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

A survey by Britain’s leading road safety organisation has shown that more than a quarter of those taking a car or motorbike into Europe on holiday will travel without having their transportation checked or serviced in any way. 

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) points out that as we reach the height of the holiday season, tens of thousands of people will be heading into mainland Europe to enjoy the delights of sun, scenery and a week or two away – without realising that if their car or bike breaks down, they could be in line for an expensive repair bill, several days (or more) off the road and disruption of that hard-earned break.

The findings come from an online survey conducted by the IAM of people who have either taken a European driving or riding break in the last two years, or are considering doing so.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “A breakdown is inconvenient at the best of times, but to have that occur while on holiday is even more upsetting. Even with comprehensive travel insurance, there will be huge disruption to your holiday if you have a breakdown – and factoring in the extra expense of getting your car or bike back to the UK.”

“It is vital that your car or bike is in good condition to cope with the distances and demands of European driving. The roads will be unfamiliar so it is essential your brake pads, lights and tyre pressure levels are all in proper working order. Simply don’t leave yourself open to the risk of an unnecessary breakdown or even an accident.”

The IAM survey also found seventy-eight per cent of respondents feel that regulations about the equipment that you have to carry in Europe have become more complicated in recent years.

Respondents felt that unforeseen circumstances (33 per cent) and cost (17 per cent) are the biggest disadvantages when thinking about going on a driving or riding holiday.

Of those who have been on a riding or driving holiday, forty four per cent of those drove and twenty per cent rode or drove from the UK. Forty-one per cent prefer to drive their own car abroad. Thirty five per cent of respondents would like to go on holiday for two weeks.

Forty-three per cent of respondents favour France as a riding/driving holiday destination closely followed by Spain and Germany.

Top reasons for a driving holiday are increased experience and exposure to local people and customs at destination (44 per cent) and adventure (28 per cent).

Eight-five per cent of respondents always travel with full breakdown cover as well as full medical cover emphasising that respondents are taking necessary precautions for their health and safety abroad.

Other findings include:

•Thirty seven per cent of respondents have been on a driving holiday

•Nineteen per cent have been on a riding holiday

•Forty-eight per cent of respondents stay at hotels when on driving and riding holidays

The breathtaking Drag Race by Tudor between Ducati riders on Diavel Carbons was won by Regis Laconi • WDW2014 is set to be a winner. Tomorrow is the last day and we’ll soon have all the “data” to see just how successful this eighth edition of the Ducati gathering has been. • A flood of Ducatisti from 56 countries and five continents has arrived to make this a truly memorable edition.

Misano Adriatico, July 19, 2014 – It’s been yet another day of gusto, shows and thrills for the thousands of Ducatisti who, since Friday 18 July, have peacefully invaded the Romagna Riviera and the “Marco Simonceli” Misano World Circuit to launch WDW2014, the fabulous bi-annual rally that brings together everyone from the worldwide Ducati Community.

The Misano paddock is packed with motorcycles and Ducatisti who have come to the Riviera from 56 countries and 5 continents, all sharing the same passion for Bologna-built Ducati motorcycles.

The event is now getting ready for the last of the three days and WDW2014 is lined up to be a huge success, with attendance likely to exceed the 65,000 of the previous edition, clear confirmation of the brand’s strong appeal and the loyalty and fervour of its fans.

In addition to the numerous activities in the event programme, today’s highlight was the Drag Race by Tudor which brought the track day to an end and saw Ducati Riders (MotoGP and SBK) and legendary names from international competition battle it out on powerful Ducati Diavel Carbon motorcycles. A unique, head-to-head showdown, made up of simple yet thrilling ingredients to quench the fans’ burning thirst for speed.

Following yesterday’s first round heats, which saw the Superbike official test rider Matteo Baiocco and the ex Superbike rider Regis Laconi clinch a place in the finals, today the stopwatch declared the absolute winner. As expected, the competition came alive as soon as the riders involved in the Diavel Drag Race by Tudor were out of the pits. Troy Bayliss, Pierfrancesco Chili, Andrea Dovizioso, Carl Fogarty, Davide Giugliano, Yonny Hernandez, Andrea Iannone, Michele Pirro and Manuel Poggiali held nothing back and gave it their all to put on a stunning show for the crowds in the paddocks and grandstands at Misano.

The qualifying heats were followed by the final round in which Laconi and Baiocco produced a thrilling clash that saw Laconi winning the duel against the Italian, stopping the clock at a time of 6”681 to score a photo-finish victory. Andrea Dovizioso, who signed the renewal contract with Ducati Team for a further two years, won the fight for the third position against Michele Pirro, the Ducati MotoGP test rider.

After the intense day on the track, thousands of Ducatisti stayed around to enjoy the tasty “Rustida”, an awesome barbecue over 200 metres long organised on the track by the lifeguards who work along the Riviera. After this welcome break to refuel with food, it was time for the sensational Racetrack Show. The circuit provided a perfect stage for the terrific stunt riders show and a ride-past of motorcycling legends, past and present. To end the evening there was a late-night firework display, closing out the day in a crescendo of colour and sound.

The grand finale is set for Sunday July 20 with thousands more enthusiasts expected to arrive from all over the world, plenty of on-track events, great shows, partying, fun and above all, genuine Ducati passion of the sort that only real Ducatisti know how to express and share at events like these.

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

Charlotte-based motorcycle racer Aaron League is set to become the youngest American to tackle the IMGold Manx Grand Prix next month. The 23-year-old will join Lancashire-based Rea Racing to pilot a Suzuki SV650 in the Newcomers B and Supertwin classes.

League will make his debut on the Isle of Man at this year’s IMGold Manx Grand Prix ahead of a planned assault on the 2015 Pirelli National Superstock 600 Championship, as he bids to break onto the British short circuit racing scene. He began racing in the US Championship Cup series at the beginning of 2013, and so far this year has racked up 12 podiums and six race victories in the Lightweight division, and is currently the points leader of the GTL class on a Suzuki SV650.

However he has always wanted to tackle the gruelling 37.73mile Isle of Man Mountain Course, and this year has been given the chance to contest the event. The IMGold Manx Grand Prix runs as part of the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling which includes the Classic TT which this year will feature some of the biggest names in road racing including Michael Dunlop, John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey.

“I’ve been wanting to race on the Isle of Man for years now, and I finally created the right opportunities to make it happen,” said League. “It’s not going to be easy, and the work is going to continue full-stick until the very end of the fortnight, but I am absolutely up for the challenge. Huge thanks go out to Ben Rea and Rea Racing for setting me up with a top-notch Supertwin. With a great machine under me, I’ll be able to focus solely on learning the course and getting around quickly and safely.”

Following the IMGold Manx Grand Prix, League will be pursuing a ride in the UK’s National Superstock 600 Championship. Considered by many to be a hotbed of upcoming superbike talent, his aim is to break into what he believes is the best domestic racing series in the world.

“The Manx is my priority at this point, but I do want to use this as a potential springboard into the British series because I think the UK’s racing scene is the best in the world, and as I still plan on pursuing the short circuit route, racing in the UK is vital to the direction I want my racing career to go. I want to take this opportunity to thank my sponsors for the continued support and guidance - Cornerspeed/Cornerspin, Willow Downs Performance, Spyke, LS2 Helmets and Zoeburn.com.”