Arnhem 2025
Brothers in Arms – Riding Together
The Airborne Forces Riders / Arnhem Riders are very grateful for the continued assistance and support of our many friends and colleagues in the Netherlands
Ride at all times:
Within the law – Respectfully – Safely
The Airborne Forces Riders were formed in September 2014 during the annual pilgrimage to Arnhem, by 15 Airborne veterans, whose common interest was being Airborne, motorbikes, and assisting a Brother in need. They established four common aims:
Remembrance – Respect – Awareness – Support
Since 2015 Airborne Forces Riders have had an official role in the annual Arnhem commemorations, by riding out to the many graves in Netherlands that are associated with the battle of Arnhem but who are not interred in Oosterbeek cemetery. These rides are completed in conjunction with our colleagues in the Dutch Rhine Riders and Red Beret Riders, and with the assistance of the Market Garden Foundation who AFR have supported through donations.
Airborne Forces Riders were also instrumental in acknowledging the dedicated support of the Dutch people since 1945 and commissioned the ‘Flower Children Pin’, which is now gifted annually to the children of who tend the graves of British and Commonwealth soldiers during their school years by AFR founder Rider Charlie McColgan.
In the UK Airborne Forces Riders regularly support the Parachute Regimental Association and British Airborne Forces Club in a range of fundraising activities. Since 2018 Airborne Forces Riders have also organised the Falklands Ride of Respect, paying respects at every grave in the UK associated with the Falklands war, in support to the South Atlantic Medal Association.
Airborne Forces Riders now have over 550 ‘Badged’ Riders located all over the UK and Europe, with a few in other overseas areas. We also have around 100 ‘Supporters’ who are mainly partners, wives and friends to whom we are grateful for their patience and support.
In April 2023, Airborne Forces Riders became the newest (and largest) Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association. We look forward to promoting the aims of the Association through our four common aims and demonstrating the best in Airborne Ethos through our riding and charitable work.
David Lang
Branch Chairman and President of Airborne Forces Riders
Please note that this programme is a guide only – Remain flexible
Riders are free to attend as much or as little as they wish.
| Date & Time | Details and RV’s | Remarks |
| Wednesday 17 September
|
Advance Party arrives in Arnhem/EuroParcs Hooge Veluwe and Oostappen
EuroParc Hooge Veluwe, Koningsweg 14, 6816 TC Arnhem Oostappen Camping, Kemperbergerweg 771, Arnhem |
Riders will be arriving and accommodated under own arrangements Wed / Thu
Nigel Barnett arrives from Silk Road and Beyond |
| Thursday 18 September
1900 Hrs 1930 Hrs |
Main body arrives in Arnhem / EuroParcs Hooge Veluwe and Oostappen
EuroParc Hooge Veluwe, Koningsweg 14, 6816 TC Arnhem Oostappen Camping, Kemperbergerweg 771, Arnhem
Meet and greet and weekend briefing at EuroParc bar Briefing on Week |
Advance Party to confirm routes.
Settle into accommodation. Morning Ride of Respect to Schoonhoven AFR Committee Meeting in EuroParc bar at 1600
|
| Friday 19 September
0900 Hrs 1000 Hrs
1030 Hrs
1800 |
Market Garden Ride of Respect
Ready to depart (FUP TBC at Meet and greet) RV with Dutch guides at: Restaurant Pavilion / Magnolia Grebbeweg 103-105 3911AV Rhenen Depart on 3 Rides of Respect led by Frans and Dutch Riders
Optional attendance at Bear Pit, John Frost Bridge, Arnhem |
Each group leader is to collect crosses
Dutch guides will provide flowers Following RoR groups will make their own way back to accommodation under own arrangements Group A 170km – furthest point Vianen/A2 Group B and Group C both c120km – furthest point ferry at Wijk bij Duursgtede
Advised to make own way riding in small groups |
| Saturday 20 September
0830 0840Hrs 0845Hrs 0900 Hrs 0930Hrs
1700 Hrs |
RV and ride out to Ginkel Heath DZ with Red Beret Riders
Form up at FUP Depart FUP in one convoy RV at Arnhemse heide ETD Arnhemse heide ETA Ginkel Heath DZ
Engineer Memorial Service – Drielse Rijndijk – AFR to lay wreath |
Ginkel Heath Programme:
0930 – Dakota jump 1 1000 – RNLAF Historical Flight 1015 – MFF Ops 11AALST BDE + STA 1030 – Mass drop static line 1 1130 – Commemoration Service 1230 – Dakota jump 2 1330 – Mass drop static line 2 Advised to make own way riding in small groups. |
| Sunday 21 September
0900 Hrs 0915 Hrs 1100 Hrs 1230 |
Market Garden Memorial Service
Depart FUP for cemetery. All bikes parked engines off. Market Garden Memorial Service & flower laying by the flower children Dispersal |
One convoy of bikes / trikes arriving from the north at a slow and respectful pace.
First 40 park in civil cemetery. Remainder park in field as directed. (puck required).
Important – NO ENGINE START BEFORE 1230 HRS |