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Automotive industry charity, Ben, today reveals that a former car valuer turned performance poet, John Cassidy from Nottingham, has released his debut book of automotive-inspired poetry, parody and satire, following a transformative coaching journey.
John, a talented writer and performer who is also neurodivergent, walked away from a dealership career in late 2024 after recognising his heart was no longer in it. Feeling increasingly detached and overwhelmed, he reached out to Ben for coaching at a pivotal moment in his life.
Now known as The Car Showroom Poet, John’s new book marks a remarkable personal and professional rebirth, enabled by Ben’s tailored support. Through six coaching sessions, he gained the structure, belief and clarity needed to bring his creative ambitions to life. He was then able to break down overwhelming goals into manageable steps, completing a book manuscript and also prepared his one‑man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025.
The book, now on sale through Amazon, blends reflective memoir, poetry, parody, satire and the lived experience of working in the automotive industry.
John said: “Reaching out to Ben felt like someone finally saw me and understood that my journey, although unconventional, was valid. Coaching helped me break my ambitions of writing a book into bite‑sized steps, turning inner chaos into real progress.
“By the time we finished my final coaching session, I held a completed manuscript in my hands, ready for publishing. The process helped me refine my writing and helped me believe in myself - that I am a writer. My book is truly unique and will appeal to car and poetry enthusiasts, but it also straddles memoir, songwriting, media and comedy. I would recommend Ben’s coaching to anyone in the industry who feels stuck in their personal or professional lives - it truly changed my life.”
To read and watch John’s full story, visit www.ben.org.uk/johncstory.
Ben’s free and confidential coaching service is open to anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry. For more information, visit www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching.
To purchase your copy of The Car Showroom Poet book, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1806233428
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 Whether getting your ride prepped for a summer adventure, doing some much-needed maintenance to keep things running smoothly, or you just enjoy tinkering, Riderr offer a wide range of accessories to make sure you’ve got all the essentials covered.
Tool Kit and Tool Kit Pro
As the ultimate grab-and-go kit, the Riderr Tool Kit is perfect for those wanting to make quick fixes on the go or for those with limited storage.
Housed in a compact carry case which fits under your seat, the 28-piece tool set is perfect for those looking for multi-functional tools in one convenient place.
Crafted from carbon steel, the kit consists of a set of 6” long nose pliers, 6” cutting pliers, a four hex key wrench, two precision screwdrivers and one-bit holder with 10 bits to accompany it and seven metric sockets ranging from 7-12mm - and not forgetting an extension bar too.
Why not upgrade to Riderr’s Tool Kit Pro? With added extras such as a 6” adjustable wrench, ten plastic ties and crafted with carbon steel, this kit is great for those looking to level up their workshops.
The Riderr Tool Kit has an RRP of £19.99, with the upgraded Riderr Tool Kit Pro having an RRP of £34.99.
Riderr Air Flow 2200 and Air Flow 4000 Tyre Inflator
The Riderr Air Flow 2200 and Air Flow 4000 tyre inflators are the ultimate packages of convenience: as a wireless, lightweight tyre pressure monitor and inflator.
With an air flow rate of 18L/min, the Air Flow 4000 wastes no time, allowing riders to get back to doing what they love the most, riding! The Air Flow 2200 has a 12L/min inflation rate.
Choose between five pressure units: psi/Bar/Kpa/Kg/cm2.
Both portable devices are powered by rechargeable batteries, charged using a USB Type-C charging cable. The Air Flow 4000 has a larger battery and higher maximum inflation pressure.
The Riderr Air Flow 2200 has an RRP of £39.99, and the Air Flow 4000 Tyre inflator is £49.99.
Riderr Paddock Stand
With a lift capacity of 340KG, the premium Paddock Stand is designed to be a universal fit with the steel frame offering a strong yet lightweight and portable solution for at-home mechanics.
The Paddock Stand by Riderr has an RRP of £59.99 and comes in a black colourway.
Riderr bobbins
Accompany the Riderr Paddock stand with bobbins to allow the paddock stand to fit securely.
The bobbins are easy to install with most bikes having standard pre-threaded holes in the swingarms. Available in M6, M8 and M10 sizes (1mm, 1.25mm and 1.5mm respectively), the Riderr bobbins have an RRP of £12.99.
To see the full product range, visit www.nevis.uk.com.
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From July 17th to 20th, the grounds of MSC Kleinhau once again turned into a haven for two-wheeled adventurers. For the third time, the ACT Camp took place – and with around 200 enthusiastic participants, it became the biggest and most emotional edition to date.
