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Category: Events and Shows
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As motorcyclists we all know the amount of fundraising events for good causes and charities that goes on each year that are organised and run by motorcyclists, clubs and motorcycle organisations.
In Northern Ireland riders raise thousands of pounds each year for these various causes from Children’s Wards, Christmas Appeals, MRI Scanner Appeals, Dog Homes, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the NABD (National Association of Bikers with a Disability) and many more.
These events are replicated across the UK, but this time, funding raising with a difference has reach our inbox from the Boundary 500 Motorcycle group based in England.
The group has received the blessing of pre-eminent folk duo The Proclaimers and now look set to launch one of the year’s most unlikely attempts at making the pop charts.
The Boundary 500 Motorcycle group has enlisted the help of North-East band The Happy Cats, fronted by ex-Lindisfarne vocalist Marty Craggs, in re-recording I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers’ signature song. Sales of the song will raise money for two of the region’s best-loved charities, the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice.
The lyrics of the song have been changed to reflect the bikers’ dedication to the two causes, and the song itself has been given the new title I’m Gonna Ride 500 Miles. Brian Laverick, leader of the Boundary 500 group, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work putting this together, but the end product is something I think we can be really proud of. We even got the thumbs up from The Proclaimers themselves. Song sales of about 3,000 in the week should see us enter the top 40 which would be a phenomenal achievement in itself, but would also raise lots of money for these two great charities.”
Mark Guidery, chief executive at Zoë’s Place, said: “Brian and his group continue to amaze us with their fundraising efforts. We hope residents of the region get behind the group’s latest efforts and provide a real boost to our fundraising in the run up to Christmas.”
Grahame Pickering, chief executive of GNAAS, said: “The charities get a donation for every single sold, so we are hoping all our supporters get behind this fantastic fundraiser.” The Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group was formed in June 2006 and was established primarily to support GNAAS and later added to its nominated charities Zoë's Baby Hospice.
The Group takes its name from the approximate distance around the boundary area of the air ambulance charity. Every year, bikers from the group ride the 500 mile journey to boost fundraising. It has raised more than £310,000 for GNAAS and £106,000 for Zoë’s Place since it began.
In a statement, Charlie and Craig Reid, of the Proclaimers, said: “Our very best wishes to the Happy Cats’ and everyone in the Boundary 500”
The song is available for 79p via iTunes and in CD and DVD format for £3 at www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/shop
At Right To Ride we think that the Boundary 500 may be on to a hit with the recording of the Proclaimers 500 miles/bikes.
The Boundary 500 say, “Please help us make this a Christmas number 1.” Information The Groups next major event is on Saturday 8th December 2012 when they hold their annual 22 miles Motorcycle Santa Ride for Zoë's Baby Hospice.
Further details are on the Groups web site. www.boundary500.co.uk
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Motorcycle Live is a nine-day motorcycling extravaganza that offers so much more than a display of the latest bikes. Aside from the nine FREE live features including seven opportunities to ride a bike**, there are also three themed zones to immerse yourself in…
Cure itchy feet and plan an epic ride in the Escape Zone sponsored by Yamaha Super Ténéré, ogle at the weird and wonderful machines in the BSH/Streetfighters Custom Xtreme Zone and appreciate some old beauties in the Classic Zone in association with the Coventry Transport Museum. There is so much eye candy you won’t know where to begin!
Plan your great escape
The Escape Zone sponsored by Yamaha Super Ténéré is where visitors can find all the inspiration and equipment they need to plan the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. Crammed with companies offering everything from group tours to advice on planning a solo adventure, a trip to the Escape Zone will make sure your trip is memorable and your destination is unique.
“Brilliant stuff!” – Ann Troath, 43, Llangullo
“Loads of people to talk to about how to get started on planning a big trip. A great idea.” – Oliver Brodbin, 28, Godalming
Admire an old classic It’s not all about shiny new machines at Motorcycle Live, it’s about shiny old machines too! The Classic Zone in association with Coventry Transport Museum will bring a brand new look, new feel and new, old bikes. With an impressive collection of beautiful motorcycles that will have you remembering why you fell in love with bikes in the first place.
“Brilliant range of classic bikes, perfect if you're interested in that kind of thing, or want to know more about where all that technology in your new ‘Blade came from!” – Michael Braybrook, 26, Coventry
“Brings back great memories” – David Owen, 50, Coventry
Take it to the Xtreme
The Custom Xtreme Zone once again has the full support of Back Street Heroes and Streetfighters magazines. The 2012 display will be dedicated to custom motorcycles, hand-picked by the editorial teams. It is guaranteed to be a great opportunity to see some of the year’s best cover bikes up close and personal.
“Awesome, awesome and more awesome!” – Rob Wilkes, 42, Weston Super Mare
“There were some of the most amazing custom bikes I've seen here. Some of the paint jobs were gobsmacking”. – Al Croot, 33, Wolverhamton
“I'm not normally fussed on streetfighters but these bikes are something else! Really have to be seen to be believed”. – Tim Teale, 33, Wilmslow
Motorcycle Live 2012 runs from Saturday 24 November to Sunday 2 December at The NEC, Birmingham. Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012 cost just £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child*. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit
www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
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Voting for the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year is underway!
Once again this prestigious award will be decided by bike fans who can choose their favourite rider of the season by voting online.
The winner of the Enkalon award, in association with Adelaide, will be presented with the famous Joey Dunlop trophy at the Adelaide Motorcycle Awards in Belfast on January 18 next year.
