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It struck me a while ago that my first childhood memory, was riding pillion on my fathers cycle, where on a bright summers day, I was laughing, with my arms outstretched and from that moment I was hooked on the feeling I experienced... From then it was inevitable that I would end up on a Motorbike. I thoroughly enjoy the freedom of the road, being exposed to the elements with the sun on your face, the wind on your back and even the feeling of surviving another English rain storm on 2 wheels. It still holds the same thrill now as it did when I started and to be honest, it just gets better with the more people you meet and the camaraderie that exists between Bikers. For example, after suffering a puncture on a motorway last year, we managed to get to the hard shoulder and whilst we waited for the AA to rescue us, Bikers were stopping to see if they could help. This genuine concern for your fellow human being is hard to find in this day and age, but it is very prevalent within this community.
I was hooked...
With brief moments on motorcycles over the years, it was not until I lived in Greece, that I became hooked. In fact one day as I lay on the beach, I heard the rumble of approaching motorcycles and as I looked toward the road saw a group of Bikers passing by, on what I now know to be Harleys. I made a decision: That I needed to ride myself!
For eight years I rode around the island of Rhodes for enjoyment and also work, which was selling advertising for an English tourist newspaper and magazine. I even took part in one of the first reality programmes, named 'Brits abroad', which involved a BBC film crew following my day-to-day living and work, which of course included shots of me on my beloved Motorcycle.
After five years of working for various media groups in the UK on magazines, newspapers and web-sites and dealing with the burocracy the corporate world brings, I decided to answer that niggling idea I had thought about years previously, which was to design a web-site for the Biker community which would include information such as Rallies, Shows, Ride-outs, Clubs, News, Biker Pubs, Clothing, Biker Friendly Accommodation, Camping, Custom & Parts and much, much more, all on one user friendly site.
Born to be wild... and naked!
Launched in January 2009, thebikerguide.co.uk, has quickly become a trusted source of information, mainly as we strive to include updated information and businesses which are of interest to the Biker Community and promote direct to Bikers at Rallies, Shows and have just produced THE BIKER CALENDAR, which features clubs and Bikers from around the UK, in various states of undress - all artfully taken to avoid envy or embarrassment for those which have took part. The Clubs who have dared to bare are:
NABD, Northern Harley Club, Jesters MCC, FELP, The Wreckin Crew, Unwanted MCC, Salutation MCC, Bristol & Avon Roadrunners MCC, The Royal British Legion Riders Branch, Royal Oak Rejects and a few other 'lone' Bikers.
Story by:
Sharon Rollisson-Slaughter
THE BIKER GUIDE
Bringing the Biker Community Together
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7,020 new powered two wheelers (PTWs) were registered in August 2009, bringing the total for the first eight months of the year to 79,897. This is an 18.2 per cent fall on 2008 according to the latest figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI), and a fall of 30.5 per cent on August 2008.
The Touring, Sport Tour and Naked styles recorded the strongest performances this month, suggesting continued demand for everyday, practical bikes.
August Supersports registrations fell 37.8 per cent, to 990 registrations. However, the stronger year-to-date performance of a 14.3 per cent fall suggests that this month's change may be attributable to buyers waiting until 1 September for the most up-to-date registration plates.
Larger capacity bikes are continuing to show more resilience than smaller machines. Registrations of mopeds fell by 39.8 per cent in August 2009 compared to August 2008, while registrations of bikes with engine sizes greater than 1000cc fell by only 13 per cent.
The performance of learner-friendly machines remains strong. In five of the eight style categories - custom, naked, scooter, supersport and trail/enduro - the best-selling bike was a 125cc model. The best selling bike in August out of all styles was Yamaha's YZF R125.
This evidence for the continued importance of practical motorcycling is also supported by the latest figures from the Department for Transport's National Travel Survey, which show that over half (52%) of all motorcycle trips in 2008 were made for the purpose of commuting, compared to just one-third (34%) of bicycle journeys and one-fifth (22 %) of car journeys. The National Travel Survey also found that the average motorcyclist uses their bike as their main mode of transport for over one-third of all trips, making 8 motorcycle trips a week, and travelling 80 miles.
"While it's clear that people are being very cautious about their spending, interest in riding remains strong," commented MCIA's Sheila Rainger. "Demand for motorcycle tests is quietly rising, while five per cent of all visitors to the Get On website have booked themselves onto a taster session."
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The Manx Motor Cycle Club, organisers of the Manx Grand Prix in the Isle of Man, regret to announce that a competitor in today’s MMCC Newcomers Race sustained fatal injuries.
Thirty-eight-year-old engineer Richard Bartlett from Longfield Hill came off his 600cc Honda near Kerrowmooar.
He was an experienced rider, making his debut in the Manx Grand Prix.
The Manx Motor Cycle Club wishes to express its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Bartlett.
The Manx Motor Cycle Club are investigating.
