The Desert of Death

If you're going to pedal 330 miles through the Taklaman Desert, known by the locals as the Desert of Death, without stopping for more than a pee and the odd snack, on a single speed, you might as well do it in a Dirt Quake T-shirt, right? Cheers Guy.

Free post on Dirt Quake shirts. Limited sizes. While stocks last. Get yours HERE.

We have a couple left in kids sizes too.

Watch the three-part Our Guy In China on 4OD (if you're in the UK).

Dirt Quake V by Motor Rausch

See more of the German photographer's Dirt Quake V album. Thanks for the great photos, Motor Rausch.

(above) Sideburn 26 cover bike, El Solitario's Pluto, and Sideburn blog contributor, Hubert 'Marge' Bastie.

Lovely Dimitri on his way to win the W&W Harley class on the gorgeous Shaw's Mert Lawwill Sportster. 

 Michael Herman's Kawasaki stroker

 Don't forget to get our questions in for the next instalment of Ask Guy

 Dirt Quake virgin, Carl Fogarty

 Sideburn ed remembering to put keep his elbow up

Blog contributor, John Harrison

Richard Rowden and Drogo Michie, plus one of the Greenfield Girls, on DTRA Friday.

 The Stags' Conway Castle, letting his hair down

 Happy punters

 The Brinkmobile

Hubert v David El Solitario

Dust & Throttle: A film about Dirt Quake

DUST &THROTTLE from sam barker on Vimeo.

Very emotive film shot at the two days of Dirt Quake V by top photographer, Sam Barker. The action and characters are a mixture of Friday night DTRA and Saturday Dirt Quake.

Sam filmed and wrote the poem for the narrative. Lovely stuff. G

Dirt Quake V: Have You Ever Watched Ants?

Have you ever watched ants? I mean really watched ants?

The carpenter ant has been measured at a speed of 300 metres an hour. That's like me or you running at 50 miles an hour.

What do you think of that? If ants ever got wise to that.

When ants fight, they fight to the death. What would happen if ants stopped following and started racing?

Once again, big thanks to all our sponsors and all our helpers:
Bikesure
Harley-Davidson
Mutt Motorcycles
Krazy Horse
Motone
W and W Cycles
Guy Martin Proper
Davida
Bike Shed MC
plus the Dirt Track Riders Association

For more info go to dirtquake.co.uk

Film by Kinetoscope Productions with the help of Dave Skooter Farm, Wilky and Ged.

Thanks to Friday night's band, TV Crime, for the soundtrack. G

Dirt Quake Ladies Final

There's quite a bit before and after that you can skip through, but this is a good onboard taste of the 2016's Dirt Quake Davida Helmets Ladies final shot by first time racer Katrina James. If you don't skip through it, it's an example of exactly what it's like to compete in a six-lap amateur flat track race from leaving the pits to getting back in one piece.

'Hurricane' Katrina takes a brave, wide line on her Kawasaki ZXR400 (not the ideal dirt tracker, but totally proves Dirt Quake's ethos).

Up ahead is Vikki from the Bike Shed with Kiki coming up strong on El Solitario's Zaeta. Watching this makes me think, Who wouldn't want to compete in Dirt Quake? It reminds me why entries sold out in a week.

The top three in the Ladies class are being awarded special Davida DQV Classic Jet helmets. Like all Davida helmets, they're made in England and hand painted in the Birkenhead factory by the company's staff. These special editions use elements of Lennard Schuurman's Dirt Quake poster. Davida do things properly. G

El Solitario at Dirt Quake

David El Solitario rode from Spain to King's Lynn to compete in his third Dirt Quake. He rode and raced his very trick Zaeta, the bike named Pluto (more on that bike in a future Sideburn). He also loaned it to two lady racers in distress, one crashed it, one won on it, then he rode it home again.

He travelled with top photographer Gonzalo Arroya.

You can see their mahoosive report at El Solitario Dirt Quake. Thanks El Solitario! G

Dirt Quake V by H-D UK

Really nice film made by Dirt Quake V and DTRA partner Harley-Davidson UK. G

Foggy at Dirt Quake

When I was a draughtsman, drawing engineering components for a living, I used to watch Carl Fogarty's every WSB race on Sky TV. Now the magazine we make puts on events that he competes in on a cool Triumph Bonneville.

Dirt Quake V was special for a lot of reasons. Thanks to everyone who made it so good, especially the spectators who lap up our daft ideas.

