Brady, a popular motorsport presenter who fronts ITV’s coverage of the Isle of Mann TT as well as writing for Motor Cycle Sport & Leisure and MCN will team up with former Superbike champion and now BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish will team up with the Driving Standards Agency to promote the new scheme aimed at significantly improving motorcycle road safety.

The Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS), which will be showcased at the 2008 Motorcycle and Scooter Show, which takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, from November 28-December 7, is a new training package that forms part of the Government’s Motorcycling Strategy (GMS) to help reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents on our roads each year involving motorcyclists, aiming to encourage and help qualified riders become safer on the roads and reduce accidents.

In addition, riders who complete the course could be eligible for discounts on their motorcycle insurance with Carole Nash.

The DSA is encouraging motorcyclists at the show to visit the stand, to discover the benefits of ERS and look at how it can help biking for the future.

Louise Brady, a keen biker herself, said: “The Enhanced Rider Scheme offers an opportunity to iron out bad habits and keep you safer on the roads, as well as helping you get more from your bike. And it can help to gain riders discounts on insurance.

“Accident statistics among motorcyclists are high and they suggest that we should all have our riding ability assessed from time to time.”

The show takes place from November 28-December 7 at the NEC, Birmingham, with a media day on November 27. DSA road safety experts will be joined on their stand by Steve Parrish on November 30 and Louise Brady on December 6 and 7. The DSA exhibition stand will be located in Hall 2, stand 2H15.

Click here to see how you can win free tickets to the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham courtesy of Carole Nash; Britain’s favourite motorbike insurance broker.

The Austrian marquee will be unveiling a brand new Superbike and Touring model at the NEC bike show, running between November 28 and December 7, as well as launching a new, single manufacturer road racing series to run alongside the British Superbike Championship.

The KTM RC8 R, based on the recently developed RC8 Superbike, is what the manufacturer claims will take the model to the next level with a newly developed 1195 cc V-Twin engine that will boast an impressive 165bhp performance and enormous torque figures. An optional sport kit is available that lifts the engine performance to 180 bhp to produce the most powerful KTM engine ever.

High quality equipment such as forged super-light alloy wheels and racing suspension pare down the weight and sharpen potential lap times. The Superbike, with its characteristic orange-coloured tubular steel frame, will be available from the spring of 2009, just in time for the new racing season.

Also to be unveiled is the new 990 Supermoto T model which aims to be a more refined alternative to KTM’s highly-developed Supermoto range to make extended touring more bearable.

KTM UK will also be launching their exciting new RC8 Super Cup which is a unique one-make series to be held during the 2009 British Superbike Championship. Riders will receive a striking orange/black RC8, which they can keep once the season ends, complete with race bodywork, Akrapovic exhaust system, ultra light Marchesini wheels and GB Racing engine covers, plus KTM support throughout the year.

Shaun Sisterson, Managing Director KTM UK said “We have a number of exciting new models and a race series to launch at the NEC, so we’re really looking forward to the show and we’re very confident that visitors will be impressed by what we will have on display.”

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCI Exhibitions commented: “We’re always pleased with the amount of effort and commitment KTM give to our show and there are some really exciting new models to show our knowledgeable visitors.”

To win tickets to the International Motorcycle and Scooter show from Carole Nash, Britain’s favourite motorcycle insurance company, click here.

For more information on the International Motorcycle and Scooter show, visit www.motorcycleshow.co.uk

The bike builders have 11 days to complete the build and will be against the clock under the ‘Carole Nash Construct’ banner on Carole Nash’s attraction-packed stand Hall 2, Stand 2C20.

This truly unique machine will then be given away to one lucky visitor at the 2009 Bike Show!

A four strong team, including Hawg Haven stalwarts Jon Quantrell and Terry Clarke, have been given the go ahead to build the machine, stipulating only that it should be painted in the company’s distinctive corporate blue and green, creating a marvel worth approximately £30,000.

The custom creation is based around a customised Santee Rigid frame and 1450cc Revtech 88 CI engine and is set to take over 200 man hours to build as the Hawg Haven team race against the clock. As well as its construction being open to the eyes of show visitors live footage and highlights will also be streamed via podcasts on www.carolenash.com/insidebikes.

