TomTom the leading manufacturer of navigation systems have recently launched its Map Paradise Project, where they are looking for people to map tropical islands.

In their continued development of maps in countries far and wide, they have launched the project to help create five new navigable maps. These include Fiji, St.Lucia. Cape Verde, The Seycelles and currently, Mauritius.

They are looking for five lucky people (friends or families), to spend two weeks on the island of Maurities, staying in a 4 star all inclusive beach resort, where all they have to do is gain relevant information by driving around in a specially equipped mapping car. All expenses will be paid, along with an extra €10,000 paid to the group.

The winners will have the opportunity to not only have a great holiday in a beautiful location and free of charge, they also get to experience first hand what it takes to produce the maps that we all use inside our sat navs... and in glorious surroundings!

So if you enjoy exploring beautiful places, like lovely weather and know your East from you West and indeed your North from your South, just fill in the simple form by 12th of July.

For Cape Verde from the 12th of July until the 26th of July.

The Seycelles from 26th of July until the 9th of August.

There are also nine runner up prizes of a TomTom Via 130 or equivalent.

The winners will be announced on their facebook page and also via email.

TomTom produce a variety of devices including the RIDER, specifically for Motorcycle users.

See the video below for more details

This post has been sponsored by TomTom

During the week Environment Minister Alex Attwood proposed radical changes in driver training and new driver safety. The new measures which are said to reflect best practice around the world, are claimed to be a fundamental shift towards safer driving for young people.
 
Alex Attwood said: “These proposals would create the most radical change in the driver training regime for a generation. I know that the proposals will challenge our thinking. But the objective of better road safety with the ambition of zero road deaths on one hand and reduced driver premiums on the other makes a bold and informed approach the right approach. This is the core argument at the heart of the proposals.”
 
The Minister’s plans include:
 •lower provisional licence age of 16½;
 •a mandatory minimum learning period of 12 months for provisional licence holders;
 •post test period will be two not one year;
 •removal of the 45 mph speed restriction currently applied to learner and restricted drivers;
 •learner drivers will be allowed to take lessons on motorways when accompanied by a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor in a dual-controlled car;
 •N plates (for ‘New’ drivers) will replace R plates, displayed for two years; and
 •compulsory logbooks for learner drivers;
 •and in a new initiative, new drivers up to age 24 will not be allowed to carry young passengers (aged 14 to 20, except immediate family members) during their first six months post-test, unless there is a supervising driver over 21, with three years full licence in the passenger seat.
 
To implement these changes the Department will need to make primary legislation. With Executive approval from Stormont,  it intends to include the necessary provisions in a Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill planned for introduction to the Assembly later this year.
 
How although this only mentions drivers, there are some aspects, if related to riders, that would have an effect, especially as in January 2013 the European Driving Licence will change the learning and testing period for riders.
 
At Right To Ride, not being backward at coming forward, we fired off some questions which included:
 •Part of the announcement was that the R-plate currently displayed by newly-qualified drivers restricted to 45 mph will be replaced by an N (for new drivers) plate which must be displayed for two years. This is linked into, as previously discussed in the stakeholders meeting, to remove the 45 mph restriction on learners and newly-qualified drivers.
 •Also regarding the N plate would this include motorcyclists, considering the introduction of the 3DLD and the progressive access route to the different categories and having to pass a test to step up a category A1- A2 – A would a rider have to display a N plate for six years.
 •Also with introduction of Direct Access then I would assume a rider would have to display the N Plate.
 •And also the announcement includes that,  New drivers up to the age of 24 will not be allowed to carry young passengers, except immediate family, for six months after passing the driving test., would this have an effect on motorcyclists.
 •Maybe a review/overview for the next stakeholders meeting on how or if the changes will affect learner motorcyclists and those that past their test.
 
The Department of the Environment has also announced it is already taking forward plans to legislate to set the drink drive limit for newly qualified drivers (for two year post-test) at 20mg/100mls in place of the current limit for all drivers of 80 mg/100mls and plans to consult on this shortly.
 
The Department will also be taking measures to improve new driver safety that won’t need legislation. It will do this by developing awareness campaigns and improving driver training.
 
In a “Pigs might Fly” statement the insurance industry has apparently said, “Significantly, the car insurance industry has pledged to review premiums for young drivers if these changes are enacted. “ “These measures should benefit young drivers on the road and in their pocket: by helping to make them safer drivers and reducing their crash risk, they will benefit from lower motor insurance premiums.”
 
We would like to see that same statement from the insurance industry regarding motorcycling, as previously mentioned with the introduction of the 3rd European Driving Licence will see a motorcycle licence structure in place designed for riders to progressively access different categories of motorcycles in respect of their power and speed, with a regime of stricter testing and training. New riders should already be safer on the road with the introduction of CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) that riders must complete and be delivered by AMI (Approved Motorcycle Instructor).
 
However riders in themselves may be safer on the roads but is the interaction with other road users and their awareness of motorcyclists that cause problems? Therefore within these proposals we welcome the introduction of compulsory logbooks for learner drivers and we hope that these log books include a section for learner drivers to be instructed and learn to look out for riders and other vulnerable road users.
 
Perhaps a new generation of drivers will be more aware of motorcycles and their riders.
 
Read the article on Right To Ride 
 
Right To Ride on facebook 

Dave Molyneux made a triumphant return to the Isle of Man TT races on Saturday after a year away from the race when he took his 15th TT win in the opening Sure Sidecar race.

