Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

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  1. How to Plan the Ultimate Biking Road Trip

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    Biking is an excellent and exciting way to travel and really get a feel for the land and the road. You will have the freedom to go so much further than even a car can take you and will, of course, be able to enjoy the open air. Going on your first-long distance bike road trip can be an absolute dream and might be enhanced if you follow this guide.

    Improve Your Bike Gear

    If you love biking but have not yet gone on an actual road trip that lasts days, then you likely don’t have all the equipment that you will need to make your trip comfortable and exciting. A motorbike alone is not enough. You need to prepare for the elements, and that includes if your bike is suitable for long-distance. You may need to upgrade your gear before you head out.

    The best solution is to slowly start purchasing all of these items in advance.

    · Waterproof clothing

    · Spare parts and repair tools

    · Waterproof bags

    · Rain covers

    · LED flashing lights (tail lights and headlights)

    · Your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag liner, air mattress, and pillow, cooking utensils, etc.)

    · Travel electronics

    · NOAA weather radio

    · 2-way radio

    · And more

    The gear that you get will depend on the distance you intend to ride and, of course, where you intend to ride. You can save a lot on costs during the trip, for example, by camping instead of renting out a room, but at the same time, this will require special camping equipment that can pack up small (a luxury that can be quite costly). Work out how much on average both scenarios will cost to figure out how much you need to request from your chosen loan company.

    Staying Safe

    Though you can travel on your own, it is always better to travel with others. If none of your friends are interested in such a trip, then see if there are groups or organizations of people that are. These groups often organize bike road trips (both short and long-distance). It’s a great way to stay safe and make friends with people who love biking as much as you do!

    Regardless of whether you travel alone or with others, it is always important to plan checkpoints for yourself and to follow the safety tips outlined by Motorbike Writer. You can share your location with a friend or family member at home throughout your trip, or you can just check in when you reach certain checkpoints so that they know where you are. Keeping your phone and an extra battery pack on you is also a good tip to use.

    Choosing Your Route

    You can choose any road on your trip, but there are a lot of people that love biking road trips just like you, and they will have marked out top routes to take depending on your level of experience and fitness, and even fun things you can do with your partner if you’re doubling up. This is the best way to head out on your first trip. You can stay safer, see top sights in the area, and might meet a few others out there on the road. 

     

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  2. What Are Must-Have Accessories For Motorcycle Riders?

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    Motorcycling is addictive. Once you try it, chances are almost 100% you will get on it sooner or later. However, that adrenaline injection a motorcycle ride gives you sometimes blurs the fact this is not the safest activity on the world.

    Luckily, you can choose between thousands of motorcycle gadgetries and apparel that promise a safer, but also easier and cooler ride. Some of them are only nice-to-have, while you can add significant value to each of your rides if you pick the useful ones.

    If you are searching for ways to elevate your motorcycling experience, then you are in the right place. Today we will split the bill – 50/50 and talk about rider and bike accessories for motorcycle riders. These must-have accessories for motorcycle riders will provide huge benefits to the overall experience and make every time you hit the road more than awesome.

    Crash Protectors
    No motorcycle rider likes to think about crashing or having an accident, but this is a highly likely scenario, especially among incautious younger riders. You want to protect yourself from injuries in the first place, but your motorcycle from damages as well. What is more, replacing hard and plastic parts break the bank, so that this may be an additional reason to get a crash protector. Even sliding along the tarmac at a low speed may cause thousands of dollar worth of damage.

    Frame sliders, swingarm spools, fork sliders, and bar ends fall into the category of crash protectors and can minimize the damage and the worry. This accessory is undoubtedly a good investment as it alleviates crashes. The crash protector takes some of the impacts on in case you drop your bike. One thing to bear in mind is that you want to get a compatible crash protector for your bike’s model, as this is not the type of one-size-fits-all motorcycle accessories. You can get a much greater benefit and protect your two-wheeled favorite for just a few bucks. 

    Phone mount

    We want to stress out phone mount as a motorcycle can come in very handy, but you should focus on the road while being in the saddle. That means this is a useful gadget, but not for texting while riding on a curvy road. However, if you are a bit of explorer and like to head off to the unfamiliar terrains, GPS would be what you exactly need.

