Article supplied by www.MotorcycleCompensation.com

As bikers ourselves, we thought a gentle reminder and some basic riding tips may be in order especially if you have not  ridden for a while.   Always give yourself space. People driving cars often don’t see motorcycle riders. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.   Be visible at all times:

Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time. Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.   Dress for safety: Wear a quality helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing and a light-coloured helmet. Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.   Apply effective mental strategies: Constantly search the road for changing conditions. Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions. Give other motorists time and space to respond to you. Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next move in advance. Avoid weaving between lanes. Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively. Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Know and follow the rules of the road. Stick to the speed limit.   Follow these basic steps to protect you and your beloved machine.

Article supplied by www.MotorcycleCompensation.com

Wed 7th  
6pm - 11pm  
Hot Rod Night  
Josie & The Outlaw  DJ Little Carl  
Entry Free    

Sat 10th  
9pm - 2am  
Elvis Tribute Night  
Lee Jackson & The Roomates  DJ Adam Grant's Big Screen Elvis Disco  
Entry £12  Sorry no under 18s.    

Sat 31st
7pm - 11pm  
Rhythm n' Cruise Rockin' Record Hop  DJ Jimmy Guntrip  
Entry Free

www.ace-cafe-london.com

Well as ever we have spent the last few months in the STC ivory towers with copious amounts of beer, bikes and birds (studs for the girls, that don't rhyme as well but as we live in a claim culture one has to cover his back).

So what that really means is we have been rallying, just like you we are bikers and that's what we do, so far this year members of the committee have managed to attend:- •ITVBike • Small but Perfectly Reformed • Farmyard Party • Ben Hur • Brown Dog • Simmer Dim • IOM TT • MAG 40th - Blackpool • Rock n Bike Fest • & a few more I am sure Now that we are all sobering up the real work has started we have booked some bands, a tent and a few kegs of ale.

Well kind of times that by 5,000 and you are getting somewhere close, thirteen people have been scratching heads trying to work out new licensing law, health & safety, site plans, power, toilets, trader, caterers, fire crew, ambulances, radios, merchandise, fencing okay so you get the idea now read on for the important part...

The line up has been finalised and this year we have a wide range of bands old and new, its nice once again to welcome some old faces back to site. Friday Main Stage:- Emerald Thieves - A Foreigners Journey - Karma Heart - The Enzymes Iris Stage:- Steve Fulsham Band - Fickle Lilly

Saturday Main Stage:- From the Jam - The Bandits - The Kill - The Rattlers Iris Stage:- Sinnerboy - Blue Diamond - Bessi & The Zinc Buckets - Big Red & The Grinners - Trevor Sewel Band

Buy tickets online

www.storminthecastle.co.uk

...WITH SYLVAIN GUINTOLI LEADING THE RIDER STANDINGS AFTER THE MOSCOW RACE.

EUGENE LAVERTY INTENDS TO DO WELL ON A TRACK WHERE HE HAS ALWAYS PUT IN A STAR PERFORMANCE.

APRILIA LEADS THE MANUFACTURER CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 300 POINTS IN FRONT OF KAWASAKI (267), BMW (262), HONDA (151), SUZUKI (129) AND DUCATI (112).

Noale, 31 July 2013 - World Superbike 2013 will be in the United Kingdom for the second time this season on the occasion of the Silverstone round. After the difficult weekend in Moscow, devastated by the tragic accident which befell Andrea Antonelli, the riders will tread on the English asphalt, historic for having hosted the first Formula 1 World Championship race in 1950. The Midlands circuit is also known for its flowing layout, as well as for the extremely variable weather conditions.

The only race that was held at Moscow Raceway had Sylvain Guintoli, riding with a shoulder injury from a training accident a few days earlier, taking a stoic sixth place finish which, aided by Tom Sykes' DNF, placed him once again at the top of the Championship standings. In any case the 4 point advantage is no basis for strategy or calculations in a championship where 50 points are up for grabs every weekend. The French rider has continued working to get his injured shoulder fit and from a physical point of view he will be in significantly better conditions for the races, although not yet 100%.

Sylvain Guintoli: "One of us is gone in Moscow, raising many thoughts and feelings. Racing bikes is our job but also our passion and has a big part in our hearts and lives. Silverstone is going to be an emotional race, all our thoughts to his family. R.I.P Andrea Antonelli".

For Eugene Laverty top priority is rubbing out the difficult Russian weekend, where he crashed on the damp track just a few metres before making a pit stop to put on his wet tyre. There was no point looking for a culprit for this crash, given the critical grip conditions at Moscow Raceway. In any case, the lad from Toomebridge is in good spirits, especially since he is taking on a track where he knows he can do well and aim for top points.

Eugene Laverty: "I really enjoy Silverstone, it's a long lap and the fast flowing nature of the circuit makes it one of my favourites. Weather played havoc with the previous round in Moscow and so it would be nice if we could have two dry races on Sunday".

The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) is calling for those who are intending to repeat their CBTs (Compulsory Basic Training) to plan ahead and take an A1 licence instead.

A CBT qualifies a rider to ride a motorcycle, scooter or moped up to 125cc for a period of two years, after which the CBT must be renewed.

Taking an A1 licence will help riders who are happy riding a 125cc machine to improve their road skills and will be a one-off cost, which will never need to be renewed.  This means that if they leave motorcycling for a while, their licence will still be valid, should they wish to return.

There are other benefits too, including not having to ride with L plates and being able to take a passenger.

Karen Cole, Safety and Training Director for the MCI says riders should start planning a few months before their CBT is due for renewal:

“It would be best to start training for an A1 test around 4 to 6 months before the CBT needs renewing.  This should allow most riders enough time to choose a training school and be able to get a good choice of test dates at a centre which suits them.”

“Records of how many people are repeating CBTs are not kept by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), but we know that 190,000 CBT certificates are issued each year, a sizeable percentage of which are bound to be repeats.  Riders in this category should put the money they’d spend on another CBT (somewhere between £100 and £150) towards training and testing for a licence which will last a lifetime.”

For someone already holding a CBT the cost of taking the three parts of the motorcycle test (theory, Mod 1 and Mod 2) is from £121.50 plus any training costs.*

Even those who anticipate moving to an A2 as soon as age will allow them, will gain from taking an A1, as they will learn new skills earlier on in their riding and will be more prepared for their next test.

For those who do not want to do an A2 or A licence yet, or are restricted from doing so by age, it means they will be better trained, should they decide to progress to bigger bikes.

*Total cost of taking a test is slightly more if Mod 2 is taken at the weekend = £135.00   Training costs will vary according to need.

www.mcia.co.uk