Partnered by Patrick Farrance in what was Farrance’s first TT win, the Manxman was never headed. He romped home over twenty seconds clear of Ben and Tom Birchall, who recorded their first ever TT podium in second, just reward for their hard work during the week after their Monday evening crash. Conrad Harrison/Mike Aylott completed the rostrum.

Molyneux and Farrance got off to a flying start to lead at Glen Helen on the opening lap but it was close with the Birchalls only 2.5s adrift. Tim Reeves/Dan Sayle were only a further second back but John Holden and Andy Winkle’s horror week continued when they pulled in at the Glen Helen commentary box. Harrison/Aylott were in fourth with Dougie Wright/Martin Hull and Greg Lambert/Jason Crowe completing the top six.

The top two remained the same at Ramsey although Molyneux’s extended his lead slightly to four seconds. Reeves’ hopes of a first TT win were dashed as he pulled in at Sulby Village. That promoted Harrison and Wright up to third with Gary Bryan/Jamie Winn moving up to fourth and Roy Hanks/Kevin Perry completing the top five.

Molyneux and Farrance continued to press home their advantage and with an opening lap of 113.269mph, their lead was a healthy 13.96s. Harrison/Aylott were secure in third but it was close for fourth with just 2.45s between Wright and Bryan. However, Wright had to stop to make adjustments at Parliament Square and there was also disappointment for sixth placed pairing Karl Bennett/Lee Cain who were out at Kirk Michael.

There would be no further change in the rostrum positions as Molyneux’s lead was extended with the fastest lap of the race, 113.590mph, set on the second lap and that gave him an advantage of 30s going into the final 37.73-miles. Birchall did reduce the gap to 20 seconds but the Manx-British pairing had everything under control and they took the chequered flag by a commanding 22.2s. As well as Molyneux.s 15th TT win, it completed the unique set of having won races on Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki machinery whilst Farrance was jubilant with his first Island victory.

The Birchalls were equally jubilant as they claimed a first ever podium whilst Harrison and Aylott made it on to the rostrum once more. Bryan/Winn took fourth as Rob Handock/Ken Edwards in fifth, Mike Cookson/Kris Hibbered in sixth seventh placed Gary and Dan Knight all completed their highest finishes. Frenchman Frank Lelias, with Charlie Richardson, in the chair took a brilliant eighth in just his second ever TT with the top ten completed by John Saunders/Shaun Parker and Tony Thirkell/Nigel Barlow.

Whether you need one particular part or you just fancy a browse through mountains of motorcycling goodies you should make a date in your diary for one of Britain's biggest bike jumbles.

Preparations are already being made for the 19th Carole Nash Eurojumble which takes place at Netley Marsh, between Cadnam and Totton, Hants SO40 7GY, on Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8.

More than 300 traders showcased their wares at last year's event and this year it looks certain to be larger still – offering an even greater treasure trove for motorcyclists in search of spare parts, tools, books, signs, magazines or even complete machines.

Club stands are being booked up too so you can take a look at some mouth-watering motorcycles that are still in one piece and there will be plenty of refreshments available to keep you going.

Mortons show organiser Nick Mowbray said: “If you’re a classic motorcycle aficionado you’ll know exactly how it feels to need that certain special component or that one precise piece to make your machine complete. Although, if truth be told, there’s usually more than one bit missing! Whatever you need, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at the 19th Carole Nash Eurojumble.

“With more than 300 different trade stands open both days you’ll have thousands of bits to rummage through and plenty of time to do it too.”

Free parking will be plentiful on both days and dogs are welcome as long as they're on a lead.

Gates are open 9am to 5pm each day.

Book now to avoid disappointment and take advantage of discounted prices. Pre-booked one-day tickets cost £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for senior citizens and £2 for under 15s. Two-day tickets cost £13 for adults, £9 for senior citizens and £4 for under 15s. Camping costs £20 for the weekend.

If you choose to pay on the day tickets will cost £7 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and £2 for under 15s.

Call our pre-booked discount ticket hotline today on 01507 529529. To book a stand, call 01507 529430.

For more information and details of the Classic Bike Shows team's other events, visit www.classicbikeshows.com

The announcement by the Government that vehicles manufactured before 1960 will no longer have to pass an MOT, has received a cautious welcome from the British Motorcyclists Federation.

While pleased that the Government is trying to cut down on regulation, the fact that thousands of cars and motorcycles will from 18th November no longer require an annual test of any sort is a concern say the BMF.

At the time of the consultation the BMF pointed out that there was still a lot of support from the classic world for some form of an MOT as an annual check of basic roadworthiness. The BMF’s response, while recognising that modern test standards were not suitable for 50 year old vehicles, also went on to acknowledge   that there was a problem finding testers who were knowledgeable on the limitations of older vehicles. 

The BMF also points out that owners of pre-1960 machines will still be legally required to ensure that they are safe and in a proper condition to be on the road, the problem now being though, who decides?

The Government have also said that it is allowing voluntary MOT tests and it might well mean that motor insurance providers will require historic vehicles to have been tested as proof of road worthiness, something that could also assist owners following road traffic accidents.

BMF Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder said: “Broadly speaking, the BMF is generally in favour of less legislation and regulation for motorcycle owners, but there is a very large degree of support for the MOT system and we did question whether exemptions should be made at all. We will now have to watch how the system pans out.”

A summary of response to the consultation is available here: