Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. Blue Monday has been established as the worst day of the year and this year it falls on the 18th January.

    So, with Christmas over and your initial New Year resolutions starting to fade why not make a new resolution something that you will find easy to stick to and get on to two wheels or doing something with your motorcycle that you have never done before. 
    You can over come the most depressing day of the year by planning your motorcycle adventures for 2010. 
    Training - Firstly, for people who don't ride, or have lapsed or maybe only ever completed a CBT, now's the time to reap the economic and social benefits of a powered two-wheeler.

    The Motor Cycle Industry is making it easier than ever before to help interested people take their first steps into the world of motorcycling by offering a free experience, with a local trainer, that will get the riding and ready to go further in one hour at no expense.

    A dedicated website has been set up to help you search for a local trainer, so go online and take those first steps at www.geton.co.uk

    Kit - Motorcycles and the all important kit have come along way in the last 25 years. Recently, some guinea pigs were subjected to climatic challenges at the Motor Industry Research Association's £5 million climatic chamber to compare the kit from the 80's to the most up to date products on offer. High tech fabrics and new designs resulted in warm and safe riders who were happy to ride in both cold and wet conditions with no detrimental effects to the experience.

    Experience - More and more people are enjoying off-road adventures and over land travel experiences on bikes. There is a growing number of companies that provide tours to anywhere any everywhere from Canada to Africa.

    MCI's Spokesperson Steve Kenward CEO  said " Don't be brought down by 'Blue Monday', you can do something positive to challenge it.

    "Motorcycles and scooters are the best way to beat the ongoing credit crunch and turn the daily commute into a joy.  Two wheels will let you move through traffic, with ease. Not only that, in London they are exempt from congestion charge and can also use bus lanes.

    "If you are looking for a fun and economical way to commute then start this new year differently and put on your leathers and join the 1.5million other converts. "

    For more information on passing your test and other useful information go to www.mcia.co.uk

  2. A new device designed to cool the brain in cases of severe head impacts could be used to prevent long-term injuries amongst front-line soldiers.

    ThermaHelm Brain-Cooling Technology could be adopted into military helmets before the end of 2010, helping to save thousands of soldiers from the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury each year.

    Product developers Jullian Powers and Riccardo Anzil of ThermaHelm Limited created ThermaCap at the cutting-edge Sussex Innovation Centre in response to a call for medical improvements in battlefield medicine by the Centre for Defence Enterprise, the research arm of the Ministry of Defence.

    ThermaCap® performs a number of tasks:

    Uses endothermic energy to cool the brain and reduce the lasting effects of traumatic brain injury; and

    Morphine infusion through the dermis through a unique gel layer mixed with anti-bacterial agents which respectively target pain sensors in the brain and blood splatter transfer and other injury site bacterium; and

    Is insulated within the outer surface to keep the cold energy directed into the scalp of the injured; and

    Is ballistic protective (Kevlar) on the outermost layer to prevent injuries from secondary blasts.

    ThermaHelm technology performs like an instant ice pack when activated by sudden impact. It reduces brain swelling and the risk of long-term brain damage and gives medics vital extra minutes to perform life-saving skills.

    The technology has been praised by the Government’s UK Trade and Investment division, which is working with the ThermaHelm™ team to reach international markets.

    The device has been included in UKTI’s Global Entrepreneur Programme and will be promoted through 100 British embassies around the world.

    Jullian Powers said: “We are confident ThermaCap can build on the effectiveness of ThermaHelm to help treat soldiers in action all over the world.

    “It has long been recognised that neurological deterioration in trauma victims is dramatically reduced when a hypothermic state is induced.

    “Medical practitioners have made use of this knowledge by deliberately inducing mild hypothermia in patients prior to emergency treatment or during surgical operations. It causes the body’s vital functions to slow down, thus reducing the chances of brain damage occurring in the patient.”

    Jullian added that by taking these medical advances and applying them to the area of TBI (Traumatic Brian Injury) opened up a world of exciting new lifesaving opportunities.

