Hannes Soomer and the WilSport Racedays Honda Team have won the 2017 edition of the FIM European Supersport Cup after a thrilling season finale at ‘Circuito de Jerez’ in southern Spain last Sunday. The 19-year-old Estonian rider entered the final round of the season with an 8-point advantage over his nearest rival Rob Hartog, and defended his leadership in the 19-lap World Supersport Spanish race by finishing 15th and claiming the title by the slimmest of margins – one point. 

Born on the 17th of February 1998 in Estonia’s capital city of Tallin, Soomer stepped foot on the international motorcycle racing scene by joining the WorldSBK’s former one-make, entry-level series – the European Junior Cup – at the early age of 15 in 2013. On board Honda machinery, Hannes built up a copious amount of experience around the European tracks of the World Superbike calendar, while proving to be one of the most talented and mature young talents in the championship.

His results and performances led to the decision by former EJC Series Director Gerry Bryce to sign Soomer to compete on board a Honda CBR600RR machine in the FIM Europe Supersport Cup with team WilSport Racedays Honda. Soomer, on the Ten Kate Racing Products-prepared machine, made a stellar debut at Aragón last April where he was 9th overall. His consistency throughout the season allowed him to clinch the well-deserved trophy as the final event of 2017 drew to a close.

Proving he is a chip off the old block, Patrick Hopkirk, son of rally legend Paddy Hopkirk, has followed in his father’s footsteps and recently passed his IAM RoadSmart advanced driving test more than once.

Patrick, 46, has passed his advanced driving test twice before – the first time age 19 in a Citroen 2CV, and again age 35. He decided he wanted to update his skills yet again some 11 years later. Paddy, winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo and 1967 Acropolis rallies, is also IAM RoadSmart mature driver ambassador.

Patrick said: “This is really a revision of what I had already learnt – it really is important to keep updating your driving skills. I rediscovered how important mirrors are, of reading the road ahead, assessing what I had and then acting on it.”

Patrick, who is a sales representative and drives more than 18,000 miles a year, added: “Really people should take the advanced test every five years.”

He was assessed by John Dowell from the South of London Advanced Motorists. John said: “Patrick has achieved a lot and is well up to the standard needed to be an advanced driver.”

Added Patrick: “John is a very professional teacher. He has helped me enjoy driving again.”

Paddy, who is a household name having taken part in races all over the world including the gruelling London-Sydney Marathon, Le Mans 24 Hours and Daytona, has taken the IAM RoadSmart advanced test twice, most recently in June 2016.

Just recently Paddy has been appointed President of the BRDC (British Racing Drivers’ Club) taking over from former Formula 1 driver Derek Warwick.

For more information about the advanced driver course, which costs £149, click here

If you are thinking of getting into the sport of motocross, there are some things that you will need before hitting the track.  This is a very exciting sport that can be physically challenging.  But if you have the right equipment and have taken the time to practice, you can succeed in this fast-paced sport!  Today, we are going to learn more about three essential items that you will need before getting on your bike.  

A High-Quality Helmet 

Before you even think about getting on a motocross bike, you will need to purchase a good helmet. A motocross helmet is specifically designed for the sport and will keep you safe while you are on the track. So, when helmet shopping, make sure that you are buying one that is rated for motocross. There are a lot of good helmet makers in the market today, one of the most popular being Fox Racing. These companies produce high-quality helmets that you can trust to protect you while you are enjoying a day of racing. While there’s other safety gear that you will need, a helmet is vital and required. So, make sure you get one before you get on the back of that bike.  

The Right Bike for Your Size 

If you are new to motocross racing, you might think that bikes are one size fits all.  But that is simply not the case. Choosing the right bike for your size is very important and can have a positive effect on your performance. First, you will need to consider your height.  A great way to find a bike that fits your height is to sit on it. When you get on the bike, make sure to sit forward to see if your feet can touch the ground.  But you don’t want your feet to be flat footed on the ground. Instead, choose a bike that will let half your feet touch the ground while sitting forward. Next, you will need to consider your weight.  If you are under 150 pounds, you should choose a bike that is under 250cc. This will give you greater control over the bike.  On the other hand, if you weigh 200 pounds or more, a 450cc bike will probably serve you better.  

A Pair of Motocross Approved Boots 

Another essential item that you will need to get before hitting the track is a pair of motocross approved boots. These stylish boots will not only keep you safe while on the track but will also make you look great!  Motocross boots come in a wide-range of colours so finding ones to fit your style won’t be an issue. These boots will help you stay on your bike and control those hard to navigate turns.  

These are just a few of the essentials that you will need before you get on the back of a bike. While there are other items that you will need, these are highly important and you can’t ride without them. Make sure that you purchase these items so that you can take part in this very exciting sport. 

The Bikers Cove retain their 1st place, with Hot Tram Roll in 2nd place, Hungry Hogs storming into 3rd, Goodfillers sandwich bar in 4th and in joint 5th for Lynn's Raven Cafe and Route 59 Cafe!

Moving into the top ten are - Doms Bike Stop with Lakeside Cafe, Onehouse hovering in 11th.

New entries this week are - GMEC Motorcycle Cafe, Iron Horse Ranch House, Ace Cafe, Sam's Diner, Food Stop Bikers Cafe Bridgnorth, More Coffee Co and Route 1066.

Voting takes place on THE BIKER GUIDE facebook group, via the pinned poll at the top of the page.

www.facebook.com/groups/thebikerguide/

The poll will run until November.

