Once again, Silloth is preparing to bring together two of your favourite things!

There are 16 acts performing across the weekend, and there will be more than 75 real ales and ciders to sample across the weekend. Both the bands and the beers are a selection of local gems and some of the best that are an offer across the country.
 
Headliners include Mercury, an award winning tribute to Queen. The band have received praise from Freddie Mercury's family as being the "next best thing" to Queen, it really doesn't get much better than that! Blondied will also perform, no prizes for guessing who they are a tribute too. Front woman Michelle Hendricks has received rave reviews across the country from fans for creating an onstage presence that made Debbie Harry of Blondie the poster girl of choice for a million 80s teenage boys. Then, bringing things up to date, there will be sets from the Four Fighters, the definitive Foo Fighters tribute act. They'll perform alongside Kazabian (the clues in the name!) who will recreate the sound of one of the noughties most successful indie-rock acts.
 
As well as tributes there are many other fantastic performances. One of the UK’s most popular comedy acts, The Lancashire Hotpots, will be performing two sets across the weekend. The band have gained a huge following with their witty, affection and sometimes absurd view of the world from an uniquely Lancashire angle. With airplay on BBC Radio 1, close on a third of a million plays of their ‘He’s Turned Emo’ track on MySpace, national tour support to Comedian Paddy McGuinness, a number one record on iTunes and an endless string of festival appearances, by ‘eck these lads are proving popular!  Also appearing are one of the most authentic and popular purveyors of sizzling hot 50’s American style r’n’b. The Revolutionaires. Based in the North-East the band have toured extensively through Europe, and have four albums under their belts. Expect to be blown away!

We're also delighted to be able to showcase so much local talent across the weekend, and to offer them a place on our festival stage, including our Battle Of The Band’s winners. Wigton/Silloth based band Sneaky Finch will be performing, alongside Carlisle based indie four-piece House Of Three Hands and West Cumbrian rockers Black Wolf Run.  They will be joined by Gosforth band The Roosters, West Cumbrian Blues Band Code Blue, indie-rock band Collision, The Two-ers, The Pulse and Whitehaven singer-songwriter Emma Dockeray.
 
Tickets are still available and a four day Festival Ticket, with access to all five sessions, remains at the same price as last year of only £35! Individual afternoon and night tickets are also available. Full information on ticket prices, a list of beers, and more details on this years artists can be found at www.sillothbeerfestival.co.uk. Tickets now available in person from Winters Newsagents in Silloth, or on the door.
 
With just hours to go until this years festival we can't wait to open to get the bar opened! There are 16 bands across four days and there's something for everyone. We hope to see you there. Cheers!

Independently acclaimed as the world's coolest motorcycle event - Three Days, Three Rides, One Reunion!

Friday 9th September from 6pm - The Continental Run Ride-In

Saturday 10th September - Cafe Racer & Rockers Ride-Out

Depart: 10.30am

Destination: Battersea Park (Central London)

Sunday 11th September - Brighton Burn-Up & Ride With The Rockers

Depart: 10.30am

Route: A406 - A40 - M25 - M23 - A23 to Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront

Taking place over three days of the second weekend in September and first held in 1994, the 18th annual Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend & Ride With The Rockers celebrates the unique history, culture and style of Ace Cafe London and what it represents. The event acts as a focus in the motorcycling calendar for all those who are not only interested in the Ace Cafe, Ton Up and Rocker heritage, but also for many others who enjoy a weekend full of rock n' roll and fun!

Over the years, Ace Cafe London has forged lasting and strong links to the global motorcycling and rockin' community, which is reflected by the many visitors from overseas, one of the largest contingents being The Continental Run, which starts with a party at Cafe Hubraum in Solingen, Germany, before departing the next morning to cross Holland, Belgium and France, gathering numbers en route to the ferry, arriving at the cafe late afternoon, and culminating in an evening of rock 'n' roll!

The Brighton Burn Up & Ride With The Rockers, has been an integral part of Ace Cafe Reunions since 1996, and is a free, grand day out at the seaside on Brighton's famous seafront road, Madeira Drive. With trade and club stands, stunt displays, live music and special guests, it's an experience not to be missed!

On Saturday 10th September, a Cafe Racer & Rockers Ride-Out to London's historic Battersea Park will depart from the cafe at 10.30am, led again this year by the Limited Edition Ace 904S Thruxton Special, returning to the Ace for the 3rd annual Cafe Racer Review, with prizes for the "Best Ridden Cafe Racer", "Best Classic Cafe Racer", "Best Modern Cafe Racer", "Best Triumph Cafe Racer" and "Best Harley Cafe Racer".

