Category: Random

1. DARREN GOUGH PASSES ADVANCED MOTORCYCLE TEST WITH FLYING COLOURS

   Posted on 8:31am Monday 15th Jul 2013

   This date fourteen years ago would have seen Darren Gough preparing to do battle against Australia in the Fourth Test of the 1997 Ashes series at Headingley. Today the England cricket legend demonstrated his continuing ability to switch from one physical challenge to another by passing his Advanced Motorcycle Test.

   The Bennetts biker has teamed up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for a series of further motorcycle training sessions since April, and today was put through his paces under examination conditions. The Skill for Life advanced riding programme offered by the IAM develops five phases of advanced riding; Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration, ultimately passing on the skills and knowledge to remain confident and in control on a motorcycle. 

   These skills and knowledge are being put to the test as “Goughie” undertakes a series of Bennetts Biking Dream Challenges throughout the summer on a range of different bikes. He recently rode a lap of the famous Mountain Course at the Isle of Man TT under the tuition of ‘Milky’ Quayle, and on Tuesday he will ride to all five of this year’s Ashes Test cricket grounds which span the length of England in a single day. 

   Gough spent over an hour near his home village in Buckinghamshire being assessed, and at the end of the session was presented with a certificate and a full membership of the IAM.

   On passing his Advanced Motorcycle Test today, Gough commented, “I’ve wanted to improve my riding skills ever since I first tried biking and took my CBT in 2009.  It has been an enlightening experience to go through this process with the IAM – they have shown me how relatively easy it is to brush up and enhance not only the safety but also the enjoyment of biking. 

   “Also, I know riders who can provide proof to Bennetts or other insurers that they have passed their IAM Advanced Rider Test, are potentially eligible for a discount, so that was another reason to do it!”

   Geoff Pretty, Senior Observer at the Institute of Advanced Motorists said, “Goughie proved himself to be a very natural biker. He listened, practiced and quickly achieved advanced rider status. The skills he has developed will help him to complete his series of motorcycle challenges.”

2. Parking Bangor‏

   Posted on 11:56am Tuesday 9th Jul 2013

   The bike parking in Bangor Co Down has been there for over ten years – at the very least!

   So if you are  heading for an ice cream or refreshment in this glorious weather or just a ride out to Bangor check out and use the dedicated motorcycle parking!

   Glenn Thompson, who was originally involved in getting the parking in Bangor, posted up this message on Facebook to riders:

   “If anyone is heading into Bangor over the holiday fortnight, I just want to remind you that we have our own dedicated Motorcycle Park in the Queens Parade car park. Council are telling us to use it or lose it, so please use it. It has hitching posts to chain your bike to and is bollarded off from the cars. Plenty of watering holes close by like The Red Berry and Caproni Bangor close by and one minutes walk to the Main St and High St. Come on down. We’ll be glad to see you".

   View the article/picture/location and comment on Right To Ride

3. IS YOUR HOME IN NEED OF A SERIOUS SPRING CLEAN?

   Posted on 7:40am Thursday 4th Jul 2013

    DO YOU FIND HOUSEKEEPING AN OVERWHELMING CHORE AND AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS?

   Perhaps your living room is bursting with junk and clutter you can’t face to part with. Do you need help in getting your home back in order?

   OR ARE YOU CONSUMED BY CLEANING? DO YOU SPEND HOURS A DAY DUSTING, POLISHING AND VACUUMING TO KEEP GERMS AT BAY?

   betty are making a second series of the hit show Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners for Channel 4 and we are looking for people to take part.

   This primetime series sees everyday people with a compulsion to clean offer up their services to people with disorganised houses in need of a spruce up in the hope they can learn from each other.

   If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch by calling

   02079 070892 or email [email protected]

4. New leather jackets from Furygan

   Posted on 11:37am Tuesday 2nd Jul 2013

   French manufacturer Furygan has created a new range of leather jackets designed with racing in mind. The Race, Akira, Block and Brutale Evo are new-for-2013, combining Furygan’s renowned style and quality with its on-track expertise developed with pro racers.

   Although they differ in style, the four jackets do have some similarities, for example each one is crafted from CE homologated 1.4mm waterproofed leather. Areas exposed to abrasion in a crash situation are reinforced with triple stitching to avoid tearing and each jacket features D3O T5 Pro Evo level 2 armour in the elbow and shoulders and a back protector (1621-2 level 1 central back type), offering full protection without restricting comfort and movement. The back protector pocket in each can also accommodate a level 2 full back protector as an added extra.

   Each jacket features Furygan’s Skin Protect lining and a thermal padded lining that includes aluminum inserts on the chest for maximum protection against the cold. There are two connecting zips (one short and one full) mounted on an elastic belt, adjusters on the waist and four pockets – two inside and two outside. All four jackets also carry the Ergomax label, ensuring maximum comfort and a perfect fit, with the Race carrying the Ergomax Racing label.

