The Gay Biker Rally is delighted to announce sponsorship from BLD who are also offering a great track day prize on the day.

The first dealer to confirm support is BMW Chandlers who are offering a selection of pre-booked test rides on the day.

East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists and Bike Safe will be offering skills assessments.
Entrance fee £5 includes a afternoon of indoor entertainment with a 2 hour chilled DJ set. All day food available at the Azur Pavilion.

More supporters to be confirmed next week.

www.videou.co.uk

Stormin' The Castle

Someone recently pointed out that we don’t say on our website, what happens at our event. I suppose we just expected everyone to know as most of our customers have been to lots of rallies; this doesn’t help anyone who stumbles across the site and wants to find out what it’s all about.

Stormin’ is a fund raising event for the Motorbike Action Group (MAG) which is an organisation that fights against anti-motorcycle legislation and for riders rights; find out more about MAG On their website.

Firstly it’s not a motorsport event like a car-rally, or a music festival, but is a party for bikers. Some rallies are a lot smaller, are based around a pub, with camping in a nearby field. There may not have any entertainment, but are a place where like-minded people meet up and have a chat, chill out and maybe have a drink or two! The bigger rallies such as Stormin’ and the Farmyard Party are held in a big field or a number of fields. At Stormin’ we have three campsites and a main arena where we have the stages, the bike show on Saturday afternoon, the traders village the catering vans, the fairground the wheelie machine and the dyno-machine.

How to ‘Do’ a Bike Rally

Firstly you need a motorbike, we do reluctantly allow a few cars but we are cutting the numbers down each year. The event is aimed at and run by motorcyclists, it isn’t a music festival. Once you have bought your motorbike and learned to ride it you can buy a ticket for the rally. You can pay on the gate but it’s considerably cheaper to pay in advance, see the ‘tickets’ page on this website. You will also need a tent, a sleeping bag and sleeping mat or airbed. .

People arrive for the event gates to open at 10.00 on Friday morning, set up their tents and from midday start making their way to the main arena. When you arrive at the main gate you hand in your voucher if you have pre-booked or pay the entry fee if you haven’t. Only those arriving on a bike or trike can pay on the gate. The marshal will put your wristband on your wrist for you. Once you have your wristband you can make your way to one of the campsites either by turning immediately left after you go through the gate or by going straight ahead for about 50 metres and turning right, please take care when riding on the grass, especially if it is or has been raining. When you have found a suitable camping place pitch your tent and then you’ll be ready to start.

What you do next sort of depends on what time you arrive; if you arrive early and it’s sunny then you might just want to hang out around your tent, chat with your neighbors about their bikes, maybe have a drink from the campsite bar. If you arrive in the evening you may want to head straight for the main arena. The first band in the main stage, that’s the big white marquee starts at 7:00, they could be playing rock, punk, ska or any one of the many diverse musical genres we have on over the weekend, most of all the atmosphere is lively to say the least. In the Iris stage which is the smaller of the two marquees the first band is on stage at 7:30, the bands and the atmosphere in here are a little more laid back.

There is no entertainment provided on the Friday afternoon; this is a time for chilling out, meeting up with old friends, having a look around the trade stalls, buying Stormin T-shirts and badges before they are sold out and maybe having a drink in one of the three bars.

At some point over the weekend most rally-goers visit Witton Castle itself. The castle contains bars, a restaurant, and general dealer. There are also ‘proper loos’ and showers.

On Saturday morning some people like to go for a ride out around the County, if you do decide to go out please be sure that you’re within the legal driving limit for alcohol. There are lots of interesting places to visit within an hour or so ride and you should have been given a guide leaflet with your ‘welcome pack’

On Saturday afternoon the main event is a custom bike show, which always, attracts a large number of high quality entrants. There are classes for custom bikes, classic bikes and ‘bikes of notable interest’ which are machines which do not fit into the categories and are just on display. If you want to enter your road-legal bike take it to the main arena between 9.30 am and 4.00 pm, see Tim or one of his crew and they will tell you what you need to do. Winners assemble with their bikes at 5.15 and the trophies are presented at 5.45, probably in the Iris Stage – depending on ground conditions.

