Category: Tourism & Travel

1. Manchester doubles amount of motorcycle parking, and it’s FREE

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 23rd Mar 2021

   The number of dedicated parking places for motorcycles in Manchester car parks has more than doubled – and they are all free! A review of motorcycle parking within the city showed that demand for parking exceeded the supply, and as a result a considerable number of motorcyclists were parking unofficially, and sometimes illegally.   

   There are now 127 dedicated motorcycle spaces; a mixture of on-street (63 spaces) and covered car parks (64 spaces), and full details are available on the council’s website at: https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/500346/city_centre_parking/332/motorcycles    

   The measures were informed by consultation with various motorcycle community groups and organisations such as the British Motorcycle Federation and Motorcycle Action Group. They told us that having spaces in car parks and on the ground or first floors, making sure they were well-lit and having CCTV coverage was important, along with anchor points or rails for chaining bikes to. All of these suggestions have been adopted.   

   A grace period informing motorcyclists of the new provisions will run from 12/03/21 – 6/05/21, where motorcyclists who are parked illegally will receive an information leaflet informing them of the new parking provisions across the city centre.  During the grace period motorcyclists will not receive a parking ticket. However, after the grace period ends, MCC will enforce penalties (£70 penalty, discounted to £35 if paid within 14 days of issue) for motorcyclists parking in the wrong place. This includes designated cycle parking spaces and racks. Motorcyclists can park in a normal pay and display bays anywhere across the city, provided that they purchase a pay and display ticket. It is advisable to write 'M' for motorbike and the registration number of the bike on the ticket before attaching this to the motorbike, to discourage theft.  

   A motorcycle parking policy will be produced in order to finalise and formalise the changes.

   

2. Crieff Cloverleaf touring route

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 18th Jan 2021

   The Crieff Cloverleaf is a new multi-day motorcycle touring route in Scotland, featuring a set of four spectactular all-day rides that have been especially designed for motorbike touring by fellow bikers.

   Soaring through the northern alpine Cairngorms and the southern rolling hills of the Borders, curving around dramatic West Coast mountain lochs and East Coast ocean vistas, the Crieff Cloverleaf provides plenty of the best of Scotlands biking in every direction.

   From sweeping progressive A roads to winding country byways and adventurous single-tracks, the Crieff Cloverleaf has something to thrill every rider. It takes in some of Scotlands most-loved biking roads and some hidden gems too, and each route provides a great mix of riding.

   Every Cloverleaf route starts and ends in the beautiful hillside town of Crieff, Perthshire, so all four routes can be explored while staying each night in the same accommodation. This simplifies travel planning, and avoids problems with trying to book single-night stays.

   The four Crieff Cloverleaf routes travel north, south, east and west respectively, and each involves around 6 hours on the bike, divided into four separate legs. Daily distances range from 188mi/383km to 238mi/303km, depending on terrain. Each leg ends at a suitable spot for a coffee stop or lunch break. Wherever possible, stops also have a petrol station and toilet facilities available.

   For those who prefer shorter riding days or are visiting for the weekend, the Crieff Cloverleaf additionally offers the Little Leaf, an enticing set of four three-hour routes also centered on Crieff.

   The town of Crieff and the surrounding Strathearn area provide a wide range of holiday facilities, including luxury hotels and B&Bs, a variety of self-catering options, bunkhouse stays and camping. Crieff also has a great selection of top-notch cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and take-aways, plus superb specialist food and drink shops, a petrol station and full supermarket facilities.

   Scotlands incredible landscapes and exceptional roads make it a must-ride destination for motorcyclists from all over the world. We look forward to welcoming riders to the Crieff Cloverleaf in 2021.

   www.cloverleaf.scot

3. Predictions of wintery weather are bad news for local roads

   Posted on 1:00pm Monday 26th Oct 2020

   Weather forecasts of freezing air to sweep over the UK by the end of October could prove to be bad news for those local roads that have not be well-maintained believes the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA).
   
   Weather forecasters WXCHARTS are predicting that Artic air from a north-westerly direction will sweep over the UK and see temperatures drop to freezing lows of 0C by the end of this month. Meanwhile, the Met Office has also predicted that north-western parts of the UK could see snow falling by the end October.
   
   This is bad news for those highway authorities who have failed to properly maintain their road networks and for the motorists who use them as the freezing temperatures could result in more potholes.
   
   Potholes are caused by water or snow freezing in cracks in the road surface. The expansion of ice results in damage and breaking up of the road surface which is made worse by repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The late start to the preventative maintenance season in some authorities due to Covid-19 led to smaller programmes being completed this year, with many unable to carry out all their planned, preventative maintenance. This is likely to lead to more expensive reactive patching over the winter.
   
   “Cold icy weather has a detrimental impact upon roads resulting in more potholes where planned proactive maintenance has not been carried out, particularly where budget has meant smaller programmes than required by carriageway asset lifecycles over a number of years ” warned Paul Boss RSTA chief executive.
   
