The Round Kurland Rally is designed as a traditional annual event with an accent on active riding of historic motorcycles in the most picturesque part of Latvia – Kurland . For 2009 it will consist of a Reliability Road Trial and will visit a good dozen of castles, palaces and manor houses of the historical area of Kurland .

For almost 400 years the present territory of Latvia was part of the feudal states of the Livonian order of crusaders as well as archbishops of Riga and Courland . During the period from 1185 to 1562 German feudal lords erected more than 100 castles in the territory of the present day Latvia and fewer – in the territory of the present day Estonia . Exact number of these castles is not known, as many of them perished in the first years after construction, some were wooden, and have not survived till nowadays. It is assumed, that in the territory of Latvia 128 castles have been built, but this number may change in the future, based on the findings of historical research in this area.

Duchy of Courland and Semigallia

The event will be held over the weekend of 16 th – 19th July, 2009. The Rally participants will assemble on Thursday 16 th July after 16.00 hours at the ski resort hotel Milzkalns which is in the Tukums region, close to the Slokenbek estate and is easy to find. Tukums is 60 kilometres from Riga , 120 kilometres from Ventspils and 170 kilometres from Liepaja . This rally is planned as a travelling event so accommodation every night will be provided in a different location. Special vans will be provided to carry participants' extra bags to restaurants and hotels.

The Rally is dedicated to the memory of Alexander Leutner – a Kurland born engineer of German descent. Leutner can be regarded as a true motorcycling and motoring pioneer and one of the first producers of motor vehicles in the territory of Latvia , once part of tsarist Russia .

In the interests of all concerned the rally will be limited to approximately 50 historic motorcycles.

The total riding distance over the 3 rally days is close to 500 km.

Historic motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world are invited to attend this rally. Since Latvia joined the EEC in May, 2004 it has become so much easier to travel to Latvia ! The eligibility date of the machines is 1978.

Rally Entry Forms and Regulations can be requested from the Rally organizer by post or by e-mail and Entry and Accommodation Fees for the Rally can be paid by VISA/Euro card MASTERCARD credit cards. The Entry Fees include all meals of the rally, guarded vehicle parking, rally souvenirs, music and more. There are 2 different standards of accommodation available such as hotel, and accommodation in tents, all priced accordingly as per separate Accommodation Forms. The Entry Deadline is 15 th April, 2009. The 2009 Reliability Road Trial will start from hotel Milzkalns , near Tukums at 8.00 on Friday 17 th July. The event will finish at 17.30 at Mezotne palace near Bauska. The distance from Tukums to Bauska is approaximately 140 kilometres. The distance from Bauska to Riga is 80 kilometres. Hence the participants will be advised to leave their trailers and support vehicles at the Riga Motormuseum or hotel Skanste in Riga and to travel 60 kilometres to Tukums with their motorcycles. Travelling marshals will be available for travelling support.

The number of rooms at hotels en route is limited. Hence it is recommended to send in Rally Entry Forms and to book accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

For Entry and Accommodation Forms and more details on the rally please write or call:

Juris Ramba

Rally Organizer Tel/Fax (+371) 6 50 71334

Lapu # 10 Mobile (+371) 29255601

OGRE LV 5001 e-mail: RAMOTO@APOLLO.LV

LATVIA .