THE year’s classic motorcycling calendar is now underway in style as a 12 time British champion and legend of the race track regaled showgoers with his tales of past glory at the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic.

Thousands of enthusiasts sheltered from the cold in the packed halls at Newark Showground on January 4-5, where they surveyed the rows of stunning classics and the array of trade and autojumble stands.

But it was 1980s race ace Roger Marshall who stole the show, as crowds gathered to listen to his entertaining and revealing on stage interviews with former TT winner Steve Plater.

“There were plenty of people who gathered around the main stage to hear Roger’s Q&A and they certainly weren’t disappointed,” said exhibition manager Nick Mowbray.

“He shared memories and moments, both high and low, from a successful and storied career, as well as recounting meetings and battles with iconic names such as Joey Dunlop and Wayne Gardner.”

Malcolm Wheeler, current editor of Classic Racer magazine and a fellow 1980s competitor, also took part in some of the on stage activities: “Roger was on top form up there and shared some highly entertaining episodes from a clearly eventful life and career,” said Malcolm.

“It was also great to talk to him about the rich history and promising future of racing in the East Midlands – fuelled by Cadwell Park – and his current involvement as a judicial steward in BSB.”

The former factory Honda and Suzuki rider was also on hand to give out the show’s awards – presented to the best in restorations, displays and club stands.

Graham Holloway’s 1955 650 Triumph T110 was selected as Best In Show, Tony Cookson’s 1956 750 Triton Cafe Racer picked up Best Restoration and Garry Kendrick’s 1978 900 Ducati MHR was chosen as the show’s premier private entry.

Along with the classic motorcycle sections of the show, the Scooter World Hall was back by popular demand – a dedicated area that showcased the best in UK scooter clubs and private entries.

Scooter sport celebrities John and Norman Ronald were there for a Q&A session with Classic Scooterist editor, Mau Spencer.

The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance even dropped in on proceedings to collect funds raised by organising team Classic Bike Shows at a special auction at Newark Showground in June.

With 2014 marking the event’s third year, the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic has firmly established itself as the top classic motorcycling event in the region and looks set to carry on a tradition of being the classic calendar curtain raiser for years to come.

Ace Cafe London's annual Elvis "Jailhouse Rock" Birthday Party Night, features the exceptional singer, songwriter and performer, Paul Ansell, frontman and "voice" of the rock n' roll band "Number 9" - Paul has worked with many of the rock n' roll greats, including Elvis's Sun guitarist, the legendary Scotty Moore - with DJ Bill Guntrip on the decks, from 9pm - 2am on Saturday 11th January.

This evening includes opportunity to win a range of prizes including a special "Jailhouse Rock" black & white hooped "Chino" from La Rocka! as well as copies of Vintage Rock Magazine, pairs of tickets to attend the cafe on occasion of the annual Gene Vincent Tribute Night on Saturday 8th February, a meal voucher for two and a CD set of three volumes that showcase the music from the "King's" personal jukebox.

Courtesy of the UK label Vee-Tone Records - "The Memphis Jukebox", Volumes 1.2.3, is a selection of tracks carefully chosen by Vee-Tone to demonstrate the young Elvis Presley's wide musical tastes, including Blues, Rhythm n ' Blues, Rockabilly and Rock n' Roll.

David Gillespie of Vee-Tone Records said; "This is a truly unique and historic collection. Whilst many of the records individually will have been heard before, together they give a remarkable insight into Elvis's life and musical influences. Every time you press "play" to listen to this collection, you are recreating a moment in time, a moment in Elvis's life when he would press "play" on his personal jukebox in Graceland".

To be in with a chance of winning, just retain your entry raffle ticket.

Entry £10
Sorry no under 18's

www.larocka79.com
www.veetonerecords.com
www.vintagerockmag.com
www.ace-cafe-london.com

12 times FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin will face stiff opposition when he comes up against 4 times British Champion and current World number 6 James Dabill as the pair go head to head at Manchester Motorcycle Show – 11/12th January 2014.

Over a course designed and built by the renowned Martin Lampkin – Britain’s current two most successful Trial riders will contest a series of dual lane races that will decide who will become the undisputed King of Manchester.

