ONE of the showpiece events of the classic calendar is set to once again cater to the legions of motorcycle enthusiasts in attendance as the 34th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show once again descends on the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet.

Now firmly established as one of the premier events in the world of the older models, the show takes place on the weekend of February 8-9.

Visitors can expect to feast their eyes upon an array of stunning classic machinery as well as a fantastic mix of trade stalls, dealers and autojumble plots that provide the perfect setting for the inspiration needed to finish a restoration project for the summer.

Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “From its original home in Bristol to its current location in Shepton Mallet, this show is all about a tradition of superb restorations, a great range of trade and jumble stalls and plenty of bargains to be found.”

With the show taking place in early February, most of the action will take place in the indoor halls of the showground – a perfect place to take refuge from any unkind winter weather as you get up close to the classics on display.

Discount advance tickets for the event – costing just £10 for a one day pass – are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com or by calling the ticket team on 01507 529529.

British Historic Racing is an integral part of the VMCC that holds Road Race meetings across the country for members and invited clubs.

A wide range of vintage & classic motorcycles compete against each other in a range of events from pre-1934 solos, outfits & 3 Wheelers, through to the exciting BEARS series catering for European & American machines from the 1970s & 80s. We also have regular invited clubs who come along and join our meetings such as BSSO Scooters & the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club.

We hold more than 20 Championships over a calendar of six meetings at venues all across the country including the newly re-opened Mallory Park!

If you have a road race license and would like to race with likeminded friendly racers come and join us at our meetings where you will be made most welcome.

BRITISH HISTORIC RACING CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014

Anglesey 12/13 April
Three Sisters 10/11 May
Mallory Park 14/15 June
Lydden Hill 05/06 July
Darley Moor 26/27 July
Cadwell Park 27/28 September
 

For more details contact BHR entries Secretary Carole Allison 07400 508055 e-mail [email protected] or download entry forms directly from our website

www.britishhistoricracing.co.uk

Ace Cafe Xmas Toy Run

The cafe's annual Christmas Toy Run into central London departs at 11am on Sunday 15th December to attend the children's wards of three hospitals:

St Mary's (Paddington) 11.45am - 12.15pm
Royal Brompton (Chelsea) 1pm - 1.30pm
Evelina Children's Hospital (Westminster) 2pm - 2.30pm

As always, any surplus gifts will be distributed to various children's homes and groups.

Please bring gifts that are wrapped and labelled Boy/Girl/Age Group

Because of allergies hospitals advise against stuffed toys and sweets - the nursing staff however may appreciate some sweeties!

On returning to the cafe, there will be prizes for the "Best Dressed Bike" and the "Best Dressed Rider" - and a hot cuppa!

NB: After 15 years of "heading up" the toy run, Ron Miles will be retiring. He said "I started this run back in 1998, and have attended the event every year. It has been wonderful to see the smiles of the kids who are in hospital, and also to see the smiles of the riders who take part - it's a very emotional experience, and I would like us to make this year a big one!"

www.ace-cafe-london.com

Vintage Adventurer Rod Wade and co-driver Michael Flanders have created a new World record for driving a pre-war car across the USA, from New York to Los Angeles in 50 hours, 20 minutes and 6 seconds.

Australians Rod and Michael began the 3,000 miles journey in their 1930 Ford Model A at Staten Island at 00:01am on Friday November 22nd with the aim of reaching Venice Fishing Pier in around 60 hours, giving an estimated arrival time of the morning of Sunday November 24th.

Despite horrendous weather conditions including rain storms, extreme winds and snow through New Mexico, the driving duo arrived much sooner than expected, reaching Venice Fishing Pier, Venice Beach, just after 11.15pm on Saturday evening (23rd Nov).

The team experienced the worst of the turbulent weather in Amarillo, the place where the Model A suffered a broken crankshaft after 38 hours of driving in an earlier attempt in October of this year. The freezing rain, fog and snow forced Rod and Michael to stop every two miles to clear the windscreen of ice as there is no heated windscreen in the classic car.

On arriving at Venice Fishing Pier, Rod said: “I can’t believe we got here in such a good time. It got scary through Amarillo again but we battled on. If it wasn’t for the weather conditions, we would have done it on 40’odd hours. Maybe next time!”

Next time will in fact see the Vintage Adventurer team take on the Ocean to Ocean Australia, driving from Queensland to Freemantle but also making the return journey. This is scheduled for June 2014.

The whole reason for setting the World record is to raise awareness and funds to support kidney disease suffers all over the world. With kidney disease affecting Rod’s wife and daughter, he has raised thousands of dollars for kidney charities and the Wade family has just commissioned the first ‘Kidney Kamper’ to get the ball rolling.

Rod added: “The money we raise will allow us to outfit RVs and campervans with dialysis machines so people requiring dialysis can have a little personal freedom to travel and enjoy life, instead of needing to be constantly within reach of a machine at their home, clinic, or hospital.”

Rod and Michael were accompanied by the team’s support vehicle – a 1988 Plymouth retired police car that also made the journey with them. The support crew was made up of engine builder Ora Landis of Schwalms, Ricardo Da Cruz as lead mechanic/photographer, both from the USA. Arron Hage from Australia’s Network 7 and UK media manager Andrea Seed.

For more information on the Ocean to Ocean Challenge, the Vintage Adventurer and the latest updates, visit www.vintageadventurer.com

A new seasonal promotion offering savings of up to £2,500 (incl. VAT) on purchases of a new Can-Am Spyder from its 2013/2012 range of Sport Touring (ST) and Road Touring (RT) models until 28 February 2014 will give riders a three-wheeler experience with cutting-edge looks and excellent handling performance.

Consumers who purchase a striking Can-Am Spyder ST, ST-S, RT, RT-S or RT techno model will save £1,250 (incl. VAT) while Can-Am ST LTD and RT LTD buyers will receive a saving of £2,500 (incl. VAT) from any authorised BRP participating dealer in the UK and Ireland, subject to available stock.

Spyder enthusiasts will also benefit from BRP’s 4-year warranty coverage and 4-year roadside assistance offer, taking advantage of two additional years of cover for free. This promotion is also available on purchases of the 2013/2012 Can-Am Spyder RS or RS-S models.

In addition, Spyder riders wanting to treat themselves this festive season will also be entered into the draw to win one of five an all-expenses paid place to attend one of BRP’s 2014 Spyder Rider Days community events worth over £400, including participation fee and hotel accommodation.                                                                                                      

With its Rotax V twin engine and ‘Y’-shaped, three-wheeled design, the Can-Am Spyder delivers a bold, exhilarating new driving experience.  This sophisticated take on a motorcycle marries the open-air freedom of a motorbike with the comfort of a luxury car, and can be driven on a full car driving licence. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, cruise control and an optional clutchless semi-automatic transmission are key features of the Can-Am Spyder roadsters resulting in the effortless handling of corners and smooth acceleration.