Category: Other

1. IAM RoadSmart to drive forward tyre safety awareness

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 4th Jun 2020

   IAM RoadSmart, the UK's leading road safety charity with a focus on improving driving and riding skills, is an official supporter of TyreSafe, the UK’s not-for-profit tyre safety awareness organisation.  

   Formed in 1956, IAM RoadSmart has 60 years experience in making Britain’s roads safer by improving driver and rider skills through coaching and education. With more than 200 groups nationwide and 7000 drivers and riders actively participating in its acclaimed and widely-recognised courses, IAM RoadSmart is considered the leading advanced driver training provider in the UK. Having direct contact with thousands of motorists every day, a significant presence in the media and being a respected source of information for road safety policymakers and stakeholders,
   

   IAM RoadSmart CEO, Sarah Sillars, OBE and Hon FIMI, said: “IAM RoadSmart’s mission is to improve driving and riding skills to help reduce the number of accidents and incidents on Britain’s roads. Over the course of the charity’s illustrious 60-year history, our trainers and coaches have enhanced the skills of nearly half-a-million drivers and we have ambitions to increase the number of participants through a broader offering. Educating drivers and riders on all aspects of road safety will remain an essential part of that, and access to TyreSafe’s expertise and materials will be a considerable asset.”

   Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: “IAM RoadSmart is not only the pre-eminent provider of driver training in the UK, it’s also one of the most respected names in the automotive industry. Its official support for TyreSafe reflects the growing number of organisations acknowledging the need to raise the tyre safety awareness agenda among Britain’s motorists. Tyres are one of a vehicle’s primary safety features and need regular maintenance checks to ensure they are roadworthy - we welcome IAM RoadSmart’s support in spreading this message to Britain’s motorists.”

   TyreSafe raises awareness of the dangers of defective and illegal tyres.
   The not-for-profit organisation recommends drivers check their tyres’ pressure, condition and tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys, and offers advice and information relevant to all motorists. 

2. Sat nav v maps on a Motorbike...

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 13th May 2020

   I used to like the idea of being spontaneous and also did not fancy using a sat nav however once you have tried to get a room somewhere to find you cannot get one as they are full due to a local festival, over priced (Italy circa 2001, 11 pm in a roadside motel style @ €175 comes to mind) , you cannot find one (sounds strange I know but there are miles and miles of nothing in parts of Germany and France - well apart from excellent scenery) and to book into somewhere and find it awful, we now do as above - i.e. find a final destination and plan route around it. 

   We use a combination of Biker Friendly accommodation on www.thebikerguide.co.uk and if there is nothing in the area we want we also look on other accommodation websites. 
   
   We did a trip a couple of years ago with the final destination being Colditz Castle, which you can stay in. Went in July for 3-ish weeks with everything booked, set into sat nav and you know what - thank goodness as it rained everyday but one. We would set off with the next place in the sat nav - take off route when we wanted and arrive at destination stress free.

   We stayed at some great places, travelled fantastic roads and routes, ate well, found our way easy even with the many roadwork diversions and would pass by others at the side of the road battling with a big wet soggy map to find their way. We did also pack a map as back-up or to look at a vaster area on a larger scale, however we are happy to say it return dry and not soggy. 

   I think once you have used a sat nav on a big trip which gets you to destinations easy, gets you out of a diversion and back on route, helps you navigate/find food and petrol, you wonder what you did before the United States militaryreleased the technology for GPS!

   In fact travelling without the technology and maps on hand is a gamble... 

   
   
   

3. Time for Downtime: The Best Ways to Relax in Dartmoor

   Posted on 1:00pm Thursday 30th Apr 2020

   Dartmoor is a beautiful place and perfect for a retreat. Whether you need a break from city life or simply want to get out and enjoy a new area of the UK, Dartmoor is the place to go. Relax, rejuvenate, and get rid of your stress. With this guide, you’ll master your downtime.

   1. Get Out in Nature

   One of the best things to do in Dartmoor is to explore the countryside. Dartmoor is, after all, the largest moorland in the south of England, and also features the largest area of unglaciated upland. This makes for stunning landscapes and truly tranquil walks.

   Heading out and enjoying nature walks, or even just sitting down for a picnic, does wonders for our health and wellbeing, and with so many great trails in Dartmoor, you are spoiled for choice.