This year, together with celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release in 1971 of the seminal Steve McQueen film "On Any Sunday" with prizes to include a pair of tickets to attend the Rye House Flat Track Championship Round for the "Best Ridden Flat Tracker",  and recalling his famous quote of that same year, "When you're racing, it's life", the Ace is also celebrating a very special landmark, the 10th anniversary of the legendary cafe having fully reopened!

Sponsors for the competitions at the cafe include; Lewis Leathers, Red Torpedo, Lucky 13, 19-60, Prison Blues, Delta Music, Jack Lilley Triumph, Warrs HD, Coventry Transport Museum, NEC Classic Bike Show, Million Dollar Quartet Musical, Taschen and Rye House Speedway with awards and prizes being presented by Ace Cafe Hostess Sophia St. Villier.

Amongst special guests,we are delighted to host Manx man and renowned author Mick Duckworth signing copies of his recently published book "Ace Times - Speed thrills and tea spills, a cafe and a culture", together with the legendary "Prince of Speed", 8 times world champion road racer Phil Read MBE. 2011 marks 50 years since his first TT race.

The feisty London Rockin' Rollers will be with us again, raising funds for London's Air Ambulance, the cafe's chosen charity for Saturday 10th September.

On Sunday 11th September in Brighton, as well as an array of club, trade stands and live bands, the annual short seafront service and blessing is being kindly undertaken by both Father Scott and Father Denis of the 59 Club.

There will also be a "Best Scooter" competition sponsored by Baracuta and Dr Martens.

Stunt Shows, featuring the ever popular Marc "Sparky" Chennel, Hanksy (Bolddog/SBF),  Joe Vertical (USA) and Tim Evans (SBF) will take place at Black Rock, the eastern end of Madeira Drive, with three displays scheduled for 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, together with a wheelie machine for those who want to try out riding on the back wheel and, for the first time, this years Reunion will host a static Show Up n' Shine "Best Streetfighter" competition in association with Streetfighters magazine and Winning Formulas.

As part of Battle of Britain Week,  the cafe's chosen charity RAFA will be in attendance, and assisting them in raising funds, and debuting at this years Reunion, are the Brighton Rockers Roller Derby Team, a band of fearless female skaters! and, for your convenience, the charity Riders For Health will be in attendance with a "helmet park", where you can leave your gear and enjoy the day.

Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend Entertainment:

The Hicksville Bombers+ Burlesque Show (Friday 9th), Doggone Honkabilly Band + The Bullets + Furious + The Space Cadets + Burlesque Show (Saturday 10th) at the cafe, plus Rockin' The Joint & Mark Keeley's Good Rockin' Tonight performing at Brighton (Sunday 11th). DJ's spinning the weekend's wax are Bill & Jimmy Guntrip, Graham Urquhart and Mouse, and yes, it's all free!

For updates:

There's a raft of issues emanating from Europe that will have a profound effect on riders and the motorcycle industry generally and we must stand up.

Some of them are driven by the EU Commission, like the new Type Approval and Market Surveillance Regulation that will see the introduction of compulsory ABS, the sealing of powertrains from airbox to the diameter and aspect ratio of the rear tyre, restrictions on the aftermarket industry, possible roadside checks by police or other Gov agencies to inspect emissions or for owner 'tuning' and more.

There's EU funded development of electronics to control and govern speeds either through warning systems or actual throttle control and the plans in Ireland for compulsory, full sleeve day-glo jackets for riders and pillions.

As with France, where reflective/day-glo clothing is being debated, the onus should not be on the victim. Will insurance companies start saying that because we weren't dressed in day-glo it's our own fault that an inattentive driver drove into us?

France also wants to ban bikes over 7 years old from urban areas for environmental reasons! Their congestion is already terrible and putting more riders into cars that pollute terribly when they are stationary, is bonkers.

On the 25th September you can make your voice heard. Starting from service areas across the country, we all ride at 1pm, 45mph, using the inside lanes and disperse 20 minutes later. Negotiations are ongoing and as citizens we must be considered.

This is the first time. Let's show what we could be capable of.....

venue: Start points nationwide. See full list at www.mag-uk.org on campaigns page or interactive map on tab on left of facebook page.

On Tuesday 30th August 2011 the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee met for a second debate on the proposed regulation and the hundreds of amendments, 304 at the last count, regarding the approval and market surveillance of mopeds, motorcycles, trikes and quads.
 
What did we learn from this session in the European Parliament?
 
We learnt that the Rapporteur in charge of the IMCO committee report, Dutch MEP, Wim van de Camp had an recent accident on his motorcycle. He said “It’s a bit embarrassing your (referring to Malcolm Harbour, UK MEP and Chairman of INCO) introduction to me because – If my motorcycle had ABS braking I wouldn’t have found myself on the ground last week and I would be in finer fettle. Let’s say I have some problems with my legs but I didn’t hit my head”.
 
