The idea struck me a while ago, that a Calendar which featured Bikers from various Motorcycle Clubs across the UK similar to 'The Calendar Girls' would be:

a: A good idea

b: Funny

c: Interesting to produce

When THE BIKER GUIDE web-site was born in early 2009, it was decided that part of the plan for the first year of trading would be to produce THE BIKER CALENDAR, with a charity donation from each one sold given to NABD. The hunt then began to source all sorts of information and groups to be involved.

Contrary to popular belief this process takes over six months to prepare, work on and produce. Here follows the story...

Initial preparations

We asked our focus group if they think it is a good idea, which consisted of best mates, mother and husband. Answers included 'How funny', 'Yeah baby', 'Can I be in it', 'Very creative' and a comment from the Victor Meldrew Biker, which we put down to the time of the month (and shall not repeat). So going with the majority we began.

Contact various printers from local businesses to web-based to a company who was recommended, to request prices and samples of A3, A4 and A5 size. On receiving the samples we then sourced envelopes that fitted said Calendar and then hot footed it to the Post Office to price the cost of postage to the UK, Europe and beyond. The decision is made to go with A4 size for the ease of delivery, that the Calendar will arrive unfolded (Hey, it could be in the post for weeks going to the USA, Canada and Singapore), the image would look good on an A4 size and also the cost of p&p for this size would be an acceptable add on.

Bikers who want to get naked

The calendar would feature Bikers from around the UK,with volunteers virtually naked and carefully posed with their bikes, to avoid any embarrassment or envy and artfully taken in black and white. The main ethos whilst producing the Calendar would be: 'Its all about the comedy value'.

We needed eleven clubs, some random Bikers, plus front cover ladies and through thebikerguide.co.uk, e-shots, the wonderful facebook and good old word of mouth we began to ask for Motorcycle Clubs who would like to be involved.

We quickly began to receive e-mails from people who wanted to be involved and then we had to co-ordinate where they were based, when they were available and where the photograph could be taken i.e.: in a place we would not all get arrested.

From April of 2009 until mid August we travelled to visit various Biker Clubs and Rallies across the UK, to take photographs including The Royal British Legion Riders Branch, Northern Harley Club, FELP, The Wrecking Crew, Unwanted MCC, Royal Oak Rejects and Salutation MCC. We also managed to get some budding 'David Bailey wannabes' to take some pictures from areas we could not get to, which included NABD members in the South, Bristol & Avon Roadrunners MCC and Jesters MCC.

On attending the photo shoot for the RBLRB in the Midlands, where all the men had misread the brief where it stated 'Virtually undressed' and on asking how we prepared for the shoot, on saying "We set the shoot by placing the Motorcycles in a formation and then you get undressed down to your underwear and then get into place", I was met by blank looks,and a bit of mumblings until one brave chap said "We thought we had to be naked love, so we have nothing on underneath". On keeping my composure and always the professional, my eyes were averted throughout from the 'dangly bits' and no comments were made. Afterwards when the photograph was taken and we enjoyed a much deserved drink, I was asking where everyone had come from to take part, with a few people coming from the South of England. I innocently (and now infamously) said "I hear that the RBLR are bigger down South than up North"!

During these months we did receive more applications than we actually produced, where some people got giddy and put their club forward to be included, without checking that all were prepared to strip! Sadly a few had to withdraw their offer or simply went awol, so as you can imagine some times it was like wading through mud as we filled the schedule for the Calendar months with clubs, deleted clubs, added a club, deleted a club and so on...

Find a graphic designer who can touch up the bums of Bikers

So how do you ask a graphic designer to do the job in hand - well it went something like this:

"We are to produce a Calendar featuring Bikers in various state of undress, imagine The Calendar Girls meets Wild Hogs, where we need the image changed into black & white, colour added to certain parts, some items of clothing removed, some 'Baby Bikers' hidden, some airbrushing, some heads changed (naughty Bikers not looking at the camera) - Oh and four ladies cut from separate images on a blue screen type photograph and put on an open road holding up cards for the year."

