Category: Other

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Discover the Best Casino Games for Bikers and Adventurers

   Posted on 10:00am Monday 9th Jan 2023

   Casino slots have long been some of the most visited games in the establishments. Both online and offline, these slots have managed to entertain audiences for a long time. There are several reasons for that, most of them having to do with the slot machine’s design.

   To make a design that will be interesting and fun for the player, software developers have had to think out of the box. This is where they would eventually come up with their best idea, themed slots. It’s hard to find a casino on websites like CasinoHawks.com that doesn’t offer a variety of fun, themed slots.

   Recently, themed slots have become an obsession and preference for many casino players around the world. Looking at the success of these games is a testament to that fact. Devs have brainstormed and come up with various ideas such as taking inspiration from movies, TV shows, and even real-life figures such as celebrities.

   Of course, not all of these ideas take inspiration from pop culture. For example, some game devs may have even acted on their personal passions. This is where bike-themed games most likely came into existence. 

   Almost as if they were designed to attract this type of audience, bike-themed casino games and slots have captivated this audience. Let’s take a look at some of these games that are most popular with bikers.

   Slots Angels

   An interesting play on Hells Angels motorcycle club, Slots Angels is one of the top bike-themed casino games. It features an RPG element along with slots, allowing the player to become part of a biker gang. Iconic biker symbols are very prominent in this game, such as the Harley-Davidson motorbike. 

   This slot game has 5 reels and 30 paylines with fun features such as multiplier spins that multiply up to five times! 

   The game is a joy to play with decent graphics, enjoyable music, and customization options. Slots Angels is a fun take on the world of motorcycle clubs and gangs that lets the player live out their biker fantasy. Additionally, it lets them mainly focus on the money-making aspect of a slot machine.

   Biker Gang

   Although it sounds similar to Slots Angels, Biker Gang has a few of its own features to offer to users. Namely, Biker Gang embodies the feeling of freedom to those who seek it, to wanderlusts who enjoy feeling the breeze on their face and riding along on their motorcycle. Additionally, Biker Gang doesn’t waste much time with the RPG aspect that Slots Angels offers. Whether this is a good thing or not really depends on the player’s preferences.

   It employs gang signs, giving certain values to each symbol that lets players know how good their outcome is. With a simple 3x5 setup, Biker Gang features five spinning reels with three symbols each.

   However, players will be most appreciative of the Winning Multiplier. You will notice a gauge filling up on top of the reels with every unsuccessful spin. Once the gauge fills up and when you win, it applies a multiplier to your winnings. This essentially makes everyone a winner in this fun bike-themed casino slot game! The gauge resets once you’ve triggered it, letting you start all over again.

   James Dean

   If you’re looking for a bike-themed game that also collides with films and celebrities, James Dean is most likely the slot game you’re looking for! Since its launch in 2015, the James Dean slot game has amassed an impressive number of players enjoying the game.

   The game has 5 reels and 25 paylines, and is even available on mobile devices such as a smartphone or a tablet! If you’re hesitant about the game and want to try it out first, James Dean also offers free spins. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions first!

   Naturally, a slot game needs some features to help it stand out. For James Dean, that’s the growing wilds, wildcard symbols, and even a gamble option!

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

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4. Top 10 Most Expensive Motorbikes

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 29th Dec 2022

   Motorbikes are more than a hobby - they can be a lifetime project, a labour of love. Some motorbikes are perfect for just getting from point 'A' to point 'B' fast, others are all about style. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the most expensive motorbikes on the planet.

   Whilst some people get their kicks from taking the tightest turns imaginable in a Kawasaki, other people enjoy online casinos. If you’re one of these people, you can check out the best slot machine games for android for all of your mobile casino gaming fun.

   Onto the list:

   10. £184,000 - Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera   

   The Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera is a fierce-looking beast and definitely a bike that will turn a few heads. The top range model comes with a cool 180 grand price tag, a pretty penny indeed, and is designed by the one and only Aldo Drudi.

   Lightweight (the beast is surprisingly only 135kg), nippy and limited edition, this Testa Stretta isn't the fastest bike in the world but when it comes to looks, it’s absolutely sublime. One for the collectors.

   9. £192,000 - Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16

   A titanium monster, the Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 is purely designed around speed, with every inch being meticulously designed to help the model achieve some serious horsepower.

   Whilst the standard model will set you back around £60,000, the upgrades are what bump the price up here. You can get this machine up to 200 hp with a Ducati 989 cc v$ desmodromic engine - totally road legal and weighing in at about 144kg.

   8. £245,000 - Ecosse Founder’s Edition Ti XX

   If you have some money to splurge and want a classy-looking steel horse, then the Ecosse Founder’s Edition Ti XX could be the one for you.

   A titanium and carbon fibre chassis helps keep the weight down and the rear exhausts are also made from titanium. The engine transmits a mighty 228PS of raw power to the rear wheel making for some quick getaways. To top it all off, you've got an absolutely magnificent seat which is made from hand-crafted leather.

