Vintage Swap Meet and Show ‘n Shine Moves to New Venue

March 24, 2015: for immediate release

The premier event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, the 29th Annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show ‘n Shine takes place this year on Sunday April 26--at a new venue, the Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds in Cloverdale, Surrey, BC.

The annual Classic and Vintage Swap Meet has become a calendar fixture for motorcycle enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond, and event organizer Todd Copan expects the new venue to be especially popular with vendors, exhibitors and show visitors.

Featured motorcycle in this year’s Show ‘n Shine will be Dan Smith’s recently completed replica 1939 Velocette “Roarer” 500cc Grand Prix race bike.

Though Velocette’s KTT series bikes dominated the 350cc Junior class at the Isle of Man TT through the 1930s, the company lacked a suitably competitive bike for the Senior (500cc) class. By 1939, the most successful 500cc machine was the supercharged BMW 255 Kompressor.

To meet this challenge, Velocette designed a unique parallel twin, single overhead camshaft engine. The prototype showed considerable potential, producing an initial 54hp (the BMW was rated at 60hp), and legendary racer Stanley Woods was entered to run the Roarer in the 1939 Senior TT. But the Roarer’s engine overheated in practice, and Woods rode a KTT to 4th place instead. Sadly, international events interrupted development of the Roarer and this intriguing battle was never rejoined. Smith’s Roarer is a faithful reproduction of the 1939 race bike.

Owners of all makes and styles of classic and vintage motorcycles are invited to participate in the Show ‘n Shine, and awards will be presented in ten different classes, including Best in Show and People’s Choice. Said Copan, “The show ‘n shine provides a unique opportunity for local restorers to show off their skills. This year promises to be the best display yet.”

The Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds are located at the intersection of 176th Street (BC Highway 15) and 62th Avenue in Surrey, BC. From Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, take Highway 1 or 1A to the 176th Street intersection and drive south. From the US, take Interstate 5 to Junction 275 to the Pacific (Truck) Crossing and drive north on 176th Street.

For more information, call Todd Copan at (604) 299-0020, visit www.classicbikeswapmeet.com
or email info@classicbikeswapmeet.com