You don’t need to bring any food as there are catering stalls on site to suit all tastes – from burgers and chips, to oriental cuisine. There are also catering vans on the campsites so you don’t need to go to the arena just for something to eat.

There is plenty to do at Stormin’ – browsing amongst the large selection of trade stands just chilling out. For the more adventurous – there are fairground rides, usually including, the reverse bungee or something equally intimidating. There is also a dyno and a wheelie machine, both are free of charge to our customers.

Sunday morning is time to have breakfast, pack up and go home but please don’t leave too early if you’ve been up late drinking the night before. Please take all your belongings with you and especially please don’t abandon your tent as it’s just more work for us to take it down and dispose of it. On your way out if you’ve had a good weekend please give the marshals a wave or a word of thanks as they’ve all worked hard over the weekend for no pay. Have a safe journey home and come back next year.

Best wishes

Jim Coxon, Event Coordinator

www.storminthecastle.co.uk

Independently acclaimed as the world's coolest motorcycle event - Three Days, Three Rides, One Reunion!
 
Friday 9th September from 6pm - The Continental Run Ride-In
 
Saturday 10th September - Cafe Racer & Rockers Ride-Out

Depart: 10.30am
Destination: Battersea Park (Central London)
 
Sunday 11th September - Brighton Burn-Up & Ride With The Rockers
Depart: 10.30am
Route: A406 - A40 - M25 - M23 - A23 to Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront
 
Taking place over three days of the second weekend in September and first held in 1994, the 18th annual Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend & Ride With The Rockers celebrates the unique history, culture and style of Ace Cafe London and what it represents. The event acts as a focus in the motorcycling calendar for all those who are not only interested in the Ace Cafe, Ton Up and Rocker heritage, but also for many others who enjoy a weekend full of rock n' roll and fun!
 
Over the years, Ace Cafe London has forged lasting and strong links to the global motorcycling and rockin' community, which is reflected by the many visitors from overseas, one of the largest contingents being The Continental Run, which starts with a party at Cafe Hubraum in Solingen, Germany, before departing the next morning to cross Holland, Belgium and France, gathering numbers en route to the ferry, arriving at the cafe late afternoon, and culminating in an evening of rock 'n' roll!
 
The Brighton Burn Up & Ride With The Rockers, has been an integral part of Ace Cafe Reunions since 1996, and is a free, grand day out at the seaside on Brighton's famous seafront road, Madeira Drive. With trade and club stands, stunt displays, live music and special guests, it's an experience not to be missed!
 
On Saturday 10th September, a Cafe Racer & Rockers Ride-Out to London's historic Battersea Park will depart from the cafe at 10.30am, led again this year by the Limited Edition Ace 904S Thruxton Special, returning to the Ace for the 3rd annual Cafe Racer Review, with prizes for the "Best Ridden Cafe Racer", "Best Classic Cafe Racer", "Best Modern Cafe Racer", "Best Triumph Cafe Racer" and "Best Harley Cafe Racer".
 
This year, together with celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release in 1971 of the seminal Steve McQueen film "On Any Sunday" with prizes for the "Best Ridden Flat Tracker", and recalling his famous quote of that same year, "When you're racing, it's life", the Ace is also celebrating a very special landmark, the 10th anniversary of the legendary cafe having fully reopened!
 
Sponsors for the competitions at the cafe include;Lewis Leathers, Red Torpedo, Lucky 13, 19-60, Prison Blues, Delta Music, Jack Lilley Triumph, Warrs HD, Coventry Transport Museum, NEC Classic Bike Show and Million Dollar Quartet Musical with awards and prizes being presented by Ace Cafe Hostess Sophia St. Villier.
 
Amongst special guests,we are delighted to host Manx man and renowned author Mick Duckworth signing copies of his recently published book "Ace Times - Speed thrills and tea spills, a cafe and a culture", together with the legendary "Prince of Speed", 8 times world champion road racer Phil Read MBE. 2011 marks 50 years since his first TT race.
 
