30 October, 2014
The National Motorcycle Museum is this weekend marking its recent 30th birthday in style. It is planning a massive party which should capture the imagination of motorcycle connoisseurs of all ages.
Footman James is pleased to partner with the illustrious museum - the venue even has a Friends of the NMM scheme which offers members specialist insurance rates through Footman James.
And Saturday’s (November 1) ‘Museum Live’ is an open day in which bike fans are invited to see the NMM’s show-stopping collection free of charge - as a thanks to everyone who has supported it.
But first …
As an appetite-wetter for the main event, Steve Parrish is kicking off the weekend with an evening of anecdotes on Friday.
Parish brings his latest M.A.D. tour to the Bickenhill, Solihull venue with outrageousness guaranteed.
The motorcycle ace turned motorsport TV commentator used to be the legendary Barry Sheene’s Suzuki team-mate, finishing fifth in 1977’s 500cc world championships.
Oh, and the initials M.A.D? They stand for My Adolescent Dad.
6 reasons to go to ‘Museum Live’:
- You can win a £35,000 classic bike: there’s still time to win a magnificent Vincent Rapide for the price of a £2 ticket.
The lucky winner of this 1951 Series C beauty will be drawn on the day.
- Wheelie great: you can try your hand at a huge wheelie, courtesy of a special simulator.
- Celebrity book signings: Norman Hyde, Ken Sprayson and Phil Read will be among the big names signing book copies.
- Stage stars plus live race motorcycle fire-ups: these fall into four categories featuring the above names plus the likes of Stuart Garner and John Woodward. Themes featured are TT machines, Nortons (750 racers, NVT Challenge and Rotary years) and Slippery Sam.
- Say “cheese”: this is your chance to have your photograph taken astride an iconic Norton.
- Sample a bike: pre-booking is recommended for this training in a controlled setting by emailing enq@2wheelstraining.com or ringing 0121 328 9906.
As if all this isn’t enough, there’s also an indoor autojumble, free tours, and trade displays including some of the trade’s biggest names, such as Norton Motorcycles.
About the venue
The award-winning Coventry Road museum hosts over 650 machines, making it the world’s biggest motorcycle museum.
The venue attracts about 250,000 visitors each year. It’s fab for younger generations wishing to study the golden era of motorcycling (the 1930s to the 1960s), while older visitors can immerse themselves in nostalgia.
Admission prices range from £6.95 for senior citizens and children (5-16) to £8.95 for adults and £24.95 for families. But you can get in free this Saturday.
COMMENT