Total votes as of 22nd October 2017

The Bikers Cove - 150 votes
Hot Tram Roll - 87 votes
Hungry Hogs near Belton A47 - 64 votes
Goodfillers sandwich bar - 42 votes
Lynn's Raven Cafe - 39 votes
Route 59 Cafe - 39 votes
Squires Bikers-cafe - 20 votes
Owls Nest Tea Room Diner - 19 votes
Chequered Flag SW - 15 votes
The Pit Stop Diner Stockton - 13 votes
Ponderosa Café - 12 votes
Doms Bike Stop - 12 votes
Lakeside Cafe, Onehouse - 8 votes
Super Sausage Cafe - 8 votes
Hartside Top Cafe - 7 votes
Devils Bridge - 7 votes
The Leadburn Motor Crossroads Cafe - 6 votes
Loomies - 6 votes
The Filling Station - 5 votes
The Doof Cafe - 5 vote
Steel Horse Cafe - 4 votes
Wessons Cafe - 3 votes
Jacks Hill Cafe - 3 votes
Whistlestop Cafe North Wales Ltd. - 3 votes
The Whistlestop Cafe, Whitby - 3 votes
Seaways Cafe - 3 votes
H-Cafe Berinsfield - 3 votes
Ladybower Cafe - 3 votes
Nell's Cafe - 2 votes
Grindleford Station Cafe - 2 vote
Willingham Woods Kiosk - 2 votes
Spitfire Cafe - 1 vote
Oasis Cafe - Scarborough - 1 vote
Junction 26 Diner - 1 vote
Tooters Diner - 1 vote
Billy's on the Road - 1 vote
Yondermanns - 1 votes
Blenkinsopp Castle Inn - 1 vote
Ryka's Cafe - 1 vote
Original Tea Hut - 1 vote
Silver Ball Cafe - 1 vote
Knott End Cafe - 1 vote
Dinkys Dinah - 1 vote
Oasis Cafe - Scarborough - 1 vote
Fourways Café - 1 vote
Rockyjo’s - 1 vote
GMEC Motorcycle Cafe - 1 vote (new entry)
Iron Horse Ranch House - 1 vote (new entry)
Ace Cafe - 1 vote (new entry)
Sam's Diner - 1 vote (new entry)
Food Stop Bikers Cafe Bridgnorth - 1 vote (new entry)
More Coffee Co - 1 vote (new entry)
Route 1066 - 1 vote (new entry)

*Please note the poll is on the facebook group for THE BIKER GUIDE, as the group has the facility for a poll and a tick count. 

When we started this a few years back, we used to add all the votes up from comments, which as we are sure you can appreciate took a long time. By using the 'poll' facility on the group, it is easy for all to see the vote.

As stated, this is a poll as voted for by members of THE BIKER GUIDE facebook group, ran by THE BIKER GUIDE website, so to cast your vote for your favourite Biker Friendly Cafe in the UK, just do so on the group - If you are not a member simply request to join the group.

We did look into running an external poll, however this meant people had to supply emails and register, by using the poll on the facebook group the only prerequisite is to be part of the group, with no personal details given.

We have lots of places popular with Bikers included on THE BIKER GUIDE website, from the south to the north of Great Britain, into Wales and to the Highlands of Scotland.

See THE BIKER GUIDE website for extensive listings.

www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerfriendlymeetingplaces.html

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Only a crash on the first corner during the eighth lap kept Aleix Espargaró from battling for important positions in the GP of Australia. The Spanish rider had both the pace and the confidence to contend in the leading group. Well supported by an Aprilia RS-GP, he was once again solidly at the level of the best.

Aleix paid a high price for a slightly wide trajectory on the fast first corner as he was overtaking Miller for fifth place. The high speed slide resulted in a fracture to the fourth metacarpus of his left hand, an injury that shouldn't keep the Spanish rider from participating in the Malaysian weekend that is just days away.

Sam Lowes finished nineteenth after a shrewd race, overtaking Parkes, Petrucci and Barbera.

ALEIX ESPARGARO'
"The race was going well. Despite a less than perfect start, I had already rejoined the leading group and I had a good feeling. Unfortunately, as I was overtaking Miller on the first turn, I went a bit too wide, ending up on the dirty part of the track and sliding out. I should be able to participate in the race in Malaysia even with the injury to my hand. We'll see what the conditions are on Friday."

SAM LOWES
"Obviously you always hope for a better result but, given the conditions, I'm rather satisfied. I overtook a few riders in the race and I didn't make any mistakes throughout the weekend. We are working well. Unfortunately, Aleix wasn't able to demonstrate the full potential of the RS-GP today because of the crash, but we are on the right path."

ROMANO ALBESIANO - APRILIA RACING MANAGER
"This was a peculiar weekend where we once again demonstrated how competitive our bike is and how Aleix is able to take advantage of it. The race began in the best possible way. Despite a less than perfect start that we need to work on, he recovered with impressive speed. Unfortunately, the crash stopped him in a race where anything could have been possible, but the responses from this track give us great optimism both for the upcoming races and for 2018."

FAUSTO GRESINI - TEAM MANAGER
"Except for the race result itself, this was another good weekend. More proof that we are competitive, very close to the best in the category. Unfortunately, we are leaving Phillip Island today with a bitter taste in our mouths, knowing that we have a great bike and a very fast rider. Aleix paid a high price for a small mistake, but that is racing."