Bikers from across the country turned out in their thousands at the weekend to show their incredible support for two Midlands charities, as they took part in one of the largest biking events in the country – the Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival, 27th April 2014. 

Helping to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Royal Air Force Museum, in excess of 3,000 motorcyclists participated in the 23 mile ride along the M54 from Meole Brace, Shrewsbury to the RAF Museum Cosford, double the number of bikers who took part in the 2013 Ride Out.  They filled the motorway as far as the eye could see, as they travelled en masse by police escort to the Museum with hundreds of members of the public lining every bridge along the route, waving as they passed. TV’s Emergency Bikers Mark Hayes and Steve Forrest were two of the bikers leading the Ride Out before spending the day at the Festival meeting and greeting.

The event raised in excess of £30,000 thanks to the impressive turnout and support shown by the biking community, smashing last year’s total.  The day was a huge success, with more bikers taking part in this year’s ride out than ever before, with many bikers travelling some distance to be part of the day.  In addition to the 3,000 bikers on the Ride Out, over 2,000 additional bikers headed straight to the Festival along with thousands of interested members of the public with almost 8,000 visitors on site throughout the day. 

Nina Mitchell, Events Executive for the RAF Museum Cosford said, “We knew the event this year was going to be big, judging by the level of interest we received in the buildup, but nothing could prepare us for the overwhelming support from the bikers who turned out on the day.  We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and donated to the two event charities, we hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did.  We have received some fantastic feedback on our Facebook and Twitter pages and we hope to see everyone again next year.”

Upon arrival at the Museum, bikers were treated to an afternoon packed with entertainment which included a spectacular flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and live music supplied by five rock bands on the Planet Rock stage. Arena displays entertained the crowds throughout the day and even encouraged participation from some members of the public, with some fantastic biker related prizes up for grabs.  Plus, some of the biggest names in the biking world were exhibiting with road safety and advance riding organisations on hand to talk biker safety.

The Cosford-based Midlands Air Ambulance helicopter was situated at the event and was called out several times during the day, demonstrating the great need to continue to raise funds for the lifesaving service. 

Jason Levy, Fundraising and Marketing Director for Midlands Air Ambulance charity said, “We were overwhelmed by the level of people who attended both the Ride Out and the Festival.  Bikers make up about a fifth of the air ambulance missions we attend, so their support is hugely appreciated by everyone at the charity.  We trebled our fundraising total from last year and we’re already planning next year’s event, so watch this space.” 

Bike4Life is also in collaboration with Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police who work tirelessly to promote road safety and to help reduce the number of road traffic collisions across West Mercia.  The event took months of planning and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Central Motorway Police Group, the Highways Agency and West Mercia Police who ensured the safety of all of the bikers on the Ride Out.

Vicki Bristow from the Safer Roads Partnership, Road Safety unit for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police says, “Improving safety for motorbike riders is a big part of what we work on throughout the year so to be part of this event and to talk to bikers, not just in our region but from neighbouring counties was great.  We are really pleased that we were able to support the event and two wonderful local charities and we'd like to thank everyone who turned up to the event, without the support it wouldn't have been possible.  We hope to see everyone again next year!"

Photos from the event will be posted on the Bike4Life website www.bike4lifefest.co.uk and on the official Facebook and Twitter pages over the coming days.

Find out more information about 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

Scotland's Robert Wilson will represent Belgian outfit

Belgian clean emissions racing team Saroléa Racing has today confirmed that they will participate in the 2014 SES TT Zero Challenge. Scotland's Robert Wilson, who made his TT debut in 2011, will represent the team at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

The historic Motorcycle brand, which will also compete in the FIM eRoad-Racing World Cup, was Belgium's first Motorcycle brand when it was established in 1850.  The team has always put a strong emphasis on racing to advance its technology, a tradition that has continued with the 2014 Saroléa SP7.

Designed and built in Belgium, the SP7 motorcycle showcases the company's latest developments in technology. The bike is built up around the innovative carbon fibre monotube chassis and its ultra efficient axial flux motor.

During the design process the focus was on achieving a high power to weight ratio and on aerodynamic efficiency. Extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight alloys helped reduce the overall weight. The result is a very compact and agile motorcycle. Along with technical partners Bridgestone and Beta Tools, the team will focus on collecting data to further develop the bike.

Scotsman Wilson has recorded five top twenty finishes in his three year career including a highest placed thirteenth in the 2012 Monster Energy Supersport Race.  Belgian Thijs De Ridder, developer of the electric powertrain, will race for the team in the eRoadRacing World Cup and will also support the team at the TT Races.

Project Manager Torsten Robbens will lead the Saroléa Racing campaign.  Under his guidance, the SP7 will undergo extensive track testing, prior to its race debut.

He commented: "The Isle of Man TT is the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. Its 37.73 Mile laps (approximately 60km) also make it the most challenging event for both rider and machine. The TT zero testing programme will focus on optimising the race strategy and aerodynamic efficiency. The combination of the TT Zero challenge and the FIM world cup represents a really ambitious racing programme for us."

