Category: Other

1. Cycling funding fails to address fundamental safety issue

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 22nd Feb 2018

   Government proposals of £7million funding for new bike-friendly areas fail to address a fundamental issue of cycling road safety: potholes and deteriorating road surfaces reports the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA).
   
   “The government’s own figures state that 100 cyclists a year are killed or seriously injured due to accidents caused by poor or defective road surfaces. This is the issue that needs to be addressed”, said Howard Robinson, RSTA chief executive.
   
   Under the proposals the government will provide £6.5 million funding for a range of projects to improve road safety and help create more bike-friendly areas in 8 cities including Bristol, Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham, Norwich, Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford. In addition, it will also provide £0.5 million to support the Cycling UK Big Bike initiative to get more people cycling safely.
   
   “Cyclists are amongst our more vulnerable road users. For them, the continued deterioration of local road surfaces can result in death or serious, life-changing injuries”, said Robinson. “Initiatives to get more people cycling are to be welcomed but the government needs to invest in the provision of a well-maintained road network that is safe to for them to use.”
   
   Robinson points to the latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey that found to restore the local road network to a satisfactory condition would cost over £12.06 billion and it would take 13 years to address the backlog of potholes. Produced by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) the survey found that such is the rate of deterioration a sixth of local roads could be unusable within five years.
   
   “Before making headline grabbing announcements the government should provide real levels of investment in road maintenance to ensure that cyclists have a safe road surface to cycle on”, said Robinson.

2. 50 Best Travel Tips from 10 Years of Travel

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 17th Feb 2018

   Are you ready for an adventure? There are so many different forms of travel: backpacking, cruises, long-term travel, etc. No two trips are the same, and each trip will provide you with unique memories and exciting adventures that you can share with your friends and family back home. Whether you are taking a trip to see family and friends for the holidays, or want to explore new countries across the world, traveling can be an enriching and memorable experience.

   We have all spent hours looking at pictures of gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts, and cool road trips. Before you book, know that travel isn’t always Instagram-worthy. Flights may be delayed, you might run into scams, and you may dip into your budget more than you had originally planned. A battle with food poisoning or lost luggage can certainly put a damper on your trip. Luckily, travelers before you have gone through similar experiences and know how to avoid snafus while traveling. Do not worry; with proper planning, and the following travel tips from travel experts, you can make the most out of your travels and experience the vacation or trip of a lifetime.

   Enjoy the next 50 tips for traveling, including flying, taking a road trip, traveling with children, and traveling overseas. 

   Tips for Planning Your Trip and Booking Accommodation

   1. Get the Best Deals on Hotel Rooms

   In order to score a great deal on a hotel room, you may have to be patient, be flexible, and do your research. Travelers have many different strategies and tricks for getting the best hotel room for the lowest price. For example, booking 24-48 hours may get you a lower rate, as you’re booking during the hotel’s cancellation time frame. If you sign up ahead of time on websites that alert you of price drops, you will get an instant notification when the hotel is available at the best price. Checking in at the end of the day, and discreetly asking for a corner room, will also give you the best chance of getting an upgrade for the same price.
   
   Check The Dates Of Your Trip For Public Holidays

   Different countries have different religions and holidays that may affect your travel plans. In some cases, the rates for accommodation may be higher, or hotels will book up fast. Other holidays may affect the hours of popular tourist sites or local businesses. In some countries, religious holidays may affect the sale of alcohol. On the other hand, visiting a country or city while they celebrate a big holiday can be very enriching and make your trip more special. Plan your trip accordingly, and know what to expect when you arrive during a holiday season

   Arrange Everything at Home Before You Go

   If you and your family are traveling and leaving the house unoccupied, you will need to make certain arrangements to keep your pets and house safe. Alert your neighbors that you will be leaving, and let them know how long you will be gone. Hold mail or newspaper deliveries, or arrange a neighbor to bring in deliveries while you are away. You have many options when it comes to caring for your pets: you can hire a pet sitter, leave them with a trusted friend or neighbor, or drop them off at a kennel.

   Learn a Few Local Phrases

   If English is your native language, you may not have a lot of trouble navigating big cities or popular tourist destinations. Learning a few phrases, like thank you or other greetings, will show that you are making an effort to respect the local culture. Learn how to pronounce the name of the street where you will be staying if you need to hop into a taxi outside of the airport or at the end of the day.

   Rise and Shine

   If you have popular tourist attractions on your bucket list, set your alarms. Check the attraction’s hours online and get in line before the attraction even opens. Once the afternoon hits, you may find yourself waiting in long lines with big tourist groups. Seeing the attraction when it’s not crowded will help you make the most of your experience.

   Know That Not Everything Goes As Planned

   Even if you have your itinerary and budget planned to the last minute, you may have to improvise on the spot. Flights could be delayed, weather could cancel your cruise, or your accommodation may not be as glamorous and relaxing as you think. No matter what happens, remember to relax and have a good attitude. These surprises may end up making your trip more memorable, in a positive way! Be open to itinerary changes and delays. When you have to find a last-minute restaurant or make up plans on the spot, you may end up with a more enriching experience. 

