Category: Events and Shows

1. Third Edition Of The Indian Riders Fest Was The Biggest Yet

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 3rd Jul 2023

   Huge Parade Of 1500 Bikes Led By King Of The Baggers Champion, Tyler O’Hara
   Exclusive Challenger RR and Cutaway PowerPlus Engine Display
   American Motorcycle Dealer “Approved” Budweis Custom Indian Motorcycle Show
   King of the Baggers Race Team Present Replica Indian Challenger to Prize Draw Winner
   
   The 2023 edition of the Indian Riders Fest 2023 (IRF23), held in ÄŒeské BudÄ›jovice (Budweis), Czech Republic, June 9-11, proved to be the largest celebration of Indian Motorcycle owners in the world. With a record-breaking attendance of over 3000 people from 39 nationalities, this year’s event solidified its position as the most significant congregation of Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts globally.   

   One of the highlights of the festival was the huge Saturday parade ride, led by King of the Baggers Champion, Tyler O’Hara, where 1500 motorcycles took to the beautiful South Bohemian roads to be welcomed by waving and smiling onlookers along the entire 39 km route. Even with the event open to riders of all makes, nearly 1350 of the participating motorcycles were Indian Motorcycle models, topping last year’s number of 1200.

   Making the parade possible, the organisers were supported by the local authorities with nearly 120 Police personnel and 26 mobile units helping to close junctions and hold traffic along the route for the parade to pass smoothly. In addition, six bus routes were cancelled or re-routed for the day to allow the riders to make their way to the Přemysl Otakar II square at the end of the parade. The final gathering providing a spectacular photo opportunity as the Indian Motorcycle Riders groups laid their flags in the centre of the historic square surrounded by their motorcycles.

   “A huge thank you to all the riders, visitors and partners who came to the Indian Riders Fest 2023. We hope everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed the weekend festival. We would also like to express our gratitude to Indian Motorcycle and all the other IRF partners for their continued support, and a huge thank you to the IRF production team for making this event possible. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year at the very special 2024 ‘Back In Time’ Edition of the IRF,” said Jean-Marie Guyon, organiser of the IRF.

   IRF23 created an unforgettable experience for attendees, showcasing the rich legacy of Indian Motorcycle and embracing the vibrant culture of motorcycling. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 2000 tickets sold in advance, to fill festival grounds with energy as 2500 motorcycles, including 1800 Indian Motorcycles, gathered in a celebration of motorcycling and its vibrant culture.

   “Jean-Marie and his team have done it again. The IRF just keeps on growing and really has become a major destination event for riders from all over the world. The parade was stunning, it’s really moving to see so many riders joining together to celebrate our motorcycles, and to see the joy and support from the locals along the route was infectious. I know that Tyler, Jeremy, and our guests from the US were blown away by the event and the enthusiasm from everyone who attended,” said Grant Bester, Vice President International for Indian Motorcycle.

   Adding to the excitement, the exclusive Challenger RR, number three of just 29 produced, plus a cutaway of the PowerPlus engine at the heart of the Challenger, were prominently displayed at the Indian Motorcycle booth, providing an up-close look at the cutting-edge engineering and craftsmanship that makes it an unrivalled force on the road and track.

   In addition, as part of the festival, the American Motorcycle Dealer “Approved” Budweis Custom Indian Motorcycle Show featured a display of 32 exhilarating customised Indian Motorcycles across six classes, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of European custom bike builders and standing in a unique position as the only custom show to be 100 percent dedicated to Indian Motorcycles, past and present.

   During the Saturday evening entertainment, Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams, renowned motorcycle Indian Challenger and FTR racers, joined with Grant Bester and Gary Gray, Vice President of Racing, Technology and Service, on the main stage to present the grand prize Indian Challenger to one lucky prize draw winner.

   Selected randomly from all the attendees who had entered the draw, Noah from Illertissen in Germany, was stunned to be presented with the unique race replica Indian Challenger that O’Hara had ridden in the parade earlier that day. Arriving at the festival on his Indian Scout after an eventful journey, Noah was nearly speechless at winning the one-off Indian Challenger signed by O’Hara, McWilliams and Gray.

   “You know, we nearly didn’t make it here due to a tyre failure on my father’s trailer on the way down. It’s still there, we had to abandon it,” laughed Noah. “And now we get to leave with this amazing bike. It’s so crazy, I’m so happy.”

