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.
Another year, another Festival of Speed, and once again the Duke of Richmond and his team deliver one of the best celebrations of motoring and motorsport. This year there were changes to the format we’ve come to enjoy over the last few years, including the addition of the ‘arena’ which allowed for various drifting and stunt riding demonstrations.
A key annual event that brings together an expertly curated collection of custom motorcycles, from all over the world, mixed with live music, art, photography, and hand-made accessories. With great food and drink too, it’s as much a social affair as it is a bike show.
Indian Motorcycles has a history of success in flat track racing and now they’re bringing that to the street. I was lucky enough to be invited to the UK launch at Krazy Horse London.
I just had too many images and too much excitement just for one post.
A three-day festival celebrating the sights and sounds of road racing cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit’s hay day period of 1948–1966.
Celebration seemed to be the unofficial theme of this year’s Festival of Speed. The event itself was marking its 25th year, the centre lawn sculpture was celebrating Porsche 70th birthday and there was also the parade of Land Rovers celebrating their 70th birthday too. And for me, I was celebrating turning up in my ‘supercar’. Two years ago I left the 2016 Festival of Speed saying to myself ‘when I return next year it will be in my own 911’. A year later I had the 911 but didn’t take it to Goodwood as I was driven there by a friend. So this year I had to drive my 911. To make it even more special, I booked supercar parking for the Thursday. We all have things that make us feel good, those little personal fist pump moments, this was one of mine. Driving onto the Goodwood estate in my 911, with the ‘supercar parking’ pass felt great — small pleasures.
©2025 Dereck Johnson. All rights reserved.
Von Dirk and the Von Dirk logo are registered trademarks UK00003918519.
Powered by skids and wheelies.