Category: Events and Shows

1. Llandovery Motorbike Weekend 2nd - 3rd July 2022

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 10th May 2022

   Most motorcyclists know of the town and roads in and around Carmarthenshire and the small Drover’s Town of Llandovery. Many of us have stopped for a cup of coffee or a meal in one of the many biker-friendly cafes and restaurants in the town. However, a small group of residents recognised that there is more to offer than a swift brew and bacon butty and looked at ways to encourage people to stay for a bit longer.

   So, what started as a small event to help the sustainability of the small Drover’s Town of Llandovery in Carmarthenshire has grown into an event attracting up to 5000 people over one weekend each year. The Llandovery Motorbike Weekend promotes road safety for all and provides a fun day for people of all ages. It is also partnered with the West Wales Motorcycle Club which was established with the support of a regional charity, West Wales Action for Mental Health. This active and inclusive club offers individuals the chance to learn about maintaining and restoring motorcycles in a fun and safe environment. The Llandovery Motorbike Weekend provides a platform for them to showcase what they do.

   The Llandovery Motorbike Weekend takes place over the first weekend in July each year but has, due to the Covid Pandemic, not taken place since 2019. Launched by the Prince of Wales in 2016 the weekend has grown enormously and is one of very few “free to enter” events in the country. This is achieved partly due to the awards from the National Lottery, but primarily thanks to the various local and regional sponsors who support this event every year.

   Established within the Mart (Market) in Llandovery, there are food and beverage vendors, bike clubs and other commercial organisations who encircle the central arena within which various activities take place. These have included motorcycle mobility circuits run by RoSPA and Blood Bikes Wales, demonstrations by the Emergency Services on incident management even a “Biker’s Town Crier” competition! Alongside the diverse catering outlets are many arts and crafts stalls which have proved a remarkable success for those bikers looking for that ideal gift to bring home to partners and friends!! Additionally, there are bike related equipment suppliers, information stands as well as live music interspersed with events in the central arena. For those people wishing to spend the weekend in this beautiful town there are a wealth of wonderful campsites, B&Bs, Hotels and Holiday Cottages in the area. These provide a base from which to explore the fantastic sights in this part of Wales along some of the most scenic and well-maintained roads in the country.

   Many visitors display or show their motorbikes (with prizes on offer for winners) and others set up their Club stands to engage with members of the public and promote their various activities. Also on offer are a myriad of motorcycle training opportunities, much of which is offered free of charge!

   Parking for vehicles in the town car park is free on the Saturday (bikes park for free anyway) and many bikes can park alongside the arena in the Mart allowing owners and visitors to wander along with a cup of coffee and engage with other owners and bike clubs. For those lingering in the town there are the well-known “biker cafes” of the West End Café and the Award-Winning Owl’s Nest Café and The Bear Inn where a warm welcome is assured.

   If you haven’t visited Llandovery before, or if you are looking to go along, then consider booking a stay in the area over the 2nd and 3rd of July this year and become part of a growing event which has something for everyone. Rest assured, you will be supporting some worthwhile charities which this year include, Blood Bikes Wales and the Wales Air Ambulance.

   www.llandoverymotorbikeweekend.co.uk

   

2. Ducati the power behind Silverstone bike track days

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 6th May 2022

   • Ducati UK announce new partnership with Silverstone bike track days
   • Ducati supply a fleet of Panigale V4 motorcycles
   • Partnership will include Ducati Riding Experience Racetrack Academy

   Ducati UK are delighted to announce a new partnership with Silverstone bike track days. Ducati are joining forces with the home of British Motorsport to supply a fleet of Ducati Panigale V4 for the Silverstone Bike track days. For Ducati and Silverstone this is a natural partnership with Ducati UK based at Silverstone circuit and both brands sharing a similar goal of premium customer experiences.
   
   There will be 20 Panigale V4’s made available to Silverstone and their experienced instructors.  The instructors will use the bikes for sighting laps, track guidance and 1-1 tuition. Track day customers will be able to see the Panigale V4 demonstrating its capabilities at first hand in its natural environment on Britain’s only MotoGP circuit.