   Combining all Furygan’s sports jacket expertise and developed and tested by pro-riders, the top-of-the-range Race jacket, made from full grained leather, is a must-have for any serious sports bike rider. It incorporates removable foam inserts on the chest to protect from fuel tank shocks and aids rider posture, as well as a racing hump for aerodynamics. New integral racing sleeves – equipped with bi-stretch Cordura and constructed with a triple stitching technique – offer unparalleled comfort and mobility. This sports jacket also has external protection shells on the shoulders and elbows. The Race is available in black-white-silver, black-white-red and black-silver-fluorescent yellow, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £439.99.

   Made from Ago plain matt leather, the Akira was the first jacket of the new generation to include external protection shells on the elbows and shoulders. The ergonomic design of the jacket includes the Furygan AFS system - vents with water repellent zips on the chest and back that can be opened to create an airflow through the vest. Leather stretch behind the shoulders and Cordura stretch on the elbows, as well as neoprene inserts on the collar and wrists ensure maximum comfort. The Akira is available in black-white and white-black, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £379.99.

   The Block, made from soft and extremely resilient Ago leather, is classed as a top racing leather jacket. With the inclusion of a racing hump, racing sleeves with bi-stretch Cordura inside the arms, neoprene inserts on the collar and wrists and leather stretch behind the shoulders and elbows, the high-end ergonomics make for a comfortable sports fit. This jacket also includes external protection shells with aluminum inserts for elbows and shoulders. The Block is available in black-chrome, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £379.99.

   The Brutale Evo is made from full grained leather and combines quality leather construction with classic Furygan styling. It incorporates racing sleeves with bi-stretch Cordura stretch inside the arms for a comfortable fit as well as leather stretch behind the shoulders and the elbows. Neoprene inserts on the collar and wrists are also included. The Brutale Evo is available in black-white, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £369.99.

   www.nevis.uk.com

5. MALE MID-LIFE CRISIS REACHES EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS

   Posted on 8:21am Friday 28th Jun 2013

   A ground-breaking new survey has shown a staggering increase in the number of men experiencing symptoms traditionally associated with a mid-life crisis, including significant numbers of young men. The study also highlights that these men are still turning to the ‘classic techniques’ used for coping at such a time. 

   The study was commissioned by Bennetts, the UK’s No.1 Bike Insurance Specialist, to understand whether the belief that men between 40 and 55 years old buy a motorbike to cope with a mid-life crisis, remains true or not. 

   The research amongst over 1,000 British men* showed that six out of every ten men aged between 40 and 55, the age traditionally most associated with the mid-life crisis, now say they have had or are currently experiencing a mid-life crisis. Responses showed that those men find it difficult to understand and hard to handle, with friends and family being confused and showing limited support.     

   These symptoms, however, are no longer reserved for this age group. The majority of men between 16 and 70 years old now report a life-review or transition experiences with nearly three quarters (73%) currently being or having recently been concerned with the direction of their life. Interestingly, more young men have recently asked themselves “where am I going with my life?” “what are my goals?” and “should I take more risks?” than those aged between 40 and 55.

   Perhaps most strikingly the research by Bennetts reveals that, while more men are experiencing a mid-life crisis and at different ages, classic techniques for coping are still as popular as ever. Buying a car or motorbike still tops the list alongside changing job, moving house and forming a new relationship.

   In fact, a third (30%) of motorcycle owners who are going through or have been through a mid-life crisis got into bikes specifically to cope. Bikers come out of the study exceptionally well, reporting the greatest success in managing their mid-life crisis adaptively, rather than being in denial. Over half felt they had dealt with their mid-life crisis positively, the top response.

   Only 13% of the bikers said they had not yet overcome their mid-life crisis and they reported the fewest ‘changed relationships’ and the most ‘involved partners’, signifying that they maintained better relationships with their partners compared to men adopting different coping mechanisms.

   Bennetts’ customer data shows that sports bikes are currently the biggest purchase of choice among men from the ages of 16 to 54, whilst from 55 upwards the roadster – a more relaxed and comfortable bike to cruise on - appears to become a more popular buy.   

   Speaking about the research findings, Dr Derek Milne, author of ‘Coping with a Mid-Life Crisis’, commented: “These findings suggest that British men are struggling more than ever to cope with modern life. I find it heartening that bikers, often portrayed as somewhat solitary and anti-social, seemed to become more sociable through biking, helping them to deal with their mid-life crises.”

   Darren Gough, the England cricket legend and Bennetts biking ambassador, who turned to motorcycling after retiring from first-class cricket in his mid-thirties, said: “You often hear about sports players finding it tough to call it a day. Finding something to replace the kick you get by taking a wicket and playing to a packed Lord’s is not easy. Learning to ride and buying an adventure motorbike was exciting as is the rush of freedom you get when hitting the open road for a few hours.” 

   Hannah Squirrell, Associate Director, Bennetts, added: “I suspect a lot of men who dream about owning a motorcycle will be pleased to see motorbiking up there on the list of ways to deal with a mid-life crisis. If your partner questions whether you should be investing in a new bike, ‘saving or improving your relationship’ is a pretty strong reason to justify the expense!”

   For more information about Bennetts, go to www.bennetts.co.uk

   * The research by Bennetts was carried out online by Opinion Matters between the 5th and 14th June, 2013 amongst a panel resulting in 1,001 men aged between 16 and 70.