TEN GREAT EVENTS IN JULY
Staycation looking like it’s on the cards this year? Nevermind, there’s plenty to enjoy this July. From Goodwood to the Pod…
Enjoy your 2019 ‘stay-cation’ with ten great UK events this July.
Boston Bike Night, Boston, Lincolnshire
Date: 4 July Postcode: PE21 6LJ More info: bostonbikenight.co.uk
Boston Bike Night is one of those park up, stand about, chat, peruse, go home affairs. And last year it attracted 4000+. Which is good. For those unfamiliar with the East of England the much-maligned town and port of Boston is actually a nice enough place with a very good fish and chip shop (Tates, they do crinkle cut chips). Expect live music, trade stands and every conceivable type of bike. Head for the Cattle Market parking, Wide Bargate.
Festival of Speed, Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex
Date: 4 7 July Postcode: PO18 0PX More info: goodwood.com
It’s easy to be cynical about Goodwood’s Festival of Greed what with its credit report busting ticket prices and aristocratic airs and graces. Nevertheless, alongside September’s Revival, it’s the best automotive event in the world, and we are lucky to have it within touching distance. There will be high level celebrity-age, fast times up the hill and wealth trousers.
WSB, Donington Park, Castle Donington, Leics
nd Date: 5 7 July Postcode: DE74 2RP More info: worldsbk.com
Can Rea mount a genuine challenge to the runaway Bautista? Donington is as good a place as any to apply pressure. This year the Paddock Show returns with more chances to meet the riders, win stuff and sit on replica race bikes. All tickets include access to the Paddock, there’s camping on the infield where you’ll get good views of the Old Hairpin round to the Esses. Parking is free. Leave your helmet at Gate 4.
Southern 100, Castletown, Isle of Man
Date: 8 11 July Postcode: n/a More info: southern100.com
The TT’S sibling, but no poor relation. Takes place on the short 4.25-mile Colas Billown course which runs from the Grandstand up to Ballakeghan, then right to Ballabeg Hairpin, right again to Cross Fourways and then back to Castletown Corner and the start. Has a history of repeatedly seeing records broken.
Dragstalgia, Santa Pod, Northants
Date: 12 14 July Postcode: NN29 7XA More info: Santapod.co.uk
Anyone yet to experience Dragstalgia could be forgiven for baulking at the notion of Pod-based drag race nostalgia – decades of tsunami level toilet flooding and poisonous burgers live long in the memory. Park that cynicism because the Pod’s bad old days are long behind it and Dragstalgia is a huge hit. Expect nostalgia Pro Stock (for pre-1980 bikes, that still look stockish, 7in tyres and carbs), and the NSA
bike shootout where some of the most historic drag bikes get to grips with the Christmas Tree.
Festival of 1000 Bikes, Mallory Park, Leics
Date: 13 14 July Postcode: LE9 7QE More info: festivalof 1000bikes.co.uk
The largest classic track weekend with an extensive and impressive roster of star riders. For the Festival the track reverts to its original format, minus later additions such as chicanes. Saturday track sessions are for road silenced bikes only. Sunday’s are racing machines only. Tickets, on the gate are £20 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday. For the weekend, including camping, it’s £50. Which looks a bargain.
Founders Day, Stanford Hall, Lutterworth, Leics
Date: 21 July Postcode: LE17 6DH More info: thetaverners.com/ founders Now one of the big players on the classic bike calendar and based at the very lovely Stanford Hall (head for the conflagration between the M1, A14 and M6). The theme of this year’s gathering is 70 years of the Royal Enfield Bullet. It’s £10 to get in and £10 to camp (download the form from the website). Under 16s go free. There’s a beer tent, the usual collection of burger and tea/ coffee vendors. And a Wall of Death, which is free.
Barry Sheene Classic, Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough
Date: 27 28 July Postcode: Y011 2YW More info: oliversmountraces.com
Sighs of relief were heard the length and breadth of motorcycling when it was confirmed racing would return to Oliver’s Mount in 2019. Race classes include Senior Classic for pre ’72 bikes and Classic Superbike for pre ’92. Tickets start at £20, under 16s go free.
Bikefest Rewind and endurance racing
Date: 28 July Postcode: KY12 9TF More info: knockhill.com
Now in its second year Bikefest is a facinating mix of static displays expect bikes from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s – and endurance racing. Two in fact. Each 100 laps long. There are also trackday sessions and three special track outings for classic bikes. Tickets, in advance, are £13 for adults, £34 for the family and under 16s go free. From the website or call: 01383 723337.
Tarmac Hillclimb, various venues
Date: throughout July Postcode: see website… More info: nhca.co.uk
It doesn’t get much more grassroots than tarmac hillclimbing, which is good because there are numerous events to choose from throughout July. Courses can be as short at 400 yards and range up to 2500 yards. Classes start at 0-250cc and climb to 750cc1300cc. There is a Classic Class for pre-1965 bikes, and a Road Legal Class, which is designed for newcomers. This is a bike sport you can take part in.
‘Sighs of relief were heard the length and breadth of motorcycling when it was confirmed racing would return to Oliver’s Mount’