Surprisingly we received many people wanting to take the job, (maybe they wanted the challenge) so we ploughed through the fifty responses to see what work they had done previously, if anything was similar to what we wanted, how creative they were, asked for a few samples, until we finally we found our guy.

Transform the photographs into works of art

Of course it would have been easier to just produce a Calendar with colour or just black and white photographs, as they were taken, with people looking elsewhere, lots of private parts hanging out and no added extra, however that would have been easy, boring and not really what the ethos of THE BIKER GUIDE is about. In fact, we wanted each image and the Calendar as a whole, to be individual for each club, for each photograph to show the personality of those included and ultimately for the Calendar to flow from the cover until December 2010 to produce a piece of Biker memorabilia and something people would want to hang on their walls for 12 months!

The images would be sent through to the graphic designer with instructions such as "Take off bra from lady on the left", "Put sticker over ladies right boob", "Cut man and bike out of picture, turn around and place on road", "Take head off man on the right from image 1 and place on image 2 where they are looking away" and my personnel favorite "Check if anything is showing underneath all the men's hands".

What a crazy idea

We realised that THE BIKER CALENDAR would not appeal to everyone's taste, although we knew that those involved loved the idea and with many Bikers having a wicked sense of humour (How many wear fancy dress at rallies?) we hoped to sell enough to make a healthy donation to NABD.

A donation of £321 was given to Rick Hulse at this years You've Been Nabded, at Astel Park, Chelford on May 8th, from sales of THE BIKER CALENDAR 2010. In accepting the cheque Rick said that "When people start up in business they have a lot of things on their minds and goals they have in place. In the first year of business for THE BIKER GUIDE, they have donated this cheque, as NABD is important to them".

Sharon from THE BIKER GUIDEtalked about how she had a crazy idea a long time ago to produce a Calendar in the style of the Calendar Girls, with Bikers... although she was glad the calendar was not 'Scratch and Sniff'! During this speech she thanked all those involved, everyone who bought the calendar and also thanked Rick and NABD for supporting the idea and for never saying it was a crazy idea.

THE BIKER CALENDAR 2011

For the 2011 edition, we asked all those who wanted to be involved to fill in a simple on-line form so we could gain some extra information, such as how many wanted to be included, what the mix of male and female would be, where clubs were based, if images could be supplied and when, so that we could organise the production schedule to run more smoothly. However we experienced once again a few clubs who withdrew the offer or simply disappeared when we put into place a brief which included how naked people had to be!

As always at THE BIKER GUIDE we listen to our visitors who asked for more nakedness and more ladies and for the 2011 edition we have also injected more humour and many interesting touches.

All in all, 102 Bikers in various forms of undress have taken part for the 2011 edition, tastefully taken, artfully produced with lots of humorous touches and colourful highlights and features Motorcycle events for the 2011 season.

Those who dared to bare include members of NABD, RBLRB, 4 Fs MCC, Southport Original Cruisers, But Why? Wrecking Crew, Knights of the Shire MOC, Westhoughton MCC, Jesters MCC and The A59ers RC

In association with THE BIKER GUIDE web-site the calendar is already selling like pints at a Biker Rally, with a limited print run.

£1 of every Calendar sold is being donated to NABD.

See here:

THE BIKER GUIDE

The web-site is aimed at anyone with an interest in Motorcycles and the Biker scene. Including information on Rallies, Shows, Clubs, News, Biker Pubs, Clothing, Biker Friendly Accommodation, Camping, Custom & Parts, Services for Events, Touring and much, much more, all on one regular updated and user friendly site.

The web-site was launched in January of 2009 and has already gained a loyal audience and has quickly become a favourite with many 'Bikers'.

Article produced by Sharon Rollisson-Slaughter on behalf of THE BIKER GUIDE

The final round of the Triumph Triple Challenge at Silverstone was action packed as ever with Jimmy Dye winning the Michelin Cup Championship and Duncan Knox winning the TDG Cup Championship.

The weekend started with Chris Northover taking pole position from Phil Atkinson who held pole for the bulk of the session and only lost out in the closing moments as Northover took it from him by 0.497secs.

