BikeSafe takes delivery of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 as it joins forces with the RAF to improve service personnel motorcycle training.
 
BikeSafe take delivery of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 motorcycles
Highways England support BikeSafe with funding
BikeSafe provide RAF personnel with training
 
RAF Brize Norton was the location for the official handover of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 motorcycles to BikeSafe, a police led initiative to reduce the number of motorcyclists involved in accidents on the road by improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness. The location was also chosen to highlight BikeSafe’s partnership with the RAF that will involve the police putting an estimated 2,500 motorcycle riding RAF personnel through the workshops.
 
The Multistrada 1200 was chosen by BikeSafe after an extensive evaluation process and deemed to be the most suitable motorcycle to assist the various forces throughout the UK to deliver the BikeSafe workshops, feature at shows, events and bike meets.
 
The purchase of the bikes is funded by Highways England, which is responsible for 4000 miles of England’s motorways and major A routes. Highways England has seen the results and benefits of the BikeSafe project and sees improving rider skills as one way of achieving its aims to reduce rider casualties on its road network.
 
Ducati UK along with the motorcycle industry has been an important supporter to the BikeSafe project regularly loaning its bikes to them in police livery for use at shows, race meetings and bike meets. Ducati motorcycles that BikeSafe have used in the past has included, a 1299 Panigale, a Scrambler, a Diavel and for this year the new SuperSport.
 
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Adderley the National Police Chiefs Council lead for BikeSafe said “We are delighted by the recognition and direct support that BikeSafe has received from Highways England, a national body that is working in partnership with BikeSafe to reduce motorcycle casualties. This has enabled BikeSafe to purchase this fantastic fleet of Ducati motorcycles.,These exciting and dynamically engaging bikes will be used for BikeSafe engagement and education of motorcyclists across the country, as well as keeping our service personnel safe through our partnership with the RAF.”

It’s an obligatory date in the calendars of many motorbike fans and adventure riders: The big Travel Event at the Touratech headquarters in Niedereschach, Germany. From June 9th to 11th, visitors from all over the world will be heading to this small town in the Black Forest to enjoy a fantastic event full of entertainment, adventures and conviviality. At the same time, the 2017 BMW Motorrad GS Trophy Qualifier Germany will guarantee even more action on two wheels.

At least when it comes to the dimensions, the 2017 Touratech Travel Event will be the biggest event Niedereschach has ever seen as it will take place on two locations: The original grounds and the area around the new sales and logistics centre. Both locations will be connected and will be turned into one huge festival area with about 80 exhibitors and wide-ranging catering options. Ten different food trucks will be offering international specialties in addition to the usual choice of meals.

With BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha, all the big motorcycle manufacturers will attend, and most of them will come with their impressive show trucks. You can not only admire, but also try and test the latest motorcycle models. For bargain hunters, there will be the popular second sale, taking place in its very own hall behind the new building. From Friday to Sunday, the shop opening hours will be extended.

The event will start on Friday, June 9th at 12pm. Part of the programme will be exciting lectures and interesting workshops about tyres, travels, navigation and photography, as well as presentations on the big main stage. There, Touratech Racing will introduce a project that will leave many of you stunned in surprise. Also, the behind-the-scenes tours might be of special interest this year as they will show how many things have changed at Touratech’s. Of course, you can also visit the new logistics centre.

A trials show next to the big polygon tent will be pure artistry on two wheels. Those who like to have some fun with their own bikes can participate in the guided tours, training and ride-outs. All these offers are for free, however, the number of participants is limited. For this reason, an online registration form will be set up at travelevent.touratech.de, being available as of May.

The presentations on the daily agenda promise will be full of adventures. Among others, Black Forest native Martin Brucker will report on his six and a half year’s journey on a BMW G650 Xchallenge, while the renowned photographer Dirk Schäfer will take his fans with him on a tour from Namibia to Kenia (Coast to Coast). Martin Leonhardt brought many exciting stories and great pictures from his world trip as well, being presented on the big stage on Friday evening.

