Category: Random

1. DVSA sets out proposals to improve motorcycle training

   Posted on 11:00am Friday 30th Dec 2016

   The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a consultation asking for views on proposals to improve motorcycle training.

   Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. They account for around 1% of traffic on Great Britain’s roads, but 21% of deaths or serious injuries.
   
   The proposed changes aim to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured by making sure new riders are better prepared for the realities of riding on modern roads.

   The main points are

   Improving training
   Improved instructors and training schools
   Skills and knowledge to ride safely

    

   Karen Cole, Director of Safety and Training for the Motorcycle Industry Association, said:

    

   We’re delighted to see DVSA has launched this consultation. We’d urge anyone interested in motorcycle training to respond.

   Have your say on the proposals by 17 February 2017.

   Read more here

   

2. How to be a part of the community?

   Posted on 1:45pm Thursday 22nd Dec 2016

   A few of us have seen or know about the hit American TV programme Sons of Anarchy and while they make joining a motorcycle club seem exiting and exhilarating, most of the times its actually just about friends creating a community. So if you feel like changing something in your life, you may feel joining a community which may bring some prosperity into your life. Motorcycle communities can be the best groups to be with.  
   
   There are thousands of different official motorcycle clubs which don’t tag as outlaws or what you see on TV. Joining a Motorcycle community is pretty simple really. You will usually be required to fill out a membership form and pay a small fee in order to join one of these communities. There are most often no other entry requirements, however each club will vary with rules and regulations. Clubs may also have additional benefits to its members; this may include special discounts that have been organised with companies such as insurance providers or motorcycle retailers.

   Unofficial Communities

   Some unofficial motorcycle communities contain an extremely larger number of motorcycle riders. These communities nowadays are mostly centred on internet groups, message boards and forums. These communities do not have any official legal standing in most situations and are most likely not have any official presidents or secretaries. It’s really simple in regards to joining these communities and may just take a simple message. In the majority of cases there are absolutely no fees associated with these communities. 

   There are lots of events and tours, that are really interesting and worthwhile to attend and at THE BIKER GUIDE, there are various Motorcycle Tour companies such as:

   -          H-C Travel: The longest established motorcycle touring company operating in the UK, with tours to countries such as Tibet, Australia, and New Zealand, etc...

   -          EXtraMILe bike tours: With tours running through Northern Spain, Spain & Portugal and long weekends across various other locations in Europe.

   -          Magellan Motorcyle tours: offering accessible and affordable motorcycle tours across Europe and further afield, some locations includes France, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia

   As well as tours, clubs and communities offer good bonding activities, which include coffee stops at cafes, pub lunches and even get together’s at casinos where you can find the best casino deals, BBQ’s and social parties.

   Joining a community is a really enjoyable thing to do, it will definitely make you feel your part of something and you will be well looked after.
   

   Instead of sitting at home or having a pint on your own at the pub, if you have a motorcycle license, then join a community now, where you will be given some of the best days of your life and you will most certainly look back and cherish the memories you have created with these communities. 

3. Message from John Surtees CBE

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 20th Dec 2016

   First of all let me wish everyone a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year: 2016 has seen its ups and downs however everyone at the Henry Surtees Foundation deserves a pat on the back for the sterling work achieved during this very busy year raising not just funds, but awareness too.
    
   My sincere thanks also to the faithful sponsors and supporters as without them we would not be able to continue to run our two biggest events, and more importantly fund the numerous life-saving work throughout the country.
    
   2017 will see another great step forward for the foundation with many plans afoot (watch this space for more details!)
    
   Kind regards,
    
   John Surtees CBE
   Edenbridge, Kent

   

4. Update on Guy Martins around Britain cycle ride

   Posted on 12:15pm Wednesday 14th Dec 2016

   Guy: "Well it’s not gone quite to plan...

   "I"ve cycled over 11,000 miles this year, including the Tour Divide in America, to and from work most days and I spent three weeks in China in October, back for a few days at work, straight to New Zealand for ten days racing motorbikes, back for a few days at work and then off.