   This partnership will culminate in the Ducati Riding Experience Racetrack Academy, training courses that give expert Ducati tuition for those that want to enjoy the thrill of the track. Details and date will be announced in due course.
   
   The new Panigale V4 is the latest evolution of the Ducati sports bike, continuously improved from the experience gained on the racetrack in MotoGP and WorldSBK. The heart of the bike is the 1,103 cm3 MotoGP-derived engine delivering 215.5hp. Improvements to aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine chassis and electronics has produced a more intuitive, faster bike, less demanding, offering a rewarding experience for all levels of rider.
   
   Fabrizio Cazzoli, Managing Director, Ducati UK
   “Since 2003, more than 20,000 motorcyclists from all over the world have chosen the Ducati experience to improve their riding. Now this experience is elevating to another level thanks to the partnership between Ducati and Silverstone. We together are synonyms of motorsport, performance, excellence, passion and a long history of success.
   
   We will develop riding experiences specifically tailored for the skills of the participants and we will culminate with the Ducati Riding Experience Racetrack Academy, a program for those who want to feel the thrill of the track under the guidance of the best instructors in the world”.
   
   Stuart Pringle, Managing Director, Silverstone
   “Our Bike Track Days are renowned for offering riders the ultimate track experience and with Ducati powering these days, riders will have the chance to have a close look at the Panigale V4 and see how it can perform on track in the hands of our expert instructors. 
    
   “We’re dedicated to delivering outstanding, thrilling, experiences and want to deliver the very best track days. We have a world class circuit for riders to enjoy on their own bikes and as the home of the MotoGP British Grand Prix we also have a unique positioning in the UK.  Now, with our Bike Track days powered by Ducati, we’re taking our track days to another level and adding even more value for riders.”
   
   For more information on Silverstone Bike Track Days powered by Ducati visit: www.silverstone.co.uk/track-days/bike-track-days

3. Ben Ball is back for 2022, bigger and better than ever!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 4th May 2022

   • The Ben Ball will take place on 7th December in its new home of Old Billingsgate Market.
   • Event raises significant funds to support those in the automotive family who are struggling or in crisis.
   • Booking is now open for tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced that its annual flagship black tie event – Ben Ball – will be held this year on Wednesday 7th December, supported by AutoTrader.
   
   Following the stunning success of the 2021 event, Ben Ball 2022 will move across London to its new home at Old Billingsgate Market – a spectacular venue in the heart of the City on the north bank of the Thames.
   
   The 2021 Ben Ball took place after Covid restrictions were lifted and quickly sold out as the automotive community seized the chance to gather together in person and celebrate in spectacular style. Over 600 automotive industry figures attended the event, joining forces to raise over £96,500 – one of the highest totals ever achieved at a Ben Ball.
   
   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Together, once again, we did something extraordinary at the 2021 Ben Ball. The staggering amount of funds raised helps Ben continue to provide life-saving support to those in our automotive family who most need it, and it can’t be overstated how much those donations will help people who turn to us when they are struggling or in crisis.
   
   “Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen support requests double, and the cases that we are seeing are more complex and urgent than we’ve experienced before. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us – not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.
   
   “Plans for the Ben Ball 2022 are well underway and the event looks set to be extraordinary. We would like to invite everyone in the industry to book tickets and join us for our celebrations but also to extend an invite to anyone who may wish to sponsor the event to get in touch.
   
   “We can’t wait to welcome you to our new venue – Old Billingsgate Market – this December for the automotive industry event of the year!
   
   ”To book your tickets or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

   
   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

4. Suzuki summer test ride roadshow announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 2nd May 2022

   Suzuki has announced dates of a summer test ride roadshow, which will take place at a variety of dealerships from April to September with a number of key models in the range available to demo, including the new GSX-S1000GT and the third generation Hayabusa.

   Starting on April 9 at Completely Suzuki in Hinckley, Suzuki will be bringing a fleet of test ride bikes to each event – with individual dealerships also bolstering the number of bikes available with their own demo machines – that includes the V-Strom 1050XT adventure bike, GSX-S1000 naked, the newly-launched GSX-S1000GT, and the Hayabusa hyperbike.