On Saturday evening at 6pm it’s going to be exciting as that’s the start of the spectacular final of the 2017 BMW Motorrad GS Trophy Qualifiers Germany, taking place at the Touratech Travel Event area. There, the best German GS riders will fight for the starting positions for the 2018 International GS Trophy in Mongolia. After the award ceremony, Ramona and Herbert Schwarz will present the new Touratech film about Australia.
Visiting the Touratech Travel Event is free, and so will be the overnight stay on the huge camping ground. Two exclusive hansgrohe shower trucks will upgrade the sanitary facilities providing luxurious shower pleasure.

Further information please visit travelevent.touratech.de

The festival is open to all motorcycles and celebrates local connection with the Davidson family of Harley-Davidson fame.

Friday Night - 9pm - 1am Rock Night (Ballroom Gitz) £10/ticket. 
Saturday 10am - 9pm - Static display of vintage & classic bikes, trade stall, food village, fairground area, 40 mile ride out (all bikes welcome). 
Park and display in town centre as streets closed for motorbikes to park in.
Saturday Night 9pm - midnight: American Rock and Country & Western Night £10/ticket. Camp site with CCTV - £10 per person, adjacent to swimming pool, fitness gym, etc. Various competitions. 

venue: Held in the town centre of Brechin, Angus. Streets closed for bikes to park in and stalls are on Clerk Street, Panmure Street, Swan Street, St Davids Street, High Street. See here and below
price: Event free to all. Campsite £10 per person. Tickets to Rock Night or American/Country Western Night - £10. 
tel: 07767 602 855
website: www.hditc.co.uk
facebook page - Brechin - Harley Davidson in the City 
facebook event
e-mail: [email protected]

Touring the good old USA in the ultimate American coast to coast biking trip is on the bucket list of most bikers. Who among us hasn’t dreamt of riding the infamous Route 66 from the saddle of a Harley Davidson while listening to Steppenwolf’s Born to be Wild? It might be a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason.

The truth is the USA offers some of the most amazing empty roads and spectacular scenery that you’ll find anywhere in the world, and is probably the most biker friendly country you’ll visit too, featuring plenty of iconic biker friendly accommodations and bars along every route. While there are hundreds of amazing routes you can take in America, let’s take a look at some of the best and most popular routes.

Route 66 – From Chicago to Santa Monica

This list would not feel right unless we started with the world famous “Mother Road” highway – Route 66. One of the original highways in the US Highway System, Route 66 spans a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). Beginning in Chicago, IL, this historic cross country route established in 1926 will take you through a total of 8 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally to California.

The so called Main Street of America is not just a hugely visited route because of its legend however, as it features a huge variety of beautiful landscapes, national parks, monuments, ghost towns, and kitschy iconic pieces of Americana that are definitely a sight to behold.

From the quirky Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the breathtaking Painted Desert in Arizona, the Teepee shaped Wigwam Motels, or the Jesse James Museum in Missouri, there are enough historic, natural and cultural landmarks throughout the route to guarantee that you’ll get your kicks on Route 66. TheRoute-66.com has a very complete list of attractions you well encounter along the way.

Valley of Fire Loop 

About 20 minutes away from Las Vegas you’ll find about 100 miles of the most amazing ride areas in all of America. Featuring twisty, windy roads with scenic vistas of desert, canyons and Lake Mead, this route will take you to the Valley of Fire State park and back, visiting some amazing locations along the way.

Starting in North Las Vegas on the I-15, you will border Lake Mead and the Colorado River until reaching the Valley of Fire. The Valley of Fire State Park, located about 50 miles northwest of Las Vegas, offers some of the most incredible vistas for bikers throughout its 42,000 acres of spectacular red sandstone formations dating back over 150 million years. Owing its name to the way that the sandstone appears to be on fire when reflecting the harsh desert sun, The Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and offers riders a great spots to camp and amazing hiking trails.

However, since this route should only take you about a day or so the best bet will always be to simply return to Las Vegas and enjoy yourself with some of their famous shows, bars and of course casinos! If you want to know which casinos are the best to visit, Vikingslots travel guide of Las Vegas can help you determine which casino is right for you.

Route 50 – The Backbone of America

“For the unhurried, this little-known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States,” William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highway (1982)

Route 50, also dubbed ‘The Backbone of America’ by Time Magazine, is a coast to coast highway that stretches 3000 miles long, spanning 13 states on its way from West Sacramento, California to Ocean City, Maryland. Running mainly through rural areas and passing hundreds of old, little towns, the Nevada section of the route is known by travelers as “‘The loneliest road in America”, as you will find nothing but mountains, sand, blue sky and the open road ahead of you for as far as the eye can see.

