Where to go
YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST UPCOMING BIKING EVENTS
Motorcycle Live November 17-25, NEC, Birmingham
The biggest bike show of the year in Blighty. All the big manufacturers – and smaller ones – will be showcasing their 2019 models. So this will be your first chance to get up close to the new BMW R1250GS and RT, Suzuki’s retro Katana and the latest Ducati Scramblers, among others. It’s not just static displays either – you can test-ride Yamahas on the road, BMWS on an indoor offroad course and Harleys on a rolling road. There are taster session for kids and novice adults, try your hand at trials or adventure bikes, indoor and off-road. Sprawling over several halls at the NEC, the show also features the usual trade stands, clothing, food, celebrities and bargains. Tickets from £19.50 and kids under 10 get in free. www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
Macau Grand Prix November 15-18, Macau
Some of the world’s top road racers bounce superbikes off the walls on a tricky street circuit. www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
Santa’s on a Bike December 1, various locations
Dress up as Santa, spread good cheer and raise some cash for the Hospice South West charity. www.santasonabike.org.uk
Southern Classic Off-road and Racing Show December 1, Kempton Park, Middlesex
Long-established classic autojumble and a well-attended classic show alongside. www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk
Plum Pudding Meet December 26, Mallory Park, Leics
Overdone it on Christmas day? Drag your bloated belly and your aching head off to Mallory Park and treat the former to a proper fry-up and the latter to some noisy engines – on two, three and four wheels. It’s kill or cure. Tickets £11 in advance or £13 on the gate. www.malloryparkcircuit.com
Dakar Rally January 6-17, Peru
A bit of a trek to spectate in person but if you can get access on the telly or the interwebs (excellent online coverage), it’s well worth following. 5000km in 10 stages, with over 3000km of that on incredibly tough off-road sections – sand, desert and dunes. Just finishing is a huge achievement while anyone fighting for the win is an off-road god. www.dakar.com
Bike Day at the Ace January 6, Ace Café, Stonebridge, London
Nothing fancy – just turn up at the Ace Café with or without your bike, grab a coffee and something to eat, and watch the world come and go. There’s always a great mix of bikes and people, and a relaxed vibe. london.acecafe.com
Mablethorpe Sand Races January 20, Mablethorpe, Lincs
On a good day, Mablethorpe’s pleasant. On a great day, the beach is a racetrack. Speedway, motocross and converted road bikes slither around all day for fun. Free to watch. www.xtreme-action-images.com/ sandrace
Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show February 15-17, Excel London, Docklands
Much more compact than the NEC show but there’s still loads going on. All the important new metal for 2019, classic road and race bikes from the past, custom bikes from the present, along with celebrities including John Mcguinness, Wayne Gardner and more. 200 retail stands will empty your wallet, with live action including racing on a banked oval board track. www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com
Cartagena trackday February 19-21, Cartagena, Spain
Leave the gloom behind and head for warm tarmac. Three days on track (with instruction), three nights in a hotel and bike transport included in the price (from about £470pp). www.nolimitstrackdays.com