Riding with the rockers

The reunion is a focal point on the motorcycling calendar for all those who are not only interested in the Ace Cafe, ton-up and rocker heritage, but also for many others who enjoy a weekend of motorcycling.

It kicks off on Friday with a bike night with a difference. Ace Cafe London has become a global brand, forging links all over the world – and that is reflected in the huge number of overseas visitors who make pilgrimage to the reunion.

One of the largest groups arriving at the Ace on Friday afternoon will be those taking part in The Continental Run.

It starts with a party at Cafe Hubraum in Solingen, Germany, on Thursday, before departing the next morning to cross Holland, Belgium and France, gathering numbers en route to the ferry, and arriving at the Ace late afternoon, culminating in an evening of rock ’n’ roll!

Saturday starts early with breakfast at the Ace from 7am – plus a rare chance to see locomotive No. 70000 Britannia steam over the bridges close by the Ace at Stonebridge Park at 7.50am. It might not be bikes but it’s British engineering heritage at work.

There’s a cafe racers and rockers ride out to Battersea at 10.30am and on returning to the Ace, the judging will take place for the best cafe racer machines in seven different classes. It’s rock and roll from 1.15pm right through till late with bands like The Cheaterslicks, the Boom Boom Booms, The Fireballs and The Revolutionaires.

On Sunday it’s the famed Brighton Burn Up & Ride With The Rockers, an integral part of Ace Cafe Reunions since 1996. It departs the Ace at 10.30am for Madeira Drive, Brighton. From noon until 4pm, there’s more rock ’n’ roll with Sixteen and Sidewinders plus The Kingcats playing live – interspersed by the Reverend Dennis McSwinney of the 59 Club giving a seafront blessing of the bikes. There’s a streetfighter competition, stunt show, even a scooter competition and, with trade and club stands, displays, and special guests, it’s one heck of a day out not to be missed.

Details: www.ace-cafe-london.com