4000 bikers in next ‘Ride to the Wall’?

16 June 2009

More than 2500 motorcyclists took part in last October’s ‘Ride to the Wall’ event from Tamworth Services to the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffs, The ride raising more than £10,000 for the upkeep of the memorial that carries the names of more than 16,000 servicemen and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War.
Although only around 350 riders were expected at first, such was the run’s success that it has now become an annual event, and this year’s ‘Ride to the Wall’ will take place on 10 October. To make registration easier and quicker, the ride’s www.rttw.org website includes details of how to register on line as well as other information about the event and the arboretum itself.

Last call for Spa

12 June 2009

The largest and most star studded circuit-based event in Europe in 2009, Bikers' Classics at the historic Spa Francorchamps circuit, over the weekend of 19-21 June, is just days away as Classic Racer goes to press. This year Formula 750 features, and many of the legends that made their name on those early fire breathing monsters will be on hand, and out on track reunited with their original machinery.

Among the stars confirmed are American Steve Baker, the first 750 World Champion, aboard a Yamaha OW31, hard riding French ace Christian Sarron, again OW31 mounted, Kork Ballington, all the way from Australia, and Britain’s own Paul Smart on a factory 750 Suzuki flexi-flyer. British stars lining up include Ron Chandler on his original Triumph triple, former Norton factory star Phil Read aboard Mike Braid’s John Player Norton, Suzuki works rider Stan Woods, Suzuki 750, Finnish ace Teuvo Lansivuori, 750 Suzuki and Dutch stars Wil Hartog, Suzuki, Rob Bron, Suzuki, and Boet van Dulmen, making, what he claims will be a one-off appearance on a 750 Yamaha.
Riding in the other capacity classes is a line up worthy of any Grand Prix grid, with regular Bikers' Classics supporter Giacomo Agostini alongside fellow Italian aces, Luca Cadalora, Gianfranco Bonera and Marco Luchinelli. In what is Honda’s 50th year of Grand Prix racing a special tribute is being paid to former factory Honda rider and World Champion Luigi Taveri, who celebrates his 80th birthday this year.
The action starts on Friday 19 June, and includes the exciting 4 Hours of Spa (see separate story) – an open paddock, with access to the stars modern race fans can only dream of, trade stands, and evening entertainment, which makes Bikers' Classics at Spa unique.

Free admission to Bikes in the Park

12 June 2009

Featuring classic, custom and modern motorcycles, a new bike show entitled A Bike in the Park will take place in Manchester’s magnificentlymaintained Heaton Park on 12 July. Organised by the team that also puts on the Manchester Motorcycle Show each January, the event will include bikes from British and Japanese classics to modern roadburners, along with trade stands and a chance to sharpen your riding skills with an assessment by the Ridesafe Backsafe team.
One of the best things about the show is that it’s absolutely free, and you can find out more at www.abikeinthepark.co.uk.

Promising signs for Netley Marsh

12 June 2009

Classic Bike Shows are gearing for what could be their best jumble yet, the 16th Carole Nash Eurojumble at Netley Marsh, in the New Forest, on 11-12 September. Ticket sales and trade plot bookings already exceed those from a year ago, so it seems clear that not even the current economic climate can keep classic bike enthusiasts away from those bike-bit bargains.

As well as the hundreds of jumblers, a fine array of classic display machines will compete for ‘best in show’ trophies, and there will be excellent catering facilities, including a bar, and free parking. Gates open at 9am on both the Friday and Saturday, and tickets will cost £7 adults, £5 senior citizens and £2 under-15s. Pre-booked discount tickets are available through the www.classicbikeshows.com website or by calling 01507 529529.

This year’s 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show will take place at the Stafford County Showground on 17-18 October, and early dates for 2010 are the 30th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show at the Bath & West Showground on 20-21 February and the 30th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show at the Stafford County Showground on 24-25 April.

• Find out more on this event >>

An Invitation from your racing hero...

