Category: Events and Shows

1. Ben Ball is back for 2022, bigger and better than ever!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 4th May 2022

   • The Ben Ball will take place on 7th December in its new home of Old Billingsgate Market.
   • Event raises significant funds to support those in the automotive family who are struggling or in crisis.
   • Booking is now open for tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced that its annual flagship black tie event – Ben Ball – will be held this year on Wednesday 7th December, supported by AutoTrader.
   
   Following the stunning success of the 2021 event, Ben Ball 2022 will move across London to its new home at Old Billingsgate Market – a spectacular venue in the heart of the City on the north bank of the Thames.
   
   The 2021 Ben Ball took place after Covid restrictions were lifted and quickly sold out as the automotive community seized the chance to gather together in person and celebrate in spectacular style. Over 600 automotive industry figures attended the event, joining forces to raise over £96,500 – one of the highest totals ever achieved at a Ben Ball.
   
   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Together, once again, we did something extraordinary at the 2021 Ben Ball. The staggering amount of funds raised helps Ben continue to provide life-saving support to those in our automotive family who most need it, and it can’t be overstated how much those donations will help people who turn to us when they are struggling or in crisis.
   
   “Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen support requests double, and the cases that we are seeing are more complex and urgent than we’ve experienced before. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us – not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.
   
   “Plans for the Ben Ball 2022 are well underway and the event looks set to be extraordinary. We would like to invite everyone in the industry to book tickets and join us for our celebrations but also to extend an invite to anyone who may wish to sponsor the event to get in touch.
   
   “We can’t wait to welcome you to our new venue – Old Billingsgate Market – this December for the automotive industry event of the year!
   
   ”To book your tickets or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

   
   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

2. Suzuki summer test ride roadshow announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 2nd May 2022

   Suzuki has announced dates of a summer test ride roadshow, which will take place at a variety of dealerships from April to September with a number of key models in the range available to demo, including the new GSX-S1000GT and the third generation Hayabusa.

   Starting on April 9 at Completely Suzuki in Hinckley, Suzuki will be bringing a fleet of test ride bikes to each event – with individual dealerships also bolstering the number of bikes available with their own demo machines – that includes the V-Strom 1050XT adventure bike, GSX-S1000 naked, the newly-launched GSX-S1000GT, and the Hayabusa hyperbike.

   With models such as the GSX-S1000GT in high demand the events will give prospective customers the chance to secure a test ride on the model they’re most interested in, and also sample many other bikes in Suzuki’s range

   Suzuki GB’s head of motorcycle marketing, Ian Bland, commented, “We’ve had two years of uncertainty around events so it’s nice to be able to announce this roadshow and we’re looking forward to getting out on the road again. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet and spend time with customers, and provide more opportunities for them to test ride many of our most popular models. 2022 is set to be a great riding season, especially with our range of new bikes and current offers.”

   Those wishing to book a test ride should contact their local participating dealership, and must ensure they are able to provide their driving licence and a DVLA check code, or their National Insurance number on the day.

   For a full list of dates, see below, or visit Suzuki’s 2022 events calendar.

   • 9 April, Completely Suzuki, Unit 14, Lime Kilns Way, Hinckley, Loughborough, LE10 3EL, 01455 811811
   •  6-7 May, CJ Ball Suzuki, Woodlands, Salhouse Road, Sprowston, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 9AB, 01603 307500
   • 21 – 22 May, Road and Racing, Clark Way, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 2AU, 0161 366 5167
   • 18 – 19 June, Cupar Motorcycles, West Port, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4AW, 01334 655707
   • 1 – 2 July, Frasers of Gloucester, 261 Bristol Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 5DB, 01452 306485
   • 16 – 17 July, A&D Motorcycles, Spencer Trading Estate, Rhyl Road, Denbigh, North Wales, LL16 5TQ, 01745 815105
   • 23 July, Streetbike, 91-107 Dudley Road, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3NS, 0121 296 5661
   • 29-30 July, Single Tracker Motorcycles, 20-26 Flag Lane, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 3BG, 01270 212965
   • 13-14 August, Bridge Motorcycles, Alphin Brook Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8RG, 01392 260200
   • 4 September, Orwells Motorcycles, Copdock Bike Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich, IP3 8UH, 01473 257401

   Note that bike availability may differ from one event to another. Customers are advised to speak to their local dealer in advance of the event to check availability.

