The British Motor Museum’s informal 'Gaydon Gathering' events, aimed at motoring enthusiasts, returned on Tuesday 9 April from 5pm – 8:30pm. The events, which are free to attend, take place outside on the arenas on the second Tuesday of each month. Over 500 vehicles participated at the Gatherings last year, and there was an impressive mix of vehicle types, makes, and models. 

Pre-booking is essential, and tickets will be released online a few weeks before each event and announced on social media. Tickets for the 14 May event are now available and can be booked online free of charge. The dates for the rest of the Gatherings are 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, and 8 October.

In addition to providing an opportunity for like-minded motoring enthusiasts to display their vehicles, each Gathering features the 'Gaydon Garage' at 6:30pm when the workshop doors open to reveal one of the many unique vehicles from the collection before it’s driven around the site. News as to which car will emerge from the garage are posted on the social media channels in the run-up to the events.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “After a winter of Museum Late events, we can’t wait to host our ‘Gaydon Gatherings’ outside again! The events are a firm favourite with petrol-heads and have always proved to be immensely popular. Each month until October, we will be running this regular meet-up where motoring fans can indulge their passion with a burger and drink, hopefully in the spring sunshine!” 

Display vehicles will be parked in front of the Museum, and there will be separate free parking for those visitors who aren’t displaying. Visitors can enjoy refreshments including burgers along with hot and soft drinks.

Dogs are welcome on leads. Please note that the Museum itself will not be open for the evening gatherings.

For more information and to book your FREE tickets visit Gaydon Gathering

 

First-class speakers, international stars, a major film premiere, renowned exhibitors and lots of riding activities will make the Touratech Travel Event from 31 May to 2 June 2024 in Niedereschach the most important get-together of the adventure scene this season.

International stars on stage

Ted Simon, Nick Sanders, Charley Boorman - the list of VIP guests at the Touratech Travel Event 2024 includes some of the most important motorcycle adventurers and circumnavigators of the world. Ted Simon, who shaped generations of motorcyclists with his legendary ride "Jupiter's Travel", will talk about his eventful life in a panel talk. Nick Sanders, the fastest circumnavigator of all time, will present his latest film "The Final Ride" live.

World premiere: Touratech film “Thailand Unleashed”

The highlight of the stage programme will be the premiere of the brand new Touratech film "Thailand Unleashed". In the leading role: none other than Charley Boorman. Charley, who inspired the adventure scene with legendary film projects such as Long Way Round, Race to Dakar or By any Means, was out and about in the jungles of northern Thailand together with a Touratech team on a fully equipped BMW R 1300 GS. The riders brought along a 45-minute film that tells of adventure, pushing the limits and comradery. The premiere is framed by a live talk with Charley, the other protagonists and the colleagues from Touratech Thailand, who were responsible for the flawless organisation of the shoot. The audience can expect an unforgettable evening with a thrilling adventure film, exciting behind-the-scenes information and Charley's incomparable anecdotes.

Multivision by Dirk Schäfer: »Saudi Arabien – Behind the curtain «

In view of this international prominence, we don't want to forget Dirk Schäfer. Recognised as one of Germany's best speakers, filmmaker and author for numerous renowned magazines, Dirk will present his visually stunning multivision "Saudi Arabia - Behind the curtain", focusing on an enduro paradise that has been little travelled so far.

Touratech Travel Event 2024: Highlights main stage
Friday, 31 May

• Nick Sanders: Film Final Ride live
• Dirk Schäfer: Multivision Saudi Arabia 

Saturday, 1 June

• Ted Simon in a talk
• Film premiere “Thailand Unleashed” with Charley Boorman

And that's not all. Away from the main stage, the Touratech Travel Event 2024 also has an attractive programme that leaves nothing to be desired.

Exhibitor mile and test rides

Tyre manufacturers, training providers, tour operators, enduro parks, customisers and manufacturers of GPS and communication devices present their latest products. The show trucks of the major motorcycle manufatureres are traditionally crowd-pullers, with plenty of test-ride models on board. Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Royal Enfield and Triumph have confirmed their attendance.

Factory tours

Fascinating glimpses behind the scenes at Touratech

Expert workshops

Camping, changing tyres or preparing for your trip: our experts share their knowledge in free workshops.

Guided onroad tours

With like-minded people under local guidance to the most beautiful routes in the Black Forest.

Off-road riding for beginners

Experienced instructors provide insights into the high art of enduro riding.

2nd choice sale

Top products with minimal flaws at an attractive special price.

Free camping

A beautiful camping ground and sanitary facilities are available to visitors free of charge.

