RC riders are invited to bring their old bikes along to an informal concours display at the Royal Enfield weekend in the Cotswolds. And while you're there, you can bag a test ride on a new Bullet...

The annual Open Weekend at Royal Enfield has established itself as one of the most enjoyable summer days on the RC Roadshow calendar. It mixes the attractions of a typical English outing with a free motorcycling mini-festival, and offers test rides on interesting bikes to boot. All it needs is a cricket match and it'd just about be perfect…

The central theme of the day is the opportunity to ride one of the current range of fuel-injected Enfield models, so you can experience for yourself the traditional thump-thump of the 500cc single, equipped with all mod cons of course. The UK-only models like the Clubman café racer and Woodsman street scrambler, as ridden by Editor Westworth a wee while ago, are always very popular choices. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so visitors should arrive early to book a seat (and don't forget to bring a lid and your licence).

However, there's plenty of other things to see and do on both days, including our informal RealClassic Concours display. Please bring your real classic along and park it next to the RC stand, forming an orderly display of old and interesting machines. We'll be presenting an RC award for the Moto Du Jour each day, at around 3pm, and all marques and models of classic motorcycle are invited to enter this not-too-serious competition.

Graham Weatherly and his handsome 1927 Model P Triumph

Last year's concours winners were Graham Weatherly's handsome 1927 Model P Triumph and Dan Ford's much modded 2005 Trials Bullet - so you can see there's plenty of scope in the age range! Clubs and groups are welcome to ride-in en masse; get in touch with the chaps at Watsonian so they know to expect you and can set aside a reserved parking area.

Dan Ford's much modded 2005 Trials Bullet

Wychwood Brewery, famous for their Hobgoblin ale, will be bringing their 1952 Bedford dray to add 'period flavour' (although all beer will be for consumption after the event has finished), while the now-famous Sea Scouts' food tent will be serving excellent value freshly cooked food with an Asian flavour. The keema comes thoroughly recommended!

Our old chum and RC Clubman Jim Reynolds returns as master of ceremonies, providing a running commentary along with technical talks and celebrity interviews. Other attractions include an opportunity to browse the sidecar workshops, live insurance quotes, spare parts counter and a display of Royal Enfield branded casual clothing and accessories. A7 motorcycle tours will also be present, with details of their bike tours in the Scottish borders. Hopefully, it'll be warm enough to enjoy the locally-made ice creams, too…

Of course, if you can't make it along to Blockley for this weekend then your local RE dealer will be happy to provide you with a ride on an EFI machine - their details are hereabout so you can find the closest dealer to your doorstep. But if you fancy a ride out into the Cotswold countryside, making the most of the rural roads, then we'd be delighted to see you on June 19th or 20th. And, yes, we will bring some HobNobs! (But then you have to supply the coffee: white, no sugar, thanks…)

Bullets on now......

---------

What: Royal Enfield Open Weekend

Where: Watsonian-Squire, Northwick Business Park, Blockley, Moreton in Marsh,

GL56 9RF

When: Sat and Sun, 19th and 20th June 2010, from 10am

Admission: Free

Bring: Your licence (both parts) if you want to take a test ride

More Info: 01386 700907 or www.royal-enfield.com