Great rides this weekend

As if the joy of riding wasn’t reason enough to kit up and go this weekend – decent weather and great places to go make it one in which trips to garden centres and DIY stores are just going to have to be abandoned.

The top choice for many of us will be a ride to Skegness, Lincs, for the MCN Live Butlins weekend. Day tickets are available on the door (though all accommodation and access to evening events is now sold out).

It’s going to be dry and sunny in Skegness this weekend – a good day on Saturday and even better on Sunday.

On Saturday – apart from all the daytime attractions you’ll find described in the story linked right – you’ll be able to meet Leon Haslam, Chris Vermeulen and Gary Mason.

On Sunday our chat show stars are WSB champion James Toseland and British Superbike championship leader Ryuichi Kiyonari.

If you aren’t within striking distance of Skegness, there’s plenty more on in motorcycling this weekend.

Anywhere close to South Wales? Try the Thunder Road open weekend at the new store in Tremains Road, Bridgend. Latest weather reports suggest it will be a sunny Saturday. Ride there for loads of hot deals PLUS the chance to meet Jeremy McWilliams, Michael Rutter, Karl Harris, Ian Lougher and (a busy man this weekend…) Ryuichi Kiyonari.

Those in the Surrey area should consider the Woking Yamaha Centre’s open day on Saturday. The forecast for there is dry and warm. You’ll find BSB racer Tommy Hill in attendance – along with £200 off used bikes, clearance prices on 04 models, half price Frank Thomas kit and more.

Head for Plymouth and you can end your ride at the grand opening of Ocean BMW – a new dealership at Marsh Mills. The open days are on 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. You’ll be able to ride demo bikes (bring both parts of your licence) hear live music, enter a competition to win a lid and enjoy a gut-busting barbecue. Weatherwise Saturday looks your best bet in Plymouth. There may be occasional showers on Sunday.

In Bucks, you can hook up with Leon Haslam and Dean Thomas at the Ducati Aylesbry open day and clothing superstore launch party on Sunday. They promise big deals on bikes and kit with gloves from £9.99, lids under £30 and leathers for £99.99. Find them at Bicester Road, Wescott, Aylesbury. There’s a chance of showers here – but there should be plenty of dry time between them.

In West Yorkshire, Autorama is hosting an open weekend to celebrate 25 years. Buy a bike and you get a free £100 lid for this weekend only. Test rides, refreshments and prize draws are among other attractions. Find them in Bradford Road, Batley. Saturday currently looks the best day for weather here.

Take a look at hundreds of other biking events happening this week in our WHAT’S ON section.

Check the latest weather reports HERE (external site)