Monday 30 June 2014

"Transformers...

Honda Goldwings in Disguise".
This is actually a clever Swedish invention, but I can't find much info on it. BP

Sunday 29 June 2014

CB200

The title track from Dillinger's seminal 1976 album recorded at Channel One, better know for Cokane [sic] In My Brain.
Max Funk (Yes that is his real name) is coming over from Berlin to race his CB200 at Dirt Quake. BP

Saturday 28 June 2014

Facial Vermin

Great ad campaign, Free Your Skin, by Y&R New Zealand, for Schick razors. Art director Mark Tallis, photographer Troy Goodall. BP

Friday 27 June 2014

Little Barrie Shadow

'Big, broad, and toasty with strong notes of black plum, fig, and mocha. Rich cocoa tinged smooth finish with balanced acidity.'
So says the Camino Steakhouse of their Alma Negra wine. Had I read the same description on a pack of a Waitrose coffee, it wouldn't sound any more believable. But used to describe Little Barrie's new album, Shadow, it's honest.
Little Barrie have matured since I last saw them at the above-a-pub venue that germinates stars, the Louisiana in Bristol. You can see them next on Tuesday 1 July, at the Purple Turtle in Camden, London. Hold that Lewis Wharton Bonneville Ride bass line in your nose and savour it. BP

Stevie Gee at Strong Adolfo's

Sorry for the short notice, but Stevie Gee's super art creations (including lothario surfboards with the winkies out) are going on display at Strong Adolfo's super cafe in Wadebridge, Cornwall from tonight!

Thursday 26 June 2014

Pikes Peak Sh*t Luck


I arrived at Pikes Peak on Thursday morning and this video was the talk of the bike paddock.
To explain: On practice days, the sessions run from 5.30am to 9am. The track is split in three sections. One for cars, one for trucks, one for bikes. Each racer rides up the section of track, waits until the whole group has ridden, then marshals bring them back, at a much slower pace, to the temporary pit for another run, till time is up. This video was caught on one of the runs back to the section start. A very experienced rider, further back in the snake of racers, lost the front and skidded off the side of the mountain.
That's when the film starts...
The rider at the top separated his shoulder. Miraculous considering.
If you're thinking, why didn't the camera bike just brake? The unblinking eye of the GoPro sees the bike, but the rider was looking up the road, not up the mountainside, so didn't see the bike till it was too late. G

Greenfilms W&W film trailer

Can't beat new-age radio-controlled helicopter shots.

Wednesday 25 June 2014

Dirt Quake Deutschland Help!

This fellow is Martin Segattini, we met at the Noyes Camp flat track school in Spain. He rides MX and whipped my sorry arse. He's a Sideburn fan and promised to come to Dirt Quake to ride his 1956 Harley chop. But then he over-cooked it on his BMX and broke an ankle.
It's pretty much healed now, but he'd really like to share his van driving duties and fuel costs from Münich, Germany - Or maybe you are en route (Luxembourg or France)? Can you help? If you are a racer he could even pick your bike up. Danke BP

V Shop, Ghent

V Shop in Ghent, Belgium now stock Sideburn.

If you would like to stock Sideburn, email us at dirt @sideburmagazine.com

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Play loud, drink rum

A be-fezed Sir Johnny Alpha has been in his basement of beat once again to bring us the latest Killer Diller Radio Show. A young beatster asked Sir Johnny if there was any theme to this edition of the 90-minute aural orgasm. 'No theme man,' came the reply, 'just a load of random great records.' Eclectic brilliance from the likes of The Kneejerk Reactions, Nobody's Children, Arthur Crudup, Soul Inc., The Phantoms... Listen to the stream, or download as an mp3. Either way, have a quart of Mount Gay to hand. MP

Wheels & Waves snaps 2014

W&W 2014 was as predicted, nuts. Vincent's posse that started life a few years ago as a mere blog, encompassing a few mates in Toulouse who ride Brit bikes, has exploded into a small planet with its own gravitational pull. Now senior bike brands have taken notice and want in on the scene. Thankfully their presence is not too overbearing. Everybody loves a free drink and some nibbles. The amazing laissez-faire attitude of the local authorities towards the organised chaos and the summer breeze wins again. Good times with friends.
Ed Turner BMW mating a 69S engine with R1150 drive. Good to see small workshops building bold bikes. (below) their looney caff'd Super Dream.
Seb's Lucky Cat BM' drag bike is even better in the flesh. My show fave.
G to the double E
John Strong Adolfo's Eldridge, Sideburn's Cornish stockist, and the man behind CMBL, came and beat the natives at their own game - eating Jamon Serrano and surfing! winning the Thirsty Fins competition.
photo below Vincent Lemanceau
sorry I never got to speak to you Jens.
It was not all beer swilling, flip-flops and novelty helmets. Here Roland Sands and Wrench Monkees' Per Nielsen just prior to the serious business of leaving a irreverent double rolling burnout on the Marina Hondarribia.
I was surprised not more dirty sweaty bikers made use of the ocean, it really was BLISS. BP

Monday 23 June 2014

Guy Martin to race Dirt Quake III


Guy Martin is racing a Krazy Horse Harley in the Chopper class at Dirt Quake!

