MOTORSPORT legend John Surtees is set to be the star attraction as one of the world’s biggest and most famous classic motorcycle events returns once again to the Staffordshire County Showground this April. 

The 34th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show takes place on the weekend of April 26th - 27th and along with the man himself, both the MV Agusta and Ferrari that took Surtees to two- and four-wheeled world championship glory will be in attendance.

James Robinson, editor of the event’s title publication The Classic Motorcycle, said: “What John achieved in both bike and car disciplines is remarkable. He is a real master of machinery and it’s a great honour that he’s chosen to come to Stafford and grace us with his presence. It’ll be fascinating to hear him talk about his wide ranging experiences; surely he’s the only man in the world who was employed by both Enzo Ferrari and Count Agusta, as well as being Mike Hailwood’s boss!” 

Surtees won’t be the only big name new to the show this year though, with former racer and current motorsport TV personality Steve Plater taking the reins from the retiring Dave Craggs as show compere and commentator.

Plater will be on stage regularly throughout the event talking with the guest of honour and presenting awards, and show manager Nick Mowbray said he was delighted to welcome the former British Supersport champion into the fold: “Steve has been at several of our events in recent years and it’s fantastic that he is coming on board as compere for Stafford. We’re especially looking forward to his interaction with John Surtees; those interviews will be excellent.”

It’s not just special guests that’ll be welcomed either, as rows of stunning display machines showcase the very best that the classic world has to offer. Top billing will perhaps go to the one and only Moto Major, an incredible looking, one-off machine built by Italian Salvatore Majorca in 1949 – it’s a bike that has never been seen in the UK before.

James Robinson added: “I’m looking forward to getting in among the private entries and display bikes to see what gems are at the show. The National Motorcycle Museum is back this year, the Rolls-Royce Motorcycle Club is bringing a 1923 Cotton with a 349cc ohc engine which owner Tony Trueman believes to be the only one in existence and the Bonhams auction always has an incredible selection.”

The event will also feature numerous halls packed with traders, manufacturers and autojumbles, and there is live action in the form of the world famous Wall of Death.

Advance tickets for the 34th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show are on sale now from www.classicbikeshows.com, or can be purchased over the phone by calling 01507 529529 – with an advance one day adult ticket costing £10, a £3 saving on the gate price.

The show is open from 9am – 6pm on Saturday and 9am – 5pm on Sunday. Parking is free.

www.classicbikeshows.com

We were overwhelmed with the response of many of our visitors who passed by (some even queued up) to tell us how much they use and love the website, with tales of places they have visited and stayed at because of THE BIKER GUIDE...

We gave away over 2,000 booklets, 100's of cards, lots of stickers to people who 'asked nicely' (and a few cheeky ones), 100+ lollies to the children (of all ages) and would especially like to thank all the competitions winners who came to say thank you and even brought gifts of fudge, coffee and cake!

A special mention to Gary & Wendy Seddon, Steve & Sam Henshaw, Graham & Zoe Leonard, Theresa Bailey, Joanne Rigby, Dave Nixon and Ria Burnett, Rainy City for the poshest stand, Goldwing Misfits for the most lights on a stand, 1Jac for the best demo of the show, Chunky Tread Motorcycle Adventure Club for the most innovative signs, City of Leather London Ltd, Whistlestop MCC, NABD, Kettle Club, Gawsworth Jesters, Screaminkiwi, SK-Art Photography, Trike Funerals UK - (we like you, but don't really want you), Irving Sweets and to the organisers (Andrew Greenwood and Mellissa Houlding) of this great event which just get better each year!

@ The Manchester Bike Show!

The Royal British Legion Riders Branch in association with the American and Canadian veteran riders will be holding their annual Allied Memorial Remberance Ride (AMRR) on Saturday the28th June 2014. The ride will take place in Cambridgeshire starting near Cambridge with a run to the American War Cemetery just outside at Madingley. The event will commence at 12:30 and run from Cambridge Services with the support of Cambridgeshire Police, ride on the A14 into Cambridge and on to the memorial where there will be a short service.

The event this year coincides with Armed Forces Day. It is organised by the Royal British Legion Riders (RBLR) Branch. A UK charity that safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the armed forces.

This event is open to all bikers, not just for members of the RBL. Anyone can come and join the ride and show their respects. People who just want to watch the event or to come along and show support at the service are most welcome to attend.

Over a thousand bikers of all ages and interests with bike types from trikes to classics sports to adventurers, are coming from all over the country to attend United Kingdom event. Canada and America are also holding many events at the same time for those fallen heroes of the allied forces past and present who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

At the same time that the UK ride takes place, 7 rides are taking place across United States of America in Texas, Oklahoma, Miami and New Hampshire. In Canada there are 3 rides taking place. There are also rides in South Africa and France.

www.alliedride.org

Popular fan backed TT team thepeoplesbike has signed Southern Ireland based newcomer Alan Bonner to represent them in the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

Bonner is the latest in a long list of riders to represent thepeoplesbike since their inception in 2009. This unique team is partly funded by race fans, who have their picture on the bikes fairings, as well as an open invitation to the team's awnings during the TT, in return for their support.

Alan will be competing in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races, the Dainese Superbike, RL360 Superstock and PokerStars Senior TT. He will be riding a Honda Fireblade in the three 1000cc classes and a Yamaha 600 in the two Supersport Races.

Alan won the 2010 Irish Road Race Senior Support Championship but followed that with a couple of seasons to forget after he broke both wrists in an accident in the Adelaide Masters round at Mondello Park. However, he is now firmly back on track and his career highlights to date include an impressive 127.9mph lap at the Ulster GP last year. He also performed notably in the 2012 Dundrod Challenge with a seventh placed finish.

Commenting on the news, Alan Bonner said: "I am really excited to be coming to the TT and running under thepeoplesbike banner. I know it's a brilliant chance for me, and I can't wait to tackle the course. It's also really great to be part of a project that's backed by genuine race fans and I look forward to meeting our supporters at the 2014 event."

Northern Ireland rider Stephen Thompson will be returning to the team in 2014, riding a Suzuki 600 in both Monster Energy Supersport Races. Thompson's TT career includes a highest placed finish of 15th, which he achieved in last year's PokerStars Senior TT, although he has not raced in the Supersport class to date at the TT. He has a fastest Mountain Course lap of 123.635mph, which he set in the 2013 PokerStars Senior TT.

Team manager Mark Cubbon commented: "We are really pleased to be working with Alan for his TT debut. I believe he has the talent to have a great TT career ahead of him. We're also delighted to have Stephen back with the team again this year. His infectious sense of humour and ability makes him a big hit with the team as well as the fans who back us."

The team will post their official T-shirt, cap and signed photo to team sponsors anywhere in the world. During practice and race week the team will be tweeting live from the paddock and grid. Photographs will be posted daily on the team's facebook page and website.

Check out the team's website www.thepeoplesbike.com and keep up to date with their news at this year's TT and also see how you can become part of this unique team.