Where to go
December 26, Mallory Park, Leics
The traditional hangover cure for dedicated racers. After a busy season who wouldn’t want to forego turkey sandwiches and instead risk life and limb on freezing tarmac, while chasing fame and a cheap plastic trophy? The Plum Pudding hasn’t been publicised much this year but Mallory says it is definitely happening on Boxing Day as usual. You can expect a good turnout of bikes, sidecars and cars and plenty of action. There’s a twist to qualifying - there isn’t any! Instead grid positions for race one are based on how early you got your entry in and for race two, they’re the reverse of the race one result. Racing starts at 11.30am. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the gate, under 16s free. www.malloryparkcircuit.com
Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes Toy Run
December 17, Robin Hood pub, Sherwood, Notts
The ride will be leaving at 11am (prompt) from the pub to distribute toys at King’s Mill Hospital, but get there early (from 9.30) and grab a bacon cob. All bikes are welcome and the 12-mile route is L-plate friendly. No charge to participate but please turn up with toys (new, packaged but not gift-wrapped) suitable for kids from tiny all the way up to teenager. http://nottinghamshirebloodbikes. org/toyrun2017/
Mablethorpe Beach Races
December 17, Mablethorpe, Lincs
Most of the time, Mablethorpe is a faded 1950s seaside resort where if a seagull nicks your ice cream, it makes the front page of the local paper. However, every few weeks it echoes to the roar of tortured engines. There are classes for dirt bikes, speedway/grasstrack machines and road-legal bikes as well. It’s low-budget, relaxed and friendly, but still highly competitive - well worth watching. www.xtreme-action-images.com/ sandrace
Carole Nash Winter Classic
January 6-7, Newark Showground, Notts
All the usual classic-bike goodies on display, from rusty old heaps to painstaking restorations. Trade stands, club stands and an autojumble, plus a special classic scooter exhibition. Find a new project to get ready for the spring. Tickets from £8 (adults), kids under 12 go free, free parking.