Category: Other

1. Indian Motorcycle DTRA Hooligan Race Team Announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 27th Feb 2023

   Continued Indian Motorcycle sponsorship supports growth of European Hooligan Racing
   Hooligan class renamed Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023

   
   Indian Motorcycle has announced the signing of Jamie Kimber and Gerard Bailo to contend the 2023 DTRA Hooligan class following the recent US race team announcements. Indian Motorcycle also continues its long-term support and promotion of flat track racing in Europe with sponsorship that sees the class renamed as the ‘Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023’.

   Indian Motorcycle’s continued partnership with the DTRA helps to ensure the future of grassroots motorcycle sport and the development of youth riders. As a result, European flat track racing has grown substantially in recent years, being one of the most accessible and respected entry points to the sport outside of North America.

   Anthony Brown, DTRA founder commented, “Indian Motorcycle have helped to grow the Hooligan class in the DTRA since its inception and we are honoured and happy to have them along for the ride in 2023. It will be great to see a mixture of UK and overseas riders battle it out on Indian Scouts and FTRs against the rest of the Hooligan field. With some new tracks and events to be announced in the coming weeks the 2023 Hooligan championship is set to be the best on yet.”

   Jamie Kimber won her first national race at the June 2021 round of the National DTRA championship and went on to secure third in the National DTRA Minibike-Mod Championship Series. Having been spotted by Indian Motorcycle UK, Jamie was awarded a scholarship as the Indian Motorcycle Academy rider aboard the Indian Scout Hooligan for the 2022 season and proved worthy with fourth in the overall championship standings. A recent graduate in Sports Psychology and Coaching sciences, Jamie has competed in many sports from triathlons to rugby but says there is nothing like throwing a leg over a motorcycle and heading to the start line. Jamie can be followed on Instagram at @jamiekimber421

   “Signing for Indian Motorcycle is such an exciting stepping stone for me. It all started in late 2020 when I spontaneously signed up to the ladies class in Scunthorpe on my dad’s Sunday S147 pitbike. He taught me the basics the night before and it all went from there. I took to it quite well. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to ride the Indian FTR as a fully-fledged member of the team. This year, I hope to continue improving, enjoying each moment, and gain National podium results. My heart is with anything two-wheeled and I can’t wait to get stuck in at racing this season. I would like to thank Indian Motorcycle for the opportunity; I am excited to see what this season brings,” said Jamie.

   Gerard Bailo started competing in Supermoto in 2007 when he was just 13 years old and made his Flat Track debut in 2014. Quickly proving competitive, Gerard took third that year and, in 2016, improved to second in the open category. By 2017, Gerard had several regional Supermoto championships under his belt plus the Junior Nations world title and decided to fully commit to Flat Track racing with an opportunity in the DTRA series. Competing only in flat track since then, Gerard had his best season in 2022 winning the FIM Flat Track World Championship. Gerard will compete in the Indian Motorcycle Hooligan series aboard the Indian FTR 1200 prepared by S&S Cycle, while balancing his racing commitments with work in his family’s Insurance business. Gerard can be followed on Instagram at @gerardbailo17.

   “Taking the world title in 2022 was my best season ever, something I had always dreamed of and being able to make it happen was incredible. We also got more experience on the bigger tracks, so this also helps us for 2023. I am very happy to sign the contract with a brand like Indian Motorcycle. I believe we will be very competitive, and I hope to be able to fight for the 2023 national championship title. Thank you to Indian Motorcycle for their trust in me,” said Gerard.

   The Dirt Track Riders Association has just announced its dates and full Series details for the 2023 and Indian Motorcycle and the DTRA actively encourage riders to get involved. The atmosphere at DTRA managed races is inclusive for all abilities with classes from Rookie to Pro-Rider. For full race schedules and details of how to enter visit dirttrackriders.co.uk and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

   For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

2. How Will VR Change the Motorcycle Hobby?

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 21st Feb 2023

   Virtual Reality technology has enabled us to explore far-flung locations that we might never have been able to visit, which is great for people with a motorcycle hobby who don’t get much time to get out on the open road.

   VR headsets, software and devices have allowed motorcycle fanatics to continue enjoying their hobby in a much cheaper and more convenient way. Find out more about how VR will change the motorcycle hobby right here.

   How is VR changing the motorcycle hobby?  

   People who enjoy motorcycling as a hobby often have to plan out ways to reach desirable locations well in advance, which means finding anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days or more.

   These same people tend to work long hours, therefore, don’t get too much time to indulge in their passion for going out on the open road. VR technology is changing this.

   Thanks to the latest developments in VR headsets and other cutting-edge VR technology, motorcyclists looking to get away can now experience being out on the open road from the comfort of their homes.

