Wheels and Waves / MotoGeo Adventure
It’s that time of year again when some of the worlds most creative motorcycle customisers head to Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz in the South of France to showcase and race their creations and get inspired.
Wheels and Waves is a 5 days fun-packed motorcycle festival in the Basque Country, spanning the French and Spanish border from Biarritz in the South of France to San Sebastian in Northern Spain.
With motorcycle races, motorcycle exhibitions and plenty of motorcycle shenanigans to be had in the village, this event is a great way to enjoy yourself and get your motorcycle fix for a few days, where like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts join up for some fun in the sun (hopefully!)
Check out our videos of the antics we’ve enjoyed at the event in the last few years.
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If you’re planning to head Biarritz this week, here’s what to expect:
See the full programme here, for the motorcycle fans see below:
Wednesday 12th June:
Punks Peak Sprint Race
This sprint race is on the beautiful hillside of Jaizkibel mountain near the old town of Hondarribia. Get here early as traffic is stopped at a certain point halfway up the hillside and you’ll have to walk the rest of the way.
For locations of all of the events check out this Access page.
The short sprint course means that you can get a good view from most of the places on the track.
Punks Peak has a number of different categories from the super lightweight Mosquito class, to high speed NOS powered custom machines and everything in between.
It’s a knock out race for each category, until an overall winner takes the crown.
Recently a lot of the main manufacturers have got involved pitting their customising speed skills against each other, so nowadays there is a little more than bragging rights at stake.
It’s a fun spectacle, prepare to be there all day, check the weather and grab your sunscreen or mac, more often than not, you’ll need both! There are food trucks at the top, which is also the only place that internet works.
After the race head back to the beautiful town of Hondarribia for prize giving and a beer. Make sure you also try the Pinchos from the bars, gorgeous. Check out our video of the Basque country to see more of these delicious treats.
Thursday 13th June:
Ride out in Basque Country
It doesn’t take long to get out of Biarritz and into some beautiful countryside. This year at Wheels and Waves they’ve given you even more time to enjoy it, so get on your motorcycle and go for a ride.
On Thursday evening head to the Artride, this event is full of creativity. It exhibits the creations of all custom builders and manufacturers. Take a beer and examine all of these incredible motorcycle builds up close.
This is being held at the Biarritz Skatepark
The Artride is highly recommended, get ready to be inspired!
Friday 14th June:
Friday is the day of the Deus Swank Rally, this fun Enduro event can be ridden on any motorcycle if you think you can make it round the track.
In 2018 the track was a muddy, boggy mess that ran up and down the hillside into the forest, leaving a few riders stranded knee deep in mud, hidden in the forest.
As with all of the events at Wheels and Waves this is a fun light-hearted event, there is definitely competition, but all very good natured and at the end of the day everybody is just happy to have got around the course.
If you want to compete, get your bike down there or try and double up with somebody who’s already taking part. It’s easy to alternate with different riders using the same bike, there’s definitely enough time and you will need a rest after your lap for sure!
Prizing giving for this is back in the village at 6pm.
Saturday 15th June:
The El Rollo Flat Track Race happens on Saturday.
Head for the Hippodrome de San-Sebastian for this day of flat track fun.
This dirt oval hosts a full day of flat track races across all of the categories, starting with fancy dress mosquito race, classic bikes to modern machines like the Indian FTR750 that Jamie got to ride a few test laps on at the El Rollo last year.
Again the races are for fun, but highly competitive across all categories.
Sunday 16th June:
The races are over, so today is best spent enjoying the Village and taking a closer look at all of the motorcycles you’ve seen race over the last few days.
Time for a chill out.
Throughout each day there is Surf and Skateboard competitions, so check them out if you have chance throughout the weekend.
The Village has something going on all of the time and there are many stalls to visit and check out their goods, be sure to visit our friends at Alpinestars test out their airbag system and get yourself a free coffee.
There are plenty of food and drink stalls in the Village, but also visit the beautiful town of Biarritz, great food and bars in a gorgeous setting and some of the best Pan-au-chocolat you’ll ever eat!
In all this is a great event, full of motorcycles, fun and creativity. Nobody takes themselves too seriously, and everybody has a great time.
If you’re even thinking about going then get yourself down there and join the party!
For any further info visit the Wheels and Waves website.
