Category: Other

1. Ben provides support during National Careers Week and highlights why people enjoy working in automotive

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 7th Mar 2023

   • This National Careers Week, Ben is promoting its career-related support for those in the automotive industry 
   • Ben is also shining a spotlight on why people enjoy working in the automotive industry 
   • The charity explores what the future holds for automotive in thought leadership piece

   This National Careers Week, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is promoting its support for those who are job hunting or looking to progress in their career.

   Ben’s support services team can provide one-to-one support for people in the following ways:

   • Practical support for people who are looking for work
   • Information, advice & guidance for managing money and maximising benefits 
   • Access to Ben’s free Life Coaching service by registering online and completing a short self-referral form. Whether it’s progressing their career, improving their lifestyle, or simply boosting self-confidence, Ben’s team of Life Coaches can help make those goals a reality
   • Access to Ben’s digital platform, Silvercloud, with a programme on building personal resilience.

   Ben also has a range of work-related tips, advice and tools online to help people get back on track in their career or make the changes they want. The online tools (available at www.ben.org.uk/work) offer guidance and self-help resources on the following areas: 

   • Creating or updating a CV 
   • Writing a cover letter 
   • Job seeking
   • Finding the right job
   • Identifying transferable skills
   • Preparing for interviews.

   Ben is also shining a spotlight on what it’s like to work in automotive by sharing real quotes from people about why they joined the industry and what they enjoy about it:  

   “The industry never stands still - constant challenge, opportunity, innovation.” 

   “The current industry transformation is very exciting.”

   “I like the variety. Every customer has different requests and problems that need to be satisfied.” 

   In light of the changes happening in the industry, Ben is also exploring what the future holds for the automotive industry in a thought leadership piece by Matt Wigginton, Ben’s Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income: www.ben.org.uk/futureautomotive.  

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We’re here to help and support automotive people working in the industry, including those who are looking to the future, interested in progressing their career or improving their working lives. We can provide information, advice and guidance for job-seeking, CV building and interview skills and be there to support people through any career-related changes. Work is a very important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing financial security, work provides us with social connectedness and builds confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.”

   Ben is always there for those who are struggling or in crisis too. When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them. 

2. New Riderwear for Spring Summer '23

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 3rd Mar 2023

   Introducing the brand new range of motorcycle clothing from Triumph Motorcycles in perfect timing for a new season of epic rides. The collection features new colours of tried and tested favourites, mesh jackets and track ready leathers, ideal for whatever your riding style.

   Our in-house product developers obsess over every detail, fabric, zip and fastener to bring you the best quality, fully protective riding gear in our most exciting collection to date.

   Find the latest collection online and in your nearest dealer.

   www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/shop/motorcycle-clothing/new-arrivals/

3. Motorcycling couple from Carmarthenshire on the road raising funds for SSAFA

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 2nd Mar 2023

   A motorcycling husband and wife from Ammanford presented a cheque for £360 to the South West Wales region of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity following the couple’s annual “Santa on a Bike” fundraiser.  

   The two-wheeled sleigh that Beerhounds Club members Bryan and Petra O'Leary use to deliver hundreds of chocolate selection boxes in return for a donation each December is a 2004 Honda Goldwing GL1800. A deep red, it goes well with the Santa costumes that Petra makes for their delivery rides through Carmarthenshire. It also looks pretty snazzy with the 200 Christmas lights Bryan adds for some festive flair.

   However, Petra’s skills with a sewing machine are perhaps only to be expected for she is a seamstress and works at the world-famous Corgi Hosiery site in Ammanford. Bryan, too, puts his professional skills to use, because when not devising a delivery schedule and planning a route for their two-wheel festive fundraising, he can be found driving a refuse lorry for Carmarthenshire County Council.

   Bryan says: “Neither of us have any military service ourselves, but we have a lot of friends who do, and there’s a great crossover between the military and biking communities, so it seemed like an obvious idea to do some good.”

   Petra adds: “SSAFA’s been around a long time – nearly 140 years – and has helped generations of servicemen and women, veterans, and their families in that time, so we know that the money donated will go towards supporting them when, where, and how they need it.”