Tommy Dale lined up in third place on the front row of the grid and Tom Hayward completed the line up. Championship leader Jimmy Dye found it difficult to get to grips with the new circuit and gave himself a lot of work qualifying back in 11^th position.

Coming into the Silverstone round Atkinson had been dominating the racing and knew he was still in with a shout at the title as he was 25 points behind Dye.

Mark Cheetham joined the ranks of the TDG Cup riders qualifying in eighth place overall and pole position for the TDG Cup.

TDG Cup Championship leader, Duncan Knox qualified in 13^th place and second in the Cup. He had a tough qualifying as he went out initially without his transponder fitted so his team had the forethought to have him black flagged so this issue could be rectified. However when he went back out he felt he didn’t get into a good rhythm.

Northover said: “I just got some laps in and was concentrating on set-up. I was happy enough when I was in third as front row is what is important. I put a few more laps in and was surprised to see that I was pole when I came back in. I’m excited about the race and the weather has improved so it will be good. I want to stay out of the Atkinson Dye battle and just ride my own race.”

Cheetham said: “I made up 6 seconds from yesterday, we fitted a different shock and it is a lot better. I’m happy to be on pole. It’s a great track; it’s as good as it looks on TV. It’s all about the apexes and not shutting off. I still feel I can go a bit faster as I had a problem with my front tyre warmer before I went out so I had to go steady for a few laps.”

Pole sitter Chris Northover picked up the first win of the weekend but he had his work cut out as Championship contender Atkinson took the early lead and held off Northover for the opening two laps. Tommy Dale briefly interrupted play by taking the lead on lap three, but Northover was determined to win and it was at this point that he took the lead and stayed there to the chequered flag.

The podium battle saw six different riders in contention as they all jostled for position. Dale and Toby Markham got well and truly mugged by quiet Irishman Emmet O’Grady. He tailed the leading group for the full race distance and made his move right at the end to secure second place. This left Markham with third place on the podium.

Atkinson came over the line in an uncharacteristic fourth place whilst championship leader Dye, came through from 11^th to seventh. This left the Championship chase to be decided on the outcome of the final race of the year.

The TDG Cup riders also had an epic race with Duncan Knox playing it safe and settling for second place to take the Championship. The race was won by Mark Cheetham who finished in 11^th overall and gave Knox a run for his money at the start of the race. Chad Hashmi took third place just ahead of Jamie Poole.

Northover said: “That was good fun and it’s great to get a win here at Silverstone. I was determined not to get mugged today, I know I’ve mugged a few people so I didn’t want a taste of my own medicine. I’m looking forward to race two on Sunday.”

O’Grady said: “I sat on the back of the top three as they had the pace and then on the last few laps I started to make some moves. I’m happy to be on the podium and can’t wait for race two.”

Markham said: “I got a bad start, I went from fifth to ninth and then tried to ride around everyone at turn one. It was a hard race trying to get through everyone; by the time I got to second place Chris already had a bit of a gap and then Emmett got me.”

Cheetham said: “I wheelied off the start and all the young guns came past me. I had a good battle with Duncan but then I got away. I used an old tyre and I had a few big slides towards the end so I’ll have a new one for Sunday.”

TDG Cup Champion Knox said: “I really enjoyed that. I started well and had a good dice with Mark Cheetham but I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardise the title so when I saw +2, +3 on my board I decided to bring it home. Well done to Chad as he has pushed me all year, the TDG Cup has been excellent and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Hashmi said: “Well done to Duncan on winning the Championship. I had a big battle in that race with Jamie Poole; I need to stay ahead of him tomorrow to keep my second place in the Championship so we shall see how we go.”

The second race of the weekend saw Toby Markham finally stand on the top step of the podium and while Markham was taking the win, Jimmy Dye came home in ninth place which was enough to secure the title.

Just before the race the weather took a turn for the worst leaving the riders in a quandary as to what tyres to run. The track was actually quite dry which caught a lot of people out.