   It means they get to spend more time with the family and can still enjoy their favourite pastime. It may not be the same as being on a motorcycle taking in the Scottish Highlands, the African Wilderness, the Mountains of Nepal, or the Australian outback, but it’s the next best thing, and it’s becoming extremely popular.

   Are VR casinos a thing? You can now take up more hobbies thanks to VR technology, one of which is VR casinos. You can enjoy online poker at today’s best VR casinos, although they are still not yet as good as live dealer casinos from award-winning software providers, such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play.

   What are the best VR headsets in 2023?

   If you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about and get your hands on a VR headset in 2023, then you may want to consider investing in one of these top-of-the-range devices before purchasing any other VR headsets.

   Some of the best VR headsets on the market today are the following impressive devices:

   ● Valve Index VR Kit – this innovative piece of kit will set you back around $1,000, and it’s regarded by many as the best PC VR headset for gamers
   
   ● Meta Quest 2 – you can get your hands on this all-round relatively affordable device for just $400, and it’s a huge hit with most people

   ● HTC VIVE Pro 2 – this top-of-the-range headset costs just over $1,280, but if you want the best of the best, this is the device for you

   ● HP Reverb G2 – if you’re looking for a decent device for less than $400, then you may want to invest in this for just $380

   Honourable mentions

   One of the other reliable VR devices on the market today is the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite. If you’re looking for something much cheaper, you may want a headset you can hook up to your smartphone or Nintendo Switch.

   Examples include the BNEXT VR Headset, which is compatible with iPhone and Android phones, the OIVO VR Headset, which is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, and the VR Shinecon Virtual Reality Headset.

   You also have the Pansonite VR Headset with remote control, the Viotek Spectre VR headset for most smartphones, the PlayStation VR Marvel’s Iron Man VR Bundle, and Atlasonix VR Headset, and the Oivo VR headset for the Nintendo Switch, to name just a few great VR devices.

   Top 5 motorcycle destinations in the world

   If you aren’t yet convinced by VR headsets and would prefer to visit some of the world’s best motorcycle road trip destinations in person, there are several highly recommended locations you should add to your bucket list. They include the following:

   ● Australia’s Oxley Highway

   ● Spain/Morocco’s Granada to Marrakech

   ● America’s Pacific Coast Highway  

   ● Wales’s Historic Coastline

   ● Nepal’s Kathmandu to Mount Everest Base Camp

   People are also fond of several other top locations, such as the Pan American Highway in South Peru, Paso de San Francisco in Argentina, and even the Coast of Britain.

   If that’s not enough to keep you going, you also have Dalton Highway in Alaska, the Valley of the Rocks in the Bolivian Andes, Salar de Uyuni (the Salt Flats), which is also in Bolivia, and Cairo to Khartoum in Egypt / Sudan.

   Preparing your trip to any of these destinations will take months of planning, but don’t forget that plenty of helpful websites can help do all the hard work for you and take the stress out of the planning part of the operation.

    

    

    

    

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3. The Best Biker Cafes In The UK

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 14th Feb 2023

   There are some excellent cafes scattered around the UK, and some are better than others in terms of the meals they serve up and the general hospitality on offer. However, some cafes go the extra mile and not only welcome bikers but are geared towards groups of bikers stopping by. And we have the lowdown on the best of them below.

   Super Sausage Café    

   The Super Sausage Café, which is located on the A5 close to Potterspury, is the number one biker café in the whole of the UK in the eyes of many. You know a place means business when it wins awards, and this place has won multiple. For the owners, everything they do revolves around quality, from the equipment they use to the food they serve, as part of a process. The café’s hospitality is also great as visitors can tuck into a fantastic breakfast, read the paper, and even looking at the latest news for all the latest GP events at any of the trusted online sportsbetting sites.

   The Old Brewery Cafe   

   The Old Brewery Cafe is an interesting inclusion because it’s based at Moto Corsa in Gillingham, which is a state-of-the-art showroom described as “the home of rare & exceptional motorcycles.” Now, in our opinion, this place could very well be the stuff dreams are made of for bikers because not only can they check out some great rides, they can then head into The Old Brewery Cafe and enjoy some excellent food too. It’s essentially the perfect combination, especially for those who have to travel a bit of a way to get there or for bikers who are in the market to make a new purchase.

   Harry’s Café  

   We think The Old Brewery Cafe and the link-up with Moto Corsa is so fantastic that the next inclusion on this list follows suit.  
   Harry’s Café is another place perfect for bikers to dine that is attached to a bike shop, and this time it’s Fowlers of Bristol where the magic occurs. At Fowler’s of Bristol, which is, of course, based in Bristol, there is everything a biker could ever want or need, from kit through to motorcycles themselves. And then, in what is an impressive building, there is Harry’s Café, where all the traditional biker fare is available to eat in or take away.  

