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Category: Other
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Seasoned bikers who know their Ricky Carmicheals from their Mika Aholas may be able to talk until the cows come home about the differences between a trials bike, an endurance bike and a motocross bike. But if you’re a little newer to the scene – or your own two-wheeled interests are usually in the field of choppers and bobbers – knowing which off-road motorbike is going to be your style can be a little harder to figure out.
Are you planning on riding tracks or trails, or setting off on Green Lane adventures? Whatever your pleasure, whether everyday practice or weekend warrior, here are a few key differences between off-road motorbikes to help you choose the right one for you.
Motocross Bikes vs Supermotos 
Motocross and Supercross are very similar sports with one key difference: Supercross takes place in arenas and stadiums, while Motocross takes place out in naturally occurring terrain. Both use dirt tracks, and in either sport the dirt tracks have been man-made for purpose, but the difference between arena dirt track and out-on-the-land dirt track is enough to warrant a different style of tyre and suspension.
In either sport, bikes need to be capable of making tight turns and big jumps. But while supermotos feature road tyres and soft suspension set-ups that make them suited to well-maintained routes, motocross bikes are more about the off-road. If you’re planning on going Green Laning and need guarantees that your bike will tolerate bumpier terrain, a motocross bike or enduro bike might be the one for you. But if your focus is on the track and you also need a daily ride, a supermoto can offer that flexibility. That’s not to say they’re all street legal – but it’s easier to make a supermoto street legal than it is to get an MX bike on the road.
Trials Bikes vs Trail Bikes
Trials bikes and trail bikes, aren’t they the same thing? Well, no. Most noticeably because trials bikes don’t have seats.
Trail bikes are incredibly similar to motocross bikes in just about every way, though motocross bikes are lighter because they’re designed to be track-raced. They’re both great for going off-road on tracks that aren’t manicured specifically for motorsports, but a motocross bike will need some accessorising to protect it from the roughest terrain – whereas a trail bike will take Green Lanes with ease. Trail bikes, often being designed more for fun and games than for competitive sport, sometimes come with a headlight and/or kickstand and may have a front tyre that’s bigger than the rear to absorb impact.
Trials bikes on the other hand are not about the mod cons. Trial sport doesn’t focus on speed and power – it’s about balance and agility. These bikes are designed to hop over obstacles and be thrown around with ease by their rider, so any weight that can be lost is taken away – including the bike seat.
Trials competitions are slow speed and don’t cover a lot of ground, so you’ll notice the fuel tanks are tiny, usually incorporated into the U-shaped frame as if there isn’t a tank there at all. This helps with balance and keeps the bike’s centre of gravity low. Trials bikes are great if you want to get into trial riding, but they aren’t a comfortable choice for just about anything else.
Enduro Bikes vs Moto and Supermoto 
Motocross, supermoto, trails and trials… how does an enduro bike differ from all of these? Endurance races are just that – they require a bike that can go for many miles, day or night, on varying terrain. Unlike motocross and supermoto, where fast acceleration is needed and you’re up against a series of tight turns, ruts and ‘whoops’ sections, enduro bikes get kitted out with lights, panniers for carrying extra fuel and other things you wouldn’t be needing in 3-5 lap race.
Enduro motorbikes also come with wider transmission ratios, meaning they can operate over a broad speed range without as much gear-shifting as another bike. Like a trails bike, enduro rides are designed to take even the messiest terrain in their stride – but if you’re setting off for a weekend or a week rather than a day, the extra space in the fuel tank is not to be sniffed at.
Unlike trail bikes, enduro bikes sometimes have a rear wheel that’s larger than the front – instead of impact absorption, this is primarily to prevent drifting. The overall weight is heavier than other types of dirt bike, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on attempting off-road jumps.
The odd one out: Quad Bikes 
Most bikers don’t really think of quad bikes as ‘bikes’ per se, but when it comes to off-roading it’s worth giving them a look in. Some insurers offer discounts on quad bike insurance if you’re already insuring other motorbikes, so you don’t need to worry about much extra spend for those extra wheels.
Hitting tricky terrain on four wheels instead of two gives you a lot of extra stability, but does mean it’s harder to navigate tight spots. If you’re looking to venture off along narrow trails or through dense woodland, a dirt bike of any description will likely be a better fit than a quad. But if you’re going off-road into fields, Green Lanes designed for tractors and trailers or sandy areas, quad bikes might be just the thing you need.