   Read the full article here - www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/travel-tips.html

   Article supplied by Your RV Lifestyle

3. Best Biker Songs of All Time

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 30th Jan 2018

   There are few things more iconic than getting on your bike and hitting the open road, your hair blowing in the wind as your engine roars like a pack of wildcats.

   That incomparable feeling has been the subject of many songs throughout history, each one trying to capture just what makes riding your hog such a spiritual and overall badass experience, and to intimate the lifestyle of those that have chosen to live life in the fast lane.

   While not every song that has attempted to reproduce this world has managed to be successful at it, there are many songs that manage to perfectly capture what the life of a biker is like, and give true insight into what it’s like to hit the road with a feeling of total freedom and a devil may care attitude.

   So strap on your motorcycle boots and rev your engine as we explore the best biker songs of all time!

   Saxon - 'Motorcycle Man'

   Album: ‘Wheels of Steel’ (1980)

   “If you see me riding by

   Do not stop me do not try

   Cause I’m a motorcycle man

   I get my kicks just when I can…”

   British Heavy Metal legends Saxon start off our list with the first track to their seminal album ‘Wheels of Steel’, ‘Motorcycle Man’.

   Perfectly describing that feeling of being unstoppable when you are on your bike, this song’s protagonist warns the world not to try and get in his way, as he’s ready to get his kicks on whenever he can. It’s practically impossible to play this song without wanting to go for a ride.

   Motörhead - "Iron Horse / Born to Lose"

   Album: Motörhead (1977)

   “On Iron Horse he flies

   On Iron Horse he gladly dies

   Iron Horse his wife

   Iron Horse his life”

   One of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, Motörhead inspired a whole generation of bikers and rockers alike.

   In their first album, the iconic Lemmy Kilmister decided to dedicate this rollicking love story between a man and his bike to the infamous motorcycle gang Hells Angels, who were personal friends and unofficial bodyguards to the band at the time. 

   While Lemmy’s death put an end to the bands storied career, their music and their legend live on -not to mention a line of Motörhead Whiskey, Motörhead motorcycle boots, a Motörhead slot machine at NinjaCasino and even Motörhead vibrators!

   Judas Priest - "Desert Plains"

   Album: Point of Entry (

   “The road is straight cast

   Wind's in my eyes

   The engine roars between my thighs

   From desert plains I bring you love”

   Perhaps the go to band for the best odes to being a biker, Judas Priest has many songs that perfectly encapsulate what biker life is all about. From ‘Heading Out To The Highway’ to ‘Freewheel Burning’ and ‘Hell Bent For Leather’, they have churned out one biker anthem after another, but perhaps none better than their ultimate biker ballad ‘Desert Plains”

   ‘Plains’ tells the story of a lone biker tearing through the mountains and desert, as he makes his way to his lover’s arms. With its highly emotive music, funky bass line and elegant lyrics, this fan favorite makes us want to ride all night to our lover’s embrace as well.

   Jimi Hendrix - 'Ezy Ryder'

   Album: ‘The Cry of Love’ (1971)

   “There goes ezy

   Ezy ryder

   Ridin’ down the highway of desire”

   Inspired by 1969’s Easy Rider, Dennis Hopper’s film about counterculture bikers, this Jimi Hendrix classic wasn’t released until years after Jimi’s untimely death. First heard on 1971’s ‘Cry of Love’ collection, it tells the story of a tragic rider who lives his life riding high but is dying to be loved, as Jimi’s virtuoso guitar takes us on a journey of its own.

   Twisted Sister - 'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

   Album: ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ’n’ Roll’ (1983)

   “Hard roads and endless lines

   Flow through his veins

   Cold steel and hot fuel injected

   Is the dream that fills his brain”

   Coming from Twisted Sister‘s highly underrated sophomore album, ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ’n’ Roll’, 'Live to Ride, Ride to Live' is another heavy metal stomper to get your blood pumping. Lead singer Dee Snider might choose to wear makeup when strutting his stuff onstage, but as an avid biker he sure knows how to snarl a mean tune about answering the call of the open road.

   Steppenwolf - 'Born to Be Wild'

   Album: ‘Steppenwolf’ (1968)

    

   “Get your motor runnin’

   Head out on the highway

   Looking for adventure

   In whatever comes our way…”

   A song that needs no introduction, Steppenwolf’s classic is by far the most emblematic biker tune that ever was, and most possibly ever will be.

   Released in 1968 in their debut album, 'Born to Be Wild' became a biker anthem after its inclusion in the aforementioned ‘Easy Rider’. Originally written by Mars Bonfire as a ballad, Steppenwolf’s decision to speed up the tempo infused the song with what can only be described as pure gasoline, and the perfect song for tearing up the asphalt. 

