enduro news
© Bob Mullins   

All offroaders are fundamentally optimists and - amid the gloom and doom of the recession - the 2011 Dirt Bike Show is full of optimism and lots of shiny things. KTM, Huabeerg, Kawasaki, Husqvarna and Suzuki all have their latest models on show. 

Alex Rockwell and Simon Wakely were on the Husaberg stand. They  have both signed up for a 2nd year with Midwest team.

Daryl Bolter will be riding for KTM again next year. Daryl likes sandy going and lays out the mx test at the Natterjack. He has also been looking at riding something bigger. Could Marc Coma's desert racer be the answer.

For the old boys there are plenty of classic machinery on display

The ACU presence at at the DBS show has grown over the years with a good turn out this year. Brian Higgins, John Collins, Mary Kerr and Dusty Martin were all on duty. Paul Edmondson was also on the ACU stand finalising details of his Eddys Extreme series. Rounds 1 and 2 have been confirmed at Buxton and Tong but round 3 is still to be announced. There were also details of the 2012 British Enduro Championship sponsored by Doodson (see Events for details)

MPS Racing's Mick Seward was back on his feet after major surgery for removal of his clogs. MPS Racing will be supporting Jack Rowlands and Jamie Lewis in 2012 for Husqvarna.

Suzuki are back at the DBS and Luke Plummer was the man to talk about the new 450Z. Luke recently tested the bike at the WTRA Cambrian Rally.

Commenting on the opening day, Paul Irwin of RaceFX said; "We had a good and steady flow of dealers today, probably better than ever before. Of course it is early days, but we'd say it's the best one yet. We've invested more in our stand this year with an additional 20 metres of space which has allowed us to show more product, whilst still having enough space for visitors to inspect the goods. There is of course a lot of work involved, but it's the one time of the year when we can all get together and enjoy the party really."

Over in the retail hall, Max Adams of Venhill added; "It's been a super and positive start to the show and obviously we're all hopeful that it will continue throughout the whole weekend. It has definitely been better than we expected, more like a Saturday, the special priced ticket offer has obviously worked well."

On the manufacturer front, Suzuki returned to this year's Show with a major presence, both inside and outside to the front of the halls with its Off-Road Experience. "It's been a very positive return for us so far. The level of customer interest in our products has been great and, as ever, proves that this is the show to attend, to speak with our target audience. We look forward to the rest of the show," concluded marketing manager George Cheeseman.

Paul Bolton and Ady Smith were on the Eurotek KTM stand. Paul is preparing for the Roof of Africa and he is looking forward to the Eddy's Extremes and Sprint series. Ady has been fired up by his podium finish in the ACU XC and he will be getting into the saddle more often in 2012. 

KTM UK's Shaun Sisterson said; "Quality over quantity seems to have been the way. The stand was crammed yesterday, but today we had people spending more time looking at the bikes. Tomorrow is the day we're really excited about as we have a new team rider announcement to make and also have a heady line-up of riders due to make appearances including top European racers Jeff Herlings and Kevin Strijbos."

From Slovenia, Sava Tyres are exhibiting at the Show for the first time this year and Sales Executive Miodrag Rustic reported huge interest in the Slovenian-produced off-road rubber. "It has been hugely beneficial for Sava to be here," he said. "We are already well known for our scooter tyres, but our off-road products are not so familiar to the UK public. This Show has presented us with an ideal opportunity to showcase Sava and I think we'll have a good platform from which to grow our market share."

Retail-wise, Ben Davies from Fro Systems was equally enthusiastic, saying; "It's been as good today as it was yesterday, with people coming on to the stand with the purpose of making a purchase. I personally believe that one of the reasons this show is so popular with off-road fans is because the admission price is capped at a sensible level and visitors know that, once they're here, they won't be hit by having to pay for add-ons."

From tarmac to dirt track, the stars will be out in force at the International Dirt Bike Show stage on Saturday

It's widely known that superbike racers of all levels enjoy a spot of motocross, enduro or trials riding for leisure and off-season training and so it'll be of little surprise to hear that the likes of Carl Foggarty, Troy Corser and Johnny Rea have chosen to visit the UK's only dedicated off-road show, and the word is that Leon Haslam is also due to rock up over the weekend. With his new Gonerby Moor MX practice track venture, Chris Walker is of course in situ for the full four days and the canny Show organisers have timetabled an on-stage interview with Messrs Foggarty, Corser and Walker at 11.30am on Saturday.

Back to the dirt stuff and the orange brigade will be out in force with a line up of riders from home and abroad. KTM World MX 2 factory pilot Jeff Herlings headlines the list which also includes Kevin Strijbos, the new signing for HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK, Jake Nicolls, Silver Action KTM's David Guarneri and one other, which in the traditional hot-off-the-press tradition, will be announced tomorrow, 5th November.

