Police are urging motorcyclists travelling to and from the North West 200 next week to use all their road craft to stay safe and stay alive on roads across Northern Ireland.

Motorists can expect increased number of traffic patrols on our roads across the North Coast area during race week, with the aim of ensuring the safety of all road users.

Inspector John Millar, Road Policing officer, explains: “In recent years a number of people lost their lives while either travelling to or from this sporting spectacular, or to one of the many events that take place throughout race week. This is something that all bikers need to take note of, and is why road safety has got to be everyone’s number one priority.

“It is very easy to get caught up in all the excitement that the races bring, and it is this excitement, and the anticipation of seeing professional racers do their thing on closed roads that supporters and enthusiasts need to suppress if they want to stay alive when travelling on open roads.

Do not try to emulate any of the riders taking part in the North West 200 as it is simply not feasible or safe to do so.

Don’t think that you can get away with just driving safely on roads around the race circuit.

You must drive safely at all times whether you are en-route to the North coast from Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry, Enniskillen, Limavady, Portaferry, Newry, or indeed anywhere else in Ireland.

“I would also remind motorists that there will be more motorcycles out and about during race week, and that they need to be more alert to the presence of bikes on the roads, and particularly at junctions…THINK BIKE.

“Motorcyclists have a major role to play when it comes to road safety.

Use dipped headlights day and night, and consider sounding your horn to alert others to your presence as necessary.

Ride responsibly and don’t take foolish chances.

You only get one life; make sure it doesn’t come to an untimely end…BIKESAFE and STAY ALIVE,” concluded Inspector Millar.

Ride It Right Comments

Ride It Right the motorcycle safety initiative says all good sound advice for riders and drivers.

However regarding using dipped headlights: All bikes produced by the major manufacturers have since 2002 had their dipped headlight hardwired so that they come on automatically, there is no switch to switch on or to switch off the headlight. So although you may think your headlight is on, remember to physically check that it is.

Also do not rely on other vehicle drivers seeing you because you have your headlight on or you are wearing reflective or bright clothing.

Also don’t think that having your full beam on will make you more visible, you may make it harder for other vehicle drivers to calculate your distance and speed as you approach.

You may even “mask” the rider behind you, especially if you have fitted more powerful bulbs or High Intensity Discharge Xenon headlights (HID-Xenon) that can cause glare and dazzle other road users.

Meanwhile if you get the time book into one of the Bikesafe assessments that are on offer during race week.

www.rideitright.org.

Bikesafe

Police are encouraging motorcyclists of all ages and abilities to take part in their ‘Bikesafe’ assessed ride-outs during the NW200 race week.

The ride-outs will be held at the start/finish area of the North West 200 motorcycle races situated on the coast road between Portrush and Portstewart from Tuesday 17 until Friday 19 May. Assessment slots can be booked on-line at www.bikesafe.co.uk.

Bikesafe paddock opening times will be:

Tuesday 17 May 10.00am to 5.00pm

Wednesday 18 May 9.30am to 6.00pm

Thursday 19 May 3.00pm to 9.00pm

Friday 20 May 9.30am to 9.00pm

There is £10 administration fee, payable on-line, for the Bikesafe ride-outs and they are operated on a first come first served basis. Motorcyclists are provided with a unique opportunity to have their riding and road craft assessed by an advanced police motorcyclist. During the ride-out, the advanced police motorcyclist assesses machine knowledge, hazard awareness, junctions, cornering, overtaking and security. The assessment is not a test, nor is it training, it provides advice and an assessment of a rider’s capabilities, and it is open to all, from the complete novice to the experienced motorcyclist. STAY ALIVE – ‘BIKESAFE’.

Tattershall castle in Lincolnshire throws its' doors open to Biker for a special free opening - Friday 20th May!

Standing proud in the Lincolnshire landscape, Tattershall Castle is a rock of a building.  Its story is one of splendour, decay and rebirth. Built in the 15th Century as a statement of power, laid to ruin for over 200 years and finally rescued in 1911, today this mammoth, brick medieval castle acts as an iconic landmark for many.

Bike enthusiasts may be familiar with Tattershall as a ride-through, now is your chance to visit. Climb the 150 steps from the basement to Battleparts, check out the 17th century graffiti, enjoy the incredible views from the roof including neighbouring RAF Coningsby or just relax in the grounds and enjoy some hog roast. Special provision has been made for storage of helmets.  

Also on the day, there will be a chance to find out about other events Tattershall has planned for the year ahead, including a brand new arts project called 'DARK MATERIALS' in which the darker side of life will be explored through a major new art exhibition and an alternative gothic country fair.

