Dear Wakefield MAG Member,
Welcome to the Wakefield MAG e-newsletter. If you can't attend our Wednesday meetings regularly, it's the next best thing to keep you up to date with what we are up to.
CONTENTS
1) Post Christmas Auction Report
2) Bingo Night Report
3) MAG Meets MCRG
4) Yorkshire MAG Rallies
5) Injunctions
6) 8th Pet Food Run
7) Wakefield MAG Bike Show
8) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
9) 15th Birthday Bash
10) Forthcoming Events (for March and beyond)
1) Post Christmas Auction Report
Check out the event report Here.
Check out the event report Here.
MAG held a joint session with the Chair of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group (MCRG), Kevin Howells, at MAG's National Committee meeting on 11th February, 2017, in Warwickshire.
Mr Howells talked about the shocking crime statistics affecting biking. "There are over 26,000 bike thefts a year in this country," he explained. "That means that during my presentation three or four bikes will have been taken in the UK. What the MCRG does is find ways to put people off stealing bikes. Tagging them is the most important one, and it's got a good track record. With a system like Datatag your bike is 60% less likely to be stolen, and the recovery rates are a lot better. That's one thing we can do and the industry has taken that up."
The meeting looked at what can most effectively reduce crime for bikers. MAG's London Representative, Tim Fawthrop, reported that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn, has blamed bikers themselves for not being careful enough; Tim observed that it's hard to see how you can protect against being pushed off your own bike in a petrol station, likening it to blaming someone for not having chained all their property down in their house in case a burglar breaks in.
Mr Howells surprised the group by revealing that a lot of stolen bikes are built around used frames with log books sold by the insurance industry. These are then sold back into the dealership network.
Selina Lavender, Chair of MAG, said: "Kevin's talk was very informative. Fighting bike theft needs to be a joint initiative so whilst it is encouraging that some manufacturers such as Triumph are fitting additional security as standard, there also needs to be an improvement in crime detection."
It was agreed that MAG and the MCRG will continue to work together, with the industry and the police in an effort to reduce bike crime which, suggested Mr Howells, can provoke riders into giving up bikes because they get fed up with losing them.
MAG has now launched the ticket sales for the three iconic Yorkshire MAG motorcycle rallies. Pete Walker, MAP Events Manager, has invited all riders in the UK and elsewhere to book their places at Into The Valley, Farmyard and the Yorkshire Pudding, all of which take place in Gods Own County.
Pete says "our motto and ethos at the Yorkshire MAG rallies is parties with a purpose, which sums up what our bike rallies mean to us. We put together three big gatherings of like-minded people who come to celebrate the motorcycling lifestyle to the full, partying in beautiful surroundings with more entertainment than ever before and in a safe and secure atmosphere. Our motorcycle rallies are exceptional value for money, and help protect your lifestyle by funding the Motorcycle Action Group. We try to cater for the numerous styles of the motorcycling culture in the UK and abroad, with bikers of all ages and at all stages of their motorcycling life catered for."
For 2017, the organisers are making significant improvements to the events based on feedback from thousands who responded to a survey with views and suggestions. One change is making limited car passes available for qualified riders who, for whatever reason, would find it too hard to attend on two wheels. Also, if the weather looks like it won't be 'bike-friendly', there will be an announcement on social media and the website that ticket-holders may arrive by car - so no need to anxiously weather-watch.
"So, if you want to party with a purpose," adds Pete, "and help keep your lifestyle alive for those coming of age to carry it on into the future, choose MAG rallies; choose a future for motorcycling; choose life on two wheels and celebrate it in some Yorkshire fields of dreams. We WILL build it. Will YOU come?"
Notes on the Yorkshire MAG rallies:
INTO THE VALLEY RE-INVENTED: 28th-30th April - East Riding
This event moves to a more sheltered, and warmer, location. There are high walls keeping the wind off the camping area and two large, linked, heated brick-built Victorian Barns, one of which will be the main bar and eating area, open 24 hours a day. The entertainment begins on Friday afternoon. Beer is priced from £2.00 a pint throughout the weekend. There will also be a limited number of car passes available so those who are not able to ride to the event for whatever reason can still attend. The event will also make provision for car travel if the weather is against us - watch for announcements on Facebook and at www.farmyardparty.com
Pre-book event. Full weekend tickets: £25. Saturday-only tickets: £18 (limited number available). Kids: FREE (must be pre-booked). Car Passes (limited): £20. PLEASE NOTE: copy of driving licence with full bike entitlement required to obtain a car pass.
FARMYARD PARTY: 16th-18th June - Helmsley, North Yorkshire
This giant of a rally, now in its 31st year, is the 'jewel in the crown' of the rally calendar. This year the music is even more diverse, and with more acoustic sounds, starting early on Friday afternoon. We've also got additional motorcycle-related events over the weekend. With over thirty acts, the famous Smacked Arse comedy show courtesy of Rick Hulse, and three options for camping - the field with fires, the one without and the 'glamping village' - this is set to be the most eclectic Farmyard yet in the rally's history.
