Category: Other

1. Isle of Man TT Mountain Course Tribute for Geoff Duke

   Posted on 9:00am Saturday 9th May 2015

   Geoff Duke's final lap of the TT will take place this weekend, ahead of a private family funeral next week.

   Geoff, who won seven races on the Mountain Course in a stellar career that included six World Champion titles, passed away on the 1st of May at the age of 92. A hearse carrying his coffin willdepart the Grandstand at 2.30pm on Sunday (10th May) to complete a final tour of the circuit where he made his name, and gave so many fans such pleasure with his successes.

   David Cretney MLC, a former MGP competitor, will wave the flag to start the hearse on its journey. Geoff's sons, Peter and Mike, will follow on motorbikes while other family members will join the lap in cars.

   The family would welcome any fans who would like to pay their last respects to Geoff to join them for the lap*.

   Speaking ahead of the procession Geoff's eldest son Peter said 'Mike and I think dad would have really appreciated a last run around the course. It's not going to be 10mph cortege, we'll stick to the speed limits but we're going to open it up a bit over the Mountain. Dad would definitely have liked that.' Peter added 'Anyone who wants to come and join us for the ride will be made welcome. It's not exclusively for bikes; Dad was as handy in a car as he was on two-wheels so if it's got wheels, bring it along!'

   Geoff's TT victories, first for Norton and later Gilera, helped to secure his place as a household name in the 1950s, becoming the first true superstar of motorcycle racing. Reflecting the importance of Geoff's place in post-war motorsport, national newspapers including the London Times, Daily Telegraph and The Guardian have all carried obituaries.

   Further afield Fox Sports and CycleWorld in America, and Australian, Italian, German, Spanish and French newspapers, magazines and websites have carried tributes to 'The Duke'.

   Spectators at the MotoGP round at Jerez paid tribute to the former champion during a minutes silence last Sunday, and TV coverage of the event showed a special film showing some of Geoff's career highlights. A further obituary with tributes from son Peter will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4's 'Last Word' programme at 4.00pm on Friday (8th May).

   Locally, Manx Radio will air a special tribute programme featuring archive audio of an interview conducted by the 'Voice of the TT' Geoff Cannell from 1987

   The Manx Radio tribute will be available to listen again on Manx Radio's website for a week after broadcast.

   Douglas Borough Council have also confirmed that flags on buildings in the town will be lowered to half-mast on the day of the funeral. Geoff was awarded the freedom of the borough in 2003.

   Geoff's family have asked that any donations in Geoff's memory are made to the TT Riders Association, c/o Frances Thorp, Mountain View, Glen Maye, IM5 3BJ

2. Get on your bike and head for the inaugural ‘Classics and Coffee’ event at Comet Classics

   Posted on 4:34pm Wednesday 29th Apr 2015

   On Sunday 24th May, where owners Martin Webb and Ray Waller will be revealing their new promotional vehicle – a 1951 Ford F1 truck restored by Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and Edd China.

   Mike will be at the showroom and global distribution centre of the classic motorcycle specialist, to hand over the restored pick-up that featured in the second episode of the series currently being shown on the Discovery Channel.

   Martin said: “We had been looking for a vehicle but wanted something in keeping with the period of the motorbikes we specialise in. When we saw the F1, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for.” Martin and Ray plan to use the F1 to transport their motorcycles to various events during show season.

   The truck will also be joined at the company’s Emsworth base by the MGA that appeared in episode three. This classic 50s sportscar had just been finished when Martin was telling Ray about the vehicles Mike and his mechanic Edd China were working on.

   Wheeler Dealer and classic bike fans are invited to join Martin and Ray at Comet Classics, bringing along their own classic bikes or cars for an informal open day, starting at 10am.  There you will be able to meet Mike and other like-minded enthusiasts and see the vehicles from the show as well as the current line-up of motorbikes on offer

   Martin added: “We’re thrilled to have Mike join us for our inaugural event and hope classic motorcycle fans will come along and join us for what promises to be a fun event.”

   Comet Classics was born out of two friend's enthusiasm for classic & vintage motorcycles and petrol pumps.  Between them, Martin and Ray have over 80 years of automotive and motorcycle experience. What started as a private collection is now a three-year-old business with over 100 classics motorcycles and petrol pumps in stock.  Many are appreciating classics and all represent excellent value for money.

   ‘Classics and Coffee’ will take place at Comet Classics, Windsor House, Clovelly Road, Southbourne, Esmworth, PO10 8PF, starting at 10am.

   www.cometclassics.co.uk
   
   For more information on Mike Brewer, visit www.mikebrewer.tv

3. Take a trip down the most scenic roads in Britain

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 29th Apr 2015

   When we spend our lives stuck at traffic lights, it’s easy to forget why we fell in love with riding in the first place.

   The majestic ‘beauty’ of a Tesco Express just doesn’t evoke that ‘road trip’ feeling, and popping up to Loch Lomond for a quick spin isn’t exactly convenient when you live in central Manchester.

   But we’re lucky enough to have beautiful strips of asphalt all around us - it’s just a case of knowing where to look! So, after conducting a study and sampling some of our customers’ favourite roads in Britain, we’ve come up with some indisputable winners.

   Spanning Scotland, Wales, Northern England, The Midlands and the South, we’ve got a scenic route for everyone in the UK. Where possible, we’ve also listed the pubs and eateries along the way.

   So, get kitted up and let’s bring Sunday rides back!

   A57 – Snake Pass

   This route is notoriously dangerous for bikers. A mix of sharp turns, steep drops and clowns who like to overtake makes this a road which takes serious wits. The pass is often shut during the winter months and it isn’t uncommon to encounter both black ice and sheep on the roads and verges!

