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The event took place on Saturday 11 June in Porchester Square and was kicked off by The Basingstoke Academy of Dancing as they wowed the crowds with their slick dance routines, daring aerial moves and their Animal outfits.

Once the audience were suitably warmed up the phenomenal world champion Martyn Ashton emerged, appearing to be psyching himself up for his incredible stunts. Performing in Porchester Square was a bit of a challenge for the Animal Bike Tour as it was a smaller venue than those they are used to; and as the compere gleefully explained to the audience Martyn was feeling particularly nervous - due to the polished limestone flooring! However, never one to shy away from a challenge, Martin took up his position at the top of the quarter pipe as the audience waited with bated breath…

What followed was a show filled with death defying tricks and stunts including upside down flips and leaping from a seven foot tall van onto a tin can. The atmosphere was electric with each stunt being met by gasps of delight and cheers of amazement from the crowd. One excited spectator summed up the show as ‘awesome’, whilst many others rushed straight off to the Animal store between shows where they were able to get autographs from the legendary biker.

All in all the event was a fantastic success; I just hope that next time the bike tour comes to town, I spend less time peering through my scaredy-cat fingers and more time enjoying the incredible show!

All photographs are courtesy of Robin Kitchin.