10 June 2009

To celebrate racing legend, ‘Fast Freddie Spencer’ as guest of honour to the 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Classic Bike Shows are offering 30 super fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a special evening with the star on Friday, 16th October 2009.

This is your chance to listen to the great man first hand – making this an evening you cannot afford to miss!

* A pre-dinner drink with Freddie in a private bar area
* An intimate three-course dinner in the beautiful surroundings of Weston Hall - a 16th century listed building with panoramic views of the Trent Valley
* After dinner drinks with the international racing star and a special guest goodie bag, full of assorted racing gems donated by famous brands in the motorcycle industry
* An individual photograph with the man himself, presented after the event as a lasting memento of this spectacular evening
* Free entry into the exclusive, ‘Friday Night with Fast Freddie’ raffle, where you’ll have a one-in-30 chance of walking away with superb motorcycle prizes!

Limited to 30 places. Enjoy an evening with Freddie Spencer - secure your tickets online today.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are priced at £200, so to ensure your place call Sarah Downing at Mortons Media Group on: 01507 529549, or order online or email: freddie@classicmechanics.com

• Find out more on this event >> | Book tickets online >>

Bonhams the torque of the town with £1. 4m motorcycle sale

26 May 2009

There was plenty to get revved up about with over 90 per cent of lots sold at Bonhams’ Sale of Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors' Motorcycles at The 29th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show on Sunday 26 April 26th in Stafford.

As well as the sheer quantity – some 385 successful sales – there were also some hefty bids. Top price went to a 1957 Gilera 500cc replica, going down at an impressive £76,300. Other significant success included a £30,475 1934 Brough Superior and a £47,000 1951 Vincent that smashed its upper estimate by no less than £17,000.

Caistor, Lincs, based VMCC stalwart, Charlie Balmforth – well known at Founder’s Day and other vintage gatherings for his antics aboard his combinations, ably mastered despite his lack of one arm – sent a good number of said combinations through the sale, all of which sold well. For example, his 1919 AJS 748cc V twin Model D, going under the gavel for £14,950. His 1924 798cc Model 13 Raleigh combo’ made £13,800 but star turn was his lovely 1941 1200cc Indian Chief Model 344 which topped out at £19,550 – all plus buyer’s commission and vat of course. Add to that a few tasty solos, like a 1936 Rudge Ulster and a 1963 Venom and Charlie went home with a tidy six figure sum.

Ben Walker, Head of the Motorcycle Department for the company said: “I’m thrilled with the results of the sale. The motorcycle market is more than holding its own. This was a great sale which showed just how much interest there is in classic bikes.”

Aviation Wolds Run away

26 May 2009

The second Lincs Aviation Wolds Run, backed by Footman James Insurance, at the East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre, on Saturday 2 May, was an overwhelming success, with nearly 700 entries enjoying a 46 mile ride around the meandering minor roads of Lincolnshire. There were many more present on the site to enjoy two taxi runs by the Panton brothers’ Lancaster ‘Just Jane’, plus a flying display by the resident DC3 Dakota. Over £4600 was raised for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.

Pope and Browning are Kings of the Hill

26 May 2009

Carl Pope fired his 600cc Cheney BSA up the Red Marley Hill in fastest time of the day – 19.56s – to win the Silver Helmet and set a new hill record. The Freak Hill Climb weekend kicked off with a pre 65 trial on Easter Sunday 12 April but the main action began the day after as the likes of Arthur Browning (500cc Jawa Metisse), Piers Dowell (600cc Cheney BSA), Pope and Terry Challinor (650cc Triumph Metisse) slugged it out for supremacy. At the top of the final climb, just one second separated all four, with Browning taking the overall win and the £500. Will Priestley took his 1948 Norton to a 25.52s win in the Pre 50 rigid class, Tim Dallaway won the pre 73 to 350cc class in 21.56s on his 350cc BSA. Piers Dowell took his Cheney BSA to the top of the pre 71 over 350cc class, in 19.59s.

