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Welcome
Dear drivers of historic two-wheelers,
We are pleased to present the announcement for the International Windmill Rally 2026, which will be held for the first time on May 30, 2026, together with the 8th Mainz Two-Wheeler Rally in Bodenheim.
Rheinhessen – often referred to as the “Tuscany of Germany” – attracts visitors with its gently rolling vineyards, sun-drenched loess and limestone slopes, picturesque half-timbered villages, rustic wine taverns, and the Rhine terraces. Our vintage motorcycles feel particularly at home on quiet country roads between orchards, sunken paths, and panoramic viewpoints. Look forward to warm hospitality, first-class wines, and 2,000 years of cultural history.
As Zweitaktfreunde Mainz e.V. in the Veteran Vehicle Association (VFV), it is a special honor for us to host this traditional event in our home region.
The Windmill Rally rules stipulate a duration of two days – on both days, the route must be at least 100 kilometers long. The division between the two days is as follows:
Friday – May 29, 2026 | Start: 1:00 p.m. | Route 101 kilometers
The start is with cold and switched-off motorcycles. The motorcycles may have been run for the last time at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday – May 30, 2026 | Start: 9:30 a.m. | Route: 101 kilometers
The vehicles must be parked in the Parc Fermé by 9:30 p.m. on Friday at the latest – this ensures that the 12 hours are guaranteed in accordance with the regulations.
Secure your starting place now
Concept / Regulation
The Windmill Rally is a tourist event for classic motorcycles held around Bodenheim and includes:
• Start test (cold engine)
• Reliability test with approx. three regularity tests (GLP) per day at freely selectable average speeds of 24/30/36 km/h. Speedometer are taped over for the GLP. Electronic distance or time measuring devices (trip master, GPS, smartphones, etc.) are not permitted and will result in disqualification.
• Outside the GLP, participants should enjoy the route at a relaxed pace. Those who wish to drive without being scored should tick “No scoring” and drive at a maximum speed of 40 km/h. These participants will receive a souvenir prize at the finish line.
• Support vehicles are not permitted, except for officially marked organization vehicles.
International Windmill Trophy
The rally is also a national team competition for the silver Windmill Trophy (challenge cup VMC Netherlands):
• Nation A Team (at least 6 drivers + 1 reserve)
o at least 1 machine built before 31 December 1914
o at least 1 machine from January 1, 1915 to December 31, 1924
o maximum of 4 machines from January 1, 1925 to December 31, 1930
• Nation B Team (at least 4 6 drivers + 2 reserves): machines up to December 31, 1940
In accordance with Windmill Rally regulations, additional teams are possible (women's teams, club teams, and brand teams – 3 drivers + 1 reserve).
Only vehicles built before 1940 are eligible for the trophy classification.
Clothing
Contemporary clothing is welcome and will be taken into account when awarding prizes, but must be safe and practical. Inappropriate costumes will result in disqualification. Motorcyclists and passengers must wear suitable protective helmets (ECE helmets). High-visibility vests will be provided by the organizer.
Insurance
The organizer shall take out organizer liability insurance. Liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €2.5 million must be provided for each participating motor vehicle.
Route
The main route starts on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Plattenhohl fairgrounds in Bodenheim. Approximately 95% of the 90 km route runs along paved side roads through the vineyards and villages of Rheinhessen, supplemented by short farm roads. Sufficient breaks for rest and refreshments are planned.
Eligibility
• Windmill Trophy classification: motorcycles built before December 31, 1940
• Tourist classification of the Mainz Two-Wheel Rally: motorcycles built before December 31, 1988
All vehicles must be roadworthy. A valid driver's license and liability insurance are mandatory.
Classification of veteran motorcycles
Class 1 – until 31 December 1906 (bonus 0.3)
Class 2 – 1907–1914 (0.4)
Class 3 – 1915–1925 (0.6)
Class 4 – 1926–1930 & Stecktank machines (0.75)
Class 5 – 1931–1940 (1.0)
Class 6 – 1946–1960 (tourist)
Class 7 – 1961–1988 (tourist)
Location
Plattenhohl fairground, 55294 Bodenheim – 49°55’51.8″N 8°17’59.4″E - Germany
Registration
Nominations can now be submitted exclusively at www.windmill26.eu.
Registration fee
Driver €150
Pillion €75
Payment must be made within 10 working days of registration; payment details are provided in the confirmation email. Please do not send cash. The organizer reserves the right to refuse an entry without giving reasons. Entry fee includes
• Program booklet
• Breakfast on Saturday
• Snacks during the rally (Friday & Saturday)
• Coffee & cake (Saturday)
• 2 dinners (Friday & Saturday)
• Winner & team prizes
Camping
Camping is available on site from May 28 to 31, 2026. Fees must be paid together with the entry fee. Camping fees include electricity and sanitary facilities.