    You certainly don’t want to roam around but follow the planned route, and the phone mount will be your handy assistant. On the other hand, you will be able to see if someone tries to contact you. In this case, you should get off the road and make the call. Combining this gadget with a

    Bluetooth headset is even greater, as it opens even more options for the rider. Yet, we will repeat that this is a great and very useful motorcycle accessory, but if the temptation of staying connected is too strong, we will give you an awesome idea in the following chapter. 

    Bluetooth helmet

    It is really hard for some of us to keep our hands off the phones. Staying in touch with the world has become addictive, but still, essential. As we already mentioned, texting is definitely not a safe idea while riding. There is no reason why you would want to put yourself in a life-threatening situation and experiment around. Yet, a Bluetooth helmet will be your handy back up.

    Helmets nowadays have built-in Bluetooth and are convenient and safe to use. It will give you the option to communicate with your fellow riders while being on the road, as you stay in touch while still keeping your hands on the motorbike.

    Any other conventional helmet will, of course, protect you from harm, but a Bluetooth helmet has a couple more awesome features besides the protective one. This means it will provide you a map replacement, safe communication with other riders, and the joy of listening to clear music. 

    Tool Kit

    Did you really think we would skip the tool kit on the list of must-have accessories for motorcycle riders? Even the bare essentials tool kit opens up great solutions for road situations. The great thing is that it won’t take much space and you can store it under the rear seat. Most of the tool kits come as small pouches or in handy roll-up cases, so you can pick whatever works best for you. Additionally, you can tailor it to your needs, and pre-pack the kit if needed.

    With time, you grow fonder with your motorcycle, and you will know what exactly makes it tick. Getting in touch with certain repairs will gradually make you of a mechanic, and that is why you need a tool kit while being on the road. This way, you will be able to perform the basic roadside repairs and maintenance. Not only you will get the job done, but this will also save some money, which is a win-win situation.

    Reflection

    Visibility of your bike drops significantly after the sun goes down. We suppose you already know how important it is to be visible on the road during the night rides. Obviously, you need something to help you perform this. Strategically placed reflection – reflective plate bolts and reflective tape will be your friend out there as it will increase nighttime visibility of your motorcycle. If you like it custom – that is not a problem as well, as you can cut out your own shapes. 

    Conclusion

    As you already know the basics of motorcycling, we wanted to present some new, cool ideas for bikers. These handy gadgets are mostly affordable, but what is more important – may save your life and improve your driving experience. You want your bike in good working order, but you want to equip yourself with a couple of accessories as well. Options are endless when it comes to must-have accessories for motorcycle riders, but it all depends how much money you are willing to spend. 

    The first way around a small budget for your Motorcycle touring, is to take out a small loan which will enable you to enjoy the trip, without having to save up for a long time. Read more here

     

     

     


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  3. Prescott Bike Fest 2021 and Kickback to return to Cheltenham in June

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    Motorcyclists in the Gloucestershire region will be delighted to hear that the Prescott Bike Festival is scheduled to return to the county in June. The event, which is designed to raise precious funds for the National Association of Blood Bikes and the Severn Freewheelers, is an opportunity for enthusiasts to ride their bike up the iconic Prescott Hill Climb and engage with some of the nation’s biggest motorbike racing icons and celebrities. Motorcycle cafe racer, chopper, classic, customized Motorbike

    The return of Prescott Bike Festival is much needed for the local economy as it has long been one of the most important events on Cheltenham's annual calendar. Of course, the Cheltenham Festival remains the number-one event in town each year, bringing a veritable World Cup of jump racing to Gloucestershire. 

    Unlike the Cheltenham Festival, which is held over four days, this year’s Prescott Bike Festival is a weekend show. The event begins with the special Preview Day on Saturday 26th June. Although there is no action on the track during the Saturday, there is plenty to see and do in the Paddock. The Paddock Specials see the festival’s invited guests rock up with their iconic motorcycles, bringing from of the most fascinating models to the show, including one-off factory specials, illustrious road and race models and even jet-powered examples to wow the crowds.  Triumph motorcycle

    Sunday the funday

    Sunday is considered the Main Show Day by the event’s organisers. It’s when visitors can catch a glimpse of some raw track action. The event is also partnered with Kickback, the National Custom Show, which plays a major part in the overall festival. On Sunday, Kickback stages its National Custom Championships right here at Prescott Bike Festival. 80 finalists will arrive to compete to become the number-one custom bike builder. There are multiple categories for builders to enter, including Young Builder, Modified Sportsbike, Modified Triumph and Freestyle groups, as well as the prestigious outright Best in Show.