Full weekend tickets: £37 pre-book, £50 on the gate. Thursday: £5 BUT can only be booked with full weekend ticket. Saturday-only ticket: £25 (limited number available). Kids: FREE (must be pre-booked). Car Passes (limited): £20. PLEASE NOTE: copy of driving licence with full bike entitlement required to obtain a car pass. Call 0800 988 3199. If the weather is poor, we'll allow riders to arrive by car - watch for announcements on Facebook and at www.farmyardparty.com
YORKSHIRE PUDDING: 4th-6th August - Escrick, near York
This rally still sells out on pre-book ticket sales so it's a case of first-come, first-served. It has two marquees for entertainment, one hosting a big stage with bands playing both nights, and a comedy show during the day on Saturday. It also boasts great traders, top-class food and exceptionally clean facilities.
Pre-book event. Full weekend tickets: £25. Saturday-only tickets: £18 (limited number available). Kids: FREE (must be pre-booked). Car passes will not be permitted, apart from Blue Badge holders (restriction enforced by the site owners).
Wakefield MAG will very shortly have our branch allocation of Sale or Return Tickets, which will be on sale at the Wednesday meetings. Remember, if you buy them direct from us, you will save on the booking / postage fee !!! Let me know if you want some reserving.
MAG is currently looking at injunctions taken out by a number of local councils (Leeds et al) in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour undertaken on motorcycles.
Steve Bolton (Huddersfield MAG), one of MAG's Liaison Officers, commented "Motorcycling is an activity enjoyed by all who take part in it. It draws people from all backgrounds and age groups, with an eclectic outlook on life. Unfortunately it is also an activity that, from time to time, attracts elements of society who exhibit some degree of over-exuberance and high spirits. It always has and, no doubt, always will - but nothing on the scale of what has been witnessed recently from these hooligans, who often organise and promote their activities via social media."
"MAG unconditionally distances itself from this anti-social behaviour, which we have seen at different times and in various locations around the country. We are about to embark on a series of meetings and conferences with Local Authorities and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to ensure that bikers going about their daily lawful business do not suffer as a result of mismanaged or misdirected enforcement of these injunctions. The enforcement strategy must target those whose misdemeanors have created the need for these injunctions and no one else."
MAG will shortly be meeting with the NPCC to cover these points and agree a way forward that doesn't depend on blunt and indiscriminate injunctions that potentially outlaw legal riding alongside the true targets of the legislation: the hooligans who break existing laws in mass numbers and happen to be doing so on two wheels.
N.B. It was the NPCC who invited MAG to their annual conference, and MAG will be one of the very few non-Senior Police delegates, a sure sign of how well respected the organisation now is in professional circles .... not bad for a rag-tag bunch of bikers who got together to object to the mandatory helmet law in 1973.
Our 8th Pet Food Run will be held on Sunday 19th March, in aid of Wakefield District Dog Rescues (Whitehall Dog Rescue and the RSPCA - Leeds and Wakefield Branch).
Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at the Redbeck Cafe, Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT. From there, we'll take the short ride over to East Ardsley, where both rescues are located. We will be finished by lunchtime, so ideal if you have something else on in the afternoon, or depending on demand, an afternoon rideout can be organised. If the weather is poor, simply come in the car instead !!!
Bring the following items to donate:
N.B. The RSPCA also rescue cats and rabbits, so feel free to also bring along donations suitable for cats and rabbits (for donation at the RSPCA).
Hope to see you there.
It's only a couple of months now to our popular bike show, hosted at the Wakefield Gala at Clarence Park Arena, on May Day Bank Holiday Monday. Plenty of notice then to fettle up your pride and joy to enter into the show. 6 winning categories plus an overall Best in show up for grabs. We will also be hosting the Yorkshire MAG stand and running a tombola (with some great prizes to win). Lots of other attractions at the show and it's a great family day out. Hope to see you there.
8) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
The Wakefield 10k Road Race is organised for and by Wakefield Hospice, with the aim to raise as much as possible for patients and their families living with an end of life diagnosis. Wakefield Hospice annually needs to raise £4 million. They would not be able to achieve this without the help of local people going out of their way to raise funds through taking part in events like the Wakefield 10k.
This years event will be the 22nd annual Wakefield 10k and during that time runners have raised more than £0.5 million for those who need specialist care at a very difficult time in their lives. Last year those running in the Wakefield 10k did an incredible job raising more than £50,000 for the hospice. This could fund a whole week's care in the hospice!
