Beatson Bikers 2026: How 250 bikers became 1,300 in three years

• More than 1,300 participants and over £36,000 (approx. €41,970 / $48,110) for the Beatson Cancer Charity
• First start at the Moulsdale Foundation museum, 38 miles (approx. 61 kilometres) around Glasgow
• Participant numbers have grown from 250 to more than 1,300 since the first ride in 2024

On Sunday, 20 September 2026, the third edition of the Beatson Bikers took place, a charity ride in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity. The organisation helps people with cancer in the West of Scotland. The event is organised by the charity itself, with Optical Express and the Moulsdale Foundation as sponsors. Beforehand, the organisers had set a target of more than 1,000 participants. In the end, far more turned up.

How did the Beatson Bikers 2026 in Glasgow go?

In the morning, the riders set off from the Moulsdale Foundation’s Classic and Performance Car and Motorcycle Museum in Bishopbriggs and rode 38 miles (approx. 61 kilometres) around the outskirts of Glasgow. The finish was the Beatson Cancer Centre. The event began at 9 am.

Before the start, the museum café served hot breakfast rolls, tea and coffee. The Moulsdale Foundation doubled the takings there, raising £4,520 (approx. €5,270 / $6,040), all of which went to the charity. At the start, final information and a safety briefing were given over loudspeakers. At the finish in the Beatson car park, a water station, food trucks and an entertainment programme awaited the participants. Along the way, the roads were wet in places.

According to the Moulsdale Foundation, participants came from all over Scotland and further afield. David Moulsdale, founder of the Foundation and head of Optical Express, describes the ride as “one of Scotland’s largest gatherings of motorcyclists”. In his own words, it was a special honour for him to host the start line at his own museum for the first time.

Which vehicles are on display at the Moulsdale Foundation Museum?

According to the museum in Bishopbriggs, it displays more than 400 motorcycles and cars, including racing machines associated with Scottish racers Ian Simpson, Steve Hislop and Jim Moodie. Participants were able to view the collection before the start.

The collection also has plenty to offer on four wheels. It includes the Vauxhall Nova once driven by the late World Rally Champion Colin McRae. There are also Formula 1 cars from David Coulthard and the Ford Lotus Cortina used by the gang behind the 1963 Great Train Robbery. Several times a year, the Foundation opens the museum to the public on open days.

Niall Mackenzie rides in the pack

Among the participants was Niall Mackenzie. The Scot used to race in the 500cc class of the Grand Prix World Championship and has won the British Superbike Championship three times. At the Beatson Bikers, he lined up with the other riders without any special role.

After the ride, he was delighted at how many motorcyclists had come together for a good cause. He said he was proud to have started from the museum together with the 1,300 bikers. He describes his own contribution modestly: he had “played a small part in this event”.

How did the Beatson Bikers come about?

The idea came from Derek Provan OBE, who is involved with the Beatson Cancer Charity as a business ambassador. He wanted to combine his work for the charity with his passion for motorcycling. Like many other families, his own had been affected by cancer.

The first ride came together very quickly. Provan says they had “within 6 weeks held our first ride with over 250 riders”. This premiere took place on 15 September 2024. Back then, the start was at Glasgow Cathedral, and the ride took around 90 minutes, leading through the city centre to the Beatson Cancer Charity. The sponsor was Glasgow Airport. Even then, Provan hoped it would become an annual event.

In the second year, on 14 September 2025, the ride began at 10 am directly at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The route led through Glasgow and along Loch Lomond. The sponsors at the time were West Coast Triumph Glasgow and car dealer Arnold Clark. According to Provan, more than 750 riders took part. In 2026, the number almost doubled again. The Beatson Bikers thus show how a single idea can quickly become a fixed annual date for the motorcycle scene around Glasgow.

What does the Beatson Cancer Charity use the money raised for?

The Beatson Cancer Charity uses donations to fund research, clinical care and support services for cancer patients and their families in the West of Scotland. According to the charity, no one should have to face cancer alone.

Chief Executive Gillian Hailstones thanked the sponsors and all participants. She said the more than 1,300 motorcyclists made an impressive sight. More important, however, is that the money keeps the work for those affected and their families going.

The fundraising total is not yet final. On 23 September 2026, the official donation page for the campaign stood at around £37,727 (approx. €43,980 / $50,410). The campaign runs until 29 November 2026.

This is not the first time the Moulsdale Foundation has supported the charity. According to its own figures, the Foundation and David Moulsdale’s companies have donated more than £36 million (approx. €42 million / $48.1 million) over the past 36 years. The money went to youth and sports groups, cancer charities, environmental projects and children’s charities in the UK and abroad.

How can motorcyclists take part in the Beatson Bikers?

Taking part in the Beatson Bikers is free, but registration in advance is mandatory, including for pillion passengers. Every registered rider receives a hi-vis vest with the ride’s logo.

Instead of an entry fee, the organisers ask for donations. Participants can also set up their own fundraising pages and share them with friends and family. The number of places was limited in 2026.

When it comes to safety, the rules are clear. Anyone who takes part does so at their own risk and is responsible for themselves and their motorcycle. The organisers advise against any manoeuvres beyond one’s own ability. Anyone wearing a flip-up helmet should keep the chin bar closed and locked. The organisers have not yet announced a date for the next edition.

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