Spectators will be able to wave to them as they pass through the city dressed in their most festive attire
Hundreds of Santas riding motorbikes down Park Street in 2021(Image: Bristol Post/Paul Gillis)
Hundreds of Santas on motorbikes are set to ride through Bristol on the first weekend of December to raise money for charity. The Santas on a Bike ride, made up of arguably the most festive biker gang in the country, will be donning Santa hats and other festive attire and riding on festively decorated bikes to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Some will be pumping out Christmas music to spread joy during the festive journey and, according to event organisers, all road legal motorbikes, trikes and quads are welcome to join in, with a fully ‘L plate-friendly’ ride planned and no entry fee – but donations are encouraged. Motorcyclists from all over the South West will be gathering at the meeting point at Winterbourne Academy from 10.30am on Saturday, December 6, with the ride due to set off at 12.30pm.
It will see riders journey on a near two-hour-long route, travelling along Gloucester Road, Park Street and even along the Cumberland Basin, all to make it to Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice. The route will be fully marshalled and takes place entirely on open public roads.
Whether you want to wave the festive bikers as they pass by, or take part in the ride yourself, the full route and timings as it stands is set to be as follows (subject to traffic and weather conditions):
- 10.30am-1pm: Winterbourne Academy
- 1.05pm: Bradley Stoke Way
- 1.10pm: Passing Willow Brook Centre
- 1.15pm: Aztec West Roundabout
- A38, Gloucester Road
- 1.30pm: Filton Air Balloon Roundabout
- 1.50pm: Bearpit Roundabout onto The Haymarket,
- Rupert Street, Park Street, The Triangle, and Jacob’s Wells Road
- 2.15pm: Hotwells
- Cumberland Basin, Swing Bridge
- 2.20pm: Long Ashton Park & Ride
- 2.30pm: Failand
- 2.45pm: Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice
Every penny raised by the Santas on a Bike riders will go to Children’s Hospice South West, a charity which supports children and the families of children living with life-limiting conditions. You can donate online via this link or, if you’re planning to ride, download and print a sponsorship form to complete and bring along to the hospice on the day.
What spectators need to know
Hundreds of Santas, snowmen, elves and reindeer riding bikes covered in festive decorations are set to embark on the journey and organisers say they welcome any spectators who wish to give riders a wave, or even show their support at the start or end of the route. Just make yourself known to marshals who will guide you to a safe spot.
Parking will be very limited at the start and end destinations due to the sheer number of bikes expected, but there will be a plethora of great vantage points along the route.