Category: Events and Shows

1. CHILI SET TO FIRE UP THE FANS AT STAFFORD

   Posted on 1:20pm Saturday 20th Sep 2014

   A WORLD superbike legend will add a bit of spice to proceedings this autumn as the red hot action of one of the world’s largest classic motorcycle events heads once again for Staffordshire County Showground.

   Frankie Chili, best remembered in the UK for his battles with rival Carl Fogarty, will be in attendance as the special guest of honour for the 21st Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show on October 18-19 and he’ll be regaling showgoers with stories from a legendary career on track.

   Fogarty too will be in town on the Saturday of the event; the four times World Superbike champion will be stationed on the Oily Rag stand for the day.

   Bertie Simmonds, editor of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine, said: “Frankie’s incredible career stretches back into the 1980s and covers all the eras of machines and famous motorcycle names that are celebrated and showcased at the Stafford event.

   “Many will recall him winning the controversial 500cc race in Misano where wet conditions had meant other top riders refused to start and surely all will look back fondly at the passion and determination he displayed in the WSB races of the 1990s and early 2000s.

   “During that time he was a pace-setter among riders of a high-calibre; not just Foggy but also Aaron Slight, John Kocinski, Anthony Gobert and Simon Crafar.

   “I have no doubt he’ll be a big hit and a popular draw; I for one am already looking forward to the third weekend in October.”

   A new live element has been added to the show for 2014, with organiser Classic Bike Shows utilising the main ring at the venue to host parade sessions.

   Bikes from 1960 through to the present day have been sought out and, as they circle the display area, guest commentators will be talking about the history of each machine and the work that has been done to it.

   Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “Our Stafford event is renowned for its collection of display machines which is one of the most extensive in the world.

   “Now, visitors will be able to see a handful of these machines in action and we expect this to be a welcome addition to our line-up.”

   Bonhams’ annual Autumn Stafford Sale will once again be taking place on the Sunday of the event, with viewing open on Saturday.

   The auction house will be hoping to repeat last year’s success which saw 436 lots sold to make a combined total of over £1.3 million and set a new world record for the sale of a Manx.

   There are also the traditional displays from the Classic Racer Grand Prix Paddock and the Classic Dirt Bike Experience, more than 500 trade stands and autojumble plots to rummage through and a host of exhibits from the top motorcycle clubs in the business.

   Nick added: “The Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show is, by far, the most comprehensive motorcycling weekend when it comes to the modern classics that such a vast number of us bike fans know and love from our younger days.

   “Despite how busy I am, I always have to stop myself from taking home my next project because there’s just so much to see, to do and to buy. And, with a one day adult ticket just £10 when bought in advance – a saving of more than 20% – it’s not just one of the biggest bike shows, it’s the best value-for-money too.”

    

   www.classicbikeshows.com

2. NEW CLASSIC BIKE AUCTION TO DEBUT AT BRISTOL EVENT

   Posted on 9:00am Saturday 20th Sep 2014

   
   CHARTERHOUSE AUCTIONS will host a brand new motorcycle sale next February after announcing a partnership with Classic Bike Shows, organiser of the UK’s biggest classic bike events.

   Taking place on Sunday, February 8, the auction is to be a new addition to the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, held annually at the Royal Bath and West in Somerset.

   Matthew Whitney, an associate partner as Charterhouse, said: “We’ve been conducting classic and vintage vehicle auctions for nearly 15 years and now we are looking ahead with great anticipation to our first dedicated motorcycle sale.

   “We are working with Classic Bike Shows and its team to put together some exciting plans and we look forward to seeing them come to life early next year.”

   The event’s exhibition manager, Nick Mowbray, said: “Auctions are a big draw for any motorcycle event and we’re delighted to be working with Charterhouse at our Bristol show.”

   Viewing of the auction lots will be open to all showgoers on Saturday, February 7, at no additional charge on the price of entry while admission to the Sunday sale is by catalogue only and will cost £10, a fee that will give entry to two people.

   With details confirmed, Charterhouse will turn its attention to finalising consignments.

   Matthew added: “Classic machines of all ages, makes and models are welcome, from pioneer bikes of the early 1900s through to the modern classics of the late 1980s.

   “And it’s not just motorcycles; we are interested in rare parts, spares and memorabilia too.”

   Anyone interested in selling at the auction should contact Matthew Whitney via email at [email protected] or by calling 01935 812277.

   And for information on the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, visit www.classicbikeshows.com.

3. Thundersprint Takes a Year Off in 2015

   Posted on 5:49pm Wednesday 17th Sep 2014

   Thundersprint organisers Frank and Carol Melling announced that this iconic event will not take place in 2015.

   Frank Melling said: “It’s well known that we have had two disastrously bad years with the weather in 2013 and 2014. The 55mm of rain we had over two days this year at Darley Moor hit spectator attendance very badly. In the simplest possible terms, we just cannot take a chance on a third year of hostile weather.

   “The problem we, and many other organisers, face is that the cost of promoting a big, complex event like the Thundersprint rises every year. Circuit owners want their income guaranteeing regardless of ticket sales. There is nothing wrong with this policy but it means that all the pressure is on the event organiser to cover costs and, hopefully, make a profit. We have talked extensively to a number of venues but there are none available which make economic sense. In the final analysis, we are a two person business and we can’t continue to risk what we have built up over the last seventeen years on the bet that we will have good weather in 2015.

   “The Thundersprint is very much alive and well and Carol and I remain as enthusiastic as ever for the future – if and when the event can make economic sense. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all competitors, traders and spectators for their fantastic support and we hope that they we will all continue to remain the good friends that they are now.”

   www.thundersprint.com

4. LEARN... to ride a bike!

   Posted on 5:39pm Wednesday 17th Sep 2014

   Motorcycle Live is the UK’s biggest bike show, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for born and bred bikers.

