| | Biker News - Regularly updated
-
Outstanding! Back Roads Of Spain, Spanish Adventures On A Moto Guzzi Centauro was Duncan Gough's first published book of his travels through Spain, covering a ten-year span.
Packed with stories of his earlier exploration of the Iberian Peninsula Back Roads Of Spain has a little for everyone, stories that will make you laugh, cry, and even wonder why. 
Gough has a unique writing style that is engaging and not pretentious yet will have you pulling out a map and wanting your own Spanish adventure, it even had us checking out the web to find pictures of the bird life mentioned in the book, you see Gough is an avid birdwatcher. He combines this love with that of motorcycle travel to produce beautifully written anecdotes of his adventures.
As well as the descriptive examples of architecture, landscapes, cultures and people, Gough includes a little philosophical examination to generate thought provocation whilst not taking himself or the thought of motorcycle travel too seriously. It's a wonderful way of including the reader and works well enough to have you power through Back Roads Of Spain in an hour or so, then flip back to page one and start again. And like travel, you'll find things you hadn't discovered first time around.
If you're heading to Spain, or even if you're not, Back Roads Of Spain is a must.
TRAVERSE MAGAZINE REVIEW ISSUE 26
www.traverse-magazine.com
-
A drama-filled 24 Heures Motos for F.C.C. TSR Honda France but a Honda 1-2 in the Superstock category
|
|
|
| |
|
- Last year's winner at Le Mans, F.C.C TSR Honda France makes an incredible comeback from two early crashes, but challenge comes to an end in the final hour - Double delight for Honda Superstock teams with victory for National Motos Honda and second place for Chromeburner-RAC 41-Honda
F.C.C. TSR Honda France started the 24-hour race from the third place on the starting grid with the Australian Josh Hook, based on the combined results achieved during good qualifying sessions aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
With F.C.C. TSR Honda France firmly in the fight for victory and repeat last year’s result, two early crashes put an end to the team's plans.
After 6 laps, Hook had a minor crash and managed to rejoin the race in 26th place and thanks to a series of consistent and solid laps, he managed to place the Fireblade #5 to 8th place after 26 laps.
When Hook returned to the pits, he informed Mike Di Meglio about a strange sensation with the front tyre. The Frenchman took a couple of laps, but unfortunately, he crashed due to a lack of feeling with the front braking.
Di Meglio had to push the bike all along into the pits, where the team made an impressive job repairing the bike. However, the bike fixing cost the team approximately 45 minutes, rejoining the race in 45th position overall and 15th in the EWC category.
Since Di Meglio's return, a new race begun for Honda’s endurance specialist who delivered a series of fast and flawless stints, maintaining consistent lap times throughout the race.
Following the characteristic fighting spirit of the Honda family, the team began an incredible comeback, placing the Fireblade #5 in 8th position in the EWC class in the last quarter of the race.
Unfortunately, when the team was back in the top 10 in the overall standings, just one hour and a half to end the race, the Fireblade #5 suffered a problem when the chain broke, and Hook had to take the bike to the pits, bringing their 24-hour race to an end.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France leaves Le Mans with 5 points and is determined to come back stronger and fight for a victory at the 8 Hours of Spa Motos.
National Motos Honda clinched another superb victory in the Superstock category, aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to triumph after securing the runner-up spot in the 2023 FIM EWC World Cup and claiming earlier a victory at Le Mans in 2021.
The Honda #55, that got the pole position during the qualifying sessions, made a strong start in the first quarter of the race, leading the race after the first eight hours.
The French team showcased a formidable performance thanks to the efforts of Suchet brothers and Guillaume Raymond during all the race and crossed the chequered flag in first place in Superstock and fifth overall.
Chromeburner-RAC 41-Honda started in third place from the grid in his category with Chris Leesch aboard the Honda CBR1000 RR-R Fireblade SP.
However, early issues with a rear tire and the handlebar forced an extended pit stop, relegating the #41 team to 11th place.
Despite this setback, consistent performances from the riders brought the team back up the ranks, securing a second place by the end of the first quarter of the race.
From that moment onward, the Fireblade #41 maintained their position until the finish line, ultimately securing the runner-up spot on the podium.
The new Honda-powered team in EWC category, Tati Team Beringer Racing, with the squad formed by Hugo Clere, Randy Krummenacher and Coren Perolari got the 5th place in EWC category after the 24-hour race, getting a lot of information to improve the package and be stronger for the next race.
The Honda #4 battled in podium positions throughout the race, but the Honda CBR1000 RR-R Fireblade SP had to stop at the pits to change a rear shock absorber, which caused the team to rejoin in sixth and final position.
