Category: Charity

1. The Stephen Cowton Memorial Motorcycle Run

   Posted on 8:16am Monday 3rd Mar 2014

   "GET ON YOUR BIKE" FOR THE 19TH ANNUAL EASTER EGG RUN

   Get into gear with the Kilham Bikers (formerly Kilham Wednesday Night Bikers) who have been raising money for worthy causes throughout the Yorkshire area, will be going on their Annual Easter Egg run on Easter Sunday 20th April 2014 for a ride on some of East & North Yorkshire’s best biking roads to end our journey at Bridlington Club for Young People which is a centre providing recreational, sporting & Social opportunities for young people. The day begins at THE BAY HORSE, KILHAM at 9am when bacon butties will be served and we will leave for our run to Bridlington at 11am.

   Last year's Easter Egg Run was a great success raising funds for May Lodge, Scarborough with a grand total of £3400 raised for the purchase of a sofa, chairs etc which is great in these difficult times.

   We are now in our 19th year of helping children and young people from various charities in the Yorkshire area. We as a Motorcycle Club have been running for 20 years as when we first started it was just to deliver Easter Eggs to children in hospitals in our area. We also organise ride-outs every Wednesday night throughout the summer months and a list with details of the rides will be put on our website early in March.

   Leading up to the Easter Egg Run we are having a Quiz at the Bay Horse, Kilham 19th March 7.30pm onwards, and other events will be taking place over the next couple of months and details will be put on our new webpage as shown below.

   So if you can help or would like to make a donation please contact Fran Cowton on 01262 420399 or go on the website www.kilhambikers.co.uk for further details. We also hold a raffle/tombola and anyone who can donate any prizes for the evening of Easter Sunday at The Bay Horse, Kilham from 7.30pm onwards would be greatly appreciated. So just come along and support the event and have fun.

2. Prescott Bike Festival 2014: Sunday 6th April 2014

   Posted on 8:23am Wednesday 26th Feb 2014

   The fourth annual Prescott Bike Festival is taking place on Sunday 6th April 2014 and promises to be an action-packed day for all the family in support of the Nationwide Association of Bloodbikes charity.

   Festival organiser Gordon Downie said “Prescott Bike Festival continues to go from strength to strength; we are delighted to announce that all track time entries sold out in January and there are only a few Exhibitor spaces left. This year all major motorcycle manufacturers are represented, and there will be a large display of famous historic, modern and race bikes, plus bike clubs, famous racers, demo areas, passenger ride experiences, stunt show, trade stands, junior fun section, live music, good food and a raft of entertainment both on and off the track to keep the whole family amused. We are all gearing up for our largest and best festival yet”.

   Special guest appearances include: former three times British Superbike Champion and Bloodbike ambassador John Reynolds, former racer and MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, motorcycle adventurer Nick Sanders. Plus Smith’s Triumph Racing with British Supersport Championship Billy McConnell and new signing Graeme Gowland, Tag Racing Team with British Superbike rider Richard Cooper and Superstock rider Shaun Winfield, BeWiser Kawasaki Superstock rider Josh and Skyzone Racing Supermoto Team riders Chris Hodgson, Jay Smith and Thomas Elam.

   Amongst the hundreds of historic, classic and race bikes taking to the historic hill climb course include:
   
   •Carlos Checa’s MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP5 and Checa’s 2011 WSB winning Ducati 1198 F1 (courtesy of Dawn Treader Performance)
   •David Jeffries' GSX-R1000 TT bike and James Toseland's first WSS machine
   •Frankie Chili’s 1998 Ex WSB Ducati 996
   •The 1930 Rudge Ulster belonging to David Osborne
   •Chris Sawyer's 1928 Cotton Blackburne
   •A rare Sachs R800 Roadster from 2002 owned by Barry Fahey
   •The 1959 Norton Dominator of Ian Cordes
   •Rare Excelsior Manxmans from Dave Lee and Adrian Sellars
   •Eric Bostrom’s 2005 AMA factory 999 (same bike as Neil Hodgson rode in 2005)

   Special features:
   
