The amazing Weston Super Mare enduro beach race!

It usually happens in October; however the specific dates do alter every year and are totally dependent upon the tides upon the seventh estuary. But when they are right, Weston Super Mare plays host to an amazing spectacle endurance beach race for motorbikes.

I have done an Internet search to see if there are other races similar to this one in the UK but can't find any! So unless you are really into bike racing you will probably not see another event like this one anywhere in the UK today, although I may be wrong!

The race itself is held at the southern end of the Weston Super Mare beach, just head for the large building at the end of the Beach lawns which used to be the Weston Super Mare hospital.

The preparation for this spectacular event starts a couple of weeks before the event and the first things which notify the local population that the weekend is not that far away is the arrival of large earthmoving vehicles such as diggers and bulldozers. These powerful machines immediately go to work and quickly transform the beach into a racetrack.

As the beach is transformed into a race track a small army of workmen correcting scaffold for some of the jumps go to work, and an endless stream of lorry’s carrying strong fencing and barriers to separate the competitors from the spectators arrive.

The Weston Super Mare enduro beach race is a two day event always held at a weekend; on one day they race powerful quad bikes, and on the other they race motorbikes, and motorbikes and sidecars. From the spectators point of view they are both spectacular to watch, but I think the quad bikes are my favourite.

On the first lap the bikes are crammed together in a large bunch which makes for lots of fun and action especially at the jumps. However they soon identify where the wet spots and holes will appear which is usually on the bends and at the approach to the jumps. These quickly turn into a quagmires and traps for the riders to avoid because once their bike is caught they can spend much time trying to freeze again.

Many of the riders bring a little additional spice to the event by navigating the course dressed in costume and for a number of years batman and a gorilla could be seen doing quite well in the race. As the race advances the competitors spread out and the leaders are easily identified.

Starting at midday the race seems to go on for approximately 3 hours which in the cold autumn breeze make you appreciate just how difficult it really is for the riders and just how fit the finishing competitors need to be.

The event is noisy and exciting and I am glad that it is only held once a year, because I always return home cold and smelly with sand in my hair, but I wouldn’t miss if for the World. I really encourage you to see it once for yourself because even if the day is cold and wet I am certain you will have a great day out and become instantly addicted to returning to watch it year after year.

Weston Super Mare has plenty of activities going on throughout the year which I think that you would enjoy; please check out our website to learn more, if you would like to book a Weston Super Mare hotel or accommodation you will find many recommendations on our blog.


Author: Joe Barker