Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

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  1. Sad news from the Manx GP

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    The Manx Motor Cycle Club, organisers of the Manx Grand Prix in the Isle of Man, regret to announce that a competitor in today’s MMCC Newcomers Race sustained fatal injuries.

    Thirty-eight-year-old engineer Richard Bartlett from Longfield Hill came off his 600cc Honda near Kerrowmooar.

    He was an experienced rider, making his debut in the Manx Grand Prix.

    The Manx Motor Cycle Club wishes to express its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Bartlett.

    The Manx Motor Cycle Club are investigating.

  2. Travel Survey Shows Savvy Commuters Use Motorcycles and Scooters

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    Motorcycles are making a bigger contribution to getting commuters to work than any other mode of transport, according to the MCI's analysis of the new National Travel Survey.* 

    The survey shows that over half (52%) of all motorcycle trips in 2008 were made for the purpose of commuting, compared to just one-third (34%) of bicycle journeys and one-fifth (22 %) of car journeys.  These findings challenge the myth that bikers are a nuisance on the road and more interested in leisure pursuits than the day to day convenience of a powered two-wheeler. They strengthen the case for motorcycling to take its place at the heart of mainstream transport policy as an everyday, practical mode of transport which can improve access to employment, education and social networks.

    . Congestion-busting:  the majority of car journeys are still single occupancy (60%) and this is notably higher for commuting and business trips (84%). If these solo drivers switched to two wheels, congestion would fall and journey times drop dramatically.

    . Affordable:  financial hurdles were one of the main deterrents to driving. For younger people this was particularly critical, with almost half (48%) of 17-20 year olds stating 'the cost of learning ' as a reason for not driving.  A third ( 32% ) of this age group said that the cost of buying a car was another key factor for not driving.   A new rider can get on the road for under £2,000 including a new 125cc scooter, kit and the basic training ( CBT ) that is required:  a more cost -effective option than four wheels and ideal for younger people who need to get to work or college on a limited budget.

    . Regular: the average motorcyclist relies on their bike for everyday transport, using it for over one-third of all journeys they make.

    MCI Spokesperson Sheila Rainger said, "Motorcycle and scooter riders are capitalizing on the cost-effective, practical benefits of using a powered-two wheeler during some of the busiest times of the day.

    "It is important that the Government and employers recognise the contribution riders are making to ensure workers are getting to the 'office ' quicker and cheaper than some of their colleagues. Cheaper parking, secure and covered parking and access to bus lanes are just some of the small steps that will improve a biker's experience."
     
    Visit www.geton.co.uk to book your free ride and find information about the CBT test.

  3. Plymouth L-plate biker to ride to John O’Groats & back for diabetes

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    Plymouth man Stuart Morrisey, 48, a.k.a. ‘Madrider 1961’ is to ride from Plymouth to John O’Groats and back around the August Bank Holiday in aid of leading health charity Diabetes UK, even though he still hasn’t passed his test!

    Setting off on Thursday 27 August, riding his Honda CG125cc motorcycle with L-plates and using only ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, he will set off from Derriford Hospital, Plymouth to Carlisle, on to John O’Groats, back through Inverness, and then on through the Midlands to Land’s End and back home to Plymouth for Sunday 30th August 2009.

    Unfortunately, in June 2009 Stuart had to abort his return charity ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats just north of Perth in Scotland due to unforeseen circumstances. Not one to be defeated, Stuart, who has been riding motorcycles since 1993 and who rides with two slipped discs and a damaged vertebra, was determined to undertake a re-run on a solo basis.

    “You may ask ‘why Diabetes UK?’ The answer is simple, 'Honeymonster'! - a fellow biker and great friend of mine has diabetes and it was quite a shock when he was diagnosed, not only to him but to his friends as well”, said Stuart.

    “I’m a firm believer in helping those who are in a worse position than I am, and although I experience pain on a daily basis, I really enjoy the challenge of raising funds for worthwhile charities.”

