MORE than 8,000 motorcyclists from across the country descended on a stately home for a weekend long rally.

The Motorcycle Action Group’s Farmyard Party 2009 was held at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, at the weekend, where the attractions included jugglers, a blues bar, a comedy tent, rock bands, five different bars, a dance tent and a rodeo bull.

There were also 15 different trade stands to browse, and some of the bikers headed out on the Farmyard Tour – a ride from Helmsley through Hutton-le-Hole, up to Castleton, across to Grosmont, and back through Pickering, Cropton and Kirkbymoorside.

Biker and marshall Jayne Hutty, 34, who rides a Kawasaki Zeffa 550, said: “Events like this are great because, although I’m working constantly, it is a relaxing break from the world and I am surrounded by like-minded people.

“I have been riding since I was 17 and I love the fun and the freedom of it.”

Aidy Burn, another event marshal, said: “Being at this rally is really like being part of a tribe.

“You can talk to a complete stranger, but when you have biking in common, within a few minutes he is buying you a pint.

“It is great to come away for a few days and just live with people who have that rebellious spirit that a lot of us share.”

Although the emphasis is on fun, the Motorcycle Action Group is a political organisation, campaigning against a number of issues, including what they see as unfair legislation to restrict young people who are learning to ride.

The Farmyard Party has been running since 1987, and was held in the valley of Duncombe Park until 2005, when the valley flooded, and the organisers realised it was too dangerous a spot for a large festival.

Veteran event organiser Bill Simpson said: “It rained heavily for three hours and water filled the valley – which is ten miles long.

“The water was between eight foot high, and it was travelling at 40 miles an hour.

“It blew bridges, uprooted trees and sent them shooting down the flow of water like torpedoes.

“Luckily it was on the Sunday night when everyone except the organisers had gone home, and there were no serious injuries or deaths.

Although the damage cost £300,000, and the insurance premium for the event has been high ever since, Bill and Aidy both agreed that the floods of 2005 had strengthened the Farmyard Party’s already strong relationship with the people of Helmsley.

Aidy said: “Some of the local farmers lent us some equipment and we cleaned up all of the rubbish and debris spread by the flood. We all wanted to pitch in and help.”

The party is now held up the hill.

All bikers are invited to next year’s event, although no pedestrians or car drivers are allowed.

To find out more, visit www.farmyardparty.com.