Category: Events and Shows

1. BBC Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond...

   Posted on 11:15am Monday 7th Apr 2014

   makes surprise appearance at Prescott Bike Festival!

   The fourth annual Prescott Bike Festival took place on Sunday 6 April 2014 in aid of the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and its member group, Severn Freewheelers. Despite the inclement weather, the event attracted several thousand visitors who enjoyed an action-packed day where rare classic, modern and famous motorcycles took to the historic hill, from Nortons, BSAs and Velocettes, to well-known superbikes such as Frankie Chili’s 1998 Ex WSB Ducati 996, James Toseland’ s first WSS machine and David Jeffries' GSX-R1000 TT bike (courtesy of Mike West). In the paddock the Carlos Checa’s MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP5 and Checa’s 2011 WSB winning Ducati 1198 F1 were fired up at regular intervals.

   BBC Top Gear’s Richard Hammond also made a surprise appearance, arriving on a classic Norton Dominator motorcycle. It was his first visit to Prescott Bike Festival, and he spent several hours signing autographs and having pictures taken with fans. Richard said “as an honouree member of Bloodbikes, I am delighted to finally make it to Prescott Bike Festival and support such a fantastic cause”.

   The festival was also supported by many motorcycle clubs, trade stalls and dealers including those representing Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Enfield, Triumph, AJP, Harley, Victory, BMW and KTM. Speaking at the event Colin Bailey, General Manager of Bransons said “We have supported Prescott Bike Festival for the past four years; the event is a great place for us to showcase our business, whilst supporting a great charity”.

   Despite the inclement weather, all 200 tickets for members of the public to “ride the hill” were sold out months in advance as was the special features this year, Happy Hour, the public’s opportunity to see, hear, get up close and watch some special motorcycle machinery. Not surprisingly, passenger thrill rides in sidecars, Morgan Three Wheelers, Westfields, and Grinnall Scorpion sold out quickly. Throughout the day there were demonstrations by the Scott Redding Mini Moto Academy, Dave Coates Stunt Show, Skyzone Racings’ Chris Hodgson (current British Supermoto Champion), the NHCA Masters, the Classic 50cc Racing Club and motorcycle adventurer Nick Sanders, who has motorcycled around the world seven times.

   Special guest appearances included: motorcycle adventurer Nick Sanders. Plus Tag Racing Team with British Superbike rider Richard Cooper and Superstock rider Shaun Winfield, BeWiser Kawasaki Superstock rider Josh Day and Skyzone Racing Supermoto Team riders Chris Hodgson, Jay Smith and Thomas Elam. Plus Isle of Man TT rider for Centurion Racing Team, Dan Cooper. Sadly MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish was unable to make it as his flight from the Isle of Man was cancelled due to the weather conditions. Steve is a great supporter of Bloodbikes and was incredibly disappointed not to attend, he will be presenting a cheque of ?600 to Bloodbikes, from monies raised from the raffles that took place during his recent M.A.D tour.

   Off track, the paddock was crammed with bike displays, motorcycle trade stands and a host of entertainment with live music from UK hot rocking band, Josie and the Outlaws, and Road House Rooster, Chickenbone John and his custom guitars. In addition there were roaming actors from the UK Garrison, the world’s largest and most accurate Star Wars costuming club, and, back by popular demand, the George Formby look-a-like from the motorcycle film, No Limit?.

   In amongst the fun, there were serious messages too – Chris Harrison, Motorcycle Coordinator from Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership said “Prescott Bike Festival is a prime place to get the Think Bike message out there to a large motorcycle audience. In Gloucestershire 84% of all motorcycle collisions involve another vehicle, and whilst it’s hoped they will never be needed, we are handing out free crash cards. Its a scheme where a rider places a crash card inside their helmet providing emergency contact details for ambulance crews in case they are injured in an accident. So far we have distributed over 6,000 in the county”.

   Festival organiser, Gordon Downie, said, “Prescott Bike Festival raises vital funds for the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes, it’s the charity's biggest fundraising event of the year and we are delighted that it has become a firm annual fixture in the motorcycle calendar. We are hugely grateful to all the exhibitors, bike clubs, dealers, marshals, volunteers, sponsors and visitors who continue to support us and have helped make the event such a success. Next year the festival will be held on Sunday 15 April”.

   Did you “Ride the Hill” at Prescott Bike Festival? If so, why not buy a picture of your hill run, using the link on the Prescott Bike Festival website 

   All proceeds from pictures bought will be donated to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes.