   •Local dealers representing: Triumph, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Piaggio, BMW, Harley Davidson, Victory, Kuberg, Watsonian Squire and KTM
   •A ‘Trials Competition’ to be held throughout the day and ran under the auspices of the Western Centre ACU
   •Nick Sanders and his new Steampunk Cinema, plus regular book signing sessions
   •The popular Dave Coates Motorcycle Stunt Show performing at 1.15pm
   •Thrilling passenger ride experiences include: a national hill climb sidecar, Morgan 3 Wheelers (both modern and vintage) a Westfield XI, Westfield SEiW and the Grinnal Scorpion III
   •Live music by 1950s inspired rockabilly, rock & roll and R&B inspired band, Josie and the Outlaw, plus Road House Rooster, Chickenbone John and his custom guitars, the Blitz Buddies Dancers and a Retro DJ spinning some vinyls
   •Junior section features: go karts, Kuberg electric motorbikes, large scale climbing wall, fairground rides, inflatable play area and the return of the world's largest Star Wars Garrison
   •Angelic Bulldog showcasing their 400mph streamliner land speed motorbike project
   •George Formby Tribute and his antics
   •Plus more than 100 trade stands

   Motorcycle and racing clubs confirmed:
   
   •The Classic 50cc Racing Club – with their racing machines and riders representing the clubs early beginnings around 1953 up to 1983
   •London Douglas Owners Club
   •Norton Owners Club
   •Leominster Classic Motorcycle Club
   •Yamaha XJR Owners Club
   •XJR Owners Club
   •Rolling Hills (Harley Owners Club)
   •Honda Owners Club
   •Suzuki Owners Club
   •Chopper Owners Club showcasing extreme custom bikes

   For bikers that enjoy classic machinery, entries on the hill include a 1930 Rudge Ulster 500 cc Racer, a 1928 Blackburne-engined Cotton, 1924 two cam Harley-Davidson racer, 1927 Scott Flyer, 1935 cotton JAP, plus all the historic marquees represented like Bantam’s, BSA, Ariel, Matchless and Norton.

   www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk 

3. Sign up to the big biker event of the year

   Posted on 2:04pm Monday 3rd Feb 2014

   Bikers from Shropshire and the wider Midlands area are invited to start the season off in style on Sunday 27th April 2014.

   Bike4Life Fest is being held at RAF Museum Cosford in support for two local charities - the Midlands Air Ambulance and Royal Air Force Museum. The event is being run in collaboration with the Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police and this year is being supported by radio station Planet Rock and is set to be the biggest organised biker gathering in the Midlands this year.

   The event will feature various trade stands, bike dealers, arena displays, live music at the Planet Rock stage and refreshments with plenty to entertain the non bikers of the family! The popular Bike4Life Ride Out will also be taking place on the same day, and is expected to attract over 2,000 bikers. Leaving from Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, the 23 mile Ride Out will finish at the event at RAF Museum Cosford where all the bikers can enjoy the entertainment on offer at the Bike4Life Festival.

   There will be the opportunity to speak to various local clubs and dealers, watch the activities on display in the arena and enjoy live music and food with fellow bikers. One of the main focuses of the event will be the opportunity to speak to The Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists (IAM), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and other trainers to find out more about further training and additional courses that are out there to brush up on your biking skills.

   Vicki Bristow from the Safer Roads Partnership says: “It promises to be a great day out for riders. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about buying a bike, just getting started, or have been riding for years and are an experienced biker there will be something there for everyone. Put the 27th April in your diary now so you don’t miss the event!”

   With hundreds of bikers already signed up, organisers are expecting thousands will show their support on the day and join in the fun, so, if you’re a biker and you’re not already registered for the Ride Out or just want to find out more visit www.bike4lifefest.com or call the Bike4Life Festival team on 01902 376 252. Find us on Facebook by searching for Bike4Life Fest and follow us on Twitter @Bike4LifeFest.

   The festival will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm and visitors of all ages, not just bikers are encouraged to come along. Bikers wishing to participate in the ride out MUST have a full licence as the route to the Museum will travel along the M54 motorway.

   Bikers can find out more information on the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity by visiting www.midlandsairambulance.com or for more information on the RAF Museum Cosford visit www.rafmuseum.org. Further details about the Safer Roads Partnership can be found at www.srpwestmercia.org.uk

4. Prescott Bike Festival raises money for a life-saving charity, Bloodbikes

   Posted on 9:00am Friday 17th Jan 2014

   The annual Prescott Bike Festival will be taking place on Sunday 6th April 2014 and promises to be an action-packed day for all the family in support of the Nationwide Association of Bloodbikes charity.

   The fourth annual event will be larger than ever before, with even more bike manufacturers and clubs confirmed, plus a large display of historic, modern and race bikes on display in the paddock, demo areas, passenger rides, stunt show, trade stalls, live music, good food and a host of entertainment both on and off the track to keep the whole family amused. Special guest appearances include: former three times British Superbike Champion and Bloodbike ambassador John Reynolds, MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, motorcycle adventurer Nick Sanders and making his debut appearance – Michael Rutter.

