Category: Other

1. Invitation to take part in motorcyclist track session

   Posted on 9:00am Thursday 26th Mar 2015

   Visitors of THE BIKER GUIDE have previously helped a research study (relating to motorcyclist stress) by TRL, with a good number of participants. They are recruiting for another study and are hoping that our visitors can help the research once again.

   The purpose of the research is to assess the suitability of temporary portable rumble strips as part of temporary traffic management at road works, especially with regard to motorcyclist safety. 

   They are looking to undertake trials (as a track session) and expert panel consultations with motorcycle examiners, trainers and riders in order to gain a better understanding of their experiences and opinions regarding the possible level of risk posed by Temporary Rumble Strips.

   The trials will take about 3.5 hours and will take place on Membury Test Track (Hungerford, Berkshire) on April 1st 2015.

   They are looking for a total of 40 motorcyclists across the following categories:

   *Approved learner motorcyclist trainers

   *Novice riders of any motorcycle type (less than 1 year experience since passing test)

   *Experienced riders of a range of motorcycle types (at least 5 years’ experience since passing test):

   - Small mopeds / scooters (of up to 125cc)

   - ‘Standard’ motorcycles (between 125 - 600cc)

   - ‘Sport’ motorcycles (between 600 – 1000cc)

   - ‘Tourer/cruiser’ motorcycles (over 1000cc)

   Participants will be provided with £35 to go toward travel expenses.

   Motorcyclists who are interested in taking part can register by following the link below and answering a few short questions regarding their current riding experience and availability. TRL staff will be in contact with selected participants directly to provide further information about the trial.

   Take the survey to register your interest

    

   How the data will be used - Information from TRL

   This study was commissioned by the Highways Agency and is being led by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). The work we are undertaking is to assess the suitability of temporary portable rumble strips as part of temporary traffic management at road works, especially with regard to motorcyclist safety. This work is part of an ongoing HA programme to significantly reduce risk to road workers across the whole of the HA network.

   As we are looking for a good representation across bike types/ level of experience, the data we collect through the online form will be used to ensure this representation is achieved in the final sample. It also gives respondents the opportunity to provide us with details about their availability, etc.

   Data collected (i.e. contact details) is required in order to allow us to contact respondents. The details provided will only be used for the purpose of this research, and will not be viewed or shared with anyone outside of this specific TRL project team, this includes not sharing with any third parties.

   Data protection
   
   Any data provided by respondents for this research will be fully protected under TRL’s Data Protection and Information Security Policies which covers our obligations under the Data Protection Act, and Environmental Information Regulations. Data will be retained during the research phase and any personal details held will be deleted after approximately 1 year.

2. The Rise of the Silver Bikers

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 25th Mar 2015

   Silver Bikers are a force to be reckoned with... and they are growing.

   In 2014, the over 50s in the UK spent a total of £340 million on motorcycle purchases. This represents nearly a third of total motorcycle spending. In the seven years 2008-2014, growth in annual motorcycle spending among the over 50s averaged 41% compared to 4% for those under 50.*

   So, are you a Silver Biker?

   Are you over 60 and recently chucked out the bedroom slippers and bought a Ducati Monster? What spurred this change in your lifestyle? The feeling that life was escaping you and it was time to grab a bit of excitement?

   David Graeme-Baker, a professional photographer for over 40 years, is currently researching a personal project to document this phenomenon. He is looking for bikers, over 60 and as old as can be, men and women, who have supposedly grown wiser with the passing of the years, but who choose, instead of looking after their grandchildren, to opt for the open road and the wind in their face.

   What is it about two wheels and a big engine that is attracting our senior citizens back on the road?

   If you think you have a tale to tell, tattoos to show, a bushy beard or a sexy bike get in touch. Contact David and tell him about yourself and your love affair with the Motorbike!

   This project is still only in the research stage and its success will depend solely upon the mix of characters who are prepared to take part.

   Get in touch with David through his website
 and the questionnaire

   www.david.gb.com/Biker

   or e-mail for the Silver Biker Project to [email protected]

   

3. Cruiser owners wanted for to hear your thoughts on riding and Cruiser bikes

   Posted on 10:30am Friday 6th Mar 2015

   On behalf of a major motorcycle manufacturer, MM-Eye would like to invite a few Cruiser owners along for a focus group discussion to hear your thoughts on riding and Cruiser bikes.

   Your opinions will be greatly appreciated and participants will each receive £100 as a thank you.

   The event will last about 2 hours and will take place on Tuesday 10th March 2015. between 8- 10:15pm @ Edgbaston, Birmingham. 

   They are looking to speak with people who own one of the following models:

   Harley-Davidson Softail (Breakout, Fat Boy/Fat Boy Lo, Softail Slim, Heritage Softail Classic)
   Dyna (Fat Bob, Street Bob, Wideglide)
   Touring (Road King Classic)
   Yamaha XVS (950A/1300)
   Indian Chief Classic/Vintage
   Kawasaki VN1700 Classic
   Suzuki Intruder C1500T B.O.S.S.
   Victory Cross Roads Classic

   If you own one of these models and you are interested in participating, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information:
   
   • Model owned
   • Year of purchase
   • Contact telephone number

   Spaces are limited for what they anticipate will be an interesting occasion.
   
   Previous events have proved very popular, so please contact Karen at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment – this is a first come, first served registration.