   Alongside a variety of food and retail stalls, the audience were thrilled with heart-stopping performances from the Wall of Death, fearless stunt riders showcasing their exceptional skills and precision, exhilarating rodeo performances capturing the essence of the American West, live concerts, the genuine Indian Motorcycle apparel shop, and the Indian Motorcycle Roadshow truck offering test rides on the latest models.

   The Indian Riders Fest has become an essential date for Indian Motorcycle riders, welcoming everyone regardless of motorcycle brand, anyone interested in planning on attending next year should mark their calendars for a great IRF24 summer weekend over June 14-16, 2024.

    

2. ABR Festival Celebrates Best Event to Date with Record-breaking Visitor Numbers

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 29th Jun 2023

   Thousands of riders welcomed to Ragley Hall for Europe’s Greatest Ever Celebration of Adventure Biking

   • ABR Festival returned to Ragley Hall Estate on the 23-25 June 2023; the sixth and most successful show to date
   • Record-breaking, sell-out festival with over 12,500 adventure riders in attendance
   • ‘Bigger and better’ visitor experience with more live music, guest speakers, test rides, exhibitors and food caterers than ever before
   • Packed-out talks from legendary adventure motorcyclist Ted Simon, YouTube mega star Itchy Boots and TT icon John McGuinness, plus an improved 30k Bridgestone Trail
   • Over 130 of the world’s leading motorcycle and adventure brands in the Exhibitor Village
   • 45 motorcycle manufacturers in attendance, facilitating over 1600 test rides in three days
   • ABR Stage delivered a full line-up of the UK’s best party and tribute bands, including headliners The bEAT
   • Overwhelmingly positive visitor and exhibitor feedback from the event
   • A limited number of 2024 loyalty weekend tickets now on sale for only £89

   This past weekend, the Adventure Bike Rider Festival returned to the magnificent grounds of the Ragley Hall Estate, Warwickshire for three sun-soaked days of biking action and festival entertainment. 

   Adventurize, the organisers behind the festival, have declared this year’s event as their most successful show to date, with a record-breaking number of visitors passing through the gates. The sold-out festival welcomed over 12,500 bikers, plus festival crew, surpassing all prior attendance figures and marking 2023 as the finest event in the festival’s history.

   Billed as the Glastonbury of the motorcycle industry, the festival promised to deliver their ‘best ever’ visitor experience, with even more special guest speakers, live music, test rides, off-road tuition, motorcycle exhibitors, and food caterers than ever before. 

   An incredible line-up of special guest speakers was on show, with the biggest names from adventure biking world present. Talks from the ‘Godfather of Adventure Biking’ Ted Simon, and YouTube Superstar Noraly Schoenmaker, aka Itchy Boots, were particularly well-received with packed crowds seen at the Ténéré Speaker Stage. Interviews with Enduro Champion Chris Birch and TT racing icon John McGuinness also entertained large crowds within the Bridgestone Campfire Stage.

   Within the Adventure Arena, the Exhibitor Village had over 130 of the world’s leading motorcycle and adventure brands, showcasing the latest accessories, clothing, luggage and hardware. Visitors were presented with an ideal opportunity to see, try and shop the latest gear, as well as to speak to industry experts – all in one location.

   All the major motorcycle manufacturers were also in attendance including Yamaha, Ducati, BMW, Honda, Triumph and Suzuki. Over 1600 test rides were taken by visitors over the weekend, a festival test-ride record, with the new look Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Rally, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and Honda XL750 Transalp amongst the crowd-favourites.

   The ever-popular ABR live music stage kept the party going throughout the weekend. As the sun went down, visitors were treated to performances from a spectacular line-up of the UK’s best tribute and party bands including Mercury (Queen), Definitely Mightbe (Oasis), Quo’d (Status Quo), Red Hot Chilli Peppers UK (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and the Detroit Soul Collective. Iconic ska / 2-tone outfit The bEAT opened the festival with an exclusive show for VIP ticket holders on the Thursday evening.

   The jewel-in-the-crown of the festival though is the Bridgestone Trail, which returned once again for 2023. Even more sections and trails were added for this year, increasing its size to over 30km of exclusive closed-road trails through the stunning Estate grounds, it provided the perfect off-road riding experience for all abilities. The beginner-friendly 5km loop was also back, offering bikers an ideal an introduction to off-road riding, over gentle, confidence inspiring terrain. 

   Even with a record amount of festival-goers at this year’s event, the incredible welcoming, friendly, respectful and fun atmosphere, synonymous with the ABR Festival, remained. Everyone who turned out was there for a great time, brought together with a common interest - bikes. A real sense of community resonated throughout the festival over the weekend, with each person there to make new friends, create memories and to have a great time on and off the saddle; a sentiment supported by overwhelmingly positive visitor and exhibitor feedback. 

