Posts tagged bikesure
Piaggio Ape World Championship sponsored by Bikesure
Feb 18th
Bikesure and Adrian Flux are proud to be sponsoring Rye House’s inaugural Malossi Piaggio Ape 2013 World Championship
If you are 16 or over and fancy going Ape and becoming a motorsport ‘World Champion’ (or should that be ‘World Chimpian’?) then this must be one of the most enjoyable ways to do it, and you don’t even need to travel any further than Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire to do so.
The iconic Piaggio Ape (apparently pronounced ‘ah-pay’ in Italy, which means ‘bee’) has been a low-cost form of transport for over 60 years, and its quirky design and friendly nature has now been tuned into the racing vehicle it was never expected to be, courtesy of scooter-warmer-uppers Malossi. It promises to offer great fun, close, exciting low cost racing and a sight to behold as drivers of all abilities scrabble for the best line around the infamous Rye House circuit. Low cost motorsport doesn’t get any more fun, close and crazy than this… especially with a night race planned for early September!
Backed by Piaggio Commercial UK, the championship will begin with a bang on Sunday 9th of June and will consist of four 2 hour races over Summer and Autumn, with each Ape’s neck being wrung by teams of between 2 and 8 drivers around the challenging kart circuit where Lewis Hamilton honed his skills. If you can’t wait until June to have a go there will be a 2 hour open test on Sunday 21st April.
For more information about taking your place in Piaggio Ape history, or just to see this for real, contact Steve at Piaggio on 07803 341824.
To find out where all this mayhem will be taking place, check out www.rye-house.co.uk or for more information about Malossi tuning see www.malossiuk.com
Whether you own an Ape, Bike, Car, House, Van, something else or all of these, Adrian Flux and Bikesure are Piaggio Commercial UK’s recommended insurers. With over 35 years’ experience in specialist insurance they offer policies for anything from humble scooters up to custom superbikes, and any road-legal car you care to imagine. For more information, visit www.adrianflux.co.uk or www.bikesure.co.uk
Ps Nicola (shown in the photograph) will not be racing… well, you wouldn’t want her to beat you, would you?
Skyzone Racing
Sep 21st
Congratulations to British based Supermoto team, Skyzone Racing, who have had two of their riders, Chris Hodgson and Richard Blakeman picked for the british team at this years supermoto of nations in Cahors, France!
The team, who are supported by Bikesure field riders in both the British and World Supermoto Championship and are committed to developing new riders in this extreme sport.
Supermoto combines Road Racing with Motocross. Most races are on road racing circuits with an off road section although a dirt section is not necessarily required. Unlike normal motorcycle racing the emphasis lies on slower speeds where rider skill matters far more than outright machine performance.
Round 8 of the British Supermoto Championships takes place next weekend at Blyton Raceway, Lincs.
All the best guys!
Bikesure Photo Shoot 2010
May 27th
A couple of weeks back, we had a photo shoot to grab some images for our press advertising campaigns featuring Bikesure staff. Philippa was one of our models for the day and this is her report on her experience in front of the cameras.
The night before… I thought that picking out clothes for the shoot would be the easy bit. I thought wrong! Heels or flats, leggings or jeans, t-shirts or jumpers? So with the clock ticking and still undecided, I packed it all.
The day of the shoot… Waking up in the morning, I was still wondering if I’d packed the ‘right sort of clothes’. Too late now I thought to myself, as I was already running late for work, but somehow found time to throw some more clothes into my already over packed overnight bag.
Arriving at work, the first thing was to check with Sarah and Zavanah to see what they had brought with them. While doing this Grant casually walks by looking slightly more groomed than normal I must say. It wasn’t until later, when he went back for a touch up, I realised he was wearing eyeliner, yes eyeliner.
The time came for me and Zav to get all made up, hair done, make up done, just left with what to wear… In this time, I needed to pop back down to the floor, feeling a little embarrassed all dressed up I tried to make it swift. To boost my confidence a bit more I was greeted with Minty’s kind comment of ‘Do you look like a hooker?’
All ready to go, we made our way outside. Grant was just finishing his shoot and looked like he was loving it! The eyeliner had stayed on well and his smile was as cheesey as ever.
My turn… I walked over to the custom bike and perched awkwardly up against it. The first few shoots I was looking like a rabbit in car headlights but after a minute or so soon started enjoying it. Zav’s was up next. Whilst watching I could feel a slight ache in my jaw from all the ‘try not to make it look but it really is’ fake smiling. Zav looked like she was enjoying herself too and being a bit of a natural in front of the camera looked a lot more comfortable than me. That was until a false nail fell off, don’t panic the photographer said, we can photo shop that in. So, one nail down, we carried on and he snapped away.