   Boss called upon the government and local authorities to work together and invest the necessary funding to carry out planned programmes of road maintenance rather than expensive reactive pothole repair: “Patch-and-mend defies economic logic”, said Boss. “It costs only £3 to £5 per m2 to surface dress and maintain a road but costs on average over £50 per m2 to repair potholes. The expensive, emergency patch and mend repair of potholes is not a sensible use of highway budgets unlike the implementation of planned programmes of maintenance.”

    

4. Sat Nav vs maps on a Motorbike...

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 16th Sep 2020

   I used to like the idea of being spontaneous and also did not fancy using a sat nav however once you have tried to get a room somewhere to find you cannot get one as they are full due to a local festival, overpriced (Italy circa 2001, 11pm in a roadside motel style @ €175 comes to mind) , you cannot find one (sounds strange I know but there are miles and miles of nothing in parts of Germany and France - well apart from excellent scenery) and to book into somewhere and find it awful, we now have a final destination and plan route around it. 

   We use a combination of Biker Friendly accommodation on www.thebikerguide.co.uk and if there is nothing in the area we want we also look on other accommodation websites. 
   
   We did a trip a couple of years ago with the final destination being Colditz Castle, which you can stay in. Went in July for 3-ish weeks with everything booked, set into Sat Nav and you know what - thank goodness as it rained everyday but one. We would set off with the next place in the Sat Nav - take off route when we wanted and arrive at destination stress free.

   We stayed at some great places, travelled fantastic roads and routes, ate well, found our way easy even with the many roadwork diversions and would pass by others at the side of the road battling with a big wet soggy map to find their way. We did also pack a map as back-up or to look at a vaster area on a larger scale, however we are happy to say it return dry and not soggy. 

   I think once you have used a Sat Nav on a big trip which gets you to destinations easy, gets you out of a diversion and back on route, helps you navigate/find food and petrol, you wonder what you did before the United States military released the technology for GPS!

   The first way around a small budget for such a trip and/or even the Motorbike is to take out a small loan which will enable you to enjoy the trip, without having to save up for a long time.

5. Why Traveling by Motorbike is a Great Idea for a Student

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 2nd Sep 2020

   After the end of a grilling semester, students look forward to breaks and holidays. They'll get to dine and wine with loved ones, de-stress in a new destination, visit museums, and more. Exploring the world offers a thrilling chance at adventure, experiencing foreign and native cultures, making new relationships, and many more.  

   During school breaks many scholars can't find the time to travel, owing to the overwhelming amount of academic tasks they'll have to complete before resumption. This dilemma leaves British students asking the question "Can I get online help from a professional UK writing service?". The answer is yes you can get experienced assistance from a writing service in the UK, with Edubirdie often being the go-to option for many scholars in such scenarios. Getting this aid gives students the time to explore the world, relax, or accomplish other crucial tasks, while still having a top-notch paper.

   And if you are looking to take a trip soon, then consider travelling by motorcycle. Here's why.

   Experience Nature Unhindered

   Travelling by motorcycle gives you a clear view of nature. You'll get to see and experience the beauty of nature thanks to a magnificent display of landscapes and trees. While travelling down the road, the wind brushes across your face, the sounds of animal life fills the air, and more. Motorbike travel also offers you the chance to stop in a nice spot to appreciate these natural sights and sounds better.

   Perfect for Building Travel Albums

   When using any means of transportation other than a bike, you don't get the chance to take perfect photos. While in a car or bus, your photo sessions are limited, as the vehicle rolls past an object, scenery, or event of interest. Motorbike travel grants you the opportunity to stop at any time on the road and take those perfect shots for your album.

   Feel Free and the Alluring Sense of Adventure There's something about travelling by motorcycle that instills a sense of freedom. It's a common term many bikers used in describing the experience of the road. You'll decide your destination and stop, you can ride through the city, country town, or off track.

   You are on an adventure when you motorbike travel, as it's a trip between you and nature. Your journey's shape is in your hands.

   Learn to Admire the Little Things

   Motorbike travel often gives you the chance to appreciate simplicity. You'll learn to worry less about not having more and be content with the available resources. While on the road, there's little room on your bike, leaving you with the only option of packing the essentials. This situation helps you learn to live as a minimalist.

   Another habit you'll pick up on the road is resourcefulness, as you learn to be more prudent with money. Living minimalistic and being resourceful are both crucial attributes that shape students for success in college.  

   Experience New Cultures and Relationships  

   While travelling by motorcycle, you'll get to explore new places, experience new cultures and build new relationships with the locals. You can easily go off the main roads or tracks on a bike, getting you in closer proximity with locals. This off-road flexibly means you can explore new cities better. You'll also have a higher chance of striking up conversations with locals off the main roads. The ability to communicate and appreciate other cultures are both essential skills a student needs to achieve success after graduation. 

   Final Thoughts  

   The main aim of travelling is to make new memories and experiences. Exploring the world on a motorbike delivers you with the best of the experience. Travelling by motorcycle offers you excitement and a chance to create your adventure story.   

   It provides you with a unique way to experience nature, and pick up essential life skills. British students don't have to worry about an assignment overload getting in the way of their adventure, they can always get help from a top-notch writing service. 

    

    

    

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