3000 bikers support RAFA rideout

19 May 2009

It was sunshine all the way as more than 3000 motorcyclists from all over the Midlands and Wales made a beeline for Shrewsbury Town Football Club before riding in convoy along the M54 to RAF Cosford. There they distributed Easter eggs to the families of serving men and women, including those recently back from Iraq.

Eggs were also delivered to injured personnel at Selly Oak Hospital and DMRC Headley Court. The ride also raised thousands of pounds for the RAF Association, which provides welfare, care and support to past and present members of the RAF and their families.

Two riders who joined the convoy were Paul Sherwin and John Hunt from Leicestershire, on a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and Yamaha 1100 Dragster respectively. Paul said: "It couldn’t be a better day. We’re really enjoying it, and it’s an excellent opportunity to meet other bikers and make friends while supporting a great cause as well."

Darren Cooke, who rode up from London on a Honda Fireblade, said: "It was bizarre seeing so many bikers on the road, and then thousands more when we got to Shrewsbury. It’s a good way to support RAFA on a day like this, when people almost want an excuse to go somewhere."

Don’t miss Shires Classic

19 May 2009

Set in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bishops Cleeve, near Cheltenham, Glos, the Shires Classic charity bike show at the Tithe Barn on Saturday 25 July will include indoor and outdoor displays of classic, vintage and racing bikes and club displays.
Classic and vintage DVD shows will add to the enjoyment, and both pre-booked and on-the-day entries will compete for the various category awards.
Ride-outs and a Gloucestershire Police ‘Bike Safe’ demonstration will be included, and visitors will also find an autojumble, trade stands, good refreshments, a licensed bar and even a children’s bicycle show. Although entry to the Shires Classic is free, the organisers intend to raise as much money as possible for the County Air Ambulance, so all donations will be gratefully received.
Regular updates on special guests etc will be posted on the www.shiresclassicbikeshow.co.uk website, and trade, autojumble and club enquiries should be directed to show organiser Dave Morgan, 84 Station Rd, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, Glos GL52 8HJ.
Tel: 07787 562016; fax 01684 274555; email dvc@blueyonder.co.uk
The show opens at 10am and closes at 4.30pm.

Island Racer 2009 - on sale now

13 May 2009

This year’s edition is the best yet, bringing road racing fans bang up to date with every class of racing and every superstar of the world’s toughest road events.
Fourteen-times TT winner John McGuiness will be explaining why this is going to be one of his best years ever on The Island, while Guy Martin opens up about his heartbreak at being robbed of his first win last year plus much, much more.

Filled with eye-popping photography from acclaimed road racing photographer Steven Davison, Island Racer 09 delivers all the excitement and thrills of the toughest two-weeks on two wheels as never seen before. Covering the triumphs and feats from the event’s history, all superbly collated in one 148-page perfect-bound publication. Of course, this can only be a brief snapshot to highlight what the TT’s leading read is all about. Whether you are a novice to what has been called ‘The World’s Toughest Race’, or a seasoned follower of the 200mph thrills on the 37.73-mile long closed-roads course on the picturesque Isle of Man, Island Racer 09 will be the publication to own.

• Written by Motorcycle Sport & Leisure Editor and Eurosport TV Presenter Tony Carter, Island Racer 09 has exclusive interviews from the biggest names and is just filled with all the stories from behind the scenes, so don’t miss out - order today secure online!

• Read more from inside this issue - including sample articles - on www.islandracer.co.uk

Champ Carl Charms Classic Crowds

28 April 2009

Record crowds raced to see multiple World Superbike Champion, Carl Fogarty at the ultimate 29th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show.
Enthusiasts flocked from far and wide to the Stafford County Showground for the event over 25-26 April 2009, as the Classic Bike Shows team raised the bar yet again to produce an amazing action-packed event.

With the sun beaming down all weekend, thousands of race fans packed in to hear about Carl Fogarty’s long and hugely successful racing career. Carl captivated the crowds with his tales of triumph and told how his no-holds-barred, all-action style approach gained him four fantastic world titles.
The Classic Racer Grand Prix Paddock was another crowd pleaser, providing a booming road race atmosphere with a special firing-up of bikes to celebrate Honda’s 50 years of racing. Mick Andrews also returned with his ever popular trials demonstration and the amazing Wall of Death wowed crowds yet again as their defying display stunts stunned show visitors.

