Category: Tourism & Travel

1. Oz on a Triumph Book Launch

   Posted on 10:52am Monday 22nd Nov 2010

   Geoff Hill and Collin O'Carroll are celebrating the publication of their inspiring and hilarious travelogue, Oz: Around Australia on a Triumph.

   The celebration takes place on Wednesday 24 November, during an Oz themed launch at Adelaide Insurance Services, 4-6 Boucher Road, Belfast. The pair circumnavigated Australia on Tiger 1050s, taking 10-12 weeks to cover the 15,000 miles of the legendary Highway One before the road is decommissioned in 2010.

   Geoff, who's already ridden from Delhi to Belfast on an Enfield and Chile to Alaska on a Triumph for the best-selling books Way to Go and The Road to Gobblers Knob, faced his mightiest challenge: the wombats of Oz. To give you a flavour of their adventure we have lifted this from their website blog, The Adelaide To Adelaide Adventure:

   “Since Geoff has only been to Perth before, and since Colin was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in Australia wrestling sharks, snogging kangaroos and riding dirt bikes, the series and book will be written from two contrasting and equally entertaining viewpoints: Geoff as a relative first-timer and Colin revisiting the land of his lost youth, which is the subject of his own book, Belfast Boomerang, to be published by Blackstaff Press in 2011. It’s the wombats that worry me most,” said Geoff. “Apparently they go to sleep in the middle of the road because it’s nice and warm, so if you’re stupid enough to ride at night, you hit this furry speed bump. They’re saved by a layer of cartilage on their back which protects them from dingo attacks, but you end up down the road in a heap of wreckage.”

   Come along from 4.30 pm and crack open a tinny with Geoff and Colin as they discuss their adventure around Oz on a Triumph.

   Exclusive film footage recorded during their trip will be shown, a live band will play and, refreshments will be available.

   www.blackstaffpress.com

   www.adelaideadventures.com

2. The End of British Summer Time is Not A Signal to Put Your Bike Away

   Posted on 8:15am Monday 1st Nov 2010

   The official end of the summer is no longer an excuse for bikers to pack their bikes away for the winter, according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association.

    The MCI's analysis of new Government taxation data shows that more and more UK bikers are committing to the benefits of biking all year round and 122,000 more bikes were kept taxed for road use than there were in 2005 .

    The MCI is marking the end of British Summer Time ( 31st October) by reminding all year round riders how to stay safer in the months ahead:

    Winter riding presents a number of extra hazards caused by darker nights and cold, wet weather. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are two important factors riders must take into account on their journey.

    Research has shown that cold weather reduces concentration and can impair mental function and make it more difficult to complete complex task, so it is essential that riders prepare for the reduced temperatures by ensuring they have the right kit for the weather conditions. (2)

    As winter officially starts the MCI is urging all road users , not just bike riders, to act responsibly. There are some simple safety tips that will benefit all during the British winter.

    . LIGHTS - Turn your lights on before it is fully dark - but don't dazzle on high beam

    . SPEED - Reduce speed in wintery weather conditions - fog, rain and ice

    . TYRES - Always ensure adequate tread depth and pattern and correct tyre inflation.

    . MIRRORS  - Check mirrors regularly

    . TAILGATING- Give each other extra space when road conditions are poor

    . VISIBILITY - Motorcyclists can increase their visibility by wearing clothing such as a reflective jacket

    . TEMPERATURE - Invest in some special winter kit which offers better protection from the elements and will help to keep you warm and dry in the colder months

    Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented, "Winter riding brings its own unique challenges, but a change in seasons doesn't mean you have to put your bike away".

    "In the dark mornings ahead, riders and drivers alike need to be more vigilant for everyone's safety. Drivers in particular should not be complacent about their driving style and remember that even if they themselves are warm, comfortable and focused, other road users may be finding the conditions more challenging."

    1) DfT: Vehicle Licensing and Registration Statistics ?2009

    2) Variations in Mental Performance Under Moderate Cold Stress by Sharma in the International Journal of Biometerology (1987) 

3. UK Businesses Losing Out on the Biker Pound

   Posted on 10:04am Saturday 14th Aug 2010

   The leisure and tourism industry is missing out on the biker pound from European travellers as a new MCI analysis of official statistics shows that almost four times as many British bikers cross the Channel for their holidays as come the other way.

   100,000 independent bikers travel abroad by ferry or the channel tunnel for their holidays in Europe, whereas only 23,000 European riders visit the UK.

   According to the MCI's analysis, if UK tourist businesses could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays, over £30 million pounds per week could be generated.

   There are many British icons that will appeal to European bikers from enjoying the best of British food, local delicacies and the full English breakfast , to the fantastic scenery and the many historical heritage sites including the legendary biker venue the Ace Café.

   Research carried out by the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveals that UK bikers are already a lucrative market as they contribute nearly £400 million to UK tourism.

   In its survey of more than 2,000 riders and non-riders from across the UK, the MCI found that 84% of the UK's 1.5 million riders prefer to holiday by motorcycle for holidays, short breaks and days out - even though the majority have access to a car.