Jon Quantrell commented “Carole Nash have given us a pretty free rein so we’ve got some nice tweaks planned, such as a one-off exhaust, hand made tank, vintage tyres and the goosenecked style Santee.” “We’ve gone through loads of bike books, catalogues and magazines for inspiration and have come up with something a bit special which we’re calling the Carole Nash Old Skool Bobber. We’re going to have fun doing this although a hundred thousand bikers peering over your shoulder is going to add just a little work pressure. We’ll have to try not to watch the clock too much either as they’ve decided to have one ticking down every minute we have left to finish the job. Apart from that it’s going to be a doddle!”

Rebecca Donohue, Carole Nash Head of Marketing is looking forward to seeing the challenge live on the stand, saying that the Carole Nash Construct area would give bikers a rare chance to see one of the world’s finest custom building teams in action whilst taking the visitors’ questions and queries on bike build tips. “How often do you get to witness people like Jon and Terry at work, people who have taken top honours at custom shows worldwide and built awesome machines for the likes of Charley Boorman? This really will be something special particularly as we intend to give away this unique £30,000 machine to one lucky biker once the nation has had a chance to savour its charms.”

She also commented “We plan to take the Carole Nash Construct Old Skool Bobber on a tour of UK and Irish bike shows we attend, before we award it to the lucky winner of the prize draw.” she continued “Every biker who gets a motorcycle insurance quote from us between the start of the 2008 and 2009 bike show, be it through our call centre or our website, will be entered into the draw. We will announce the winner at next year’s NEC Bike Show.”

Carole Nash Construct is just one of a series of attractions on the company’s stand. Nick Sanders, who has just journeyed around the world by the longest route for his Carole Nash sponsored Parallel World project will be nearby to talk about his recent globe-trekking experience. There will be a three-wheeled marine-inspired wonder created by Cardiff’s renowned Trike Shop which bikers will be able to sit and be pictured on. Last but not least on the neighbouring Britain’s Got Biking talent stand the nation’s 12 favourite bikes - as voted for by the British biking public in conjuction with MCN - will be revealed and displayed for the duration of the show. The ultimate winner, the owner of Britain’s most striking bike, will receive a cheque for £1,000 whilst all 12 bikes will feature in Carole Nash’s 2009 calendar, copies of which will be handed out free to show visitors. An online version of the calendar will also be available for free download via www.carolenash.com.

Carole Nash has 10 pairs of tickets to give away for the The Carole Nash NEC Bike Show. All you have to do is join our Insiders Club from now until 5pm, Fri 21st Nov 2008, click here to read more…

• 20th - 22ndMotorcycle Trade Expo 2008
• 31st - 3rd FebruaryMCN London Motorcycle Show

February 2008

• 9th - 10thBristol Classic Motorcycle Show

March 2008

• 8th - 9thMCN Scottish Motorcycle Show
• 9thACU Donnington

April 2008

• 13thLytham Ride Safe Rendezvous
• 18th - 21stMCN Live Butlins
• 26th - 27th28th International Classic Motorcycle Show

May 2008

• 17th - 18thThe BMF Show
  • Read the Review
• 24th - 7th June2008 Isle of Man TT
• 31st - 1st JuneGarden Of England Motorcycle Show 2008

June 2008

• 21st - 22ndBMF South West Bike Show

July 2008

• 5th - 6thVintage Japense Motorcycle Show
• 13th - 14thBMF - Kelso Bikefest 2008
• 27thACU Foxhill, Swindon

August 2008

• 17thACU Brampton, Cumbria

September 2008

• 12th - 14thAce Café Reunion/Brighton Burn-up
• 20th - 21stTail End Show Motorcycle Show 2008
• 21stACU Hawstone Park, Shrewsbury

October 2008

• 18th - 19thThe 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
  • Read the Preview
  • Read the Review

November 2008

• 27th - 7th DecemberThe Carole Nash NEC International Motorcycle and Scooter Show
  • Read the Preview

December 2008

• -Dates to be Confirmed

January 2009

• 8th - 9thThe National Motorcycle Show - GMEX Manchester
• 18th - 21stMotorcycle Expo Trade 2009
• 29th - 1st FebruaryMCN London Show

February 2009

• 14th - 15thBristol Classic Motorcycle Show
• 27th - 1st MarchDublin

March 2009

• 7th - 8thMCN Scottish Show

April 2009

• 25th - 26th29th International Classic Motorcycle Show

May 2009

• 16th - 17thThe BMF Show
• 23rd - 24thLondon Custom Show
• 30th - 31stGarden Of England Motorcycle Show 2009

