How to make it through till Spring

With a daily battle against ice and snow, it can be hard to stay cheerful through the winter months. That’s why we’ve got a list of some of the events to look forward to.

It could be the thought of meeting the stars and seeing new bikes at the MCN Roadracing and Superbike show which inspires you, or perhaps the lure of a holiday to Florida for Daytona Bike Week. If you want to see some racing action, and can’t wait for British Superbikes, there are plenty of club meetings, including road racing, vintage racing and supermoto meets. And if you fancy something slightly different, what about the Elephant Rally, which takes place at the Nurburgring in February.

Have you arranged to do something this winter? Are you planning a trip abroad to escape the cold, or are you hoping for more cold weather so you can try ice racing? If you have an event planned, or you’ve got a tip to make winter riding more bearable, post a message on our News message board, or by emailing daniel.thornton@emap.com with your suggestion.

MCN Road racing and Superbike Show: January 25-February 2

All the major manufacturers will have stands, fitted in between the hundreds offering discounted kit. With new lines for 2003, this is the place for discontinued and heavily discounted bargains. There’s the best specials, the freestyle arena, Steve Parrish interviewing the top stars, and a chance to watch the MCN grid girl competition.

It’s open 10am-6pm weekdays, 9am-6pm weekends. Weekend prices are: £13 adults, £5 children, weekdays: £10 adults, £5 children.

You can save money by ordering tickets in advance, with an adult ticket costing £9. Ring 08700-717170 to book.

BMCRC Supermoto club race, Anglesey, Wales February 9

It might be cold, but that doesn’t put of the Supermoto competitors. It just means they can slide their rear wheels further when they back their bikes into the corners. The excitement will raise the temperature, and might inspire you to give supermoto a try.

Valentine Special, Ace Café, London February 14

Take the one you love for a romantic Champagne Dinner Date. The fact it’s at the Ace Café is a bonus. The 3-course meal is £15, with a band included. What a way to get romantic and think about bikes at the same time.

Elephant Rally, Nurburgring race circuit, Eifel Mountains, Germany February 21-24

If you fancy something a little different, how about camping at the Nurburgring with up to 10,000 other bikers. You’ll need a warm sleeping bag, but you’ll make some new friends and come back with enough stories to tell to get you through to next summer. http://www.alteselefantentreffen.de

MCN holidays to Daytona Bike Week, Florida, USA. February 28- March 9

If the idea of Florida, half-naked young ladies, thousands of Harleys and watching racing at Daytona International Speedway appeals, then this could be the trip for you. You’ll get to escape the rain and snow for sun and seriously expensive customs.

World Superbikes. Valencia, Spain. March 2

The new season kicks off in Spain, and there’s no better way to celebrate than visiting Valencia, and being able to enjoy warm weather and hotter racing way before your mates in England. Whether you plan to ride all the way or let the plane carry you in comfort, it’ll be just the thing to thaw yourself out for the new year.

Scottish Motorcycle Show: March 8-9

Scotland has just about the finest biking roads Britain can offer, and this is the excuse to ride some. The MCN-backed show is a celebration of biking north of the border, with trade stands, indoor classic bike display and the Bridgestone Action Zone, comprising of freestyle motocrossers, stunt riders, extreme trials displays and road race demos.

It’s open 9-5pm. Prices are £13 adults, £1.50 children. Advance tickets are £12 adult and kids free, or £20 for a two-day adult pass. For more information, phone 08700-717170 or visit www.scottishmotorcycleshow.co.uk

British Motocross Championship. Canada Heights, Kent March 16

Why not try watching something different this year. From trials, speedway and enduro, it’s all happening. Motocross is a chance to see riders careering through mud and dirt, leaping over jumps and generally creating havoc.

Supercross World Championship, St Louis, Missouri, USA March 22

If you fancy off-roading at the other end of the spectrum, why not try a round of the Supercross World Championships. As part of a holiday to the US, it’s almost essential to see some of the top off-roaders in the world howling around, inside a nice, cosy stadium. If names like Carmichael, Pastrana and LaRocco don’t mean anything now, they will after the race.

British Superbikes, Silverstone, Northamptonshire March 30

BSB is back, better than ever. There will be more factory bikes at Silverstone, than at Velencia for World Superbikes. Steve Plater will be riding an SP-2 that won the world series last year, Michael Rutter and Sean Emmett will have a pair of works 2002 Ducatis, and Shane Byrne has a similar bike for this year. Plus two ex-works Kawasakis, and Hislop and Reynolds both hoping to claim the title on 1000cc machines. Add to this Japanaese rider Yukio Kagayama, and the British summer will start here.

These are just some of the events coming in the next few weeks. If you have a different events to recommend, or tips for riding through the Winter, post them on the News message board by following the link on the right, or email them to daniel.thornton@emap.com.