We’ve just received this email from our colleague, David, in West Yorkshire. As many of you are regular commuters, you may wish to help out by giving some feedback …
I’ve been asked by the guys who made the ‘Great Roads Great Rides’ DVD’s if I can pass on the message below. They’re putting together a new riders DVD and want your input:
Filming for the Commuter Survival Guide for Motorcyclists starts 15th June and we want the input of real bikers to shape the production. The film will deliver practical guidance and tips from a top rider’s perspective on surviving the commute. This commentary based film will follow a motorcyclist on a journey out of a busy UK city during rush hour.
To ensure we create a programme with all the information a biker could ever need, we would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the pre-filming survey on the link below. Please tell us a bit about yourself. This information will not be shared and is for internal use only.
A new post from Bob, our local BMF bod….
The British Motorcyclists Federation have appointed event specialists, the Mulberry Group, as organisers of the BMF’s range of popular motorcycle events.
Starting as from 1st October 2009, the Mulberry Group will take over the organisation of BMF events from Live Promotions, the BMF’s event contractors since 2007.
BMF Chairman Anna Zee said: “Outsourcing our events back in 2007 was a big move for us and our thanks go to Live Promotions for coming in at a very difficult time for the BMF, but now, after a through review of our requirements, we want to further develop our unique range of events and have decided that the Mulberry Group, (no ‘Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush’ jokes thank you!), under their Managing Director Martin Chick, himself a keen motorcyclist, are the people to do that.”
For the Mulberry Group, Kawasaki ZZR1400 riding MD, Martin Chick, a motorcyclist for over 30 years, said that he intends to be very hands-on and while he already has several ideas for improvements, wants to undertake a thorough and joint review before implementing any changes.
“We are delighted to have been chosen to manage the BMF events and we look forward to the challenges this will bring,” said Martin. “My passion for and love of motorcycling will be very much at the forefront of the Mulberry Group’s approach to the BMF events. “We want to review the entire make-up of the shows, including the sponsorship and exhibitor packages, and intend to create some new and innovative changes which we are confident that both members and the public will benefit from”
Overall responsibility for the shows will rest with Martin Chick with day to day matters being dealt with by the Mulberry events team in conjunction with the BMF’s Assistant Events Manager, Jane Longthorn.
Contact details:
Public enquiries to the BMF on: 0116 279 5111 or enquiry@bmf.co.uk
BMF Show – A Winner Rain and Shine!
17th & 18th May, East of England Showground, Peterborough
Come rain or shine, it seems nothing can dent the success of the BMF Show! Well established as Europe’s largest outdoor bike show, even rain and overcast skies on the Saturday couldn’t spoil the weekend as brilliant sunshine on the Sunday more than compensated for it.
Although fully audited figures are not yet available, indications are that with attendance at over 73,000 over the two days, it was up on last year and with over 600 exhibitors selling everything from bikes to tyres and clothing from helmets to boots, plus arena activities, side shows, test rides and live entertainment from the many bands playing over the weekend, there really was something for everyone at the BMF Show!
Major manufacturers such as Triumph, Honda, BMW and Harley Davidson were kept busy as were clothing suppliers of the likes of Frank Thomas and Hein Ger icke.
The arena saw action from Shorttrack UK, vintage speedway, the ever-popular Moped Enduro and displays of precision riding from The Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team – The Flying Gunners. Elsewhere the Wall of Death and the Extreme Globeriders kept the milling crowds entertained.
The BIS, Best in Show Competition, sponsored by Carole Nash Insurance, was won by the stunning ‘Harley Evo Rigid’ netting its owner ‘Sandy’ a top prize of £600 and one year’s free insurance. In a keenly contested Best Club Display, the Christian Motorcyclists Association, out of the 92 BMF clubs attending, won the day.
Music featured in a big way this year and the brand new exhibition hall was the venue for top line bands sponsored by Bike Animal. The Bike Animal Stage was the platform for competitors from last year’s Global Battle of the Bands with evening entertainment featuring classic punk band The Damned complete with Captain Sensible. Top tribute bands Limehouse Lizzy and Sisters of Murphy also topped the bill.
Oakley Motorcycle Club had a club stand and club chairman, Baysie said “A cracking weekend was had.”
OMC Club stand. Thanks for flying the Motorcycling Matters banner – but where are all the people?!
The Driving Standards Agency has launched a new training DVD for post-test riders and motorcycle trainers.
‘Better Biking – the Official DSA Training Aid DVD’ provides expert advice on improving bikers’ skills and aids post-test rider training to DSA standard.
The DVD features sgt. Rick Weaver, chief trainer in advanced riding for Cheshire Constabulary, who demonstrates an ideal solo ride in each skill category to show the standard of riding to aspire to.
In addition to rider analysis, the DVD provides authoritative advice on bikes, clothing, machine checks and security with Louise Brady, presenter of Bikes Aloud and Isle of Man TT.
Better Biking: the Official DSA Training Aid (ISBN 97801129559) is priced at £10.99.
Visit www.tsoshop.co.uk, or call 0870 243 0123 to purchase.