On Friday, September 19, our adventure began: Team KEDO set off for the Netherlands for the Bringthekickback event. Martin and I (Kaja) loaded up our motorcycles in the morning and drove along the highway towards Osnabrück. On the way, we made a short stop to collect an XT250 for LooseScrew - we quickly signed the purchase contract on their behalf and continued westwards. The journey was sweetened by home-baked plum cake, and after around six hours we reached the campsite in Brabant, where we pitched our tents straight away.
In the evening we prepared Enrico's bike with all the necessary KEDO spare parts for the ride-out.
Saturday morning, 8 o'clock: After a short drivers' briefing in Dutch and an introduction to the road book, we finally got going. Our team KEDO consisted of Enrico (LooseScrew), Martin, Maik - our lucky Instagram competition winner - and myself. The first few kilometers through forest and field paths already showed why the Trophy Ride-out is so special: varied landscape, friendly people along the way and that indescribable feeling of being off the beaten track.
On one stage we came across an Italian rider who had lost his group - the reason was a defective rear brake.
The brake linkage on his XT500 was broken and had wrapped itself around the axle. With a little improvisation, Enrico quickly built a functioning brake out of wire and the journey could continue.
We lost some time due to the repair, but we skipped the lunch break and continued straight away. My personal highlight: the mixture of narrow forest trails and long sandy sections where we could really pick up the pace. Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated significantly towards the afternoon, so the ride-out was cut short prematurely. Back at the campsite, however, the cozy part was already waiting: after a quick shower, we sat together at the barbecue and ended the evening by the fire.
It was simply epic! It's always impressive to see how everyone from all over Europe comes to a small Dutch village. And somehow everyone there is so damn friendly and cool. The atmosphere couldn't be better.
What was the most memorable moment of the weekend for you - was there a scene that particularly stuck in your mind?
Looking at the Netherlands and beyond - do you think there is a growing trend towards vintage motorcycles and community-based events like this?
I think the trend towards vintage motorcycles has always been there. I think people are increasingly opening up to the off-road/adventure segment as it adds a whole new dimension to motorcycling and building motorcycles.
There were many different classic motorcycles at the Ride-Out - was there a bike this year that particularly impressed or inspired you?
Team KEDO is taking part this year - what does it mean to you when partners from the scene take part and support the community?
It's super cool that other players from the scene are involved, it really gives the whole thing momentum and you get the feeling that we are achieving these goals together. For me, it's cool that brands like KEDO and CMSNL are involved, almost professionally.
I think it all started with the XT500, which looks classic but can still handle those rides. When you get closer to the scene, you soon learn to appreciate these strange Tenere in IKEA colors for their cult status and Dakar history. The enduro bikes with large tanks (including the LMs) have that certain something.
Was there a moment or a stretch during the ride-out that was particularly exciting or memorable for you?
All in all, it was just a really good day. My group consisted of great people and the routes were also well organized. So you could just enjoy it. For me, a personal highlight was a section of the route where two paths ran parallel, separated by a river. And at the same moment, there was a second group on the other side. It was just a great feeling to look across the river and see the other group there and spur each other on.
Oh, and of course, with the help of Enrico from LooseScrew, we were able to help another participant with his XT 500 to continue his journey, as his rear brake had gone.
Were there any moments when you were particularly challenged? What was your biggest learning from the weekend?
Yes, that was definitely the case for me, especially with my heavy bike. The deep and soft sand was very challenging for me, as I don't have the best off-road tires. So it was a lot of work for me to keep the bike straight in the sand, as it was "swimming" a lot. Nevertheless, it was a huge learning experience for me to ride through all the sand and for longer distances at a time.
Quite simply, do it in any case, because it's a really good time. Nice people, good conversations, campfires in the evening and delicious food is also provided. An all-round carefree package. Whether light or heavy motorcycle, even for an off-road beginner like me it was doable and all with a big grin on my face.
Would you like to say anything else about the event, the community or Team Kickback? Do you have any feedback for future events?
I can only say thank you to the whole team and also to all the people I was able to meet this weekend. It was simply a really good event. And of course also to you from KEDO for the chance to be part of it all. Thank you very much.❤️
