Category: Events and Shows

1. VMCC FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKES 2015, THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC TRACK WEEKEND IS BACK!

   Posted on 10:20am Friday 25th Jul 2014

   The Vintage Motor Cycle Club are delighted to announce that next year will see The VMCCs Festival of 1000 Bikes returning to Mallory Park on the weekend of 11th/12th July 2015.

   With the support in principal already flowing in from our partners Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Motorcycle Media, The National Motorcycle Museum & ERIKS UK, the 2015 event will be another weekend to remember.

   As in previous years the event gives enthusiasts the opportunity to ride their own machines in multiple track sessions over the weekend. On the Saturday of the event we cater for all classes of road machines from the earliest Veterans (discounted entry fee available for pre 1925 machines) through to machines of the superbike era which reflect the wide range of interests within the VMCC. With lesser noise restrictions Sunday is the day for riders to display their race machinery in special track sessions running throughout the day.

   The VMCC festival of 1000 Bikes is unique in its sheer breadth & scale. This includes showcasing one of the best line ups of “Past Masters” and famous machines assembled during any given year. At previous VMCC festivals this has included many unique happenings such as “King Kenny” Roberts first UK Track appearance in 30 years at the 2011 event, Kevin Schwantz’s (in conjunction with Michelin) return to Mallory Park for the first time in a quarter of a century in 2012 and 1987 500cc GP World Champion Wayne Gardner (Courtesy of Michelin) headed up 2013s’ line up and took to the track on a genuine works Honda RS500. Announcements for 2015s’ line up due early in the New Year!

   More details and features will be released over the coming months. However as the Track sessions for both road and race machines sold out early in previous years, entry forms will be distributed in the autumn to all previous entrants.

   They will then become available later in the year (dates to be announced) via VMCC HQ direct or downloading from the dedicated event website @ www.vmcc.net/1000bikes

    

2. UNCOVER YOUR DARK SIDE AT ACTION-PACKED SCOTTISH MOTORCYCLE SHOW

   Posted on 11:20am Thursday 24th Jul 2014

   FREE test rides, incredible stunt displays, the latest machines and competitive racing are among the attractions visitors can enjoy at Scotland’s biggest and best motorcycle show in just a few weeks’ time.

   The Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show takes place at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre on the weekend of August 9-10, and topping the bill of live action is Yamaha’s Dark Side MT Tour, which sees the Japanese manufacturing giant offering an array of free activities.

   Test ride opportunities will be available on models across the MT range, including the MT-09 Street Rally and the new MT-125, and there will also be a host of other riding experiences.

   John Milbank, editor of Motor Cycle Monthly and MoreBikes.co.uk, said: “We were the first publication to test the new Street Rally, and we think it’s a fantastic and unique opportunity for riders to be given a chance to do the same.

   “Yamaha has sold the MT range as ‘the dark side of Japan’ and I can tell you, this is more than just marketing babble – the MT-09 delivers on that ‘dark side’ promise.

   “Make no mistake about it, these bikes are going to be popular. Those wanting to have a go should book their places now.”

   A fleet of MT models will be available to test for those with a full motorcycle licence, while novices, A1 and A2 licence holders can sample the MT-125 and the 35kW version of the MT-07 on a specialist test course with instructors on hand to assist.

   In addition to the unique test ride opportunity, the MT Tour events will include the incredible Dave Coates Stunt Show, ‘have-a-go’ activities including the MT-09 Extreme Wheelie Machine, the amazing MT Tour truck with exclusive MT apparel and accessories on display, a paddock for existing MT owners and much more.

   Another display team, the madcap Purple Helmets, will be making their way to Edinburgh from the Isle of Man adding their own brand of stunt humour to proceedings.

   There’s competitive action too in the form of Moped Mayhem and Scottish Supermoto demos as organisers look to make the most of facilities, both inside and out, at the RHC.

   “We’ve gone to great lengths in our efforts to provide an all-round motorcycle weekend with interactive, live action taking place outside supplementing the usual excellent trade and club stands filling the halls,” said Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager.

   A host of top dealers will be bringing the latest models from Honda, Suzuki, Victory, Indian, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi along with autojumble plots offering all manner of machines and motorcycle parts and accessories.

   The event will also welcome racing royalty, with Giacomo Agostini as star guest alongside one of Scotland’s own, three times TT winner Alex George.

   “The show will celebrate all that is best about biking, from classic to modern and everything in between,” added Nick.

   “We’ve even got Scottish indie-rock cover band Shardlake playing three separate hour-long sets each day of the show – the entertainment simply doesn’t stop.

   “Whether it’s someone looking to fill their boots with biking bits or a family looking for a great day out, there really is something for everyone at the Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show.”

3. LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW ENCOURAGES THE NEXT GENERATION

   Posted on 9:00am Thursday 24th Jul 2014

   This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is encouraging the next generation of classic car enthusiasts to share their passion for motoring with a dedicated area of ‘YoungTimers’. These are the clubs focusing on younger members, which are on the increase and as such, bringing new ideas and fresh blood into the classic car world.

   November’s NEC show will play host to these clubs with the likes of Oxford University Motorsport Foundation (OUMF), Young Guns Classics, the Morris Minor Owner’s Club Young Members Register and the Supra MkIV Owner’s Club all set to feature in the show’s first dedicated ‘YoungTimers’ area.