We are keen to offer an interesting experience for the biker community and somewhere you wish to visit so any ideas for events and attractions will be gratefully recieved.

Open to those arriving on a Motorcycle and not the general public. 11am - 4pm.

Find the castle on the A153 at Tattershall Village.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-tattershallcastle

10am - Sunday 31st July - Brent Cross

Following the lamented loss, due to new building works, of last years inaugural event venue of Wembley, and as a consequence of the event having outgrown the original historic North Circular Road premises, Ace Cafe London, in association with StuntUK and the International StuntBike Freestyle (SBF) competition, have teamed up again to present the Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival, to be held throughout the day from 10am on Sunday 31st July, now relocated one mile east from the cafe along the North Circular Road and near the M1 motorway at the UK's premier shopping centre, Brent Cross.

In addition to trade and industry stands and displays, this second annual event again combines the cafe's legendary Streetfighter Sunday, as well as showcasing the live action finals of the SBF competition, with stunt riders from across Europe and beyond taking part and competing for an increased prize fund totalling £5K.

Individual Freestyle:
1st: £2K
2nd: £1K
3rd: £750

Longest Stoppie: £750

Sickest Trick: £500

Highlights of the event include the Evel Knievel " True Evel" tour, featuring Evel's original motorcycles, famous jump leathers, personal memorabilia, and untold photos and stories, "Best Streetfighter" static display by Streetfighters Magazine, plus "Show Up n' Shine" competitions with awards and prizes, dyno shoot-out, tyre-frying burnouts, mini moto's and a wheelie machine for those who want to experience "up in the air" thrills!

In addition to the Ace stage, featuring live music from Avenge Vulture Attack and hosting MC and BikerFM Streetfighter DJ "Kiss My Ass", entertainment includes The Fuel Girls, a host of hot tricks from the East Coast FMX display team and pro drifter Belinda Challis, who will be putting her Garage-D built Nissan Skyline R32 through its paces.

London's Air Ambulance is once again the events chosen charity.

To enter your bike in the Streetfighters Magazine Static Display please contact: WILL JOBBINS Email: [email protected]

Tickets are available at the cafe and via the Ace web shop, as well as on the gate on the day.

Buy your ticket at the cafe and you will receive a free tea or coffee.

Tickets:
Individual £7.50 (£10 on the gate)
Individual + Bike £7.50 (£10 on the gate)
Individual + Bike + Pillion £12.50 (£15 on the gate)
A special family ticket will be available on the gate £15

All enquiries:
Darren Williams - Ace Cafe Events Team
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 8961 1000

www.stuntuk.co.uk
www.streetfightersmag.com
www.bikerfm.co.uk
www.londonsairambulance.com
www.evelknievel.com
www.fuelgirls.co.uk
www.myspace.com/avengevultureattack
www.ecfmx.co.uk
www.drifther.co.uk
www.acecafeevents.com

The Pit Stop Diner, Bowesfield Lane,  Stockton on Tees is holding their big brew event on Sunday 8^th May from 9.30am till 4pm. All proceeds from the sale of tea and coffee will be donated to this great cause.

Guy Martin's Big Brew - Get Involved

Road racing legend Guy Martin wants everyone to support The Big Brew and have a cuppa over the weekend of 6th - 8th May 2011 to raise money for Spinal Research. 

Motorcycle dealers, bike groups and individuals are holding their own Big Brew events and will raise money for Spinal Research with the great British favourite – a cup of tea!

The Big Brew events will be happening across the country with organisers holding raffles and quizzes and supplying mugs of tea to help boost the fundraising effort.

Anyone who takes part in The Big Brew will be entered into a free prize draw to win the chance to meet Guy Martin at a race event later this year, likely to be the Snetterton round of the British Superbike Championship in July.  

“When I decided to support the Ride Out campaign for Spinal Research, I didn’t know that I’d have a big accident at the Isle of Man TT (2010). I fractured the bones in my upper back, but luckily I didn’t damage my spinal cord. It could so easily have been a different story and I’d have wound up paralysed. That’s why I decided to support Ride Out and combine my love of tea with motorbikes – all in the name of a good cause!  Please get involved and help us beat paralysis. Cheers, Guy”

For your FREE information pack on how to organise your own Big Brew event or to find your nearest participating dealer, club or cafe please visit www.guymartinbigbrew.org or call Isabel on 01483 898786 .

The Triumph Triple Challenge once again produced some first class racing during round two at Oulton Park with Peter “Pesky” Ward and Luke Jones taking a win each.

Pesky got his weekend off to the ideal start by taking pole position. The Hinckley rider only put in four laps during qualifying and confidently sat the rest of the session out. South African rider Phil Atkinson was back on form this weekend now that he has a better understanding of his new 675 Daytona.

