Brace Your Elves!

Santa Dave takes very good care of his elves, which is why he’s very sad to learn that one of his elves has been misbehaving!

Dave ensures that his elves work in good conditions that comply with elf and safety regulations, that they make use of the National Elf Service when ill and he plays some of their favourite tunes, such as “All By My Elf” or an Elfis Presley classic whilst they work. He does everything to boost their elf esteem!

But despite all of this one mischievous little elf has been trying to sabotage a big surprise that Santa Dave is looking forward to revealing next week. The little imp has been trying to uncover top-secret information ahead of the big reveal, in an effort to spoil the surprise for everyone. What a sELFish thing to do!

Don’t let this little elf ruin the fun, but do watch this space for more news from Santa Dave.

What A Day!

Sunday 18th November saw great Enduro championship action come to Thetford Forest.

You may have been there to see the thrilling Muntjac event organised by Diss MCC, which was the last round of the ACU Eastern Enduro Championship 2018. For those of you who weren't however, it was a tough course, with penalties making a big difference to the final result. Although Jason Morland started the day in the lead, it was Luke Parker who ended the day in victory! Read more at https://www.acu.org.uk/news/2018/11/parker-takes-victory-and-title-at-acu-eastern-enduro-championship-finale/ (photo of the event by Anthony Ridge from ACU Eastern report)

If this event has given you an appetite for Enduro, then get involved by visiting our Thetford Forest based Hit The Dirt Track, which offers great challenges (and warming refreshments) Hope to see you there!

Muntjac's Back

On 18th November you'll be able to enjoy Diss MCC's Muntjac Enduro in Thetford Forest, as the final round of the ACU Eastern championship.

This is a popular 20 mile course in a great woodland setting, providing some interesting challenges. Diss MCC has been running such events since it reformed after World War II. From grass track in the 1950s to motocross (originally called scramble) in the sixties, the club continues to run great enduro and motocross events.

To offer preparation time at our forest track, we're open the weekend of November 10th and 11th (pausing for remembrance reflection on the Sunday).

And on the subject of muntjac, these plucky little deer reside in Thetford Forest, in addition to red and roe deer. Remember off-road riding is only allowed at designated areas of the forest, including Hit The Dirt, to help protect these species and the environment.

Hope to see you at the Hit The Dirt Track soon!

2018: The Story So Far…

With over half the year already gone, 2018 has been proving a busy one for the Dave Barkshire team.

Back in June we celebrated 35 years in the business at the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre. Since opening his first shop in Lenwade in 1983, Dave Barkshire has become a big name across Norfolk, and it was brilliant to celebrate this achievement with so many of you. The day was a great success, raising over £500 for the Children’s Acute Transport Service.

In May, we made the decision to open our popular Hit The Dirt Enduro Practice Track on a regular fortnightly basis at weekends throughout the summer months, to make it easier for you all to plan your sessions. We’ll keep you updated via Facebook (www.facebook.com/HitTheDirtUK ) as to which weekend is which, with regular reminders as to when we’re open or closed. If you’ve not tried out the track as yet, then add it to your summer to-do list – we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic time!

In April we showcased the fabulous KTM 790 Scalpel. This is a super agile, super powerful machine with precision handling, and we had good fun announcing the demo, with Dave dressing up for the occasion!

Our Motorcycle Training Centre has been kept busy, with many new riders joining the Dave Barkshire Hall of Fame with Mod 1 and Mod 2 passes! Back in February, however, tests came to a temporary halt when snow arrived, causing a bit of a Norfolk whiteout. Whether you looking at taking your CBT, Mod 1 or 2, DAS or a refresher course, make this your summer goal and give us a call.

Back to the present and we find ourselves in sweltering temperatures. Remember to wear full protective gear, even on the hottest days to keep safe (check out our Motorcycle Centre for your kit) and keep well hydrated when riding to help you stay alert.

We’ve had a fantastic 2018 so far, we look forward to sharing the rest of it with you all!

Many Thanks

A big thank you to all of you who came to our 35 year celebration day on Saturday! We all had a great time and hope you did too.

We're pleased to announce that the event made over £500 for Children's Acute Transport Service (CATS), which gives intensive care support on the road to sick children. A great service that we're glad to help.

It was good to see so many turn out to enjoy the demo rides, raffles and tasty BBQ. Marion remarked, "Well done David and your team. I had a really nice afternoon... food was amazing!" Whilst Martin commented, "Nice to see a good turn out".

A mention must go to Alex for all his hard work in bringing the day together and to Aaron and James for their ongoing support.

Thanks to all of you, not just for sharing in Saturday's celebration, but for your friendship and custom over the last 35 years - long may it continue!

You're invited to the big event of the year!

Help us to celebrate 35 years in the business on 9th June from 9.30am to 5.00pm at the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre, Rackheath Industrial Estate NR13 6LH.

Hark back to the time when a loaf of bread cost just 35p, by enjoying our delicious BBQ at 1983 prices.

We have goodie bags, we have refreshments, we have demo rides (prior booking required) and we have great anniversary savings. There’ll also be competitions throughout the day with chances to win a FREE CBT, Enduro kit and much more!

Our spectacular range of motorcycles will leave you dazzled and delighted – check out our full KTM Street Bike Range.

Hang out with the Dave Barkshire Crew and get insider information from some great bike boffins. Rub shoulder with some of the industry’s leading representatives – KTM, Santander, Tri Motive, Dunlop and Maxxis.

Not only will you have a great day, but you’ll feel good knowing that all proceeds will be donated to charity.

It's just too good to miss!

Contact: davebarkshire@btconnect.com / 01603 722800

What A Year!

Well, 2017 turned out to be a very busy and eventful year for the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre, our Motorcycle Training facility and the popular Hit The Dirt Practice track.

Our Rackheath Motorcycle Showroom underwent a major revamp with impressive results, and we were pleased to celebrate its completion with many of you back in November. You may have seen the event promoted on Facebook by Dave’s alter egos ‘Disco Dave’ and ‘Ringmaster Dave’. Be sure to keep abreast of our Facebook page for all our latest news and bike offers. Thank you to all of you who came along and helped to make our Open Night Spectacular a great success. We hope to see much more of you in 2018!

Over the year, a large number of successful riders passed through our purpose-built, Salhouse based Motorcycle Training facility, with passes achieved at all levels. The year ended with mod 2 passes from Fay and Martin, whilst 2018 has started with passes by Amanda, Tom and Joe. We offer training courses suitable for all abilities, so make this the year you achieve your motorcycling goals.

 

At the Hit The Dirt practice track in Swaffham, we were pleased to introduce a new refreshment area for 2017, serving hot and cold food and drinks. This has proved very popular, keeping riders fuelled up to enjoy our great forest tracks. If you’ve not tried our fantastic Enduro track, be sure to put it on your to-do list for 2018. Fans of Enduro may also have enjoyed the action of the Dave Barkshire 2-Man Enduro championship, which produced lots of excitement during its four rounds organised by Sudbury, Diss and Woodbridge Motorcycle Clubs.

We’re looking forward to lots more fun and action in 2018, so be sure to keep up with all our latest news and offers to be involved!

Tonight's The Night!

We gotta feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night,

That tonight's gonna be a good night,
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night!

We gotta feeling, that you're gonna like the new bike
The KTM Duke is just right,
Yes, it's gonna be a good, good night!

Tonight's the night, let's big it up
Free food and drink, let's eat it up
Come along, and meet us all
Come along, you'll have a ball!

Be sure to join us between 5.30pm and 9.00pm tonight for bikes, BBQ and banter!