Previous winner, former British Champion Adrian Coates, is the chairman of the judging panel and assisting the event’s organisers oversee the public vote. He expects the result to be the closest call in many years. Adrian said: “Our riders have excelled on the World, British and Irish stages, both on the short circuits, the roads, and off road. That’s what makes this years vote such an intriguing one. I am encouraging everyone to get involved as we want the winner to be a true reflection of what our motorcycle fans think. They’re a knowledgeable bunch and really know their stuff.” He continued, ”Every local rider wants to be crowned the best in the country, and to be handed the iconic Joey Dunlop trophy with the famous yellow helmet, on the biggest night for our sport is something very special”
Last year bike fans logged on in their thousands to cast their vote, and can do so again by visiting the awards website: www.adelaidemotorcycleawards.com
Read the full article on Right To Ride
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On Wednesday 28 November, Motorcycle Live will be hosting Dirt Day – an introduction to the world of off-road and adventure riding.
Kawasaki, BMW Motorrad, Yamaha and Honda will each takeover a slot on the Blackhorse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone, where special guests – from road racers to well-known adventurers – will talk about their love of dirt riding, offer advice on how to get started and show visitors how to navigate their way around off-road machinery.
The day will begin with Kawasaki British Superbike rider Chris ‘The Stalker’ Walker taking to the stage to chat about his off-road school, StalkerMX. He will be joined by World MX2 rider Tommy Searle, as well as seven-times Dakar contender Mick Extance, who will launch his new Kawasaki Experience and enduro rider Martin Chappell, who will introduce his Trail and Off-road Experience.
This will be followed by a Q&A session with a whole host of BMW Motorrad’s worldwide adventure riders including Long Way Round’s Charley Boorman, Dakar rally racer Si Pavey, female thrill-seeker Squash Falconer and the globe-busting riding duo Julia and Kevin Sanders.
Honda World Superbike star and off-road enthusiast Jonathan Rea will take to the stage to talk about his passion for motocross and how it led him to set up his own MX team – JAR Honda. Three-time world motocross champion and Buildbase Honda Team Manager, Dave Thorpe, will also be present to introduce the new Dave Thorpe Honda Off Road Centre in Wales.
Finally, Yamaha will welcome two special guests: long-distance adventure motorcyclist Nick Sanders and former MX GP rider Barry Johnson – both of whom are running live features at Motorcycle Live 2012.
Sanders, whose career spans 30 years and has included seven round-the-world trips, will be entertaining show goers with the FREE Nick Sanders Motorcycle Cinema. The feature is back for 2012 with a brand new short film depicting the charismatic traveller’s mad journeys across deserts and faraway places, with clips from his record-breaking Pan American journey The Incredible Ride along with his first record ride Fastest Man, a classic from 15 years ago.
If you’re up for trying dirt riding on the day – or any other day of the show – head to the Yamaha Off-Road Experience for a FREE taster session under the watchful eye of qualified instructors, led by Barry Johnson. The specially-designed indoor motocross circuit caters for all levels of experience from those who have just the basics of clutch control through to experienced road riders. Kids can also have a go on the KTM Red Bull Pro Nationals Motocross Experience, which gives children aged five to 12 years old the chance to get dirty and try out off-road riding.
Motorcycle Live 2012 runs from Saturday 24 November to Sunday 2 December at The NEC, Birmingham. The all-inclusive ticket gives access to five exhibition halls crammed with all the latest bikes, clothing and accessories and seven FREE opportunities to ride a bike**, plus non-stop entertainment from some of the biggest names in biking on the Blackhorse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone. Also featuring the BSH/Streetfighters Custom Xtreme Zone, the Yamaha Escape Zone, the Classic Zone in association with Coventry Transport Museum and FREE entry into the Ramp’d Up Freestyle Motocross Arena**.
Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012 cost just £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child*.
To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
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The Test Ride Zone will make a welcome return to Motorcycle Live 2012 thanks to Shoei, Sidi and Spada and a great line up of models from some of the world’s leading manufacturers.
Show goers with a full motorcycle licence can sign up for a FREE 20-minute test ride on a model of their choice before heading out on the open roads around The NEC accompanied by an out-rider. Those visitors travelling by train or car can also get involved, as Shoei, Sidi and Spada will be providing all the necessary safety equipment. Here’s what last year’s visitors had to say about the feature:
“A good idea for those who are not sure what sort of bike to buy. You can get good advice on what bike suits your needs and what sort of riding gear is available to you.” – Colin Williams, 65, Cardiff
“The best way to ride different manufacturer’s bikes all in one place.” – Gene Loder, 45, Hartlepool
“Great for deciding if that new bike is right for you.” – Steve Collier, 47, Wolverhampton
“Buzzing, informative and a pleasure.” – Nicola Ford, 55, Beccles
The following manufacturers will be providing motorcycles (models TBC): Ducati, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Honda, KTM, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Victory, Yamaha and Zero. Participation is subject to availability. Participants must be over 21 years old and hold a full UK licence and bring both parts of this for verification. To book a ride, head to the Test Ride Zone check-in desk in Hall 4. Bookings will be taken from 10.00am.
The Test Ride Zone is just one of the exciting live features at this year’s show. The all-inclusive Motorcycle Live ticket gives access to five exhibition halls crammed with all the latest bikes, clothing and accessories and seven FREE opportunities to ride a bike**, plus non-stop entertainment from some of the biggest names in biking on the Blackhorse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone. Also featuring the BSH/Streetfighters Custom Xtreme Zone, the Yamaha Escape Zone, the Classic Zone in association with Coventry Transport Museum and FREE entry into the Ramp’d Up Freestyle Motocross Arena**.
Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012 cost just £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child*. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or click here.
For real-time news and updates:
Visit www.facebook.com/motorcyclelive
Follow @motorcyclelive on Twitter
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