Category: Events and Shows

1. Record-Breaking Weekend For Stafford Classic Bike Show‏

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 25th Apr 2016

   TRADERS at the world’s premier classic motorcycle event in Stafford have enjoyed a bumper weekend, many reporting record sales numbers.
   

   Regular exhibitors went home happy from the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show – April 23-24 – with enthusiasts once again pouring through the gates of the county showground to show the strength of the classic bike market.

   Midlife Classics’ Tim Slaughter said: “Saturday was our best day at Stafford for years. We always have a weekend target in mind, and we’d achieved that by the end of the first day.” 

   It was a similar story throughout the halls and outside trade areas as busy stallholders met huge demand for bikes, parts, spares, accessories, riding gear, memorabilia and more. Hagon Shocks’ Tony Hutchinson said: “We had loads of orders on Saturday, more in that one day than we’ll get in a whole weekend at some other events. The great thing about Stafford is that showgoers are getting their hands dirty restoring and maintaining machines – they’re here to buy, not just to browse.”

   The impressive numbers weren’t just confined to trade stands, as Bonhams’ annual Stafford Spring auction saw a world record sale for a British motorcycle – £331,900 for a 1938 Brough Superior BS4. Part of the much-anticipated ‘Broughs of Bodmin’ collection, the price helped take the collective total for the long-lost machines to £752,625 with the overall auction total reaching £3.5 million.

   The enthusiasm demonstrated by visitors and buyers was backed up by the high standard of private entries and club displays as some of the best classic motorcycles in the UK and beyond descended on the venue.

   It was a successful weekend for Sean Kelly as his Sunbeam Model 90 claimed the honour of Best in Show, while the DOT Motorcycle Club took the Best Club Stand award.

   Head judge Dennis Frost said: “This is the major world show for classic bikes, and the entrants made our jobs hard this year with an incredibly high standard presented across the board. An original 1912 FN Single which was used as for dispatch in the First World War caught the eye, as did a stunning 1979 Laverda Jota, but Sean’s Sunbeam was a clear choice for Best in Show this time. It’s not a bike that’s easy to restore, and this one has been done perfectly.”

   Interviews with guest star Steve Parrish, firing up sessions in the GP race paddock, trials demonstrations, parade laps of the main ring and a live motorcycle rebuild added to the action-packed line-up.

   Attention now turns to Santa Pod Raceway, with the Classic Bike Shows team supporting the new Race, Rock ’n’ Ride event at the venue on May 21-22. Classic bike action returns to Staffordshire in the autumn for the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show which takes place on October 15-16.

2. Guy Martin’s Wall Of Death Bike To Feature At Stafford‏

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 23rd Apr 2016

   The Rob North framed 750cc BSA Triple machine on which Guy Martin set a new world speed record on a Wall of Death, live on Channel 4 over the Easter break, will be at the 36th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show this weekend.

   The road racing, mountain biking, lorry mechanic blasted around the specially-built 37m diameter wall at a speed of 78.150mph on the BSA that he built in his own workshop, with the help of his dad and mechanic Cammy Whitworth.

   The show will also welcome the man who taught Guy the ropes of riding the wall – Ken Fox – as his Wall of Death, complete with vintage Indian Scouts and troupe of riders, will once again entertain the crowds throughout the weekend.

   And that’s not all. An incredible selection of classic motorcycles 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, regaling the crowds with tales from his rich and storied career.

   THE UK’s biggest classic motorcycle event takes place at Staffordshire County Showground this weekend, April 23-24, with sporting stars, stunning machines and spectacular live action among the highlights for showgoers.

   A one day adult pass costs just £14 – For more information on the show, including ticket details and opening times, visit classicbikeshows.com

3. 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
   
   

4. 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.

5. 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