Atkinson was the early challenger for pole position until Ashley Beech got into his stride, pushing Atkinson back to third place and finishing just 0.071seconds behind Pesky. Luke Jones completed the front row of the grid.

Freddy Pett was unable to take part in qualifying following an unlucky crash during free practice. He has broken his right hand in six places and needs an operation to pin and plate the injury. He passed on his good wishes to the other riders in the Championship.

Following qualifying Ward said: “The bike feels good, and I know I’ve more pace should I need it. I didn’t see the point in staying out and wasting fuel and my tyres. My back is playing up too so I wanted to keep the number of laps down. I feel fairly confident for the race.”

Pole position translated into a race win for Pesky giving him his first win of the season. Off the line it was Phil Atkinson who got the holeshot and immediately tried to gap the chasing riders. Pesky slotted into second place with Championship leader Jones in third and Beech in fourth place. Beech wasted no time and passed Jones at Shell hairpin on lap three

Atkinson was doing his best to escape and by lap five he was 0.595 seconds clear of Pesky, however one lap later Pesky had closed him down to a gap of 0.284 seconds. With a back marker on the horizon Pesky made his move on the run into Lodge corner to take the lead. Beech wasn’t standing still either and he picked Atkinson off one lap later at the same place.

The front runners were in a race very much of their own and had pulled away from Jones in fourth place by a good 3 seconds. Beech who finished second to Pesky broke the lap record by a second and his awesome pace gave him pole position for race two with a time of 1min 43.934 seconds.

Ward said: “I could hear a bike behind me and I knew it was Ash as he has been going really well. I needed to look after my tyre for race two so I just backed him up twice by holding onto the brakes a bit longer and waited to hear him back off. I just wanted to get through Brands and then see what we could do here. I’ve not led a race for a while so I tensed up a bit and made some mistakes, I just wanted to be consistent. I need a better start for race two. My back is still playing up so I’ll rest up between races.”

Beech said: “It was ok really, I need to try and make a better start as I spent all race making up for it. I’m pole for race two so I want to get away and try to break them. I’m losing out on the brakes but I know I can carry more corner speed. I’ll be faster in the next one.”

Atkinson said: “I was hoping to do what I did last year at Cadwell Park, just get clear but I got arm pump on lap eight and I couldn’t hold on. I had my arm massaged before the race so I’ll have to do the same again before race two. I did show that I’ve got the pace so I’ll try and get away next time.”

If you want close racing then look no further race two was as close as they come. Luke Jones took the second win of the day by just 0.006 seconds from Pesky who had led for the bulk of the race. The diminutive Jones out dragged the six foot Hinckley rider over the line to take the win. There are now just seven points separating them in the title chase with Jones ahead on 88 points. Beech had to settle for a close third place.

Following race one the grid positions changed placing Beech on pole thanks to his lap record pace. He had hoped this would improve his start but that wasn’t to be the case as Peaky and Jones immediately hit the front.

Whilst Beech and Jones battled it looked like Pesky was going to make a break but Jones held onto him closing down the 0.25 seconds gap he had built. The front three were on a pace of their own and by mid race distance they were 7 seconds clear of fourth place.

Jones was lining Pesky up for a late move so he didn’t have time to get back at him and on the last lap he went for it at Old Hall taking the lead. Pesky stayed closed and with a back marker looming he went round the outside of Jones at Lodge. Jones however had other ideas and simply pinned the throttle on the exit of the final turn and out dragged Pesky to the line. By the time the chequered flag came out the front three were 14 seconds clear of Tom Hayward who was in fourth place.

Jones said: “We made so many changes to the bike after race one it took me a couple of laps to settle in. Ward passed me and I just sat behind him until I got going. I had decided to wait right until the end to try and pass him. I got him on the last lap and he tried to come back past so I stood my bike up and opened the throttle. I got so much drive, we were banging elbows and neither of us were letting go. It was amazing.”

Ward said: “I really enjoyed that, I’m a little annoyed that I led the whole race and got done on the last lap. I’m happy and I enjoyed it that is the main thing. I want to get my confidence back that is why I’m doing this series. I need a few changes to my bike and we’ll see what happens.”

Beech said: “It was ok, I’m a bit disappointed with the second race especially after race one. I just need to get my starts better as I’m making it hard work for myself. These guys are so late on the brakes but I know if I can get clear and pull a gap I can run the pace. I’m disappointed in myself really as the bike is awesome. I’ve had podiums, now I want a win.”

 The third round of the Triumph Triple Challenge will be at Croft in North Yorkshire on the 13^th – 15^th May.