   If you need help picking out some stunning walks to enjoy during your time in Dartmoor, here are our favourites:

   Fingle Gorge  

   This is a spectacular riverside walk that promises sweeping views and enchanting sounds.

   Easdon Tor

   This rock-topped hill is only ten minutes away from Moorland View on foot. Head up and enjoy 360-degree views of the area. Perfect for a sunny, clear day and especially during sunset.

   Grimspound

   Grimspound inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hounds of Baskerville. It is known for its 24 Bronze Age roundhouses, so head on out and tour them for yourselves. 

   River Bovey

   For a flat, lovely walk, head from Moorland View to Bovey Castle. You’ll enjoy wildflower woodlands, stone bridges, and of course, end up at one of the best attractions in Dartmoor.

   2. Enjoy the Spa Facilities Available

   There are so many great spa facilities available in Dartmoor to continue your downtime from the city. 

   Relax and get pampered in a variety of locations in the area, including the stunning Bovey Castle.  

   Bovey Castle  

   Bovey castle features the Elan Spa, which offers excellent packages and views of the River Dart. 

   The Lorrens Ladies Spa  

   This ladies-only spa is elegant and offers award-winning services right on the English Riviera.  

   Wear Park Spa  

   Another award-winning spa, this one is located in a stunning manor house on the Exeter Gold and Country Club grounds.  

   3. Have a Quiet Evening In  

   Don’t be afraid to have a quiet evening in when you are in Dartmoor.   

   Your stay in Dartmoor should be relaxing and allow you to destress. Make your trip here a regular treat and explore the entire area to its fullest. Find your favourite haunts, and don’t be afraid to just spend a night in without a care in the world. Dartmoor is here for you, year after year, so experience it slowly and enjoy it luxuriously.  

    

4. Mitas to enhance the extremely popular E-07 tyre range

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 28th Apr 2020

   Mitas, part of the Trelleborg Group, enhances its offering to the trail/adventure segment of the motorcycle market, and due to popular demand reintroduces a number of sizes to its E-07 range alongside the successful E-07+ to give riders in this dynamic segment even more choice.

   Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President Two Wheels and Specialty Tyres, explains: “The E-07 is a true 50% on-road and 50% off-road adventure tyre. Over its long years of service it has continued to be one of the most desirable choices for adventure riders, as it combines road riding performance and wear with more adventurous off-road trips. Due to its hardwearing compound and optimal performance on- and off-road, the E-07 remains a preferred choice on many journeys across the world.”

5. World’s first virtual adventure festival live in your living room amid the Corona virus lockdown in aid of NHS Charities Together

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 23rd Apr 2020

   From the 24^th-26^th April 2020, The Sidecar Guys will be assembling top adventure legends such as Charley Boorman, Ted Simon and Steph Jeavons live into your living rooms, in the first ever virtual adventure festival – The Armchair Adventure Festival. With inspiring talks, panel discussions, workshops and the most exciting adventure films out there, it is not to be missed.

   Matt, one half of the world record breaking duo putting on the event, said, “The idea is to help the NHS fight this terrible virus by sitting in and telling tales of adventure. It keeps those of us on lockdown entertained and raises some cash for the heroes on the frontline too!”

   With top adventurers from the world of human powered challenges, on land and sea, and some of the worlds most famous adventure motorcyclists it promises to be a great event for a fantastic cause.

    ‘So looking forward to working with the Sidecar Guys on this virtual festival. During this wacky lockdown time, we all need some distractions. Hearing and seeing some of the worlds adventure riders will certainly go some way to brightening my day up that's for sure.’ - Billy Ward

   The Armchair Adventure Festival is completely free. Though attendees are welcome to make a voluntary donation to the NHS Charities Together fund when signing up to attend if they are in the position to. Those wishing to attend can secure a place and make a donation via https://armchairadventurefestival.com/.

   The Armchair Adventure Festival is brought to you by The Sidecar Guys, Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes. In 2017, Matt and Reece set off on their around the world expedition and arrived back in the UK in 2019 as the first people to ever circumnavigate the globe on a scooter and sidecar. They now hold the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by scooter and sidecar. You can follow them and find out more via @TheSidecarGuys and https://asseenfromthesidecar.org/