   The show also presents the perfect opportunity for aspiring motorcyclists of all ages to try two wheels in a safe and secure indoor environment, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

   The industry-backed Get On campaign* will once again return to Motorcycle Live, offering FREE 20-minute taster sessions on a 125cc scooter or motorcycle in a private, indoor area with expert tuition from fully trained instructors. Thousands of visitors have been through Get On in the last few years, with many getting the biking bug and going on to gain their full motorcycle licence.   Younger visitors can also get their first taste of riding, thanks to a host of features aimed at kids and teenagers, including the Kiddimoto Children’s Fun Track for two-12 year olds, Honda’s My First Licence for 5-11 year olds, the Arenacross Youth MX Experience and the Try a Kuberg Electric Bikes feature for 5-12 year olds and Silverstone’s Rookie Rides for 11-16's. 

   All kids’ features are FREE and are supervised by qualified instructors on specially constructed indoor tracks and circuits with all safety equipment provided. The perfect way for budding young bikers to start their journey!

   Motorcycle Live takes place at The NEC, Birmingham from 22-30 November 2014. Advance tickets are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 11-16** (kids ten and under accompanied by a paying adult go free). There is also a £20 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a three-pack of Oxford Comfy neck warmers worth £15.

   
   www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

   

5. JUST ONE WEEK TO GO UNTIL THE NATIONAL CUSTOM BIKE SHOW AT DONINGTON PARK

   Posted on 8:00am Monday 15th Sep 2014

   KICKBACK is packed with feature displays including: Harley Davidson plus Jumpstart bike, RedMax flat track zone, TV presenter Henry Cole and his fabulous Gladstone Motorcycles, 2Bros Stunt Show, World Champs Rocket Bobs Custom Cycles, Classic TT and Race bike paddock, The Chopper Club Zone, Streetfighter Zone, Michelin free tyre pressure service, café and bars, free on-site car park and bike parking right by main entrance!

   PLUS…the organisers say there will be nearly 200 stunning custom motorbikes on show in the 5000m2 warehouse expo hall at KICKBACK’s Invitational Showcase at Donington Park. Here are just a few of the latest entries for the superb international indoor display:      

   If you have a custom built motorbike and would like to have it displayed at the KICKBACK Invitational Showcase then please email a photograph of it to [email protected]

   KICKBACK: The (4th National) Custom Motorcycle Show is to take place at Donington Park in Derbyshire from 20th - 21st September 2014.

   KICKBACK is the UK’s most established and probably the biggest exhibition of its kind featuring over 200 of the finest custom built motorbikes most of which will be displayed along a vast 130 metre backdrop inside the main hall – an Invitational Showcase – other custom masterpieces will be presented on feature areas around the hall. KICKBACK is a fabulous celebration of British engineering excellence, where designers and builders unleash their imagination… a great day out for all motorcycle enthusiasts and of course the whole family!

   All types of custom built masterpieces will be on show from old school choppers and bobbers to the new generation of café bikes, street scramblers, trackers and brats…there’s even a collection of customised scooters, mopeds and streetfighters. It’s more than a fantastic ‘static’ exhibition; many of the customs will be fired up and ridden in the parade area. And just in case that’s not enough, there will also be regular spectacular stunt shows headed up by World Record holder and current British ‘Stunt Bike’ Champion Mark van Driel and the ‘Two Brothers’ team! Harley Davidson will be there in force, and they will have their fantastic Jumpstart bike there for everyone to try out! Michelin will be there with their free tyre pressure service van.

   There will be a superb collection of rare, classic TT and race bikes in the form of a 1970s style racing paddock. RedMax Speedshop will be putting on a fine flat track demo area. Plus The Chopper Club will be present with a superb display as well as a collection of awesome Streetfighters! There is free onsite car parking and bike parking right in front of the main entrance, so perfect chance to rock up on your bike and park up by doors!   KICKBACK: The Custom Motorcycle Show has relocated to Donington Park from Beaulieu where it was staged in 2012 and 2013.

   Organiser Lorne Cheetham told us, “We’re delighted to be staging the show again this year, at such an iconic venue; we hope to have over 200 top-drawer customs on display. There will also be a chance for all visitors to not only SEE the bikes, but HEAR them as well! We have an area by the hall where we will be firing up some of the machines and indeed parading them around a small track!” Lorne also added, “We want the visitors to really enjoy their day out, and think that firing up and parading a selection of these stunning bikes will be great fun. There will be a gorgeous collection of period style choppers and bobbers as well as a massive celebration and acknowledgement of the ‘new generation’ of custom built bikes such as new wave café racers, street scramblers, trackers and brat style bikes.”  

   Many exhibitors have already booked up including Robin Hood Harley Davidson, Michelin, Gladstone Motorcycles, Principal Insurance, Digital Speedos, Fat Skeleton, Rocket Bobs, Sickboyz Customs, Resurrection Motorcycles, Hard Up Choppers, Bike Dryers, Pigasso Art and many others plus at the time of writing over 100 stunning custom bikes are booked into the Invitational Showcase. The entry price is just £10 on the door for adults, children under 16 can get in for a fiver and under 5s go free. There is ample on-site free car parking and the price includes all features at the exhibition, plus the Invitational Showcase and the amazing Stunt Show! All visitors can also gain access to the superb Donington Park Motor Museum at a discounted price. Show opens on both days from 10.00am till 5.00.pm. If you would like to enter your stunning custom bike, or take a trade space or find out more about the show generally please visit

   www.TheCustomShow.com