Category: Events and Shows

1. FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE AT THE STAFFORD CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW ON OCTOBER 9-10!

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 27th Sep 2021

   FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE AT THE STAFFORD CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW ON OCTOBER 9-10!

   SUMMER has come and passed…however, in the world of classic motorcycling it can only mean one thing - Stafford Classic Bike Show is just around the corner!

   After a tough 18 months, show organiser Mortons Media Group shares its top five reasons why you need to be there!

   1) Road Racing Royalty: Michael Dunlop!

   Nineteen time TT winner Michael Dunlop is set to take centre stage during the course of the weekend, with opportunities for fans to take photographs, have Michael sign their merchandise and listen to interviews with fellow TT star Steve Plater. The Irishman will also be bringing two of his bikes to display on both Saturday and Sunday.

   2) Joey Dunlop Bike Collection!

   The Dunlop dynasty presence continues out into the halls with a fantastic display of machines ridden and owned by Michael’s late uncle and TT record holder, Joey.

   The Joey Dunlop Foundation will be filling its stand with an incredible collection of Honda RC45s; including the original Honda 750 as ridden by Joey in the 1994 TT, where he achieved third place in both the Senior race and Formula 1 race. The charity, which was established in 2001, is also planning to bring the lap record-holding 1999 Jim Moodie Honda RC45 750, which he famously rode at 124.5mph!

   Visitors can also expect to see a further collection of RC45s and CBR 600s as ridden by Ian Simpson, Michael Rutter and Steve Hislop in the Competition Hall.

   3) Bonhams is back!

   Bonhams returns to Stafford with another barnstorming two-day sale offering more than 300 collectors’ motorcycles including two ‘fresh to market’ important single-owner collections.

   The Phil Morris Road Racing Collection of 24 machines is offered direct from the collection in Oswestry: a treasure trove – and one of the world’s largest collections – of motorcycles, leathers and trophies raced, worn and won by some of the most famous names on two wheels and dubbed ‘The Church’ by TT rider Rob Barber.

   This landmark collection is led by no fewer than five MotoGP machines, the entire fleet from the Paul Bird Motorsport team which campaigned in the top-flight series from 2012 to 2014. All Aprilia machines, three are to full Moto GP prototype specification and include the number 1 and number 2 motorcycles from the 2014 season.

   The second collection comprised more than 40 important motorcycles owned by the late acclaimed German film critic Hans Schifferle, led by a rare 1974 Ducati 750 SS; estimate £90,000 – £130,000.

   Known for his work for Süddeutsche Zeitung as a film critic and essayist, Schifferle, who died last year, was also a motorcycle connoisseur, building up his collection over two decades.

   Offering a range of motorcycles from sports bikes to café racers, the collection represents the great Italian, British and American marques, including MV Agusta, Vincent and Indian.

   More than 130 lots of motorcycle spares and memorabilia will also be offered.

   4) LIVE Music!

   The show is making full use of the bandstand this year. As well as using it for interviewing Michael Dunlop, visitors can enjoy multiple sets from a couple of  live bands in there too!

   Catch Ignition live on Saturday for three half-hour sets at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Ignition is a Staffordshire-based Rockabilly band aiming to replicate the Neo Rockabilly sound of the 1980s. It offers high tempo, hard hitting rock ‘n’ roll with a mix of classics from the 1950s through to the present day.

   On Sunday, visitors can expect something completely different!  The all-singing, all-dancing female close harmony duo The Daisy Belles will be recapturing the authentic sounds of The Andrews Sisters, live on the stage at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

   Showcasing a delightful mix of classic hits from the bygone years and popular modern songs with a unique twist, the girls have been dazzling audiences internationally with their intricate harmonies, cute vintage choreography and fun loving flare!

   5) Bikes EVERYWHERE!   

   Saving the best ‘til last – Stafford really is all about the bikes… and this October promises to be no exception.

   Lots of the clubs in particular will be celebrating some of their milestone anniversaries with an extra special collection on display for all to see.

   The CBX Riders’ Club (UK) will be celebrating the 40^th Anniversary of the CBX Pro-link, this being the third generation of the fantastic Honda six-cylinder CBX 1000. Honda reconfigured the CBX for 1981 as a sports touring bike, with fairing and side panniers. The rear suspension also changed from dual to mono shock, and saw the introduction of the progressive linkage system - hence the name Pro-Link! Visitors can find the club in one of the side halls at the show.

   Plans are in place for a full return of all the much-loved aspects of the show including the wall of death, massive indoor and outdoor trade and autojumble and club stands. There’ll be bikes everywhere, live trials action and live music too, with no planned restrictions in place. More details can be found on the website: www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com

   Tickets are on sale now at an early bird price of £13 until October 4. Visit www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com or call 01507 529529 to purchase.

2. Welcome back to Motorcycle Live 2021 - A warm welcome awaits

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 22nd Sep 2021

   A Warm Welcome Awaits

   Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts! The UK’s biggest motorcycle show Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance, returns for 2021 from 4th – 12th December, and promises show-goers a fun-filled day out. Four halls of The NEC will be bursting with manufacturers, new products, opportunities to ride, and stacks of entertainment.

