Photography by Adrian Dennis
Portraits by Aston Leach
Film by Zac Assemakis
Every year, thousands descend upon Weston-super-Mare to witness one of the most exciting and gruelling motorcycle races on the planet – Weston Beach.
The beach of the Somerset coastal town is transformed into a racetrack, becoming the venue for hundreds of riders to do battle to the last.
The RHL Weston Beach Race is a demanding beach race of the highest calibre. The three-day event, celebrating its 31st year, is a traditional fixture in the racing calendar, attracting off-road stars as well as hundreds of amateur racers, many of whom aim to achieve their personal goal and simply finish the race.
Dave Thorpe training sessions
Traditionally the event starts on Friday. This year saw Buildbase Honda team boss and four times world motocross champion Dave Thorpe host training sessions for 20 lucky riders.
In the afternoon the beach circuit opens for ‘Walk the track’, with riders raising money for UK charity Walking with the Wounded to help re-train wounded servicemen and women.
Three-hour race
The real action kicks off on Saturday with the youth race, followed by the quad and sidecar races. The highlight for many, though, is the main solo event on Sunday, where hundreds of motorbikes scream their way down the coastline in the gruelling three-hour race.
This is not racing in the traditional sense – riders have to complete as many laps as possible in the best time they can. This year’s torrential rain made riding conditions even more difficult but didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd, who still came out to cheer on their heroes.