From the Suzuki camp will be Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX 1's Clement Desalle, current-year team-mate Steve Ramon and team manager, the legendary five-times World Motocross Champion Eric Geboers. Flying the flag for the UK arm of Suzuki will be TAS Suzuki's Stephen Sword.

All these riders, and more, will be interviewed by TV commentator Jack Burnicle and available for autographs on their respective manufacturer stands.

Back in the main exhibition halls, Dave Plummer of Husqvarna UK was equally pleased with the response from the public, saying; "Our new stand has worked really well for us and the show as a whole is better for us than last year. We've had plenty of serious customers really interested in our new products, as well as browsers. Our big trail bikes have been hugely popular, showing that the exhibition appeals to people who are interested in riding for leisure as well as the racers."

Early indications are that visitor attendance is well up on last year and planning for next year's event has already started.

"We certainly aren't sitting back after this year's success," said show organiser Joanne Watson. "We already have some new ideas and areas that we want to improve further, so we will be sitting down with our Show team in the next few weeks to plan for an even bigger and better International Dirt Bike Show in 2012."

The International Dirt Bike Show, Warwickshire, 3rd to 6th November 2011. www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk 

Teaming up at Stoneleigh

Like Rick's Cafe in Casablanca, everyone goes to the Dirt Bike Show on the opening day to see and to be seen.

One of the best sights this year was the return of Simon Wakely who will be riding with Alex Rockwell for the Midwest Husaberg team in 2011. Simon will be competing on the Husaberg 250 and Alex will be on board the 390.

The FastEddyRacing.com team of Paul Edmondson, Tom Sagar and Lee Edmondson will be powered by KTM. Paul also had some exciting news of a Youth Academy and a new Extreme event planned for January 2011. The Orange dominance of the BEC start line continues with Julian Steven's KORR team of Daryl Bolter, Greg Evans, Johnny Walker and James Giddings. Ashley Wood will also be on a KTM. Ollie Moyce will add splash of green to the orange wave on a Kawasaki 250 and Matt Ridgway will riding a Yamaha. So far the Steve Plain GasGas team consists of the very talented Danny McCanney. It is also rumoured that Dougie Lampkin will be competing in extreme enduro events in 2011. Sadly Edward Jones - the current BEC 125 Champion - has no plans to defend his title in 2011. After 13 years, one of the most likeable riders in British Enduro has decided to retire.

The Adventure Spec stand had a full complement of adventurers with Craig Bounds, Tamsin Jones and Patsy Quick. Craig and Tamsin will raising funds for this year's Dakar Rally with training weekends. See www.blackdeserttraining.com. Mick Seward and Marnie Kendall were on Dave Plummer's A list at the HVUK Husqvarna stand . Mick has confirmed two riders for his MPS Racing team. Jason Davis from New Zealand and ... 

The ACU stand was very busy with two of the most knowledgeable people in offroad motorcycling on hand in John Collins and Brian Higgins. For Team REME the future is orange - perhaps the reverse head and the curly wurly pipe of the new Yamaha put them off. The most popular decal on the KTM stand was the VAT FREE sticker unless you bought your new KTM last week. The show proved to be too much for many people and there was a lot of interest in performance wrist bands. 

The Extreme MTB team put on a great show outside the main entrance despite some extreme weather.	KTM Racing had David Knight's EWC and Greg Evans' UEM Championship winning bikes on display.
Dave Plummer working the door on the Husqvarna stand	Yamaha R&D have been thinking outside the airbox.
Sympathic smiles from the Husky Freestyle team as the camera flash gets jammed under the peak of my hat and lights up the floor.	As news of Edward's retirement spreads, Julian Stevens steps in sharply to sign up the next generation of Jones for his KORR Racing team.

Dirt Bike Show 2009 5th - 8th November

The new lineup of the 2010 Fast Eddy team: Paul Edmondson, Lee Edmondson & Tom Sagar with Rob Sartin on the Talon stand. A winning combination: Simon Wakely will once again be competing for the Husqvarna team in 2010. T&E chairman John Collins on the ACU stand confirmed that there is a proposal to introduce an Expert Veteran class in the 2010 British Enduro Championship. Go for it, John. Chris Colling's Adventure-spec stand. Dave Watson on the Race Spec stand Mick Extance's Offroad Experience is running training days at the Fat Cat Moto Park, Armthorpe & Llangynog in North Wales. Ollie Moyce & Simon of Midwest Husaberg. Ollie will be joined in the Husaberg team by 2009 BEC E3 champion Jamie Paget. REME team members Andy Williams & Al Cook Andrew Sutton of Poole Motorcycles - sponsors of James Jackman.

