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Category: Events and Shows
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A fabulous Moto Guzzi owned by Sammy Miller was one of three bikes that scooped top honours at this year’s Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva. Recognised as the most prestigious such event in the UK, Salon Privé takes place in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace and is a partner concours of The Peninsula Classic Best of the Best Award. It’s renowned for featuring some of the most beautiful and coveted cars and motorcycles from around the world.
This year’s two motorcycle classes spanned nearly 75 years, from a 1901 Triumph 3/4 hp Minerva to a 1975 MV Agusta 750 Sport. Each was assessed by a hugely knowledgeable judging panel comprising broadcaster Henry Cole, historians Dennis Frost and Mike Jackson, former racer Steve Parrish and Chief Judge Nigel Matthews. Judging took place on Wednesday 1 September, with all trophies being awarded on Thursday 2 September.
It was championship-winning racer Sammy Miller who scooped top honours in the Competition Motorcycle Class with a 1951 Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica 500cc V Twin. Judge Steve Parrish said: “The Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica 500cc V Twin had the longest career of any motorcycle racing bike ever. Actually, Ducati in some ways copied the engine configuration to make the successful racing Ducatis that we see nowadays. It was way ahead of its time in terms of technology. The bike was raced by the great Bob Foster and Stanley Woods and put in some incredible performances both on road and track, claiming victories at the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix. The judges all agreed that it’s a very special motorbike and a real beauty.”
Second place in the Competition Motorcycle Class went to a 1973 Yamaha TZ 250 A, entered by the Sawford family, owners of St Neots Motorcycles. The family are experts in restoring two-stroke motorcycles from the 1970s and 1980s. Parrish continued: “The motorcycle is better than when it came out of the factory – absolutely original and exquisitely put together. It had to be in the top two, what with its authenticity and how it’s been built – stunning. We were also delighted to be joined by 1970 250cc World Champion Rodney Gould, who was instrumental in the production and development of the bike.”
Topping the Exceptional Motorcycles class was a 1975 MV Agusta 750 Sport, often referred to as the most beautiful bike to come out of Italy and revered as an icon of the 1970s. An original and beautiful machine, the winning example is one of the last three to come out of the factory and features a rare left-hand gearchange.
Second place was awarded to a 1973 Rickman-Metisse Cafe Racer. Judge Henry Cole said: “It’s wonderful to see several Metisses here paying homage to its founder Derek Rickman, a consummate biking enthusiast and a legend in my eyes who passed away recently. What a great way to celebrate his life. The Café Racer in this class is a beautifully customised, really genuine yet individual bike that has been put together with a huge amount of love and passion, and to the judges that’s what we’re after.”
The Duke of Marlborough Award was presented to the 1901 Triumph ¾hp Minerva. Steve Parrish said: “This is the very first Triumph motor bicycle ever made – the forerunner of all subsequent Triumphs. As in everything Dick Shepherd does, it’s been lovingly restored, and he’s put together a motorcycle that would be befitting of it coming out of the factory in 1901. I suspect it’s even better!”
Henry Cole added: “It’s quite a find for Triumph to have in their 125th anniversary year and one that we had to honour.”
Alongside the concours entrants was multiple Salon Privé award winner and renowned motorcycle builder Allen Millyard displaying his beautifully engineered Kawasaki Z1 Super Six. Elsewhere on the lawns of Blenheim Palace, there was the debut of Thornton Hundred Motorcycles, one of the world’s fastest-growing custom motorcycle brands. The British company’s line-up included the ‘World’s Fastest Bobber’ – a 202bhp technological tour de force – and a 2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, both were a Salon Privé debut.
“All of our motorcycles exude individuality and exclusivity,” said Jody Millhouse, the man behind Thornton Hundred and part of a new wave of engineers who are at the cutting edge of the custom scene. “We want to give owners a unique modification experience, and those values align perfectly with Salon Privé. It’s great to be here showing off our latest designs against the amazing backdrop of Blenheim Palace.”
Italian exotica brand Bimota made its UK public debut with the Tesi H2. The limited-production, supercharged Bimota Tesi H2 is built around a Kawasaki Ninja H2 powerplant and features the famous Bimota hub-centre steering system, while the chassis is covered with carbon fibre bodywork. Power output is a staggering 242hp (178kW).
Crazy Horse made a welcome return to Salon Privé showcasing a superb collection of its customised Indian Motorcycles, including the KH Street Hooligan. The Hooligan shares the great styling of its racing relative, but is fitted with all the relevant components to make it a fully functional street machine without losing any of its iconic flat-track racing looks.
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Kicking off at the Ace with the popular Bike Night on evening of Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th at the Ace includes live music, ride outs, special guests & more.
Saturday 4th
The annual “Cafe Racer Ride Out” leaves the Ace at 10.30am on Saturday 4th September for a Celebratory Service and Blessing of the Bikes at 12.00 by 59 Club Chairman, Father Sergiy’s Diduk, at his Church, All Saints, Hanworth. The Mayor of Hounslow will also be attending.
