Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, is organising a whole host of exciting activities for families during May Half Term. From James Bond Week and Spy School to the Gaydon Spring Classic and Metro 30th Anniversary, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

    ‘Bond Week’ , which takes place from 29 May – 6 June, will offer visitors the chance to see an exhibit of cars from the James Bond films. Making a special guest appearance will be the Aston Martin DBS from the opening scene of Quantum of Solace, the BAD1 Jaguar XK & the Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day . Each day children can enjoy a free activity and make their own spy de-coder to solve cryptic clues around the museum. 

    On Thursday 3rd June, children can enjoy ‘ Spy School’ to make their own spy gadgets and learn the art of secret message writing. This free, drop-in activity will take place from 11am – 3pm in the Education Room. Normal museum admission prices apply and children can take home what they make.

    Running daily during the half term week, visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities including Go Karts, Mi niature Roadway and the centres very own 4x4 Experience. Sessions run daily, weather permitting, from 11am – 4:00pm and are open to non-museum visitors.

    Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars gather for a fantastic day out at the ‘ Gaydon Spring Classic’ on Sunday 30 May from 10am – 5pm. Those arriving in a vehicle older than 20 years old can benefit from a reduced museum entry fee of just £5 per person - the museum entry fee at the time of opening in 1993. Also taking place that day from 10am - 4pm is the Metro 30th Anniversary, a special event which celebrates 30 years of the Austin Metro, 20 years of the Rover Metro and 15 years of the Rover 100.  Visitors can see for free a display of Metro models from 1980 -1998 plus an exhibition of Metros in motorsport and nostalgic 1980's music, quizzes and competitions.

    Sunday 30 May also plays host to the‘ Two Stroke Rally’ from 10am – 4pm.  The event, which is open to owners of two stroke vehicles, will feature cars, vans, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Primarily a static display, owners will have the opportunity of testing their vehicles unique abilities and visitors will be able to watch for free.

    ‘Boot 4 Ben’ , a charity car boot sale, takes place on Monday 31 May and is open to the public and traders. Gates open at 9am and close at approximately 3pm. All proceeds raised from the pitch fees will be split equally between BEN, the automotive industry charity, and BMIHT. Further 'Boot 4 BEN' car boot sales will also takes place at the HMC on Monday 30 August & Sunday 19 September.

      Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “With our special Bond Week, Spy School and a host of exciting and nostalgic motoring events, the Heritage Motor Centre has something for everyone to enjoy this May half term”.

    Visitors can take advantage of the museums ‘Gift Aid' scheme by choosing to Gift Aid their entry on arrival and receive a 12 months entry ticket at no extra cost. Visitors can then return for a whole year - for free! (terms & conditions apply). Museum entry is: Adult £9, Concession £8, Child (5-16), £7 Family, £28 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Prices per ride for the Go-Karts are £6 for adults, £4 for children and concessions. Rides for the Miniature Roadway cost £3.
     
    To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
  2. Hundreds of Porsches will converge at The Heritage Motor Centre for ‘The Porsche Show’ on Sunday 6 June from 10am – 4pm. Now in its 3rd year, the f riendly, informal show is dedicated to all things Porsche and includes plenty of fun activities for all the family.

    Visitors will be able to wander around hundreds of Porsche models spanning every generation. Specialist trade vendors, magazines, insurers and car cleaning companies will also be present. A bouncy castle and fun centre will be provided for children’s entertainment.  Catering and bar facilities will also be provided; alternatively the grass area provides the perfect setting for picnics.

    The ticket, which costs £11 for adults, £10 for children, £10 for concessions and £38 for a family, also includes entry to the museum where visitors can wander around the world's largest historic collection of British cars. Discounted advance tickets can be booked through the Ticket Hotline by telephoning 01926 287728 or online at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk. Camping is also available for the evening of Saturday 5 June and costs £13 in advance or £18 on the day.

    Emma Rawlinson, Event Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We’re delighted to be hosting The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Clubs TIPEC10 'Porsche Show' The event is an absolute must for Porsche enthusiasts and anyone who loves these iconic sports cars ”.  

    The Porsche Show is just one of many exciting and unique motoring events held at The Heritage Motor Centre in 2010.
    To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
  3. Following the phenomenal success of the first series, BRAVO keeps the motor running and the adrenaline kicking in for season two of the leather-clad and critically acclaimed biker drama Sons of Anarchy as it heads up a stellar spring schedule for 2010.

    Returning to our screens in April with a shocking and brutal season two opener, Sons of Anarchy promises to thrill and provoke with new hard-hitting storylines and huge revelations that threaten to tear the club apart.

    Check out a season 2 teaser trailer here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVmP2DS5B64

    And don't forget to join the official Sons of Anarchy facebook page for all the latest news and preview videos!


  4. Corporal Andy Reid from St Helens suffered severe injuries whilst serving in Afghanistan last year and now wants to help raise money for other injured soldiers and their families, with support from motorcyclists in the North West.

    Andy was injured in Helmand Province when he stepped on a pressure plate that set off an improvised explosive device; he lost his left leg above the knee, his right leg just below the knee joint and most of his right arm. Serving in the 3rd York’s, Old Duke of Wellingtons Regiment, Andy also served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Kosovo, but this was his first Tour in Afghanistan.