• 1 vehicle/tent: $15
• per person: $15
• Children up to 14 years of age: free of charge
Schedule
Friday, May 29, 2026
From 8:00 a.m. Pick up registration documents
11:00 a.m. Motorcycles must be parked
12:00 p.m. Welcome / flag raising + national anthem
12:30 p.m. Riders' briefing
1:00 p.m. Start of Windmill Rally Day 1
6:00 p.m. Expected arrival at the start/finish
Saturday, May 30, 2026 (with 8th Mainz Two-Wheel Rally)
From 7:30 a.m. Opening of the Mainz Two-Wheel Rally registration office
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Drivers' meeting
9:30 a.m. Start of the vehicles
2:00 p.m. Arrival of the first vehicles
3:30 p.m. End of scoring
4:00 p.m. Winners / Award ceremony
Subject to change
Technical inspection / parc fermè
All vehicles are subject to a technical inspection at the event location. This inspection checks road safety, compliance with the specified year of manufacture, and the absence of electronic aids (trip master, GPS, etc.).
From Friday evening (May 28, 2026), a guarded parc fermé will be set up at the fairgrounds in Bodenheim. Vehicles must be parked there between 8:00 p.m. and 9:15 a.m. During this time, they may not be started or moved.
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, a start check with cold engines will take place at the beginning of the rally:
• Drivers must arrive at the start one minute before their start time with the engine switched off and cold.
• At the flag signal, the vehicle must be started in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Within one minute, 20 meters must be covered with the engine running.
Start test evaluation:
• Start attempt failed: 5 penalty points
• Engine temperature more than 5°C above frame temperature: 10 penalty points
This test is included in the overall evaluation.
Liability
Participants take part in the event at their own risk and bear sole civil and criminal liability for any damage caused by them or the vehicle they are using, unless an exclusion of liability has been agreed. By submitting their registration, participants waive any right of action or recourse against the organizer, its representatives, agents, assistants, authorities, and other participants or third parties involved in the organization and implementation of the event for any damage suffered in connection with the event. The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the announcement due to force majeure, for safety reasons, or due to official orders, or to cancel the event without assuming any liability for damages.
Participants' obligations
The start will take place in order of start numbers. The start number must be clearly visible on the front of the vehicle throughout the event and must not cover the official license plate.
Traffic rules
Traffic regulations must be strictly observed. Violations will result in disqualification from the competition. Repairs and refueling are permitted. The organizer may place advertising on start numbers and rally signs; these must be displayed. Participants will be notified of any changes to the announcement digitally.
Miscellaneous
The entry fee is non-refundable, even in the event of cancellation by the authorities or force majeure. Legal recourse is excluded.
Organizer
Zweitaktfreunde Mainz e.V. i. VFV – Hans‑Zöller‑Straße 34 – 55130 Mainz
Welcome
Dear drivers of historic two-wheelers,
We are pleased to present the announcement for the International Windmill Rally 2026, which will be held for the first time on May 30, 2026, together with the 8th Mainz Two-Wheeler Rally in Bodenheim.
Rheinhessen – often referred to as the “Tuscany of Germany” – attracts visitors with its gently rolling vineyards, sun-drenched loess and limestone slopes, picturesque half-timbered villages, rustic wine taverns, and the Rhine terraces. Our vintage motorcycles feel particularly at home on quiet country roads between orchards, sunken paths, and panoramic viewpoints. Look forward to warm hospitality, first-class wines, and 2,000 years of cultural history.
As Zweitaktfreunde Mainz e.V. in the Veteran Vehicle Association (VFV), it is a special honor for us to host this traditional event in our home region.
The Windmill Rally rules stipulate a duration of two days – on both days, the route must be at least 100 kilometers long. The division between the two days is as follows:
Friday – May 29, 2026 | Start: 1:00 p.m. | Route 101 kilometers
The start is with cold and switched-off motorcycles. The motorcycles may have been run for the last time at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday – May 30, 2026 | Start: 9:30 a.m. | Route: 101 kilometers
The vehicles must be parked in the Parc Fermé by 9:30 p.m. on Friday at the latest – this ensures that the 12 hours are guaranteed in accordance with the regulations.
Secure your starting place now
Concept / Regulation
The Windmill Rally is a tourist event for classic motorcycles held around Bodenheim and includes:
• Start test (cold engine)
• Reliability test with approx. three regularity tests (GLP) per day at freely selectable average speeds of 24/30/36 km/h. Speedometer are taped over for the GLP. Electronic distance or time measuring devices (trip master, GPS, smartphones, etc.) are not permitted and will result in disqualification.
• Outside the GLP, participants should enjoy the route at a relaxed pace. Those who wish to drive without being scored should tick “No scoring” and drive at a maximum speed of 40 km/h. These participants will receive a souvenir prize at the finish line.
• Support vehicles are not permitted, except for officially marked organization vehicles.
International Windmill Trophy
The rally is also a national team competition for the silver Windmill Trophy (challenge cup VMC Netherlands):
• Nation A Team (at least 6 drivers + 1 reserve)
o at least 1 machine built before 31 December 1914
o at least 1 machine from January 1, 1915 to December 31, 1924
o maximum of 4 machines from January 1, 1925 to December 31, 1930
• Nation B Team (at least 4 6 drivers + 2 reserves): machines up to December 31, 1940
In accordance with Windmill Rally regulations, additional teams are possible (women's teams, club teams, and brand teams – 3 drivers + 1 reserve).