June 2009

• 20th - 21stBMF South West Bike Show

July 2009

• 11th - 12thBMF - Kelso Bikefest 2009

August 2009

• -Dates to be Confirmed

September 2009

• 19th - 20thTail End Show Motorcycle Show 2009

October 2009

• 17th - 18thThe 16th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show

November 2009

• 26th - 6thThe Carole Nash NEC International Motorcycle and Scooter Show

December 2009

• -Dates to be Confirmed

Sounds like he’s a bit of a masochist? He says, “They were just the off days, and I did have a guardian angel who, when she wasn’t catching a nap, kept me out of real trouble!”

Sam carried on around the rest of the world and by the time he returned to the UK he’d been away for eight years and had ridden 200,000 miles across 55 countries.

His first books Into Africa and Under Asian Skies take you the length of Africa and then from Australia, across Asia and the Middle East, into Europe. Ted Simon said, ‘a unique and wonderful adventure.’

Sam’s gripping new book Distant Suns covers a three-year adventure through southern Africa, and South & Central America. He’s now riding with his girlfriend Birgit. She rides her own motorcycle, and Distant Suns is written based on her diaries.

Birgit rides her first dirt road, in Africa, in the dark. Not planned, but life. She survives the madness of the traffic in such cities as Nairobi and Dar es Salam, only to have a major accident in the Transkei hills. She rescues Sam from a potential complete disaster when she realises that his bike is about to blow up, and he’s not noticed! They meet and get conned by an Argentinean ‘Nazi’ and by fluke of fortune the duo end up travelling across the southern Atlantic by luxury cruise liner instead of a tramp steamer. So the adventure rolls up to and through the magnificent Andes. Oh, and what was that about an air ambulance evacuation?

Sam’s richly evocative writing opens up a world where people travel their own fragile, unsupported paths, and his acute and quirky observations transport you to their universe.

Carole Nash are sponsoring the launch of Distant Suns at Ace Café-London. It’s a unique event.

- An official launch of a motorcycle travel book is an unusual thing. Most just suddenly appear on the shelves – not the plan for Distant Suns. We are going to have some fun!

- The launch is happening at the world famous ‘Ace Cafe – London’. How many of you have been meaning to get to the Ace but never got round to it? It’s a great opportunity to double up.

- Sam’s travel partner Birgit will be there. She’s an inspiration and a great encouragement to those who are thinking, ‘I wonder if I could…’

- The whole production team will be there for you to meet. The editor, designers and proofreaders are often left in the background, but not this time! Come and chat to them.

- Sam and the team will be raffling two Limited Edition Distant Suns T-shirts, a copy of Sam’s first book Into Africa and also of his second book Under Asian Skies in aid of Motorcycle Outreach.

- And, acoustic singer songwriter Steve McGill is going to be performing sets through the afternoon.

A whole string of famous people in the adventure motorcycle world such as Austin Vince, Lois Pryce, Nick Sanders and Elspeth Beard are intending to be there. Kevin and Julia Sanders are planning to call in on their way to Africa. Eric Richard, Craig Cary-Clinch and Barbara Alam all hope to be there too.

Will you be there on Saturday 1st November between 2 and 7pm? We are inviting you.

ISBN 978-0-9556573-2-0 £13.99 Paperback 40 colour images, 77 line drawings

Available from www.sam-manicom.com, BMW parts dealers and all good bookshops.

Alastair Walker went along to see the very best restored motorbikes compete for awards, browse for kit bargains and see if the credit crunch has affected the market for classic machines.

The halcyon days of biking are always the ones from your youth, back when the pure fun and freedom of the open road was brand new, exciting and yes, a little bit dangerous. As you get older and wiser, you begin to hanker after those fondly-remembered machines from your teens and early twenties. Not only can it make the years roll back, but owning a classic that barely depreciates seems a sensible thing in these days of vanishing Icelandic bank accounts.

So it was no surprise that Stafford was as busy as ever, as thousands of blokes rummaged around, looking for anything from a rusting Honda CB125 exhaust, to an immaculately restored Vincent Rapide.

