THERE’S a new live element in store for visitors heading to the world’s largest classic bike show next month with TV personality Pete Thorne, a regular on ITV’s The Motorbike Show with Henry Cole, set to deliver five daily sessions of essential restoration advice.
The Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, taking place at Staffordshire County Showground on April 25-26, will see Pete guide showgoers through a range of topics offering practical and down-to-earth advice with accompanying demonstrations.
Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager at event organiser Classic Bike Shows, said: “We’re all really excited about our new Restoration Theatre and we know we’ve got the right man in Pete Thorne who’ll bring plenty of enthusiasm and passion to proceedings, along with a wealth of technical knowledge.
“Perhaps the best news for showgoers is we’ve been able to incorporate the sessions into the overall ticket price meaning there is no additional charge to attend any of the ten presentations taking place across the weekend.”
Four different topics will be covered: putting cylinders on a twin, dry gear assembly and disassembly, electrical fault finding and the do’s and don’ts of restoration.
Pete will pitch the information so it’s accessible to every level of restorer with the theatre retaining a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. He will also be on hand following each presentation to answer questions.
He said: “The prospect of the Restoration Theatre is one that appealed to me and I’m delighted to have been asked to take part. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the world of motorcycle repair and restoration for the past 41 years and I look forward to sharing my experiences with crowds at the Stafford show.”
The rest of the event will be marked with its usual excellent blend of bikes and bargains with stunning display machines filling the halls alongside a full range of trade and jumble plots selling everything from whole machines through to rare spares and parts.
Former motorcycling sporting stars and leading industry figures, Nick and Tony Jefferies, will be in attendance as the show’s guests of honour, Bonhams will host its annual Stafford sale, and both the Classic Racer GP Paddock and Classic Dirt Bike Experience are in operation.
Several wonderful examples of British and European machinery will be paraded in the showground’s main ring as the Cavalcade, debuted at October’s event, returns by popular demand and, new for this year, there is also live music in the bandstand.
Nick added: “Our Stafford weekends are incredible as tens of thousands of motorcyclists take over the showground for two days and bring an incredible collection of bikes along with them. With the chance to catch up with biking friends, the opportunity to pick up unrivalled bargains and the superb new addition of expert restoration advice, it is a must-not-miss for all two wheel enthusiasts.”
