If you fancy a ride for a cause, the Big Plymouth Ride is back on Sunday 16 August. It has become one of the bigger charity events on the local calendar, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be another busy one. The day is run by Lee Garlick and has been going since 2020, when it stepped in to fill the gap left by the cancelled Megaride, and it has kept the same route that the Megaride used to follow.
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Things get moving early. Riders are expected to meet at 10:00 am at North Road, over at the Lee Mill Industrial Estate, which sits off the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth. Stands open then, and the ride itself sets off at 11:30 am, so there is plenty of time to get sorted before the group heads out. From there, the route takes you up the A38 to the Marley Head turnoff, over the bridge, and back towards Plymouth along the A38 again, before pulling off at the Marsh Mills slip road, down the Embankment to Exeter Street, left into Bretonside, and finally finishing at the Barbican. It is a run that takes in a good stretch of the A38 and winds its way right into the heart of the city.
One of the nicest things about the Big Plymouth Ride is how open it is. It is built for all abilities, and the line-up tends to be a real mix, from 50cc scooters right through to superbikes, so you do not need to be on a rocket to feel at home. There are a few ground rules to keep things running smoothly, though: your bike needs to be roadworthy, you have to stick to the speed limits, and you will need to follow the parking rules once you reach the Barbican. And a practical one that is worth remembering: arrive with a full tank of fuel, because there is no stopping to fill up once you are underway.
On the money side, it is kept simple. There are collection buckets on entry for charity, with a suggested minimum donation of £2, so it is an easy way to contribute without a big commitment. Every penny raised goes to the 2026 beneficiary, FND Action UK, a patient-led charity that supports people living with Functional Neurological Disorder across the UK. It is a registered charity, number 1169554, based over in Kent, so the money raised here reaches a cause that does not always get the spotlight.
There is a bit of extra support on the day too. Original Ridesafe is on hand, and 77 Images Photography will be taking entry shots at Lee Mill, so there should be a record of the ride as it sets off. Whether you are a seasoned rider or this is your first charity event on two wheels, it is a straightforward day out that does something good. Mark 16 August in the diary, get your tank topped up, and we will see you at the Barbican.
Published Date
3 August 2026