If you were in the mood for spending serious money then the Bonhams auction was the place to be. One of Barry Sheene’s old lids fetched £3220, whilst the Reg Dearden, super-charged Vincent made £221,500. Crikey. More mundane classic machines like a mint Honda 400/4, with just 1500 miles on the clock, went for £4830, whilst a cute little Morini 350 twin from the 70s made £2645.

The feeling at the show generally, seemed to be that people were buying quality motorcycles, with a trackable history and the British stuff is still fetching more money, by a long way, than even the rarer Japanese bikes.

Richard Marler, who runs Cheshire-based Classic Motorcycles, told Insidebikes; “Saturday was very busy, with three bikes sold. We’ve had huge interest in the mint Hesketh 1000, with people saying it looks better than the new ones. British bikes still fetch more money generally, restored or not. We find that many buyers prefer to meet at the show, then arrange to visit the shop later to see a particular bike close-up, hear it running etc. The demand for well-kept, genuine classics is still strong, there’s no recession in that respect.”

PASSION FOR THE PAST

The Mechanics Show has a great mix of bikes, spare parts, kit and accessories on sale. Anyone needing basic riding kit could snap up three pairs of gloves for a tenner, even if they did appear to feature the 1980s Fieldsheer lurid colour schemes. There were Rawland leather jackets reduced from £150 to £70, flip-up type helmets from as little as £50. I wouldn’t want to have an accident in a £50 helmet, but if your biking needs to be done on the cheap, anything new is probably better than something used and bought from a mate…or worse still, e-bay.

At Stafford, I always spot some bikes I want to own, like a Guzzi Le Mans Mk 1, or Tim Hatch’s beautiful Yamaha XS650 café racer, which was a cool tribute to the original Tritons of the 60s, but with a Japanese twist. I love to see someone create a new take on an old theme, it’s what keeps biking alive.

In the hotly-contested concours competition, Mark Anderson took the Best In Show award with his restored American Eagle 350. What’s one of them, you ask? Well, the Eagle was basically a re-badged Kawasaki Avenger for the US market and incredibly rare in the UK, as it was never officially imported.

Steve Cooper took Best Japanese award with his Yamaha 80 stroker, whilst a Silver Saxon, limited edition, Rickman 1100 Kawasaki won Best Street Special. This bike was made as a promo machine for rock legends Saxon, then mothballed in 1981. Recently restored, the Rickman SS, one of just ten examples built, has been dyno-tested, making 200bhp. Rock on.

My fave Mechanics show bike? Had to be the Ducati 900SS outside in the historic race paddock. For me, the Duke 900 V-twin, in black and gold colours, with Contis and Avon Roadrunner tyres was a dream machine in the late 70s, something I promised myself if I ever won the `Pools.’ Now I guess I’ll have to wait for that lottery win. Or sell my wife.

By the way, the historic race bikes were fired up briefly, which was a good idea, adding extra interest to what is otherwise a static display. Bikes like the Honda CR750, or Ducati 900 SS sound amazing and EU noise regulations mean we will never hear that soulful moto-music from anything new. There was also a classic twin-shock trial section out in the woodland area, which is another bonus - it’s great to see old bikes being used.

Y’know, whatever happens to new bike sales in 2009, and I can only see a downward trend by around 12-15% as it gets harder to borrow money and unemployment rises, there’s no doubt that the classic sector will remain healthy. Older riders want a trip down memory lane, we value the social side that marque clubs offer and there is the reassurance that an investment in a Norton Commando, Rob North Trident or Kawasaki Z1 is now - quite literally - safer than the bank of England.

See you on the road.

The 15^th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show, sponsored by motorcycle insurance broker Carole Nash held over the weekend of the 18-19^th October at Stafford Showground, is always a highlight in the biking calendar but with Kevin Schwantz confirmed as guest of honour, 2008 will certainly be one to remember.

The standard of motorcycles is always high but this year, the Classic Bike Shows Team has pulled out all the stops to put on a show to remember.

With the return of the ever popular Classic Racer Paddock, this year it plays host to some extra special bikes. TST Tyres are displaying not only a Suzuki ex-Mick Grant/Barry Sheene RG500 but also a Suzuki ex-Randy Mamola RG500. George Cohen meanwhile is bringing along a selection of Nortons - including a Norton model 18 special 1927 500cc.