Only vehicles built before 1940 are eligible for the trophy classification.
Clothing
Contemporary clothing is welcome and will be taken into account when awarding prizes, but must be safe and practical. Inappropriate costumes will result in disqualification. Motorcyclists and passengers must wear suitable protective helmets (ECE helmets). High-visibility vests will be provided by the organizer.
Insurance
The organizer shall take out organizer liability insurance. Liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €2.5 million must be provided for each participating motor vehicle.
Route
The main route starts on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Plattenhohl fairgrounds in Bodenheim. Approximately 95% of the 90 km route runs along paved side roads through the vineyards and villages of Rheinhessen, supplemented by short farm roads. Sufficient breaks for rest and refreshments are planned.
Eligibility
• Windmill Trophy classification: motorcycles built before December 31, 1940
• Tourist classification of the Mainz Two-Wheel Rally: motorcycles built before December 31, 1988
All vehicles must be roadworthy. A valid driver's license and liability insurance are mandatory.
Classification of veteran motorcycles
Class 1 – until 31 December 1906 (bonus 0.3)
Class 2 – 1907–1914 (0.4)
Class 3 – 1915–1925 (0.6)
Class 4 – 1926–1930 & Stecktank machines (0.75)
Class 5 – 1931–1940 (1.0)
Class 6 – 1946–1960 (tourist)
Class 7 – 1961–1988 (tourist)
Location
Plattenhohl fairground, 55294 Bodenheim – 49°55’51.8″N 8°17’59.4″E - Germany
Registration
Nominations can now be submitted exclusively at www.windmill26.eu.
Registration fee
Driver €150
Pillion €75
Payment must be made within 10 working days of registration; payment details are provided in the confirmation email. Please do not send cash. The organizer reserves the right to refuse an entry without giving reasons. Entry fee includes
• Program booklet
• Breakfast on Saturday
• Snacks during the rally (Friday & Saturday)
• Coffee & cake (Saturday)
• 2 dinners (Friday & Saturday)
• Winner & team prizes
Camping
Camping is available on site from May 28 to 31, 2026. Fees must be paid together with the entry fee. Camping fees include electricity and sanitary facilities.
• 1 vehicle/tent: $15
• per person: $15
• Children up to 14 years of age: free of charge
Schedule
Friday, May 29, 2026
From 8:00 a.m. Pick up registration documents
11:00 a.m. Motorcycles must be parked
12:00 p.m. Welcome / flag raising + national anthem
12:30 p.m. Riders' briefing
1:00 p.m. Start of Windmill Rally Day 1
6:00 p.m. Expected arrival at the start/finish
Saturday, May 30, 2026 (with 8th Mainz Two-Wheel Rally)
From 7:30 a.m. Opening of the Mainz Two-Wheel Rally registration office
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Drivers' meeting
9:30 a.m. Start of the vehicles
2:00 p.m. Arrival of the first vehicles
3:30 p.m. End of scoring
4:00 p.m. Winners / Award ceremony
Subject to change
Technical inspection / parc fermè
All vehicles are subject to a technical inspection at the event location. This inspection checks road safety, compliance with the specified year of manufacture, and the absence of electronic aids (trip master, GPS, etc.).
From Friday evening (May 28, 2026), a guarded parc fermé will be set up at the fairgrounds in Bodenheim. Vehicles must be parked there between 8:00 p.m. and 9:15 a.m. During this time, they may not be started or moved.
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, a start check with cold engines will take place at the beginning of the rally:
• Drivers must arrive at the start one minute before their start time with the engine switched off and cold.
• At the flag signal, the vehicle must be started in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Within one minute, 20 meters must be covered with the engine running.
Start test evaluation:
• Start attempt failed: 5 penalty points
• Engine temperature more than 5°C above frame temperature: 10 penalty points
This test is included in the overall evaluation.
Liability
Participants take part in the event at their own risk and bear sole civil and criminal liability for any damage caused by them or the vehicle they are using, unless an exclusion of liability has been agreed. By submitting their registration, participants waive any right of action or recourse against the organizer, its representatives, agents, assistants, authorities, and other participants or third parties involved in the organization and implementation of the event for any damage suffered in connection with the event. The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the announcement due to force majeure, for safety reasons, or due to official orders, or to cancel the event without assuming any liability for damages.
Participants' obligations
The start will take place in order of start numbers. The start number must be clearly visible on the front of the vehicle throughout the event and must not cover the official license plate.
Traffic rules
Traffic regulations must be strictly observed. Violations will result in disqualification from the competition. Repairs and refueling are permitted. The organizer may place advertising on start numbers and rally signs; these must be displayed. Participants will be notified of any changes to the announcement digitally.
Miscellaneous
The entry fee is non-refundable, even in the event of cancellation by the authorities or force majeure. Legal recourse is excluded.
Organizer
Zweitaktfreunde Mainz e.V. i. VFV – Hans‑Zöller‑Straße 34 – 55130 Mainz