Bikers rev into town for popular show

THOUSANDS of motorcycle enthusiasts enjoyed the glorious autumn sunshine at this year's Copdock Motorcycle Show.

The event, which is in its 18th year, had to move to the former Suffolk Showground around seven or eight years ago because of its burgeoning popularity.

Since then it has continued to go from strength to strength, with organisers estimating that somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 people came through the gates yesterday.

At one stage during the morning traffic was said to be queuing back to the A14, while awaiting entry to Trinity Park.

Alistair McColl, one of the organisers, said: “It's been a very big event. We were asked by police how we were going to get everyone off the site.

“It's a wonderful family event. The show is for people who live and breathe motorcycles, but it's not just big hairy blokes in leather clothing, it's something for the whole family.

“There were lots of kids and lots of things to do. It was a spectacular day.

“I would like to thank everyone who came along and especially the local clubs.

“Lots of people spent tens of thousands of pounds renovating motorcycles and took them to the show to display them. We had millions of pounds worth of motorcycles there today.”

Mr McColl also wanted to say a special thank you to the event's sponsors Custom Bikes of Troston and to David Baldry, chairman of the show for all his work.

Mr McColl said: “He's put in more hours than I care to add up.”

Among the day's attractions were stunt rider displays and Nick Sanders, who holds the title for being the fastest man to go around the world on a motorbike.

Throughout the years the bike show has become a truly regional event and this year many clubs were well represented, including the Vincent Owners Club, the Buell Owners Club and Fenland Harley Davidson Owners.

Mr McColl said the show has come a long way since the original organisers Paul Easton, the owner of Washbrook Motorcycles, and three of his friends had the idea to put the event together.