   One-quarter of riders use motorcycles as their preferred mode of transport to enjoy days-out in the UK. One-in-six take weekend short-breaks by bike and one-in-fifteen holiday on two-wheels . The average spend by motorcyclists is £68 per day on accommodation, food and entertainment.

   In the current economic climate, where the tourism industry is encouraging British people to enjoy a 'staycation', it would seem wise to capitalise on the potential European bike market too.

   MCI Spokesperson, Sheila Rainger said "We are currently attracting a very low percentage of European riders. If we could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays the industry could potentially generate over £30 million in income for every week they spent on holiday in the UK.

   "Holidaying by bike is an excellent way of seeing more of the UK's tourist attractions and stunning scenery at your own convenience.  It contributes a significant amount to local and national tourism and now is a good time for the UK to try and open this up to markets further afield."   Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said "As a destination venue, motorcycle tourism is increasingly important.  At the cafe we ensure that we give riders a reason to get out and enjoy riding their bikes and visit us".

   For information about the Get On campaign visit: www.geton.co.uk

4. Motorcycle Sport and Leisure Sector Contributes £500 Million to UK Economy

   Posted on 10:40am Thursday 29th Jul 2010

   A survey analysing the value of the UK motorcycle industry has revealed that the sport and leisure sector has a total turnover of almost £500 million. 

   The GVA is estimated to be approximately 50% of turnover at £238 million, while the sector also provides tax contributions of almost £100 million proving a valuable asset to UK PLC. The motorcycle sport and leisure sector covers a wide range of activities enjoyed by, and involving the participation of, large numbers of motorcyclists and non-riders alike.

   Motorcycle activities taking place in the UK are extensive and the largest events include: the British MotoGP; the UK round of the World Superbikes Championship; the 12 round British Superbikes Championship which takes place at tracks across the UK; and the Isle of Man TT Races.

   The off-road racing sector is on a smaller scale but still attract many riders, support teams and spectators on a regular basis across the UK. Off-road activities include: motocross, enduro, trials, speedway, grasstrack, supercross, and supermoto events.

   The British round of the Moto GP is well attended and attracts international visitors. At a recent Moto GP for example, there were almost 120,000 visitors over the whole weekend and the gross expenditure associated with the event totalled £16.6 million of which 88% was spend within 25 miles of Donnington Park, where the event was held.

   The motorcycle leisure industry analysis focuses on the income generated from organised tour activities. The activities of motorcycle tour operators involve the provision of organised tours both within the UK and, more commonly, to overseas destinations.  The sector is dominated by a large number of small and family businesses, many of which employ additional riders on a part-time basis to provide support during the tours.  The tour providers offer a range of services to motorcyclists including expedition guides and support teams, bike hire/freight, hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, food and drink, etc.

   The sector is experiencing significant levels of growth and many motorcyclists are reported to have been inspired by the Long Way Round and Long Way Down television series, which involved substantial motorcycle tours across Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

   Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented on the findings " The motorcycle sport and leisure sector involves riders and non-riders and there are plenty of opportunities for UK businesses to capitalize on the bike pound. Now , is the best time of year to be out and about enjoying life on two-wheels and for the spectators and pillion riders who want to take control of their own machines , now is a good time to consider shifting up a gear. Take advantage of the free one-hour taster sessions that are taking place at venues all across the country by simply going online and making a booking at a time that suits you."

   For more information or to book a place go to www.geton.co.uk

5. Lady riders on the increase

   Posted on 7:57am Friday 9th Jul 2010

   The number of women taking to two wheels has increased significantly during the last eighteen months and this now represents a large proportion of moped, scooter and bike sales for the motorcycle industry.

   As a result of this trend, road safety officers in West Mercia and Warwickshire are actively promoting a series of free and subsidised “Take Control” rider assessment courses to women, in the hope that they will want to develop their riding skills.

   Director of Safety at the Coventry-based Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) Karen Cooke, has recently tried a Take Control course for herself and commented; “I have been riding motorcycles for 28 years and I am always nervous when anyone else analyses my riding technique, but my instructor was great and really put me at ease. Even though I have completed refresher training in the past, he still came up with some helpful suggestions and I was able to iron out one or two bad habits that naturally develop over time. I would encourage all moped and motorcycle riders to learn the Take Control techniques and particularly hope the increasing number of female riders will make a commitment to this sort of self improvement. There is no bravado, no test and no pressure and it helps you to become a safer rider“.                                                                                             

   Motorcycle dealerships are finding that women are buying a wider variety of machines from mopeds and scooters as a main mode of transport for commuting, to larger custom bikes and sports bikes, just for fun. Motorcycling now has a much wider appeal for both sexes, all ages and people from many different backgrounds.

   Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, Katy Jenkins explains; "Just ten years ago, most women wearing leathers and a crash helmet were presumed to be pillion passengers, but that is simply not the case now. We even know of a few ‘women-only bike clubs. They are often more receptive to advice and more willing to learn and we have a variety of half-day and full day courses that can be tailored to the needs and level of experience of every lady“.

   Take Control rider training costs either £30 or nothing at all, depending on the course you select. It is available to anyone who lives in or travels through the counties of Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire. Instructors will usually travel to where clients live or work and ride on their local roads or regular routes.

   More information can be found at www.takecontroltraining.co.uk