All the race entries (except the lady class) are now full. If you were on the reserve list, we're trying to squeeze you in. We'll be in touch.
If you haven't entered, we're sorry, but it's too late.

July 18-19, 2014
King's Lynn, UK

Advance tickets are on sale at Dirt Quake tickets.

Frequently asked questions (and answers) are here.

Danny Lyon Photography Exhibition

From Sideburn's well of print knowledge guru Mark Wilson:
The new show at the Atlas Gallery (who hosted the McQueen exhibition a while back) is legendary Magnum photographer Danny Lyon's seminal series The Bikeriders from 1968 and ties in with the original book being re-issued.
The show opened last week and runs to 16th August. A few iPhone snaps attached. Some nice bikes showed up for the private view on Wednesday.
All the classics are there of the dirt track racers in the Midwest (that shot of the guy with 88 on his back is one of my all time favourite images) and the iconographic images from when he was running with the Outlaws MC.
Well worth a visit if you're in west London. Danny Lyon is now in his 70s and still bucking the system by all accounts. For those who can, original photographic prints start at £2,500 - but Ben also has a few signed copies of the new book left for £40 (Get in very quick!).
Atlas is at 49 Dorset Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7NF. Open Mon-Fri 10 - 6 and Saturday 10 - 5.

Sunday 22 June 2014

Scott Fuel

Our mate Scott from Fuel Café in Milwaukee (Wisconsin's premier Sideburn stockist) hauling at the Dairyland Classic. G

Saturday 21 June 2014

Royal Enfield Biarritz

W&W was brilliant, a full report to follow later in the week.
Thanks to Royal Enfield, namely Ikshit, Karan and Bidisha for having a ride ready and waiting for me on my arrival. What a luxury!
RE have just opened up a new UK flagship store in Bethnal Green, London, 397-399 Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9RA (a brand-new four-storey building on the site of the old TTT Motorcycles shop). BP

Friday 20 June 2014

Cafe Racer Paris

This weekend. GI will be at the historic banked Montlhery track with a ton of SB merch' including mags, Ts, and lush Mick Ofield blueprints.

Thursday 19 June 2014

Dirt Quake III FAQs and Schedule

Dirt Quake III is nearly here, so here's a bunch of info.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Where and when does Dirt Quake III take place?
Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July, 2014.
Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn, PE34 3AG.
See the full schedule below.

Where can I buy tickets?
Buying tickets in advance saves money. Go to http://sideburn.bigcartel.com.
You can also pay on the gate. It’s £10 for Friday and £10 for Saturday or £15 for a two-day pass. Buy in advance and get a two-day pass for just £10. Under-16s go free with an adult.

I’ve ordered tickets but they haven’t arrived yet. What do I do?
All tickets will be left on the main turnstile during the opening times.

How much is parking?
Free and there is a large car park and roadside parking outside the event. There will be a specific unguarded bike park.

I would like to volunteer. How can I help?
We need help with set-up on Friday; marshals for Friday night; marshals for Saturday; turnstile helpers; campsite litter pickers.

I know there’s plenty of crazy racing, but what else is going on?
On Friday night, after the DTRA, party band, MFC Chicken and DJs will play in the bar and we have some games lined up.
On Saturday we have Dirt Quake regulars, Dream Themes supplying a live soundtrack to the racing. There will be a kids’ one-lap bicycle race, a motorised pie, the kind of stunt rider you’ve never seen before; custom bike show; dealer stalls; DJs and music in the bar on Saturday night.
We also have some star riders lined up.

What is the DTRA racing?
The DTRA is the UK's very own dirt track racing organisation. It caters for all types of racers from 'have a go here's' through to the cream of Europe’s flat track racers. This is proper US-style dirt track racing right here in the UK.

Is there going to be camping?
Yes, on the Friday and Saturday night. It is in a farmer’s field a two-minute walk from the track gate. The track has promised that campers can use their toilet and washing facilities. Please be respectful.
Their will be a minimal charge for camping. Payable on the day.
Campsite will be open from midday on Friday 18th to midday on Sunday 20th.
Sorry, no fires.

