This past weekend, London’s historic Tobacco Docks reverberated with the roar of custom motorcycles and the hum of excitement as the Bike Shed Show took over. This iconic 200-year-old venue was the epicentre of the global custom motorcycle culture for three days, welcoming enthusiasts and creators alike.
Returning to the Festival of Speed this year was a damp disappointment. Not just because of the weather but because something didn’t sit right with me. My last visit was in 2019, which I thoroughly enjoyed, like all my previous visits. After such a break, did I expect too much from the 30th edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
The Bike Shed Show has become one of the most significant and diverse motorcycle events worldwide. This year, the show curated over 300 new custom motorcycles from all over the world. Add to that Shed Talks, live music, high-quality street food and drinks, multiple bars and lounges, gallery spaces, tattoo artists and a traditional barbershop. There were plenty of wheels, art, and adventure on offer.
With a bucket and spade full of excitement, it was time to head down to glorious Margate to enjoy the annual tradition of watching inappropriate motorcycles racing along the golden beach. That’s right; it’s Malle Beach Race time of year, and with warm sunny weather predicted, it could be a scorcher…
This year saw another superbly curated and inspiring collection of over 300 custom motorcycles from across the globe. Everything from modern classics to vintage-based machines created a visual delight within the equally interesting venue of Tobacco Dock. While the bikes take centre stage the Bike Shed Show celebrates the breadth of custom motorcycle culture and after a three-year wait there was plenty to catch up on.
It’s hard to believe we’re into the third year of the Malle Beach Race, but we are, and it still feels fresh. This year saw over 200 riders participating in a series of races on inappropriate two- and three-wheeled motorcycles. Everything from custom, classic and vintage rides to stock and race bikes. The one thing in common was the desire to have fun on the beach.
After all the fun of last years inaugural Malle Beach Race, there was no way I was going to miss this one. Once again Margate’s golden sands were the venue for another day of motorcycle mayhem.
After enjoying the fun-filled adventure of the previous Malle Mile last year, there was no way I was going to miss this years event. Hosted at a new venue, Grimsthorpe Castle, and with many social restrictions lifted in the week before, the 2021 Malle Mile did not disappoint.
“How do you fancy joining us on the next Indian Motorcycle Riders day?” Responding with my usual reply, ‘when and where?’ was the only real option, wasn’t it? With that agreed there was one other small issue to overcome, I don’t currently own an Indian…
When Malle London announced their beach race, my mind turned to thoughts of Pendine Sands, The Race of Gentlemen, Normandy Beach Races and the Rømø Motor Festival. Then I noticed the location, Margate. In my mind, a dismal, run-down location, but it does have a beautiful, golden sandy beach…
Having been invited down to Sykes Harley Davidson for a tour round their facilities, it was a pleasant surprise to also witness the unveiling of there 2020 Battle of the Kings entry.
The Shere Hill Climb has become an established part of the motoring social calendar but remains relatively small. Knowing little about the event, I took a chance and headed over to the Surrey hills.