Another of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the much sought-after ‘best in show’ trophies. This year’s big winners included Pete Sole from the North Wilts Classic Motorcycle Club with his 1911 Bradbury, as well as Bill Bewley, who took the pre-1946 class with his beautiful and freshly restored 1937 HRD Comet and Wesley Wall, who won the post-WWII to 1965 category with his BSA Gold Star Spitfire Scrambler. The keenly contested Best Club Stand award was claimed by the ever-inventive members of the Malmesbury Classic Motorcycle Club. This year’s efforts centered around a winter-themed camping trip complete with tents, camp fire and snow along with some tidy classics, including a matching pair of Norton Jubilee twins.
Top manufacturers Ducati, Harley-Davidson/Buell, Royal Enfield and Triumph also provided a new attraction, giving the public the opportunity to view and ride-out on the latest bikes from their 2009 ranges. With great interest in this debut element of the show it’s already been promised to return for 2010 and is sure to become another outstanding aspect to the event in the future.

Show Manager Nick Mowbray said: “The turnout to this year’s event has been totally astounding, particularly during these difficult times. Having leading manufacturers on board as well as Carl Fogarty as our superb guest of honour has attracted an even broader audience of bike enthusiasts to the show, as thousands of first time and returning visitors of all ages and varied interests packed in on both days. With great feedback from customers and many traders reporting record show sales we’re sure that next year’s event will be even more impressive and action packed than ever before.”

• Upcoming shows: www.classicbikeshows.com

VJEMC show boasts wide appeal

27 April 2009

The Vintage Japanese and European Motorcycle Club of North America, along with the Motorcycle and Model Railroad Museum of Wisconsin, and Halfcourt Press Inc, has announced that the International Vintage Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet will be held on 14-16 August 2009 at the Outagamie County Fairgrounds in Seymour, Wisconsin.

A huge indoor vintage motorcycle show will be held with awards and prizes in five different People’s Choice and Concours judging categories. All makes and models are welcome – Japanese, British, American, and European. The VJEMC considers any motorcycle 15 years old (1994 and older) to be vintage. General admission per day is just $7, and children under 12 accompanied by a paid adult are free. Weekend passes are just $18. Admission to the races is $12, with pit passes available at noon on Friday for $25. Food and beverage will be available on site. For more details or application forms, please contact the IVMS at 877-853-6210 or go to the website at www.vinjapeuromcclub.org

Goodwood news

27 April 2009

The world’s media gathered at Goodwood House in Chichester on 19 March to hear the Earl of March outline his plans for 2009 Festival of Speed. The annual motorsport extravaganza, which runs from 3-5 July, is probably the world’s biggest celebration of motorsport history, boasting the greatest display of classic vehicles of any single event.

The theme for this year's event is ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’. Fittingly, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix legend Mick Doohan is expected to make an appearance, in recognition of his remarkable comeback following a serious leg injury, and one that almost ended his career. Among the hugely expensive array of vehicles on display at the launch, there was a surprise appearance of the revived Norton NRV 588. The Spondonframed rotary will take to the hill this year in the hands of Michael Dunlop, son of the late TT legend Robert Dunlop.

Dunlop, making his first appearance at the event, will ride the same machine that he plans to use in this year's TT. He was joined at the launch by motorcycle legend Sammy Miller MBE, Paul Smart and current BSB star Guy Martin. The traditional Hill Climb Classic, which passes along the front of the great house regularly attracts in excess of 100,000 spectators over its three day weekend and entry is by advance ticket only.