This photo of a flying Foggy was taken by Gergo Toth. Click his name to see his gallery of DQV images. G

Dirt Quake V: Done and Dusty

Thanks to everyone who made Dirt Quake V such great fun. Guy raced a Krazy Horse Swedish chopper with 22in over Tolle forks. Carl Fogarty raced a trick Triumph Bonneville. And both of them were beaten into second place by Sideburn readers.
It was non-stop fun and ran like clockwork. Thanks again everyone.

We are offering FREE SHIPPING  on all Dirt Quake V merch while stocks last. We have two adult T-shirts designs, a handful of kids shirts and sticker packs. Go to sideburn.bigcartel.com G
Photo: Andy Spellman

 

The Mighty Hannibal

I know, I know, it can be so tricky deciding what to wear for the Dirt Quake Ball. Should you rely on the trusty dark denim and American work boots to fit in with the tough lads? Or try to be a little more outré with an alpaca poncho and hand-me-down cheesecloth chemise from your uncle's expedition to Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush, just before the Russians invaded in 1979? Perhaps this is the time to debut the knock-off Ornamental Conifer-style leather jacket with something inspirational painted in One Shot script on the on the back, like, oh I don't know, 'Two Wheels Move The Soul'?

Or what about embracing the moto carnival spirit with something more extravagant? Like the Mighty Hannibal here. The arresting visual cocktail of turban, extreme batwing blouse, capri pants avec kick flare and metallic patent, Cuban heel Chelsea boots are so King's Lynn.

Really, no one gives a monkey's what you wear, just be there. Dirt Quake V is going to be great.

Please note, the jerkin' of dogs is strictly prohibited and if we suspect you of doing it, we'll call the RSPCA.

Thanks to DJ Katy B for sending this link. Hear and see her play a whole trunk of funk on Friday night. G

Dirt Quake V Merch

 

This Dirt Quake V event merch is so good we're even giving the infidels who can't make it to King's Lynn next week the opportunity to get hold of some.

All the designs are elements of the wonderful event poster made by Lennard Schuurmans, the Dutch master. He could well be my all-time favrouite moto illustrator, and I see him as the new Richard Scarry. I'd love to see his version of What Do People Do All Day or Lennard's A to Z.

We have two adult T-shirt designs, one kids T-shirt and a super sticker pack.

Go to sideburn.bigcartel.com to order yours

Carl Fogarty coming to Dirt Quake

This absolute legend is coming to Dirt Quake as a guest of main sponsor, Bikesure.

I remember watching this race live. He was highsided to the moon and still won the day's second race.

It's going to be the best ever Dirt Quake and it's on 15-16 July at the Adrian Flux Arena.
Advance tickets, with the chance to win a Mutt Motorcycles custom 125 street tracker, are still available from http://adrianfluxarena.co.uk/dirtquake-5-ticket-sales/

Dirt Quake V: Schedule

We've had word from the Adrian Flux Arena, King's Lynn that Dirt Quake V has pre-sold more tickets than any event in the stadium's history. It's hardly surprising when you see the line up and realise there's a chance to win a custom Mutt Motorcycle!

You still have chance to buy a £15 advance ticket.

FRIDAY 15 JULY
12:00 Campsite opens
17.00 Turnstiles open
18.00 DTRA racing starts. Classes for the evening are: Pro, Thunderbike, Vintage, Hooligan, Restricted
22.15 DTRA racing ends
22.30 Live band TV CRIME, Wall of Death and DJs
00:00 Bar closes

SATURDAY 16 JULY
10.00-11.45 Dirt Quake riders sign-on (racers will receive final instructions this weekend)
12.45 Rider’s meeting
13.00 Turnstiles open Dirt Quake practice
15.00 Dirt Quake main event opening ceremony
+ Dream Themes
+ Kids bicycle race
+ Wall of Death shows
+ More
18:15 Mutt Motorcycle Winner announced
18.30 Dirt Quake finals
19.15 Awards presentation
20.00 Wall of Death shows, DJ’s
22.00 Live Band The Fuzillis
00.00 Bar closes

SUNDAY 17 JULY
Hang around for stock car racing at the arena.
Tickets available separately
15:00 Campsite closes

Dirt Quake V: The Fuzillis

We have a few great bands lined up for Dirt Quake V. Friday night is TV Crime, punk/ power pop from Nottingham. Saturday, in the middle of the track, are Dirt Quake regulars, Dream Themes, supplying the soundtrack to the race action and for Saturday night we have these instr-o-mentals, The Fuzillis!
Plus The Fuzillis will be joined by a very special TV star live on stage.
AND we have the greatest DJs - Dave Taylor, Katy B and Sir Johnny Alpha - spinning delicious 7in vinyl ONLY on both Friday and Saturday night.

