The Heritage Motor Centre has just taken delivery of a new famous exhibit – a recreation of the DeLorean car that starred in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Back to the Future’.

The car, which arrived on Monday 18 March, is on loan from its owner indefinitely and looks set to be a star attraction whilst on display. Although a replica from the film, the car has all the kit including the flux capacitor and the dash board is signed by Christopher Lloyd who played the original Dr Emmett “Doc” Brown in the film. The owner uses the car to raise money for charity and will be attending some of the major events at the HMC dressed up as the “Doc”, whom he incidentally closely resembles!

Amid a glare of media interest, the first DeLorean cars left the Northern Ireland factory in January 1981 built for the American market. Sales in America were disappointingly low and the company subsequently collapsed. Made famous by the Back to the Future films and infamous by the exploits of its creator, the car is like no other. Just over 9,000 were built and most are in North America. Only a handful of right-hand drive models exist, primarily in England, Ireland and Australia. The car has gullwing doors meaning the doors go up rather than out in a space no larger than 13".

Stephen Laing, Curator at the Heritage Motor Centre stated” We are delighted to have the infamous DeLorean car on loan to us from its owner. The car already caused a great stir when it arrived and I’m sure it will prove to be a very popular exhibit!”

Entry fees to the HMC Museum are: Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). 

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

As reported by some European rider organisations, the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) argues that, “Road users and motorcyclists in particular, have serious doubts about the objectiveness of the EU decision-making process and the actual motives and democratic values of our representatives.”  

FEMA adds, “It would not be the first time the EU has been accused of not having its actual people’s interests as a priority.” and wonders, “how long it (we assume the European decision making process) can really afford to carry on operating like this.”  

These accusations and further mutterings from FEMA concern the European Commission’s proposal to introduce mandatory Road Worthiness Testing (RWT) for motorcycles in all European member states. At this point in time there are 9 countries that do not have RWT aka MoT for motorcycles and scooters.  

Just to be clear, our position at Right to Ride is and has always been that this is a national issue and should be left to Member States to decide, which is why we support the EU Council’s position (which is similar to the Northern Ireland Assembly’s position) to change the proposal into a Directive.  

However we have also made it clear that we believe that roadworthiness testing is a valid means of ensuring that vehicles circulating on our roads are compliant from a technical and emissions perspective.  

What is the actual problem between those individuals and bodies in the European decision making process?  In response to our queries, FEMA’s President Frederic Jeorge replied that they do meet the MEPs, interact and discuss, and have plenty of them (MEPs) on their side. However, evidently the FEMA representatives in Brussels are unable to have any impact within the TRAN committee or in this case with the rapporteur Werner Kuhn and Chairman Brian Simpson. Perhaps it is the case that FEMA left it too late and should have perhaps been in contact with these people months ago when the proposal was first introduced?  

As per our previous article – RWT – Is it Toast?

We considered what we believe to be the most likely outcome, which is that due to the vast difference of positions between the EP (i.e. Rapporteur Kuhn of the TRAN Committee) and the EU Council, we find it unlikely that this proposal will see the light of day in its present form, because the majority of the Member States don’t want it (RWT) as proposed by the Commission, nor do a significant proportion of MEPs.  

Let’s hope somebody can enlighten us or get this alleged problem sorted before riders representative credibility swirls down the plug hole!  

Read the full article on Right To Ride EU

The Manchester Bike Show offers you the opportunity to get close up and personal with the hottest new bikes from major manufacturers such as Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, MV Augusta, Harley-Davidson, Victory Motorcycles and many many more with all the major motorcycle dealers in the North West in attendance over the weekend. 

It’s a great day out for the whole family with Steve “Stuntman” Colley - THE top name in two wheeled crowd pleasing action, performing gravity defying stunts three times daily in the live action arena.  Not to mention on Sunday nine times Isle of Man TT winner Charlie Williams and the fastest lady rider round the TT circuit, Jenny Tinmouth, will be on hand along with their machines to talk about their many experiences racing around this famous old circuit.

Over 300 rare and exotic classics and customs will form a major part of the Manchester Bike Show within the dedicated enthusiasts hall with trade stands and club displays from the leading enthusiasts groups, restoration and customising companies. 

This will be the biggest and best concours competition in the north of England and a chance to see some priceless machinery. While at the show don’t also forget to visit the 70 or so trade stands in our retail village selling everything to keep the motorcyclist on the road including leathers and helmets, tools and accessories, toys and models, books and literature etc etc.  Not to mention the live stage where The Bowden and Williamson Band, plus Stevie Simpson will each be appearing twice daily along with a DJ to entertain our guests in the bar and restaurant area throughout the day.

Shaping up to be the best bike show Manchester has ever seen with easy access just two minutes from junction 9 or 10 of the M60, right next to the Trafford Centre, with free parking and a dedicated bike park, visiting the Manchester bike show at EventCity simply couldn’t be easier.

Advance tickets with a 20% discount and no booking fee are available from www.manchesterbikeshow.com or by calling 01749 813899 (none premium rate line).  Tickets on the door are £12 adults, £10 seniors and kids go for a quid! 

See you there!

Oh and come and say Hi to THE BIKER GUIDE on stand 419!

Fresh from his best ever WRC result at Rally Mexico, Monster Energy's Ken Block continues his epic world tour and jets into the UK on Friday 22nd March to catch up with his fans on this side of the "pond".    

Ken will be visiting Ace Cafe London from 6pm - 9pm to check out the bikes along with TT race legend John McGuinness.  

If you want to get up close with Ken and his 2013 GRC Fiesta, head over and get yourself a signed poster.  Just don't get too close, or else he might sign your face instead!  

www.monsterenergy.com/gb/en/news

www.hoonigan.com

www.ace-cafe-london.com

The Heritage Motor Centre has a whole host of special events and activities for the family to enjoy during the Easter holidays from the 23 March – 7 April.  The Land Rover customised for Aardman Productions 'Shaun the Sheep’, will take centre stage supported by a series of themed special family activities.

Families can explore the sights and sounds of the museum with a quiz designed to educate and entertain the whole family.  New this year is an outdoor children’s play area featuring a new galleon ship climbing frame offering a variety of challenges, both mental and physical.

On Thursday 28 March and Thursday 4 April children can make their own ‘Shaun’ or ‘Timmy’ pompom sheep or face masks whilst older children may prefer to design and decorate their own model Land Rover. Children can get inspiration from around the museum or simply let their creative skills run wild with their very own unique designs.

The baaaringly good ‘Find the Flock’ Easter Trail runs from Thursday 28 March – Monday 1 April. Children who complete the trail can earn an Easter treat.

On Thursday 4 April youngsters can discover how to create stop-frame animation film in ‘hands on’ drop in sessions from 10.30am - 3.30pm. Animator, Tom Grainger, will be on hand to show how to make puppets, build sets, create story boards, animate and edit a short film.  Youngsters will be introduced to a range of stop-motion techniques and learn how to make their own short experimental films.

Or why not enjoy a ride in a real Land Rover – take a 20 minute taster session to experience the thrills and spills of off-road driving. These run daily with qualified instructors driving around a challenging off-road course over rocky inclines, steep descents and some pretty impressive water sections. Not suitable for children under 5 years. £9 Adult, £6 Child.

Great for bored teenagers! The range of Stop Start Driving Lessons are designed for teenagers aged 15+, to experience and learn some fundamental driving skills in dual controlled vehicles. Each hour long lesson costs just £45 which also includes entrance to the museum for the driver.  Pre booking is essential, call 01926 645128, price includes entrance to the Museum for the driver.

Museum entry fees are: Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children).  For more information about any of these events please visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 641188.