Category: Random

1. WIN tickets for Stormin' the Castle 2017!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 26th Jul 2017

   Go here for details

   www.thebikerguide.co.uk/competitionsfomotorbikeevents.html

   

2. Superb Isle of Man TT 2017 Official Review now on the shelves in DVD & Blu-ray formats

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 26th Jul 2017

   With the release of the Official Review on DVD, Blu-ray and Download fans can now enjoy the spectacular racing from the 2017 edition of the Isle of Man TT once more, this time from the comfort of their favourite armchair.
   
   The review brings together the best moments from North One TV’s spectacular coverage to produce a comprehensive story of a fortnight of dramatic action.
   
   Also included alongside the race action are the full post-race press conferences, showing riders’ adrenaline-soaked reactions to victory in the raw.
   
   2017 saw a whole host of memorable feats, including that sensational 117+mph lap from the Birchall brothers, the first Superbike win at the TT for Suzuki since 2008 and a brilliant run of five podium finishes by Peter Hickman – not bad for a rider who’d had none before TT 2017!
   
   All of this, and much, much more, is featured in the four-hour review, which was shot in HD throughout. There is full coverage of each of the sidecar and solo races.
   
   The review is available on DVD (in US-friendly NTSC and European compliant PAL), on Blu-ray and as an HD download. All formats can be ordered through the official Isle of Man TT Shop at iomtt.com. Worldwide standard delivery is free.
   
   
   

3. Four Beautiful Summer Biking Routes Across Europe

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 22nd Jul 2017

   While there isn’t as much space for nature in Europe as in Australia or North America, the diversity across the continent both historically and in terms of natural landscapes make it an incredible place to tour. From natural landmarks to cultural heritage sites, the Old Continent boasts some fantastic routes for bikers looking to explore new territory. 

   Below are just some of the most beautiful summer biking routes throughout Europe that include national parks, mountain ranges, coastal scenery and plenty more!

   Ring of Kerry, Ireland

   Ireland is home to some of the greenest and most beautiful coastal landscapes in Northern Europe, and one of the best ways to soak in the beauty is biking along The Ring of Kerry. This countryside trail is a circular road that starts in Killarney and moves along the Iveragh Peninsula. 

   While tour buses and larger vehicles tend to struggle to maneuver through the sharp turns, for bikers the road is perfect for quick maneuvers, fun curves and breathtaking scenery.

   Col de la Bonette, France

   France may be best known for great cheese, fine wine and the Eiffel Tower, but its countryside and mountainous landscapes are also well worth a look. If you find yourself in France over the summer then the Col de la Bonette, which is a road surrounding a 2,860m mountain the French Alps, takes you through the Mercantour National Park and some of the most beautiful terrain in the country.  

   It is not only the highest paved route in the entire Alp mountain range, but it is also the peak section of the Tour de France route. Not to mention the fact that this road takes you right to the Italian-French border, where you can continue your travels into Italy! 

   Czech Paradise: Turnov to Jicin

   If you wander about a hundred kilometers away from Prague you will find yourself on the banks of the Jizera River at the heart of Czech Paradise, also known as Bohemian Paradise. Not only is this a UNESCO protected park since 1955, but this road between Turnov and Jicin takes you through some distinctive landscapes peppered with unique rock formations unlike any you’ll find in the entire region. 

   While the road to Czech Paradise is one of the most well-known biking routes in the country, if you drive around 100km in the other direction from Prague you’ll find yourself in Rozvadov. This small town is not only home to some of the biggest casino events in the country, but the road there also covers some beautiful Czech landscapes and rural villages.  

   From AutoZug in Hamburg, to Djursland, Denmark

   Germany’s Autobahn will not only take you across the country at maximum speed, but if you take the route from Hamburg to the Danish city of Djursland you will also witness the hilly beauty of Jutland’s Mols Bejrge National Park.  

   From swamps and farmland to thick forest and beaches you get a bit of everything along the AutoZug road. This tour is one of the most diverse in Central Europe and is a real treat for nature lovers looking to get a bit of everything in one pleasant ride. 

4. Barry Sheene’s restored XR14 to be ridden by son Freddie at Oliver’s Mount

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 14th Jul 2017

   

   Barry Sheene’s 1976 world championship-winning XR14 – which has been restored with the help of Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme – will be ridden by his son Freddie at this year’s Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July.

