THE WOW SHOW!! - BMF SHOW, 22ND - 23RD MAY, EAST OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND, PETERBOROUGH
24 May 2004 - BMF

A record attendance of 91,337 people helped make the weekend''s massive British Motorcyclists Federation BMF Show one of the best ever!

The previous best in the show''s 44 year history was in 2002 when 88,528 came to what is firmly established as the biggest show of it''s type in Europe, and barring America, the biggest in the world!

Brilliant sunshine always helps with an outdoor event, but even more so when thousands upon thousands travel by motorcycle. Traditionally Sunday attracts the biggest crowds and 54,355 people proved the point this year, so much so that at one time, queues of up to a mile were reported on the A1 with people queuing for up to an hour and a half to get through the pay booths, something that the BMF organisers are actively addressing for next year''s event, already booked for 21st and 22nd May 2005.

Sponsored by Carole Nash Insurance, The BMF Show attracted over 800 exhibitors spanning the whole spectrum of motorcycling and they all reported booming business from opening to closing, in fact beyond official closing time in many cases with shoppers still tracking down a bargain at gone six o''clock Sunday evening!

BMW''s test fleet was put to good user offering test rides on their latest machines, but one lucky visitor, Alan Robson from Essex, went one better and won a brand new £6,000 Triumph Thruxton in the Two Wheels Only magazine sponsored free prize draw.

Also gaining a bike was Robin Melmoth who placed the winning bid of £400 in the charity auction of a GS 500 Suzuki in aid of the BMF Foundation research charity.

The crammed programme of arena events drew the crowds too with horsepower of a different kind topping the bill when the ''Horsemen of the Apocalypse'' hit the main arena, putting on an amazing show of trick-riding horsemanship of the type only normally seen on the big screen, at one time working with the popular ''Over The Top'' motorcycle stunt team - not a mix you would normally see!

The BMF''s ''Carole Nash Best In Show'' competition, was won by Paul Humphries'' stunning Yamaha V Max with the ''Special of the Year'' being won by the Kawasaki Z750 based low-rider of Alan Jelly.

Another favourite drew massive crowds in the shape of the Moped Enduro run in three heats over the weekend and being won by the Dangerous Brothers completing a dusty total of 225 laps to firmly beat the other 66 teams

Top club prizes went to the Trail Riders Fellowship for best National club display while the Lanchester Centurions won the best Local Club display.

Reactions to the weekend were overwhelmingly enthusiastic with celebrities such as a beaming Janie Omorogbe, TV presenter (Rio of Gladiators) and Honda Fireblade owner saying: ''This is fantastic. I''ve been to race meetings and other bike happenings throughout Europe but I''ve never seen anything quite like this.''

Eric Richard, actor (Sgt Bob Cryer of The Bill), writer and BMW R1150R rider was equally enthusiastic saying: ''I''ve unfortunately had to miss the last couple of years but this is a truly amazing event. Everyone''s so friendly and easy going, the BMF Show really does attract everyone from toddlers to enthusiasts, you''ve got the lot!''

Ben Challenger, Gold Medallist High Jumper, on the short list for this year''s British Olympics'' Team and Yamaha R1 Rider said: ''Wow - what an event!! I''m used to big crowds but nothing like this! It''s totally mind-boggling, I can''t quite soak it all in!''

Speaking on behalf of an exhausted show team, Jeff Stone said: This weekend was truly amazing. The BMF''s core of helpers are mainly volunteers, but you''d never think it from the way the BMF Show runs. We had a few problems over queuing and some overspill problems with camping, but the BMF would like to thank all those who helped make this show such a success and apologises for any problems experienced. It''s a fantastic event, an import revenue stream for the BMF and terrific PR for motorcycling, but next year will be even better!''

Note:

The BMF would like to thank all those marshals and helpers who helped make this show such a fantastic success and it apologises for any delays that the public experienced.

It would also like to apologise to all campers who were affected by some site problems this year. The move of the Memba campsite to the south side of the showground (necessary due to the new housing estate on the northern side) led to some unforeseen logistical problems over the weekend.

The sheer number of visitors who now attend with caravans and motorhomes meant that the site proved insufficient and a thousand campers had to be moved to the adjacent grassed car park area for the weekend. This led to further problems as the Showground staff have to open all gates to visitors on Saturday and Sunday so as not to cause traffic problems on the surrounding roads.

The BMF has already had discussions with the Showground management to look at moving fence lines to accommodate more campers and also with organisers of other Shows to look at alternative methods and will present the plans in time for the Tail End event (also to be held at the Showground)

Our apologies once more but as experienced Memba Rally people will know, this has been an exception, not the rule, and we will get it put right.

Next Year''s BMF Show is on 21st and 22nd May 2005 again at Peterborough''s East of England Showground

www.betterbiking.co.uk

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