Particularly for a new rider, quad bikes give you the opportunity to get confident handling a piece of heavy machinery without worrying about dropping it or having a wheel drift out. You’ve got a comfortable, wide ride, and you can familiarise yourself with tyre traction on dirt, mud and grass before tackling that movement on something less stable.
All in all, which vehicle is right for you depends on where you’re planning on riding, whether it’s going to be all about speed and tricks or taking in the scenery, and how confident you are in your riding abilities. For experienced riders looking to get agile, a trials bike might be the winning hobby that shows off new skills – but for total novices, a quad or trail bike is probably a better fit.
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France and an incredible 10th International Film Award presented by MotoGP World Champion, Freddie Spencer.
It may not be winning an Oscar nomination or Oscar, but Dream Racer is a film that keeps on winning Films Awards around the globe and more importantly the heart of viewers. After earning a double Award in Canada at the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival a few months ago, Dream Racer won its 10th Film Award at French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival (2-4 March 2018) presented by none less than MotoGP Legend and 3-time World Champion, Freddie Spencer.
With Freddie Spencer being on stage addressing the audience inside the movie theater in Nice, France and Christophe Barriere-Varju (starring in Dream Racer) over in Australia, the Facebook Messenger Live Video came in announcing Dream Racer had won the Audience Award. Over a live video connection with the French Audience, Freddie stated "I really admired your perseverance on and off the track in Dream Racer, I can totally relate what you were experiencing. Dream Racer is truly an inspiring film."
To which Christophe replied "I used to watch you race MotoGP, and never... never in my wildest dreams I would have thought I would be speaking with you today, thank you." Which then followed answering questions from Festival founder, Olivier Wagner and a Q&A session with the audience.
"Motorcycles are a powerful vector of freedom, whether it’s adventure, off-road riding, road racing or vintage bikes,” says FRMFF founder and president Olivier Wagner. “In addition to being a true motorcycle racing fan, I am a movie lover and amateur filmmaker. In fact, most of the movies I have made were motorcycle related. I decided to create this event because – having competed as a director in many international motorcycle film festivals – I have had the occasion to see great movies that nobody knows in France. And the best way to do so is to create my own festival because, to my knowledge, none exists in France.”
"I met Olivier Wagner during the Lisbon Motorcycle Film Fest last year along with Caius Tenche Director of the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival (Canada), it is refreshing to meet people doing things for the love of their passion -- nothing more, and to be able to share Dream Racer message with audiences around the world is really what it is all about" says Christophe Barriere-Varju.
Christophe Barriere-Varju also works with Motorcycle Film Festivals such as the Lisbon Motorcycle Film Fest, the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival, and the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival, and The Vintagent to bring new films to its newly established film platform, Dream Racer TV -- a Netflix / iTunes like film platform that already span an audience of viewers across 70 countries.
Other Awarded Films included:
Prix du Meilleur Long Métrage / Best Feature Film Award: "IL MAGO MANCINI"
Pays / Country : Italie/Italy Réalisateur / Director : Jeffrey Zani
Prix du Meilleur Court Métrage / Best Short Film Award: "BLACK LIGHTNING : THE ROLLIE FREE STORY"
Pays / Country : USA Réalisateur / Director : Zach Ziglow
Feature films in competition
Short films in competition
Out of Competition Movies
- Be. Continental Circus - Belgium
- I Fidanzati Della Morte - Italy
- Once Upon a Time Continental Circus - France
ABOUT THE JUDGING PANEL
Freddie Spencer, President: American MotoGP pilot, 3-time world champion. "Fast Freddie" was the youngest world champion, a record only recently broken by Marc Marquez. Freddie Spencer is the only MotoGP racer to have won both 250cc and 500cc races, and world title in the same year, 1985. His book 'FEEL, My Story' is a search for the personal fulfilment that comes through finding your purpose, Freddie’s story is a universal one. In its message of hope, Feel transcends its genre to offer a story for everyone. Part thriller, part philosophical self-exploration, it is a remarkably insightful account of what it is like to have it all, but wonder why.
Eric Saul, Professional Grand Prix racer, founder of I.C.G.P.: Original member of the French generation of Grand Prix racers who shone brilliantly in the Continental Circus, Eric Saul is the founder and organizer of the famous International Classic Grand Prix (ICGP), whose aim is to bring together former world championship riders with their vintage machines, thus allowing the public to relive unforgettable moments from this magical era. An era in which the Grand Prix had starting grids counting up to 36 pilots in 6 different categories.