A Weekend to Remember
The camp offered everything an adventure rider could wish for: ideal riding conditions, perfect summer weather, tons of off-road action – and above all, a community unlike any other. From the very beginning, a warm and open atmosphere filled the air. Laughter, shared experiences, mutual support – everywhere you looked, people were connecting. On the trails, around the campfire, or during the evening sessions – ACT Camp 2025 was a place for like-minded people, celebrating not only adventure, but true camaraderie.
Riding Skills, Training & Trail Confidence
On the motocross track, both beginners and experienced riders could push their limits. They were supported by five professional trainers from the Endurocenter Mammutpark, who offered hands-on training, boosted confidence, and guided laps on the prepared terrain.
Those preferring scenic routes could join guided tours through the Eifel region, led by dedicated ACT members – a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the area from the saddle.
A special shout-out goes to the track marshals, who came from the ranks of the participants themselves. Their presence proved vital, especially on the steep exit climb and after the track watering sessions, which added extra challenge to some sections. Their commitment was a true expression of the team spirit that defines the ACT community.
Contests, Fun & Great Prizes
Classic favorites like the Touratech Slow Motion Contest and Motorcycle Limbo returned, joined this year by two brand-new highlights: the NEXX Helmet Toss and the REV’IT! Agility Course – a fast-paced challenge combining balance, precision, and control.
Riders had the chance to win fantastic prizes, including:
Two REV’IT! jackets
One pair of Touratech Destino boots
A Nexx X.WED3 helmet
A complete Metzeler tire set of choice
A particularly touching moment was the first-ever Community Award, donated by Garmin, and awarded to the most helpful rider – voted for by the participants themselves. A recognition that perfectly captured the spirit of the weekend: support, community, and genuine kindness.
Learning & Inspiration
In the large event tent, knowledge and experience took center stage.
- Jan Jessen (NavAcademy) offered a step-by-step explanation on how to transfer GPX tracks to various navigation devices.
- Lutz von Steynitz shared valuable insights into Garmin-based offroad navigation.
- ACT members Uwe and Bernd presented their “Individual First Aid Kits” – an eye-opener for many in the audience.
- The program was rounded out by inspiring travel talks, including Marc von Papen ("From the Sea to the Mountains – 3 Years, 3 ACTs") and Kai Rohr ("How to Become an Adventure Rider").
Strong Partners – Strong Community
On the exhibitor mile, long-time ACT supporters Touratech, Garmin, NavAcademy, and Enduro Xperience presented their products and services. Touratech brought three motorcycles equipped with knobby tires and Touratech Suspension, which were tested by eager participants directly on the track.
Meanwhile, the MSC Kleinhau team made sure no one went hungry or thirsty – with their signature hospitality and dedication that has become an integral part of the ACT Camp experience.
Looking Back – And Ahead with Excitement
ACT Camp 2025 will be remembered as a weekend full of positive energy, deep connections, and joyful memories – all without a single significant incident or injury. Happy faces, new friendships, countless shared moments – this camp was special.
The team at ACT e.V. looks back with pride and says a heartfelt thank you:
To all participants, partners, trainers, track marshals, and volunteers.
And now?
We’re already counting down the days until next year.
ACT Camp 2026 – here we come!
About Adventure Country Tracks:
ACT Adventure Country Tracks® is an association for motorbike adventure riders that has been verifying new ACT tracks in Europe every year since 2016. Each ACT track is carefully developed and includes the best legally rideable tracks for heavy adventure motorbikes. The ACT tracks are available as GPX tracks in the members area of the ACT website.
Since 2016, the association has established tracks in Portugal, Italy, the Pyrenees, Romania, Greece, the UK, Croatia and Albania/Montenegro. Each ACT track is accompanied by an ACT film, which is produced thanks to the support of industry partners and makes an important contribution to the continued existence of the association.
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Touratech celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2025 – a milestone for the long-established company from the Black Forest, which has developed into a leading global supplier of high-quality motorcycle accessories since its foundation in 1990.
Creative early years
The beginnings of Touratech are characterised by creativity and pioneering spirit: two well-travelled motorcycle globetrotters were dissatisfied with the equipment available at the time and began developing motorcycle accessories for their own use in Niedereschach. The first commercially marketed product was the IMO 200T motorcycle computer – a device that was unique worldwide at the time for rally riders and long-distance travellers.
The next milestone followed in 1992 with the ZEGA Case: the first aluminium pannier developed specifically for motorcycles set new standards in luggage transport for adventure bikes – a concept that continues successfully in the ZEGA family to this day. In 1994, Touratech began producing high-strength pannier racks for the BMW R 1100 GS, thereby opening up further market segments.
OEM manufacturing as a driving force for professionalisation
A significant step towards industrialisation followed in 1997 with a major order from KTM for 1,000 IMO units – marking the company's entry into the OEM business. Touratech expanded, increased its production capacity and consistently professionalised its structures.
