Category: Events and Shows

1. Honda and DJ Carl Cox to thrill at Isle of Man TT for third straight year

   Posted on 7:41am Friday 22nd Apr 2016

   – Due to ongoing success, the Honda TT Revolution returns for its third year   
   – Gives aspiring DJs the chance to open for Carl Cox at TT closing party
   – Pan-European competition in partnership with Mixcloud

   Aspiring DJs will once again have the opportunity to open for legendary DJ Carl Cox, one of the world’s most successful DJs, as the Honda TT Revolution returns to the Isle of Man for an unforgettable week of motorcycle racing and music.

   Last year’s event saw TT Revolution ambassador Carl Cox headline a sold-out closing party, concluding an epic week of racing that culminated in Honda’s John McGuinness claiming the outright lap record, his seventh Senior TT victory, and 23rd career TT win.

   Honda Motor Europe continues its partnership with Mixcloud – an online music streaming service that allows listening and distribution of radio shows, DJ mixes and podcasts – and fans will able to upload a short mix of their own making for a chance to share the stage with Carl at the closing party, after the Senior TT on Friday 10 June.

   To be in with a chance of stepping behind the decks, entrants must submit an original mix encouraging their friends and fans on social media to share, listen and like. The more likes and listens a mix receives, the higher the chance of the mix being selected by our panel of judges, before Carl himself, selects his favourite.

   To enter and submit your competition mix go to Mixcloud here

   The lucky winner and one guest will be flown out to the Isle of Man on the penultimate day of the TT races as a Honda VIP where they will be able to witness the world’s greatest road race in all its glory, before opening the closing party and sharing the stage with Carl Cox.

   Last year’s competition was a huge success, reaching more than 15,000 music enthusiasts from across Europe, with the bulk of entries coming from the UK, Portugal and Italy.

   “I’m excited to once again be part of the Honda TT Revolution, which is now in its third year,” explains Carl Cox – who himself is a bike and racing fan. “The TT race is an experience like nothing else, and is something everyone, including non-bike fans should get along to one year. The Honda TT Revolution combines two of my biggest loves, music and bikes, and is a great opportunity for aspiring DJs to experience something completely different, whilst doing something they love.”

   The Isle of Man TT is a motorcycle race steeped in history with over 100 years of drama filled, exhilarating racing, held over 37.73-miles of the Island’s picturesque streets and mountain roads.

   The Honda TT Revolution closing party will take place at Tahiko, Douglas on Friday 10 June. Tickets will be on-sale from May through Resident Advisor.

   
   Carlcox.com
   
   

2. Prescott Bike Festival – A roaring success‏

   Posted on 12:15pm Monday 18th Apr 2016

   The sun shone over Prescott Bike Festival yesterday, and bikers turned up in their droves to support the annual event, which is now in its sixth year. The festival is the biggest annual fundraiser for the charity and raises vital funds to enable them to carry out their life saving work.

   Festival Organiser Gordon Downie said “It was another hugely successful Bike Fest and we'd like to thank everyone who helped make it so, from those that took to the hill, the entertainers, musicians, volunteers, marshals, bike clubs to trade stands and exhibitors - not least the thousands of visitors who came to support us. We'll post the final results on our Facebook page shortly, but early doors suggest that it's going to be a bumper sum going to the Blood Bike charities again this year and we are incredibly grateful”.

   He continued “We would like to express our sincere apologies for the parking issues. The dreadful weather experienced on Friday and Saturday severely damaged the ground conditions and caused traffic delays. We appreciated the patience and good humour received as we struggled to cope with the waterlogged fields. We hope it didn't spoil people’s enjoyment of the day and that visitors will join us once again in 2017”.

   The feedback from those attended the event was full of praise of both the event and the magnificent work that charity carries out.

   Visitor John Jacka said “was a fantastic event once again. The Blood Bike and track Marshals were outstanding and couldn't do enough to help in the soggy off Tarmac conditions. Thank you one and all who were involved in putting this event on”.

   The event was supported by the Mayor of The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Sebastian Field, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Charles Nicholls and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Duncan Smith.

   Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Sebastian Field said “I am delighted to be here today to support the work of the Blood Bikers. The bikers selflessly give their free time in all winds and weathers to help save lives throughout the country. They provide such an important free service to the NHS moving vital medical supplies, blood, pathology samples and even human breast milk from medical centres and hospitals throughout the UK. I encourage all to support them in all their endeavours and perhaps when one appears in your vicinity, put your hands together and give them the encouragement they deserve.”

   Actress Amanda Mealing, better known as the fearsome Connie Beauchamp from BBC1’s Casualty made an appearance having ridden up from Wales on her BMW RNine-T. As a Blood Bike ambassador, Amanda took time out of her busy schedule to support the event. As an avid motorcycle enthusiast, it was evident that she clearly enjoyed the experience.

   This year the organisers had secured the most diverse motorcycles yet, from Matt McKeown and the World’s fastest shopping trolley powered by a Chinook helicopter engine (holds a record speed of 70.4mph/ 113.298khm), the Kevin Schwantz’ 1995 Suzuki RGV500 XR85 and Carlos Checa’s MotoGP bike through to Kevin Scott and the 200cc 'Warhorse' officially the World’s Fastest Monowheel which currently holds the Guinness World Record and has a top speed of 65mph.