Sparks are sure to fly, so make sure you are there to see this epic battle between two of the best vertical warriors on the planet.

For trade enquiries contact Kelly Delaney on 01775 768661 or 07967658560, or email [email protected]

For more information about What's On and Show FAQ's see www.manchestermotorcycleshow.co.uk

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE BRIGHTON SPEED TRIALS

UK’s longest running motor sport event under threat

Brighton, 23 December 2013: Calling all motorsport fans, we need your support to help save the Brighton Speed Trials. The Speed Trials is the longest running motorsport event in the UK and has become a world-famous action packed sprint. It is under threat by Brighton and Hove Council who want to refuse permission and block the event taking place on the seafront.

But you can help by signing our petition; either visit www.savebrightonspeedtrials.com or go directly to the petition which is on the Brighton and Hove Council web site and sign it now. Don’t delay; the council will be making a decision on 23 January 2014!

The Speed Trials has been running in Brighton since 1905 and is one of the highlights of the seafront entertainment calendar. Thousands of people come down for an entertaining fun-packed day out for the whole family to watch some of the UK’s best race cars and motor bikes compete along Madeira Drive. Over two hundred cars and motor bikes line up to take a timed run including road cars, race cars and drag bikes who compete to win the fastest in their class. A top six run-off to find the fastest car and bike brings the day to a dramatic close.

Brighton and Hove Council is planning to block permission for this annual event so we need your help. As well as signing our petition you can support the campaign by circulating the link to the petition to friends and family, facebook contacts and Twitter followers.

The Brighton Speed Trials is organised by Brighton and Hove Motor Club; the club’s Tony Watts said: “We are appealing to motorsport fans, local residents and everyone who enjoys a family day out at the seaside to help us save this historic event. The loss of the Brighton Speed Trials will be the end of an era for Brighton with over 100 years of history and entertainment in the area gone.”

The end of the Speed Trials will also have a financial impact on tourism and trade for retailers and businesses in the area as it brings thousands of visitors to Brighton.

Updates will be posted to Twitter, follow us: @SaveBST

Please like our page on facebook: 

A survey carried out for the Motorcycle industry* researched the impact of bikers on the tourist industry and found that Motorcycle-related tourism spending in the UK is over £565 million each year, supporting over 13, 000 tourism jobs.

In recent years the most significant growth in motorcyclists has been in female riders and with this the rise in longer stays under bricks & mortar such as B&B's, hotels, cottages, etc, rather than just for one night... Many riders know there is nothing worse than arriving somewhere after a long ride, unpacking, showering, eating, drinking, sleeping and then up the next day to pack up and move on. With this there is a significant rise in finding a great Biker Friendly place to stay as a base for a few days and then to go out each day to tour and explore the area.

Hoteliers, cafes, pubs, event organisers and other tourist related organisations could be getting more money from the biker pound, by choosing the correct medium to promote themselves within, especially as many Bikers travel in the UK for their holidays, along with overseas motorcycling tourists spending over £17 million on trips here.

The traditional stereotype of bikers being free-spirited, leather clad hooligan is thing of the past, according to research** the profile of the ‘average biker’ in 21st Century Britain, a seemingly upstanding, 40+-something middle-class citizen who is a married, professional, family man, who almost certainly owns a car. Challenging the old perceptions of bikers even further, only 7% sport either long hair or a pony tail. This is probably because nearly 60% of those surveyed hold down a professional senior/management job, taking home an average wage 25% higher than the national average.

By simply advertising your business as 'Biker friendly' here on THE BIKER GUIDE is letting this niche audience know that you welcome them, which many times is enough in itself... by also offering drying facilities, garaged and/or secure parking is a bonus and not a necessary, for you to capitalise on this growing market.

Other interesting facts:

More than half of all motorcyclists are over 40, with the vast majority of motorcycle tourists being in this age category.

“The lack of interest in the motorcycle tourism sector may be due to a perceived image of rebellious youthful bikers which is at odds with their current demographic," (Dr Cater, lecturer at Aberystwyth University).

* by GHK on behalf of the MCI ** by Bennetts