Looking to get your motorcycling fix this winter? We’ve got you covered…
1 Jan: The Hangover Meet
What better way to start the new year than to call in at the UK’s most famous automotive café and have a good natter with fellow bikers. Blow away the cobwebs with hearty food and the chance to check out some great looking rides.
When ‘N’ where:
1 January, 10 am to 5 pm at the Ace Café London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD.
How:
Just turn up on the day! There’s no need to buy tickets and there’s no entry fee when you arrive. Hangovers are optional.
19 – 20 Jun: The Adventure Travel Show
While not strictly motorcycles, this is a show for anyone with a thirst for adventure. Expect hundreds of stands from tour operators, volunteer services and tourism representatives from around the world.
Over the weekend, various talks and seminars will be given by some of the biggest and most influential names in the world of adventure travel.
If you’re looking to learn a thing or two about adventurous travel or get inspired for that next big trip, here’s the place to be.
When ‘N’ where:
19-20 January at Olympia, London, W14 8UX. The show is open between 9 am-6 pm on the Saturday and 9:30 am-5 pm on the Sunday.
How:
Head to www.adventureshow.com to purchase tickets. Book your tickets early to take advantage of the advance price of £9 per day (£11 on the door) or £16 for the weekend (£18 on the door).
8 – 10 Feb: N.I. Motorcycle Festival
It might not be as big as Motorcycle Live or the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show, but the N.I. Motorcycle Festival offers those of you in Ireland the chance to get up close with 2019’s new bikes.
There’s plenty to see and do at Ireland’s largest annual motorcycle festival, including a custom build stand, incredible stunt shows, aerial displays and supermoto races, and the chance to get a sweet deal at one of the many trade stands.
According to the website, stars from the world of motorcycling will also be making appearances over the weekend.
When ‘N’ where:
Held over the weekend of 8-10 February 2019 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Sprucefield, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RF.
How:
Details of the event, including ticket prices and opening times, will be posted closer to the date at www.bit.ly/nimotorcyclefest2019.
9 -10 Feb: The Dragon Rally
Winter motorcycle rallies are something of a right of passage for many adventure motorcyclists, and if you don’t quite fancy heading over to Germany for the world-famous Elephant Rally, perhaps the Dragon Rally in Wales will take your fancy.
Held by the Conwy Motorcycle Club at a secret location in Snowdonia, Wales each year, the Dragon Rally is one of the UK’s oldest running motorcycle meets, having been run since the ‘60s. To see what it’s like, read John Norris’s account of his trip to the 2018 Dragon Rally on page 26. Safe to say, you’re going to need to pack your thermals!
When ‘N’ where:
The Dragon Rally 2019 will be held on 9-10 February somewhere in Snowdonia, Wales. The exact location of the event isn’t revealed until you’ve reported to Rally Control (location provided on the event’s website) and had your ticket validated.
How:
Part of the excitement of the Dragon Rally is simply getting a ticket. With only 1,400 available, you’ll have to act fast (and I mean as soon as you’ve read this) if you want to attend. Tickets are £25 per person, and payment details can be found at www.conwymotorcycleclub.org.uk/dragon-rally.
15 – 17 Feb: Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show
If you missed Motorcycle Live in November 2018, the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show is the place to be if you want to check out all of 2019’s new bikes in one place.
There’s also the chance to see some exciting live-action, the details of which are yet to be released, as well as the opportunity to grab a bargain from the many retailers at the show.
With a dedicated Adventure & Travel Village, this isn’t a show to be missed, especially as we’ll be there so pop by our stand and say hi!
When ‘N’ where:
The Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show is taking place on the weekend of 15-17 February at ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL. Opening times are 10 am-5 pm on Friday, 9 am-6 pm on the Saturday, and 9 am-5 pm on the Sunday.
How:
Head to www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com to purchase tickets and you can expect to pay £18 for a standard adult day pass. More expensive options that offer various add-ons are available, and there are also lower prices for seniors (£16) while children under 15 go free.