaded, mugs filled, helmets resting on the table beside us.
Fuel for the bikes would come later.
First, fuel for the riders.
And with that, the 2010 Battlefields Ride was officially underway.
Websites:
Grim Riders Web Site
Grim Riders Battlefields Ride 2010 Google Map