   The bike, which carried Barry Sheene to victory in four Grands Prix in 1976, was recently restored by former Team Suzuki mechanics Martyn Orgborne and Nigel Everett. Freddie will ride the iconic machine in a special parade session during the weekend, while Steve Parrish will ride the 1977 XR14 that Barry also rode to world championship glory. There will also be a display of other bikes raced by Barry Sheene, and a collection of his leathers.

   Suzuki, sponsoring the event for a third consecutive year, will be bringing a fleet of display bikes, including the Team Classic Suzuki Katana and a number of race bikes from the firm’s decorated history. The original GSX-R750F that was restored as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations will also feature, as will the GSX-R1100 restored by Suzuki’s apprenticeship programme and the TL1000S built from new parts.

   The event, held at the only true road-race circuit in England, will also feature a full programme of 21 races, a trade village, and live band on the Saturday night.

   Freddie Sheene said, “I’m really looking forward to the Oliver’s Mount event, not only for the usual atmosphere but for the fact that the public will be able to see the ‘76 and ‘77 world championship-winning bikes back where they belong. Those bikes laid dormant for the past 40 years and it’s a special moment for everyone to be a part of. The whole process of bringing the bikes back to life wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Suzuki GB and most importantly Martyn Ogborne and Nigel Everett; they have put over 600 hours between them to make this happen. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone over the weekend; let’s just hope the weather stays in check.”

   Scott Beaumont from Oliver’s Mount, commented, “To say we are excited about seeing Barry Sheene’s world championship-winning bike riding around Oliver’s Mount again is an understatement. Then the fact that his son Freddie will be riding it simply gives us goosebumps. This is an incredible opportunity to see this bike ridden in the UK for probably the final time. We simply cannot wait for the festival to get underway, and we hope to see all fans of Sheene, Suzuki, Classic Bikes and riding legends attending. See you all trackside for what is likely to be a once in a lifetime event.”

   Suzuki GB aftersales marketing coordiantor, Tim Davies, added, “We’re delighted to be backing the Sheene Festival again this year, and we’re really looking forward to watching Freddie ride Barry’s championship-winning machine RG500. It’s been really special to be involved in the restoration of such an iconic machine, with the help of the Sheene family. It was great to watch it come together, and it’ll be even more special to see Freddie ride it at a circuit that Barry loved and enjoyed much success at.”

   The 2017 Barry Sheene Festival will take place at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July. For tickets and event information, visit www.oliversmountracing.com
   

5. Offroad Adventures in Thailand & Laos this Winter

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 12th Jul 2017

   For adventure riders Thailand and Laos provide superb, excellent value riding. In this naturally beautiful region with its wonderful cultural heritage, our offroad tours take you to some real hidden gems rarely seen by tourists and travellers.
   
   On our Dragon's Tail 7 day tour to the top of Thailand's highest mountain - Doi Inthanon - we ride through bamboo forest, elephant camps, the hot springs beauty spot of Pai, along the Ping river with its wooded banks and dramatic waterfalls, through tribal villages and visit the largest cave in SE Asia. As you'd expect the terrain is wonderful and varied - steep mountain mud trails, gentle stony tracks, river crossings, narrow tarmac roads... This is a weeks offroading like no other!  
   
   Golden Triangle tour extends Dragon's Tail  into the Golden triangle region on the Myanmar and Laos border for a 12 day adventure. Infamous for its historical opium production, this area provides a heady mix of lush jungle, hill-tribe villages, tranquil rice paddies, mist-shrouded mountains and mixed cultures.  We ride across the border into Myanmar, take a riverboat on the mighty Mekong into Laos and take in a little bit of China (in Thailand) in unique Santikharee village. 
   
   Laos: Gateway to China Adventure is more expedition than tour. We ride through Northern Thailand littered with its hilly national parks and village trails, continue through the Golden Triangle and then into Laos - one of the most unspoilt countries in the world and with many unpaved roads! The World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its fabulous temples, palaces and museums is a cultural highlight and we visit an elephant camp and cross the Mekong River by boat. Whether you take our New Year tour, aimed at more experienced riders, or go in February you'll be in for a treat - a truly unique 14 day motorcycling experience! 
   
   Enduro training? Want to improve your offroad skills pre tour? No worries - we offer 1 and 3 day Enduro Training in Chiang Mai where you can get used to your bikes by practising on uphill sections, traversing log bridges, river crossings, sand, mud etc.
   
   And extra nights accommodation is available at very reasonable prices in Chiang Mai. Either relax by the pool or immerse yourself into the classic culture of elaborately ornamented temples - there's 30 'wats' to choose from. 

   For further details on all our other tours, locations and summer destinations too, please visit our website: www.hctravel.com