Yesterday,
LB went to the 2005 Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry to give you an in-depth look at what is to be expected there. This is the first time we had been to this particular show, and we were pleasantly surprised with what we found. It was another cold, early start for us to get there before the crowds; we arrived at around 9.30 after a nice relaxing drive and a stop half way for breakfast. The first thing that we noticed was the fact that the showground is in the middle of nowhere, and it was very easy to find. Once there, we found ourselves in front of three large halls full of the latest Off Roaders, ATV’s and MotoX fashion, it’s hard to decide what to look at first. So if you don’t currently ride a dirt bike or ATV, but perhaps are interested in looking at this sport to keep your two-wheeled adrenaline fix going over the winter, or if you’re looking for a new off-roader, or even the latest bling to ‘Pimp up your Ride’, this is definitely the place to go.
Once past the security, we entered the first hall. We were astounded by how colourful and varied all of the stands were. There are so many sexy bikes and shiny bits to get moist over, we could hardly contain ourselves. Jay got busy with his camera, while I got busy, running around like a kid in a sweet shop. The four main stands, Suzuki, Honda, KTM and Kawasaki all had some very nice tricked up machines to try for size. We lingered about the Husqvarna stand for a while and found it really hard to drag ourselves away from the beautiful bikes they had on show. Husqvarna have a couple of really special ones there, well worth having a look. FMF Exhausts display bikes were something else; they also have so many trick bits to temp, enough to make you feel sick. At the Gas Gas stand you be astounded by the range of trials bikes that they have on offer. It'll really make you want to take up trials riding, just for the fun of it. Fox Racing has some really funky clothing designs for next season. The only problem was that you can’t actually buy some of the new items there; you have to order by mail, which was a little disappointing.
There are also quite a few bargains to be had; we saw many great offers for complete fairing sets, graphics kits and clothing, so you should go with a car, and lots of cash (or cards). The other two halls are full of interesting extras; you won’t be going home empty handed. There were so many different types of light-weight wheels, braking components, handle bars, carbon fibre bits, tool & workshop accessories, and replacement fairings to feast your eyes on. Another thing that stood out was the luxurious motor homes with built-in mini workshops in the back and enough space to fit a couple of (full sized) bikes. Five star extravagance for the track maybe?
The show in the live action arena was very engaging. Freestylers Gary Taylor and co were very good, their back flips, suicides and tsunamis were breathtaking to watch, especially as they were on mini dirt bikes. Martin Crosswaite and Dan Clark from the X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Team were amazing. Their total skill and balance demonstrated on big jumps and hurdles set up in the arena. You have to take your hat off to these boys, it looks so difficult what they do, but they made it look easy. Hungarian stunt man Zoltan Angyal was a complete character, he had the crowd mesmerised with his 360° wheelies, and crazy antics. He was very funny and talented, and even didn’t mind falling off in front of everyone as he went over the handlebars whilst doing a stoppie on his orange 125 two-stroker. It’s worth going to the show just to see these acts alone.
Even if you have never been on an off roader or have just had the urge to try something a little different this winter, you should take the trip up to the Dirt Bike Show. You’ll be delightfully taken aback. This is another great day out and you’ll learn something new about biking whether you want to or not. Check out the gallery below to see full pictures of the show.
Related GalleriesThe 2005 Dirt Bike Show2006 Dirt Bike ModelsRelated Linkswww.dirtbikeshow.co.uk
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