BikeWise event this Sunday
19th July, 2010
DURHAM'S bike cops are putting the finishing touches to what they hope will be the biggest and best 'BikeWise' event yet.
The attractions include a Darlington-based stunt rider who holds the world record for riding backwards;a British Superbike champion and a team of acrobats from North Wales who perform aerial stunts.
The family fun day is being held at police HQ, Aykley Heads next Sunday, 25th July. It's the 16th such event and is again expected to attract a crowd of up to 12,000 visitors from 10am to mid-afternoon.
Entry is just £2 for adults and children under 16 get in for free, with all proceeds going to local good causes once costs have been met.
Among the main attractions will be 'Air Raid FMX' – a freestyle motocross display team offering a combination of suspense, thrills and danger. The riders perform leaps of up to 30 feet over cars, tanks, model hot air balloons and through walls of fire, with their commentator also doubling up as a fire breather!
Stunt rider Dave Coates, who holds the world record for riding a motorcycle backwards at more than 150mph, will be taking part in his 15th 'BikeWise' performing daredevil feats on his Yamaha machine.
And HM Plant Honda riding team will be travelling up to Durham from their HQ at Louth in Lincolnshire with three of their racers including Isle of Man legend John McGuinness, as well as Josh Brookes and Steve Plater.
Hebburn-based firm HM Plant Ltd have supported 'BikeWise' for a number of years, and are keen to give local fans the opportunity to see the bikes at close range and meet the riders.
And Suzuki GB, along with local Suzuki dealer North East Motorcycles will have with them BSB legend and former Grand Prix rider John Reynolds, who won the British Superbike Championship in 1992, 2001 and 2004.
Other attractions include the Ducati road show where you can test ride the Ducati motorcycle of your dream (just remember to bring both parts of your driving licence);the chance to go for a supervised spin on the force skid pan; a display by the police dog section and, operational duties permitting, a visit by the police helicopter.
"BikeWise was originally set up to improve links between the police and local bikers. It has been a tremendous success over the years and helped our efforts to improve road safety," said Sgt Iain RODGERS, head of the force motorcycle section.
"Over the years it has become a great attraction not just to bike enthusiasts but also many other people who enjoy the attractions on offer and see it as a great, family day out. We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather and hope to see a big crowd."
More details about the event, plus photo galleries from previous years can be found by clicking on the BikeWise links on this site