Mick Seward & Marnie Kendall check out the fashion pages in the latest edition of Enduro Extreme magazine to confirm that shirts are still being worn outside trousers. Lee & Tom with Suzuki's Gregg Richards on the St Blazey MX stand. A busy week for Mark Jackson started with a ride in the FIM Indoor Enduro in Sheffield before setting up his Eurotek stand at Stoneliegh. Ian Smart (left) of Colwyn Bay KTM dealership Route 55 From the extreme end of Manchester, Craig Reynolds & Ashley Wilde on the Manchester Extreme stand. The lads will be getting out on the weekend for a couple of days in the Hafren with the Yamaha Offroad Experience taem. Sammy Miller Pete Edmondson putting on the style.

Dirt Bike Show 2008 13th - 16th November www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk 

I have once again made my annual pilgrimage to the opening day of the Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh. Last year I had a lift with Greg Evans & this year I was piloted by Motocrosser Glen Phillips. I enjoy being a passenger in cars driven by top MXers, everything seems much brighter when you arrive. The euphoria of survival I suppose.

I was a bit of damn day & outside the entrance a couple of "hoodies" had taken over the picnic tables. They turned out to be Ben Slinger & Danny Butler - the Uk's leading Mountain Bike Trials Display Team.

Inside the Exhibition Centre. there were 3 vast halls packed with everything for & about offroading. BMW had a huge stand to show off their shiny new 450 enduro & Charlie Boorman's very battered GS. It was a Long Way walking around the stand & I am thinking about writing a book about my experiences. On the ACU stand next door, John Collins - the Trial & Enduro committee chairman - was canvassing opinions on the best means of selecting ISDE club team riders. Ability, youth, experience, ...? One suggestion was a democratic vote amongst the clubs although this solution could result in Strictly's John Sargeant being voted onto the Trophy Team. The ACU have a great deal for riders applying for their first licence Details

At 12.15 I bounded onto the stage to present the BEC Team Competition trophy to Bradley King & Danny Hall representing Rogershill Raceway. ISDE manager Dusty Martin will be presenting the Service team trophy to REME Yamaha B on Saturday. After my 5 minutes of fame I headed for lunch. The roast pork with all the trimmings in the restaurant was splendid. I shared a table with David Vaughan of the Central Wales club. He will be posting info on the 2009 Welsh Enduro Championship in the near future. British Champion Tom Sagar was at the show with his partner Jessica Hockly. Tom will also be announcing his plans for 2009 in the near future.

There were a lot of other familiar faces who have already affiliated on the trade stands. Paul Edmondson with Suzuki, Lee Edmondson with Honda, Edward Jones with KTM & Rowan Jones with Yamaha. The ink blotter on the Gas Gas Uk stand was still wet from a string of signings as they return to the BEC Championship with a 4 man team comprising of Ashley Wood, Gareth Hopkins, Bradley King & Luke Meredith. John Shirt Jr has also enlisted James Dabhill into his Trials team for 2009. Robert & Paddy Lynn flew in from Ireland on a Ryan Air flight for a £1. Mick Seward & Leo Cordingley were supporting the Purple Helmets. Mick's MPS Husqvarna team was hit last year by the injury to Gavin Houson & the retirement of Daryl Bolter but he was buoyed up by the success of Simon Wakely. Anthony Williams of the South Wales Enduro Club has been filming WOR Events & his videos are on sale at the Smartzz stand. Anthony will be taking his camera & the Sweat team to Erzberg again this year. There was a lot of interest around Artist Rob Kinsey's stand as he demonstrated his skill converting photographs to oil & canvas portraits.

Before we left Glen had his knees measured for braces on the CTI stand. While she checked Glen out, the young lady reminded him that size was important. Bucking the tend in the financial news, there was a real sense of optimism at Stoneleigh with the registration books of event organisers like Steve Ireland, John Kerwin & Wayne Braybrook already filling up nicely for next season.

For ticket information please visit www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk 

It's Showtime Report by Bob Mullins

I hitched a lift to the Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh with Greg Evans & Wayne Mounter, Greg has developed his own form of high speed defensive driving. The best defence if you're unlucky enough to be in front of him is to get out of the way as quickly as possible. The Dirt Bike Show has really grown since WTRA had a stand in 2000 to promote an ISDE proposal. In six hours it felt like I only saw half that was on show. John Shirt Jr of Gas Gas Uk & Wayne Braybrook were showing the 2008 GG range. Wayne would like to have been in Bulcher Texas competing in the Last Man Standing but he & his BOR organisation have big plans for 2008.

In August 1983 I rode it to Brittany in France for a week & 2 days after I got home I rode it in my first event - a scramble near Caerleon. This picture was taken at the end of my second outing - a wet WTRA Curley Oaks in the Wentwood forest. Transits vans & trailers were beyond my wildest dreams so I rode 60 miles to compete with a spare gallon in a Castrol can on my back. My shirt disintegrated & someone lent the one I'm wearing in the picture to get home. Happy days.