3. STAFFORD BIKE SHOW TAKES PODIUM POSITION WITH WORLD EXCLUSIVES!

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 2nd May 2022

   THOUSANDS OF showgoers, including a Hollywood star, were out in the post-lockdown sunshine at the Stafford County Showground over the weekend of April 23 – 24 to celebrate all things motorbikes… and there was plenty to celebrate.

   The International Classic MotorCycle Show always has loads to see and do, and this year was no different as the crowds packed in to see bikes, club stands, trade stands, world exclusives, book launches, live trails, firing-up area, Bonhams’ auction, the competition hall… and more special guests than you could shake a stick at!

   Perhaps the most notable display was the world exclusive Mike Hailwood exhibit, featuring never-before-seen family memorabilia of the former champion. Guests were able to view these heirlooms, from his 1978 TT winner’s Dunlop cap through to his George Medal, awarded when Mike rescued Clay Regazzoni from his burning BRM at the South African Formula 1 GP. Talking of awards and winners, the class of 1978, which consisted of Alex George, Ian Richards, Phil Read and Chas Mortimer, were on stage across the weekend giving first-hand accounts of their racing careers and inside stories into the motorbike racing scene.

   The Bonhams Auction was particularly nail biting with a very special ex-Reg Barton, Dick Knight, 1929 Brough Superior 996cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Sprint Special which sold for a staggering £220,000! And showgoers might also have even seen an A-list celebrity or two. Jason Momoa, best known as DC superhero Aquaman, was also there. Being a keen motorcycle enthusiast, Jason perused the show and examined the lots in the Bonhams Auction.

   Event organiser Nick Mowbray said: “It was a brilliant weekend! We have received marvellous feedback from visitors and traders alike. The addition of the Hailwood display and the ‘Class of 78’ added something very special to a tried-and-tested format.”

4. Touratech Travel Event 2022

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 28th Apr 2022

   The Touratech Travel Event 2022 will take place 27th - 29th May 2022. For three days, motorcycle travellers from all over the world will be celebrating at a top-class get-together. Joint excursions, test rides, workshops, multivision and film presentations, live music and last but not least the inspiring feeling of being among thousands of like-minded people, will make for an unforgettable weekend.   
   
   With a tradition of more than 20-years, the Touratech Travel Event has established itself as one of the most important meetings of the international motorcycle travel scene. When the Adventure Company celebrates its annual get-together, adventure riders from Germany, Europe and even distant continents flock to the otherwise tranquil town of Niedereschach in the foothills of the Black Forest.
   After a two-year mandatory break, the community's desire to celebrate together is naturally huge. That's why Touratech has put together an extra-attractive programme for the Travel Event 2022.
   
   Test rides with many different brands
   Around the show stage and on the event mile, adventure riders will be able to meet and exchange experiences over a cold beer, or at one of the international Street Food stands. Motorcycle manufacturers BMW, Ducati, Honda, GasGas, Husqvarna, Indian, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha will be on site with their show trucks and have plenty of the latest models on board for test riding. For the first time, Harley-Davidson will also be there with a huge US truck.
   
   Guided road tours and adventure bike training
   For those who prefer to travel with their own machine – no problem. On all three days of this mega-event, there will be guided tours along the dream routes of the Black Forest. Or how about a little adventure bike training? You can also do that at the Touratech Travel Event. Impressions of the breathtaking manoeuvres that can be accomplished on a motorcycle offroad are to be had free of charge during the show rides with the spectacular Touratech conversions.
   
   Workshops and factory tours
   Valuable practical know-how can be picked up at workshops on topics such as tyre fitting, GPS navigation or travel preparation.
   Those who want to upgrade their adventure bike on the spot will find numerous special offers in the Touratech Shop during the Travel Event. At the same time, the popular second-choice sale will be taking place, where high-quality parts with minimal defects can be purchased at a favourable price. Exciting insights into the manufacture of Touratech products will be revealed during the factory tours.
   
