Dewsbury Rams aim to get ‘back on horse’ at Barrow on same day town welcomes over 40,000 motorcyclists in honour of Hairy Biker star Dave Myers
It is universally acknowledged in rugby league circles that a trip to Cumbria is one of the most feared journeys for any away side.
The exhausting, seemingly ever-lasting hours-long coach ride, the passionate support of the home crowd, and the physical test you will receive when you eventually step onto the pitch are just some of the factors.
But when Dewsbury Rams travel to Barrow Raiders this Saturday, June 20 (kick off 6pm), they will also have to contend with over 40,000 motorcyclists who are making their way from London to the Cumbrian town in convoy on the same day - and all for a great cause.
The special Dave Day ride, which leaves the capital at 7am, is in honour of Barrow-born TV chef Dave Myers, the famous star of the Hairy Bikers, who sadly passed away in 2024.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Rams head coach Paul March told the Reporter Series:
“Barrow have got some quality players and it is always a tough place to go, but the trip will be made harder because the bikers are going through the same day up to Barrow.
“It will be a long journey. They are talking about 46,000 bikers travelling up to Barrow and meeting at Barrow Town Hall. We will have to get our timings right and make sure we don’t get stuck in it.
“It will be quite a sight. We have had emails regarding it, so fingers crossed we don’t get stuck in it.”
Dewsbury head into the game on the back of a 46-0 “drubbing” at Widnes Vikings.
“We didn’t play well,” March admitted. “But I thought Widnes were outstanding. They just strangled us and put us under pressure.
“This week we are obviously looking to get back onto the horse and get a performance together. We know it is going to be tough going up there. They have got a lot of experienced players and we need to be on our A-game.
“If not, we will get what we deserve like we did at Widnes. We will be focussed on defending our own line and making sure we take our opportunities when they come.”
The Rams’ squad has a core of youngsters within it, who March believes are consistently learning.
He said: “The group we have got are young, enthusiastic and they want to win. After the Widnes game they were very quiet in the dressing room, but they understand where they have gone wrong or where they got out-muscled. It is all a learning curve.
“We knew it was going to be a tough season with going into the Championship and playing some of these big teams, but we can’t allow our confidence to be knocked by these performances against the top fours.”
The convoy is expected to reach Lancaster Moto Services on the M6 around 1.45pm before setting off again at 2.15pm. The riders are then expected to arrive at Barrow Town Hall for 3.30pm.
For the trip, the Rams will be without Jack McShane and Craig McShane, March confirmed.