With the first part of the shoot over, we made our way back inside for ‘look no. 2’. Joining us was a Mr Millward, needless to say he didn’t hang around for any make up. Leathers on and he was out.
All ready for the next shoot, we made our way outside again. In the spotlight was James looking like a pro in his biker gear. It appears he opted for the ‘mean’ look. I heard the photographer blurting things like “more happy” at him many a time. By this time the sun was going in, and in true British weather style, the wind picked up too. But like professionals we carried on.
Next up was Pete. Looking lovely in leathers, posing with his bike and sporting a huge smile he was like the perfect model. I’m sure he’d done this before. While Pete was grinning away, the big man himself strolled in. Not feeling too excited about having his own photos done, he happily took the mick out of the other lads.
Zav and me where back up, this time with Millwards bike. Seeing his face while we climbed on his pride and joy, while trying not to knock it over or scratch it with our shoes was, in a word, priceless.
Kev. Firstly find a jacket that fits. It appears Kev had been taking tips from James and decided that the ‘cheese look’ wasn’t for him either. The photographer had a bit of an awkward one here, making sure Kev didn’t appear taller than the building and dealing with his comments. “You look more like a gardener than photographer mate” didn’t go down too well. After Kevs solo shots, I joined him in what looks like a father daughter type picture. I think the word uncomfortable would pretty much describe how we both felt.
After a busy morning we headed in for lunch. Sandwiches, crisps, mini pizzas and orange juice, just what we all needed.
I was now finished for the day, but the afternoon pretty much went the same way. Zav and Chelsea did some fluxbabes shots and I think everyone was pretty happy with the end results.
All in all it was a very enjoyable day, everyone was in good spirits and the rain kept away.
Bikesure do the Great East Anglian Run
May 21st
On the 2nd of May 2010, 12 representatives from Bikesure all ran 10km in the Great East Anglian run for local charity Tapping House Hospice.
The runners and riders for this event were, Kyle “Minty” Benefer (me), Jon “Turbo GT” Mellish, Lee “Booboo” Boughen, Pete “Zilla” Sanctuary, Jon “Ladies Man” Howlett, Peter “Blockhead” Millward, Philippa “Model” Rowing, Robert “Texas Ranger” Walker, Jason “Never ran in my life” Masters, Robert “Skinny Twin” Botting, Thomas “TJ” Warner, and Matthew “Long Legs” Sopp.
In not so perfect preparation for this event, myself and a few other members did absolutely no training whatsoever. In fact the night before the run a few of us and a couple of loyal supporters gathered round my gaff for Fifa, a few beers, and a Chinese. Here is some picture proof…
So as we all woke up on the Sunday morning, with a small hangover and a full belly, we all decided to meet in our local McDonalds for breakfast. Only joking, that would be ridiculous. We decided that we would all start the race in the same area, and keep together as a team. This lasted all of about 20 metres past the start line, where a few of us, not naming names, Blockhead, started walking and we got split up.
Speaking for myself I was very pleased with my initial effort. I got through the first 3km without stopping to walk. Bearing in mind I weigh nearly 16 stone I don’t think my knees could take much more of a pounding. At least that’s what I keep telling people. So as the hordes of serious runners came flying past me, my fellow lazy swine, Jon Howlett, tapped me on the shoulder just as I was about to start running again, and pleaded with me to wait for him. So begrudgingly I did, because I’m nice like that.
So after our easy stroll for 5 minutes, I looked back and saw a geriatric gentleman dressed up as a tomato. At which point I turned to Jon and said “I ain’t get beaten by no tomato, fool”. We quickly started off on another run, and 30 seconds later we hit the wall again, only to find the old boy tomato go straight past us without a bead of sweat on his face, and a cheeky little wave as if to say, see you at the finish line boys.
Not even half way, Jon says to me “My feet hurt. I think these trainers are giving me blisters”. I look down to see parts of his shoes hanging off. Probably not the best footwear if you’re running 10km. So I ask him “Did you find them in a skip on the way up here?” Only to find out that he borrowed the shoes from his Step-Dad, who only uses them for his gardening. Seeing as Jon is such a “Ladies Man” and far too “Trendy” (these are his words by the way) he doesn’t own a pair of running shoes, and therefore had to improvise. Maybe his fashionable plimsolls would have been a better choice.
As we’re doing our best to get round the course, we have our loyal supporters Bunts and Dyer standing around with their tins of Strongy, geeing us up at various different stages of course. This for me, had no positive input at all. I started to wonder, why am I putting myself through so much punishment, why am I not standing with Bunts and Dyer with a Strongy in my hand. Then I remember that Soppy is to blame for arranging this whole fiasco.
