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NEC

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 5, 2025, 7:24 pm

Haven’t been for several years now so I was thinking of going midweek, on the Thursday. Am I correct that all the stalls and events are on all week.
Den

Re: NEC

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 5, 2025, 9:14 pm, in reply to "NEC"

I will be there with two Grandchildren so my visit will be a weekend as 1 goes to school.
I need a new helmet when there as mine is now about 8 years old

Re: NEC

Its on from 15th to the 23rd and on the last day, they might start packing up early. I tend to go near the first day when the whole lot is fresh and staff are keen. Its a very tiring place to walk around and by about 12, it is too busy then at about 2pm it gets easier as people leave.
If you have a disabled badge, you can park very near the entrance but still have to pay for parking. Advance tickets save a little on car park and entry but there is a booking fee to add.
Been going with the 2 grandchildren for many years and they enjoy it too.
If your legs are worn out, they will get very sore shuffling around in the large crowded time. I get in at opening time then leave about 13.30 then on to Tewkesbury for fish and chips.
Anything you eat or drink is expensive and a small bottle of water might be over 3 pounds.
We take snack food and tea flasks so we eat and drink before entry.
Our tickets are good as we get disabled and carer entry so the carer goes free. Both Grandchildren are disabled

Re: NEC

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 5, 2025, 10:15 pm, in reply to "Re: NEC"

Thanks Geoff. I can get a £4 discount on entry I believe as a member of the TOMCC but will probably travel by train on the Thursday so hopefully the traders and exhibitors will still be enthusiastic.
Den

Re: NEC

Thursday will be less busy as kids should be at school. I will have to discuss the day with the two i take as the 14 year old goes to a school where he has more freedom for a day off. The other one is now 26 and has finally put in a P.I.P application. She is blind in one eye and multiple complex problems. This week they asked about a partial sighted certificate and her Doctor has never suggested this. She has spent a lot of time at eye hospitals and there is no treatment available. I know how the DWP work on these applications and normally, they give a low amount and hope the claimant goes away. There can then be 2 phone appeals and if no result, it goes to a Judge at court. The DWP has never seen the women and has not even asked to see her. If they did, they would clearly see the problems so i am hoping to get this to the Court as it shows them up.
The 14 year old already has P.I.P and attends a school with more intensive teaching. That one is the boxer. He was beaten in the National semi-finals last week so he has 6 wins and 1 loss since serious competing

Re: NEC

My belief of a discount was wrong as that is for the classics show on earlier and I am going to the MCL on the dates Geoff said. Many years ago when I went to the classics there were very few bikes and a very lot of cars that didn’t really interest me. Time will tell if I chose wisely.
Den

Re: NEC

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2025, 12:10 pm, in reply to "NEC"

The classics show is on from tomorrow. Free bike parking.
Motorcycle Live bike parking is indoors with security guards.
I'll be at NEC Friday & Sunday & not sure which days at MCL yet.

Re: NEC

Posted by Will <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Will' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2025, 12:30 pm, in reply to "NEC"

If I go to the NEC I try to work out what I really want to see before I go. I don’t want to be distracted by all the stands that have nothing of interest to me. I rarely buy anything as I don’t want to be lugging stuff around with me, and the days of show discounts seem to be long gone – you can often get the same deals online. I get there early and leave early as I don’t like riding on the M42 & M5 in the rush hour in the dark.

Re: NEC

Posted by Nigel B <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Nigel+B' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2025, 12:59 pm, in reply to "Re: NEC"

Used to be an annual pilgrimage for a group of us, but have not been for years.

Not a great place to get to, ever increasing costs and ever decreasing number of exhibitors don't make for a great day out.

Started to go down hill when the organisers decided to try & go "up market" by doing away with the trade stalls area - used to get some really good "end of line" bargains, particularly if you waited until close to closing time on the last day and made "optimistic" offers. Many traders would take a low offer rather than have to reload the van & take the stock back to base.

Nigel B.

Re: NEC

I will do Monday 17th as the boy can take a day off school. I intend to buy a helmet if i find one as good as the old one i have.
I gave up on the old classic bike show .When i last went, there were just 2 small square plots with bikes and the rest of the hall was cars. The previous year there were hundreds of bikes so maybe they were charging for space or entry to the exhibitors so i gave up any future visits.
The Motorcycle live is not all that good now as not enough room to move about and see the bikes.
It does allow me to see how the technology is progressing. Maybe next year, i will sell my 2 modern bikes and the BSA then buy something easier to ride for elderly me. Do not mention disabled carts !

Re: NEC

There's no charge for bike clubs, but nobody will volunteer to do it these days. BSAOC has done 20 years with only a break for Covid.
We used to have a complete hall for bikes, you're right.

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