YOUR SEVEN DAYS Brilliant reasons to ride this week
1 BSB is go at Donington MCE British Superbikes Round 1 Where Donington Park, Derbyshire When Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2 Entry From £12.60 Info www.britishsuperbike.com
It’s been a long few months but BSB is finally returning this weekend. Round one is at Donington Park on the GP circuit, which means a long blast down the straight into the Melbourne Loop. It’s been a big year for new bikes too, so the first round is wide open. We say Shakey is gunning for his sixth title but he won’t have it easy with Leon Haslam back for another year on the Kawasaki and the small matter of new machines from Suzuki and Honda to contend with. Prepare to get excited with this week’s 12-page supplement.
2 See the best shed builds Kickback Custom Bike Show Where Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire When Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2 Entry £9.50 (children £2.50) Info www.thecustomshow.com
Kickback #10 looks set to be one of the best yet, as it’s hosting the finals of the 2017 Custom Bike Championships. As well as all of the brilliant bikes there’s also a band on the Saturday evening, some vintage motorbike film screenings and a stunt show. We say Unlike some other shows Kickback describes itself as “an expression of non-conformity” and it’s the DIY community that makes the shows so special.
3 Navigate your way south South West Peninsula Spring Rally Where Starts at The Potting Shed, Langport When Saturday, April 1, 8am-11.59pm Entry £31 Info swpeninsularally17.wixsite.com/swpsr2017
The South West Spring Rally is organised by Somerset Advanced Motorcyclists and involves plotting a route around the South West Peninsula, with the aim of ticking off as many checkpoints and miles as possible within 16 hours. We say Huge riding rallies like this can be a real test of tortoise and hare. Do you blast off, risk navigational errors and burn through your petrol or do you take your time, stop for as many cakes as possible and average 60mpg. We know what we’d do.
4 Fastest one up the hill is the winner. Simple! National Hill Climb Association Round 1 Where Hartland Quay Hill Climb, Devon When Sunday, April 2 Entry £30 Info www.nhca.co.uk
The NHCA are holding their first race of the year under the ‘Give it a Go’ banner. For £30 you get a day ACU licence, a day’s NHCA membership plus entry into the race. Road going bikes are welcome and there are plenty of classes to suit every bike. We say The rules for a hillclimb are very simply (quickest to the top wins) but there are two essential supplementary rules: all oil drain plugs must be lock wired and all glass must be taped. Leaving either on track would ensure a permanent state of it being ‘your round at the bar’.
5 Three sausages, three rashers, two eggs… Route 11 Kitchen Where A11 Northbound, Attleborough When Monday, April 3, from 6pm Entry Free Info www.route-11.co.uk
A favourite among bikers due to its proximity to the Snetterton racing circuit, the Route 11 kitchen is famous for its Biker’s Breakfast: three sausages, three slices of bacon, two eggs, three hash browns, black pudding, two tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and two slices of toast. We say Route 11 Kitchen draws a crowd every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm in winter, but for summer the café stays open later and the biker meet returns to its spiritual home of Monday evening. Some have found their leathers have mysteriously shrunk while eating the breakfast.
6 Ride off-road then drink beer… Haggs March Moto Madness Where Haggs Bank Bunkhouse and Campside, Alston When Friday, March 31-Sunday, April 2 Entry £45 (bunkhouse £65) Info www.haggsbank.com
Haggs Bank have been running an offroad weekender for a few years and the activity list alone is fantastic. There are road rides, big bike trail riders, beginner’s off-roading plus live music, good food and beer. If you’ve got an adventure bike, you’ve no excuse. We say Off-road adventuring can often be a lonely pursuit, which is what makes the Haggs rally so appealing. Not only should it be a great crowd but it also takes place in Pennines, which has some of the best riding in the UK.
7 Dresda guru stars at show The South of England Classic Motorcycle Show Where South of England Showground, Ardingly When Sunday, April 2, 10am-2.30pm Entry £6; £5 for 65+; under-16s free Info www.elk-promotions.co.uk
Now in its 25th year, the South of England Classic Motorcycle Show is a real highlight in the classic calendar. We say This year the show has legendary Triton builder Dave Degens of Dresda Triton in attendance. Degens helped make the Triton famous, even winning two 24hr races aboard his own bikes and he’ll be hosting a bike clinic for those who wish to pick his brain.