    The ThermaHelm™ team has been given great support by top dealmaker Eric Van Der Kleij

    from UK Trade and Investment, the Government’s international business development organisation.

    Derek Goodwin, Head of the Global Entrepreneurs Programme at UK Trade & Investment saw the potential of the invention years ago.

    He said: “We are very impressed with the approach taken by Jullian Preston. Powers in developing his new brain cooling technology. We look forward to helping ThermaHelm reach global markets with their innovation and becoming a worldwide life saving advancement.”

    ThermaHelm has been clandestinely developing its inventions for two years from an incubator base at the Sussex Innovation Centre in Brighton, East Sussex. The innovation centre is part of Sussex University and its director Mike Herd has given great support and guidance to the company’s technologies.

    ThermaHelm’s Chief Technology Officer, Riccardo Anzil is also head of new products development at Innovation Stream and the inventor of a seatbelt airbag device designed to minimise the effects of seatbelts injuring passengers in high speed impacts.

    The ThermaHelm™ team has been liaising with the University of Edinburgh, who are taking part in a Europe-wide study into brain cooling known as the EuroTherm3235 Trial.

    How it Works:

    Two light-weight and non-toxic chemical packs are integrated into the cap lining and have multiple trigger points that activate the cold pack.
     
  3. Westminster City Council’s decision to make permanent their controversial scheme for motorcycle parking charges could have national implications and therefore makes it more important than ever that motorcyclists fight this retrograde move say the 80,000 strong British Motorcyclists Federation.

    Although currently only affecting Westminster, the parking order takes effect on 25th January and the bmf say that with other Local Authorities across the country watching the situation closely, motorcyclists could soon be faced with the nationwide rollout of parking charges. If this were to happen say the No To the Bike Parking Tax (NTBPT) campaign, their supporters, the Tax Payers Alliance, have calculated that it would cost the motorcycle community a staggering £93,000,000 pa in parking charges.

    A strong supporter of the NTBPT campaign, the bmf is supporting the NTBPT street protest on 4th February ( www.notobikeparkingfees.com), but is also calling on all motorcyclists nationally to support the NTBPT legal challenge fighting fund.  Currently standing at some £30,000, the fund needs at least another £20,000 to meet the expected minimum legal costs of £50,000 (see www.notobikeparkingfees.com/fighting-fund/ to donate.)

    Commenting Chris Hodder, the bmf’s Government Relations Executive said “These parking charges run contrary to the Government’s aim to ‘mainstream’ motorcycling but the only option now available is to overturn the scheme in the courts. If we don’t, this could spell the nationwide end of free parking for motorcycles. Now is the time to stand up and be counted and support the NTBPT fighting fund.”

    Warren Djanogly, leader of the NTBPT campaign said:  “Councillor Chalkley’s decision to make the scheme permanent has opened a window for us to launch a full legal challenge. It’s going to be expensive but if just 5,000 bikers contributed £10 each (less than a tank of fuel), we can beat this evil stealth tax.”

    Note:

    In backing the ‘No To the Bike Parking Tax’ (NTBPT) campaign, the bmf point out that where public transport does not serve a commuter’s needs and cycling is not a practical option, motorcycles and scooters, especially for low paid key workers, provide the ideal solution. With their efficient use of space they do not cause congestion, are able to filter through traffic congestion and when parked only take one eighth of a car parking space. They are also environmentally friendly, comply with current European emission limits and, coupled with their ability to avoid dense traffic, pollute far less than slow moving four-wheeled traffic. 

  4. Currently organising for a 3rd year and up to date have raised a total of around £65,000 for Macmillan Cancer support.

    History from Shirley Ann, event coordinator

    I began organising this event back in 2008 when my best friend, Allison became quite poorly with breast cancer, she had inspired me to learn to ride a bike when I was at a very low point in my life. I felt that if I could organise a small group of women to read the west coast of Scotland and raise money from your income to support there would be giving something back and also inspiring women to go further and perhaps they would have dared.