Running through national parks, caves, petroglyphs, ghost towns, lakes and forests, this route will allow you to see a little bit of everything along the way, particularly the natural beauty found throughout Middle America.

Once you arrive in Maryland, you will also be in the perfect place to start two more of the East Coast's best routes The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

The Three Sisters (aka The Twisted Sisters)

Three Sisters starts in Medina, TX, and offers bikers a 131-mile roller coaster ride that will absolutely blow you away and change the way that you view Texas for good. Filled with twisty mountain-like curves and sharp turns (hence the name the twisted sisters), this road will take you through large hills, clear rivers, the amazing million dollar vistas of Frio Canyon, and even authentic J.R. Ewing-style Texas ranches.

If you feel like doing a little fishing along your journey, the Nueces River is the perfect place to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and the Texas native Guadalupe bass, as well as a variety of panfish such as redbreast sunfish, green sunfish and even Rio Grande perch.

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As IAM RoadSmart’s well-regarded Mature Driver Assessment undergoes its own mid-life makeover, the charity is offering the chance to win an exclusive lunch at Silverstone Circuit with its Mature Driver Ambassador, renowned rally and racing driver Paddy Hopkirk MBE.

As of now, IAM RoadSmart’s Mature Driver Assessment will become the Mature Driver Review. The content and price (£49) of the 60 minute session will remain the same.

Sarah Sillars, IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer, said: “We didn’t want mature drivers to be scared off by the word ‘assessment,’ as there is no pass or fail with the Mature Driver Review. It is all about giving the driver a reassurance that their driving is still up to standard and to offer an extra confidence boost as our roads get more congested."

IAM RoadSmart has long said that older drivers are sometimes pressured into giving up driving long before they need to – leading to isolation and in some cases depression as the individual loses a key part of their freedom. As we have a steadily aging population, with 10,000 people reaching their 70th birthday each month in the UK (reference 1), maintaining safe mobility is a an issue that can no longer be ignored.

IAM RoadSmart’s commissioned its own survey Keeping Older Drivers Safe and Mobile, which showed older drivers themselves are keen to drive as long as they are safely able to do so (reference 2).

Sarah said: “Older drivers are some of the safest on our roads – we are very keen that they don’t hang up their car keys before they need to. Isolating older people by taking their cars away from them will impact heavily on society and increase demands on our health services.”

IAM RoadSmart has long advocated that independent assessments to allow mature drivers to get a ‘seal of approval’ for their driving ability should be more widely available and they should be offered incentives to take them up in greater numbers (reference 3)

The Mature Driver Review involves an IAM RoadSmart expert going out with the driver in their own car on familiar local roads, to assess their driving style and to watch out for any areas where skills could do with some sharpening.

The review is informal – candidates can bring a friend to ride along if they like. Ninety per cent of older drivers reviewed by IAM RoadSmart need only some minor guidance to set them back on the right road.

After the review, drivers not only get a verbal report on their skills but also a written account of the session, which includes pointers to improvement.

To find out more about the Mature Driver Review click here: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses/mature-driver-review

To mark the name change, we are offering a chance for two people and a guest each to enjoy a three-course lunch with Paddy Hopkirk himself at the BRDC Clubhouse at Silverstone Circuit on 15 June as a competition prize, open to everyone.

The BRDC Clubhouse is not open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to meet the great man himself and hear some of the amazing stories that have made Paddy a legend in the world rallying scene.

Although he is famous for winning the 1964 Monte Carlo and 1967 Acropolis Rallies, he also raced at the fearsome Le Mans 24 Hours as well as many other circuits around the world. Paddy was also greatly admired for giving up a sure win in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon to rescue with his co-driver a fellow competitor from his burning car.

For a chance of winning this unique prize, just answer the following three easy questions and email your answers to [email protected] by noon on 1 June.

1. What car did Paddy Hopkirk drive when he won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally?

2. Who was Paddy’s co-driver in the 1964 Monte Carlo rally?

3. And what was that car’s registration number?