   Motorcycle Live can’t wait to Welcome Back over 50 motorcycle manufacturers, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of visitors. Full of features and entertainment, Experience Adventure is bigger and better, where visitors can get a taste of adventure themselves or watch the professional riders at work. Learning to ride has never been easier with the return of MCIA Try Ride, in Association with MCN, and the popular Classic and Custom Zones are back.

   There are nine Opportunities to get on two-wheels at the show including the Test Ride Zone for experienced riders, and a Kiddimoto track for our younger fans.

   Manufacturers are also back in force, with BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and many more all in attendance. Electric Boulevard is a brand-new riding feature designed to allow visitors to experience electric machines & technology.

   Brand new 2022 models from over 50 manufacturers will be making their UK debut, with UK premieres planned during the nine days. The Black Horse Stage will be bringing the Atmosphere with racer and celebrity interviews, whilst riders go head to head with Question of Bikes, with team captains Neil Hodgson and James Whitham. Christmas! It’s the perfect time to tick off those presents for a motorcycle-mad loved one. Kickstart your Motorcycle Live journey today!

   Motorcycle Live 2021 at The NEC, Birmingham opens its doors at 09:00am Saturday 4 December. Discounted advanced tickets are now on-sale and available from motorcyclelive.co.uk

3. British Motor Museum hosts FREE 'Gaydon Gathering' evening event - 14th September

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 8th Sep 2021

   The British Motor Museum is to host its next FREE 'Gaydon Gathering' evening on Tuesday 14th September from 5pm – 8:30pm. The event, which was re-launched in April this year, is an informal evening aimed at motoring enthusiasts and is completely free to attend. These friendly gatherings take place outdoors on the Museum's arenas on the second Tuesday every month and see hundreds of vehicles of all makes and models on display. Pre-booking is essential.   

   At 6:30pm the Museum will present the 'Gaydon Garage' when the workshop doors open to reveal one of the fantastic vehicles from the collection that is not often seen out of the Museum. The vehicle will be driven out around the site for everyone to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells! Hints as to what the car is are posted each month on the Museum’s social media channels in the run up to the event!

   Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum stated “Come along and enjoy a fantastic gathering. It doesn’t matter if you have a vehicle or not, or if your vehicle is British or not, if it’s a car, commercial, military, bus, motorbike, scooter, tractor or any other interesting vehicle, just bring it along. Be it classic, veteran, vintage or a modern classic – all are welcome. It’s an opportunity for petrol heads to indulge their passion with like-minded people - whilst having a burger and a drink, hopefully in the autumn sunshine!”

   Display vehicles will be parked in front of the Museum whilst there will be separate free parking for those that arrive in modern everyday vehicles. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments including burgers, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Please note that the Museum itself will not be open for the evening gatherings.

   The last outdoor gathering for 2021 will take place on the Tuesday 12 October, then over the winter they will take the gatherings inside as a series of ‘Museum Lates’ - a chance to view elements of the collections in more detail. More information on these will follow shortly, but they will also take place on the second Tuesday evening of the month, in November, January and March and pre-booking will remain essential.

   For more information and to book your FREE tickets for September’s Gaydon Gathering visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/gaydon-gathering-september

   Pre booking is essential.

4. TOP HONOURS FOR MOTORCYCLE ICONS AT SALON PRIVÉ

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 7th Sep 2021

   A fabulous Moto Guzzi owned by Sammy Miller was one of three bikes that scooped top honours at this year’s Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva. Recognised as the most prestigious such event in the UK, Salon Privé takes place in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace and is a partner concours of The Peninsula Classic Best of the Best Award. It’s renowned for featuring some of the most beautiful and coveted cars and motorcycles from around the world.
    
   This year’s two motorcycle classes spanned nearly 75 years, from a 1901 Triumph 3/4 hp Minerva to a 1975 MV Agusta 750 Sport. Each was assessed by a hugely knowledgeable judging panel comprising broadcaster Henry Cole, historians Dennis Frost and Mike Jackson, former racer Steve Parrish and Chief Judge Nigel Matthews. Judging took place on Wednesday 1 September, with all trophies being awarded on Thursday 2 September.
    
   It was championship-winning racer Sammy Miller who scooped top honours in the Competition Motorcycle Class with a 1951 Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica 500cc V Twin. Judge Steve Parrish said: “The Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica 500cc V Twin had the longest career of any motorcycle racing bike ever. Actually, Ducati in some ways copied the engine configuration to make the successful racing Ducatis that we see nowadays. It was way ahead of its time in terms of technology. The bike was raced by the great Bob Foster and Stanley Woods and put in some incredible performances both on road and track, claiming victories at the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix. The judges all agreed that it’s a very special motorbike and a real beauty.”
    
   Second place in the Competition Motorcycle Class went to a 1973 Yamaha TZ 250 A, entered by the Sawford family, owners of St Neots Motorcycles. The family are experts in restoring two-stroke motorcycles from the 1970s and 1980s. Parrish continued: “The motorcycle is better than when it came out of the factory – absolutely original and exquisitely put together. It had to be in the top two, what with its authenticity and how it’s been built – stunning. We were also delighted to be joined by 1970 250cc World Champion Rodney Gould, who was instrumental in the production and development of the bike.”
    