The 22nd Wakefield Hospice 10k race is being held on Sunday 2nd April 2017, and takes the same route as previous years (starting from Clarence Park, it's a linear route straight out and back along Horbury Road). Wakefield MAG have helped to marshal this popular event for more years than we care to remember, and our role is as mobile race marshals, looking after those competitors at the tail end of the race. The roads will only be closed for an hour maximum, and although the bulk of runners will be finished whilst the road is still closed, a good number of runners (walkers !!!) will still be on the course, hence the requirement for mobile marshals (that's us !!) to ensure their safety, once the road is re-opened to traffic. We are generally the last 'officials' remaining on the course, and hence play a vital role. We generally need around 6 marshals, although the more the merrier. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know. P.S. you'll be home for lunchtime !!!
On the day, meet at 08:30 on Lawfield Lane to be issued with your marshalls Hi-Viz vest and receive any last minute instructions.
N.B. Please ensure your own bike insurance does not have an exclusion relating to marshalling non-motorsport events i.e. runners on a partially closed road route - MAG's preferred insurer, Bikesure, does not in it's standard insurance cover exclusions.
More details of the event here: www.wakefield10k.org.uk
We are celebrating our 15th Birthday (belatedly) on Saturday 22nd April with a Super Six Party Booking at the Dogs, for which you get Admission (including race programme), Pint of beer/lager, any bottle or wine or spirit, Choice of any basket meal available on the night, 2 x £1 Tokens for Tote super six jackpot (usually well into five figures ... well worth winning !!!) & a £1 token for normal tote bet. An absolute bargain and an absolute hoot (this will be our 5th visit) - a great way to celebrate our 15th Birthday !!!
£12 p.p. and we are taking booking deposits of £5 now. We have a table booked for 20, but we'll be able to fit a few extras in I'm sure.
Meet at 7pm at Kinsley Greyhound Stadium, 96 Wakefield Road, Kinsley, Pontefract. www.kinsleydogs.co.uk
Hope to see you there.
10) Forthcoming Events (for March and beyond)
Sunday 5th March - Yorkshire MAG Region Meeting
Every Yorkshire MAG member is invited to attend the Yorkshire Region Meeting and have your say in how the region is run. 10:00-12:00 in the upstairs room at The Royal Hotel, Pudsey (LS28 8PR). (Leeds MAG Meeting Venue). Tea and coffee provided.
Sunday 5th March - MAP Meeting
Magic Action Promotions (MAP), is the events arm of Yorkshire MAG, which hosts the ITV, FYP & YPR bike rallies, which contribute so enormously to the MAG fighting fund. Every MAG member is more than welcome to attend the meeting and see how the MAP events are run, its more the merrier and MAP welcome you taking more of an interest or active role. 13:30 in the upstairs room at The Royal Hotel, Pudsey (LS28 8PR). (Leeds MAG Meeting Venue). Tea and coffee provided. Food available to purchase at the Royal hotel inbetween the two meetings.
Sunday 19th March - 8th Annual Wakefield MAG Charity Pet Food Run
See Above.
Saturday 25th March - An Evening in Leeds with 'The Postman' Nathan Millward (motorcycle traveller / adventurer)
20:00 at Squires Cafe Bar, Newthorpe. £10 (Tickets from Leeds MAG or Squires)
Wednesday 29th March - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: Music Quiz
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield. Music Quiz hosted by Martin Burgess (so expect a few Status Quo questions ;-)
Wednesday 29th March - Kidzaware Easter Egg Collection Deadline
Sunday 2nd April 2017 - Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
See Above.
Sunday 9th April - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: TBC)
Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.
Saturday 22nd April - Wakefield MAG 15th Birthday Bash at the Dogs (Dog Racing Night)
See Above.
We are celebrating our 15th Birthday with a Super Six Party Booking at the Dogs, for which you get Admission (including race programme), Pint of beer/lager, any bottle or wine or spirit, Choice of any basket meal available on the night, 2 x £1 Tokens for Tote super six jackpot (usually well into five figures ... well worth winning !!!) & a £1 token for normal tote bet. An absolute bargain and an absolute hoot. £12 (Deposit £5). Kinsley Greyhound Stadium: www.kinsleydogs.co.uk
Wednesday 26th April - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield.
Friday 28th April - Sunday 30th April 2017 - Into the Valley (ITV) Rally
See Above.
Bank Holiday Monday (May Day) 1st May - Wakefield MAG Bike show at the Wakefield Gala
See Above.
Friday 16th June - Sunday 18th June 2017 - Farmyard Party (FYP) Rally
See Above.
Friday 4th August - Sunday 6th August 2017 - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)
See Above.
www.yorkshirepuddingrally.co.uk
See the events page for further details and more !!!
That's all for this month, hope to see you all soon.
Ride Safe .. Ride Free
Steve Travis
Chairman
Wakefield MAG
0772 078 4734
Wakefield MAG meet at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield at 8:30pm every Wednesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.