A motorcycle adventure for children in need – with Touratech-equipped bikes

"These bikes surpass all our expectations. The equipment and the look are spot on, and the ride is smooth as butter." Claudia and Mirko Nagler were "on cloud nine" when presented with their motorcycles – provided by Suzuki and equipped by Touratech – at the season launch party held at Touratech headquarters in Niedereschach/Germany. In May, they are embarking on the world's first adventure ride with the new V-Strom 1000.

Two motorcycles, 45,000 km, 18 countries – through North, Central and South America. Claudia and Mirko Nagler expect to take between 12 and 18 months to complete their journey. From New York, they will set off towards Canada, then ride down the west coast until they reach Tierra del Fuego, before continuing on to Brazil. Apart from seeing something of the world and experiencing different cultures, the couple – both native Dortmunders – want to make a positive difference.

Claudia and Mirko are calling their project "2AR – a challenge to support kids in South America". (2AR stands for "2 Auf Reisen", or "two people on one journey".) They want 2AR to attract attention, persuading people to get involved and do something for a good cause, while also raising awareness for important social projects.

Suzuki International Europe and Touratech are supporting this motorcycle adventure to benefit children in need in Latin America. Suzuki has provided two new V-Strom 1000 bikes, and Touratech has kitted out the bikes for long-distance touring – with headlight protectors, fairing crash bars, auxiliary lights, sat-nav holder bars, GD hand protectors with spoiler, extra power sockets, tank bags, engine guard panels, pannier racks and ZEGA Pro panniers (31 and 45 litres), long-distance foot pegs, aluminium luggage racks, rackpacks, heated grips, Heidenau K 50 tyres, Scottoiler chain lubrication system, plus specially made decals on the panniers and bodywork. Breathable seats, handlebar bags and crash bar bags will be added. Compañero motorcycle suits in a matching design, sponsored by Stadler, and Nolan X-lite X-551 helmets with communication system complete the equipment.

"We are delighted that we were able to work with Touratech on this project," said Jan Hendrik Breckwoldt, motorcycle and ATV sales manager at Suzuki International Europe GmbH, during the official handover. "The motorbikes look absolutely superb." Touratech sales manager Martin Wickert, who presented the accessories that were developed for the bikes, thanked Suzuki for their fantastic support. He added that Touratech had worked on these motorcycles for about three months, and was pretty pleased with the results.

 "We have immense confidence in these motorbikes. They are lightweight, strong and handle really well," say a delighted Claudia and Mirko as they look forward to their journey.

More information about the project is available here

70’s superstar drummer Don Powell founder member of SLADE will be with us at the BMF May Show!

Having raised funds for the National Autistic Society at last year’s Kelso Bikefest (and because he had such a great time) Don has agreed to join us at the BIG ONE – May’s BMF Show 16-18 Peterborough Arena.

Don will be on site all through the weekend and will once again be asking people to support the good work of the NAS and later into the evening he’ll be picking up those famous drum sticks and putting in some ‘guest’ appearances with the bands on the main stage on Friday and Saturday evening.

For more information about any of the BMF shows visit www.thebmfshow.co.uk. Or talk to the show organisers, The Mulberry Group, on 01869 277077.

Spaniard Augusto Fernandez won today’s second-round European Junior Cup race at Assen in the Netherlands, leading from first corner to chequered flag to narrow the lead at the top of the 2014 championship.

Fernandez is second in a Spanish 1-2-3 at the top of the table with Marc Miralles leading the way after finishing in third place in today’s six-lap race at the 4.542km Assen circuit, adding to his first round win at Aragon in Spain two weeks ago. Javier Orellana could finish only eighth today, but still sits in championship third position.

In damp conditions in Assen, which followed disruption to the schedule following a heavily-delayed second World Superbike championship race, Jesper Hubner finished in second place today. The Swedish rider is just one point behind Orellana in the table.

Podium finisher in Aragon, Mika Perez, was one of several riders who fell victim to today’s wet conditions but local Dutch wildcard, Ricardo Brink, finished in a creditable fourth place, while his fellow Dutchman and the second Assen wildcard, Jamie van Sikkelerus, rounded out the top ten.

“It was a difficult weekend,” said Fernandez after the race. “I started from sixth place on the grid but my start was OK. I was a bit nervous but went into the first corner in the lead. I thought I could push, but I had to concentrate very hard. I’m very happy with this win, though, and I look forward to Imola.”

2014 European Junior Cup, powered by Honda Racing

Round 2: Assen, Netherlands - race result:

1 Augusto Fernandez (ESP)

2 Jesper Hubner (SWE)

3 Marc Miralles (ESP)

4 Ricardo Brink (NED)

5 Hannes Soomer (EST)

6 Paolo Grassia (ITA)

7 Connor London (NZL)

8 Javier Orellana (ESP)

9 Alex Wisdom (USA)

10 Jamie van Sikkelerus

Championship points after two of eight rounds:

Miralles 41, Fernandez 38, Orellana 28, Hubner 27, Soomer 20, Grassia 18, Perez 16, Angelo Licciardi (BEL) 14, London 14, Brink 13.

Next race: Imola, Italy – 9-11 May