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The popular annual fun day, now in its 19th year stages a host of motorbike-related displays and other attractions at police headquarters, Aykley Heads on the outskirts of Durham.
And among the bikes on display will be three machines which have been handled by some of the biggest names in entertainment.
A private collector based in the West Midlands has loaned the force three Triumph motorbikes; a Bonneville bike used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Terminator 3: The Rise of the Machines’; a Scrambler which Tom Cruise rode in ‘Mission Impossible III’ and the 1949 Triumph Trophy TR5 Scrambler Custom motorcyclefavoured by the character Arthur Fonzarelli – ‘The Fonz’ – in the popular 1970’s tv series ‘Happy Days’.
The Fonz’s bike is for display purposes only but the ‘Terminator’ and ‘Mission Impossible’ bikes will both be taken for a ride by two of the HM Plant sponsored professional riders attending BikeWise, former British and World Superbike champion & Eurosport commentator Neil Hodgson and Leon Hunt, who races in the National Superstock 1000 championships.
“We are thrilled to have such famous bikes with us on Sunday and I am sure they will prove a big attraction. BikeWise really has something for everyone, it’s not just for biking enthusiasts,” said Sgt Iain RODGERS, head of the force’s motorcycle section.
“We have displays from the police dog section, the police helicopter will be there and there are some fabulous stunt teams and individual riders whose skills are just breathtaking.”
More than 30 local motorcycling clubs will be represented at the event, which will also feature trade stands, local rock band ‘Kimera’ whilst Ace Motorcycle Training will be bringing the Sun FM Roadshow to the event.
And owners of custom or classic bikes are being encouraged to bring them along on Sunday, with prizes on offer across various categories.
On a serious note the bike cops will be promoting road safety and their ongoing ‘BikeSafe Training’ programme around this year’s theme of ‘Don’t Learn by Accident.’ There have been four fatal crashes involving motorcyclists so far this year in the Durham force area, resulting in five people losing their lives.
Sunday also marks the final ‘bow’ for one very important member of the force. Police dog ‘Bruce’ was a product of the force’s breeding programme and after he was born in 2005 he was paired up with his handler, PC Gordon King. Since then Bruce, a German Shepherd general purpose dog has assisted in hundreds of arrests and been involved in countless incidents, many of which have involved firearms.
Bruce’s last shift will see him take his place in the display team on Sunday before he heads off to a well-earned retirement. PC King has already been assigned a new companion, a German Shepherd named ‘Holly’ who is expected to succeed Bruce at future BikeWise displays.
Entry to the site is from 10am and costs £2 for adults with under-16’s allowed in free of charge. Once costs have been met any proceeds are distributed to local good causes.
There will be clear directions and officers on duty to steer visitors to the appropriate parking sites, County Hall for cars and the all-weather area off the main drive to headquarters for bikes.