2. HISTORIC MACHINES TO MAKE RARE APPEARANCES AT STAFFORD

   Posted on 10:00am Friday 4th Apr 2014

   A SELECTION of unique machinery from around the globe will make a rare appearance at one of the world’s flagship classic motorcycle events this April.

   The 34th Carole Nash Classic MotorCycle Show takes place on the weekend of April 26-27 at Staffordshire County Showground with John Surtees’ championship winning MV Agusta, Norton F Model and Ferrari 158 among the headline grabbers.

   A Moto Major, an Italian made motorcycle never before seen in the UK, will also be displayed and with Bonhams’ auction and the National Motorcycle Museum in attendance there will be several more eye-catching bikes for experts and enthusiasts to inspect.

   James Robinson, editor of The Classic MotorCycle magazine, said: “It’s superb to see so many incredible machines and big names from the world of classic motorcycling coming together for our Stafford event.

   “It shows a real renaissance in the world of classics and these stunning machines are a real attraction for long term visitors and newcomers alike.”

   Along with the chance to see historic displays, this year sees motorsport legend John Surtees – the only man to have ever captured world titles in both two- and four-wheeled disciplines – on stage regularly sharing tales of an incredible career as he takes his place as the event’s guest of honour.

   Surtees, who turned 80 in February, is at the event as part of a series of appearances throughout 2014 to mark 50 years since he captured his Formula 1 world crown and to promote a new photographic memoir to be launched in June – the proceeds of which will go to the Henry Surtees Foundation.

   Show organiser Nick Mowbray said he couldn’t wait to see Surtees speak: “John Surtees is a hero of so many classic and modern motorcycle enthusiasts; what he achieved is truly remarkable.

   “He is a star name, not just in motorsport, but on the world stage. No other man will ever achieve what he has by reaching the top of his profession in both motorcycle and car events.”

   The two day event will also see rows of private entry and classic club bikes, along with hundreds of trade stands, an extensive autojumble and live entertainment in the form of the world famous Wall of Death.

   Advance tickets for the 34th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show are on sale now from www.classicbikeshows.com, or can be purchased over the phone by calling 01507 529529 – with an advance one day adult ticket costing £10, a £3 saving on the gate price.

   The show is open from 9am – 6pm on Saturday and 9am – 5pm on Sunday. Parking is free.

3. Foggy & Whit Givin' It Gas - 2014 UK Chat Show Tour

   Posted on 9:02am Wednesday 2nd Apr 2014

   World Superbike stars Carl Fogarty and James Whitham show no sign of slowing down as three extra dates are added to their sell-out 2014 tour…

   No strangers to a victory lap, the four-times World Champion and British Champion turned top TV-pundit are back on the road due to popular demand.

   May 13th - National Motorbike Museum, Solihull.
   May 14th - The Palace Theatre, Paignton.
   May 15th - The White Theatre, Hastings.

   www.foggyandwhit.co.uk

   facebook
   
   

4. Adventure Ashram's UK Car & Bike Rally 2014

   Posted on 8:16am Wednesday 2nd Apr 2014

   For people, motorbikes and cars of all ages! Rally with purpose.

   We’ll be starting from Newlands Corner, a beautiful spot on top of the Surrey Hills, from here we’ll be taking a meandering route via great country roads to the Watercress Railway and then on through the New Forest to the famous Beaulieu Classic Car Jumble and Car Museum.

   From 5.30 we’ll regroup at the Master Builders hotel, with beautiful views over the Beaulieu River and set at the end of the grassy street that is Buckler’s Hard village, it is difficult to imagine a more picturesque setting for the end of our rally and it’s just down the road from the Car Museum. Time for a well earned drink and a chat about the rally.

   To enter costs just £25 per person and this includes a rally guide, (which will be posted to you) a limited edition commemorative lapel badge, a rally plate to fix to you car or bike and entrance to Beaulieu Classic Car Jumble... which also gets you into the famous motor museum! All items have been generously produced and paid for by Adventure Ashram supporters.

   Order an exclusive UK Rally t-shirt! Wear a lovely and exclusive UK Rally t-shirt on the day, there's a picture of it in the gallery to the right. S, M, L, XL and XXL sizes avaiable on a first come first served basis... simply add another £12.50 per t-shirt to your donation. (includes postage and packaging)

   Some people are staying in the area so will be making a night of it... would be great if you could join us. There is quite a selection of accomodation in the area, from campsites to B+B and hotels. Sign up by simply making a donation of £25 per person.

   Please make your donation using this Virgin Money Giving site and please remember to click YES to the gift aid option, we get 25p extra for every £1 donated. One of the awards is for the "best comment on the Virgin Money Giving page", so get those creative juices going. Once you have made your donation, you will receive an automated email explaining next steps.