Rich breakfast buffet 

A good start to the day with a rich all-you-can-eat buffet at a low price.
 

Touratech Travel Event 2024, 31 May to 2 June, 

Dauchinger Str. 80, 78078 Niedereschach. 
Further information can be found at 
www.touratech.com/events/travel-event.html

• Hagerty announces evening events at their Bicester Heritage Clubhouse
• An Evening With presents talks from automotive legends
• The first guest is motorcycle racing champion Steve Parrish in May
• Magazine road test legends Steve Cropley and Matt Prior follow in July
• In September, performance car star Henry Catchpole takes to the stage
• Tickets available now, priced at just £20 per person

Oxfordshire: 17th April 2024

Hagerty announces a new calendar of live events taking place at its UK Clubhouse, situated at the heart of Bicester Heritage.

Hagerty Presents An Evening With, brings some of the greatest stars of the motoring world to the Hagerty Clubhouse for a series of intimate and informal talks in front of a live audience, sharing great stories from their lives within the motorsport and automotive world.

In the first event of the series, motorcycle and truck racer Steve Parrish takes to the stage.

Steve’s story is one of success. He won his first championship title in 1976 and, in the same year, he was team mate to Barry Sheene in the 1977 500cc world championship, becoming the British Champion himself in 1978. He also won the Shell 500 title in 1979/80, and a Superbike title in 1981. Parrish then started a truck racing career becoming the most successful truck racer ever, before retiring in 2002.

Known for his fun and outspoken presenting style, An Evening With Steve Parrish is guaranteed to provide a light-hearted insight into the life of one of the UKs most loved racers. Taking place on Thursday 16th of July between 18.30 and 22.00, tickets, priced at just £20 per person, are available here.

Car magazine legend Steve Cropley is joined by his Autocar Podcast partner and car road tester extraordinaire Matt Prior in the second event of the series.

Steve Cropley will share some amazing tales from his 51-years as a motoring journalist, including what it was like to meet the greatest leaders of the automotive industry, and to passenger with the heroes of motorsport. Both Matt and Steve will share what it’s really like to be a magazine road tester, with fun anecdotes of the best (and worse) cars ever tested. And, as Matt has driven more supercars in the past couple of decades than most, he will share which are his all-time favourites. In addition, there will be stories from their podcast, and insight into what it’s like to produce a car magazine every single week.

In addition to hearing the tales of two automotive legends, there will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions to Steve and Matt. This unique event takes place on the 16th of July between 18.30 and 22.00 with tickets priced, once again, at £20 per person.

Performance driver, EVO magazine star and now Hagerty’s own road tester Henry Catchpole wraps up the initial calendar.

Henry is well known to all car enthusiasts, due to his regular presence in great titles such as EVO, The Intercooler and Top Gear, as well as running his own YouTube channel and now being one of the main presenters for Hagerty. Henry loves rallying and owns a Mk2 Escort rally car which is regularly used and enjoyed. He is also an established road cyclist, writing for many cycling magazines covering a number of epic mountain pass rides he has undertaken over the years. Henry is also one of only a few drivers to have experienced the amazing performance of the electric McMurty hypercar.

An evening with Henry is one not to be missed, with tales of how to get the most from the world’s greatest cars, and even how to condition yourself to ride most challenging cycling climbs. This special event takes place on the 17th of September between 18.30 and 22.00 with tickets available at £20 per person.

The Hagerty Clubhouse is situated at the heart of Bicester Heritage, offering a purpose built hosting and event space. For every Evening With event, food and drink will be available, along with comfortable seating, ample parking and a perfectly intimate setting allowing for a conversational style evening with your favourite motoring heroes.

Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, said. “The Hagerty Clubhouse was designed to entertain all manner of automotive enthusiasts with a great selection of events and experiences. Our new evening discussions allow guests to hear some wonderful stories from their motoring heroes in a comfortable and exclusive setting, and I would encourage anyone interested to book swiftly, as these tickets will sell out fast.”

Ticket booking details and further information on all Hagerty events, including the 2024 Hagerty Hill Climb and the 10th Anniversary Festival of the Unexceptional, can be found here.

 

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Outstanding! Back Roads Of Spain, Spanish Adventures On A Moto Guzzi Centauro was Duncan Gough's first published book of his travels through Spain, covering a ten-year span.

Packed with stories of his earlier exploration of the Iberian Peninsula Back Roads Of Spain has a little for everyone, stories that will make you laugh, cry, and even wonder why.  

Gough has a unique writing style that is engaging and not pretentious yet will have you pulling out a map and wanting your own Spanish adventure, it even had us checking out the web to find pictures of the bird life mentioned in the book, you see Gough is an avid birdwatcher. He combines this love with that of motorcycle travel to produce beautifully written anecdotes of his adventures.

