| Biker News - Regularly updated
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ALEX MARQUEZ #73 “Today the pace at the front was very similar, but Marc was stronger in the last chicane and in the first corner, which didn’t allow me to get close enough to have a shot. The third sector, where I was stronger, wasn’t the ideal part of the track for overtaking so we must ‘settle’ with this podium. I’m 90% satisfied, tomorrow we’ll try again with a special focus on the start.” FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 “Today was a long and intense day. I had a good feeling this morning and was fast with used tyres. We ended up in Q1 almost by mistake, as I got stuck in traffic during my time attack. The sprint went quite well, but we’re losing too much in the opening laps. We need to understand how to improve in this area, especially with regards to the sprint.”
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Ben is inviting everyone in the automotive industry to take part in Ben’s Big Breakfast in October, because a cuppa and a chat can change a life. 
Ben’s Big Breakfast is now in its fifth year and, last year, raised an incredible £25,000. This year, automotive industry people are invited to host their own breakfast anytime during the week of 6th to 12th October and encourage colleagues, customers, friends and family to bring, bake, or buy a spread and donate to support Ben’s vital work.
With 44% of automotive people struggling with anxiety, 33% experiencing depression, and 38% experiencing poor work-life balance[1], Ben's Big Breakfast offers a chance to catch up over a cuppa, take time out, and be there for each other. This popular food-fuelled event encourages Ben’s automotive family to bond over breakfast any day during the week of World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
So go on, grab a slice of the action. Sign up for free at www.ben.org.uk/bigbreakfast
By signing up, participants will receive a Ben’s Big Breakfast fundraising kit, packed with everything needed to make each event a success.
With more people turning to Ben for support than ever before, now is the time to get involved, get fundraising, and help make a life-changing difference to those who are struggling or in crisis.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development at Ben, said: "Our Big Breakfast is a simple, fun way to raise funds and a perfect excuse to bring your team together. Breakfast really is the best meal of the day, and sharing it with others can spark meaningful conversations. A quick chat over a coffee could be exactly what someone needs. Right now, many people are suffering in silence, thinking they’ve got no-one to turn to. That’s why connection matters, for our mental health.
“By getting involved, you’re not just having fun, you’re giving back to the industry charity that supports our automotive family. Whether you're flipping pancakes, selling sausage sarnies, or laying out a pastry platter, every breakfast counts. Rally your team, encourage multiple sites to join in, and make it something special. It’s time to toast your team and get a taste of something truly meaningful."
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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This year’s Classic Motorcycle Day on Sunday 6th July at Crich Tramway Village will be the eighth event for the partnership with the Vincent HRD Owners Club and with sponsorship from Derwent Waste Management.
The event has already attracted bookings of over 300 entries for classic motorcycle displays, made up of vintage machines, all of which must be over 25yrs old to qualify as classics.
There are numerous trophies for the best motorcycles and scooters, judged by expert judges, including Best Original, Best British, Best Japanese, Best Italian, Best International, Best Pre-war motorcycles, and Best Scooter.
The ‘Best in Show’ Trophy will, again, be voted for by the visiting public, who are encouraged to browse the whole display before making their selection.
Vincent HRD Owners Club organiser, Jon Lambley said:
“Many of the classic motorcycle owners consider this event to be one of the best and most important in the year, and we hope that everyone will enjoy this year’s display and vote for their favourite machine.”
Events Manager at Crich Tramway Village, Candi Bell, said:
“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone for another great day for browsing the classic collection of motorcycles, taking vintage tram rides and enjoying live music in the afternoon from popular band, The Moonshiners.”
Vintage tram rides will also be in operation and there will be access to the exhibitions, woodland walk and sculpture trail, workshop viewing gallery and tram depots, featuring the best that the National Tramway Museum has to offer.
For further information visit www.tramway.co.uk/whatson/classic-motorcycle-day
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It’s never too late to take that life-changing trip - and this Spring, Orange & Black Motorcycle Tours supported 92-year-old Jean Scott to do just that. Jean got in touch with us in April with a dream of discovering the iconic Route 66 by motorcycle and experiencing a life-changing trip, not just for her, but for those in need of vital air ambulance services. Fast-forward to June, and Jean swapped her local Somerset coast for the California Coast, taking to the road with our legendary tour guide and Route 66 expert Gary “Bear” Fleshman on the back of his Harley-Davidson Road Glide for her bucket list adventure.
Gary says “We don’t usually offer pillion only rides, but we’re all for people finding their freedom through riding and we wanted to help Jean experience that after she got the bug in her youth. Next year Route 66, or the “Mother Road” as it’s commonly known celebrates its centennial, so we thought it only fitting that Jean come along for the ride and get a jump on hitting her own centennial milestones.”
Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Jean explored historic landmarks and sights including the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Route 66 Museum and Grand Canyon, covering 2700 miles, 13 days of riding, 8 states and battling all weathers. Jean can well and truly say that’s one adventure ticked off her bucket list.
Jean says of her trip “The whole experience has been full of highlights. I think my favourite places to visit have been Kansas and Oklahoma as I’ve heard a lot about them but had never been before; and the Grand Canyon – that was breathtaking.”
Jean’s inspirational road trip of a lifetime has also made a mark on Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, who she is currently raising money for. The registered charity provides vital services for the local community and is one of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities that form part of the fleet of 37 helicopters. Collectively, the charities make over 126 lifesaving missions a day and play a pivotal role in supporting emergency treatment of patients within their communities, not least motorcyclists.
Dave Marsh, Sales and Operations Manager at Orange & Black says, “We pride ourselves on helping customers create their dream trip and Jean is a great reminder that it’s never too late to make those dreams a reality. It’s brilliant to see that this trip has not only changed her life, but those of the people in both her local community, and the wider biking community.”
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Robert Shaw, aged 64, is an engineer at Boeing who is participating in the fundraiser for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. He is joined by Boeing colleagues as part of “Team BRAVO”.
Born in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Robert was raised in a military family. His father saw active duty in the Army during World War Two, having joined the Territorial Army (TA) the day before war broke out. His father was immediately drafted into the regulars, where he helped protect London from air raids and V1 flying bombs.
While still in school, Robert was a semi-professional musician, but he eventually changed careers to become an engineer. In the 41 years since, Robert’s career has seen him work with all the Armed Forces, supporting them on-site, remotely and on active duty.
For years, when not at work, one of Robert’s great joys was taking to the road on a motorbike. But in 2009, a car accident left him tetraplegic, with limited mobility. Now, Robert has acquired a stable, Can-Am Sea-to-Sky 3-wheel bike which he uses for pleasure and to participate in charity fundraising for causes that are close to his heart.
It is on this bike that Robert will participate in SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge, taking him from Trinity Square Gardens near Tower Hill and across some of London’s most iconic bridges.
Robert’s route has been modified slightly, and he will participate on the day as part of Boeing’s Reserves and Veterans Organisation (BRAVO) Team, comprised of Boeing staff who are all fundraising for SSAFA. Boeing has been a Corporate Partner of SSAFA since 2015. 
Commenting on the 13 Bridges Challenge, Robert said: “Coming from a military family, and having worked with Armed Forces personnel for much of my career, I know the difference that a bit of support can make. It’s important to me that service personnel can get help when they need it, and fundraising for SSAFA is a great way for me to fulfil that mission.”
Robert has already raised £360, and Boeing will match all donations. People can donate to his efforts here: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity: 13 Bridges Challenge 2025
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.
The 13 Bridges Challenge is a 10-mile trek through central London that is open to people of all ages and abilities. 28 June 2025.
For more information, and to sign up, visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/events/trek/13-bridges-challenge-2025/
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