Category: Random

1. 50 Best Travel Tips from 10 Years of Travel

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 17th Feb 2018

   Are you ready for an adventure? There are so many different forms of travel: backpacking, cruises, long-term travel, etc. No two trips are the same, and each trip will provide you with unique memories and exciting adventures that you can share with your friends and family back home. Whether you are taking a trip to see family and friends for the holidays, or want to explore new countries across the world, traveling can be an enriching and memorable experience.

   We have all spent hours looking at pictures of gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts, and cool road trips. Before you book, know that travel isn’t always Instagram-worthy. Flights may be delayed, you might run into scams, and you may dip into your budget more than you had originally planned. A battle with food poisoning or lost luggage can certainly put a damper on your trip. Luckily, travelers before you have gone through similar experiences and know how to avoid snafus while traveling. Do not worry; with proper planning, and the following travel tips from travel experts, you can make the most out of your travels and experience the vacation or trip of a lifetime.

   Enjoy the next 50 tips for traveling, including flying, taking a road trip, traveling with children, and traveling overseas. 

   Tips for Planning Your Trip and Booking Accommodation

   1. Get the Best Deals on Hotel Rooms

   In order to score a great deal on a hotel room, you may have to be patient, be flexible, and do your research. Travelers have many different strategies and tricks for getting the best hotel room for the lowest price. For example, booking 24-48 hours may get you a lower rate, as you’re booking during the hotel’s cancellation time frame. If you sign up ahead of time on websites that alert you of price drops, you will get an instant notification when the hotel is available at the best price. Checking in at the end of the day, and discreetly asking for a corner room, will also give you the best chance of getting an upgrade for the same price.
   
   Check The Dates Of Your Trip For Public Holidays

   Different countries have different religions and holidays that may affect your travel plans. In some cases, the rates for accommodation may be higher, or hotels will book up fast. Other holidays may affect the hours of popular tourist sites or local businesses. In some countries, religious holidays may affect the sale of alcohol. On the other hand, visiting a country or city while they celebrate a big holiday can be very enriching and make your trip more special. Plan your trip accordingly, and know what to expect when you arrive during a holiday season

   Arrange Everything at Home Before You Go

   If you and your family are traveling and leaving the house unoccupied, you will need to make certain arrangements to keep your pets and house safe. Alert your neighbors that you will be leaving, and let them know how long you will be gone. Hold mail or newspaper deliveries, or arrange a neighbor to bring in deliveries while you are away. You have many options when it comes to caring for your pets: you can hire a pet sitter, leave them with a trusted friend or neighbor, or drop them off at a kennel.

   Learn a Few Local Phrases

   If English is your native language, you may not have a lot of trouble navigating big cities or popular tourist destinations. Learning a few phrases, like thank you or other greetings, will show that you are making an effort to respect the local culture. Learn how to pronounce the name of the street where you will be staying if you need to hop into a taxi outside of the airport or at the end of the day.

   Rise and Shine

   If you have popular tourist attractions on your bucket list, set your alarms. Check the attraction’s hours online and get in line before the attraction even opens. Once the afternoon hits, you may find yourself waiting in long lines with big tourist groups. Seeing the attraction when it’s not crowded will help you make the most of your experience.

   Know That Not Everything Goes As Planned

   Even if you have your itinerary and budget planned to the last minute, you may have to improvise on the spot. Flights could be delayed, weather could cancel your cruise, or your accommodation may not be as glamorous and relaxing as you think. No matter what happens, remember to relax and have a good attitude. These surprises may end up making your trip more memorable, in a positive way! Be open to itinerary changes and delays. When you have to find a last-minute restaurant or make up plans on the spot, you may end up with a more enriching experience. 

   Read the full article here - www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/travel-tips.html

   Article supplied by Your RV Lifestyle

2. Best Biker Songs of All Time

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 30th Jan 2018

   There are few things more iconic than getting on your bike and hitting the open road, your hair blowing in the wind as your engine roars like a pack of wildcats.

   That incomparable feeling has been the subject of many songs throughout history, each one trying to capture just what makes riding your hog such a spiritual and overall badass experience, and to intimate the lifestyle of those that have chosen to live life in the fast lane.

   While not every song that has attempted to reproduce this world has managed to be successful at it, there are many songs that manage to perfectly capture what the life of a biker is like, and give true insight into what it’s like to hit the road with a feeling of total freedom and a devil may care attitude.

   So strap on your motorcycle boots and rev your engine as we explore the best biker songs of all time!

   Saxon - 'Motorcycle Man'

   Album: ‘Wheels of Steel’ (1980)

   “If you see me riding by

   Do not stop me do not try

   Cause I’m a motorcycle man

   I get my kicks just when I can…”

   British Heavy Metal legends Saxon start off our list with the first track to their seminal album ‘Wheels of Steel’, ‘Motorcycle Man’.