Honda Viltaïs Racing started with Florian Alt from the 4th position on the grid after delivering an impressive performance and consistent results throughout the week.
Florian Alt made a good start and quickly found his pace and placed the Fireblade #333 in third place. Following his stint, it was Steven Odendaal’s turn to take over, but the South African couldn’t complete his stint as an issue obliged him to return the bike to the pits.
Despite the best efforts of all the technical crew to fix the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to get it back on track as quickly as possible, Honda Viltaïs Racing was forced to retire.
Honda #333 gets two points in the championship thanks to the qualifying result, and it is ready to battle at the front in the next race.
The next round of the 2024 FIM EWC Championship will take place at the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, which will host the 8 Heures of Spa Motos on June 8.
|
|
-
The British Motor Museum’s informal 'Gaydon Gathering' events, aimed at motoring enthusiasts, returned on Tuesday 9 April from 5pm – 8:30pm. The events, which are free to attend, take place outside on the arenas on the second Tuesday of each month. Over 500 vehicles participated at the Gatherings last year, and there was an impressive mix of vehicle types, makes, and models.
Pre-booking is essential, and tickets will be released online a few weeks before each event and announced on social media. Tickets for the 14 May event are now available and can be booked online free of charge. The dates for the rest of the Gatherings are 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, and 8 October.
In addition to providing an opportunity for like-minded motoring enthusiasts to display their vehicles, each Gathering features the 'Gaydon Garage' at 6:30pm when the workshop doors open to reveal one of the many unique vehicles from the collection before it’s driven around the site. News as to which car will emerge from the garage are posted on the social media channels in the run-up to the events.
Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “After a winter of Museum Late events, we can’t wait to host our ‘Gaydon Gatherings’ outside again! The events are a firm favourite with petrol-heads and have always proved to be immensely popular. Each month until October, we will be running this regular meet-up where motoring fans can indulge their passion with a burger and drink, hopefully in the spring sunshine!”
Display vehicles will be parked in front of the Museum, and there will be separate free parking for those visitors who aren’t displaying. Visitors can enjoy refreshments including burgers along with hot and soft drinks.
Dogs are welcome on leads. Please note that the Museum itself will not be open for the evening gatherings.
For more information and to book your FREE tickets visit Gaydon Gathering
-
First-class speakers, international stars, a major film premiere, renowned exhibitors and lots of riding activities will make the Touratech Travel Event from 31 May to 2 June 2024 in Niedereschach the most important get-together of the adventure scene this season.
International stars on stage
Ted Simon, Nick Sanders, Charley Boorman - the list of VIP guests at the Touratech Travel Event 2024 includes some of the most important motorcycle adventurers and circumnavigators of the world. Ted Simon, who shaped generations of motorcyclists with his legendary ride "Jupiter's Travel", will talk about his eventful life in a panel talk. Nick Sanders, the fastest circumnavigator of all time, will present his latest film "The Final Ride" live.
World premiere: Touratech film “Thailand Unleashed”
The highlight of the stage programme will be the premiere of the brand new Touratech film "Thailand Unleashed". In the leading role: none other than Charley Boorman. Charley, who inspired the adventure scene with legendary film projects such as Long Way Round, Race to Dakar or By any Means, was out and about in the jungles of northern Thailand together with a Touratech team on a fully equipped BMW R 1300 GS. The riders brought along a 45-minute film that tells of adventure, pushing the limits and comradery. The premiere is framed by a live talk with Charley, the other protagonists and the colleagues from Touratech Thailand, who were responsible for the flawless organisation of the shoot. The audience can expect an unforgettable evening with a thrilling adventure film, exciting behind-the-scenes information and Charley's incomparable anecdotes.
Multivision by Dirk Schäfer: »Saudi Arabien – Behind the curtain «
In view of this international prominence, we don't want to forget Dirk Schäfer. Recognised as one of Germany's best speakers, filmmaker and author for numerous renowned magazines, Dirk will present his visually stunning multivision "Saudi Arabia - Behind the curtain", focusing on an enduro paradise that has been little travelled so far.
Touratech Travel Event 2024: Highlights main stage
Friday, 31 May
- Nick Sanders: Film Final Ride live
- Dirk Schäfer: Multivision Saudi Arabia
Saturday, 1 June
- Ted Simon in a talk
- Film premiere “Thailand Unleashed” with Charley Boorman
And that's not all. Away from the main stage, the Touratech Travel Event 2024 also has an attractive programme that leaves nothing to be desired.
Exhibitor mile and test rides
Tyre manufacturers, training providers, tour operators, enduro parks, customisers and manufacturers of GPS and communication devices present their latest products. The show trucks of the major motorcycle manufatureres are traditionally crowd-pullers, with plenty of test-ride models on board. Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Royal Enfield and Triumph have confirmed their attendance.
