Category: Tourism & Travel

1. Hapless Biker’ Donates Royalties to Blood Bike Charity

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 1st Nov 2016

   Kevin Turner, author of the Hapless Biker series of travel books, will be donating his royalties to Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes (SSBB), his local group of life-saving riders, for all book sales from 1st November 2016 to 30th April 2017. Kevin’s publisher, Veloce Publishing, will match the author’s sales royalties, essentially doubling Kevin’s donation.  

   Kevin’s books, Bonjour! Is This Italy? and From Crystal Palace to Red Square tell of his adventures throughout Europe, Scandinavia and into Russia, first riding a Suzuki SV650S and then on his ’02 Kawasaki Ninja.

   Explaining why he’d chosen to donate to this worthwhile cause, Kevin said: “I really wanted to do a charity ride or a sponsored adventure, but I have twin boys that have just turned two and finding time for a big ride was out of the question. But I realised I could essentially recycle my past journeys in the sense of donating the sales from my books; it’s not quite as exciting as getting out on the road but at the end of the day, it’s about supporting my local Blood Bikers, not going on holiday.”

   SSBB is a volunteer service, providing emergency transportation of blood products, for free, to NHS hospitals across Shropshire, Staffordshire and South Cheshire. 

   Nigel Howells, Fleet Manager at SSBB said: “Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes rely on donations to maintain our machines and support our riders. Our riders embark on mini-adventures every time they head off on a potentially life-saving journey; although we like to think we’re a little better prepared than Kevin seems to be! We’re delighted to accept this donation; we’re sure readers will enjoy Kevin’s entertaining books while at the same time supporting our life-saving work.”

   If you’d like to support Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes and enjoy a good read in the process, Kevin’s books and e-books, Bonjour! Is This Italy? and From Crystal Palace to Red Square are available to buy from Amazon.

   You can find more information about them on Kevin’s website.

   www.haplessbiker.com

     

2. London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 30th Oct 2016

   Like and enjoy motors? Bike or Car, this will directly affect you! As well as motorcycling’s future freedom on a wider scale.
   
   The TFL (Transport for London) ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) proposals for motor vehicles are out for consultation only through to 16.12.16 and, at present, the official literature from the TFL/Mayor of London’s office appears to be at least contradictory and it does not make clear whether or not motorbikes will be exempt from the forthcoming proposed ULEZ emissions charging.
   
   The TFL info shown here all appears very complicated. See here 
   
   Read it and you will see that some areas of the document state that motorbikes will be exempt, but in other places on the same page it says exactly the opposite.
   
   Proposals shown in the document include that vehicles (cars and bikes) of 40 years or older (rolling, with the road tax), will be ULEZ exempt, but this is not set in stone – do you trust the powers that be not to renege on it?
   
   Anyway, that stated by TFL does not appear to help anyone who rides a bike built between the mid-1970s and 2008!
   
   As the ULEZ proposals may come into force as early as October 2017, it is a very serious business and could have grave and far reaching consequences for all motor fans, and bikers in particular, unless you act now
   
   To state your views go here
   
   Let them know your view, they act for you. 
   
   www.mag-uk.org
   
   www.bmf.co.uk

   www.fbhvc.co.uk

3. An article on First Aid

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 25th Oct 2016

   As a biker, you've experienced the enjoyment and freedom that comes with riding a motorbike. Thinking about giving life saving medical treatment to a fallen biker is probably not the first thing you think about when riding your bike. But having a plan on how to deal with a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) involving a motorcyclist could help to administer first aid or even save a life.

   Let me introduce you to the 5 Point Plan (5PP).

   Point 1 - As a rider get trained in motorcycle first aid.  Motorcycle first aid training, terminology and environment is different than the normal first aid at work.  There are many organisations across the United Kingdom that cover this type of course. 

   Point 2 - Carry a First Aid Kit.  When you are dealing with a casualty that may have sustained a fracture or bleeding wound, not having a first aid kit at your disposal becomes very difficult when one has to improvise.  There is no excuse by not having room on your bike as there are many different types and sizes available to cover all motorcycles.