   The Branch Secretary of SSAFA South West Wales, Paul Amor, says: “The response they get when they are out delivering is fantastic and we are really grateful for having their support.”

   And while a long time until Christmas 2023, if on the roads in Carmarthenshire in December you spot Mr and Mrs Claus on a red Honda Goldwing, give them a friendly wave.

   To learn how to volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or how to access its services, visit ssafa.org.uk/south-west-wales.

    

    

   

4. Indian Motorcycle DTRA Hooligan Race Team Announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 27th Feb 2023

   Continued Indian Motorcycle sponsorship supports growth of European Hooligan Racing
   Hooligan class renamed Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023

   
   Indian Motorcycle has announced the signing of Jamie Kimber and Gerard Bailo to contend the 2023 DTRA Hooligan class following the recent US race team announcements. Indian Motorcycle also continues its long-term support and promotion of flat track racing in Europe with sponsorship that sees the class renamed as the ‘Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023’.

   Indian Motorcycle’s continued partnership with the DTRA helps to ensure the future of grassroots motorcycle sport and the development of youth riders. As a result, European flat track racing has grown substantially in recent years, being one of the most accessible and respected entry points to the sport outside of North America.

   Anthony Brown, DTRA founder commented, “Indian Motorcycle have helped to grow the Hooligan class in the DTRA since its inception and we are honoured and happy to have them along for the ride in 2023. It will be great to see a mixture of UK and overseas riders battle it out on Indian Scouts and FTRs against the rest of the Hooligan field. With some new tracks and events to be announced in the coming weeks the 2023 Hooligan championship is set to be the best on yet.”

   Jamie Kimber won her first national race at the June 2021 round of the National DTRA championship and went on to secure third in the National DTRA Minibike-Mod Championship Series. Having been spotted by Indian Motorcycle UK, Jamie was awarded a scholarship as the Indian Motorcycle Academy rider aboard the Indian Scout Hooligan for the 2022 season and proved worthy with fourth in the overall championship standings. A recent graduate in Sports Psychology and Coaching sciences, Jamie has competed in many sports from triathlons to rugby but says there is nothing like throwing a leg over a motorcycle and heading to the start line. Jamie can be followed on Instagram at @jamiekimber421

   “Signing for Indian Motorcycle is such an exciting stepping stone for me. It all started in late 2020 when I spontaneously signed up to the ladies class in Scunthorpe on my dad’s Sunday S147 pitbike. He taught me the basics the night before and it all went from there. I took to it quite well. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to ride the Indian FTR as a fully-fledged member of the team. This year, I hope to continue improving, enjoying each moment, and gain National podium results. My heart is with anything two-wheeled and I can’t wait to get stuck in at racing this season. I would like to thank Indian Motorcycle for the opportunity; I am excited to see what this season brings,” said Jamie.

   Gerard Bailo started competing in Supermoto in 2007 when he was just 13 years old and made his Flat Track debut in 2014. Quickly proving competitive, Gerard took third that year and, in 2016, improved to second in the open category. By 2017, Gerard had several regional Supermoto championships under his belt plus the Junior Nations world title and decided to fully commit to Flat Track racing with an opportunity in the DTRA series. Competing only in flat track since then, Gerard had his best season in 2022 winning the FIM Flat Track World Championship. Gerard will compete in the Indian Motorcycle Hooligan series aboard the Indian FTR 1200 prepared by S&S Cycle, while balancing his racing commitments with work in his family’s Insurance business. Gerard can be followed on Instagram at @gerardbailo17.

   “Taking the world title in 2022 was my best season ever, something I had always dreamed of and being able to make it happen was incredible. We also got more experience on the bigger tracks, so this also helps us for 2023. I am very happy to sign the contract with a brand like Indian Motorcycle. I believe we will be very competitive, and I hope to be able to fight for the 2023 national championship title. Thank you to Indian Motorcycle for their trust in me,” said Gerard.

   The Dirt Track Riders Association has just announced its dates and full Series details for the 2023 and Indian Motorcycle and the DTRA actively encourage riders to get involved. The atmosphere at DTRA managed races is inclusive for all abilities with classes from Rookie to Pro-Rider. For full race schedules and details of how to enter visit dirttrackriders.co.uk and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

   For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

5. How Will VR Change the Motorcycle Hobby?

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 21st Feb 2023

   Virtual Reality technology has enabled us to explore far-flung locations that we might never have been able to visit, which is great for people with a motorcycle hobby who don’t get much time to get out on the open road.

   VR headsets, software and devices have allowed motorcycle fanatics to continue enjoying their hobby in a much cheaper and more convenient way. Find out more about how VR will change the motorcycle hobby right here.

   How is VR changing the motorcycle hobby?  

   People who enjoy motorcycling as a hobby often have to plan out ways to reach desirable locations well in advance, which means finding anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days or more.

   These same people tend to work long hours, therefore, don’t get too much time to indulge in their passion for going out on the open road. VR technology is changing this.

   Thanks to the latest developments in VR headsets and other cutting-edge VR technology, motorcyclists looking to get away can now experience being out on the open road from the comfort of their homes.

   It means they get to spend more time with the family and can still enjoy their favourite pastime. It may not be the same as being on a motorcycle taking in the Scottish Highlands, the African Wilderness, the Mountains of Nepal, or the Australian outback, but it’s the next best thing, and it’s becoming extremely popular.

   Are VR casinos a thing? You can now take up more hobbies thanks to VR technology, one of which is VR casinos. You can enjoy online poker at today’s best VR casinos, although they are still not yet as good as live dealer casinos from award-winning software providers, such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play.

   What are the best VR headsets in 2023?

   If you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about and get your hands on a VR headset in 2023, then you may want to consider investing in one of these top-of-the-range devices before purchasing any other VR headsets.

   Some of the best VR headsets on the market today are the following impressive devices:

   ● Valve Index VR Kit – this innovative piece of kit will set you back around $1,000, and it’s regarded by many as the best PC VR headset for gamers
   
   ● Meta Quest 2 – you can get your hands on this all-round relatively affordable device for just $400, and it’s a huge hit with most people

   ● HTC VIVE Pro 2 – this top-of-the-range headset costs just over $1,280, but if you want the best of the best, this is the device for you

   ● HP Reverb G2 – if you’re looking for a decent device for less than $400, then you may want to invest in this for just $380

   Honourable mentions

   One of the other reliable VR devices on the market today is the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite. If you’re looking for something much cheaper, you may want a headset you can hook up to your smartphone or Nintendo Switch.

   Examples include the BNEXT VR Headset, which is compatible with iPhone and Android phones, the OIVO VR Headset, which is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, and the VR Shinecon Virtual Reality Headset.

   You also have the Pansonite VR Headset with remote control, the Viotek Spectre VR headset for most smartphones, the PlayStation VR Marvel’s Iron Man VR Bundle, and Atlasonix VR Headset, and the Oivo VR headset for the Nintendo Switch, to name just a few great VR devices.

   Top 5 motorcycle destinations in the world

   If you aren’t yet convinced by VR headsets and would prefer to visit some of the world’s best motorcycle road trip destinations in person, there are several highly recommended locations you should add to your bucket list. They include the following:

   ● Australia’s Oxley Highway

   ● Spain/Morocco’s Granada to Marrakech

   ● America’s Pacific Coast Highway  

   ● Wales’s Historic Coastline

   ● Nepal’s Kathmandu to Mount Everest Base Camp

   People are also fond of several other top locations, such as the Pan American Highway in South Peru, Paso de San Francisco in Argentina, and even the Coast of Britain.

   If that’s not enough to keep you going, you also have Dalton Highway in Alaska, the Valley of the Rocks in the Bolivian Andes, Salar de Uyuni (the Salt Flats), which is also in Bolivia, and Cairo to Khartoum in Egypt / Sudan.

   Preparing your trip to any of these destinations will take months of planning, but don’t forget that plenty of helpful websites can help do all the hard work for you and take the stress out of the planning part of the operation.

    

    

    

    

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