A NEWARK START FOR 2022

WE’RE BACK, SO COME AND SAY HELLO! The 2022 Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic is taking place at Newark Showground on January 8-9. It’s the time when we get to brush off the remaining mince pie crumbs, put away the Baileys and get back to the not-so-serious but enormously satisfying business of seeing who has turned their lumps of superannuated scrap into real running metal, getting lost in the warmth, and exploring the hundreds of stunning classic machines on display. With a good mix of traders, dealers and autojumble plots, the Winter Classic is the perfect place to grab a box or bagful of parts and spares, as well as finding that inspiration needed to finish your restoration... it won’t be long before we are all set for a summer of riding. Perhaps you might pick up a new project, and Newark, interestingly, seems to attract a decent crop of affordable and unusual runners to choose from. The monthly ‘Normous Newark Autojumbles are always popular, but the Winter Classic is more of a show, and the autojumble at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic has stalls and stands throughout the site, with sellers inside the main hall, outside and in the additional halls, too. Hundreds of traders pitch up at the show with a vast range of autojumble and new spares, parts, and garage equipment – just in case that bike lift wasn’t under your tree again this year, despite the hints. The only issue for visitors is which way to go as you walk through the gates... right to the main hall, or left for the outdoor jumble, more indoor space, or keep going, to be lured by the crackle of an over-revving Vespa in Scooter World. Guest of honour this year is one of our road racing heroes, Phillip McCallen. One of the most gifted road racers of the modern age – 11 times a winner at Isle of Man TT, multiple winner at the North West 200 and the Ulster GP, winner of the Macau Grand Prix and British Supersport. At the peak of his power, ‘Supermac’ collected first-place trophies at almost all road race meetings. In 1992 at the North West 200, McCallen had five race wins from six starts. At the 1996 Ulster GP, he took five wins in one day. Perhaps his crowning glory was winning four races out five at the Isle of Man TT – a record which stood unbroken for 14 years. He’ll have some great stories to tell. Not being prejudiced against people who like their wheels small, we always take the opportunity to visit Scooter World, which buzzes with energy and life. They always have great music in their hall and, of course, there’s plenty of time to check out the show entries across the site. With many of us stuck in our sheds for the two years since the last show, we’re looking forward to seeing what people have come up with. And Maria, Oli and Matt will be there too, playing with something or taking something apart for your entertainment while inventing new swear words, so come and say hello! The venue is Newark Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY. Advance tickets with fast-track entry cost £10 from www.newarkclassicbikeshow.com