Remember, up there for thinking, down there for dancing.

Book a Dirt Quake ticket in advance and be in with a chance to win the Dirt Quake Mutt brand new Mutt Motorcycles custom 125 street tracker (below) G

Dirt Quake V camping

Don't forget to book your Dirt Quake V camping pitch.
£10/ person per night. Tents, vans, motorhomes, teepees, caravans, houseboats, bivvy bags...
Details here.

WIN: The Dirt Quake Mutt

As part of their sponsorship of Dirt Quake V, Birmingham-based Mutt Motorcycles are giving away a special version of their Mutt Desert Racer 125 to one lucky punter. All you have to do is buy a £15 adult entry ticket in advance to Dirt Quake to be entered into the draw.

Buy Dirt Quake V tickets

This custom Mutt has a one-off two-tone metalflake paintjob; classic spoked 18" wheels shod with 4.00 x 18 Firestone ANS tyres; special US spec handlebars; comfy classic barrel grips; chrome megaphone silencer to top off the standard stainless steel downpipe; Bates TT-style seat.

Check out the new dedicated Dirt Quake website too, why don't you?

Dirt Quake V Win a Mutt Terms and conditions 

• Draw takes place at Dirt Quake V, Adrian Flux Arena, Norfolk on Saturday 16 July at approx. 5.30pm.
• Motorcycle to be collected from Mutt Motorcycles HQ in Birmingham at winner’s expense.
• No cash alternative.
• Winner does not need to attend the event as long as they buy a ticket. They will be notified later. Motorcycle must be collected within 90 days of 16 July 2016 or prize will be forfeited.
• By buying a ticket in advance you are agreeing to these terms.

Dirt Quake V Camping

Bookings are now being taken for Dirt Quake V camping. The camping is not run by Sideburn or Dirt Quake organisers, but by a third party for us. 

Any questions or bookings should be directed to dqtrailertrash@gmail.com

Price -  £10 per person per night

Opens - noon Friday 15th July

Closes - 3pm Sunday 17th July

24 hour security

Toilets and water on site

Cmaping booking by email: dqtrailertrash@gmail.com

Dirt Quake tickets are now on sale too. Go to Dirt Quake V tickets, and you have the chance of winning a Mutt Motorcycle street tracker with every £15 adult Saturday ticket.

Dirt Quake V Entries: SOLD OUT

Dirt Quake entries are now completely sold out and most classes have long reserve lists.
Inappropriate Road Bike and Street Trackers sold out before 11am on the day the entries opened, followed quickly by Chopper, Lady and then Harley-Davidson.

Thanks for all your enthusiasm and apologies to those we have had to disappoint. It seems some people bought bikes just to compete in Dirt Quake, but we dealt with entries in a strict first come, first served basis.

Spectator tickets are on sale now and anyone buying a £15 adult Saturday ticket will be entered a free draw to win a brand new custom Mutt Motorcycles street tracker.

Buy Dirt Quake tickets.

For more information go Dirt Quake V frequently asked questions.

Dirt Quake would not be nearly as good without these great sponsors.

Bikesure
Harley-Davidson
Mutt Motorcycles
Motone
W and W Cycles
Guy Martin Proper
Krazy Horse
Bike Shed Motorcycle Club

Entries for Dirt Quake USA will open 14 April.

Dirt Quake Entries

Entries opened today, April 1, and we had people entering at 00:00 hours. We're overwhelmed with entries and it looks like Inappropriate Road Bike and Street Tracker have sold out on day 1, with Chopper and Lady nearly full up.
There are some places left in the W&W-sponsored Harley class.
Every entry will get a reply, but some will be disappointed. We're working through the emails, logging them in order so first come, really is first served.

Spectators can buy tickets at Dirt Quake Tickets. Buy an adult ticket for Saturday and be entered into a free draw to win a £4000 custom Mutt motorycle. G

Cindy on the Wall of Death

Cindy swaps her DKR Manx for a stripped-down Beezer twin to ride the wall of death. I love the signwritten BSA ads around the top of the wall.

We've booked the legendary Ken Fox Wall of Death for Dirt Quake V. They will be performing free shows on Friday night, after the the DTRA and Hooligan dirt track racing, then on Saturday during and after the Dirt Quake racing.

Dirt Quake V tickets are now on sale.
Friday is £5, Saturday is £15. Under 11s are free. 11-15 year-olds

All full price Saturday tickets bought in advance will be entered into a draw to win a custom Mutt Motorcycles street tracker worth over £4500. G