Message from our President ref: Arnhem 2025

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 and timeDetails and RV’sRemarks
Wednesday 17 SeptemberAdvance 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 at EuroParc bar
Briefing on weekend programme
Advance Party to confirm routes.
Settle into accommodation.
0930 – Ride of Respect to Schoonhoven – Pte Ash
1500 – AFR Committee Meeting in EuroParc bar
Friday 19 September
0900 Hrs

1000 Hrs


1030 Hrs

1800 Hrs
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– furthest point Vianen/A2 115 km
Group B and Group C– furthest point ferry at Wijk bij Duursgtede both c75 km
Advised to make own way riding in small groups
Saturday 20 September
0830 Hrs
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 – Group Photo
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 Hrs
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 engines start before 1230 Hrs