Paignton Sea Front weekly Bike show by BMAD back home where I lived for a while and shows still going.

Posted on July 11, 2019January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

11 Jul

Well, back in my old seaside town where I resided for a few years in the south of the country, started a great Motorcycle fraternity up called BMAD, (Bikers, Make A Difference).

First founded By Kelvin and Jane Halloran in 2003, this event and meetings have continued to grow and function as a very successful meeting in Paignton Seafront, attracting many of the public to come and look at these great two wheeled machines and also the main objective is that it raises money to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children, also other worthy causes and charities within the TQ postcode area.

Funds are raised by hosting a three day festival on Paignton Esplanade over the May Day Bank Holiday (fri-sun), this includes live music, traders and of course bikes, Trikes and scooters!
We host 18 bike nights also on the Esplanade, these take place every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm from the beginning of June through to the end of September, we are fully supported by bikers who make a donation on the gate for themselves and a pillion if applicable. Collection buckets are available for pedestrians to donate should they wish.

All monies raised by BMAD are used for charitable causes and all volunteers are unpaid.

General Information

We hold bike nights every Wednesday evening between the start of June and the end of September. Bikers donate £1:00 per person at the gate to park on the Esplanade and enjoy our bike night event.

In addition we hold a Bike Festival over the first May Bank Holiday weekend (fri-sun) and I have been to that a few years ago when I took a trip home as our MUM was dying from Cancer, that place was so cool, people remembered me from 30 years ago and it was like I had never left the Torbay area.

This bike meeting is always popular come rain or shine, the time I went , the weather was blowing hard, the air was colder than an Eskimo’s fridge and the H2o was starting to get stronger, but- everyone just enjoyed their-selves and rightly so, you cant let weather stop you from enjoying what you have a passion for.

What I love about it is that there is Old and New, so like Forrest Gump saying that life is like a Box of chocolates, Paignton sea front BMAD show is the same, as you just never know what you are going to get and as we look here a Cool Kawasaki 400 and the ring and ding ding of the RD400 and in restored condition, I can almost smell the Castrol R from here in California.

Road bikes, Classics and Customs, like this Bobber, there is always something for everyone and no attitudes either, a bang on meet up that others should learn from to be honest.

Mission

Our mission is to raise funds for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children within the TQ postcode area, to support local charities and other worthy causes.

This show is maybe 5 minutes walk from my old apartment and I used to love to walk along the seafront, buy a bag of fish and chips ans check all the bikes out along Paignton green.

Like I said, there is something for everyone, even this Lambretta got plenty of attention, mind you, many will not know what this model is, unless you are into Hair dryer Motors.

Good ole Motor Morini with Megaphones, as a teenager I loved to hear the sound of these V twins belting a long with their distinct roar.

So, a section for the Scooters were available, making this meet up a super friendly event and some rare ones at that.

The good Old 500. I had one of these in Blue, my first BIG bike, I traded it for a SL125 Honda and Ran a muck around East Anglia on it for a long time, those expansion chambers still ringing in my ears today!

Perfect pre unit that I would love to own too, hats off to the fella for bringing such a tasty treat along to this event, see if you can make the next one?

The meet up on the seafront is July 17th at 6pm Paignton seafront, hope you can make it and send me some cool pics.

Happy Monday, Here’s some cool Video’s

Posted on February 13, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

13 Feb

Wow- Monday already and I guess it was a hard start for you lot today as it was for me too, and I think today I shall continue with a few more videos to try and help your workday fly by, or at least give you something different to look at on your lunch break etc.

Below is a video from back in the day about road safety, always fun to watch as our machines have changed a lot , as well as the traffic speeds too.

It is from Los Angeles in the 1960’s and boy, to see no traffic in the towns is weird these days, it also makes me laugh when the public service film and the AMA both tell you to. “Dress Neatly” as they want you to give a good impression to your neighbors. ha ha ha

And how about this, some rare footage called “Rode Safely” This was filmed back in 1955 in Liverpool, and its some cool footage to watch on a Monday and shows how things were so much different back then, compared to today’s traffic and Laws etc.

I had to laugh at the “staged crashes” and the Old style of hand signals that have changed in the highway Code back home. This is as funny as hell to watch and I am certain that these 13 minutes will have you cracking up.

Onto part 2 now of “Rode Safely”

16 minutes of awesome footage, and for me this was thoroughly entertaining, showing me what Back home like in 1955, when there was only half a million Motorcycles being ridden on the British roads.

Enjoy

Be safe out there but you don’t have to dress neatly OK? LOL.

Just some great Video’s today.

Posted on October 16, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

16 Oct

Well, Friday is here, so I thought I would add some cool videos for you to watch and enjoy the end of the week.

Below, check this Scooter Riding Girl that has a Provisional Motorcycle license, but in her spare time rides a BSA on the Wall of Death.

And how about this then, 1949 and 16 year old Maureen Smith rides the same Wall of death at Southend on Her Supercharged machine and maked me laugh when the Narrator said Britains Dizziest brunette.

Enjoy your Friday…

Funny things with Scooters

Posted on June 17, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 Jun

Hey you lot

Thought I would add a little entertainment for you today with some funny Video’s based around the flying hairdryers,- yes, them there Scooters!

Every Rocker likes to have a dig at these machines and I am sure the Mods do the same about us, remember, My Girlfriend has a Scooter so this is all tongue in cheek and thought it would make for some fun viewing.

Now Below is something that may raise an eye brow or two, how about a Hovercraft scooter? just in case the Rockers chase you in London and you can get away across the Thames to freedom!

So here is the Proto type of that Amphibious Scooter.

Below is a 1954 Proto-type that I am sure my Girlfriend Jennifer would love to own and ride to some events.

In days of old when Scooterists got cold they would dress up as Knight of the round table and joust each other!!!

OK, back home we have many beaches being that we are an Island etc, but Most people think of Mods with Brighton beach etc, but a popular and I use this word in pun- Retreat, was at Southend On Sea and this little video shows a Rally in 1964.
And it is on Color too.

In 1956 there were some cool things happening in the Globe, Elvis came about and was Rocking the world, Chevy Bought out the cool 2 and four door Belair, but back home in Middlesex, well, some planks decided that they would build Scooter water craft and attach string to the handle bars as reins!

Now as we have much history in our little country, you are bound to have heard about the Battle of Hastings in 1066 right?
Well later on in 1955 there was a small battle going on, you could see smoke, was this a big fire? Was it a big BBQ? Had we arrived in London to all that Smog? No- it was the 2 stroke motors of the little scooters all competing from all over Europe to who could ride in a Circle!!!!

1964 this time and a short video of a bunch of out takes as these ring-a-Dinga’s have a go off road.

Well I hope some of these videos made you smile or laugh or cringe, I dont know whats more funnier, watching girls on scooters on the water or watching Franz Reichelt jumps off the Eiffel Tower in a parachute coat!

Have a great day!

L.A. MODS VS ROCKERS #10 This Weekend.

Posted on June 10, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Jun

Well here it is, the next chapter in L.A. and for me this will be the first time I have seen this shin dig and am hoping it is going to be a swell turn out at the event as it would be great to see as many people as possible turn up for something like this.

Jesse Workman aka DJ Astro will be spinning classic tunes!

Shirts will only be for sale on Saturday. No meet and Greet Friday, sorry guys. Please bring cash, no ATMs in the forrest. Remember Camping is a donation of $10, plus there will be a raffle!!!! $1 tickets! and $10 Shirts!

Food Update: Pagan Feast will roast a pig!
Pre Buy Now!!!!!!!!!!
Menu: Free Range, Wood Fire Roasted Pig with Collard Greens, BBQ Beans and a slice of bread for $14 a plate
To purchase tickets in advance and get your name on the list please paypal us at: kelly.kelaen@gmail.com for $14. We will be taking prepaid orders and reserving plates until the end of the day Thursday June 11th. After that the rest will be on a first come, first serve, cash basis at the campground. We only have 75 prepaid plates available so get yours now!!
For any questions please contact Kelly Lopez via facebook.

