Airborne Forces Riders in Arnhem – 2025

• 17–21 Sep 2025 2 weeks ago
• Location: Arnhem

Airborne Forces Riders

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. All rides are kept on the FB events page and on the ABR website https://airborneforcesriders.com/planned-rides-2/

Riders are free to attend as much or as little as they wish.

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

Operation Market-Garden Commemorations

Remembrance – Respect – Awareness – Support

 

Arnhem Programme 2025 v2