Factory tours
Fascinating glimpses behind the scenes at Touratech
Expert workshops
Camping, changing tyres or preparing for your trip: our experts share their knowledge in free workshops.
Guided onroad tours
With like-minded people under local guidance to the most beautiful routes in the Black Forest.
Off-road riding for beginners
Experienced instructors provide insights into the high art of enduro riding.
2nd choice sale
Top products with minimal flaws at an attractive special price.
Free camping
A beautiful camping ground and sanitary facilities are available to visitors free of charge.
Rich breakfast buffet
A good start to the day with a rich all-you-can-eat buffet at a low price.
Touratech Travel Event 2024, 31 May to 2 June,
Dauchinger Str. 80, 78078 Niedereschach.
Further information can be found at
www.touratech.com/events/travel-event.html
-
- Hagerty announces evening events at their Bicester Heritage Clubhouse
- An Evening With presents talks from automotive legends
- The first guest is motorcycle racing champion Steve Parrish in May
- Magazine road test legends Steve Cropley and Matt Prior follow in July
- In September, performance car star Henry Catchpole takes to the stage
- Tickets available now, priced at just £20 per person
Oxfordshire: 17th April 2024
Hagerty announces a new calendar of live events taking place at its UK Clubhouse, situated at the heart of Bicester Heritage.
Hagerty Presents An Evening With, brings some of the greatest stars of the motoring world to the Hagerty Clubhouse for a series of intimate and informal talks in front of a live audience, sharing great stories from their lives within the motorsport and automotive world.
In the first event of the series, motorcycle and truck racer Steve Parrish takes to the stage.
Steve’s story is one of success. He won his first championship title in 1976 and, in the same year, he was team mate to Barry Sheene in the 1977 500cc world championship, becoming the British Champion himself in 1978. He also won the Shell 500 title in 1979/80, and a Superbike title in 1981. Parrish then started a truck racing career becoming the most successful truck racer ever, before retiring in 2002.
Known for his fun and outspoken presenting style, An Evening With Steve Parrish is guaranteed to provide a light-hearted insight into the life of one of the UKs most loved racers. Taking place on Thursday 16th of July between 18.30 and 22.00, tickets, priced at just £20 per person, are available here.
Car magazine legend Steve Cropley is joined by his Autocar Podcast partner and car road tester extraordinaire Matt Prior in the second event of the series.
Steve Cropley will share some amazing tales from his 51-years as a motoring journalist, including what it was like to meet the greatest leaders of the automotive industry, and to passenger with the heroes of motorsport. Both Matt and Steve will share what it’s really like to be a magazine road tester, with fun anecdotes of the best (and worse) cars ever tested. And, as Matt has driven more supercars in the past couple of decades than most, he will share which are his all-time favourites. In addition, there will be stories from their podcast, and insight into what it’s like to produce a car magazine every single week.
In addition to hearing the tales of two automotive legends, there will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions to Steve and Matt. This unique event takes place on the 16th of July between 18.30 and 22.00 with tickets priced, once again, at £20 per person.
Performance driver, EVO magazine star and now Hagerty’s own road tester Henry Catchpole wraps up the initial calendar.
Henry is well known to all car enthusiasts, due to his regular presence in great titles such as EVO, The Intercooler and Top Gear, as well as running his own YouTube channel and now being one of the main presenters for Hagerty. Henry loves rallying and owns a Mk2 Escort rally car which is regularly used and enjoyed. He is also an established road cyclist, writing for many cycling magazines covering a number of epic mountain pass rides he has undertaken over the years. Henry is also one of only a few drivers to have experienced the amazing performance of the electric McMurty hypercar.
An evening with Henry is one not to be missed, with tales of how to get the most from the world’s greatest cars, and even how to condition yourself to ride most challenging cycling climbs. This special event takes place on the 17th of September between 18.30 and 22.00 with tickets available at £20 per person.
The Hagerty Clubhouse is situated at the heart of Bicester Heritage, offering a purpose built hosting and event space. For every Evening With event, food and drink will be available, along with comfortable seating, ample parking and a perfectly intimate setting allowing for a conversational style evening with your favourite motoring heroes.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, said. “The Hagerty Clubhouse was designed to entertain all manner of automotive enthusiasts with a great selection of events and experiences. Our new evening discussions allow guests to hear some wonderful stories from their motoring heroes in a comfortable and exclusive setting, and I would encourage anyone interested to book swiftly, as these tickets will sell out fast.”
Ticket booking details and further information on all Hagerty events, including the 2024 Hagerty Hill Climb and the 10th Anniversary Festival of the Unexceptional, can be found here.
article supplied
|
