Ace Cafe News - Ace Cafe Reunion Update
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Independently acclaimed as the world's coolest motorcycle event - Three Days, Three Rides, One Reunion!
Friday 9th September from 6pm - The Continental Run Ride-In
Saturday 10th September - Cafe Racer & Rockers Ride-Out
Depart: 10.30am
Destination: Battersea Park (Central London)
Sunday 11th September - Brighton Burn-Up & Ride With The Rockers
Depart: 10.30am
Route: A406 - A40 - M25 - M23 - A23 to Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront
Taking place over three days of the second weekend in September and first held in 1994, the 18th annual Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend & Ride With The Rockers celebrates the unique history, culture and style of Ace Cafe London and what it represents. The event acts as a focus in the motorcycling calendar for all those who are not only interested in the Ace Cafe, Ton Up and Rocker heritage, but also for many others who enjoy a weekend full of rock n' roll and fun!
Over the years, Ace Cafe London has forged lasting and strong links to the global motorcycling and rockin' community, which is reflected by the many visitors from overseas, one of the largest contingents being The Continental Run, which starts with a party at Cafe Hubraum in Solingen, Germany, before departing the next morning to cross Holland, Belgium and France, gathering numbers en route to the ferry, arriving at the cafe late afternoon, and culminating in an evening of rock 'n' roll!
The Brighton Burn Up & Ride With The Rockers, has been an integral part of Ace Cafe Reunions since 1996, and is a free, grand day out at the seaside on Brighton's famous seafront road, Madeira Drive. With trade and club stands, stunt displays, live music and special guests, it's an experience not to be missed!
On Saturday 10th September, a Cafe Racer & Rockers Ride-Out to London's historic Battersea Park will depart from the cafe at 10.30am, led again this year by the Limited Edition Ace 904S Thruxton Special, returning to the Ace for the 3rd annual Cafe Racer Review, with prizes for the "Best Ridden Cafe Racer", "Best Classic Cafe Racer", "Best Modern Cafe Racer", "Best Triumph Cafe Racer" and "Best Harley Cafe Racer".
This year, together with celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release in 1971 of the seminal Steve McQueen film "On Any Sunday" with prizes to include a pair of tickets to attend the Rye House Flat Track Championship Round for the "Best Ridden Flat Tracker", and recalling his famous quote of that same year, "When you're racing, it's life", the Ace is also celebrating a very special landmark, the 10th anniversary of the legendary cafe having fully reopened!
Sponsors for the competitions at the cafe include; Lewis Leathers, Red Torpedo, Lucky 13, 19-60, Prison Blues, Delta Music, Jack Lilley Triumph, Warrs HD, Coventry Transport Museum, NEC Classic Bike Show, Million Dollar Quartet Musical, Taschen and Rye House Speedway with awards and prizes being presented by Ace Cafe Hostess Sophia St. Villier.
Amongst special guests,we are delighted to host Manx man and renowned author Mick Duckworth signing copies of his recently published book "Ace Times - Speed thrills and tea spills, a cafe and a culture", together with the legendary "Prince of Speed", 8 times world champion road racer Phil Read MBE. 2011 marks 50 years since his first TT race.
The feisty London Rockin' Rollers will be with us again, raising funds for London's Air Ambulance, the cafe's chosen charity for Saturday 10th September.
On Sunday 11th September in Brighton, as well as an array of club, trade stands and live bands, the annual short seafront service and blessing is being kindly undertaken by both Father Scott and Father Denis of the 59 Club.
There will also be a "Best Scooter" competition sponsored by Baracuta and Dr Martens.
Stunt Shows, featuring the ever popular Marc "Sparky" Chennel, Hanksy (Bolddog/SBF), Joe Vertical (USA) and Tim Evans (SBF) will take place at Black Rock, the eastern end of Madeira Drive, with three displays scheduled for 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, together with a wheelie machine for those who want to try out riding on the back wheel and, for the first time, this years Reunion will host a static Show Up n' Shine "Best Streetfighter" competition in association with Streetfighters magazine and Winning Formulas.
As part of Battle of Britain Week, the cafe's chosen charity RAFA will be in attendance, and assisting them in raising funds, and debuting at this years Reunion, are the Brighton Rockers Roller Derby Team, a band of fearless female skaters! and, for your convenience, the charity Riders For Health will be in attendance with a "helmet park", where you can leave your gear and enjoy the day.
Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend Entertainment:
The Hicksville Bombers+ Burlesque Show (Friday 9th), Doggone Honkabilly Band + The Bullets + Furious + The Space Cadets + Burlesque Show (Saturday 10th) at the cafe, plus Rockin' The Joint & Mark Keeley's Good Rockin' Tonight performing at Brighton (Sunday 11th). DJ's spinning the weekend's wax are Bill & Jimmy Guntrip, Graham Urquhart and Mouse, and yes, it's all free!