   Commenting on the success of the event, ABR Festival founder Alun Davies stated, “From the outset the ABR Festival was all about offering the industry a premium platform to meet face to face with the customer.  Our aim was to show respect to the rider by providing a 1^st class venue, 1^st class services and 1^st class value, and judging by the overwhelming feedback (and volume of ticket sales for ABR 2024) it’s an approach that the motorcycle community wants. It’s said that the ABR Festival is now the largest motorcycle festival in the UK, and I’ll not argue with that. 

   As I like to say ‘think Glastonbury, with motorcycles and posh toilets and that’s the ABR Festival blueprint’. But we can now go one better. So, that’s a big thank you to all ticket holders, exhibitors and staff that made ABR Festival 2023 such an absolutely wonderful experience. See you all in 2024.”

   The ABR Festival will return again to Ragley Hall Estate on 28-30 June 2024, promising an even greater event yet again. Loyalty tickets for 2024 are now available for only £89 (holding the price from last year) from the ABR Festival website at www.abrfestival.com. Loyalty tickets will guarantee attendance to next year’s festival and include three-day access to the festival, as well as two nights of camping. This will be the lowest price available for a ticket but limited in numbers. General tickets go on-sale shortly at an increased price.

3. Amazing motors and live music for Beaulieu’s 2023 Custom and American Show

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 21st Jun 2023

   Over 5,600 visitors and participants made Beaulieu their Father’s Day destination for the Custom and American Show, enjoying the colourful line-up of 406 customised and American cars and bikes, alongside live music, trade stands, and all the features of the Beaulieu attraction.

   Held in association with the Solent Renegades club, the top display on Sunday 18th June gathered together American cars and bikes as diverse as a pre-war Ford Model A and a modern-day Humvee, not to mention 1970s muscle cars, 1950s sedans, and even a trio of trucks which towered over the other vehicles. While jaw-dropping custom trikes, powerful hot rods and all manner of impressive custom cars also turned heads as they parked up in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

   See the show highlights by watching the video, youtu.be/Vuenn6NVRCM

   While showgoers admired the display, talked cars, browsed trade stands and enjoyed delicious street food, and youngsters had their faces painted, the Honky Tonk Angels and Rooster Live took to the stage, performing great rock and roll numbers throughout the day.

   A highlight for many custom car fans was the chance to meet show ambassador and custom car builder Andy Saunders, who had brought along his latest creation, Deja. Four years since he first exhibited his Riley at the show, the once-derelict car has been totally transformed into a stunning open-top show car. Andy chatted with other enthusiasts about their projects and signed copies of his book, while artist Maxime Xavier had brought along her stunningly airbrushed custom car Sundancer.

   Just as eye-catching was a quartet of replica TV and film vehicles, with full-size recreations of the much-loved Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater characters from Pixar’s Cars movies, and replicas of the iconic A-Team van and Del Boy’s van from Only Fools and Horses, proving to be a big hit with families. While fitting with the silver-screen theme, Hollywood-style stars with the names of famous movie vehicles were laid on the main footpath to create Beaulieu’s own ‘walk of fame’.

   Awards were presented to a selection of impressive vehicles. The People’s Best in Show, voted for by showgoers, was presented to Debbie and Pete Whiffin from Guildford for their 1955 Buick Century. As Beaulieu’s Head of Visitor Experience and Operations Manager Jon Tee presented them with their trophy and Autoglym prize, Debbie said: “We bought the car two years ago and imported it from the States, before doing lots of mechanical work to it. This is the first time we’ve been out in it!”

   Presented by the show ambassador, The Andy Saunders Award went to Teri Smith from Christchurch for his 1935 Ford Cabriolet. As he handed Teri his trophy, Andy said: “The reason this car is so important in the custom scene, is that these wide-bodied Fords, brought out in 1935, were modified to become the first custom cars, whereas everything built up to 1934 became hot rods.” Teri said: “I’m amazed to have won this award. I’ve had it five years, and it has had a complete rebuild. It’s something different, our own creation.”

   The Solent Renegades’ Choice was presented by club representatives Dan and Malcolm to Alan Fee from Cadnam for his 1970 Dodge Challenger. Malcolm said: “It was a nightmare choosing a winner. But when we saw this car, we just stopped in our tracks, and couldn’t stop looking at it.” Alan said: “I’m surprised to have won! I’ve done a lot to the car in the time I’ve had it.” Dan and Malcolm presented Alan with a trophy and an Autoglym prize.