   7. £327,000 - Legendary British Vintage Black

   For a more classic style of bike, you should take a look at the Legendary British Vintage Black. Released all the way back in 1948, the modern version combines the vintage aesthetic with modern-day upgrades.

   The run of bikes was limited to only 33 models, making it highly collectable and the reason why the bike is priced so high. The 250cc of performance under the hood made it the fastest legal road bike in the world at one point in history. You can find this bike in many classic films, a truly iconic motorbike.

   6. £450,000 - Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike

   Looking like something that wouldn’t be amiss in a Mad max film, the Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike is a real show-stopper when it comes to its design.

   The futuristic-looking bike is one of the most expensive on the planet, although it’s just a concept bike and not actually road legal (yet!). Weighing a whopping 680 kg and reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, in theory, the bike could reach top speeds of 400 mph - certainly not one you would take out touring.

   5. £1.2 million - Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship

   Yep - we’ve broken the £1 million mark! Starting off our top 5, the Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship is a one-of-a-kind bike. It was painted by renowned artist Jack Armstrong, whose other works have sold for as much as £3 million.

   Whilst the performance of the bike isn’t anything to shout about, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable.

   4. £2.4 million - The Yamaha BMS Chopper  

   Yamaha has done more than create a bike with the BMS chopper - they’ve created a piece of art.

   Not designed for the road - you can tell immediately from looking at the bike - this is purely a collector's piece that’s meant to be enjoyed and appreciated as a piece of art. It almost looks like a vehicle out of a Marvel film

   Yes, there’s a scary 1,700cc engine on this, but the fact that it's coated in 24-carat gold and the upholstered seat is pure red velvet, you won’t want to take it on the road!

   3. £2.95 million - Ecosse ES1 Spirit

   Another limited edition titanium motorcycle, some bike lovers have described its appearance as a little bit goofy. But what it lacks in appearance it more than makes up for in performance.

   This mean machine is capable of almost 230 mph! This is why before you can even think about buying the Spirit, you have to take a special two-week class at Ecosse headquarters to see if you're worthy enough of riding.

   2. £5.7 million - 1949 E90 AJS Porcupine

   Whilst it doesn't look like anything special, you have to have some serious cash to get your hands on one of these porcupines.

   With 4 only ever being produced, one of them was used by Les Graham to win the 1949 World Championship, which only adds to the price tag.

   1.£9 million - Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter

   Coming in as the world's most expensive bike is the limited edition fighter by Neiman Marcus. Limited to only one model, Neiman Marcus is a chain of high-end, extremely luxurious retail stores in America that decided to throw their hat into the motorbike game.

   When the bike was unveiled at auction, the start price was only £90,000 - but the bike eventually worked its way up to a staggering £9 million!

    

    

    

    

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5. Tips for flatbed truck drivers

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 27th Dec 2022

   Those who are just about to buy a flatbed truck will inevitably need help during its operation. Usually, they are associated with ignorance of the car or its imperfection. Therefore, a few tips for those who need more experience will not be excessive.

   Tips for usage in extreme conditions

   Extreme conditions are often considered too high or too low air temperatures, especially in those regions where such weather is the norm. In such a case, the flatbed truck needs to be refurbished and special attention paid to maintenance.  

   Preparing for the summer

   Drivers of flatbed trucks fail to prepare their vehicles for winter, but many people forget about summer. In order to minimize the occurrence of hazardous situations, a number of things should be done.

   1. Conduct a technical inspection of the cooling system. There must be enough refrigerant in the air conditioner, because one of the biggest dangers in summer is overheating of the engine. In addition, you need to flush the radiator. At this time of the year, there is a lot of dust, pollen, and plant fluff in the air. They get into the radiator and can also lead to overheating.

   2. You need to check the thermostat. If it is faulty, the engine may break down. That will entail costly repairs and significantly reduce the sale price of a flatbed truck.

   3. Check engine coolant and oil. Every driver should have a can of antifreeze and distilled water with them. Ordinary pouring is impossible because this can cause the breakage of expensive parts.

   Preparing for winter

   Winter is a more challenging period for a mini truck with the weight up to 1 ton. In addition to the standard tips for replacing tires and carrying out maintenance, I would like to highlight a few more points:

   * You need to choose the right oil for the engine. It should have a viscosity of 5 units less than what is used in autumn and spring;

   * it would be best if you took care of the fuel heating system since it can freeze in winter;

   * Pneumatic systems need to be adjusted. Sometimes the engine will not start due to fluid that freezes in the valves. Water gets there from the surrounding air, so truck owners install dehumidifiers.

   Driving tips for novice drivers

   Do not turn off the engine at high speeds. So you deprive scorching parts of cooling. The engine may overheat. In addition, the relay regulator will immediately turn off. Its function is to stabilize the voltage that is in the onboard network. After turning off the engine, the generator will continue to supply voltage to the network for some time, affecting the reliability of electrical equipment.

   Start in first gear if you have a trailer on soft ground and slippery ground.

   And one more thing, remember, a truck is a dangerous participant in the movement for others. It would help if you were predictable to others, kept your distance, and did not make hazardous maneuvers.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

   article supplied