Motorcyclists urged to be more vigilant of potholes

8 April 2009

Safety organisation TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to stay aware of potholes in the road in order to avoid accidents caused by sudden loss of control

Motorcyclists are being urged to be particularly vigilant of potholes this spring as the country’s road surfaces suffer following one of the harshest winters on record. With AA Insurance reporting a 300 percent increase in accident claims due to pothole damage in February 2009, TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to keep a close watch on the condition of the road as many gear up for long trips over the Easter bank holiday.

“The contact patch between a motorcycle tyre and the road is smaller than a car tyre’s contact patch, meaning that optimal grip is critical,” comments TyreSafe chairman, Stuart Jackson. “Bikers rely more on the condition of the roads than car drivers, as any uneven surfaces can be felt directly by the rider when steering and cornering. A deflection caused by a pothole could easily result in the biker losing control of the bike and falling onto the road.”

The ‘freeze and thaw’ effect experienced during periods of cold weather accelerates the deterioration of road surfaces and the creation of potholes. When the temperature drops, rainwater contained within cracks in the tarmac expands and breaks up the bitumen. Riding over potholes can cause significant handling problems for motorcyclists, as the resulting loss of grip reduces their ability to maintain control of the bike, particularly as they lean into corners, when stability is crucial. The impact caused by a tyre hitting a pothole could also cause damage to their tyre, potentially resulting in a bulge on the tyre sidewall as the structural integrity of the tyre is compromised.

“Any motorcyclists who are concerned about potential damage to their tyres caused by potholes or poor road surfaces should visit their local tyre dealer for professional advice,” says Jackson. “Many dealers will be offering free tyre checks as part of Bike Tyre Safety Month, which will run throughout April.”

For further information about motorcycle tyre safety or Bike Tyre Safety Month, please visit www.tyresafe.org.

Safety top of the agenda for new riders

2 April 2009

As thousands of riders take to the roads for their first ride of the spring, TyreSafe and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) advise motorcycling newcomers to boost their knowledge of tyre safety New rider proficiency and safety are top of the agenda as TyreSafe and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) encourage motorcycling newcomers to learn more about tyre safety this spring.

Lighter evenings, warmer weather and the long Easter weekend will see riding surge by almost one quarter* in April compared to March’s total. In order to help riders stay safe on the roads, TyreSafe is running a Bike Tyre Safety Month campaign throughout April to advise both new and experienced riders to check their the pressure, tread depth and condition of their tyres before taking to the roads. Motorcycling is recognised as a vulnerable means of transport, however, by promoting a higher level of rider proficiency and increasing awareness of safety issues, TyreSafe and the MCI aim to inspire a new generation of more savvy riders. “Tyre safety is critical to the bike’s stability when accelerating, braking or cornering,” comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “The contact patch between the tyre and the road is only the size of a credit card, and therefore riders should ensure that their tyres are maintained correctly to help improve their safety on the roads. We also recommend that bikers take care to look ahead when riding and take measures to avoid any road hazards such as potholes, grit, drain covers and diesel spillages that could potentially damage their tyres.” During April’s Bike Tyre Safety campaign, TyreSafe will seek to raise awareness of the importance of tyres in motorcycle safety. TyreSafe has many top tips for motorcycle tyre maintenance and encourages bikers to pay particular attention to tyre pressure, tread depth and the condition of their tyres. “We are pleased to support Bike Tyre Safety Month as we seek to promote safer motorcycling, as learning how to control a bike effectively should go hand in hand with correct bike maintenance. Tyre safety is crucial to rider safety and we recommend that new riders learn how to take care of their tyres before setting off for their first ride of the spring,” explains Karen Cooke, motorcycle safety manager, MCI. For further information about Bike Tyre Safety Month or to download a motorcycle tyre safety leaflet, please visit www.tyresafe.org.
To learn more about the MCI, please visit www.mcia.co.uk.