   Point 3 – Dealing with a Road Traffic Accident or Collision.

   If you arrive on scene or witness an RTA involving a motorcyclist there is a set procedure to follow.  This would be covered in a motorcycle first aid course however I will summarise the main points. 

   Ø  Safety – You are in a high risk environment look after yourself, your casualties and any bystanders.  Call for help 999 on landline, 999/112 on mobile.

   Ø  Check for immediate danger and protect the scene by using other motorbikes, cars or bystanders wearing hi visibility clothing.

   Ø  Check for casualties who need first aid assistance.  Follow current first aid protocols which is Danger, Airway, Breathing, Bleeding or CPR, Defibrillation, Evacuation) on all casualties.  Evacuation means being moved to hospital via ambulance to Emergency Medical Care (EMS).  Some casualties may have hidden or multiple injuries, prioritise and treat.

   Ø  If you suspect major injury ie: Neck, Spinal, Fracture – Do not move them but treat in the position found.  

   Point 4 – This is a contentious issue involving helmet removal.

   Ø  A motorcyclist who is breathing leave motorcycle helmet on and treat accordingly.

   Ø  A motorcyclist who is not breathing, you may need to remove his helmet.  However, it takes 2 people to remove a helmet and only carryout this procedure if you have had suitable training in helmet removal.

   Ø  If your casualty is not breathing normally and you feel that you do not have the confidence to remove the helmet then “CPR Only” may be the only option.  I would rather do something than nothing.

   There are many schemes in the UK which advises not to remove the helmet ie: the crash card that inserts inside the helmet which carries vital medical information for the ambulance personnel.  Some riders have a sticker on the helmet which states “Only to be removed by medical professionals”.  Whatever system you use, this goes back to having some training in motorcycle first aid.

   Point 5 – Don’t forget to “Reassure” the casualty or casualties. This sometimes is forgotten and to be honest, reassuring the casualty is all that is needed prior to the arrival of EMS.

   Remember the 5 Point Plan.  “Training, First aid kit,  Get help, Don’t remove the helmet unless absolutely necessary, Reassure”

   
   

    

   At the request of THE BIKER GUIDE - This article was written by KJ Training Solutions who deliver Motorcycle First Aid courses locally and nationally.  For further information contact [email protected]

   

4. Bikers Touring Scotland - Review of Rose Lodge Guest House

   Posted on 2:00pm Friday 21st Oct 2016

   "Blair made us very welcome would recommend to Bikers, with great off road secure parking.

   Breakfast beautifully cooked and hot and fruit or cereals to start. Brilliant location, Inverness is on your doorstep. Blair provided a map on arrival and explained where the sights were located. We could see the cathedral from our room."

   

    

   www.roselodgeguesthouse.co.uk

5. Purbeck Holiday Lets - where owner Chris (a Biker himself) can assist with local routes and places to head to...

   Posted on 9:30am Tuesday 18th Oct 2016

   Set within the beautiful village of Camerton, near to the historic Roman city of Bath, luxurious self-catering holiday accommodation, ideally situated for enjoying all that Somerset and Wiltshire has to offer!  

   Two lodges (sleeping 4+2) and two first floor studio apartments (sleeping 2+2), with fully equipped kitchens, welcome Pack with complimentary toiletries and no hidden extras, as electricity, bed linen and towels are all included in the price. A Continental Breakfast is available on request (at £5pp). Fabulous facilities including hot-tubs, outdoor heated swimming pool, a gym with sauna, barbeque, sun terrace and ample seating areas for you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings.

   A warm welcome awaits you at this family run business, where owner Chris (a Biker himself) can assist with local routes and places to head to. Within an easy ride to Longleat, Priston Mill, Wookey Hole Caves, Glastonbury and Stonehenge. Free Wi-Fi. Motorcycle washing facilities. Private parking, with CCTV and security systems. 

   where: Bridge Place Road, Camerton, Bath, Somerset, BA2 0PD 
   tel: 01761 471358 
   website: www.purbeckholidaylets.co.uk 
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   e-mail: [email protected]