Final Bideford Bike Show goes out with a roar

Bideford Quay was buzzing with motorcycles and huge crowds yesterday (Sunday) as people flocked to enjoy the 10th and final Bideford Bike Show.

Hundreds upon hundreds of bikes of all kinds, from choppers and trikes to sports bikes, vintage and exquisite custom jobs filled every square inch of the Quay that wasn’t already filled with people.

**** All pictures courtesy of Graham Hobbs Photography ****

There was a huge amount to see and do, with plenty of trade stands and food stalls plus a wide variety of live music, entertainment, stunt riding displays and activities in nearby Victoria Park.

Above: Credit Graham Hobbs

Organisers had previously announced the bike show – which has so far raised more than £55,000 for local and national charities – would see its 10th anniversary year being the final instalment.

They said the difficult decision had been taken due to ever-increasing costs and ‘red tape’, which would have meant spending more money on hosting the show and giving less to charity.

The show was founded in 2014 by motorcycle enthusiasts Lisa Elston and Michael Elston with Terry King and Marco Oliveira, to raise money for charity but also to promote local business and tourism in Bideford.

Above: Bideford Bike Show founding members Marco Oliveira,  Mike Elston,  Lisa Elston and Terry King at the final show. Credit: Graham Hobbs

In an emotional farewell, Lisa took to Facebook to thank everyone who had attended the event over the past 10 years and made it such a success.

She thanked all the businesses of Bideford and beyond who had supported and sponsored the show, as well as Bideford Town Council for its support, plus all the hard work by the many marshals and volunteers who made it all happen.

Lisa also thanked the many businesses and suppliers that had devoted their time and expertise, as well as the performers and entertainers who had been a part of the final show.

She added: “A very big thank you to my committee, who all do an amazing job with the planning of the event and all the past members over the years who have all played a part in the success of the show.

“To think all those years ago, when this was just an idea and expecting we hoped around 300 bikes - we were amazed how many turned out, there were bikes parked anywhere and everywhere we could fit them in.

“The money we have raised has been astonishing for all the very worthy charities. It takes a lot of work and months of planning to put this event on and to know everyone enjoys the day and has come back year on year shows we are doing something right!”

For more about the last show, visit the Bideford Bike Show Facebook page.

*** See all the Bideford Bike Show pictures courtesy of Graham Hobbs in our online gallery above!