As the lights went out it was Phil Atkinson who jumped straight into the lead with Chris Northover second and Markham in third place. Atkinson’s lead was short lived as he got mugged on the first lap going from first to fourth and fourth place man Tommy Dale taking first!

TDG Cup Champion Duncan Knox was able to ride his own race with no pressure as he had already secured the title. He was finally able to race the red Michelin Cup bikes and by lap three he was up to fifth place.

Markham started pushing for the lead on lap three and Atkinson slotted back into second place leaving Dale trailing in third with Knox up to fourth. As the race came to a conclusion Markham pipped Atkinson to the win by just 0.056secs.

Knox won the TDG Cup but finished in fifth place overall, Mark Cheetham was second and Jamie Poole in his usual third place.

Newly crowned Michelin Cup Champion Jimmy Dye said: “I felt more relaxed today after Saturday’s race. I knew I needed to finish in the top 11 so I didn’t push it and came home in ninth place. It’s great to pick up the title again. This series has helped give me my confidence back after my big crash at Cadwell Park last year.”

Markham said: “My first race win, it’s been a long time coming! I left it to the last round to do it but I was determined I was going to win. I think this circuit suits me better as it is more like what I’m used to racing on with the GPs. I also think I’ve finally got used to the bike. I’d like to thank everyone who backed me this year and supported me along the way.”

Atkinson said: “It just didn’t go my way today and it was a tough race. The weather didn’t help matters. Also being the final round a lot of riders who have been steadily progressing all year were suddenly at the front, so I was racing people I haven’t raced before and I didn’t know what to expect.”

Dale said: “That was a good race but I went for the wrong tyres so towards the end I couldn’t keep the pace. It’s been a good season, I’ve really enjoyed it.”

TDG Cup Champion Knox said: “That was excellent. No pressure on me and I’ve wanted to race the red bikes all year! It’s been a great year, great championship and great lads. I’m really glad I came back, I’ve really enjoyed racing Chad and Jamie.”

Cheetham said: “I’m amazed I got back in one piece as I had a big front end slide on the first lap. I slide for about 40 metres before it caught again. Then I had a big rear slide later on! Great race.”

Poole said: “That was a good finish. The track has been hard to learn and the weather hasn’t helped. I got a good start and picked my way through. It was a good race and a good finish to the year.”

As well as recently joining the MCIA, RideSafe BackSafe has now expanded to include Cumbria Road Safety Partnership with immediate effect. Britain’s second largest county is a magnet for many motorcyclists who are drawn to beautiful countryside, wide open roads and sweeping bends. And Cumbria has the same concerns for the well-being of both local and visiting bikers as they travel through the county.

Road Safety Co-ordinator for Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, Chris Broadbent explains: “During the last six years the total number of fatalities and serious injuries in road traffic collisions has reduced in Cumbria, but motorcyclists and especially young riders, still represent a disproportionately high number of casualties. RideSafe BackSafe is established, friendly and trusted by motorcycling enthusiasts because it is run ‘by bikers, for bikers’. By joining a well-known initiative that already works well in neighbouring Lancashire, as well as Greater Manchester and Merseyside, Cumbria is reinforcing its commitment to the motorcycling community“.

RideSafe BackSafe does not manage safety cameras and is not police-led; although police motorcyclists and BikeSafe, together with IAM, BMF, MAG and KillSpills, play a part in its promotional activities.

The initiative focuses on the vulnerability of bikers and promotes the benefits of ‘post-test’ training and rider assessment schemes, as well as the need for all bikers to wear proper kit and body armour. This is achieved by building relationships with motorcycle dealers, meeting bikers socially at bike meets, shows and dealer open days and by working closely with the motorcycle industry as whole.

The RideSafe BackSafe team is well aware that bikers are not always at fault when collisions occur and therefore, promoting the “THINK BIKE, THINK BIKER” campaign to other road users is of equal importance.           

More information, advice, news and events are featured at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

News that bus lanes in the Bedford Borough are to be open to motorcycles for a trial period has been welcomed by the bmf.

Designed to reduce congestion around the town centre, the eighteen-month trial starts today and will also include bicycles, taxis and private hire vehicles.

