Last month the good folks at Malle London, makers of fine British luggage and adventure gear, hosted the 10th edition of “the British Inappropriate Motorcycle Race & Festival in Motion” better known as The Malle Mile — a celebration of the speed, music, and art of motorcycle culture.
According to organizers Robert and Jonny, the genesis of The Mile came a decade ago on a lonely East London road:
“For us, it was just before midnight in East London, on a deserted road, two sets of perfectly placed traffic lights were red. Two front wheels rolled onto the line, the briefest of side ways glances and suddenly the drag race was happening, elbows up, heads down, nothing to win, everything to lose. Short, sweet, fast and fun. That’s when the nucleus of The Mile started, from a pure drag race.”
Fast forward a decade, and they find themselves on yet another starting line, this time on the grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle, surrounded by wild machines, friends, fire sculptures, flaming dancers, bands, artists, family, and the beautiful chaos of inappropriate motorcycle racing.
Yes, while some motorcycle festivals are mainly experienced on foot, at a sedate pace, The Mile is a festival in motion, featuring not just bands and exhibitions and displays, but a nonstop gauntlet of races like the Malle Scramble, the Art of Sprint, the Roughs Race, motorcycle polo, and more.
This is no event for trailer queens and show ponies — the emphasis here is poetry in motion:
“Classic, custom, and rare motorcycles…doing what they’re designed to do!”
Our man on the ground this year was none other than Roberto Garagarza (@roga______), the London-based Mexican photographer who covers The Bike Shed Show for us. Below are some of his highlights from the show!
Follow the Show
Web: mallelondon.com/the-mile/
Instagram: @mallelondon
Facebook: Malle London
Follow the Photographer
Photography: Roberto Garagarza (@roga______)
Nice!!
I generally eschew luggage but I appreciate the event.