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Motorcycles are making a bigger contribution to getting commuters to work than any other mode of transport, according to the MCI's analysis of the new National Travel Survey.*
The survey shows that over half (52%) of all motorcycle trips in 2008 were made for the purpose of commuting, compared to just one-third (34%) of bicycle journeys and one-fifth (22 %) of car journeys. These findings challenge the myth that bikers are a nuisance on the road and more interested in leisure pursuits than the day to day convenience of a powered two-wheeler. They strengthen the case for motorcycling to take its place at the heart of mainstream transport policy as an everyday, practical mode of transport which can improve access to employment, education and social networks.
. Congestion-busting: the majority of car journeys are still single occupancy (60%) and this is notably higher for commuting and business trips (84%). If these solo drivers switched to two wheels, congestion would fall and journey times drop dramatically.
. Affordable: financial hurdles were one of the main deterrents to driving. For younger people this was particularly critical, with almost half (48%) of 17-20 year olds stating 'the cost of learning ' as a reason for not driving. A third ( 32% ) of this age group said that the cost of buying a car was another key factor for not driving. A new rider can get on the road for under £2,000 including a new 125cc scooter, kit and the basic training ( CBT ) that is required: a more cost -effective option than four wheels and ideal for younger people who need to get to work or college on a limited budget.
. Regular: the average motorcyclist relies on their bike for everyday transport, using it for over one-third of all journeys they make.
MCI Spokesperson Sheila Rainger said, "Motorcycle and scooter riders are capitalizing on the cost-effective, practical benefits of using a powered-two wheeler during some of the busiest times of the day.
"It is important that the Government and employers recognise the contribution riders are making to ensure workers are getting to the 'office ' quicker and cheaper than some of their colleagues. Cheaper parking, secure and covered parking and access to bus lanes are just some of the small steps that will improve a biker's experience."
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Plymouth man Stuart Morrisey, 48, a.k.a. ‘Madrider 1961’ is to ride from Plymouth to John O’Groats and back around the August Bank Holiday in aid of leading health charity Diabetes UK, even though he still hasn’t passed his test! Setting off on Thursday 27 August, riding his Honda CG125cc motorcycle with L-plates and using only ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, he will set off from Derriford Hospital, Plymouth to Carlisle, on to John O’Groats, back through Inverness, and then on through the Midlands to Land’s End and back home to Plymouth for Sunday 30th August 2009. Unfortunately, in June 2009 Stuart had to abort his return charity ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats just north of Perth in Scotland due to unforeseen circumstances. Not one to be defeated, Stuart, who has been riding motorcycles since 1993 and who rides with two slipped discs and a damaged vertebra, was determined to undertake a re-run on a solo basis. “You may ask ‘why Diabetes UK?’ The answer is simple, 'Honeymonster'! - a fellow biker and great friend of mine has diabetes and it was quite a shock when he was diagnosed, not only to him but to his friends as well”, said Stuart. “I’m a firm believer in helping those who are in a worse position than I am, and although I experience pain on a daily basis, I really enjoy the challenge of raising funds for worthwhile charities.” Always foremost in Stuart’s mind when he arranges these charity rides is safety. He is always happy for other riders to join him whether it is for only a few miles or for a bigger section of his route, which inevitably brings in a ‘coffee-stop’, a chat and a chance to get the camera out for a few impromptu photos. Stuart started raising money for charity in 2004 riding from Plymouth to Bolton and back in just 48 hours. 2005 saw him ride solo around England for five days for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, visiting as many RNLI stations on route as possible, raising just under £4,000 and riding almost 2,000 miles. Diabetes UK South West Manager Jan Tyrrell said: “We are delighted Stuart has decided to dedicate this ride to raising funds to help and support the ever-increasing numbers of people with diabetes across the South West and the rest of the UK. “Fundraising events such as Stuart’s are crucial in enabling us to maintain our commitment to improving the lives of the 200,000 people in the South West living with diabetes. The condition is becoming more and more prevalent, now affecting three million people in the UK and almost 30,000 in Devon alone. “We wish him a safe ride and look forward to meeting him back in Plymouth on August 30.” Still riding on L-plates, Stuart has promised that when he has completed his ride that he will take his test. Stuart has a group of 100 (he’s hoping more) bikers meeting him at Land’s End at lunchtime on 30 August and they will ride the final leg with him back to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. Stuart will also be presented with an award for ‘Outstanding thing done on a Motorbike for 2008’ upon his return. He received this award in 2007 and is hoping that this ride will also gain him the title for 2009 - if he achieves this he will be the world record holder. Stuart’s target is to raise £2,000 for Diabetes UK and can be sponsored via his ‘Justgiving’ site @: www.justgiving.com/stuart-morrisseyFurther information on Stuart’s charity rides can be found on his website at www.madrider1961.co.uk To find out if you are at risk of diabetes visit:
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