    The Scottish ride is now becoming very well-known, as we have branded the run with pink. We have a total of 100 bikers predominantly women who wear high visibility pink vests and Mohicans on the helmets.

    We have a small number of men take part in a fabulous way, as they all wear decorated bras over their leathers and the best bra is judged when we finish in George Square in Glasgow, the prize being an Aira helmet... so they are in their sheds as we speak, engineering the most amazing bras.

    We have great fun, we make many friends, we raise a lot of money, and we want more to know about us. This years event takes place on the 28th to 31st May and the route takes you around the west coast of Scotland.

    www.breastwayround.com

  5. Following the announcement of the 2010 Ally Pally show dates early in the year and noting the regrettable loss of the custom show planned for 2009, Ace Cafe London conducted extensive consultation and research within the industry and which included with AMD for their expert advice.

    The outcome of this is that Ace Cafe London is able to announce an agreement with Andrew Greenwood, the organiser of The Ally Pally Motorcycle Show, to the effect that the show now becomes part of the stable of Ace Cafe London's major events.

    Not only valuing the significance of the affiliation with AMD and the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, with the winning builder going to the AMD Official World Finals held in Sturgis,USA, in August 2010, Ace Cafe London also recognises the importance and suitability of the February date; not conflicting with other events either in the UK or overseas and being at the outset of the 2010 season.

    Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said, "The prestigious heritage of Alexandra Palace, a venue that has hosted so many successful motorcycle shows, combined with that of Ace Cafe London brings together two iconic London landmarks with the best that motorcycling has to offer. This can only further strengthen the event."

    The West Hall of Ally Pally will become the centre of attention for custom bike enthusiasts and will feature builders from the UK and overseas. With the keen support of AMD and being part of the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, including Zodiac International sponsoring the Freestyle Class, visitors can be assured of a spectacular array machines.

    Harley-Davidson UK has confirmed that it is to back the London Ace Cafe custom show with sponorship of the prestigious Modified Harley-Davidson class at 'Ally Pally'. Harley has agreed to put up a contingency prize of £5,000 of Official Harley-Davidson parts, accessories and merchandise credit, £3,000 of which goes to the class winner.

    UK Parts, Accessories and General Merchandise Brand Manager Allan Brownridge told AMD that "It is good to see that the UK is to get the kind of custom events that the market has needed; being a part of the World Championship Affiliate event programme we here at Harley are pleased to be able to add our name and backing to the event. Shows like this can only be good for the mission that everybody shares of spreading the custom message to the widest possible audience."

    The Great Hall of Ally Pally will be the focal point for motorcyclings "bedrock" exhibitors and, as in 2009, will feature the great brands and their products. In addition there will be live stage action and entertainment as well as a return of the ever popular stunt show, which will be held in the North West Hall, whilst Ally Pally's Panmorama Room will be hosting the smaller trade stands.

    From Sports, Race, Cruiser and Classics to Streetfighters and Custom Superbikes, together with clubs, all are welcome to be a part of putting the Ally Pally Bike Show back on the map.

    Russell Mitchell has agreed to act as Honorary Custom Show Grand Marshal at the forthcoming AMD affiliated Ace Cafe London Motorcycle and Custom Show .
    For ten years now, native Brit Russell Mitchell has operated Exile Cycles in Los Angeles, California, manufacturing custom parts, accessories and signature -styled custom bikes. Producing around twenty complete custom bikes each year, his designs have garnered acclaim and hundreds of magazine features around the globe for their clean, tough, industrial styling. A Discovery Channel " Biker Build Off", " World Bike Build Off" and Official World Championship competitor, Russell now hosts his own show on the U.S. Speed Channel network. Within the motorcycle industry, Russell enjoys a considerable design and engineering reputation that goes far deeper than the full-body tattoos and blonde hair that have made him so publicly recognisable.