   Perfectly describing that feeling of being unstoppable when you are on your bike, this song’s protagonist warns the world not to try and get in his way, as he’s ready to get his kicks on whenever he can. It’s practically impossible to play this song without wanting to go for a ride.

   Motörhead - "Iron Horse / Born to Lose"

   Album: Motörhead (1977)

   “On Iron Horse he flies

   On Iron Horse he gladly dies

   Iron Horse his wife

   Iron Horse his life”

   One of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, Motörhead inspired a whole generation of bikers and rockers alike.

   In their first album, the iconic Lemmy Kilmister decided to dedicate this rollicking love story between a man and his bike to the infamous motorcycle gang Hells Angels, who were personal friends and unofficial bodyguards to the band at the time. 

   While Lemmy’s death put an end to the bands storied career, their music and their legend live on -not to mention a line of Motörhead Whiskey, Motörhead motorcycle boots, a Motörhead slot machine at NinjaCasino and even Motörhead vibrators!

   Judas Priest - "Desert Plains"

   Album: Point of Entry (

   “The road is straight cast

   Wind's in my eyes

   The engine roars between my thighs

   From desert plains I bring you love”

   Perhaps the go to band for the best odes to being a biker, Judas Priest has many songs that perfectly encapsulate what biker life is all about. From ‘Heading Out To The Highway’ to ‘Freewheel Burning’ and ‘Hell Bent For Leather’, they have churned out one biker anthem after another, but perhaps none better than their ultimate biker ballad ‘Desert Plains”

   ‘Plains’ tells the story of a lone biker tearing through the mountains and desert, as he makes his way to his lover’s arms. With its highly emotive music, funky bass line and elegant lyrics, this fan favorite makes us want to ride all night to our lover’s embrace as well.

   Jimi Hendrix - 'Ezy Ryder'

   Album: ‘The Cry of Love’ (1971)

   “There goes ezy

   Ezy ryder

   Ridin’ down the highway of desire”

   Inspired by 1969’s Easy Rider, Dennis Hopper’s film about counterculture bikers, this Jimi Hendrix classic wasn’t released until years after Jimi’s untimely death. First heard on 1971’s ‘Cry of Love’ collection, it tells the story of a tragic rider who lives his life riding high but is dying to be loved, as Jimi’s virtuoso guitar takes us on a journey of its own.

   Twisted Sister - 'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

   Album: ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ’n’ Roll’ (1983)

   “Hard roads and endless lines

   Flow through his veins

   Cold steel and hot fuel injected

   Is the dream that fills his brain”

   Coming from Twisted Sister‘s highly underrated sophomore album, ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ’n’ Roll’, 'Live to Ride, Ride to Live' is another heavy metal stomper to get your blood pumping. Lead singer Dee Snider might choose to wear makeup when strutting his stuff onstage, but as an avid biker he sure knows how to snarl a mean tune about answering the call of the open road.

   Steppenwolf - 'Born to Be Wild'

   Album: ‘Steppenwolf’ (1968)

    

   “Get your motor runnin’

   Head out on the highway

   Looking for adventure

   In whatever comes our way…”

   A song that needs no introduction, Steppenwolf’s classic is by far the most emblematic biker tune that ever was, and most possibly ever will be.

   Released in 1968 in their debut album, 'Born to Be Wild' became a biker anthem after its inclusion in the aforementioned ‘Easy Rider’. Originally written by Mars Bonfire as a ballad, Steppenwolf’s decision to speed up the tempo infused the song with what can only be described as pure gasoline, and the perfect song for tearing up the asphalt. 

3. Suzuki announces new partnership with Motul

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 21st Dec 2017

   Suzuki GB has announced a new partnership with Motul, which sees the French oil brand become the officially recommended lubricant supplier for the Japanese manufacturer.

   The two firms already enjoy a close working relationship in the racing world, and recently celebrated success together at this year’s Isle of Man TT, while Motul also supports Suzuki’s MotoGP effort. Motul has also helped power the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team to multiple world titles, and celebrated the 2005 World Superbike Championship title with Alstare Suzuki and Troy Corser.

   From 2018, Suzuki will use and recommend Motul in its range of production machines. Motul will also become the recommended supplier across Suzuki’s four-wheel, ATV, and marine divisions.

   Michael Le-Flay, Suzuki GB’s aftersales marketing manager, said of the partnership, “We chose Motul as our preferred oil supply partner as we recognised that both companies share a common commercial architecture, along with a passion and enthusiasm that sees each company excel in their respective fields. This is a perfect fit for us. We’ve worked closely with Motul on various projects over the years, including with Team Classic Suzuki, and are very much looking forward to expanding our relationship.”

   Olivier Montange, Motul executive vice president for Europe, added, “Few manufacturers have the length and strength of the collaboration between Suzuki and Motul, Over the last three decades, Suzuki’s engineers and Motul’s technical experts have forged a deep understanding and symbiotic working relationship, developing the perfect oils, especially for Suzuki’s engines. We are looking forward to starting this new relationship with Suzuki GB.”