Consistent expansion of the product portfolio
Touratech AG was founded in 1999. With an expanding product portfolio, including suspension components (Touratech Suspension) and motorcycle clothing (e.g. textile suits from the Compañero range, helmets from the Aventuro family), Touratech established itself as a full-range supplier in the premium segment.
Top quality made in Germany
Production at the Niedereschach site is characterised by a high degree of vertical integration – for many products, this is 100 percent. The high product quality is guaranteed by the interaction of qualified employees and the use of advanced technologies such as CNC machining, laser cutting and state-of-the-art welding robots.
Another milestone in the company's history was ISO certification in 2004, which paved the way for long-term cooperation with premium manufacturers such as BMW. These partnerships, for example for the Vario or Adventure cases, are still characteristic of the high quality and innovative strength that distinguish Touratech as an OEM partner.
Strongly positioned with the Happich Group
Touratech has been part of the internationally active Happich Group since 2018. This affiliation has created new synergies, for example in the development of modern assembly lines and the integration of IT-supported production processes. In this way, series production of the new BMW Adventure case systems began in 2024 with three shifts.
Despite its professionalisation, Touratech has always remained true to its roots. Many of its more than 550 employees share a passion for motorcycling, and quite a few of them live the spirit of adventure, travelling far and wide on their bikes – an enthusiasm that is evident in the products.
Touratech as part of the adventure scene
But Touratech is much more than just a manufacturer of motorcycle equipment. Every year, the company organises one of the world's largest gatherings for motorcycle travellers with its Travel Event. With Touratech Active Adventure, these motorcycle enthusiasts have also created a unique riding event where adventure riders can legally ride a variety of attractive off-road trails in the Black Forest foothills. Twice a year, Touratech keeps the scene informed about the most important innovations in the adventure sector with its lavishly produced customer magazine TRAVEL TIME, which is available in both print and digital formats. And last but not least, as a founding sponsor, Touratech has initiated a Europe-wide movement with Adventure Country Tracks (ACT) that opens up off-road tracks where adventure riders can explore European countries off the beaten track.
Into the future with a strong team and creative energy
Today, Touratech is represented in over 50 countries and supplies not only discerning end customers but also motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW, Ducati and KTM. With its unwavering commitment to its Niedereschach location, a highly motivated team and innovative spirit, the company will confidently celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2025 – while at the same time looking resolutely ahead to the future.
www.touratech.com
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is revealing next year’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC), which will see participants tackle the most chilling challenge yet: The Glacier in Iceland from 18th to 27th March 2026.
Taking place in the icy wilderness of Iceland’s Langjökull ice cap, this extreme expedition will see 24 of the automotive industry's boldest leaders ski-trekking through sub-zero temperatures, dramatic terrain, and battling isolation in the name of challenge and charity. Up to 12 teams of two will need to raise a minimum of £25,000 per team for Ben.
The Glacier continues ILC’s tradition of taking a group of senior leaders far beyond their comfort zones. The challenge lasts 10 days in total and challengers will spend eight of these on the ice cap, journeying together through one of the most remote environments on Earth. They will face:
- Up to nine hours of ski-trekking each day
- Ski-trekking to 1,450m above sea level
- Temperatures as low as -25°C overnight
- Zero contact with the outside world
- Seven nights of camping in the freezing wilderness.
Participants will wake up early each day to melt snow for water, haul gear across snowfields, face biting winds and navigate vast, shifting glaciers.
So far, teams from LKQ Euro Car Parts and Hella have signed up to take part and this will be the third ILC that Spencer Grinham, Sales Director at Hella, has taken on.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development, said: "This may just be our most epic (and coolest) challenge yet! As with all ILC events, the main focus is on raising vital funds to support automotive industry people who are facing challenges that no-one should ever have to tackle alone.
“If you’re a leader in the automotive industry and you’ve ever been curious about what lies beyond your limits, this is your chance. The Glacier will be a challenge of endurance and personal growth, while raising money to support members of our automotive family who are struggling or in crisis. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support. If you’re up for this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, then get in touch with me today!”
Register interest today
There are limited spaces available so, for more information about the event, or to register your interest, please contact Matt Wigginton: [email protected].
To date, the ILC has raised over £1.02million, and the impact continues to grow with every new expedition. The ILC is an epic personal challenge taken on each year by an automotive industry leader (or leaders) to fundraise for Ben. Previous ILC adventures have included swimming across the English Channel, skydiving, cycling down the Thames, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking the Sahara Desert. The ILC requires extraordinary personal endeavour that tests the challenger(s) either mentally or physically - or both.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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