   I badly pulled my achilles tendon on the left side after a day or so but thought I'd just get my head down and work through it. I kept good miles up and got to John O’Groats from Grimsby in 4 days and 8 hours, about 800 miles.
   
   But my leg was getting worse and I thought I could keep going and maybe do the whole lot in 30 days but I knew I'd be jiggered for a long time after and maybe even have serious long term damage, which would mean I couldn’t do the serious cycle trip I've got in my head for next year. So I've put my push bike back in the shed for the rest of the year, giving my leg a chance to recover. I'm back at work and I realise I need to listen to my body more.

   By just manning up I was papering over the cracks. Thanks very much for the support, loads of folk wishing me well and that was mega. It is what it is and like I said ‘Ive got to stop it before it stops me’ and it did stop me."

   See more here

   

    

   Quote of the day/week must be - "By just manning up I was papering over the cracks".

   Wishing Guy and his Achilles tendon well!

5. Toy runs this weekend...

   Posted on 8:00am Friday 9th Dec 2016

   10th December 2016
   Three Amigo's Annual Toy Run

   In aid of the local Childrens ward and disabled children in the care of the local NCH. Bring a toy or chuck a few bob in the bucket. Presents should be unwrapped and new. 13:00 departure.

    

   venue: Meet @ 12:00 from The Commons Car Park, Pembroke, South West Wales, SA71 4EA

   tel: 07515 631 554
   facebook
   
   

   11th December 2016
   Roughleys Toy Run   

   Bring some cheer to those children who are less fortunate than us by bringing a toy to give to them. We will be leaving Tesco's in Stockport at 12 prompt, proceeding to The Rainbow Family Trust in Didsbury then onto The Together Trust in Cheadle, learner friendly route. If you could mark the gifts with either Male/Female, approx age (don't forget there are teenagers in these establishments) that would help so much. 

   venue: Stockport Tesco, (near Manchester) Tiviot Way, Portwood, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 2BT 
   price: Cash donations are welcome 
   website
   facebook

   12th December 2016
   2 Wheels in Unison

   Annual charity ride to the local hospital children ward. Ride starts at 12.30, returning to The Woodlands by 2pm for refreshments. Also a band on in the evening.

   venue: The Woodlands Hotel, 362 Liverpool Rd, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 1RU
   price: Please bring a new unwrapped toy or a donation to the baby unit.
   tel: 07851 810060
   website: www.taliesinbrotherhood.co.uk
   facebook
   e-mail: [email protected]

   11th December 2016
   Toy Run - Ace Cafe

   The cafe's annual Christmas Toy Run into central London departs at 11am on Sunday 11th December to attend the children's wards of three hospitals:

   St Mary's (Paddington) 11.45am - 12.15pm 
   Royal Brompton (Chelsea) 1pm - 1.30pm 
   Evelina Children's Hospital (Westminster) 2pm - 2.30pm

   As always, any surplus gifts will be distributed to various children's homes and groups. Please bring gifts that are wrapped and labelled Boy/Girl/Age Group. Because of allergies hospitals advise against stuffed toys and sweets - the nursing staff however may appreciate some sweeties!

   On returning to the cafe, there will be prizes for the 'Best Dressed Bike' and the 'Best Dressed Rider' - and a hot cuppa!

   venue: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD 
   tel: 020 8961 1000 
   website: www.ace-cafe-london.com - www.acecafeevents.com 
   facebook
   e-mail: [email protected]

   11th December 2016
   Cambridge Bikers Christmas Toy Run

   Join lots of other Bikers in a truly spectacular ride to Addenbrookes Hospital taking gifts and toys to those in hospital over the festive period. Previous years have seen three miles of bikers riding into Cambridge with many dressed in costume. Meet at 9am ready to ride at 9.45am. Bacon rolls, tea and coffee should be on offer again. There may be a one way system in place this year to make exiting a little easier.

   venue: La Pergola, Cambridge Road, Harlton, Cambridgeshire, CB23 1HA. A603 outside Cambridge. 
   price: Just bring a toy or gift for someone in hospital. One gift per rider or pillion.
   facebook
   facebbok event
   e-mail: [email protected]