   Event Director Dan Nwaokolo said: “By having a dedicated area for ‘YoungTimers’, we’re giving these young clubs a platform to introduce themselves to the classic car movement while also promoting the scene to like-minded enthusiasts of a similar generation. We know that they’re not only the future of our show but the entire classic community and we’re thrilled at the number of younger people we see each year – it’s great to see so many clubs either embracing younger people or youngsters forming their own clubs.”

   OUMF was founded in 2005 specifically with the intent of bringing younger people into motorsport. “We wanted to give youngsters a practical side to their theory and encourage them into classic motorsport” says Ding Boston from OUMF. “For first timers the simplicity of classic cars makes them perfect for students. It’s always interesting to see what cars inspire these youngsters.”

   Another club focusing on younger members is the Morris Minor Owner’s Club, which has set up a specific section within the club to cater for younger members. Matt Tomkins, Chairman of the club’s Young Members Register, said: “We’re heavily involved with promoting the entire classic car scene to the younger generation, having spoken at a number of events.”

   The number of youngsters in the scene is growing all the time, thanks no doubt to the formation of clubs like Young Guns Classics. Member Georgina Davies said: “I feel we are a bit more laid back, which is why we have such fun. We all know each other very well and I would almost describe us as one big family. Unlike other classic car clubs we don't mind what car you drive be it a classic Beetle to a Land Rover!”

   Supra MkIV Owner’s Club member James Jefferson is another owner with a broad interest in classic and retro cars owning a ’67 Mustang and a MkIV Toyota Supra. “I’m 22 now and I finished the Mustang when I was 19” said James. “I grew up around classic stuff – my Dad has MGBs, I used to ride around in Rover P4s, Minis, allsorts.”

   James has found that the older generation is largely accepting of the new breed – with one or two exceptions. “They’re usually pretty pleased when they realise that people like me are genuinely interested. That said I know when my Mustang was part of a restoration feature, the magazine got a few letters from people who found it really difficult to believe it had been built by a 19yr old!”

   Richard Morley, Operations Director for Lancaster Insurance said “We are passionate about getting more young people into classics and recognise that we must nurture new members so that we can preserve our motoring heritage. Introducing the ‘YoungTimers’ section to the show and encouraging young people to love and cherish classic cars, is not only a brilliant idea but vital to the future of the industry. ‘YoungTimers’ will inspire new recruits to become lifelong devotees, ensuring that this social pastime is carried on for years to come.”

   While some clubs suffer from stagnating or even dwindling memberships, those that look to embrace young members look set to flourish. The youngsters are the future of the classic car movement, bringing with them a wider and wider selection of cars into the scene and with them the enthusiasm needed to keep the scene alive for years to come.

   The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held from 14th to 16th November. For more information on the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show or Classic Motorbike Show as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com

4. Yorkshire Pudding 1st to 3rd of August

   Posted on 2:33pm Tuesday 22nd Jul 2014

   Well, we finally had some good weather for Farmyard Party this year and what a difference it makes - happy customers enjoying a great a rally.

   We have had some excellent feedback and some constructive comments - yes, we will take on board what you have said for next year! It was also great to see lots of new comers to the event - this means we will continue to support MAG UK and the work it does on our behalf for riders' rights.

   So, Yorkshire Pudding will be held at Escrick Estate for a second year - 1st to the 3rd of August. Last year was an absolute blinder and we have made every effort to ensure it is another. Band and comedian line ups are listed below. Don't forget to bring a towel for the free showers that will be available.

   Tickets for Yorkshire Pudding will be available by post until the 18th of July and the 25th for online purchases. After that they will only be available on the gate.

   As always, our events are held on behalf of Riders' Rights throughout UK and Europe.

   No Cars, No Vans, No Pedestrians, No Excuses

5. Book launch and WD/Military Bike Ride in

   Posted on 9:25am Tuesday 22nd Jul 2014

   The National Motorcycle Museum will host the launch of a new book “The Six Day Affair” by John Bradshaw on Saturday 2n August.

   Held in the Museum Foyer the author will be available to sign copies and discuss this fascinating new title which concerns the 1939 ISDT which was underway in Austria the week prior to the outbreak of WW2. 
   
   Following the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, the ISDT was seen by Hitler as being another opportunity for Nazi dominance and the 1939 ISDT was unexpectedly held in Austria, riding through the mountains surrounding Salzburg. Half way through the event, with the British teams once again doing very well indeed, they received a telegram from the British Embassy telling them to get out immediately. WWII started just a week later.
   
   The book is the story of how the British riders – men and women, army and civilian – successfully made it away through Switzerland with the help of their friendly German escort has so far only been mentioned in magazine articles, but extensive research has revealed much new material about this fascinating and exciting event in history.
   
   Costing £12.00 the book will be available to purchase from the Museum shop or online via www.thenmmshop.co.uk following the event on 02/08/14

   WD/ISDT/Trials Machines “Ride-In” & Display.

   To coincide with the launch of this book whose main themes are both WW2 & ISDT we are inviting owners of WD/Military or ISDT/Trials machines to ride in or bring them along to display in front of the Museum Entrance on 02/08/14. Riders displaying these machines will receive half price entry to the Museum collection.
   
   In keeping with both the anniversary of the start of WW1 as well as the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings we will be delighted to see as many WD machines as possible to help commemorate the brave servicemen & women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
   
   The National Motorcycle Museum Supports the “Pilgrim Bandits” charity which helps ex- service personal. The Museum will be making a donation to Pilgrim Bandits for each WD/Military machine that is displayed on the day.
   
   www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk