Dear Wakefield MAG Member,
Welcome to the Wakefield MAG e-newsletter (a bumper one as it covers both August and September). 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) YPR Report
2) MAG takes motorcycle security from 'Lock 2 Lock'
3) MAG demands action on Pothole Britain
4) Memorial Rideout Report
5) MAG AGC
6) Yorkshire Region AGM
7) MAP AGM
8) Camping Barn Weekend
9) August Rideout
10) August Social Night
11) Bingo Night
12) September Rideout
13) September Social Night
14) MAG member discount at the Great North West Motorbike Festival
15) Have Your Say In Vital Transport Survey
16) Amazon donation to the MAG Foundation
17) Forthcoming Events (for August and beyond)
Check out the event report Here.
2) MAG takes motorcycle security from 'Lock 2 Lock'
The MAG Foundation, has re-launched a crime-stopping initiative to help tackle the curse of the theft of motorcycles and scooters. Called 'Lock 2 Lock', the idea is simple. You loop your lock through another person's lock. Each rider can then release their machine without the presence of the other rider or riders. 'Locking your bike to another object helps to make it much harder to steal,' explains MAG Chair, Selina Lavender. 'That's what the MAG Foundation's 'Lock 2 Lock' campaign is all about. The Lock 2 lock idea is very simple. MAG has promoted it in the past and is very keen to revive it. Here's how it works:
'And that's it,' adds Selina. 'In doing this you make it harder for criminals to steal either motorbike because it's very hard to move two machines at once. Our thanks go to the MAG Foundation for providing the tags.' Further tags can be purchased from Central office for 2 Pounds each. Lock 2 Lock is just part of MAG's campaign to fight against motorcycle theft. Whenever a machine is stolen, we all suffer with increased insurance premiums and the owner has endless trouble and stress from the loss. MAG asks you to take the time to put the tag on your machine, secure your bike with Lock 2 Lock and make it less attractive to the criminal low-life who try to steal our bikes. We're also working to get secure parking for motorcycles but Lock 2 Lock is something we can all do right now: use the tag and get more protected.
3) MAG demands action on Pothole Britain
MAG has added its voice to demands that the appalling state of our roads is addressed. Road faults are damaging motorcycles and causing injury and death. MAG has backed the RAC's criticisms of the state of the roads in the UK. The damage to the road surfaces has been caused by limited repair budgets and extreme weather - both hot and cold - which the UK experienced earlier in the year.
David Bizley, RAC Chief Engineer, said: 'From a driver's point of view, our roads are still in a poor state of repair after the damage caused by 'The Beast from the East' and the generally harsh late winter conditions the country experienced.' The RAC recorded 4,091 pothole-related breakdowns between April and June - the highest figure for this three-month period since 2015.
The figure includes breakdowns for the category 'likely to be attributed to damage caused by potholes and poor-quality road surfaces' - such as damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels. The RAC also says its Pothole Index - which is based on a quarterly rolling analysis of pothole-related breakdowns - shows a worsening picture in the second quarter of 2018. The index, which began at a base of 1.00 in 2006 when the RAC started recording data, moved upwards from 2.63 across the three-month measuring period to 2.67, marking five successive quarters of deterioration.
A spokesman for the Motorcycle Action Group, Ian Churchlow, said: 'potholes are not a theoretical problem for bikers. They cause real accidents and real injuries - and even fatalities. We read and hear endless calls for reduced death and injury on the road from the road safety groups. We would invite them to join us to take a common-sense attitude towards something which would make a far bigger difference than reduced speed limits - better road surfaces. Specifically, that means devoting time and effort to getting local authorities to fix the roads, which may not be glamorous but it's very important. Our question is: will the road safety lobby work with us to achieve that? This is the litmus test about whether or not they are serious about road safety. Pothole Britain is killing riders and this has to end.'
Check out the rideout report Here.
The MAG National Annual General Conference will be held on Saturday 29th September at the Borth Community Hall, High Street, Borth, SY24 5LH (7 miles north of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, Mid Wales). Signing on from 10:00, Lunch will be provided for delegates and the AGC will start at 12:00. The MAG AGC is restricted to MAG members only (and eligible Affiliate Members), so remember to bring your current MAG membership card. 75 Branch Points awarded to any Wakefield MAG member who attends. There is an evening party following the AGC at a seperate venue (Ty Gwyn) with live music by Rubicon. Free entry to the post AGC party for delegates or £5 for all others.
The date for the Yorkshire Region AGM has been set and will be held on Sunday 28th October at 10:00, at The Royal Hotel, 30 Station Street, Pudsey, LS28 8PR (Leeds MAG's HQ). Web: theroyalpudsey.co.uk. The meeting will be over by lunchtime (and the Royal do very nice Sunday lunches !!!). All Yorkshire MAG members are cordially invited to attend. 75 Branch Points awarded to any Wakefield MAG member who attends.
The date for the AGM of MAP regarding the Into the Valley, Farmyard Party and the Yorkshire Pudding Rally has been set and will be held on Saturday 13th October at the White Horse, Main St, Hutton Cranswick, Driffield, HU25 9QN. Web: www.whitehorse.me.uk/
The meeting will start at 1.30pm and will consist of the company AGM, Donation to MAG, and a debrief of the 3 rallies. This will finish for around tea time and food will be served for those that wish to stay for it, also the pub will have entertainment on the night and a few beers can be quaffed in celebration of a job well done.
Camping and rooms are available at the White Horse if anyone wishes to stay overnight (bookable through Pete Walker - marshals will receive further details via an email from MAP).
N.B. Attendance at the MAP AGM is restricted to event marshals only.
We have another Camping Barn weekend coming up, on Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd September, at the Dinah Hoggus Camping Barn, on the outskirts of the village of Rosthwaite in the Borrowdale valley (5 miles from Keswick in the magnificant Lake District).
This will be our 4th visit and if the previous three visits are anything to go by, we have a fantastic weekend in store. The camping barn sleeps 12, but there is almost unlimited camping (you just have to share the field with the local Hardwick Sheep). Web Site: www.lakelandcampingbarns.co.uk/barns/dinah-hoggus-camping-barn
We have already booked the barn for our exclusive use all weekend, and the cost is only £27pp. Absolute Bargain !!! If you want to go, see Pete at any of our Wednesday meetings (or drop us an e-mail, phone (0772 078 4734) or contact us on the Wakefield MAG FaceBook Group) and £27 secures your place. First come first served for the 12 beds in the barn, but as mentioned, there are virtually no restrictions on the number of campers.
Check out the past event reports to whet your appetite for another cracking weekend with the Wakefield MAG Family:
The August Rideout is on Sunday 26th August, and will be led by Mick Culpan.
The rideout will be taking a learner friendly route to Hall Garth Park in Hornsea on the East Coast, which is home to the 2018 Hornsea Biker Event. This event grows year on year and 2018 promises to be just as good (if not better) than previous years. Live bands all day, stalls and exhibitions, bike show, a raffle to win a custom built Honda CX500 Scrambler, and much more. This year, the event is supporting the following worthy charities:
Further details of the 2018 Hornsea Biker Event: www.hornseabikerevent.org.uk
Usual time and place for the rideout - Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT. Hope to see you there.
Our next social night is on Wednesday 29th August, and is to be a motorsport themed quiz, hosted by Steve West.
The action packed fun kicks off at 20:30, in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield ..... Be in it to win it !!!!
Eyes Down for another Fun Filled Night of Bingo !!! Cash and Prize Bingo, and lot's of hilarity guaranteed. All profits to the MAG Fighting Fund. The excitement starts at 20:00 at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, on Wednesday 31st October.
Hope to see you there.
The September Rideout is on Sunday 9th September, to be led by Kane Scott. The destination is still TBA, however, we can promise it will be a Learner friendly route, spectacular scenery guaranteed, as is 10,000 acres of clear blue sky (honest !!!) and all are welcome. Put the date in your diary and keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page for further details as they are announced.
Usual meeting place and time - Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT. Hope to see you there.
Our September Social night will be held on Wednesday 26th September, kicking off at 20:30, in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield. No firm plans as to what we are doing just yet, but keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page for further details as they are announced. In the meantime, mark the date in your diary.
14) MAG member discount at the Great North West Motorbike Festival
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK's leading voice for riders, is pleased to be supporting a family festival in Blackpool celebrating the best of biking. The Great North West Motorbike Festival will be held on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August 2018. Following the successful launch in 2017 of this event, this year sees an expansion in the number of stands and experiences, including big-brand exhibitors and traders, a celebration of our hard-working emergency services and a custom bike village with live music, tattooists, beer & burgers.
The event will be hosted at Blackpool Winter Gardens and full details regarding the event, including ticket prices, can be found at: www.gnwmf17.co.uk.
MAG's North West Regional Rep, Tony Cox, said 'MAG is pleased to be supporting this event again. This year we will have 'The MAG Lounge', a dedicated seating area where members and prospective members will be able to come along and chat with MAG representatives including our Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Öpik. There will be complimentary hot drinks and other refreshments available from the bar. We are also pleased to say that MAG members are being offered a 20% discount on their entry fee, which is much appreciated.'
15) Have Your Say In Vital Transport Survey
MAG is appealing to all riders to complete an important transport survey - one which could help protect your right to ride.
MAG's Chair, Selina Lavender, says: 'It's important that riders' voices are heard and completing transport surveys such as this one can be an easy way to do that. Fair Fuel UK are keen to hear from more riders and have asked if we can highlight the survey which we are happy to. It will take about ten minutes of your time to complete. Whether you ride 500 miles or 50,000 miles a year - and whether you have an interest in politics or not - we'd all like our fuel to be fairly priced.'
The survey can be found by following this link: www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4504786/FairFuelUK-Road-User-Survey-2018
If too few bikers respond, it will make us look like we don't care about what happens to us. This is a very good opportunity to be heard by Government. The results will also be shared with journalists and we need to make sure we're noticed.'
Please fill in the survey and get your friends to do it as well. Just share the link. It's easy to complete - and it's really important. The survey covers road surface issues, congestion, emissions taxes and the danger of taxing older motorcycles because of the tiny emissions they create. It mainly requires single click answers, with very few typed responses. The findings will be shown to every MP, all transport media and relevant ministers - including the Prime Minister.
Thanks again for completing this survey.
16) Amazon donation to the MAG Foundation
If you use Amazon you can switch to smile.amazon (same company, every thing is the same) except you can select a charity that Amazon will donate to AT NO COST TO YOU. MAG Foundation are now listed so if you care about all aspects of motorcycling you can help MAG fight for your rights every time you buy something.
Makes perfect sense!
17) Forthcoming Events (for August and beyond)
Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th August - Great North West Motorbike Festival (2018)
See Above. The event will be hosted at Blackpool Winter Gardens and full details regarding the event, including ticket prices (20% MAG Member Discount), can be found at: www.gnwmf17.co.uk.
Sunday 26th August - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: 2018 Hornsea Biker Event)
See Above. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.
Wednesday 29th August - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: Steve West's Motorsport Quiz
See Above. 20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Friday 31st August - Sunday 2nd September - NE MAG's 28th Stormin' The Castle 2018
Custom Bike Show, 15+ Bands on 2 stages, 3 bars including Hogoblin Real Ale Bar, all the usual entertainment & more. Check website for more details: www.storminthecastle.co.uk
Ticket: Adults £35, OTG £45, Prebook day ticket £25 & kids £10. Witton Castle Country Park, Witton-Le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 0DE
Sunday 9th September - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: TBC)
See Above. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th September - Spat out of Hull / at the Tsunami
Quality food and beer, bands on Friday and Saturday, rock DJ both nights. Trade Stands. Down the dale at Duncolme park, Helmsley (The old Farmyard site). £20 Pre-Book only.
Friday 21st September - Sunday 23rd September 2018 - Wakefield MAG Lakes Camping Barn Weekend
See Above. Dinah Hoggus Camping Barn, Rosthwaite, near Keswick in the Borrowdale Valley. £27 secures your place.
Wednesday 26th September - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBA
See Above. 20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Saturday 29th September - MAG Annual Group Conference
See Above. Location: Borth Community Hall High Street Borth SY24 5LH. Entry from 10:00, conference starts at 12:00. You MUST be a MAG member to attend. Lunch provided for all delegates. Evening party venue: Ty Gwyn, Live music by Rubicon. Ticket: Free for delegates or £5 for all others.
Sunday 7th October - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: TBA)
Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.
Saturday 13th October - Magic Action Promotions Annual General Meeting
See Above.
Sunday 28th October - Yorkshire Region Annual General Meeting
See Above. 10:00 at the Royal in Pudsey (Leeds MAG's HQ)
Wednesday 31st October - Bingo
See Above. 20:00 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Wednesday 14th November - Wakefield MAG 15th Annual Bikers Quiz Nite
20:00 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
See the events page for further details and more !!!
That's all for this month (and next), 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.