4. Which motorcycle legend would you like to enter Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2018?

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 16th Dec 2017

   Which motorcycle legend would you like to enter Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2018?

   The list of nominees has been revealed, and voting is now open
   
   
   

   Twelve of the greatest names in motorcycle history have been shortlisted for the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Awards in 2018. The prestigious event takes place on 4 June 2018 in the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park in Surrey, and its down to motorcycle fans to vote who will be the next to join legends such as the late great John Surtees, Giacomo Agostini, John McGuinness, Valentino Rossi and its latest inductee Barry Sheene.

   The 2018 nominees are:

   • Mike Hailwood MBE: few could forget the victorious late-1970s TT return of ‘Mike the Bike’, a fabulous encore for a peerless career that resulted in 14 Isle of Man wins and nine Grand Prix world championships. 
   • Geoff Duke OBE: the Isle of Man legend was a household name in the 1950s, winning three world titles for Norton before repeating that success with Gilera.
   • Soichiro Honda: as founder and president of the eponymous marque, Honda had a seismic impact on the world of motorcycling.
   • Casey Stoner: the Australian star dominated the 2007 season with Ducati, then switched to Honda for 2011 to become a two-time MotoGP champion by the age of 26.
   • Wayne Rainey: a fierce rivalry with fellow nominee Kevin Schwantz lit up the top division of Grand Prix racing, and inspired him to take a hat-trick of championships in 1990, ’91 and ’92.
   • Kevin Schwantz: 25 times a Grand Prix winner and the 1993 500cc world champion, the hard-charging Schwantz was part of a golden era for motorcycle racing.
   • Freddie Spencer: the versatile ‘Fast Freddie’ scored a historic double in 1985, claiming both the 250cc and 500cc world titles.
   • Kenny Roberts: America’s first world champion and a fierce safety campaigner, Roberts secured his third and final title in 1983 after a memorable season-long battle with Freddie Spencer.
   • Joey Dunlop OBE: a genuine icon of road-racing, ‘Yer Maun’ still holds the record for the most TT wins – a remarkable 26 victories over the course of 23 years.
   • Eddie Lawson: as part of an incredible group of American racers who starred during the 1980s and ‘90s, Lawson won four 500c world championships.
   • Mick Doohan: the dominant force during the 1990s, Aussie Doohan won five consecutive 500cc titles from ’94.
   • Jim Redman MBE, During the sport’s golden era in the 1960s, no star shone brighter than six time world champion Jim Redman, achieving a unique 'hat trick' of double wins in 1963, 1964 and 1965 in the Lightweight & Junior Races

   You can vote for your chosen inductees by visiting here 
   

   The 2018 inductees will be announced at the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Awards dinner, held at the Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park on June 4 2018.

   All voters will be entered into a special prize draw to win a package for two to the Le Mans Classic 2018, courtesy of Grandstand Motor Sports. Not only that, the lucky winner will also receive a beautiful Christopher Ward C7 Rapide Chronograph COSC Limited Edition watch, courtesy of Hall of Fame timing partner Christopher Ward.

   About the Motor Sport Hall of Fame

   Now in its seventh year, the Motor Sport Hall of Fame celebrates the greatest names in racing across Formula 1, motorcycling, sports cars, and other disciplines. Previous inductees include heroes such as Jim Clark and Tazio Nuvolari, as well as Stirling Moss, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost among others. The event is held at the exclusive Royal Automobile Club and attracts many stars from the world of motor sport. The ceremony is now an established fixture in the motor racing calendar. For more information about the 2018 event, visit: www.motorsportmagazine.com/hall-of-fame

5. Second lightweight race added to Manx Grand Prix programme for 2018

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 22nd Nov 2017

   The Manx Motor Cycle Club, organisers of the Manx Grand Prix, are pleased to announce an additional race to the 2018 Race Programme with a second Lightweight Race added to the traditional schedule on the last race day and expected to quickly become an integral part of the event.
   
   Practising for this year’s event will commence on Saturday 18 August with the MGP Races starting on Monday 27 August when the four lap Newcomers Race will signal the start of the five race programme.  Wednesday 29 August features the Junior Race in the morning followed by the first Lightweight MGP Race later in the day.
   
   Friday 31 August will see the second Lightweight Race open proceedings followed by the Blue Riband Senior Manx Grand Prix.
   
   Club Chairman, Harvey Garton, commented:
   
   “Following feedback from the 2017 races, it was acknowledged that the event would benefit from two races on the final day and the club felt the best way forward was to incorporate a second Lightweight Race to complement the very popular Senior Manx Grand Prix.”
   There's good news for fans wanting to experience the Manx Grand Prix in person. Information on travel and accommodation options as well as grandstand seats can be obtained from the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling’s authorised Travel Partners - iomtt travel - by calling +44 (0) 1624 640 011.