CAPTION: Fr Matthew Cashmore says he hopes the Blessing of the Bikes will become an annual event
First Blessing of the Bikes Event Planned for Exeter Cathedral
Motorcyclists from across the South-West are being invited to converge outside Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 10 May for a special Blessing of the Bikes ceremony.
It’s the first time an event like this especially for the biking community has taken place at the Cathedral.
It’s being organised by Father Matthew Cashmore, vicar of two parishes in Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot in Devon, and himself a keen biker.
He said “Biking is about more than machines. It’s about people, community, and a shared love of the road. As a priest and a biker, I’ve always felt those two parts of my life belong together.
“This event is a chance to gather and celebrate bikers. It’s an opportunity to ask God’s blessing on every rider and every journey as the riding season (and the weather!) starts to get going.
“This is the start of a new annual event which will be held around the diocese in the coming years.”
Bikers are invited to arrive at Cathedral Green at about 3pm on 10 May. There will be an Evensong service at 4pm, followed by blessings outside. The Cathedral café will also be open for refreshments.
People need to register for the event at www.holymotorbikes.com
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, who will leading the time of blessing outside the Cathedral, said “I am delighted to host this community of bikers and friends at the cathedral and to pray for their well-being, safety and community spirit.
“It is a good opportunity to make new connections and develop relationships with the wider community of those involved with motorbiking.”
As well as organising the biker event, Father Cashmore is also planning to do an 8000-mile motorbike pilgrimage this year, visiting churches and shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary across Europe.
The trip is for a book commissioned by Bloomsbury publishing called Two Holy Bikers, due to be published in October 2027.
