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.”

I would just like thank all who came to our Bike night (10th July)

What a brilliant night! We raised just under £370 for Help for Heroes.

Well done people and thank you.

Keith Watling

The Heritage Motor Centre is to host a special centenary Rally celebrating 100 years of the Morris motor car on Sunday 14 July.

Organised by the Bullnose Morris Club, the Rally is a tribute to William Morris, also known as Lord Nuffield and famous for his creation of the Morris car. Over 100 Morris cars manufactured from 1913 - 1987 are expected to join the Rally.

Many examples of Morris cars through the decades will be on display outside the Museum from 10am - 4pm. As a special tribute to the event, Museum visitors will also be able to view 6 Morris Oxford Bullnose models with White and Poppe four cylinder engines that are 100 years old.

For more information on the event please contact John Bishop, Club, Groups & Rallies Senior Co-ordinator on 01926 645032 or [email protected]. 

 www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Looking for owners of the following bikes to attend a focus group on Tuesday 16th July in London W.1. at 6.30pm.

Payment: £100 for 2 hours

Men & women aged 20 - 60

Ducati Panigale / Panigale S  BMW S1000RR  MV Augusta F4 1000 / 1000R  Aprilia RSV4

All bikes must have been bought from new and later than 2009.

For more information, please call Luci on 07940 520 224

As we have previously reported, there was a vote in the European Parliament on the 2nd July concerning the European Commission’s three proposals regarding the Road Worthiness Testing (RWT) package and relevant amendments.

The three proposals from the European Commission in the RWT package are: •Periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers •Registration documents for vehicles •Technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union.

The vote in the Parliament agreed on amendments to introduce RWT for motorcycles, whereas previously a committee of MEPs, the TRAN (Transport and Tourism), agreed to delete motorcycles from the proposals.

If the proposed regulations went through right now, this would see the mandatory introduction of RWT or Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI) a version of our MoT for motorcycles across Europe.

Although parliament had agreed to the three proposals, it was also agreed that these be referred back to the TRAN committee for reconsideration.

On the 8th July 2013 the TRAN committee voted in favour of a mandate to enter into negotiations with the Council and the Commission to head for an agreement on a common position for a vote in the European Parliament for the introduction of this legislation. However we do hear you cry what does all this mean, just hold on what about some plain language! What does this mean for UK riders?

The concern for riders in the UK is that the MoT test will somehow become a “Super MoT” with an associated rise in costs, even though the Commission’s proposal indicates that the RWT would be of a minimum standard across the European Union with member states free to introduce a stricter regime if they wish to do so.

At some stage anyway there could be the introduction of emission testing (this is dependent on the type approval legislation recently passed in which manufacturers will be obliged – from 2016 to declare emissions). However, in the UK our testing period is after three years (end of third year – beginning of the fourth year) then every year.

In Northern Ireland our MoT is carried out by a Government Agency, while in GB (rest of the UK) the test is carried out by independent testers who also in most cases also repair motorcycles. The RWT proposal aims to split these activities (see comments above from Jacqueline Foster on this specific proposal.

MEPs Vote

If you are writing to MEPs remember they may have voted against the amendments and proposal for Example in Northern Ireland our MEPs voted thus: Diane Dodds – Against – James Nicholson – Against – Martina Anderson – Abstained.

The Belgium riders organisation FBMC are organising a demonstration on the 14th September against the proposal. We are continuing our own lobbying as we are sure other riders organisations across Europe are.

In the grand scale of things, how will this proposal affect UK riders?  From where we are standing – not a lot – possibly it will mean at some point in time, the inclusion of emissions testing.  For the rest, our opinion has always been and remains that in Europe, each country has its own culture, history and way of doing things and if these countries prefer not to have RWT, that is their right.

Our view is that each and every one of us must make sure that our motorcycle is roadworthy and safe to ride. Whether this depends on a third party inspecting our pride and joy to ensure that it is “safe” or whether it is for us to do, it doesn’t really matter as far as we are concerned – in the end it is our own responsibility.

Read the full article on Right To ride EU