   Book your place NOW… What a great way to spend a Saturday and all money raised is going to charity. Rally with purpose with Adventure Ashram.

   The rest of the trustees and I are really looking forward to rallying with you on May 17th. 

   www.adventureashram.org

5. Motor sport legend John Surtees OBE to support Edenbridge Fun Day, Kent

   Posted on 10:30am Friday 28th Mar 2014

   Spring Holiday Monday 26 May 2014

   The exciting sights sound and smell of Grand Prix Racing to roar into life at Edenbridge, Kent.

   Motor sport legend, John Surtees OBE, the only person to have won world championships on both two and four wheels, will be supporting the Edenbridge Fun Day on Monday 26th May 2014. Edenbridge has been Surtees' business base for the past 56 years, and the fun day will celebrate his remarkable achievements on two and four wheels as well as that of Team Surtees which gained worldwide success winning American and British championships with its Formula 5000 cars and the European Formula 2 Championship in 1972 (runner-up in 1973).

   The special event will feature a parade of John’s rarely seen F1 race cars and bikes run twice through Edenbridge High Street before returning to the site that was the Surtees team factory base. This will be followed by a large procession of veteran and classic vehicles all drawn to Edenbridge by the festivities.

   Peter Kingham, Head of Edenbridge Chamber of Commerce said “2014 marks not only John’s 50th anniversary of winning the Formula 1 World Championship, but also his 80th birthday. We are very much looking forward to celebrating those two anniversaries with him at the fun day, as well as raising funds for our chosen charities”.

   The Edenbridge Fun Day will raise awareness and funds for local charities including the Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance and Henry Surtees Foundation, established by John Surtees following the tragic death of his son Henry while competing in Formula 2 race in 2009 aged just 18.

   The Team Surtees and John Surtees related vehicles taking part in the Edenbridge Fun Day and parade include:

   · Ferrari 158 - This is the actual car that John Surtees won his 1964 Formula One Driver's World Championship racing title in

   · The first Formula 1 car built by Team Surtees at its Edenbridge base. The TS7 Formula 1 car had its first race in the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in 1970. In that year It won the Gold Cup competing against a World Championship grid and finished 5th in the Canadian Grand Prix.

   · The TS14 Formula 1 car - The first car to be introduced to the new safety regulations in 1972 and was driven by Mike Hailwood and Carlos Pace setting lap records in the German and Austrian Grand Prix. Mike Hailwood took 2nd place at the Italian Grand Prix. The team finished 5th in the World Championship (one place behind Ferrari).

   · The TS15 2-litre Formula 2 car built in 1973 which finished 2nd in that Championship, this car is the prototype that won the prestigious Interlagos race in Brazil driven by Carlos Pace

   · A 1960 MV Agusta four-cylinder GP motorcycle – John Surtees won seven World motorcycle championships riding for MV Augusta and 6 Isle of Man TT’s

   · A 1954 BMW Rennsport twin-cylinder motorcycle – John Surtees raced for the factory team at the Nurburgring in 1955.

   · Mercedes-Benz 300SL this is one of the limited production cars made by Mercedes-Benz following the success on their return to racing of the 300SL prototype in Carrera Panamerica

   · 500cc 1949 Vincent Grey Flash motorcycle built by John in 1979 using a large number of parts from the original machine that he built in 1950 whilst working as an apprentice at the Vincent Company. John won his first ever race on a Grey Flash at Aberdare Park in Wales, that he had built whilst working as an apprentice at the Vincent company. It was the first of many wins before he transferred to a Norton to compete in International events.

   · 350cc Works Norton this is one of the last works machines built by the original Norton company in the early Sixties and featured an ultra-short-stroke engine of 86mm x 60mm and outside flywheel

   The vehicles will be based at the original building that housed Team Surtees where the cars were manufactured and built predominantly by local skilled residents. Two local businesses, Bradford Electrical and Whitmore’s car dealership have traded from this base in recent years at north end of town. It is soon hoped that an exciting new development will be taking place on this site with the construction of a Sainsbury’s store and petrol station.

   The parade will start at 4.00pm following an Aston Martin DB8 course car – John Surtees will lead the procession in the Ferrari 158 car along closed roads through Edenbridge before returning to Station Road.

   To tie in with the event, Topfoto Gallery based at Roman Road, Fircroft Way, Edenbridge will be holding a Surtees photographic exhibition tracing his life and career from 18 April until 12 June 2014.