    Kickback’s National Custom Championships will be judged by an exclusive panel of experts, spanning professional custom bike builders, as well as custom bike magazine editors. This year’s guest judge will be Steve Parrish, the former professional motorcycle and truck racer turned commentator. All trophies and awards will be announced during the Main Show Day on Sunday. The National Custom Championships and Kickback also entices dozens of high-quality exhibitors to the event too. In fact, there’s over 100 exhibitions to check out during the weekend.

    Something for everyone

    There’s something for everyone at the Prescott Bike Festival, with a family zone also designed to keep youngsters entertained with rides and attractions, all designed to inspire the next generation of motorcycling enthusiasts – along with a healthy dose of ice cream.

    If you purchase a ticket to this year’s festival, the good news is that the National Motorcycle Museum will automatically grant you a 50% discount on your next visit to Bickenhill, Solihull, which contains the world’s biggest collection of iconic British motorcycles – over 850 to be precise.

    The festival’s organisers are offering advance purchase tickets for both single day and weekend passes at significant discounts. Advance weekend tickets are available for just £22 compared with £28 on the day. Meanwhile advance Saturday and Sunday tickets can be purchased for just £8 and £15 respectively. All under-16s can enter the festival for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

    If you’ve always fancied running the Prescott Hill, now is your chance. You can also buy advance weekend tickets to run the hill for £49 or £39 for the Sunday only.

     

     

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  4. NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM “LIVE” OPEN DAY-SAT 30/10/21

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    After the cancellation of the 2020 event due to Covid-19, Saturday 30/10/21 will see the museum return to hosting our 7th annual free open day when everyone will be invited to visit the museum collection free of charge. Now one of the largest events in the biking calendar, there will also be a host of other free attractions including Henry Cole and Friends live on stage!

    Museum Live 2021 Timetable: To assist visitors, everyone arriving on site will be given a free timetable with a full list & timings of all the day’s exciting, free, events.

    Free Museum Entry: Everyone is invited to visit the museum collection, free-of-charge.

    Indoor Autojumble & Trade Area: The event will feature a large indoor autojumble and trade area held within the warm & dry surroundings of the museum. For details of how to book a 2m pitch for just £100.00 (ex VAT) with electric hook up (if required) charged at £25.00, contact Dan Powell by e-mail [email protected]

    The event will also feature trade stands & displays from many well-known names from the wonderful world of motorcycling!

    The museum shop will be open throughout the event selling a huge range of classic motorcycling books, clothing & memorabilia.

    Meet The Experts:

    In attendance will be some of the museum’s specialist suppliers & craftsmen, (including our own restoration team) as well as other classic motorcycling experts who will be available to chat and answer questions.

    Henry Cole And Friends Live On Stage:

    TT legend & TV presenter STEVE PLATER will host two special free to enter HENRY COLE AND FRIENDS stage shows at 11.00am & 2.00pm.

    Held on the stage in the museum’s magnificent Britannia suite, these now legendary free 1 hour chat shows will feature TVs Henry Cole and Sam Lovegrove, as well as whole host of motorcycling personalities from the past & present.

    The celebrities joining Henry on stage will be announced in the coming months. Watch this space!

    All our guest stars will also be making personal appearances to sign your favorite memorabilia in addition to some special book/memorabilia signing sessions.

    LIVE “Start Up” Feature Presented By The Brackley Festival of Motorcycling:

    See & HEAR some of the most famous race machines in the world started up on our LIVE Start-Up Stage, situated in our Britannia Suite. Bikes old and new will include some of the museum’s famous racing inventory as well as ex-Moto GP bikes courtesy of the Brackley Festival of Motorcycling & Phil Morris Racing.

    Food Court & Bar:

    Fantastic catering provided by the museum’s chefs will be available in our Premier Suite food court & bar area.

    The museum restaurant will also be open as normal serving a wide variety of hot meals and snacks from breakfast time onwards.

    The Draw For The Best Classic Motorcycle Raffle Prize In The World:

    Our summer 2021 raffle to win an amazing classic motorcycle will be drawn by Henry Cole live on stage during the afternoon of the event on 30/10/21.

    Parking:

    Car parking for the event is just £10 per car with motorcycle parking absolutely free.

    Covid-19:

    Like the rest of the UK, we are hoping that normality will have resumed by the date of our event. Any Government guidance which is applicable at the time will be followed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors and museum staff.

    For further details and updates on Museum Live 2021 see www.thenmm.co.uk