Cycle News Sunday, November 07, 2004

Racing to a bike record

A record breaking 200,000 fans are expected to head for Birmingham over the next week to drool over the latest in motorcycle exotica.

This year's International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC is being heralded as the best ever, with a host of new machines.

Thousands of bikes are on display throughout seven halls and a host of celebrities have been lined up to add glamour, including model Jodie Kidd and BBC motorcycling presenter Suzi Perry. The show was opened by Olympic gold medal rowers Matthew Pinson and James Cracknell, both enthusiastic Yamaha owners.

As well as showing off the latest machines this year's event includes interactive features like the "try a scooter" arena for 16-year-olds as well as the opportunity to ride the tiny Mini Moto motorbikes.

There will be regular fashion shows in the paddock with exhibitors taking to the catwalk to show off all the latest clothing and accessory "must haves".

Seven times world champion Dougie Lampkin will be just one of a number of big names entertaining in Trials Arena.

For those with a taste for the models of yesteryear there is the Classic Village and this year there is a larger Custom Extreme area showing the most amazing examples of custom design and paintwork.

(Source: http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=14839351&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=racing-to-a-bike-record-name_page.html)