   Also in the Paddock was iconic motorcycle builder and engineering genius Allen Millyard with seven of his projects including the ‘Millyard Viper V10’ an 8.0-litre, 500bhp motorcycle that he built in 2009 using a V10 engine from a Dodge Viper sports car and the home-built ‘Flying Millyard’, a classic 1920s bike featuring a pair of cylinders from a Pratt and Whitney radial aircraft engine, and a 5.0-litre V-Twin, engine designed for an aeroplane.

   Prescott Bike Festival prides itself on its diversity – from rare, classic, modern, customised to hand built bikes to those of historic significance. This year featured large displays of historic, modern and race bike, plus a Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell area, and the unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in the spectacle by ‘running the hill’ or participating in a thrilling passenger ride experiences. There was also a whole raft of entertainment too from live music, stunt shows, celebrity appearances, trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle clubs – what’s more it helps raise money and awareness for the Blood Bikes charities to help keep them on the road.

   The next Blood Bike event will be held at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire on Sunday 4 September 2016 and is dubbed ‘the end of season’ motorcycle festival.

3. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight salute to 25 years of the NABD

   Posted on 10:45am Wednesday 13th Apr 2016

   Dakota FZ692 of No 233 Squadron will be making a low-level visit to the 25th You’ve Been Nabbed rally at 2:00pm on Saturday May 7th 2016 to salute 25 years of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability. 

   This aircraft, which was named ‘Kwicherbichen’ (Quit your bitchin’) by her crews, was involved in Para-dropping operations on the eve of D-Day and subsequently in re-supply and casualty evacuation missions into and out of forward airfields in the combat areas.

   The female nurses who escorted the casualties on these flights became known as ‘The Flying Nightingales’. By the end of 1944, 1,092 stretcher cases and 467 sitting wounded had been evacuated to England by the 233 Squadron Dakotas. 

   It seems fitting that this historic aircraft, that had helped so many injured people to get back where they belonged, has been chosen to salute the work of the NABD who have helped thousands of injured bikers to get back in the saddle where they belong.

   For more information on the 25th You’ve Been Nabbed rally see www.nabd.org.uk or facebook page

   The NABD would like to thank David Starkey for helping us to secure this special visit by this iconic aircraft.

   

   www.nabd.org.uk

4. Restoration Ace To Attempt 48-Hour Motorcycle Rebuild At Stafford Showground‏

   Posted on 8:27am Wednesday 13th Apr 2016

   THOUSANDS of enthusiasts will witness expert restorer Jerry Thurston take on the challenge of a live motorcycle rebuild at Staffordshire County Showground’s annual classic bike event later this month.
   

   The TV personality and former Salvage Squad presenter is aiming to restore a Suzuki AS50 to full working order during the two days of the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, taking place on the weekend of April 23-24.

   Jerry said: “From what was a pile of bits we should, with a little bit of luck, have a ready-to-run motorcycle by close of play on Sunday.”

   Rescued from a breaker’s yard, the machine in question has already had some of its engine internals replaced and the team attempting the restoration has been sourcing genuine Suzuki spares in preparation.

   Jerry added: “We’re used to restoring machines that have no spares back-up, so this time it has been a real treat to be able to go directly to the manufacturer to get original parts off the shelf. The main enemy of the Suzuki it seems has been the weather, the original finish unable to hold off the ravages of 45 winters. It’s now back to ‘showroom’ quality and it will be a pleasure to showcase the work of the specialists who have helped us get it ready for our live rebuild attempt.”

   The Restoration Theatre is just one highlight of the Stafford motorcycle show which is the largest of its kind in the world.

   Thousands of machines will be brought to the venue over the weekend as part of static exhibitions, club displays, a Grand Prix race paddock, trials demonstration area and parade laps of the main ring, while hundreds of trade stands a vast autojumble will pack into the halls and outside areas.

   Auction house Bonhams hosts its annual Spring sale - which this year is a two-day event - where some of the finest classic motorcycles in the world will go under the hammer, and former racer and TV presenter Steve Parrish will be in attendance as special guest star.

   Completing the line-up is the action-packed Wall of Death – fresh from its TV appearance as part of the Guy Martin’s successful speed record attempt on Channel 4.

   Advance tickets are on sale now, with a one day adult pass costing just £12 – a saving of more than 10% on the gate price. For more information on the show, including ticket details, visit classicbikeshows.com

5. Into The Valley 2016

   Posted on 12:13pm Saturday 9th Apr 2016

   Firstly, we want to thank those people that completed the rally survey in March. We had a much bigger response to it than expected, which goes to show the continuing support from regular rally goers as well as increasing interest from bikers new to the rally scene. With the high level of response and suggestions, it may take some time to put actions in place to make Yorkshire MAG rallies even better but we are hoping to introduce some in 2016. At Farmyard Party, for example, we are providing some prepared tents for those wanting to travel light and putting some additional entertainment on the Friday afternoon so that you can start the party early.
   

   Moving on - Into The Valley is now only a few weeks away. As you may have seen on our Facebook page, we have decided to put heaters on in the entertainment and bars areas so that you're kept warm on the spring evenings. We will also have Zoopa "the hot soup and goulash man" to help keep you warm with his ex-German Army field kitchen bike. And, of course, we have a fantastic line up of bands for evening entertainment and comedians for Saturday afternoon, full details of which are provided below. It's been a while since last year's rally season and so we are looking forward to catching up with friends around the camp-fire or over a few beers.

   Don't forget our cut off dates for Into The Valley tickets, which are the 15th of April for postal bookings and the 24th for telephone and web bookings.

   See you all on the 29th of April at Into The Valley.

   No Cars, No Vans, No Pedestrians, No Excuses.