    Also appearing at the show are Jenny Tinmouth, courtesy of Sorrymate.com , the UKs fastest female TT racer in 2009 and who has just taken her first Super Sport Cup podium place with a Honda CBR1000RR 'blade and Steve "Mr Showman" Colley with his trials based motorcycle stunt team. Steve will be performing amazing stunts and tricks, including with the world famous "Mono Bike", which has no front wheel or front brake! As well as wheelies, stoppies, jumps over people and drop offs, Steve has a display stand where show visitors can come and view the bikes and chat with Steve.

    Zodiac, sponsor of the AMD affiliated "Free Style" Class of the Custom Bike Build Championship, will be debuting their new 1000+hp supercharged Top Fuel Harley drag bike, together with their show truck and stand.

    Custom Show categories:

    Freestyle - One-off, ground up customs, Any design or modification accepted.

    Modified Harley-Davidson - Frame and motor must be original equipment Harley-Davidson. Any modification to an original H-D frame and motor is accepted. Engine cases must be H-D, but modified or changed heads or cylinders are acceptable.

    Old Style - Entry must be based on, or have the appearance of, a motorcycle manufactured prior to (circa) 1970.

    Scooter - Entry must feature step-through architecture and either a platform for the operators feet or footrests integral with the bodywork.

    Metric (including Streetfighter) - Entry must be based on a production motorcycle (frame and motor) manufactured in Europe or Asia.

    Brit Bike - Entry must be based on a British manufactured production motorcycle frame and motor.


    The chosen charity for the Ally Pally 2010 show is the London Air Ambulance who will be in attendance raising funds for their publicly funded service and explaining what they do.

     

    For ten years now, native Brit Russell Mitchell has operated Exile Cycles in Los Angeles, California, manufacturing custom parts, accessories and signature -styled custom bikes. Producing around twenty complete custom bikes each year, his designs have garnered acclaim and hundreds of magazine features around the globe for their clean, tough, industrial styling. A Discovery Channel " Biker Build Off", " World Bike Build Off" and Official World Championship competitor, Russell now hosts his own show on the U.S. Speed Channel network. Within the motorcycle industry, Russell enjoys a considerable design and engineering reputation that goes far deeper than the full-body tattoos and blonde hair that have made him so publicly recognisable.

    Also appearing at the show are Jenny Tinmouth, courtesy of Sorrymate.com , the UKs fastest female TT racer in 2009 and who has just taken her first Super Sport Cup podium place with a Honda CBR1000RR 'blade and Steve "Mr Showman" Colley with his trials based motorcycle stunt team. Steve will be performing amazing stunts and tricks, including with the world famous "Mono Bike", which has no front wheel or front brake! As well as wheelies, stoppies, jumps over people and drop offs, Steve has a display stand where show visitors can come and view the bikes and chat with Steve.

    Zodiac, sponsor of the AMD affiliated "Free Style" Class of the Custom Bike Build Championship, will be debuting their new 1000+hp supercharged Top Fuel Harley drag bike, together with their show truck and stand.

    Custom Show categories:

    Freestyle - One-off, ground up customs, Any design or modification accepted.

    Modified Harley-Davidson - Frame and motor must be original equipment Harley-Davidson. Any modification to an original H-D frame and motor is accepted. Engine cases must be H-D, but modified or changed heads or cylinders are acceptable.

    Old Style - Entry must be based on, or have the appearance of, a motorcycle manufactured prior to (circa) 1970.

    Scooter - Entry must feature step-through architecture and either a platform for the operators feet or footrests integral with the bodywork.

    Metric (including Streetfighter) - Entry must be based on a production motorcycle (frame and motor) manufactured in Europe or Asia.

    Brit Bike - Entry must be based on a British manufactured production motorcycle frame and motor.

    More information about the custom competition can be found at:
    www.acecustomshow.com
    The chosen charity for the Ally Pally 2010 show is the London Air Ambulance who will be in attendance raising funds for their publicly funded service and explaining what they do.

    Advance Ticket Hotline: 08452 305177

    www.ace-cafe-london.com

    www.alexandrapalace.com

    www.amdchampionship.com

    www.classicshows.org