Category: Other

1. Last day in Chile

   Posted on 12:01am Thursday 12th Jan 2012

   The Dakar arrives to Arica, the last stage in Chile. Tomorrow the race will cross the border to Peru. Alain Duclos finishes the stage in the 23 position.

   ARICA – The last city in the North of Chile, Arica, greeted the Dakar´s tenth stage, the last one in Chile. Tomorrow the race waves good-bye to go to Peru, to make its first stop in Arequipa.

   Today stage was not so noisy. It was the Spanish rider Joan Barreda who marked his first stage win in the Dakar after this 377 km in the Atacama Desert, the most arid of the planet, and a place where riders found many navigation difficulties.

   Started nineteenth this morning, Alain Duclos had a navigation problem at kilometer 138. The dust did not let him read his navigation instruments and made a mistake. Once he was able to get back to the right track after five kilometers, Alain fought to take back his position and finished the stage 23rd.

   Alain Duclos: “Today it was such a beautiful stage, with steering, dunes, off road sections. I was in the dust and I couldn´t read my road-book so I followed some other riders… and I did five kilometers until I saw I was not on the right track, and I got back but I had to overtake many riders that went through while I wasn´t there…. I lost the right pace and it is harder to find it back when you have problems than when everything is fine.”
    

2. A short guide to Quad Bike Insurance

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 27th Dec 2011

   If you are looking to purchase a quad bike or already have one ready to take out, it is important to make sure that you have appropriate quad bike insurance from a provider such as MCE Insurance. There are many different levels of cover available, so seeking out insurance from such a reputable specialist provider will help to ensure that you have an appropriate level of cover for your activities. The quad bike insurance cover that you need depends on how you will be using your quad bike, so it is important to know the different options that are available to you.

   What Are You Planning to Use Your Quad Bike For?

   Before you seek out quad bike insurance, think about how you are likely to use your quad bike. With so many options and levels of cover available you need to consider your own circumstances. For example, will you use your quad bike on road? Do you plan on travelling abroad? Do you need cover for more than one rider? Answering these questions will help you avoid paying for extras that you don't need while staying covered for the activities you will be undertaking.

   What Are the Basic Elements of Quad Bike Insurance?

   Typically, the options available to you for quad bike insurance include off road cover, on road cover, options for multiple riders, and cover for accessories. You will almost always want off road cover - after all, that is what a quad bike is for! However, don't discount the benefits of on road cover. Will you ever need to ride on road in order to get to your destination? You may want to take advantage of a policy that offers a certain distance of 'commuting cover' within a defined area around your home.

   Extra Cover for Businesses

   If you are using your quad bike as part of a business you may also wish to obtain extra elements of cover as well. Such elements could include public liability cover, employers' liability cover and legal expenses cover.

   What About Extra Cover for Sporting Events?

   Liability insurance is not only needed if you run a business. Liability insurance covers you in the event that your actions cause an injury to another person. If you wish to take part in sporting events with your quad bike, the organisers will likely require you to have liability cover in case you injure spectators or other attendees.

   Do You Need European Cover?

   A standard policy will likely not cover you for using your quad bike overseas. You may wish to take parts in European events or just bring your quad bike with you on holiday for some fun on the continent. If this is the case you will need European cover. Typically, this extra cover is offered for a certain number of days from your preferred start date. Make sure that your policy will gives the level of cover that you require, and extend your cover if your trip runs over.

   Get a free quote here... 

3. BMF in Back Off Brusells Protest

   Posted on 8:54am Friday 25th Nov 2011

   Despite the unseasonable time of year, Tuesday saw the BMF amongst the hundreds of riders from all over Europe who converged on the European Parliament building in Brussels to protest at the latest raft of motorcycle related Type Approval Regulations emanating from the European Commission.