   With models such as the GSX-S1000GT in high demand the events will give prospective customers the chance to secure a test ride on the model they’re most interested in, and also sample many other bikes in Suzuki’s range

   Suzuki GB’s head of motorcycle marketing, Ian Bland, commented, “We’ve had two years of uncertainty around events so it’s nice to be able to announce this roadshow and we’re looking forward to getting out on the road again. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet and spend time with customers, and provide more opportunities for them to test ride many of our most popular models. 2022 is set to be a great riding season, especially with our range of new bikes and current offers.”

   Those wishing to book a test ride should contact their local participating dealership, and must ensure they are able to provide their driving licence and a DVLA check code, or their National Insurance number on the day.

   For a full list of dates, see below, or visit Suzuki’s 2022 events calendar.

   • 9 April, Completely Suzuki, Unit 14, Lime Kilns Way, Hinckley, Loughborough, LE10 3EL, 01455 811811
   •  6-7 May, CJ Ball Suzuki, Woodlands, Salhouse Road, Sprowston, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 9AB, 01603 307500
   • 21 – 22 May, Road and Racing, Clark Way, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 2AU, 0161 366 5167
   • 18 – 19 June, Cupar Motorcycles, West Port, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4AW, 01334 655707
   • 1 – 2 July, Frasers of Gloucester, 261 Bristol Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 5DB, 01452 306485
   • 16 – 17 July, A&D Motorcycles, Spencer Trading Estate, Rhyl Road, Denbigh, North Wales, LL16 5TQ, 01745 815105
   • 23 July, Streetbike, 91-107 Dudley Road, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3NS, 0121 296 5661
   • 29-30 July, Single Tracker Motorcycles, 20-26 Flag Lane, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 3BG, 01270 212965
   • 13-14 August, Bridge Motorcycles, Alphin Brook Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8RG, 01392 260200
   • 4 September, Orwells Motorcycles, Copdock Bike Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich, IP3 8UH, 01473 257401

   Note that bike availability may differ from one event to another. Customers are advised to speak to their local dealer in advance of the event to check availability.

5. STAFFORD BIKE SHOW TAKES PODIUM POSITION WITH WORLD EXCLUSIVES!

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 2nd May 2022

   THOUSANDS OF showgoers, including a Hollywood star, were out in the post-lockdown sunshine at the Stafford County Showground over the weekend of April 23 – 24 to celebrate all things motorbikes… and there was plenty to celebrate.

   The International Classic MotorCycle Show always has loads to see and do, and this year was no different as the crowds packed in to see bikes, club stands, trade stands, world exclusives, book launches, live trails, firing-up area, Bonhams’ auction, the competition hall… and more special guests than you could shake a stick at!

   Perhaps the most notable display was the world exclusive Mike Hailwood exhibit, featuring never-before-seen family memorabilia of the former champion. Guests were able to view these heirlooms, from his 1978 TT winner’s Dunlop cap through to his George Medal, awarded when Mike rescued Clay Regazzoni from his burning BRM at the South African Formula 1 GP. Talking of awards and winners, the class of 1978, which consisted of Alex George, Ian Richards, Phil Read and Chas Mortimer, were on stage across the weekend giving first-hand accounts of their racing careers and inside stories into the motorbike racing scene.

   The Bonhams Auction was particularly nail biting with a very special ex-Reg Barton, Dick Knight, 1929 Brough Superior 996cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Sprint Special which sold for a staggering £220,000! And showgoers might also have even seen an A-list celebrity or two. Jason Momoa, best known as DC superhero Aquaman, was also there. Being a keen motorcycle enthusiast, Jason perused the show and examined the lots in the Bonhams Auction.

   Event organiser Nick Mowbray said: “It was a brilliant weekend! We have received marvellous feedback from visitors and traders alike. The addition of the Hailwood display and the ‘Class of 78’ added something very special to a tried-and-tested format.”