CKGB at Race the Waves 2026
I know it's out of fashion, and a trifle uncool-
Race the Waves is a unique event in the North East of England where the South Beach of Bridlington is taken over by all manner of vehicles of a vintage nature to display and run. Motorcycles, hot rods, belly tankers, three wheelers, side cars, tanks and, of course, Cyclekarts all ran on the beach. It is the third year Cyclekarts GB have run at this event, and this year, eight hardy Cyclekartists took their machines to the Yorkshire coast to have fun on the beach. The dress code is pre-war to 1950’s with a bit of steam punk thrown in for good measure, although we did need anoraks to drive as the beach was very wet this year with standing water – not the coolest of attire, but necessary on this occasion. The weekend starts on the Friday with a static display at Church Green where we were stationed outside the Bull and Sun Pub – much interaction with the general public was on the cards and we didn’t stop talking all day. A lot of interest in the club!
But I can't help it, I'm a romantic fool-
After an early night and an early start, the eight gathered on the prom ready to hit the beach by 8:15. The beach was still soft from the tide which was ebbing rapidly to expose our area to run. After setting up the pits, we were delayed in starting by the late arrival of the pedestrian barrier due to a mechanical mishap in an armoured personnel carrier and we didn’t get going until after 11. So coffee and a chat until then. We ran on the wet bumpy beach putting many laps down and fixing small breakages throughout the day to leave the beach, tired but happy, by 4pm, even the two who were towed 😊
It's a habit of mine, to watch the sun go down-
Rest, repair and recuperation on the Saturday evening took us to sunset and sleep for another early start on the Sunday. We were operational earlier on the beach today but down in numbers due to retirements and breakages. More wet, bumpy laps were had and much fun chasing each other - we were very evenly matched on the circuit, lap after lap with the lead changing very occasionally no matter how we tried. The crowd enjoyed our display both days and we had a lot more interest at the pit barrier from the public
On Echo Beach, I watch the sun go down-
By the end of the second day on the beach the five stalwart Cyclekartists remaining were all glad to exit the beach under their own steam by joining the Grand Depart. Back to the tow cars, accommodation or home and the clean-up of wet sand began, but, not before a sunset beer or two for me with the job done. It may take several days to extract the beach from our cyclekarts, helmets and clothes – but where else can you partake in an event like this? A grand day out!
Echo Beach, far away in time: Repeat to fade (All apologies to both Martha, and her Muffins)
Words: Jim Rawnsley
Photography/video: Allan Boyd, John Hughes, Jay Pratt and other CKGB Members