What about hotels?
There are two hotels five-minutes drive from the track: Premier Inn and Quality Inn and Ramada/ Quality Inn and many more in the area.

I want to make a weekend of it, what’s there to do in the area on Sunday?
For a lazy day, the Norfolk Arena is just 20 miles from the start of the North Norfolk coast and it’s beautiful beaches from Hunstanton around to Brancaster and Wells-Next-The-Sea. There are great pubs in the North Norfolk villages. The Queen’s country gaff is at Sandringham, 11 miles from the track. It’s £9 to enter the gardens and museum if that’s your thing.
Alternatively, Beers of Europe, one of the biggest beer shops in the world is just a few minutes from the track. It’s open seven days a week.

What’s the catering situation?
This is handled 100% by the track with no option to bring in third-party caterers. There is a café selling fry-ups, burger and chips, hot and cold drinks within the track and we’ve requested a barbecue for this year. There is also a new, large bar area. If in doubt, plan ahead.

Can I get a media pass?
There is a limit on trackside photographer passes and each photographer must prove they have their own public liability insurance. If you require a media or photographer pass please email us with a letter from the magazine, website or newspaper you are representing confirming that you are commissioned to cover the event for them.
There is no restriction on photographs taken from trackside as long as you are in a designated spectator area.

Are dogs allowed in the track?
Yes, but they must be on leads.

Is there disabled access?
Yes. There are disabled parking spaces and easy access to the track and also a disabled viewing platform. 

Are there concession prices for OAPs or the disabled?
No, we've kept the advance price at £10 (plus 60p booking) for everyone. Under-16s go free when accompanied by an adult. 

Can I enter to race on the day?
No. All entries close the Saturday before the race – July 12th. Go here to find out how to enter - http://www.sideburnmagazine.com/DIRT_QUAKE_3.html

Do I need a special licence or race experience?
No experience necessary. You need a race licence, but a day licence can be purchased on the morning of the race for £10 (cash only).

Do I have to wear leathers and a full-face helmet to race?
No, but it's your skin. We demand boots, gloves, helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long trousers. We advise you wear the best safety gear you can put your hands on. If you want to wear fancy dress over the top, go ahead, but no loose scarves etc, that could get caught in a wheel. 
Dirt Quake is fun, but its still racing.

I'm racing, can I choose my own race number?
No, not this year. You will be given it when you sign on.

SCHEDULE

Friday 18th July
12.00 Campsite open.
15.00 Pit Gates open to DTRA riders.
16.00 Sign on and Tech inspection.
17.30 Sign on and Tech inspection ends.
17.45 Riders briefing.
18.00 DTRA Practice.
18.00  Turnstiles open.
18.30 Riders Parade and DTRA racing starts.
22.00 Racing ends. Podium ceremony.
22.05 DJ Johnny Alpha and DJ Dave Taylor.
22.30 MFC Chicken live in the bar.
00.00  Bar closes.

Saturday 19th July
9.00    Pit Gates open to Dirt Quake riders.
10.00 Sign on and Tech inspection.
11.30 Sign on and Tech inspection ends.
11.45 Riders briefing.
12.00 DTRA Practice starts.
12.00  Turnstiles open.
13.30 Riders Parade and Dirt Quake racing starts.
Racing and entertainment continues throughout the afternoon. Live band, stuntman, games, kid’s bicycle race, trade stands, custom show.
18.00 Racing ends. DQIII prize-giving.
18.30 DJ Johnny Alpha and DJ Dave Taylor.
23.00 Last orders.

Sunday 20th July
12.00 Campsite closed. Gate locked. See you at the next one.

Massive thanks to our sponsors


Bike Social - the biking social network
Krazy Horse - custom cycles, cafe and apparel
Davida - British-made helmets
Biltwell - hard parts and helmets
Influx - High quality online motoring magazine
Triumph - Fine motorcycles
Zaeta Motorcycles - exclusive street trackers
Redmax Speedshop - Street tracker and cafe racer parts
Muff Customs - Cafe and bikes builders
Mr Porky - Pork Scratchings!

These timings are published as a guide. All times and attractions are subject to change without prior notice.

The Comeback Dad

After spannering myself at Coventry I got on the podium in the Restricted* Class at Scunthorpe on Sunday. There were a few riders missing, but it was still a 14-rider class and I beat some racers who have been on the podium this year - Tom Clemans and Ross 'The King' Herrod. I also came 5th in the 12-man Thunderbike final. Geoff Co-Built (pictured) got a third in the Thunderbikes.

Read a longer report over at FTW Racing. G

*For riders who haven't made a Pro Final or won the Restricted title.