   Classic American magazine held one of the heats for its Car of the Year competition at the show, selecting Andrew and Lynda Collier’s 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible as the heat winner. Presented with their trophy by Classic American editor Ben Klemenzson and Hollie Cowley from Kingstown Shipping, Andrew said “I had a photo of one of these Cadillacs on my wall when I was growing up. Now that we have one in the garage, I can just pull up a chair, put on some music and look at the car.”

   Entered by his family, Daniel Adams won the special Father’s Day show prize draw out of almost 120 contestants, being presented by a special hamper of Beaulieu gifts by Beaulieu’s Head of Visitor Experience and Operations Manager Jon Tee.

   The Custom and American Show is just one of Beaulieu’s exciting 2023 motoring events. For Beaulieu’s full event calendar, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

4. Enjoy four nostalgic motoring shows at the British Motor Museum in July!

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 13th Jun 2023

   The British Motor Museum will be hosting four nostalgic motoring shows in July, which will include the Wythall Busfest on 1 July, the BMC & Leyland Show on 9 July and the Old Ford Rally and Rootes Heritage Day, both on 23 July.

   The Wythall Busfest is arranged in partnership with the Transport Museum Wythall, and will feature over 100 restored, vintage, and modern buses and coaches. 2023 sees the 50^th anniversary of the last Daimler bus being built in Coventry, so the organisers are inviting all Daimler buses to come together and celebrate this milestone year.

   The BMC & Leyland Show will feature a wide range of British marques produced by the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland and The Rover Group. Hundreds of vehicles will be lined up outside the Museum, from Minis and Morris Minors to the larger Rover 800s, Montegos and Maestros, as well as a variety of vans and lorries. 2023 marks 50 years of the Allegro and 40 years of the Maestro and Montego, and the organisers are inviting all owners of any of those makes to come along and display their cars.

   The Old Ford Rally will enable fans to see around 400 classic Fords, aged between 50 – 100 years old. There will be a huge range on display, from Model Ts to the cars of the pre-war austerity years as well as the more luxurious post-war Zephyrs, Zodiacs and Granadas,plus the fan-favourite Anglias, Mk1 and Mk2 Cortinas, Capris, Escorts and Fiestas. Clubs that will be attending include Deuces of Britain, with their collection of 1932 Fords, and the XR Owners Club, who will be bringing over 30 vehicles from their range.

   On the day, the Museum will also be playing host to a massive Meccano exhibition, in partnership with the Midlands Meccano Guild. This regular fixture of the show has grown from 25 tables in the beginning, to over 50 tables for this year’s show, holding an impressive collection of Meccano models from all over the country. Modelling fans will love seeing the creations on display, and may even find some inspiration for their next great project.

   Taking place alongside the Old Ford Rally, the Rootes Archive Centre Trust will be holding their Rootes Heritage Day, celebrating all kinds of Rootes classics, from earlier Hillmans, Humbers, Sunbeams and Singers to the later Chryslers, Simcas and Talbots. Ticket holders on the 23 July will be able to enjoy both the Old Ford and Rootes shows, as well as entry to the Museum and Collections Centre, all with one ticket.

   Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “We have a great range of motoring shows for our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy next month. With so much choice, there’s something for everyone, and this year many of our shows are celebrating milestone anniversaries too!”

   Advance show tickets cost £14.50 per adult, £9 per child, £12.50 per concession and £40 for a family. Anyone wishing to enter a vehicle into a show can do so online. Camping is also available at some of the shows. Tickets on the day cost more. 

   For more information about the shows, please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on
   

5. EUROJUMBLE DATES CONFIRMED FOR SEPTEMBER

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 9th Jun 2023

   One of the UK’s biggest and most-loved motorcycle autojumbles, the Eurojumble, returns to the south late-summer with plenty of bargains in store.

   Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will gather on Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2 at Netley Marsh, near Southampton to hunt for bikes and bargains - either to start a new project or find elusive parts for an existing one.

   The Netley treasure trove is filled with motorcycling gold, from spares and parts to tools, collectable signs and even complete machines. Hundreds of traders will be selling biking goodies and memorabilia which you won’t find on the high street and rarely surface in the UK! 

   Looking to rehome some pre-loved biking possessions (or to make space in the garage for even more projects)? You can book a garage clear-out plot on the Saturday from just £20! 

   Secure your e-ticket for the event, or book your plots now at www.netleymarsheurojumble.com