   But when you take it steady, the Snake Pass is a stunning run with a varied landscape. From peaking over Glossop and taking in the heathery moors, to descending to Lady Bower reservoir, you could be cruising through the Scottish Highlands, not the North West of England.

   There’s a great bikers’ pub on route called the Ladybower Inn too. It’s popular and you’ll certainly have to get there early on a sunny Sunday, but the food is great, the atmosphere is friendly and there’s even rooms available. There’s numerous stops along Snake Pass too, so stop safely and take in the scenery where you can.

   A4085 – Aberglaslyn Pass

   Wales is brimming with great roads. The Brecon Beacons in general is a particular favourite of ours, but for scenery and camping you can’t beat this 20 mile stretch of road between Caernarfon and Penrhyndeudreath. It’s frequently used for test-drives and poses quite a challenging course for drivers and bikers.

   Bikers will have to account for narrowing stretches of road, level crossings and tight corners, but the views are simply stunning. If you get the chance, head over the Menai Bridge into Anglesey too. With miles of open road, this little island is an (almost!) traffic-less gem.

   Fosse Way – Lincoln to Exeter

   If you jump on the Fosse way at Warwickshire (B4455) then you’re in prime Jaguar, Bentley, Land Rover and Aston Martin Country! With bases at Gaydon, this road is a popular route for staff commutes and test-drives, so it’s not uncommon to see a bit of camou on some beautiful new models down this way.

   The Fosse Way was a Roman road and it started life as a marker for the Western Frontier of Roman rule. It’s possible that it was built as a ditch, with ‘Fosse’ meaning ditch in Latin. Nowadays it’s anything but a ditch, but for some stretches you’ll need good suspension!

   While it spans 230 miles (Lincoln – Exeter), there’s numerous places to jump on and off. We’d particularly recommend joining via the B4455 and stopping off at Royal Leamington Spa for a bite to eat. There’s also some great gastro-pubs on route.

   A9 from Stirling to Inverness

   Not every scenic Scottish road has to snake around a Loch to be beautiful. As the longest road in Scotland (273 miles), the A9 was historically the main road between Edinburgh and John O’Groats.

   Nowadays, riders should take the road between Stirling and Inverness to take in the best sights. If you’re looking to take a longer road trip around Scotland, then you can extend your route and visit villages such as Pitlochry, and take a short detour to Loch Ness.

   A39 – Porlock to Lynmouth

   This stretch has been used in numerous car adverts, but as the UK’s steepest main road, it’s not for the faint-hearted!

   But with great heights come great views and the scenery over Lynmouth Bay is postcard perfect. On a summer’s day you could be relaxing in the med, while the grey, turbulent sea 1,400 ft below makes for a stunning ride on colder days.

   Porlock has bagged itself a ‘best village’ in Somerset award and receives regular Trip Advisor accolades for its quaint beauty. Stop off at the coaching inn for a little light refreshment before heading down to the small shingle bay.

   If we haven’t covered your favourite scenic road, please add them to the comments or get in touch on social media, we know that plenty of petrol heads have left their hearts in Cumbria too! It goes without saying, many of the roads mentioned here are accident hotspots, so always ride carefully when you’re exploring new routes.

    

   Article supplied 

4. Transport for Greater Manchester: Allow powered two wheeled vehicles full Bus Lane use

   Posted on 8:20am Monday 27th Apr 2015

   A petition to allow powered two wheeled vehicles full Bus Lane use in Greater Manchester. 

   Started by Stephen Blay, please sign here to help change the rules in bus lanes.

   Here is why it is important...

   All the evidence from multiple studies across the country and the largest study from Transport for Greater London confirms that allowing PTW's to use Bus Lanes reduces congestion, reduces air pollution, decreases journey times, makes for more efficient fuel usage and does not cause an increase in accidents between any other Bus lane user.

   The cost of not allowing PTW's to use Bus Lanes far outweighs the cost of a Traffic Regulation Order allowing their use.

   All of the above reasons that would allow PTW's to use Bus Lanes are stated in the TFGM Plans for transport up to 2021, yet the Chairman refuses to engage any Group representing PTW users.

   Other areas, including County Durham, Leeds, Doncaster Sheffield, Brighton to name but a few have already seen the sense in the proposal.

   Sign the petition by clicking here.
   
   

   

5. Expand your Horizons with Michelin

   Posted on 3:32pm Tuesday 21st Apr 2015

   Michelin has launched a new offer across a number of road tyres in their extensive motorcycle range. Customers can claim up to £35 back when they fit a set of new tyres (£15 for a single tyre) either by bank transfer or in the form or a fuel card.
    
   Purchase any of the following tyres from an official dealer before 31 July 2015 to qualify: MICHELIN Power Supersport Evo, MICHELIN Pilot Power 3, MICHELIN Pilot Power 2CT, MICHELIN Pilot Road 4, MICHELIN Pilot Road 3, MICHELIN Anakee III and MICHELIN Commander II.
    
   The award-winning MICHELIN Pilot Road 4, along with the Pilot Road 3, are both included in this fantastic offer and have won acclaim for their excellent performance across a range of road conditions.
    
   While the likes of the MICHELIN Anakee III have been helping motorcycle adventurers tackle their journeys around the globe with confidence, thanks to a more rigid tyre casing and innovative tread.
    
   The new MICHELIN Power Supersport Evo offers riders the chance to experience high-quality performance on the road and the track with outstanding grip in dry and wet conditions. And with a fantastic offer of £35 back with a new set fitted, riders have even more reason to fit Michelin!
    
   Offer ends 31 July 2015, visit your nearest Michelin dealer for terms and conditions or visit www.moto.michelin.co.uk to see the full Michelin motorcycle tyre range.