4. ANGLIA CAR AUCTIONS PUTS TWO-WHEELED CLASSICS UNDER THE HAMMER IN SPRING SALE

   Posted on 10:09am Friday 27th Feb 2015

   Following its two increasingly successful sales in 2014, Anglia Car Auctions is holding three motorcycle sales in 2015, the first being on Saturday 7th March. The auction begins at 12noon, with memorabilia going under the hammer first, followed immediately afterwards by the motorcycles themselves.

   The spring sale, on 7th March, has already seen some superb entries and ACA are looking for even more - all makes, models, ages, conditions, colours and creeds will be considered, plus of course those spares and memorabilia items you want to clear out.

   Entries already include a superb 1930 500cc Sunbeam Model 9 Sports (estimate -£11,500/£12,500), an original ex RAF 1952 Triumph TRW side valve twin, complete with canvas saddle bags et al (est - £3800/£4400), and an immaculate 1976 50cc Yamaha FS1E (est - £3250/£3750).

   There’s also a cult 1976 Honda 400/4 (est - £2200/£2500), and a very smart 1957 Velocette Venom (est - £7000/£8000). Staying with Velocette, there’s an equally smart 1936 250cc MOV (est - £5500/£6000), a fantastic looking 1958 Harley Davidson Duo Glide (est - £10,000/£12,000) and a rare, road going Cheney framed Triumph (est - £3000/4000).

   Based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, not only does this family owned concern have highly competitive commission rates, but they also offer a thoroughly professional and comprehensive service to both buyer and seller.

   Well know and respected in the classic (and modern) car world, ACA saw a desperate need for classic motorcycle enthusiasts to be able to buy or sell their machines without being crippled by the further expense of high commissions. So they set a very reasonable 5% seller’s premium and 7.5% buyer’s - which undercut most of the established classic auction houses quite considerably, though unfortunately there’s nothing can be done about the dreaded vat!

   What’s more, having put a tentative but successful toe in the water early last year, ACA followed it up with a second classic motorcycle auction in the Autumn, which proved to be even more popular, with a combination of excellent prices and plenty of bargains.

   For a regularly updated entry list, with photographs, check out the website at www.angliacarauctions.co.uk. Motorcycle entry fee is £25 including vat with seller’s commission is 5%, buyer’s commission at 7.5%, with a minimum £50 plus vat on both.

   Gates open at 9am. Admission is £5 by catalogue with free entry for motorcyclists and secure parking. To enter a motorcycle or automobilia into this sale, please call Guy Snelling 01553 771881 or 07701084692 or email at [email protected].

5. Henry Surtees Foundation backs pioneering ‘Blood on Board’ project‏

   Posted on 8:00pm Wednesday 25th Feb 2015

   Medics behind the pioneering ‘Blood on Board’ project have heralded the “life-saving” donation of two vehicles to be used to transport blood.

   The two Vauxhall Mokka 4x4 vehicles were handed over to the two charities - Northumbria Blood Bikes and Blood Bikes Cumbria – which provide vital transportation of blood in the region. The donation was made by the Henry Surtees Foundation in support of the Blood On Board project, which allows the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) to carry and administer blood on its rescue missions.

   The vehicles were handed over on behalf of the foundation by James Whitham, the Yorkshire-born motorcycle racer turned commentator. In a racing career spanning 18 years, he secured four British titles and competed in World Superbike, World Supersport, Endurance and Grand Prix. As well as the success, the hard-charging motorcycle racer also survived crashes and battled lymphatic cancer.

   He said: ‘I’ve chased time at race tracks in pursuit of podiums, but for the likes of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, every second can literally be the matter of life or death. The Air Ambulance and regional Blood Bike groups do an incredible selfless job; I hope that I will never need their services, but having had mates rescued from the side of remote mountains, and of course at race tracks - its a service that resonates with me’.

   James Whitham visited the GNAAS base at Langwathby, near Penrith, today to officially hand-over the two Vauxhall Mokka 1.7CDTi 4x4 SUVs to be used by the two Blood Bike groups so that they have all-weather transport for the ferrying of the blood between hospital and aircraft.

   The Henry Surtees Foundation was set up by motorsport legend John Surtees following the tragic death of his son Henry. Mr Whitham added: “I was absolutely honoured to be asked to represent John Surtees OBE and The Henry Surtees Foundation today to hand over the two vehicles. I know that John would also like to say a special thank you to Vauxhall for their support too. I’m sure the assistance of these vehicles will be a huge benefit to the region and help save multiple lives.”

   As previously announced, The Henry Surtees Foundation also donated equipment to GNAAS including thermostatically controlled boxes and blood warmers to enable them to deliver fresh blood supplies to the scene of life threatening accidents, and carry out roadside blood transfusions. GNAAS is the only air ambulance in the North of England to perform this life-saving procedure, which has been administered three times since launching six weeks ago.

   Owain Harris, of Northumbria Blood Bikes but also speaking on behalf of his Cumbria counterparts, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Henry Surtees Foundation for their generosity in providing a four wheel drive vehicle to the charity. Normally the blood is transported by motorcycle, however when the roads are covered in snow we are unable to ride, and would have to suspend the service. The Vauxhall Mokka, a four wheel drive, means that the blood will get through, every day, regardless of the weather in order that The Great North Air Ambulance can carry out it's vital role in saving lives using the Blood on Board project.”

   The Blood on Board project was devised by Dr Rachel Hawes, of GNAAS and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

   She said: “After years of research, the project is now active and is already benefitting patients across the North. Lives will be saved because of this advancement in medical care, it is as simple as that. This would not have been possible without the support of Blood Bikes and the Henry Surtees Foundation, and we are immensely grateful to them for that.”