   Some of the many hundreds of historic, classic and race bikes at Prescott Bike Festival 2014:
   
   * Carlos Checa’s MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP5 and Checa’s 2011 WSB winning Ducati 1198 F1 (courtesy of Dawn Treader Performance)
   * David Jeffries' GSX-R1000 TT bike and James Toseland's first WSS machine
   * The 1930 Rudge Ulster belonging to David Osborne
   * Chris Sawyer's 1928 Cotton Blackburne
   * A rare Sachs R800 Roadster from 2002 owned by Barry Fahey
   * The 1959 Norton Dominator of Ian Cordes
   * Rare Excelsior Manxmans from Dave Lee and Adrian Sellars

   New features at Prescott Bike Festival 2014:
   
   * The Angelic Bulldog 400mph streamliner land speed motorbike project
   * Saturday night party and camping for Advance Ticket Holders only
   * Bigger and better Happy Hour of activity by rare race machinery and factory bikes on the hill
   * The first 100 Run the Hill bookings receive a free festival T-shirt
   * Kuberg electric motorbikes – have a go!
   * UK Garrison Star Wars costuming club
   * Early Bird breakfasts from 8.00am to 9.30am at special low prices

   Lots of live entertainment at Prescott Bike Festival 2014:
   
   * The Dave Coates Stunt Show as featured on TV and at many major motor sports events
   * George Formby Tribute
   * 1950s inspired rockabilly, rock & roll and R&B band, Josie and the Outlaw.

   Motorcycle and racing clubs already confirmed as attending:
   
   * Honda OC
   * Norton OC
   * XJR OC
   * Rolling Hills (Harley OC)
   * Classic 50cc Racing Club

   Festival organiser, Gordon Downie, says, “The annual Prescott Bike Festival continues to go from strength to strength. For 2014 we'll have more of everything alongside the usual attractions of the unique opportunity to ride the hill. As usual, all major motorcycle manufacturers will be in attendance so fans will get the chance to see all the major models up close and personal. There will be a host of trade stands as well as famous racers and great entertainment too. The Prescott Bike Festival 2014 really does offer something for everyone.”

   Venue:
   
   Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 9RD,
   Easily accessible from junction 9 of the M5 and from London via the A40 to Cheltenham.

   Tickets:
   
   Advance tickets are £12; under 16s (with a paying adult) get in free.
   On-the-day tickets are £15; under 16s (with a paying adult) get in free.
   Run the Hill tickets are £35 and must be purchased in advance.
   There is no charge for bike parking (free side stand puck provided and free helmet park)
   Gates open at 08:30 and track action begins at 10:00. The festival closes at 17:00.
   All Advance Ticket holders (including Run the Hill) are invited to a pre-event party on the Saturday evening in the Clubhouse. Camping available to advance ticket holders only (limited availability)
   
   To purchase tickets in advance visit: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

   Exhibitor space is much sought after and limited to those who will add real value via their higher end product offer. The organisers welcome all enquiries; anyone interested in taking space should, in the first instance make their enquiry via the New Exhibitors section via the Exhibitors page on the website or email them directly at [email protected] for further information.

5. Foggy & Whit support Shrops & Staffs Blood Bikes

   Posted on 9:00am Friday 10th Jan 2014

   Four times World Superbikes Champion Carl Fogarty and ex-British Champion James Whitham will be the special guests at the launch of the Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes service at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

   Carl said: “I am pleased to support the Blood Bikes service which do such a great job in delivering urgently required blood and other medical items to NHS patients, helping tosave lives.”

   The newly formed Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes already have over 100 volunteer riders and supporters, ready to commence operations in support of the NHS this month with its first two specially equipped motorcycles.

   SSBB Chairman Chris Powdrill said: “We are delighted to have Carl Fogarty and TV pundit James Whitham with us to support the official launch of the Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes, to be hosted by BBCRadio Shropshire’s Jim Hawkins. The emergency Blood Bikes service is a charity run entirely by volunteers, providing a vital service delivering blood and medical items which can save the NHS up to £300 per urgent delivery compared to thecost of using commercial couriers. SSBB is fortunate to have raised sufficient funds to purchase its first two blood bikes but will need six bikes to provide cover for the whole of Shropshire and Staffordshire.”

   The SSBB launch event at RAF Museum Cosford at 2pm on 22nd January is open to everyone interested in the work of the Blood Bikes and coincides with Carl and James’ visit to Telford, where they will stage a leg of their UK chat show ‘Foggy and Whit - Givin’ it Gas’ at The Place later that evening. For full details of the tour visit www.foggyandwhit.co.uk

   If you would like to be involved or support Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes, visit here