Lights, camera Showtime!
By TMX Archives on 9th Nov 12
As many of you know, because you were there, the off-road trade upped sticks, hit the road and set up shop at Stoneleigh Park for four days last week, for the International Dirt Bike Show.
Some people query the point of the Show when these days it very rarely sees the launch of the new season's bikes, as many are actually out there in the shops and even on the tracks.
But surely that is to miss the point.
The Dirt Bike Show is a genuine showcase for off-road and it provides the perfect opportunity for the WHOLE of off-road to get together with a common purpose.
Yes, those exhibiting at the show are looking to turn a profit, either through sales on the day or by showcasing their goods and the visitors go away and order from their local dealer or online or wherever.
The point is you are getting your goodies out there right into the heart of your target audience.
There's also much more to the Show than just looking at new bikes and retail stands.
It is now more and more about people and meeting people face to face.
This works whether you are a dealer looking to meet a supplier, a show visitor looking to see a trade personality or a youngster looking to say hello to a top rider.
There's also plenty going on in the way of competitions at various stands and of course Jack Burnicle beavering away on stage with his interviews and competitions for the benefit of an ever-rotating number of visitors.
It was good to note that there was a genuine positive vibe this year from all sections of the business, which incorporated trials and enduro as well as the hardcore motocross fraternity.
The classic bike section created a lot of interest, with some superb machinery from yesteryear on display.
The Twin-shock and Evo scene is hot at the moment with many more people associating with racing in the 1980s rather than, say, the 1960s.
Many younger riders' dads competed in the 1980s and the kids are keen to see what dad rode back in the day!
There was loads of interest in the bikes as ridden in the Vets des Nations at Farleigh, for the simple reason that loads of riders and fans were present at Farleigh.
It is the perfect knock-on effect – and one that can be built-on in future years.
Expect to see a bigger and better classic section in the coming years with the riders, as well as the bikes, being invited to the show, possibly with their own stage, interviews etc.
The Dirt Bike Show isn't just about gawping at next season's bikes, it is these days much more of an all round off-road experience – and a positive one at that.
