CAROLE NASH MCN FESTIVAL OF MOTORCYCLING
1 MONTH AHEAD May 19-20, East of England Arena, Peterborough
Probably the biggest outdoor motorcycle show of the year, with masses of trade stands, dealers, manufacturers, stunt displays and club stands all competing for your attention — and your disposable income, of course. Fancy trying out a new bike? This is the place to come.
Most of the major manufacturers will be here. Ducati will be turning up with the new V4 Panigale, various Multistrada models, the Xdiavel, Monster 821, Supersport, Scrambler 1100 and Desert Sled. Guided test rides will be available on all models, either on the twisty roads around Peterborough or off-road as appropriate, with tuition by former Paris-dakar rider Beppe Gualini. Kids will also get the chance to try out a range of mini electric bikes too.
Yamaha will be showcasing its MT range at the same time, again with test rides available all over the weekend. Triumph will have practically its whole range available to try, and Kawasaki will have a good selection including the new Z900 and the incredible supercharged Ninja H2 SX sports tourer (see page 50 of this issue). KTM and Husqvarna will be offering test rides as well. Live music, full-on speedway and dirt-track racing and start-ups of classic race bikes — including 500cc GP twostrokes and modern Motogp bikes — are all on the menu too, and biking celebs including GP legend Freddie Spencer will be presiding over a display of racing bikes from their heyday. Day tickets are £15, weekend cost including camping is from £30 and under-fives go free. www.mcnfestival.com
Isle of Man TT May 26-June 8, Isle of Man
Probably too late to book a ferry now but you might still get a lastminute flight. Otherwise it’s chasing the highlights round the TV schedules. Either way, it’ll be worth watching. John Mcguinness and Bruce Anstey are probably both out through injury and illness respectively so expect to see some new faces on or near the podium this year. The big rivalry in the main classes, though, is still expected to be between arch-rivals Michael Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson. www.iomtt.com
Lincoln Bike Fest June 10, Brayford Waterfront, Lincoln
Nothing complicated, just around 3000 bikes of all kinds, a concours event, stalls and displays, music and entertainment. Free bike parking and loads of cafés and restaurants nearby to keep you fed and watered. www.facebook.com/pg/lincsbikefest