On a wet and windy weekend, what better way to cheer yourself up than to visit the Road Racing and Superbike Show at Alexandra Palace.

The mighty Suzuki B-King held court to a constant bustling crowd under the glint of spotlights, while Triumph seemed to be underplaying the world launch of their new Speed Four. What a smashing little bike, with its eyecatching dayglow lime green paintwork.

I searched up and down the corridors, teeming with visitors hunting out the many show bargains, but could not find Honda's 2002 GP bike. The reason -- it had not arrived. Should be here by Monday, they said. That was a little disappointing. But there was plenty more to see -- every accessory, tool, type of clothing. All the top 2002 models were there too, including the Benelli Tornado, R1, Fireblade and Hornet 900.

Then there were the stunt shows, supermoto racing and celebrity interviews. I just managed to see Marco Melandri over the heads of the crowd.

My only mistake was taking the car -- I could have used the free bike park and avoided all the parking hassles.

If you haven't gone yet, the show runs until February 3 -- so hurry!

Show exhibits:

If you fancy a track day bike, you could choose from a whole selection in the Ally Pally paddock -- or perhaps you'd prefer the 2002 Honda Fireblade.

Conspicuous by its absence last weekend: Honda's stunning V5 GP bike, which Valentino Rossi will ride will race in this year's MotoGP. I hear that the bike was due to arrive at the show last Monday

Barry Sheen's 1981 Yamaha OW48R -- still bearing his favourite No.7

The beast, better known as the 250bhp Suzuki B-King concept bike was one of the stars of the show on it's revolving stage

The Alexandra Palace show was the venue for the world launch of the Triumph Speed Four. The streetfighter-styled 600cc which is based on the 600TT sportsbike, will go on sale for £6,000 on the road. The bellypan and radiator scoops are extras

Kenny Roberts' 2001 Suzuki RGV500 GP bike -- which incidentally produces 188bhp