Make the most of summer: Part one

There may be 17 hours of daylight at the moment but we know your biking time is precious – you don’t want to waste it going to the same old bike meets and shows. Which is why MCN’s team of experts have brought you this definitive guide to 2016’s must-do events.

From riding mopeds up the Alps, watching grasstrack in Lincolnshire, and dancing on tables with BMW in Bavaria, if you’re going to go anywhere with your bike this year, make sure it’s to one of these…

Skerries 100 road races, July 1-2

One of the highlights of the Irish road racing season, you’re normally guaranteed amazing racing, great hospitality and sometimes even a bit of sunshine at the most prestigious race in the Republic of Ireland. Only minutes out of Dublin, it’s the perfect base for exploring Ireland’s capital as well as taking in some incredible racing.

And because of its blue riband status, expect the cream of the crop to be in attendance. Michael and William Dunlop will be firm favourites, but between the locals and the visitors they won’t have it all their own way.Inside line You haven’t properly experienced road racing until you’ve been to Gillies Leap for the superbike race – ten 200bhp machines blasting over a blind crest flat out!
Best for: Getting closer than you’d ever think possible to road racing’s big names, in the paddock and on track.

Entry: Free
Contact: www.loughshinnymotorcycleclub.com 

BMW Motorrad Days, July 1-3

Not just for BMW owners, the Garmisch festival remains one of the biggest and best biker events in Europe and is no-holds-barred fun.  The premise for the event is simple: ride to stunning Bavaria from wherever you live and then set about trying to reduce Germany’s beer and meat mountain by a significant margin, all the while being entertained by bands in a giant marquee with long, traditional German tables and benches.

Dancing on the tables is fully endorsed as the night carries on late. Aside from that, there are loads of exhibitions, stunt shows, trade stands, riding experiences and locally run tours showing off the best of the Bavarian scenery. 
Inside line: The bike scenes from The Great Escape were filmed nearby and can be found with a little research. 
Best for: Long-distance tourers, drinkers, people who can eat their own bodyweight in high-quality meat.

Entry: Free
Contact: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

Straightliners Champsionhip, July 2

The old days of turning up on your road bike and racing have largely been consigned to the past – but the tradition lives on in the Straightliners championship. For a relatively small fee you get to take part in a day of sprinting with well-matched bikes.

Classes for road bikes are based around the time to complete a quarter-mile from a standing start. Whoever gets closest to their pre-determined time (which depends on your machine) without dipping under the ordained time is the winner. Events have a great feeling of camaraderie and there’s no shortage of advice on how to get a good launch and set a decent time.
Inside line: Make sure your bike and kit are in good nick (there’s scrutineering). 
Best for: Those who treat every traffic light Grand Prix like it’s a world championship decider.

Entry: £35 (York), £50 (East Kirkby). Plus £30 membership fee.
Contact: www.straightlinersonline.co.uk

Le Val des Terres Hillclimb, July 16

Despite having a blanket speed limit of 35mph, Guernsey adores motorsport, and the Le Val des Terres Hillclimb is the tiny Channel Island’s number one event. With a paddock packed full of exotic bikes, cars and quads, the hillclimb starts on the seafront at St Peters Port then winds its way up to the cliff top on closed public roads.
Inside line: The hillclimb is all-action, with the course record standing at 33 seconds for motorcycles.
Best for: With its palm trees and harbour, Val des Terres has all the glamour of Monaco but without any of the tedious Formula One nonsense. 

Entry: Free, ferry from £59 return. 
Contact: www.condorferries.co.uk