It’s time for a new chapter of the Virtual Grand Prix season, and this weekend you could enjoy a new event at Silverstone circuit. The Gresini Racing Team will be on the grid with two of its raising stars: Nicolò Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini) for the Moto2 Category and Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini) for the Moto3 one. 

You can watch our riders from 3pm on motogp.com and esport.motogp.com (for free and with no register), and on selected TV broadcasters including Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Viasat in Sweden, NBC in the USA, Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America, Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India, Fox Asia, Fox Australia, TEN, and SuperSport across Africa.

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, over priced (Italy circa 2001, 11 pm 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 do as above - i.e. find 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 militaryreleased the technology for GPS!

In fact travelling without the technology and maps on hand is a gamble... 

Motorbike insurer Bikesure, recently surveyed 1,000 commuters in London and found a 141% increase in the ownership of low-emission mopeds, scooters and motorcycles ahead of the new measures to improve air quality in the capital.

The survey also revealed that:

• 82% of Londoners have changed or thought about changing their usual mode of transport
• 31% of commuters won’t be able to afford to drive/ride in the ULEZ anymore
• 32% of commuters won’t drive/ride in the ULEZ as much as they used to

The respondents were also asked how they felt about the ULEZ:

• 47% of Londoners think it is a good idea and they don’t mind it being brought in
• 45% of Londoners can understand the reasons, but feel frustrated by it
• 8% of Londoners think it’s a bad idea

The ULEZ, which was introduced on April 8 2019, means vehicles driving through a designated area around London need to meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge.

Drivers don't have to pay if their vehicle meets the minimum emission standards (Petrol: Euro 4 / Diesel Euro 6). Otherwise, they will incur a daily charge of £12.50 or risk a fine of £160 if it fails to meet these standards. The ULEZ is also set to expand further in to the North and South Circular Roads in 2021.

A spokesperson for Bikesure said:

“The results that have come through from the survey are quite interesting, and show Londoners have been getting prepared for this.

“They are also opting for low emissions mopeds, scooters and motorcycles to travel around the city when the ULEZ is introduced.

“This could be a sign of changes happening in the industry as more, and cheaper electric and low-emission models are entering the market. The next five to 10 years will be a very interesting time.”

To see the findings in full, head here

article supplied

Dartmoor is a beautiful place and perfect for a retreat. Whether you need a break from city life or simply want to get out and enjoy a new area of the UK, Dartmoor is the place to go. Relax, rejuvenate, and get rid of your stress. With this guide, you’ll master your downtime.

1. Get Out in Nature

One of the best things to do in Dartmoor is to explore the countryside. Dartmoor is, after all, the largest moorland in the south of England, and also features the largest area of unglaciated upland. This makes for stunning landscapes and truly tranquil walks.

Heading out and enjoying nature walks, or even just sitting down for a picnic, does wonders for our health and wellbeing, and with so many great trails in Dartmoor, you are spoiled for choice.

If you need help picking out some stunning walks to enjoy during your time in Dartmoor, here are our favourites:

Fingle Gorge  

This is a spectacular riverside walk that promises sweeping views and enchanting sounds.

Easdon Tor

This rock-topped hill is only ten minutes away from Moorland View on foot. Head up and enjoy 360-degree views of the area. Perfect for a sunny, clear day and especially during sunset.

Grimspound

Grimspound inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hounds of Baskerville. It is known for its 24 Bronze Age roundhouses, so head on out and tour them for yourselves. 

River Bovey

For a flat, lovely walk, head from Moorland View to Bovey Castle. You’ll enjoy wildflower woodlands, stone bridges, and of course, end up at one of the best attractions in Dartmoor.

2. Enjoy the Spa Facilities Available

There are so many great spa facilities available in Dartmoor to continue your downtime from the city. 

Relax and get pampered in a variety of locations in the area, including the stunning Bovey Castle.  

Bovey Castle  

Bovey castle features the Elan Spa, which offers excellent packages and views of the River Dart.