This year the main Mortons stand will display 2007’s winning machines such as last year’s overall winner the superb 1989 Honda RC30 owned by Malcolm Potter. As an extra special something for all those Kevin Schwantz fans at the show, also on display will be a 1995 Suzuki RGV 500 Schwantz replica.

Clubs who have already raced to be part of the world’s largest classic Japanese show include the Benelli Motobi Club GB, the Kawasaki Z1 Owners Club as well as the Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club - a small number in what is sure to be a fantastic line-up.

Another highlight for 2008 will be a Trials Demonstration by Mick Andrews which along with the Classic Competition Marquee and the Classic Racer Paddock will certainly mean there is something for everyone, whatever your taste in classic motorcycles.

Opening Times:

Saturday 18^th October 9am to 6pm

Sunday 19^th October 9am to 5pm

Ticket Prices

Adult:   One Day: £8.00 advance / £9.00 on gate
Two Day: £16.00 advance / £18.00 on gate

Child:    One Day: £3.50 (advance and on gate)
Two Day: £7.00 (advance and on gate)

OAP:    One Day: £6.50 advance / £7.50 on gate
Two Day: £13.00 advance / £15.00 on gate

Buy online at http://www.classicbikeshows.com

For more information on stand space please contact:

The Classic Bike Show Team:

Tel: 01507 529430  Email: info@classicbikeshows.com

As the 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show held at Stafford Showground over 18-19 October 2008 draws nearer, private entry displays and club stands are racing in at a phenomenal pace, set to make a bigger and better show than ever before. Tickets sales for the event, sponsored by Carole Nash are also soaring, with the news that classic racing legend Kevin Schwantz will top the bill for both days as special guest of honour.

Legions of ‘Revvin Kevin’ Schwantz fans will be offered the unique opportunity to take photographs of their racing hero, as well as having their much loved memorabilia signed. All showgoers will have the pleasure of listening to the many interviews planned with Schwantz over the course of the weekend, where they can enjoy tales of one of the most competitive riders to ever race on the International stage.

With the buzz of racing legends in the air, the show’s Classic GP Paddock is also packing them in, as traders race for prime position in this ever growing area of the show. Enthusiasts can also delight at the added spectacle of the Classic Competition Marquee, which promises some fantastic displays and an added stage area for Kevin Schwantz to meet and greet admiring showgoers.

The famous Wall of Death is also sure to wow the crowds, where young female rider Kerri Cameron has promised a phenomenal display, as she learns to ride the Indian in preparation for the event. A wave of new traders have also booked early plots for what’s set to be an exceptional event, with Custom Bikes, BAMW, Hog Parts and Ragged End Racing all joining the scores of traders already on board. Both the Norton Owners Club and the MV Club have also confirmed their involvement with the show, having been so impressed by the previous 28th International Classic Motorcycle Show in April of this year.

Exhibition Manager, Nick Mowbray, said: “We’re very excited about the 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show with advanced ticket sales at an all time high. Due to the expected record visitor numbers, we will be extending trading hours on Saturday by a further hour, now opening 9am until 6pm, which is sure to please both traders and visitors alike.”

As an additional draw, the opportunity of a unique ‘34’ ticketed, pre-show dinner for super fans of Kevin Schwantz has also been confirmed for Friday 17 October 2008.

This will offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to be attend a personal dinner party with racing star Kevin Schwantz, as one of his special ‘34’ guests. Set at the idyllic 16th century Weston Hall, just 2 miles from the Stafford Showground, all guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks with Kevin in a private bar area, before sitting down to a champagne reception and a beautiful, intimate three course meal, cooked by a Michelin starred chef. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to listen first hand to Kevin’s tales of triumph, with indepth race revival talks chaired by Classic Motorcycle Mechanics contributor, Chris Pearson. Then relax and share a drink with the people’s champion after dinner.

Guests can also enjoy the celebrity treatment themselves, with fantastic racing sponsor goodie bags promised for all, as well as an exceptional opportunity to have a personal photograph taken with the man himself, which will be presented to each guest after the event. Signed posters and a ‘Schwantz’ 34 raffle of special racing prizes will also take place.

