Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. Friday 23rd April
    5pm - 9pm

    The book documents the legendary birthplace of British Rock n' Roll, the social history and the people - a must for all Rock n' Roll fans.

    London in the 1950s was vibrant with artists, musicians and intellectuals. Right in the heart of the city, Soho was like a village community filled with cafes, pubs and clubs. And on the tiny stage of one of these: the
    2I's Coffee Bar - many legendary musicians began their careers.

    The dark basement of the 2I's at 59 Old Compton Street became a focal point for British skiffle and emerging rock 'n' roll. With The Vipers, Tommy Steele, Cliff Richard and The Drifters, Adam Faith, Marty Wilde, Vince Taylor and Terry Dene all performing there early on in their careers, it became part of the British history of rock 'n' roll.

    Gathered together for the first time are the reminiscences of many of the musicians who played at the 2I's in the 1950s and 60s, as well as those who worked there or went along as teenagers to soak up the sounds of Soho.

  2. An estimated 15,000 bikers roared through the Wiltshire market town on Mothering Sunday (14th March, 2010) to honour troops killed in Afghanistan, raising more than £75,000 for the charity Afghan Heroes.

    It was initially hoped that 1,000 would take part however as the event quickly gained a large interest from the Motorcycle community throughout the UK and beyond, the organisers had to close the registration at just over 10,000.

    Motorbikes were arriving at the meeting place of Hullavington Airfield from 8am to take part in the mass ride-in, which started at 11:00 and ran until early evening, with bikers leaving the airfield at 30 minute intervals to make their way to Wootton Bassett.

    The Bikers were greeted with streets lined with people waving and clapping the riders, holding flags and even signs to saying 'Thank you Bikers' and 'I heart Bikers!'

    During each repatriation, hundreds of people turn out to stand in silence as the coffins pass through, as the bodies of soldiers are driven through, en route from RAF Lyneham to the coroner’s office in Oxford. This day brought noise, movement and happiness to the town and also showed  a mark of respect to the town of Wootton Bassett.

    The police, Ministry of Defence and local authorities joined forces to make sure it passed smoothly.

    The Afghan Heroes charity set up in September, 2009 by a group of mothers who lost their sons in Afghanistan.

    All proceeds raised from the ride will go to the Afghan Heroes charity, which helps our service personnel in theatre, families of the fallen and our returning troops.

    www.afghanheroes.org.uk

  3. The Motor Cycle Industry is pleased to announce it will be celebrating its centenary year in 2010 as research reveals motorcycling supports almost £3billion in added value to the UK

    In this centenary year the industry will continue on behalf of its members to ensure that motorcycles and scooters achieve their rightful place in the transport mix.

    Growing the market with an exciting marketing campaign, the significant contribution the industry makes to the UK economy and managing legislative changes are the main focus in the industry association’s centenary year, together with celebrations by way of an industry ride-out, gala dinner and golf event.

    Motorcycling and the Economy

    Research carried out as part of the MCI’s centenary activities has revealed the significant added value powered two-wheelers bring to the UK economy. The research shows that the motorcycle industry in the UK employs more than 62,000 people and turns over in excess of £5billion in sales with an added value profit of £2 billion a year. Looking at the broader picture and including businesses that serve the industry, in total, motorcycling supports £2.75 billion of added value and provides 78,000 jobs

    Growing the Market

    The MCI and its members are heavily focused on growing the market and expanding its existing customer base . The three-year Get On campaign has already persuaded 7,200 new people to have a go at riding using one of our local training ambassadors. With an 80% conversion rate from Get On to taking the CBT ( Compulsory Basic Training) the initiative is well on the way to bringing new converts into the biking fold. Interest in all things bike is also reflected in the website traffic to www.geton.co.uk which has been had almost 100,000 unique visitors in its short life.

    Managing Legislative Changes

    There was an excellent response to the important consultation process, which took place at the beginning of this centenary year, in response to the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD) scheduled for 2013. It is critical that that the motorcycle industry speaks with one voice to ensure a smooth and appropriate implementation of this legislation, which deals with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category that is proposed. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licencing categories via a training or testing route.

    MCI spokesperson, CEO Steve Kenward said, ‘The MCI has always had a role to play in protecting, promoting and expanding the industry on behalf of its members and during our centenary year we will be focussing on these three major areas.

    Kenward continued “Safe riders in a growing market place can only have positive economic benefits and increase the motorcycle industry’s contribution to UK PLC in both monetary and social terms."

    www.geton.co.uk which has been had almost 100,000 unique visitors in its short life.

    Managing Legislative Changes

    There was an excellent response to the important consultation process, which took place at the beginning of this centenary year, in response to the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD) scheduled for 2013. It is critical that that the motorcycle industry speaks with one voice to ensure a smooth and appropriate implementation of this legislation, which deals with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category that is proposed. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licencing categories via a training or testing route.

    MCI spokesperson, CEO Steve Kenward said, ‘The MCI has always had a role to play in protecting, promoting and expanding the industry on behalf of its members and during our centenary year we will be focussing on these three major areas.

    Kenward continued “Safe riders in a growing market place can only have positive economic benefits and increase the motorcycle industry’s contribution to UK PLC in both monetary and social terms."

  4. The MCI is saying ' Get On' during National Motorcycle Week 2010 which runs from 18 - 24 July 2010.

    As the preparation for National motorcycle Week gets underway we have already had the opportunity to introduce over 7,000 new people to the exciting experience of getting on two-wheels through the national 'Get On' campaign and want to encourage more people to take action during National Motorcycle Week to benefit from this free and unique opportunity.

    Those wanting to try a bike or scooter can participate in the event by enjoying a FREE one-hour taster session with a Get On free ride provider in their own local area. By simply visiting the dedicated website www.geton.co.uk in less than 5 minutes a session can be booked to suit your schedule.

    The strapline for the event is 'Get 'On - Life is Better on Two Wheels' and this NMW is a fantastic opportunity for more people than ever to get out and about on two-wheels.

    People who are already riding, but could be getting more out of their machines, newbies who are thinking about taking the first steps and lapsed riders who have been pondering getting out their leathers again can find out more and get active during National Motorcycle Week

    Existing riders have a wealth of opportunities available to them and their machine. We are all frequently guilty of thinking about what we could do, and often don't take action, so this year the Get On campaign will encourage riders to do more with their bikes and their riding skills and persuade non-riders, who have been teetering on getting a licence to actually do it.

    Ride to Work Day (21 July) is part of the event and the aims to promote that as well as an enjoyable leisure pursuit riding a bike or scooter has many practical benefits. Some of the important bonuses of riding are bike are that it:

    Reduces congestion
    Reduces journey times
    Reduces the cost of commuting
    Reduces pollution

    Steve Kenward MCI's CEO said, "National Motorcycle Week is an important week in the motorcycling calendar because it is a fantastic opportunity for the whole motorcycling community to get active and to talk positively to their colleagues, friends and family about two-wheels.

    "The MCI encourages people to organise events such as ride-outs, charity runs and biker's BBQs which can be enjoyed by non-riders too.  It is also the time for riders to think about how to get more out of their machine, whether that means planning a biking holiday or taking some training to improve their skills on the road." So this year is the time to GET ON, because life is better on two wheels"

    Anyone who is interested in organising an event can find out more information on the MCIA's website www.mcia.co.uk