Archive for February, 2011
Vantastic Trials with Dougie Lampkin
Feb 24th
If you are into trials bikes in any way, you’ll probably already be a massive fan of Dougie Lampkin. The legendary enduro and trials rider must have one of the largest trophy cabinets in the world, but he is not averse to showing off a few stunts, and has teamed up with his sponsors, Nissan, to promote their van range.
Nissan are presumably aware of the high correlation between van drivers and bikers. What they may not realise is that van drivers who ride bikes tend to be an excellent risk. We can speculate as to why – they need their license for work, so they ride sensibly – and as bikers, they are more conscious of vulnerable road users. Whatever the reason, as part of the Adrian Flux group, Bikesure customers qualify for an additional discount when they buy van insurance from Adrian Flux.
Essex Drivers Watch for Bikers
Feb 17th
Essex County Council have launched a funky new viral game aimed at helping draw motorists attention to the many and various hazards that exist out on the road.
The new Drive Essex site gives drivers a chance to test their powers of perception and score big points for avoiding the various obstacles, dangers and situations that present themselves. It is well worth playing the game, as it may surprise you how easy it is to miss a potentially lethal hazard.
One factor that players consistently miss, according to the developers, is the presence of a motorcycle in their rear view mirror. With that in mind, it may well be worth forwarding to friends – perhaps missing a biker in this simulation will be a wake-up call for some drivers and help them spot their fellow road users more easily.
And for those of us who are bikers, it should serve as a reminder that high-visibility clothing, daylight running lights, and anything that helps motorists spot you is worth any ensuing embarrassment.
Get on your butt for charity
Feb 15th
Charity events are a great way to get people working together, perhaps try something different and raise money for a worthy cause. Nowadays, with the ease of communication and the chance to travel just about anywhere, the opportunities to raise money are endless.
This presents motorbikers with the best of both worlds- combining the passion for two-wheeled travel with fundraising. Here Bikesure talks about some impressive fundraisers and ways to get involved with motorbike charity fundraising.
Every year in December there are charity toy runs held throughout the country. These originated in Stoke-On-Trent in 1978 and the basic premise is to collect toys which are then taken to local charities, on motorbikes, and distributed to children who otherwise wouldn’t get presents. This is often followed by a celebratory evening which serves to raise more money.
Another way of fund raising is through sponsored rides, such as the Red Arrows who, in October 2010, rode 1000 miles from Lands End to John o Groats in just 4 days. Appropriately, the pilots rode on red Vespas.
The staff here at Bikesure also got riding for charity, with 4 staff members taking part in Monkey Business 2010. It involved travelling over 300 miles around Yorkshire on 125cc monkey bikes.
As well as this in February 2010 actor Danny-John Jules, most famous for playing the cat in cult classic Red Dwarf, rode a gruelling 7000 miles across Europe in aid of Sport Relief. This was taken up as a challenge from the Iron Butts Association -
Danny, with endurance rider Graham Hoskins, rode through 3 continents and 17 countries in just 16 days.
If you feel like experiencing you own motorbike adventure whilst also raising money for a great cause then take a look at Classic Tours, who provide a step by step guide to achieving your goal. They offer many different pre-organised challenges such as an 11-day Himalayan motorbike adventure or will work with you to help make your own fundraising idea a success.
There is also a motorbike challenge with Enduro Africa which raises money for South Africa and Lesotho. It offers you the chance to travel to South Africa and experience the extreme off-road terrain and breathtaking views. While there you are invited to get involved with the Touch Africa community-based program to make a real difference to the community.