Tickets for this once in a lifetime opportunity are already selling fast. For more information on this or the 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show itself, please contact The Classic Bike Show Team:

Tel: 01507 529430
Email: info@classicbikeshows.com
Visit: www.classicbikeshows.co.uk
For more information on stand space please contact:
The Classic Bike Show Team:
Tel: 01507 529430

Ticket Prices
Adult £9.00 (Pre-booked £8.50)
Senior Citizen £7.50 (Pre-booked £6.50)
Children under 15 £3.50 (Pre-booked £3.50)

Call our DISCOUNT TICKET hotline on: 01507 529529 or book online at www.classicbikeshows.com to receive a great discount off of the advertised price of tickets.

For more information on stand space, contact our show team on 01507 529430 or visit www.classicbikeshows.com or email info@classicbikeshows.com.

OPENING TIMES
The show gates open at 9am closing at 6pm on Saturday, and 9am closing at 5pm Sunday.

Future Shows
The 15th Eurojumble at Netley Marsh, near Southampton, 12-13 September 2008

The 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show at the Stafford County showground on the 18-19 October 2008.

The 29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle show, at the Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, 14-15 February 2009.

The 29th International Classic Motorcycle Show, at the Stafford County Showground 25-26 April 2009.

Some 73,000 bike fans visited the event over two days, with moped racing, a Flying Gunners display, new 2008 motorcycles, the Carole Nash Best In Show Custom Bike Competition and countless biking bargains on offer, all helping to draw the crowds.

The Carole Nash Insurance sponsored ‘Best In Show’ attracted arguably the most impressive, and diverse, turnout of machines seen over the last three years, with a Subaru Impreza engined trike from Poland, a neon-lit nitrous-oxide Suzuki Steetfighter and several V-Twin powered chops and lowriders catching the eye of both judges and public.

V-twin chop builder ‘Sandy’ the owner/builder of a low slung, Swedish style, rigid rear end chopper took the £600 top prize, plus a year’s free insurance, courtesy of Carole Nash. The bike also featured a beefed up primary drive, clutch and gearbox, hidden handlebar controls, oil in the frame and super fat rear wheel/tyre.

Best trike was won by Karol Szmyt’s ‘Alien’ inspired special, featuring a Subaru Impreza 2.2 litre, flat-four engine at the back, humungous 300 section tyres/wheels, slash-cut exhausts and running LPG fuel, for that all important commuter type economy. Best Streetfighter was Nick Alcock’s blue and chrome GSXR750, running a nitrous oxide kit, Yoshimura exhaust and ‘a few naughty bits’ inside the engine, plus neon lighting for that essential night-time cruising look.

Meanwhile Richard Doidge decided he would go all out for performance by adding a Supercharger to his Triumph Rocket III. The 2.3 litre Triumph triple is already regarded as one of the most powerful engines in biking, but with the blower fitted it pumps out an astonishing 268bhp. Rich also spent many hours making his own exhaust system for the bike, plus adding custom paintwork to almost every part of the machine.

There were plenty of classic bikes entered in the Best In Show category, including the legendary RD350LC Yamaha, and an excellent turnout from the UK Suzuki Owners, with iconic two strokes from the 60’s and 70’s at the forefront of their display.

From Mopeds To Megabikes

The BMF Show is known for its moped endurance race and this year saw a healthy number of teams enter all sorts of weird and wonderful machines, from Honda C50 Cubs to purple Piaggio Typhoons, with many riders getting into the ‘Wacky Racers’ spirit of the event by donning fancy dress over their leathers.

The main arena also saw action from the Flying Gunners bike display team, with wheelies, ramp jumps over four cars, parked end-to-end, plus tricks like riding backwards all delighting the crowd. The British Short Track racing club put on some excellent flat-track action, with their four stroke 450cc bikes - featuring no front brakes - going sideways around the shale arena track at 60mph.

Across the showground bikers were busy searching out riding kit bargains, elusive spare parts, or checking out the latest bikes from Honda, Triumph, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Kawasaki and many more brands.

Clubs from across the UK gathered to show off members restored bikes, customised models, or learn more about getting involved with charity events, ride-outs, BBQ’s and various meetings.

The BMF Show is perhaps the only place in Britain where you can see the latest Superbikes, arrange a demo ride on a 50cc scooter, book a holiday in New Zealand and win a cuddly toy from a ‘hook-a-duck’ stand, all in the space of an hour! It really is the world of biking, parked up for the weekend, inside one large field in Cambridgeshire.