    Always foremost in Stuart’s mind when he arranges these charity rides is safety. He is always happy for other riders to join him whether it is for only a few miles or for a bigger section of his route, which inevitably brings in a ‘coffee-stop’, a chat and a chance to get the camera out for a few impromptu photos.

    Stuart started raising money for charity in 2004 riding from Plymouth to Bolton and back in just 48 hours. 2005 saw him ride solo around England for five days for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, visiting as many RNLI stations on route as possible, raising just under £4,000 and riding almost 2,000 miles.

    Diabetes UK South West Manager Jan Tyrrell said: “We are delighted Stuart has decided to dedicate this ride to raising funds to help and support the ever-increasing numbers of people with diabetes across the South West and the rest of the UK.

    “Fundraising events such as Stuart’s are crucial in enabling us to maintain our commitment to improving the lives of the 200,000 people in the South West living with diabetes. The condition is becoming more and more prevalent, now affecting three million people in the UK and almost 30,000 in Devon alone.

    “We wish him a safe ride and look forward to meeting him back in Plymouth on August 30.”

    Still riding on L-plates, Stuart has promised that when he has completed his ride that he will take his test. Stuart has a group of 100 (he’s hoping more) bikers meeting him at Land’s End at lunchtime on 30 August and they will ride the final leg with him back to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

    Stuart will also be presented with an award for ‘Outstanding thing done on a Motorbike for 2008’ upon his return. He received this award in 2007 and is hoping that this ride will also gain him the title for 2009 - if he achieves this he will be the world record holder.

    Stuart’s target is to raise £2,000 for Diabetes UK and can be sponsored via his ‘Justgiving’ site @: www.justgiving.com/stuart-morrissey

    Further information on Stuart’s charity rides can be found on his website at www.madrider1961.co.uk

    To find out if you are at risk of diabetes visit:

  4. UK bikers are already a lucrative market as they contribute nearly £400 million to UK tourism

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    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.

    "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".

  5. 2009 Rally of Great Britain is officially launched!

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    The 2009 Rally of Great Britain, one of the UK's biggest motorsport events, popular for its high octane action set in the infamously unforgiving Welsh forests, has now been launched.

     

    The event, which takes place from 22 - 25 October, is the final round of the World Rally Championship and could see the making of this year's Champion. This year, for the first time, the Service Park will be in the Welsh capital, in Cardiff Bay. Free of charge to enter, it will give everyone a chance to get up close to the action.

     

    Tickets are now on sale, with last year's popular 'kids for a quid' offer extended to include more of the event than ever before, making it a perfect family activity. Once again, all ticket prices remain low, starting from just £1 for child day passes. A World Rally Pass (WRP) represents the best value for money, for adults wanting to soak up all the action. The pass will give access to all stages and car parks and shakedown. Organisers have worked hard to keep prices low and at £90 the WRP remains the same price it has been for the past five years - a rare phenomenon in the sporting world.

     

    Also available is a huge range of hospitality packages at extremely competitive prices, designed to suit small or large businesses and rally fans alike. Each package is designed to bring guests closer to the action in exclusive surroundings. Bespoke packages can also be created to include almost anything from hotels to helicopter rides, making the Rally of Great Britain experience truly unique.

     

    This year's event will have a new twist, with Rally HQ and the Service Park based entirely in Cardiff, making it extremely convenient for fans wanting to experience all the action. The Service Park, which will be based in Cardiff Bay, can be reached easily from the city centre by bus, foot or train. Entry to the Service Park is free and will give visitors the chance to meet the teams and experience the full rally atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the entertainment and catering available at the Service Park, which is itself surrounded by some of Cardiff's best bars and restaurants.

     

    An added bonus this year will be the return of the Remote Service Park in Builth Wells. Set in the midst of the Mid Wales stages, it will give fans the chance to experience a service park right at the heart of the rally and really see what goes on behind the scenes. It will be an absolute must see for serious rally fans and is an added bonus for World Rally Pass holders.

     

    To take advantage of the best ticket prices advance booking is essential. Details of how to purchase tickets together with other important news is available by visiting www.rallygb.org

     

    Tickets can also be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251 or in person from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1TL, Monday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am -5.30pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.