    He will attempt to ride the 900 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats this August Bank Holiday on a specially adapted Boom Trike, with only has his left arm to control the machine. The "NumBumRun" team, consisting of Andy, his brother and a group of friends, will aim to complete the journey in five days and raise £20,000 for Help For Heroes.

    The challenge is being supported by the motorcycling road safety initiative, RideSafe BackSafe, as its Communications Manager for Merseyside, Emma Kelly explains:

    "This route has been used frequently for charitable causes, but Andy’s mission will be particularly tough. We are asking motorcyclists in the North West to show their support for Andy on his final training day on the trike, on Sunday 25th July. We will gather at Millennium Motorcycles in St Helens at 9.00am and aim to leave by 10.30am for a ride out to RAF Cosford in Shropshire, via Lynne’s Raven Cafe near Whitchurch. RideSafe BackSafe already works with Easter Egg Runs and Christmas Toy Runs and I know how motorcyclists can rally round fellow enthusiasts to show their support for a worthwhile cause."

    More details about the NumBumRun can be viewed at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

    Andy was injured in Helmand Province when he stepped on a pressure plate that set off an improvised explosive device; he lost his left leg above the knee, his right leg just below the knee joint and most of his right arm. Serving in the 3rd York’s, Old Duke of Wellingtons Regiment, Andy also served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Kosovo, but this was his first Tour in Afghanistan.

    He will attempt to ride the 900 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats this August Bank Holiday on a specially adapted Boom Trike, with only has his left arm to control the machine. The "NumBumRun" team, consisting of Andy, his brother and a group of friends, will aim to complete the journey in five days and raise £20,000 for Help For Heroes.

    The challenge is being supported by the motorcycling road safety initiative, RideSafe BackSafe, as its Communications Manager for Merseyside, Emma Kelly explains:

    "This route has been used frequently for charitable causes, but Andy’s mission will be particularly tough. We are asking motorcyclists in the North West to show their support for Andy on his final training day on the trike, on Sunday 25th July. We will gather at Millennium Motorcycles in St Helens at 9.00am and aim to leave by 10.30am for a ride out to RAF Cosford in Shropshire, via Lynne’s Raven Cafe near Whitchurch. RideSafe BackSafe already works with Easter Egg Runs and Christmas Toy Runs and I know how motorcyclists can rally round fellow enthusiasts to show their support for a worthwhile cause."

    More details about the NumBumRun can be viewed at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

    "This route has been used frequently for charitable causes, but Andy’s mission will be particularly tough. We are asking motorcyclists in the North West to show their support for Andy on his final training day on the trike, on Sunday 25th July. We will gather at Millennium Motorcycles in St Helens at 9.00am and aim to leave by 10.30am for a ride out to RAF Cosford in Shropshire, via Lynne’s Raven Cafe near Whitchurch. RideSafe BackSafe already works with Easter Egg Runs and Christmas Toy Runs and I know how motorcyclists can rally round fellow enthusiasts to show their support for a worthwhile cause."

    More details about the NumBumRun can be viewed at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

    Donations can be made online at www.numbumrun.co.uk

  5. West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme will adopt a fresh approach to influencing motorcycle riders this summer, by organising a free, one-day bike show in Birmingham. The new ON TWO WHEELS urban bike show will offer a wide range of entertainment, demonstrations, retailers and activities, with an underlying theme of improving rider safety on the regions roads.

    Casualty statistics for the West Midlands are broadly similar to those across the UK, in that motorcycle riders represent less than 1% of all road traffic and yet make up 16% of all fatal and serious injury casualties in road traffic collisions.

    The aim of the event will be to encourage safer riding, encourage all motorcyclists to participate in the day’s free activities, take expert advice, book post-show training courses and improve their own riding skills for their own benefit.

    West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme (WMCRS) Support Manager, Lisa Newmarsh explains, “We know that motorcyclists are a vulnerable group of road users. In our region, nearly two thirds of collisions in which they are involved are due to other road users failing to look properly, or performing a poor turn or other manoeuvre. No ‘shock tactics’ or ‘finger-wagging’ will be used at this event. Motorcycling enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a great day of dedicated entertainment as well as having easy access to riding instructors, BikeSafe assessors, dealers, manufacturers and other experts in a friendly atmosphere “.

    The event will incorporate stunt shows by Kawasaki-sponsored Craig Jones and the Zero Gravity Freestyle Trials team as well as riding demonstrations, a free Try-Before-You-Buy moped zone and free BikeSafe guided ride-outs on a variety of 2010 demo bikes. Exhibitors and retailers will offer everything from accessories and clothing to back protectors and security devices.

    Lexham Insurance are supporting the event as specialist moped and scooter insurers and this will be a first show appearance in the UK for Italian clothing manufacturer Tucano Urbano.

    The new ON TWO WHEELS urban bike show will be held at St Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham City Football Club, between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 18th July.

    Entry, parking and many of the activities will be free.    

    Activities, exhibitors and appearances will be added to the website as they are confirmed. For more information, go to www.ontwowheelsbikeshow.co.uk

    This event is supported by the Highways Agency.