The latest of the big motorcycle shows opens at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham this weekend and runs through until Sunday, November 24.

The organisers boast it’s the biggest show of its kind anywhere in the world and they are probably right.

One of the many attractions is the Moto Cirque Stunt show in a purpose-built seated arena in Hall 4, where many of the freestyle motocross and trials pros will be doing those breathtaking backward flips off ramps and many other seemingly impossible manoeuvres.

Multiple British Trials champions James Dabill and Jack Price will also be showing off their skills which made them both champions.

Meanwhile, nearby in Hall 3, the ACU have set up an indoor trials arena where visitors can try their hand at trials riding.

Suitable clothing and a machine will be provided and instruction given. Outside, you have the opportunity of taking some of the 2020 models for a spin provided you hold the correct licence.

Amongst the many other marques, Suzuki will be featuring a 'Tribute to Barry Sheene' display with two of his world championship winning machines.

One concession they are offering this year is admitting a non-motorcycling mate of yours for free in the hope he will get interested in motorcycles after visiting the show.

Beware, if you thought you would get your motorcycling pal in under this guise, you won't... He will have to present his current driving licence at the ticket office and if it has a motorcycle category on it he'll be charged full admission price of £19.50.

The Guest of Honour list is a who's who of motorcycling, with the biggest names in the sport attending, including Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop, John McGuinness, Carl Fogarty, Bruce Anstey, Ian Hutchinson, Dean Harrison, Leon Haslam and many others I don't have space to mention.

Motorcycle parking is free with cars at £12. The show opens at 9am through to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 10am until 5pm for the rest of the week.

*The Ulster Grand Prix, now officially the fastest road race in the world after TT star Peter Hickman lapped the 7.3-mile circuit at over 134mph this year, is under serious threat.

Crippling insurance costs and severe weather this last two years has created a financial crisis for the organisers, who are now over £250,000 in the red.

Talks are ongoing with local councils, sponsors and all interested partners, but it would be sad to lose Northern Ireland’s most prestigious and historic motorcycle race and a huge blow to motorcycle sport in Northern Ireland which has already lost events for similar reasons.

This week the Enniskillen club announced they would not be running either. I know the Ulster has a big following here in Furness, so if you are planning your holidays around it next year, it may be wise to await the outcome.

*Two of the biggest names in motorsport are to swap roles at Valencia in Spain on December 9.

Monster Energy drinks, who sponsor both Lewis Hamilton & Valentino Rossi, have arranged the swap, which will see Valentino try out Lewis` Formula 1 car, while Lewis takes off on Valentino`s Yamaha Superbike.

Hamilton is no stranger to motorcycles, having spent a day on the Jerez circuit in Spain recently with factory riders Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark.

Rossi himself is no stranger to a Formula 1 car, either, having tested for Ferrari a couple of years ago, but opted to stay in motorcycling.

He's due to race a Ferrari in the Gulf 12-hour race on the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi a week after the swap.

I'd love to be a "fly on the wall" at that event.

*The Furness branch of the Motorcycle Action Group hold their next meeting at Dalton United Football Club on Beckside Road next Tuesday at 7pm. New members are always welcome.

The popular Leighton Hall Speed hill climb near Carnforth will be taking place again next September following recent negotiations with the Reynolds family who own the venue.

The team that organise the popular Torver Bikers Breakfasts during the summer are holding a Pre-Christmas Special Gathering tomorrow from midday until 4pm with lunch at 12:30pm, which will be followed by a quiz, and the usual chat and banter about motorcycles (what else!).

Motorcyclists are obviously welcome, but if your bike is laid up for the winter you’re still welcome to pop along in your car.

Donations to church funds are, as always, gratefully received. Contact Linda on 015394 41777 for details.