Classic motorcycle events in Europe Summer 2012

There's something about loading up the bike, setting off with ferry ticket in your pocket and heading off to an event in mainland Europe that's special and exciting. The different scenery, the cafe stops and getting there a whole load of fresh and new bikes and characters. Taking the back roads is definitely the way to go and investment in more time for the journey gives great returns.

Most years I search on-line for a Europe-wide list of what is happening where to plan the annual summer pilgrimage. I haven't found the information yet; anything comprehensive would be massive and there must be hundreds of small club events well worth attending but given the lack of anything else here's a compiled list of events myself or friends have attended and been worthwhile or ones that I've heard good things about.

As a disclaimer, don't rely on this information 100%. Check with the organisers before making plans for dates, ticketing and cancellations. And if you know of a good event, let me know and I'll try to update the list year by year...

Norton Dominator 99ss loaded up in Normandy.

20 to 26 May. Italy. Moto Giro D’Italia

26 & 27 May. Dijon, France. Coupes Moto Legendes - The big one. Massive and mildly anarchic. Every classic motorcycle enthusiast should go at least once.

3 June. Boulogne, France. Boulogne Bicycle Rally – organised by the Vintage Sports Car Club, looks like a lot of fun and I can't find any details on-line.

24 June. Croix en Ternois, France. Trophées Gérard Jumeaux

23 June. Montlhery, France. Terrot Club of Balancourt – Journee de la moto ancienne – antique bike day. Pre-65 motorcycles. Any event at Montlhery is a treat. Should be good. There are opportunities to go around the track.

29 June to 1 July. Spa Francorchamps, Belgium. The Bikers’ Classics

1 to 7 July. Italy. Milan Taranto ‘race’

7 & 8 July. Bardonecchia, Italy. Stella Alpina Rally. A meeting for all motorcycles in the Italian Alpine town of Bardonecchia with a Sunday morning ride up the Colle del Sommeiller

14 to 17 July. Latvia. Round Kurland Rally

20, 21 & 22 July. Chimay, Belgium. Chimay Classic Bikes

20 to 22 July. Kaltenkirchen, Germany. Windmill Rally

25 & 26 August. Gedinne, Belgium. Belgian Classic TT

14, 15 & 16 September. Angoulême, France. Circuit des Remparts D’Angoulême - a four wheel only event which has great reviews and would make a fantastic destination for a vintage road trip.

30 September to 7 October. Colombres, Spain. MC Piston Colombres

13 & 14 October. Mannheim, Germany. Veterama autojumble

20 & 21 October. Magny Cours, France.  Bol d’Or Classic