   Topping the Exceptional Motorcycles class was a 1975 MV Agusta 750 Sport, often referred to as the most beautiful bike to come out of Italy and revered as an icon of the 1970s. An original and beautiful machine, the winning example is one of the last three to come out of the factory and features a rare left-hand gearchange.

   

    

   Second place was awarded to a 1973 Rickman-Metisse Cafe Racer. Judge Henry Cole said: “It’s wonderful to see several Metisses here paying homage to its founder Derek Rickman, a consummate biking enthusiast and a legend in my eyes who passed away recently. What a great way to celebrate his life. The Café Racer in this class is a beautifully customised, really genuine yet individual bike that has been put together with a huge amount of love and passion, and to the judges that’s what we’re after.”
    
   The Duke of Marlborough Award was presented to the 1901 Triumph ¾hp Minerva. Steve Parrish said: “This is the very first Triumph motor bicycle ever made – the forerunner of all subsequent Triumphs. As in everything Dick Shepherd does, it’s been lovingly restored, and he’s put together a motorcycle that would be befitting of it coming out of the factory in 1901. I suspect it’s even better!”

   Henry Cole added: “It’s quite a find for Triumph to have in their 125th anniversary year and one that we had to honour.”
   
   Alongside the concours entrants was multiple Salon Privé award winner and renowned motorcycle builder Allen Millyard displaying his beautifully engineered Kawasaki Z1 Super Six. Elsewhere on the lawns of Blenheim Palace, there was the debut of Thornton Hundred Motorcycles, one of the world’s fastest-growing custom motorcycle brands. The British company’s line-up included the ‘World’s Fastest Bobber’ – a 202bhp technological tour de force – and a 2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, both were a Salon Privé debut.
   
   “All of our motorcycles exude individuality and exclusivity,” said Jody Millhouse, the man behind Thornton Hundred and part of a new wave of engineers who are at the cutting edge of the custom scene. “We want to give owners a unique modification experience, and those values align perfectly with Salon Privé. It’s great to be here showing off our latest designs against the amazing backdrop of Blenheim Palace.”
   
   Italian exotica brand Bimota made its UK public debut with the Tesi H2. The limited-production, supercharged Bimota Tesi H2 is built around a Kawasaki Ninja H2 powerplant and features the famous Bimota hub-centre steering system, while the chassis is covered with carbon fibre bodywork. Power output is a staggering 242hp (178kW).
   
   Crazy Horse made a welcome return to Salon Privé showcasing a superb collection of its customised Indian Motorcycles, including the KH Street Hooligan. The Hooligan shares the great styling of its racing relative, but is fitted with all the relevant components to make it a fully functional street machine without losing any of its iconic flat-track racing looks.

5. Ace Cafe Reunion 3rd - 5th September

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 2nd Sep 2021

   Kicking off at the Ace with the popular Bike Night on evening of Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th at the Ace includes live music, ride outs, special guests & more.
   
   Saturday 4th
   The annual “Cafe Racer Ride Out” leaves  the Ace at 10.30am on Saturday 4th September for a Celebratory Service and Blessing of the Bikes at 12.00 by 59 Club Chairman, Father Sergiy’s Diduk, at his Church, All Saints, Hanworth. The  Mayor of Hounslow will also be attending.
   
   This is then followed by a  screening in the church at 1pm (to which all are invited) of :-
    “Rockers London” - a 30 minute documentary that explores the London Rocker culture, from past to the present day, through conversations with people on the scene.The thirty minute documentary is injected with archive (some unseen) footage from the early sixties which really brings the past alive. 
   This is Rock n’ Roll on wheels, bringing the vibes to the viewer of an alternative to the modern world.
    
   Departing the Ace 10.30am Saturday 4th September, the route is:
   A406 , A40, A312 “Hayes By-Pass” to All Saints Church, Uxbridge Road, Hanworth, TW13 5EE

   Overflow parking and facilities, ( with WC’s,)  is at the Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre opposite the Church
    
   After the Service and Blessing the “Cafe Racer Ride Out” then returns to the Ace for 2.30pm and the “Best Ridden Cafe Racer” competition.  Judging and awards courtesy of:
   
   Lewis Leathers | Red Torpedo | Ogri | Cherry Red Records | British Tax Discs
     
   Sunday 5th September
   Motorcyclists will gather at the Ace from early morning.

   At 10.30am the assembled motorcycle ride-out departs the Ace for Brighton, "waved off" as in the years to date by the Mayor of Brent
   We will be joined on the day by  riders participating in the inaugural Ride Global “Memorial Ride” which is taking place on Sunday 5.9.21 raising funds  on-line in aid of  COVAX.
   
    Route: A406 - A40 - M25 - M23 - A23 to Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront
    Rev up and Ride, with the Rockers!
    See you at the Ace, and in Brighton!
   
   Strictly no deckchairs