Revenge is a dish best served cold, and when I get some energy back, I will have my vengeance.
Anyway back to the race. Jon is now running around in just his socks. He hasn’t yet thrown his shoes in the bin where he found them, as he fears he may have a backlash from his Step-Dad for losing his favourite gardening shoes.
I’m going to miss out the middle section of the race as there was really nothing interesting happening. Unless you like to watch, unfit, lazy, fat people struggle a lot. The end of the race couldn’t come round soon enough, and I knew I had a big finish in me. We was in the final 150 metres and by this point I couldn’t be bothered to wait for Jon in his socks any more. Such a whiner.
Anyway, so I started picking up the pace and I was passing all the stragglers and some of the spectators started to cheer me on to the finish. I felt like a million dollars I was nearly there. Finally I had done it. Finished the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, and collapsed flat on my face. Probably shouldn’t have sprinted that last 100 metres. Doesn’t matter anyway, I don’t have to do that ever again.
I completed it, in my eyes, in a very respectable 1 hour and 8 minutes, with no previous training and a few beers the night before. I walked straight past Linford Christie and went to find my fellow Bikesurians to bask in our glory.
This is us after we finished…
And this is how we celebrate…
On a serious note. I think we all enjoyed doing the race, and we all felt a lot better about ourselves and it made us even closer as friends and a team. Most importantly we raised a lot of money (over £600 and counting) for a very worthy cause.
Bikesure @ BMF 2009
May 29th
After a stunning April of hot weather and high pollen counts, it was soon May…….I had been hoping for much of the same as we packed the car up and headed to the Peterborough BMF.
I was wrong
Rain………all that was forecast was rain. I really shouldn’t have got my hopes up as for the last 10 years the heavens have opened on the show on now less than 8 occasions!
We didn’t really need the sat nav as being based in Kings Lynn the journey took less than an hour…including a quick stop at Tescos for “refreshments”….cough, cough!
Tagging along with the me in the Bikesure posse were Jon (quote clerk), Jemma (PA and flux babe ) and Laura ( renewals staff and flux babe ). Bringing glitz, glamour and muscle to the show (and that was just the girls)
Bikesure hoodies line up for their mugshot
A quick check in at the hotel and we all convened for a couple of beers and a chat, mainly about hair, make up and clothes………we were soon joined by the girls ( these jokes don’t get any better )
Saturday morning and me and Jon arrived at the showground with Bikesure tent in hand. After doing these shows for over a year now the setting up took all of 3 minutes.
Just before the heavens opened we were joined by the girls and with laptops in hand we were up and running with quotes!
We like red
Now I know what you readers of this blog like to see and its not pictures of us working. So to rush things along I will let you know that we had a blast, sold policy’s and gave out loads of freebies.
I never knew you could spend £8.50 on pic n mix but I did!
We met loads of people over the weekend and a few familiar faces. Special mention to Mo from the Bandit Owners club (of which we are the official insurer ) who kept us going with tea and coffee. Also a shout out to that BMF man who lent us the use of the buggy…..good work!
As the company are getting bigger and better, we hope to keep attending this show as many years as possible. So be sure to pop into the red tent next time your down and come say hi
Here come the girls…………
The girls about to be jumped by a crazy man in pink glasses
Bandits
The less said about the last photo the better…..but what a lovely white fence!!!
Grant
Bikesure at Taz Motorcycles – Peterborough
Sep 19th
Saturday 13th September saw us invited down to Taz motorcycles in Peterborough for their open weekend.
Taz Motors is East Anglia’s largest motorcycle dealership and the areas only Aprilia centre. Taz has a reputation of outstanding service with their supply of new and used motorcycles, a fantastic service centre and a clothing department stocking all the top names in clothing and accessories.
As their official recommended insurer we were there to offer quotes for the weekend, give insurance advise and hand out goodie bags.
Oh did I mention we were joined by Chelle and Laura to offer a bit of class and sophistication to the event?
The hardest task of the weekend had to be trying to get them off the bouncy castle, it was mainly the kids complaining, the dads seemed to cheer!
So if your in the area and looking for a great deal on your new or used bike then Taz is the place to go!
Many thanks for making us feel welcome all weekend and thanks for the sandwiches!
Grant
Bikesure FC
Sep 5th
And you thought we just sit on our backsides all day……..and you would be right but hang on….
After narrowly missing out on the signature of Robinho it was business as usual for Bikesure FC!
Bikesure F.C was formed last year due to the fact there was nothing else to do on a Thursday evening but drink ( which isnt a bad thing ). We meet every Thusday evening at the local astro turf and attempt to pass ourselves off as footballers for an hour.