Van de Camp also appeared to distance himself from being called a motorcycle enthusiast or an avid motorcyclist or a “dyed in the wool motorcyclist” saying that, first and foremost I am an MEP and that is my perspective.”
 
So he’s no longer the motorcyclist’s friend? He is now getting down to his job rather than use his hobby of motorcycling as the basis for his “expertise” as the rapporteur for the IMCO to challenge the Commission’s proposals for the EU Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles.
 
In terms of using his position as a parliamentarian to ensure that the Commission does not “overstep its mark” he has done a superb job in his presentation of the IMCO’s draft report on the subject.
 
Bear in mind that the proposed regulations that he overwhelming supports with a few minor amendments) will increase the cost of motorcycles in Europe and will drive motorcyclists towards buying second hand vehicles and keeping them for a longer period of time, thus defeating the purpose of the legislation they (Commission and Mr van de Camp) want to introduce.
 
Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Meeting
 
The meeting only took about half an hour and there was a general discussion about the amendments proposed by the various shadow rapporteurs.
 
Mr van de Camp mentioned the political factions within the committee and according to him the left of centre rapporteurs e.g. Ms Westfahl, German MEP and Ms Ruhle, German MEP had a minority position, equally the Chairman Malcolm Harbour, also shadow rapporteur held a right of centre (minority) position, while according to Mr van de Camp, his position represented the majority, which was more or less aligned with the EU Commission
 
Conclusions Of Meeting
 
Mr van de Camp concluded that he would need time to consider the various (political) positions to arrive at a compromise. However he pointed out the responsibility of the committee is to focus on technical issues.
 
He indicated that with regards to emissions, the Greens want to go more quickly, while he wants to go more slowly. He said that they are are now trying to come to an agreement and have the commission’s text to consider.
 
He pointed out that there were huge gaps between the various positions of the shadow rapporteurs.
 
So where does that leave us?
 
Well, apart from the fact that it has become apparent that the various political factions are posturing and politicking, not much has happened since we wrote our previous article which considered the IMCO committee’s 298 amendments – except that there are now six more amendments.
 
The Chairman of the IMCO committee wound up the meeting with the comment “We have work to do”..
 
Our Conclusions
 
So what did we learn?
 
We learnt that the next meeting of the shadow rapporteurs and the rapporteur to discuss the report will be held in Strasbourg between the 12th and 15th September and the IMCO vote will be on October 6th.
 
What we have is a European Commission proposal going through a process, which has been put into the hands of elected MEPs representing the citizens of Europe
 
These MEPs have proposed amendments that are in some cases worse for motorcyclists and some are supportive of motorcycling, but in the end these proposals and counter amendments will all end in a compromise that will make “peace in our time” look like a discussion about who should buy dinner.
 
All this depends ultimately on who has the biggest “political” support and not necessarily what will be beneficial for the future of motorcycling.
 
We will have to wait to October to find out the result of the “compromises”.
 
What now?
 
Well, in the UK, riders are being coordinated by the Motorcycle Action Group UK to protest against these proposals by organising a national demonstration on September 25th, up and down the motorways and major roads of the UK.The demonstration also supports the issues that the French and Irish have regarding Hi Viz clothing and the ban of vehicles over 7 years in French cities.
 
Riders in Ireland are also protesting on the same day, this appears to be organised mainly through motorcycle forums in Ireland, with support from MAG Ireland.
 
But – we ask – apart from the UK and Ireland, what are the rest of European Riders organisations doing?
 
Are they protesting against these EU proposals?

Are they lobbying their governments or MEPs?
 
Are we doomed or just marooned?
 
Fly in the Ointment – or The Best of British?
 
During the IMCO meeting several references where made about the UK Government, our ears pricked up at this and we went looking to see what the UK Government had said.What we found was a report from the Parliamentary European Scrutiny Committee which assesses the legal and/or political importance of each EU document (about 1,100 per year) and decides which are debated.
 
On the 19 July 2011 the committee debated the EU Draft Regulation.
 
The UK government has raised concerns on the European Commission’s draft regulation and the IMCOs draft report.
 
Although the Minister endorses in the draft report, the introduction of advanced braking systems and other safety provisions, without detailing what these are
 
However at least we have a position and thoughts from the UK Government and the proposal is being looked at and is on the radar!
 
Read the full article

Harley-Davidson are wanting the opinion of lady riders who own or would like to own a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and for approximately an hour of your time you will be paid £50 - £60!

The event will take place in London EC2 on Friday 9th September.

Group 1 £60 4pm

Women who own a Harley Davidson

Group 2 £50 6pm

Women who own a motorbike and intend owning a Harley Davidson

To apply, simply e-mail to [email protected] stating your name, contact number, postcode, which group you are applying for (please name bike), if you purchase bike apparel and if so from where? Photo ID is required, please confirm you have it and which type you will bring to research.