Looking for an excuse to get out on the bike this winter? Look no further than these great meetups and shows…
The Hangover meet at Ace Café
Call in at the UK’s most famous automotive café for the first bike meet of the year, where the hearty food is served with a slice of history and good conversation with fellow petrol heads. A great way to nurse your New Year’s hangover.
When ‘N’ Where: The meet gets going at 10 am on 1 January and finishes at 5 pm. Find it at Ace Café London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London (Postcode for SatNav: NW10 7UD).
How: Head down for 10 am. There are no tickets required or entry fees when you get there. (Note: the hangover is optional).
Adventure Travel Show
A show for those who love adventure travel. Expect hundreds of stands from tour operators, volunteer services and tourism representatives from around the world. There are various talks and seminars presented by experts in the field of two-wheeled adventures.
When ‘N’ Where: The event takes place between 21-22 January at Olympia in London. (Postcode for SatNav: W14 8UX though it’s recommended that you take public transport for this one. The nearest underground station is Kensington (Olympia)).
How: A day entry costs £8 in advance (£10 on the door) or pay £12 (£15 on the door) for the weekend. Visit www.adventureshow.com/book-tickets for tickets. Under 16s go free.
The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show
Although it’s not specifically a bike show, The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel show embodies a lot of the same ideals as adventure motorcycling. And, with free entry into the other three shows happening alongside this one, it’s worth checking out. Get inspired and keep on the lookout for ABR’s sister title, Adventure Travel magazine, which will be exhibiting there.
When ‘N’ Where: Kicking off at 11 am 16 February and running until 19 February at 5 pm with varying opening and closing hours each day (check the website). Takes place at the ExCel London (Postcode for SatNav: E16 1DR).
How: Prices are to be confirmed, but tickets will be available from www.telegraphoutdoorshow.co.uk/information
MCN London Motorcycle Show
A motorcycle show in London that offers the latest and greatest in bikes and gear. The show is laid out in zones for sports and performance, custom, adventure and classics and features live action, talks and an extensive retail area for showgoers to pick up some bargains on riding kit. And, if you needed another reason to go, we’ll be there too!
When ‘N’ Where: 17- 19 February at the ExCel in London. The show is open from 10 am – 5 pm Friday, 9 am – 6 pm Saturday, and 9 am – 5 pm on the Sunday. (Post code for SatNav: E16 1XL)
How: Tickets are available from www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com/tickets and cost £17 (£21 on the door) or £15 for students and over 65s. Children under the age of 15 get in free. Paddock Passes are also available this year for £40 (see website for more details).
Dragon Rally
The Dragon Rally is Britain’s spin on Germany’s Elephant Rally, and it’s become one of the UK’s longest-running events, first being run in the ‘60s. As a real test of your strength, it takes place in the dead of winter, and is a meeting place for motorcyclists across Europe.
When ‘N’ Where: 11 and 12 February in Snowdonia, North Wales. Details of the camp site’s location are revealed once participants have reported to Rally Control (locations for this area provided on their website) and had their ticket validated.
How: Part of the excitement surrounding Dragon Rally is getting in, as entries are limited to 1,400. Tickets are £25 per person and cheques need to be sent into Conwy Motorcycle Club. Find out more at www.conwymotorcycleclub.org.uk/Dragon-Rally
The Classic Dirt Bike Show
Spend a weekend looking at some of the country’s most iconic motorcycles and rubbing shoulders with big names from the scene. Attendees can expect scores of stalls selling bike parts and accessories, with the opportunity to bag great deals from traders. Regarded as the UK’s top classic off-road motorcycle show, The Classic Dirt Bike Show has been described as ‘a must’ for any off-road enthusiast.
When ‘N’ Where: The show takes place 10am – 5pm on Saturday 18 and 10am – 4pm on Sunday 19 February at the International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford (Postcode for SatNav: TF3 4JH).
How: Tickets can be purchased from www.classicbikeshows.com and cost £11 (£13 on the gate) for one day or £22 for the two days. Children under 12 go free.