Beaulieu Motorcycle World Show 2002
Beaulieu a biker’s paradise.
I was due to meet Terry at the show but he had
bike problems on his Triumph Adventurer but he made it later on in the afternoon
just as I was leaving!
It was a sunny morning with the sound of rumbling bikes in
the distance as I rode through the New Forest on route to Beaulieu and the
contrast of horsepower verses modern machine made the ride unique as I shared
the lanes with the ponies. Soon the well-organized marshals were guiding me to a
large grassed area, which would become a bike park to the 30,000 plus bikers who
make Motorcycle World a must see event.
There was a `bike helmet park`, which was a welcome touch
where you could deposit you skidlid, leathers, bag or whatever for a nominal fee
and well worth it. I got in fairly early in order to peruse the stands before
the events on the arena started and secure any bargains. Now those of you who
need to replace jackets crash helmets, my advice is to get them at Motorcycle
World as most of the items were a true bargain with discounts galore for this
weekend. There were jewelry, army surplus, insurance; camping trade stands among
the manufacturers displays. Owners clubs were also represented well with some
camping onsite for the weekend, many happy to talk bikes and an abundance of customized
bikes could be found that were the pride and joy of a member.
I was intrigued by a Harley 1700cc shovelhead 1977 on
display by Reading Motorcycle Club as it looked so simplistic and with classic
designs
it looked timeless. There was some `Jap` speedway bikes made
in Czechoslovakia in great condition complete with leather-clad dummies that
took the eye.
. Customizing is very popular and many of the Suzuki
bandits at the owners club stand drew attention along with the MVs..
The Super Moto bikes started the show off by screaming
round the track and main arena like Ozzy Osbourne on stage. These are the real
posers demonstrating how to pull wheelies over long
distances, avoid speeding bikes at a corners and pulling off to the side of the track to burn rubber.
The
control and skill was superb as these noisy machines blasted around as if it was
a real competition. Sammy Miller and past riders from the 60s gave a
display of how to handle the old beats of the past, a MV Augusta 750cc 16 valve
was one of the working bikes maneuvered around the track as it was more like
`hear the bikes of the past`. The odd bolt or piece of metal fell off these
classic winners but that was all part of the risk in those days along with the
thick white oily fumes I inhaled, but hey it was great to see Sammy Miller,
Luigi Taveri, Stuart Graham, Mike Hemmings and John Biggs the stars of the
classic age, oh and if you wanted a chat with these bikers they were ready and
willing after the display.
Gary Rothwell who is the number one bike stunt rider. So
on he came Gary who is a top crowed puller and when you see his skill first hand
you can’t doubt the reputation. Speeding round the main arena Gary pulls off
several `stoppees, wheelies and `doughnuts` as he looks for the best grip on the
track. Sitting on the handlebars, standing on the seat it makes no difference he
and the bike are one and the crowed love it.
At the end a packed Beaulieu roared
for the `blow out` and Gary duly responded with an almighty bang as the back
tyre exploded after its tread was ripped apart on the rough tarmac. Another
Motorcycle World over but many bikers and families will be back for next year I
certainly will be.
The crowed loved Terry Grant who performed burnouts and
figure of eights in his custom car round the race commentator.
Manny
Beaulieu Motorcycle World Show 2000
The Beaulieu Motorcycle World Bike Show 22/23 July 2000 this year was over 2 days in which 1000s of bikers attended. A full program of events starting at 11 am to 5 pm kept all entertained with displays from bike clubs, stunt riders, classic riders dealers and some world record attempts overseen by `record Breakers`. There were many motorcycle clubs who had camped out over the weekend on site.
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| Gary Rothwell doing a stoppie and on the Hyabusa | |
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| There is a burn out in here some where! | |
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The crowd want the a burn out! |
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Foggy has more fans that Man U!
Carl Fogarty who has won the WSB championship four times was on BBC sports personality of the year. John Inverdale said "Here’s to a fifth title, which may put you in contention for next years award" also confirmed that Foggy attract more fans at races than Man U has at its games. It was good to see a biker getting in amongst the top sports performers.