   Penny Garth Café     

   Penny Garth Café is the final entry on this list, and in many ways, it takes somewhat of a different approach to the other inclusions, which makes it the perfect way to end. Penny Garth Café is in the ideal location of Hawes in North Yorkshire because those riding through the Yorkshire Dales will find it en route. It’s smaller than the other cafés listed in one sense , ut larger than a lot of cafés, with seating outdoors and plenty of bike parking available. Everything they serve, from breakfasts to cakes, is great, and the added touch of a 24-hour webcam allowing bikers to determine the weather before travelling is fantastic.

    

    

    

    

    

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4. Certification programme Touratech A.R.T.T.

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 8th Feb 2023

   With the A.R.T.T. certification programme, Touratech sets internationally binding standards for instructors and tour guides in the premium segment. Graduates receive a skillset that enables them to create motorcycling experiences at the very highest level
    
   Certification as a valuable guide
   In response to the enormous demand, a huge, almost unmanageable range of organised tours and training courses has emerged in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for customers to identify high-quality offers. In this situation, quality seals backed by a brand with high credibility provide valuable guidance.
   In order to define a standard for motorbike experiences at the highest level, Touratech has launched the certification programme A.R.T.T. together with Edelweiss Bike Travel.
    
   What is A.R.T.T.?
   A.R.T.T. stands for Adventure Rider Tours and Training. This succinctly describes the core segment of the rapidly growing market for high-quality off-road experiences by motorbike.
   Guides and instructors with outstanding riding skills acquire in-depth skills for the management of demanding tours and trainings as well as a broad portfolio of soft skills for the confident handling of complex group dynamic processes within the framework of the A.R.T.T. certification.
    
   A.R.T.T. - the basis for successful business models
   The A.R.T.T. certification is the perfect prerequisite for instructors and tour guides to stand out from the crowd and target an upmarket audience.
   In addition, A.R.T.T.-certified tour guides and instructors are authorised to integrate the Touratech brand into their marketing concept and offerings.
    
   The way to the certificate
   The application for an A.R.T.T. certification is always made via the Touratech Headquarters in Niedereschach or via a Touratech distributor. Guides and instructors applying for the programme must already have outstanding riding skills, as no riding technique is taught as part of the certification.
   After an individual selection process, the participants go through a five-day workshop that includes both practical and theoretical modules and is concluded by an examination. At the end of this structured process is the A.R.T.T. certificate.

5. Ben prepares for Blue Monday with official launch of new text support service

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 12th Jan 2023

   • In advance of Blue Monday on 16th January, Ben launches new text support service
   • Free and confidential support available around the clock for those struggling or in crisis
   • Ben is always there for the automotive community – day or night 24/7

   January is a tough month for those struggling with their mental health. The festivities are over, it’s a long time until payday and our social media feeds are flooded with everyone we know declaring that ‘this is my year’ and that 2023 will bring a ‘new year, new me’. For some, the new year can indeed feel like a new opportunity, but for others the forced positivity that a new year brings can feel like additional pressure, a difficult standard to live up to.

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, regularly sees an increase in demand for support in the winter months and, with Blue Monday fast approaching, has launched a new text service to ensure people who are struggling or in crisis can access free and confidential help any time they need it, day or night.

   The text service offers support outside of Ben’s helpline hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm), in partnership with Shout. If you need support outside of Ben’s helpline hours, you can simply text the word BEN to 85258. You will then receive four automated messages which will connect you to the next available trained professional who will support you. You will then be able to chat over text about what is troubling you - be it feeling anxious, having relationship issues, experiencing problems with addiction or gambling, feeling lonely, low in mood or depression, dealing with bullying, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Whatever is on your mind, the Ben team is on hand 24/7 to listen and help you to reach a calmer and safer place and figure out a plan for how to move forward.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We are delighted to be launching our text service in advance of Blue Monday as we know this will be a hugely valuable new resource for people who need our help. The fact that people can now contact us and receive support at any time, day or night, means that we can offer potentially life-saving support to our automotive family who may be struggling or in crisis.

   “Sometimes people prefer to text rather than speak on the phone, it can be easier to share how we truly feel, to chat discretely if there are others in earshot, or to talk about things that are causing us shame or embarrassment over text rather than having to say them out loud. Our existing webchat during the day and now a dedicated out of hours text support service gives our community another way of accessing vital help and may make a crucial difference to someone who is thinking of harming themselves or taking more drastic action in a time of crisis. We want people to know that we are here, any time, for a judgment-free, confidential chat.”

   Between 8pm – 8am you can text BEN to 85258 free and anonymously from all major UK networks – to find out more about Ben’s text support service, visit www.ben.org.uk/get-help/ben-s-text-support-service

   Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you would benefit from some support or if someone you know might need us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our free and confidential helpline: 08081 311 333, use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk or text BEN to 58258.

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.