7 reasons you should ride this week...

Published: 07 December 2016 Updated: 07 December 2016

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1. Lean into winter track time

MSVT Open Pit Lane Track Day with Chris Walker
Where: Brands Hatch
When: 8am. Friday, December 9
Entry: £69
Info: msvtrackdays.com
Superbike superstar Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker will be at the event all day offering tips and advice in the paddock alongside free off-circuit classroom sessions. Open to intermediate or advanced riders only.
We say: Open pitlane track days are great because you can get on the track when you want and for as long as you want, as there are no set times on the circuit.

2. Latin lovelies

Italian Bikes ‘n’ Cars
Where: Ace Café, London
When: 6-11pm. Thursday, December 8. Entry: Free
Info: ace-cafe-london.com
The Ace Café is welcoming to all those who worship at the petrol altar and have a soft-spot for rock ‘n’ roll. Italian is Thursday’s theme so expect the forecourt to be packed with Ducatis, Moto Guzzis, MV Agustas and even the odd Ferrari.
We say: As a self-confessed bunch of Italophiles, we’ll be there checking out the best that’s come from the Mediterranean shores. And who knows, the new owner of Bonham’s 888 (right) might even bring it over for a quick spin.

3. Auction stations

Bonhams December Sale
Where: Olympia, London
When: 2pm. Wednesday, December 7
Entry: Catalogue £30 (admits two)
Info: bonhams.com
40 lots of motorcycles with a date range spanning 1910 to 2001 and an estimated price range from £100 for a Jawa project to £22,000 for a Ducati 888 race bike (albeit badged as an 851).
We say: Auctions can be a gamble, but this one has an interesting range of lots. By auctioning off the bikes with the cars, it’s possible to grab a real bargain as everyone is too distracted by the Aston Martins and Ferraris fetching millions. Our eyes would be on the 1973 Norton Commando 750 with no reserve.

4. Time for trials

Waltham Chase Club Championship
Where: Hut Hill, Eastleigh
When: 10am. Sunday, December 11
Entry: Free for spectators
Info: walthamchasetrials.co.uk
Marking the final round of the 2016 club championship, this trial should be a close-run thing. Riders are welcome to wear fancy dress (as long as it’s safe) and there are prizes for anyone who turns out in seasonal attire.
We say: Trials riding is hard enough without antlers stuck to your lid or a sack of presents swinging around your waist. Shame there’s not a prize for most chips eaten from the food van – we’d be in with a shout.

5. Bargain hunt

Normous Newark Autojumble
Where: Newark Showground, Notts
When: 8am. Sunday, December 11
Entry: £10 (£7 after 10am)
Info: newarkautojumble.co.uk
Newark Autojumble comes around once a month and is one the biggest autojumbles in the UK. Come rain, come shine – expect fields of trestle tables and transit vans.
We say: If you want to wake up early and fight it out amongst the dealers, be our guest. If it was us, though, we’d head down to the showground around 11am and check out the stalls before heading down to the Prince Rupert for a pub lunch.

6. Make a kid’s Xmas

Two wheels in unison
Where: Woodlands Hotel, Warrington
When: 12.30pm. Saturday, December 10
Entry: Free
Info: taliesinbrotherhood.co.uk
Two wheels in unison is the annual Christmas toy run in aid of Warrington hospital children’s ward. There’s food and drinks from 2pm and live music after 8pm.
We say: Not everyone is fortunate enough to spend Christmas at home with their families, so events like this are a fantastic way for motorcyclists to spread the sheer amount of warmth and good will we have.

7. Kindred spirits

VC London Ladies Night
Where: The Bike Shed, London
When: 7-11pm. Wednesday, December 7
Entry: Free
Info: thebikeshed.cc
Meet other ladies who ride, chat about customising or, if you don’t have a bike or licence yet, pick up some handy contacts from the VC crew.
We say: If you’ve a friend who is interested in getting into bikes, but doesn’t know where to start this is the perfect place to meet new people.

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.

By MCN News