In its survey of more than 2,000 riders and non-riders from across the UK, the MCI found that 84% of the UK's 1.5 million riders prefer to holiday by motorcycle for holidays, short breaks and days out - even though the majority have access to a car.

One-quarter of riders use motorcycles as their preferred mode of transport to enjoy days-out in the UK. One-in-six take weekend short-breaks by bike and one-in-fifteen holiday on two-wheels . The average spend by motorcyclists is £68 per day on accommodation, food and entertainment.

In the current economic climate, where the tourism industry is encouraging British people to enjoy a 'staycation', it would seem wise to capitalise on the potential European bike market too.

"Holidaying by bike is an excellent way of seeing more of the UK's tourist attractions and stunning scenery at your own convenience.  It contributes a significant amount to local and national tourism and now is a good time for the UK to try and open this up to markets further afield."   Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said "As a destination venue, motorcycle tourism is increasingly important.  At the cafe we ensure that we give riders a reason to get out and enjoy riding their bikes and visit us".

The 2009 Rally of Great Britain, one of the UK's biggest motorsport events, popular for its high octane action set in the infamously unforgiving Welsh forests, has now been launched.

The event, which takes place from 22 - 25 October, is the final round of the World Rally Championship and could see the making of this year's Champion. This year, for the first time, the Service Park will be in the Welsh capital, in Cardiff Bay. Free of charge to enter, it will give everyone a chance to get up close to the action.

Tickets are now on sale, with last year's popular 'kids for a quid' offer extended to include more of the event than ever before, making it a perfect family activity. Once again, all ticket prices remain low, starting from just £1 for child day passes. A World Rally Pass (WRP) represents the best value for money, for adults wanting to soak up all the action. The pass will give access to all stages and car parks and shakedown. Organisers have worked hard to keep prices low and at £90 the WRP remains the same price it has been for the past five years - a rare phenomenon in the sporting world.

Also available is a huge range of hospitality packages at extremely competitive prices, designed to suit small or large businesses and rally fans alike. Each package is designed to bring guests closer to the action in exclusive surroundings. Bespoke packages can also be created to include almost anything from hotels to helicopter rides, making the Rally of Great Britain experience truly unique.

This year's event will have a new twist, with Rally HQ and the Service Park based entirely in Cardiff, making it extremely convenient for fans wanting to experience all the action. The Service Park, which will be based in Cardiff Bay, can be reached easily from the city centre by bus, foot or train. Entry to the Service Park is free and will give visitors the chance to meet the teams and experience the full rally atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the entertainment and catering available at the Service Park, which is itself surrounded by some of Cardiff's best bars and restaurants.

An added bonus this year will be the return of the Remote Service Park in Builth Wells. Set in the midst of the Mid Wales stages, it will give fans the chance to experience a service park right at the heart of the rally and really see what goes on behind the scenes. It will be an absolute must see for serious rally fans and is an added bonus for World Rally Pass holders.

To take advantage of the best ticket prices advance booking is essential. Details of how to purchase tickets together with other important news is available by visiting www.rallygb.org

Tickets can also be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251 or in person from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1TL, Monday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am -5.30pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

•7,500 paying customers.
•900 back room people (Caterers, Traders, litter pickers, band members, bar staff... to name but a few).
•180 Marshals (who paid for their tickets by the way).
•300 staff cars hidden out of the way.
•20 tons of paper and plast
ic rubbish picked up and disposed of.
•120 tons of wood burned.
•9,500 gallon of poo taken away.
•11,000 gallons of Diesel burned in generators.
•90 first aid patients.
•And a lot of happy people

From 8am Friday morning of the Farmyard to 12 Noon on Sunday the volunteer marshals worked 532, Four-hour shifts, this equates to 2,128 hours work by volunteers (who like I say pay for a ticket, same as you)

The organizing committee from all the MAG groups in Yorkshire amounts to around 25 people met 6 times and that's 30 hours, totaling around 750 hours just in meetings never mind traveling to and from them.

And then there is the work of the lady called Clare Shaw who puts this information together, who's hours cant be counted because she donates her time and company QT Creative to the riders rights cause.

However all our hard working volunteers, both seen and unseen are actually priceless, so if you see someone in a Farmyard Party crew T-shirt, don't whine at them because the grass was to long or to green around your tent, give them a pat on the back because without them there would be no Farmyard Party.

BY BIKERS, FOR BIKERS, IN AID OF BIKING. So all in all a great event and we are so pleased so many have taken the time to tell us so.

For more details on MAG:

www.mag-uk.org