As well as the descriptive examples of architecture, landscapes, cultures and people, Gough includes a little philosophical examination to generate thought provocation whilst not taking himself or the thought of motorcycle travel too seriously. It's a wonderful way of including the reader and works well enough to have you power through Back Roads Of Spain in an hour or so, then flip back to page one and start again. And like travel, you'll find things you hadn't discovered first time around.

If you're heading to Spain, or even if you're not, Back Roads Of Spain is a must.

TRAVERSE MAGAZINE REVIEW ISSUE 26

www.traverse-magazine.com

Riding a motorcycle is not just about the thrill or the speed; it's a lifestyle, especially for students who find it a convenient and affordable transportation. However, this two-wheeled beast needs regular care to keep running smoothly and ensure your safety on the road. Here are seven essential maintenance tips that every motorcycle student should follow. Remember, these tips are not just about keeping your ride in top shape but also about saving money and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.   

1. Regularly Check Your Tyres

Your motorcycle's tyres are the only point of contact with the road, making them critical to your safety. Ensuring they are in good condition involves more than just a glance. Ensure your tyres are in good condition before each ride - spend ample time on their maintenance. If you lack the time to do this properly, you can carve some extra hours from your busy schedule by hiring a college essay writing service to write some of your college essays. This way, you can prioritize safety without jeopardizing your grades. Here’s what you should do to ensure your tyres are always in pristine condition:

● Check the tyre pressure regularly - incorrect pressure affects handling and fuel efficiency.

● Inspect for wear and tear - look for any signs of cracking, cuts, or embedded objects.

● Monitor tread depth - low tread depth means less grip on the road, especially in wet conditions.

● If you notice uneven wear, rotate your tyres. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your tyres.

2. Stay on Top of Oil Changes

The engine is the heart of your motorcycle, and oil is its lifeblood. Regular oil changes are crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your engine.

● Use the right type of oil recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer.

● Check the oil level frequently and top it up if it's low.

● Change the oil and filter according to your motorcycle's maintenance schedule, usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

● Ignoring oil changes can lead to engine wear and tear, affecting performance and possibly leading to expensive repairs.

3. Keep the Chain in Check

The chain is what transfers power from your engine to the rear wheel. A well-maintained chain ensures your motorcycle is performing efficiently.

● Clean and lubricate the chain regularly to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

● Check the chain's tension; an overly tight or loose chain can cause issues.

● Inspect for wear and replace if necessary. A worn chain can snap, leading to dangerous situations.

4. Brakes Are Your Best Friend

Never underestimate the power of well-maintained brakes. Your life depends on them!

● Check the brake pads and discs for wear. If they are worn beyond the recommended level, replace them.

● Ensure brake fluid is at the correct level and replace it at intervals suggested by the manufacturer.

● If you notice a spongy feel to the brake lever or pedal, bleed the brakes. This removes air bubbles from the brake lines, ensuring effective braking.

5. Battery Maintenance Is Key

A dead battery can leave you stranded. Battery maintenance is often overlooked but is simple to manage.

● Keep the battery terminals clean to ensure a good connection.

● Check the battery level and top up with distilled water if it's a non-sealed type.

● Regularly charge the battery, especially if you don't ride your motorcycle often, to keep it from dying prematurely.

6. Pay Attention to the Lights and Electricals Lights and electricals are essential for motorcycle safety and legal reasons. They ensure you are visible to other road users and can see where you're going.

● Regularly check all lights - headlights, brake lights, turn signals - for functionality.

● Inspect wiring for any wear or damage and repair or replace as necessary.

● Replace bulbs with the correct type and wattage as specified by your motorcycle's manufacturer.

7. Keep It Clean

Lastly, keeping your motorcycle clean is not just about aesthetics; it's about longevity.

● Wash your motorcycle regularly to remove dirt and grime that can cause corrosion.

● During the cleaning process, check for any leaks or damage, as this is a good time to spot issues.

● Apply a protective coating to the paint, chrome, and metal parts to protect against the elements.

In Conclusion

These seven essential maintenance tips will ensure your motorcycle remains reliable, safe, and enjoyable. Remember, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by preventing major repairs and ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road. So, take the time to care for your two-wheeled companion; it will surely pay off.

Author: Mary Herd

Mary Herd combines her passion for storytelling with her love for the open road. As an article writer, she brings to life the joys and challenges of motorcycle culture, sharing insights from years of riding. Mary's work is fueled by her belief in the power of adventure and the freedom found on two wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

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