RealClassic readers (…that's you…) are cordially invited to join the editorial team at the Ardingly show on March 21st. Let's get the riding season off to a resounding start!...

We've had the interesting experience of watching the South of England Show develop over the past half dozen years. It's certainly moved on from the early days, when the handful of bikes and ourselves shuffled around a chilly cow-shed and almost every participant went home with an award. Last October's event, by contrast, was jam-packed with hundreds of bikes on display - now located in the comfortable, modern Jubilee Hall. Of course, this doesn't make the judging any easier… which is why FrankW will be frowning if you see him prowling the aisles with a clipboard clutched firmly in his hand. Difficult decisions are always made easier by the application of hot coffee (white, no sugar), you understand.

The Spring 2010 event is on Sunday March 21st, and preparations are underway to make this year's show an entirely all-weather event. Organiser Mrs Elk has laid on an extra 6000 square metres of under-cover stall space, so bargain hunters won't be browsing in the freezing wind and traders won't have to worry about the rain soaking the stock. With all the stalls and catering safely under cover there will be more bike parking on hard standing for those folk who choose to ride in one the day, rather than pre-enter and display their bikes inside the hall. All this extra effort should ensure a warm and sunny day if there's any justice in the world…

If you're looking for a family day out then the non-motorcycling members of your group could be tempted along with the lure of Wakehurst Palace. Keen gardeners will really appreciate 'Kew's country garden in West Sussex' which is also the home of the millennium seed bank. So while you amble around the old bikes, the Better Half could be enjoying a Spring afternoon at Wakehurst, next door to the Showground.

You're welcome to display bikes for sale at the Ardingly Show: this one found a new home last time out

Meanwhile, in the Jubilee Hall the Guest of Honour is Dave Degens of Dresda Tritons, who will be bringing a couple of famous racing machines with him; the Triton on which he won the 1965 Barcelona 24 hour race at Montjuic Park and his winning machine from the 1970 Barcelona 24 hour Race. So if you want to talk Tritons or racing or put in an order for a replica made to your requirements then Dave's your man.

Classic bike clubs and private individuals are invited to enter the show, which provides free entry for prebooked exhibitors, plus a chance to win one of the rosettes or awards. There are a range of classes which include veteran and vintage machines (pre-1946), postwar classics (1946 to 1969), 1970s superbikes, plus Competition/ Special, Heavyweight, Lightweight, British and Overseas categories.

Blindin' BSAs on :

The clubs will be vying for the Best Club Stand award, and we'll be choosing our favourite old bike for the RealClassic award too. In order to take part in the Show you'll need to enter before March 1st and in recent years the Show has been packed to capacity so it's worth entering early.

The Show itself will be more spacious this year with more room for the club stands plus an area to sit back, relax a little and have a chat. All prices have been held at last year's rates, and RealClassic Club members can claim a £1 discount on the standard admission price on the gate (you'll need to show your little blue membership card). Parking is free (and there's plenty of space for cars if you want to bring the family) and under 16s are also admitted for free.

If you are travelling any distance and want to break up the journey with an overnight stay, then budget accommodation is available on site at £15 per person per night. Contact the organisers for more information and to book a room.

This rather splendid Ducati went home with a runner-up award at last autumn's South of England RealClassic Bike Show

We hope to see plenty of familiar faces on the day but if it's your first event then don't be shy - stop by the RC stand and say hello. Let's hope that the weather is fair and you get a cracking ride on the day!

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South Of England RealClassic Bike Show Info

When: Sunday March 21st 2010

Where: South of England Showground, Ardingly, W-Sussex, RH17 6TL, off M23 J10

Opens: 10am

Features: Indoor show, indoor trade stalls, club stands, private entries, indoor bikejumble, bikemart area, refreshments, guest of honour Dave Degens

Entry forms: Download from www.elk-promotions.co.uk or send SAE to Elk Promotions, PO Box 85, New Romney, Kent TN28 9BE or call 01797 344277

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Every One A Winner

Congratulations to these entrants to last autumn's South of England Show whose motorcycles were judged to be the best in their categories:-

Dave Bushell for his 1938 Scott Prototype which he has owned for 46 years, originally bought for £15

Mr Agate for his 1959 AJS Model 18

Ian Avery for his restored BSA 1963 DBD34 Gold Star

Dave Hawes for his snow-resistant, one owner from new 1978 Laverda Jota

Mr Leone for his 1971 Moto Morini

Mrs Sybil De Bidaph for her four-cylinder 1934 Indian

Michelle Evans for her 1972 Yamaha FS1E SS

Chris Harris for his 1936 Brough Superior SS80

Graham Kerr for his three-speed 1948 Harley Davidson which will still do 70mph on a good day…

Mr D Charrington for his charming 1952 Sunbeam S8

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Photos: Mrs Elk and Keith Fryer (www.phoenixphoto.co.uk)