4. Biker, have YOU got a 'Biker I.C.E. Card'?

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 24th Jan 2018

   In recent years, motorcyclist deaths have decreased, but serious injuries have increased. However, in 2017 motorcyclist deaths in South Yorkshire have increased. Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM) is a charity that trains motorcyclists in advanced riding skills, thus making motorcyclists safer on UK roads. When a biker does have an accident emergency services need relevant health information immediately. So, SAM has developed the Biker I.C.E. Card and are giving it away free to any biker who wants it. They will then know that, in the event of an accident, essential health information is in their wallet/purse/pocket readily available to emergency services staff at the scene.

   Accidents to motorcyclists result in much more serious injuries than other road users. All methods of carrying personal 'in-case-of-emergency' (I.C.E) information have real flaws. There is often very limited information to hand, or it can only be accessed remotely when the biker is taken to hospital. It can be difficult to keep personal and health information up to date.  SAM recognised the problems and designed an easy method, the Biker I.C.E.Card, of giving every biker the ability to carry information that will help emergency services staff at the scene of an accident and/or staff at a hospital.

   The Biker I.C.E. Card has all the information about a biker's identity, emergency contact, medication, ongoing illnesses and disabilities, etc. Such information is vital to emergency services staff to help in safeguarding the health and welfare of a biker casualty.

   The Biker I.C.E. Card is a FREE, downloadable, editable pdf file - Go Click 

   Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM), a charity of volunteer bikers, provides the full range of IAM RoadSmart advanced riding courses. We recognised that existing methods of carrying 'in-case-of-emergency' information have flaws. Such information may have very limited content, only be accessible remotely by a limited number of people and/or may be contained in electronic devices that may be either locked or damaged in an accident. In addition, the user may not have an easy, readily available method of changing or replacing their information to keep it relevant to their current health and welfare. The 'Biker I.C.E. Card' is printed onto A5 card/paper from any desktop printer. We recommend that the printing is protected by a spray fixative or it can be put into a small plastic pouch. A helmet sticker alerts the emergency services staff to the location of the 'Biker I.C.E. Card'. The card can be folded down to half the size of a credit card for easy storing in a biker's pocket/wallet/purse.

5. NUVIZ sign sponsorship deal with World Supersport racer Niki Tuuli

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 17th Dec 2017

   Developers of the world’s first Head-Up Display, NUVIZ, is proud to announce sponsorship of talented Finnish rider, Niki Tuuli, who will be competing in the 2018 FIM Supersport World Championship. 

   Joining CIA Landlord Insurance Honda for 2018, 22-year-old Niki will fight for the world title aboard a Honda CBR600RR in the highly competitive class.

   Niki will be proudly wearing NUVIZ branding, will attend numerous NUVIZ marketing events and welcome NUVIZ guests at various rounds throughout the year.

   Niki Tuuli said: “I feel privileged signing up for team NUVIZ. Without companies like NUVIZ I would not have been able to proceed with my career so far and aim to target the next level in the future. It is amazing to see new innovations being developed for motorcyclists and it’s great to have their support. A big thanks to the whole NUVIZ team – I’m ready to work hard to make my dream come true!”

   NUVIZ CEO, Marcel Rogalla, commented: “We wanted to help support a young, talented and ambitious rider and Niki ticked all those boxes. We’re sure that he will be a great addition to the NUVIZ team and that we’ll both be fantastic support for each other. It will be a long term relationship which we hope will see Niki entering the MotoGP series in the future.”

   The NUVIZ HUD, the flagship product for the company, fits to the majority of full-face helmets and shows customisable information in the natural sight of the rider, allowing them to keep their eyes ahead and providing them with all the essential information they need on their ride.

   Seamlessly bringing together the functions of a motorcyclist’s navigation, communication, media player and HD action camera into a single helmet-mounted device, the NUVIZ pack includes a glove-friendly wireless handlebar controller that offers intuitive control of the various functions.

   NUVIZ is available from rideNUVIZ.com with an RRP of €699/£615. They benefit from free shipping, a 30-day return policy and one-year warranty as standard.

   About NUVIZ

   NUVIZ, Inc. is a privately-owned technology company based in San Diego, California and Salo, Finland. NUVIZ is backed by a strategic investment from Pierer Industrie AG, the parent company behind KTM Industries, Husqvarna Motorcycles, WP Suspension and Pankl Racing Systems. Founded upon the desire to empower riders with technology that improves their riding experience, the core leadership team of visionaries has formed an industry-leading team within the digital and mobile space. Combining their passion for motorcycling and powersports, with decades of technological prowess, NUVIZ is revolutionizing the riding experience. NUVIZ’s first product is an integrated Head-Up Display (HUD), designed specifically for the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, and is the first product of this nature, to go to market. To learn more about NUVIZ and their products, please visit www.rideNUVIZ.com