So if theres anyone out there who wants to take on the might and power of Bikesure FC, kindly bugger off because were rubbish!!!
Meet the team
Kyle “Minty” Benefer – like Hayley’s comet, can be seen passing once every 75 years
Dean “Egg” Twiddy – passing to him is like kicking it against a brick wall, could go anywhere
John “Turbo” Mellish – Faster then Usain Bolt over 100 metres – fact!
Pete “Zilla” Sanctuary – one of those annoying blokes who is good at everything!
Matthew “soppy b***ocks” Sopp – can often be seen shouting the odd swear word at his team, apparently for encouragement!
Phil “philski” Owen – more tricks up his sleeve then Paul Daniels – that’s magic!
Grant “welsh wizard” Varnham – lob me a ball from 70 yards and i’ll slot it home, pass it to me in front of an open goal and over the bar it goes!
Richard “the horn” Rowsell – started off looking like Mr Tickle, now more like Mr tackle ( granted that does sound a bit odd )
Jason ” the fridge ” Masters – big bloke, rubbish centre of gravity….goes down more than……..um………..um…………..Reading.
Tom ” Cassius ” Clay – that one player in your team that thinks he has the tricks then always falls on his arse – to the great pleasure of the rest of the team!
Adam ” Holbinho ” Hollinger – seems to be absolutely fascinated by his feet, always starring at them, even when he passes
Harry ” Sports Bra ” O’Donnell – imagine watching a Linford Christie’s lunch box running the 100 metres, now imagine him with man boobs…….Harry!
Rob ” Chopper ” Balls – hell of a right foot ping on him, unfortunately hell of a nack of tackling……even without the ball being anywhere near him….amazing!
Duncan ” Liability ” Garrick – often gets voted the man of the match…….for the opposing team!
Kevin “big man ” Lee – frustrated striker, the bloke is 7 foot tall but has a head like a 50p – when he pulls back for a strike, the force can be felt as far as Luton.
First married man of bikesure – unlucky!!
Aug 1st
In history, many weird and wonderful things have happened. We put man on the moon, won 2 world wars and invented the ASBO, but only now has something happened to challenge the greatness of the above mentioned………………one of us has only gone and got bloody married!!!!!!!
Saturday 12th July – saw Tim and Linda tie the knot in sunny old Kings Lynn.Tim and his new wife Linda have been together for 4 years and it was about bloomin time she tied him down!
For those of you who don’t know, Tim joined us in February 2008 on the quotes department.He now holds the title of being the only bloke on quotes who is married! As a biker himself, it seemed only too perfect to be assigned to this department until of course he came onto the floor and was positioned next to ME!!…unlucky!
The day was filled with happiness and joy…blah blah blah……then came the reception. Tim decided to invite some of his work colleagues, here’s what happened!
All at bikesure wish Linda and Tim a happy life together……good luck Linda!
Grant
Me at the French Car show
Jul 10th
Now before you all go off on one as to why a guy who works for the dam best bike insurance company in the world has posted a section on cars……..allow me to explain!
As you may well know or may not care, I have been attending numerous motorcycle shows around the UK as part of Bikesure. These have proven to be a success and the feedback has been incredibly positive.
Following on from this the lovely team in marketing then asked me if I would be willing to attend the French Car show at Rockingham. This is an annual show that Adrian Flux are proud to sponsor and as the title suggests, its for owners of French cars. Now you may be thinking that the show was full of “chavs”, loud music, fast driving and beer…..and you would probably be right…….but there was something else…….something I think any hot blooded male would appreciate and one of the main reasons I said yes to the show……………
FLUX BABES
Not only are these the girls we take to a number of our shows, including the BMF in Peterborough ( see below ) but they actually work for the company in every day jobs, so as you can imagine getting up for work everyday can be a real pain!!
In between me mopping up every ones drawl and picking up their jaws, I was part of a team offering quotes out to the public. I did unfortunately find myself forgetting where I was and asking questions like ” so its a quote on your Peugeot 206, do you have any motorcycle no claims bonus? ” Needless to say I looked a bit of a d**k.
But enough of me talking, I know what you really want to see so I will entertain the masses:
Proof that I was actually doing some work at the show
And finally……check out my pink t-shirt/hat combo……awesome I know!
Grant
Bennetts Dogs
Jul 10th
Is it just me, or have the Bennetts Babes really gone downhill?
If you want to see some real babes, you can check out the new Flux Babes, as voted for by the public.
And if you want to see how some of our rates compare with other companies, you can check out our bike insurance comparison page.