This is then followed by a screening in the church at 1pm (to which all are invited) of :-
“Rockers London” - a 30 minute documentary that explores the London Rocker culture, from past to the present day, through conversations with people on the scene.The thirty minute documentary is injected with archive (some unseen) footage from the early sixties which really brings the past alive.
This is Rock n’ Roll on wheels, bringing the vibes to the viewer of an alternative to the modern world.
Departing the Ace 10.30am Saturday 4th September, the route is:
A406 , A40, A312 “Hayes By-Pass” to All Saints Church, Uxbridge Road, Hanworth, TW13 5EE
Overflow parking and facilities, ( with WC’s,) is at the Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre opposite the Church
After the Service and Blessing the “Cafe Racer Ride Out” then returns to the Ace for 2.30pm and the “Best Ridden Cafe Racer” competition. Judging and awards courtesy of:
Lewis Leathers | Red Torpedo | Ogri | Cherry Red Records | British Tax Discs
Sunday 5th September
Motorcyclists will gather at the Ace from early morning.
At 10.30am the assembled motorcycle ride-out departs the Ace for Brighton, "waved off" as in the years to date by the Mayor of Brent
We will be joined on the day by riders participating in the inaugural Ride Global “Memorial Ride” which is taking place on Sunday 5.9.21 raising funds on-line in aid of COVAX.
Route: A406 - A40 - M25 - M23 - A23 to Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront
Rev up and Ride, with the Rockers!
See you at the Ace, and in Brighton!
Strictly no deckchairs
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Motorcycle enthusiasts Mark 'Spoons' Witherspoon and Dave 'Woolie' Newsome took to the stage dressed as princesses Elsa and Anna from Frozen last weekend in front of a crowd of over 100 bikers after making a bet to raise £350 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Spoons and Woolie “Let it Go” on 21st August 2021 – Woolie’s birthday – at GEMCC Sapphire & Steel motorcycle rally at the Sloop Inn, Temple Hirst, Selby.
Spoons was a Lance Corporal in the Fusiliers for nine years, taking in two tours including Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Woolie is a long-term supporter of the Armed Forces community and runs Team Sober MCC, which has raised funds for SSAFA over the last few years.
The duo said: “We agreed that if we raised £350 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, we would dress as female princesses. The community has now raised £460 meaning we have to go ahead with our challenge!”
As well as raising a few eyebrows, the intrepid pair has now raised more than £755 for SSAFA with their Frozen inspired onstage exploits.
Their friend, Paul Auduchowitsch, said: “We have purchased the dresses, wands and tiaras for the two of them. SSAFA has kindly provided a pretty sash for the pair of them too!”
Donations are still being accepted, and If you would like to contribute, click here: justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-auduchowitsch2
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
ssafa.org.uk
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Ace Cafe London is hosting Harley Day from 9am to 5pm on Sunday 29th August.
This special annual all-day occasion at the Ace, a feature now embedded as a must attend fixture on the calendars of thousands of like-minded enthusiasts, sees riders converge throughout the day to enjoy, relish and witness machines from HD, and celebrate the Milwaukee marvel founded in 1903!
As well as it being the 30th anniversary of HOG going international and the 40th anniversary of the sale by AMF to Willie G (with 28,189 machines produced and dealers in 67 countries by 1920), 2021 is also the centennial of both the 74ci V-Twin , and of a record set that same year by Otto Walker on a Harley-Davidson, the first motorcycle to win a race at an average speed greater than 100 mph!
Spanning all HD models, big-twins and Sportsters, classic, modern, and custom, as well as all those specials powered by a Harley motor, fire it up and see you at the Ace!
Harley Davidson
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Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance, is delighted to announce the show’s return to The NEC, Birmingham in 2021. Taking place from Saturday 4 – Sunday 12 December, the UK’s largest motorcycle show will welcome back the very best of the industry to delight, entertain and inform bike enthusiasts of all ages.
Motorcycle Live is pleased to ‘Welcome Back’ manufacturers, exhibitors and show goers to the spectacular nine-day event, as the 2021 show returns with a bang. There will be numerous opportunities to get on two wheels, interact with new features, technologies and displays, as well as seeing the return of the much-loved Custom and Classic Zones.
Whether it’s catching up with friends and family, browsing for bargains, getting a two-wheel taster session, or checking out the brand-new models manufacturers have to offer, Motorcycle Live is set to spread joy to show goers of all ages. Race fans will also be able to meet their racing heroes, as stars from WorldSBK, British Superbike and road racing will be making an appearance across the nine days.
Finlay McAllan (Managing Director, Motorcycle Live) said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to Motorcycle Live this year. With the return of everything visitors know and love, plenty of opportunities to ride and new interactive features, we’re bringing everything we can to visitors who deserve the very best show we can put on. We’re excited to allow visitors to once again see, touch and feel the buzz of their passion as they embrace everything two-wheel related.”
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