Bedford has four bus lanes in the town centre and for many years local bmf activists have lobbied for motorcycle access. Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Transport, said: “I am delighted we have been able to open our bus lanes to more people whilst ensuring they continue to encourage people to consider more sustainable forms of transport.”

Chris Hodder the bmf’s Government Relations Executive said: “Access to bus lanes is one of the bmf's main campaigns so we are very happy to show what local bmf activists can achieve. No doubt this will improve the lives of riders in Bedford and hopefully will inspire those local authorities who are still unsure over allowing motorcycles into their bus lanes."

A long-term campaigner for bus lane use by motorcyclists, the bmf say that London’s recently extended trial has shown that such schemes work well and bear out experiences from other permanent and trial sites. However despite several UK towns and cities adopting bus lane use*, this is still not a national policy and that is what is now wanted from the Government say the bmf

*Note: Bus lane access has been allowed in: Bristol (has operated a permanent bus lane access since 1996) and Reading (since 1999). Other sites are in: Northern Ireland, Birmingham, Colchester, Derby, Bath, Hull, Swindon, Richmond on Thames, Newcastle on Tyne, Sunderland, Plymouth and the M4 bus lane. Most of London’s red routes are now currently being trialled for motorcycle use.

Castel Gandolfo (Rome) 15 September, 2010 - The gift of two Ducati Multistrada motorcycles for the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City has been presented to Pope Bendictus XVI to be used as part of the Pope’s official security motorcade.

During a ceremony at Castel Gandolfo, Ducati Motor Holding made the gift of two Ducati Multistradas to the Pope, the motorcycles specially prepared as special escort vehicles for the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City during official security duties for the Pontiff.

The two 1200cc Ducati Multistrada motorcycles, finished in the special livery of the Pontifical State, were delivered directly to the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Rome on 15 September. In the beautiful gardens adjoining the villa, a delegation of top management from the world-famous Italian motorcycle manufacturer officially presented the gift to His Holiness, Pope Bendictus XVI.

At the ceremony today, Carlo Bonomi, Andrea Bonomi (President of Investindustrial) and Gabriele Del Torchio (President of Ducati Motor Holding) had the honour of presenting the keys of the Ducati motorcycles personally to the Pontiff, and to greet him on behalf of the entire Ducati Company.

“We are very honoured for the unique opportunity of delivering our two special Ducati Multistradas to His Holiness today,” stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President at Ducati Motor Holding, after the ceremony. “For us, and for everyone who works at Ducati, this event represents something to be very proud of and a gesture that reinforces our daily commitment in our work at the factory. It is a symbolic gift with which we would like to express our sincerest appreciation and respect for the Pope and embrace his message of hope and trust in the future, which he addressed to all industries in his encyclical Caritas in Veritate.”

Thanks to Ducati’s gift, this will be the first time in history that the Vatican Gendarmerie Corp will use motorcycles in their delicate security tasks and the fact that this privilege has been given to an Italian manufacturer, gives merit and additional pride to all Italian industry. Furthermore, it strengthens the aura of excellence that already surrounds the dynamic and innovative motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati.

The new Multistrada 1200 has been finished in the special Pontifical livery of yellow and white and is extensively modified for the Gendarmerie Corp with a vertically telescopic flashing light mast, siren and radio communication. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 represents a completely new concept of motorcycle, designed to tackle any kind of journey and road surface by using technology derived directly from the Bologna-made race bikes that compete in MotoGP and World Superbike. The motorcycle has few limits and can transform itself to suit any rider’s demands at the press of a button. Described as being four-bikes-in-one, the Multistrada can transform itself from a sport bike to a touring bike suitable for long journeys with a passenger and luggage, or from an everyday commuter bike to an agile enduro bike, which can tackle off-road routes with ease. In designing the Multistrada, Ducati’s goal was to create a versatile motorcycle able to achieve impressive levels of performance at all times and in all places and their special blend of Italian innovation, elegance, style and technology perfectly characterises the motorcycles that come out of its Bologna factory.