The feisty London Rockin' Rollers will be with us again, raising funds for London's Air Ambulance, the cafe's chosen charity for Saturday 10th September.
 
On Sunday 11th September in Brighton, as well as an array of club, trade stands and live bands, the annual short seafront service and blessing is being kindly undertaken by both Father Scott and Father Denis of the 59 Club.

There will also be a "Best Scooter" competition sponsored by Baracuta and Dr Martens.
 
Stunt Shows, to include featuring the ever popular Marc "Sparky" Chennel, will take place at Black Rock, the eastern end of Madeira Drive, with three displays scheduled for 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, together with a wheelie machine for those who want to try out riding on the back wheel and, for the first time, this years Reunion will host a static Show Up n' Shine "Best Streetfighter" competition in association with Streetfighters magazine.
 
As part of Battle of Britain Week, the cafe's chosen charity RAFA will be in attendance, and assisting them in raising funds, and debuting at this years Reunion, are the Brighton Rockers Roller Derby Team, a band of fearless female skaters! and, for your convenience, the charity Riders For Health will be in attendance with a "helmet park", where you can leave your gear and enjoy the day.
 
Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend Entertainment:
 
The Hicksville Bombers+ Burlesque Show (Friday 9th), Doggone Honkabilly Band + The Bullets + Furious + The Space Cadets + Burlesque Show (Saturday 10th) at the cafe, plus Rockin' The Joint & Mark Keeley's Good Rockin' Tonight performing at Brighton (Sunday 11th). DJ's spinning the weekend's wax are Bill & Jimmy Guntrip, Dave Crozier and Mouse, and yes, it's all free!
 
For updates:  

Two legends of motorbike racing, Carl Fogarty and James Whitham, are bringing their popular chat show 'Givin It Gas' to the Isle of Man. The popular pair will be appearing at the TT Grandstand's VIP Club on the evening of Wednesday 31st August.

Opinionated and hilarious, this is four-times WSB champion, Carl Fogarty, with his good friend and former British champ, TT Races ITV pundit James Whitham, at their irreverent best - live and uncut.

Both have competed on the Isle of Man with Carl a three-time TT Races champion and Jamie also recording podium finishes. They enjoyed contrasting fortunes at the Manx Grand Prix with Carl winning the 1985 Lightweight Manx Grand Prix Newcomers Race, while Jamie recorded a DNF in the same race.

With their own unique brand of verbal sparring, Carl and James provide insight into today's world of racing, recall former glories and disasters, and discuss the burning issues of the day.

Carl said: "I've got loads of happy memories of the Isle of Man, both on and off the track and I'm really looking forward to coming back to the Island during the Manx Grand Prix, where it all really began for me. There's always a good bit of banter between us but it's also a opportunity for fans to say hello and ask their questions."

James added: "I have known Carl for many years and this is a good opportunity for a lot of individuals, who don't really know what he is like in private, to see the real Foggy. He is a lot more relaxed these days and the chat shows we have done previously have been a right good laugh."

The evening event, which will start at 8pm, will run for about 2 hours and will feature on-stage chat and a question and answer session and fans will also have a chance to get autographs from Carl and James. Tickets priced £25 can be bought at www.mgpfestival.com or via official Manx Grand Prix Travel Agency Regency Travel on 01624 694455

Ace Cafe London has teamed up with Winning Formulas to introduce, sample and display their new high performance "Car-Skin" range of cleaning and restorative products for motor vehicles.

To include eighteen product packs to be won at the cafe by means of a prize draw raffle on occasions of the regular "All American Cruise-Ins" (last Saturday of the month), Classic Car Night (2nd Tuesday of the month) and InCarNation (last Wednesday of the month) from August through to December.

There will also be opportunity to meet the "Car-Skin" Team at the cafe, on evenings Wednesday 24th August (British Classic Car Night), Tuesday 30th August (VAG Night) and Tuesday 13th September (Classic Car Night).

www.winning-formulas.com