Lots of fun stuff to do! Mods vs Rockers tug of war! Slow race, horse shoes etc!

Try packing light, no guarantee of chase trucks this year. Please organize with local riders, friends etc.. We got stuck with way too much stuff last year. Pack some food, drinks, etc. We’ll have a communal BBQ, so you can cook your food! Bring some water!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!RIDING TIP FOR SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!
If both meeting spots are out of the way for you, BOTH rides will stop at the (Shell Gas Station 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011) before going up to the Bandido Campsite! Be ready at the Shell station at 12;30pm and wait patiently!!! This is the last gas station for 28 miles!

SATURDAY June 13th Scooter and Motorcycle Rally/Ride to campgrounds

-MOTORCYCLES: Meet at Atlantis Motors Inc
3300 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Ride Leaves 12noon sharp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will probably be a fun and huge ride.. This includes a short hop on the 2 fwy/ 210 then hwy 2 exit! . If you think yer bike is too small or you want a slower scenic ride, join the scooters.

-SCOOTERS: Eatz Cafe in Los Feliz!!!
3207 Los Feliz Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039
Leaves 12noon sharp! Lead by Bar Italia Scooter Shop!!
Scoots will cruz streets through Glendale/Pasadena before going up the Crest.. NO FREEWAY!

Sunday June 2nd; Ride home, breakfast at Newcombs Ranch! Your on your own or follow a group home!

Remember!!! The Bandido Group campground is just 2-3 miles past Newcombs Ranch restaurant!! We’ll post a yellow sign at the turn, on the 2 highway, keep your eyes open!!!!!!!

MAP TO CAMP GROUNDS FROM SHELL GAS STATION (JUST COPY PASTE YOUR STARTING POINT):
Name of Campsite is Bandido Group Campground, it’s just before Horse Flats!!!!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bandido+Campground,+Pearblossom,+CA+93553,+United+States/@34.346204,-118.003678,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x80c2e3eef743e995:0x65e03aab4ac37c2c?hl=en

QUESTIONS: MESSAGE ME OR CALL 818-489-4579 EDDIE (11am-8pm M-THurs) (Anytime Friday) (Early Saturday,GOOD LUCK after 11am)

Camp Grounds
EVERYONE IS SUBJECT TO CAMPGROUND LAWS! WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANYTHING STUPID YOU MIGHT DO to yourself! READ CAMPGROUND LAWS/RULES NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF THE CAMPSITE, THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!!! YOU COULD BE FINED!

This is a really cool camp ground that holds 150 campers+. The site has 4 bathrooms, but no running water! Even though we will have bottled water , it’s a good idea to bring a quart of water for yourself and extra food, we’ll provide a grill and coals! . If you need a bathroom with running water and a cooked meals, Newcombs ranch is open till 10pm and a 3 miles away!
We’ll also provide firewood for the main camp fire and power for music! After that your on your own! But bring logs if you can!!

WEATHER AND WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING!
At 5840ft elevation, it’ll be hot during the day and freezing cold at night! For camping you’ll need a tent, sleeping bag and warm clothes! A small bottle of water, flashlight(!), some extra food(freeze you perishables!) then you won’t need a cooler(put in backback)! Travel light!

If the weather is cloudy in the city. by the time your half way up the 2Hwy(Crest) you’ll break passed the cloud line and it’ll blue skies and bright sun! You will not be disappointed.

Website Directions:
From La Canada at the junction of the I-210 and State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), exit I-210 and turn north towards the mountains on State Route 2. Proceed 28.5 miles to Three Points (two miles past Newcomb’s Ranch Cafe) and turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Road). Continue west 2 miles to the entrance; gate is on the left.

We also have Vintage SCOOTERS !

Posted on June 18, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

18 Jun

Oh yeah! If you think Scooters are slow and not fun? Well…..

Here at the shop we get many emails and phone calls about Scooters and the Mods and Rockers lifestyle is very popular now and its great to see, then my girlfriend informed me about 7 months ago now, how she has always wanted to Vintage Vespa.