Lydia Truglio Beaumont, Racer, Trainer & Journalist: Lydia really is a girl apart. She defines herself as Founder of the Mag'Motardes, a graduate educator, and a pluri-disciplinary amateur rider. That's what she is and her excellent blog that highlights women in the world of motorcycle is really worth a read. Her participation in the "Africa Eco Race" which will provide support to children's associations in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.
Didier Constant, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian magazine "Motoplus.ca": Created in March 2008, the online magazine "Motoplus.ca" is currently in its tenth year of publication. As he writes after Sacha Guitry: "to please everyone, is to please no one, and it would be an insult if one sought everyone’s approval.” Didier understood this a long time ago. One touches people’s hearts when one stops trying to seduce at all costs. Didier came from the “Belle Province” (Québec) especially for this event.
Gérard Delio (Photo Press), Professional Sports Photographer: If there is a familiar name in the French motorcycle racing community, it is that of «Photo Press». Gérard Delio has been haunting the circuits since the 1970s. Today he still immortalizes riders in action. There is not a single racer who does not have a picture of him taken by Gerard. If you're looking for an archived photo, he’s your man.
ABOUT THE FRENCH RIVIERA MOTORCYCLE FILM FESTIVAL
Created by motorcycle enthusiast Olivier Wagner, the French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival spirit is the same as biker spirit. It is based on fraternity, common mind and the desire to share one’s passions, and to watch a selection of films about motorcycles from around the world, during the first edition of the "French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival". The festival has been supported by VILLE DE NICE, The Nap Hotel, Moto Expo 2018, Club Presse 06, Esprit Motard 06, Laurent Lachkar Ducati, NICE PREMIUM Motors BMW, Honda Werther, Indian Motorcycle, Harley Davidson, and Jacky Onda Yamaha.
ABOUT DREAM RACER AND DREAM RACER TV
To date, the film Dream Racer has been watched by audiences in over 145 countries, and watched by audiences from 70 countries on its new launched On-Demand platform Dream Racer TV that features not just Dream Racer, but many other sports and adventure-based documentary feature films.
Dream Racer TV is a fully encrypted DRM digital video on demand platform that offers a content protected platform to film makers wishing to add their film to a growing list of content and viewers worldwide. Dream Racer TV takes its name after 10x Award Winning Film, Dream Racer.
The film Dream Racer has been sold to Discovery World, FOX, and featured in international in-flight movies at Qantas, Virgin, and Emirates.
Dream Racer is the most awarded motorcycle film of all time and has now won a total of 10 International Awards at Film Festivals in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Milan, Marina del Rey, New York, New Delhi, Oregon, Toronto, and Nice, France. Dream Racer has also been nominated in Austria, and Australia for Best Edited Film.
Dream Racer is available to audiences worldwide on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Online via Video On Demand including subtitles options in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Russian from our Official Website.
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Government proposals of £7million funding for new bike-friendly areas fail to address a fundamental issue of cycling road safety: potholes and deteriorating road surfaces reports the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA).
“The government’s own figures state that 100 cyclists a year are killed or seriously injured due to accidents caused by poor or defective road surfaces. This is the issue that needs to be addressed”, said Howard Robinson, RSTA chief executive.
Under the proposals the government will provide £6.5 million funding for a range of projects to improve road safety and help create more bike-friendly areas in 8 cities including Bristol, Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham, Norwich, Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford. In addition, it will also provide £0.5 million to support the Cycling UK Big Bike initiative to get more people cycling safely.
“Cyclists are amongst our more vulnerable road users. For them, the continued deterioration of local road surfaces can result in death or serious, life-changing injuries”, said Robinson. “Initiatives to get more people cycling are to be welcomed but the government needs to invest in the provision of a well-maintained road network that is safe to for them to use.”
Robinson points to the latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey that found to restore the local road network to a satisfactory condition would cost over £12.06 billion and it would take 13 years to address the backlog of potholes. Produced by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) the survey found that such is the rate of deterioration a sixth of local roads could be unusable within five years.
“Before making headline grabbing announcements the government should provide real levels of investment in road maintenance to ensure that cyclists have a safe road surface to cycle on”, said Robinson.
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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
- 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
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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.
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