Top tips for motorcycle tyre safety

¤ Check your tyre pressures from cold at least once a week using an accurate gauge
¤ Inflate tyres to the level recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook
¤ Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded into the tread pattern and replace if necessary
¤ Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
¤ If your rims are cracked or bent they should be replaced immediately
¤ Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
¤ Replace old or damaged valve stems
¤ Select the correct type of tyre for your machine and riding style
¤ Check that both tyres fitted to the bike are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
¤ Make sure that your tyre has been fitted the right way round by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
¤ When replacing tube type tyres always use a new inner tube
¤ Make sure your tyre/wheel assembly is balanced correctly
¤ Keep oil and grease off your tyres using detergent if necessary
¤ If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your bike to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Highland Classic Two Day Trial

Added: 20 May 2009

The Inverness and District are once again promoting a sporting trials weekend in the glorious Scottish Highlands. Gaining in popularity, the venue is the shooting estate of Alvie, just four miles south of the holiday town of Aviemore on 13/14 June 2009.
It’s a wonderful venue with a variety of sections and a generous lap through the Alvie forest which is amply supplied with good tracks to get the most out of your Pre-65 or twin-shock trials iron.
This year there will be dual routes – A route for twin-shocks and specials and an easier B route for the proper Pre-65 machinery. The Highland Classic is UEM accredited, so Europeans may compete provided they have the usual repatriation insurance and release papers from their FMN.
For those who didn’t get and entry in the Pre-65 Scottish, the Highland Classic is an excellent consolation event. Access to Alvie is just off the main A9 trunk road and there is a camping and caravan site not far from the trial start, called Dalraddy and it is operated by the Alvie Estate owners (www.alvie-estate.co.uk) and of course ample and varied accommodation in the nearby town of Aviemore. For regulations and entry forms contact: D MacKay, 01463 792775 or download from the club website: www.idmcc.co.uk

Above: Javier Cruz, from Sotobike Club Madrid, eyes up the perfect line on his 310 Montesa at the 2008 event.

Gentlemen of the press…

Added: 20 May 2009

… and trade, the event you’ve all been waiting for is back. Yes the Press and Trade Trial will be on again and is scheduled for Wednesday 17 June 2009. Revived by our sister publication The Classic MotorCycle in 2003 at Mallory Park, the venue is more than likely to be Biscathorpe Quarry in Lincolnshire for 2009, as it’s in June then there’s a fair chance of sunshine or at least warm rain.

The Press and Trade Trial is probably the only event where cheating, rule bending, bribery and corruption is actually allowed or even encouraged with the sole aim of raising money for charity. If you want to take part in this ridiculous event, it’ll cost you £20 and there are rumours of a T-shirt to prove how daft you were.
Luckily there’s a limit of 60 riders so you might be fortunate and not get an entry. Glynis Roberts is the Mortons volunteer who mis-understood the question and will handle entries, so all enquires to her on 01507 529430

Product review correction: Take a breather

Added: 15 May 2009

Many a pre 65 trials bike is based around the 250cc Villiers engine, just like in the day it makes for a lightweight machine. These days, in the 40 years since Villiers stopped producing engines, most of the bikes built benefit from modern thinking and technology. It’s probably easier to put together a seriously competitive machine in 2009 than it was in 1969.

One of the biggest improvements is to the clutch and there are any number of modern clutches finding their way into Villiers primary cases. The problem is they often need a bit more room. Now, Thanks to John Bull at Rockshocks that room is available. It’s well made and designed for the 9E to 37A range of Villiers engines. They’re not too bad at £55 plus £4 P & P. Go on, get a bit more room.

Product review correction: Casing the joint

Added: 15 May 2009

One for Yamaha TY250 twin shock owners now, especially if their airbox to carb connectors are a bit second-hand. Rubber parts perish after a while and once they’re gone then you’re stuck. You can make do with bits of hose but that’s exactly what they look like – bits of hose.

Far better too get the right thing and now, thanks to John Cane at Trail and Trials if the carb to airbox joint on your 75 and later TY250 twinshock is past it’s best you can buy a brand new one for £16.99 which includes VAT but not postage. It’s important to note though that the 74 and earlier hose is different – but don’t worry, John has those in hand and expect them to be announced soon.