   Organised by Motor Cycle News, about 200 riders, mostly from the UK, assembled at the Parc du Cinquantenaire to take part in the ‘Back Off EU’ protest ride. Before the start of the ride they were addressed by MCN’s Senior Reporter Steve Farrell, the British Motorcyclists Federation’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, British MP Mike Weatherly and the Motorcycle Action Group’s President, Ian Mutch.

   A ride-past the European Commission offices ended at the European Parliament at the Place du Luxembourg where UKIP MEP Marta Andreason also addressed the riders, emphasising that she had been previously campaigning with bikers across the UK and with MCN to ensure that ‘this needless legislation is thrown on the scrap heap.’

   Although there are a number of issues of concern say the BMF, the principle one is of the anti-tampering regulations. These have the effect of preventing any changes to a machine from its standard specification which, given the independence and individuality of owners, is an anathema to many motorcyclists say the BMF.

   Speaking afterwards MCN’s Steve Farrell said: "People can question whether protests like this make a difference, but we can be certain that nothing will be achieved by sitting at home. 

   Supporting this line, Chris Hodder of the BMF said: “At times it’s important to visibly show solidarity and demonstrate the strength of feeling there is when debating items like this with politicians and civil servants.”

   The BMF’s EU Type Approval Briefing document

4. Ace Cafe News - Win Copies of Raydar Magazine

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 22nd Nov 2011

   Hot Rod Night & Raydar Magazine

   Meet Paul Haywood and the team from the new magazine "Raydar" on Hot Rod Night, Wednesday 7th December, and be in with a chance of winning a first edition copy, as well as other prizes. Spend £5 or more over the counter to receive a raffle ticket.

   Raydar magazine is the first publication from the folks at Ray Gun Industries, better known in the Hot Rod world for the Rad Rods series of DVD's, so expect the unexpected, as it will not only cover all that is cool today, but also things that you thought were cool way back when - Horror Comics, Bubblegum, Superheroes, Cars, Bikes, Art, Sci Fi and much more!

   www.raygun-industries.co.uk/raydar

5. Billy Connolly’s Route 66

   Posted on 12:01am Wednesday 9th Nov 2011

   BILLY CONNOLLY TAKES THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP

   Billy takes the ultimate road trip as he travels the world’s most famous highway, Route 66.  Billy Connolly’s Route 66 drives onto Blu-ray and DVD on the 10th October 2011 from Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd.  Also available to buy and download from i-tunes.

   From the all-new ITV1 series, produced by Maverick Television, Billy Connolly’s Route 66 sees Billy turn Easy Rider as he follows a lifelong dream and makes the iconic 2488 mile journey from Chicago to Santa Monica.

   Route 66 is the embodiment of the American Dream. Millions have travelled its epic trail from the skyscrapers of Chicago and St Louis, through the Wild West badlands of Oklahoma and Texas, the Grand Canyon and deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, to the beaches of the Pacific and the excesses of LA. 

   Set to a soundtrack of some of the best American music of the 20th century, Billy also brings his banjo along for the ride.  With his unrivalled ability to tell a great story, he brings to life both the big and small moments of American history: the world changing events and the comic asides. 

   Billy says: “Travelling Route 66 has always been a lifelong ambition - It brings together some of my favourite things -my trike, my banjo and America.   The ultimate road trip”

   On his way, Billy meets disciples of Route 66, from seasoned “roadies” to first-timers living the dream.  And he isn’t just passing through: anything could happen on the way... from swapping his Boom trike for a horse saddle in Texas, to soaring above LA in a helicopter with the city’s traffic patrol.

   Includes over 40mins of exclusive, never been seen before, DVD extras - featuring Billy’s hilarious video diary from his road trip.

   Billy Connolly’s Route 66 is the definitive DVD and Blu-ray, also available to buy and download from i-tunes this Autumn.

   DVD Details

   Billy Connolly’s Route 66

   12 TBC

   DVD/Blu-ray/i-tunes

   RRP:  

   DVD: £19.99

   Blu-ray: £24.99