   Show stage with thrilling acts
   In the evening, the action will be concentrated in the area around the big show stage. On Friday evening, Dieter Schneider will report on his 130,000 motorcycle kilometres around the globe under the motto "Soul trip around the world".
   There is a novelty in store for the Saturday evening: the Touratech stage will morph into a cinema. Instead of a classic multivision show, motorcycle traveller Daniel Rintz will be presenting his gripping film, "Somewhere else together".
   Afterwards there will be live music. Those who prefer it quieter can end the day with like-minded people around a campfire.
   
   Free camp ground
   A large camping meadow will be available for customary overnight stays, the use of which is of course free – as is admission to the event.
   
   Further information - Go click

   

5. Stellar Line-Up of Adventure and Motorcycle Stars Announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 27th Apr 2022

   ABR Festival confirms their best-ever speaker roster

   • ABR Festival returns to Ragley Hall Estate on the 24-26 June 2022
   • Organisers promise a packed festival schedule including masterclass sessions, off-road schools, greenlane rideouts, live music, and more
   • The festival will welcome a star-studded line-up of adventurers and motorbikers
   • Over 40 guest speakers to appear across five stages
   • Headline names include Ted Simon, Elspeth Beard and RyanF9
   • A packed programme of talks, presentations and workshops scheduled for the ABR Masterclass Tent

   The ABR Festival returns for their fourth year this June at the Ragley Hall Estate in Warwickshire. The event promises to deliver the greatest ever celebration of adventure biking, with three packed days of riding action and festival entertainment.

   The festival is set to welcome thousands of like-minded riders, all looking to enjoy the loaded schedule of masterclass sessions, off-road riding schools and live music, as well as the AX41 Adventure Trail – an exclusive 20km off-road trail through the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate.

   In addition to the countless riding opportunities on offer, ticket holders will have the chance to rub shoulders with some of motorcycling’s most recognisable and respected riders. The festival will welcome the industry’s biggest names, in what will be their best-ever speaker line-up to date.

   Organisers have recently announced that over 40 headline speakers will show at this year’s event, across a total of five different stages. Visitors will be able to hear from their biking heroes with the likes of Elspeth Beard, Lyndon Poskitt and Chris Scott already confirmed.

   Undoubtedly the star name appearing at the festival though is iconic motorcycle explorer, and travel writer, Ted Simon. Regarded as the ‘Godfather of Adventure Biking’, Ted will be making a rare UK appearance, speaking about is extraordinary four-year, round-the-world tour in 1973. Upon his return, Ted wrote his first book ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ which cemented his place in history as one of the most important, and respected, adventure travellers ever.

   Ted’s original Triumph Tiger will also be on show, which has been kindly lent to the event from the Coventry Transport Museum for the weekend.

   In addition to the already packed roster of adventure motorcycling legends will be The Missenden Flyer, MotoBob and RyanF9 – arguably three of motorcycling’s most recognisable faces on YouTube.  RyanF9 will make the trip over from his native city of Vancouver to attend the festival – delivering a series of YouTube and content based workshops, a must-see for any aspiring motorcycle content creators.

   Ticket holders will be able to meet and hear from these inspiring riders across the five stages on site including the Ténéré Speaker Stage, The Harley-Davidson Campfire and the ABR Masterclass Tent. The latter will present a full timetable of talks, presentations and workshops from biking experts. Sessions will provide a greater insight into the world of adventure biking, designed to help visitors leave a more knowledgeable and informed rider. A schedule of sessions is available to view on the ABR Festival website, but masterclass highlights include, ‘How to Upgrade & Adventurize Your Bike with Steve Able’, ‘Which Tyres to Use and When with Bridgestone’ and ‘Finding Legal-To-Ride Green Lanes with the TRF.’

   Commenting on the recent speaker line-up announcement, ABR Festival founder, Alun Davies said, “This year’s speaker line-up will be our best yet. Our ambition was to assemble the great, the good and the amazing from the world of adventure motorcycling. By all accounts we’ve done that…and I’ve booked a front row seat.”

   Weekend tickets for the 2022 ABR Festival are available to purchase for only £129 and include three-day access to the festival with two-nights of camping. Tickets can be purchased directly from the ABR Festival website at www.abrfestival.com