Cyberspace

It’s a fact of modern life that cyberspace has taken off and the world wide web (www.xxxxxx.com for example) is growing bigger every day. It is used for all sorts of thing, information searches, club meets, conferences, advertising and trading. Need some bits for your bike? On the web you go, of course there are good sites and not so good sites and one of the good ones we’ve happened on is www.partsrecycle.com There are lots of areas on the site and a quick trawl showed quite a few items of interest to the serious off-roader.

Eurocup

The Golden Valley MCC’s Gerry Holdstock trial will be the British round of the Eurocup – formerly the Five Nations – series on 4/5 July. The start will be Cowcombe Woods, Chalford, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Classes will be for Pre 65 and Twinshock in solo, Pre 65 & modern sidecars. Matchless rider, Gerry Holdstock, was a stalwart of the series, it was fitting the club named this trial after him.

The emphasis is towards a social weekend and Saturday & Sunday start times will be 13:00 and 10:30. With free camping, a food wagon and entertainment on site. Regs will be available from Ian Hannam 01594 810997 or Deborah Smith, 01242 233315 or E-Mail D-Smith883@sky.com closing date of 05 June 2009.

Trials Museum Austria

There are many motorcycle museums that are well worth visiting and most of them have at least some off-road interest somewhere inside. But a museum devoted to off-road and trials riding particular is fairly rare. It was purely by chance that an internet surf brought up Hartwig Kamarad’s web site trialmuseum in Austria.

Packed full of trials bikes of all types it has to be worth a visit if you’re heading to Austria. Based near the town of Ohlsdorf the museum director, Herr Kamarad, is a regular competitor and also runs a trials school nearby. For full details on how to find the museum and an overview of what you’re likely to see – the exhibits do change now and again with guest bikes spending time there – go to www.trialgarten.at.tf and follow the link to the museum from there.

Silver Jubilee Guest

Yes, it’s anniversary time in the tiny town of Kinlochleven as the Serco Pre 65 Scottish Two Day Trial celebrates 25 years of classic trials riding on 1-2 May2009. The organising committee have a guest who is also celebrating an anniversary in 2009 as it is 40 years since Yorkshireman Bill Wilkinson rode his Greeves to victory in the SSDT.

The 1969 win marked the end of a long period of disappointment in the multi-day classic for Bill as his attempts in previous years were dogged by bad luck and misfortune. It also marked the last time a British machine has won the trial as the home industry had all but collapsed by then. Bill was to move on from the Greeves marque later the following year and joined the Ossa factory team. A regular visitor to the Scottish still, Bill won’t be the only Wilkinson from Kettlewell in Kinlochleven as his younger brother, Mick – also a Greeves and Ossa rider – has an entry for the two day.

See below for closing date for acceptance forms and payment to enter >>

New from Classic Dirt Bike

Added: 15 May 2008

New from Classic Dirt Bike!

Our mate Mike has made up some very handy boot bags and hydrapacs bearing the logo of your favourite magazine. The hydrapac is a real boon when you’re riding all day – and an absolute must for events like the Pre-65 Scottish, Manx Two Day and any of those hot continental events.

The boot bag, on the other hand, is a must for wrapping round muddy boots before shoving them in your kit bag with all your clean stuff. The hydrapacs are a mere £18 and the boot bags an almost laughably reasonable £15. If you fancy one, give our lovely ladies in the office a bell on 01507 529529.

CDB: Show us what you’ve got!

Added: 1 February 2008

If you’re in the business of supplying anything that might conceivably be of use to classic off-roaders – whether it’s rare NOS parts, clothing, tuning parts or whatever – we’ll be happy (subject to space) to bring it to a wider audience by featuring it on our product review pages.

All we ask is that you phone the editor (01507 529403), or complete our online contact form, to book space for your product and that you are happy to send the item for us to take a look at and photograph.

We’ll be happy to return your stuff after we’ve given it the once over and we do reserve the right to have the last word on what is and what isn’t suitable for product review.

We can also offer additional online promotion if you are willing to give sample products away to our beloved readers. Just mention this when getting in contact.