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) Edinburgh MAG Rally Report
2) Fred Hill Run Report
3) 25th Farmyard Party Report
4) Yorkshire Heroes Sponsored Rideout
5) THINK! campaign comes back on air
6) Vive le demo!!
7) Wakefield MAG Mid-Summer Mayhem Party
8) DSA searches for casual hire sites for module one motorcycle test
9) NE Lincs MAG Grand Day Out Report
10) Bike for Sale
11) Forthcoming Events (for July and beyond)
Check out the rally report Here
Check out the rideout report Here
Check out the rally report Here
4) Yorkshire Heroes Sponsored Rideout
Our Yorkshire Warriors Sponsored rideout to York Racecourse (Knavesmire), in aid of The Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust (1114624) will be held on Sunday 10th July. Representatives from the charity will be at York to meet us and receive our sponsorship & donations, together with a uniformed presence. This is a fantastic opportunity to show our appreciation to our local Regiment, and raise funds for such a worthwhile charitable cause. The Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust provides support and financial aid to current & ex-servicemen and their families, who are in need by virtue of sickness, poor health or financial hardship.
Most of the regiment (all three regular battalions and one TA battalion) are currently fully occupied preparing for another operational tour in Afghanistan, so this sponsored rideout comes at a very timely point for the charity !!!
Sponsorship forms are available at the Branch Meetings and you even have two options to sponsor us on-line:
The sponsored run will meet at 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) on Sunday 10th at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ. We will stop at Squires at 11:00 en-route to York, to collect other riders / sponsorship. For riders without sponsorship, we will have a donations whip-round on the day.
Mark the date of this sponsored rideout in your diary and we hope to see you there. The event is also being supported by several other local MCC's and already promises to be a great rideout.
5) THINK! campaign comes back on air
A new THINK! campaign to help cut the number of motorcyclists killed and injured on Britain's roads has just been launched by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.
Despite accounting for only 1% of traffic, motorcyclists make up around 19% of casualties on Britain's roads with many of these collisions happening at junctions and involving another vehicle. This campaign will put motorcyclists centre stage in a bid to encourage drivers to look out for bikers by placing the focus on the person behind the helmet.
Mike Penning said: "Britain has some of the safest roads in the world but around nine motorcyclists were still killed on the roads each week in 2009. As a biker I know how much fun motorcycling can be and what a practical way it is to get around, but it is unacceptable that so many motorcyclists are dying on our roads and I want to tackle this. While many drivers may take extra care at junctions, they often don't see bikers and this is a major factor in motorcycle casualties. That is why our THINK! campaign aims to remind drivers to think about the biker, not just the bike, so that we see fewer of these needless accidents."
In 2009, 78% of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured were in collisions involving another vehicle and 67% of these collisions occurred at junctions, often with the driver of the other vehicle failing to see the motorcycle.
The THINK! campaign will include national radio adverts which will run from Monday 20th June which will be supported by drive time radio sponsorship and nationwide petrol forecourt advertising. There will also be Facebook activity aimed at motorcyclists and online adverts reminding drivers to look out for bikers.
The figures are startling and although improved training for riders is important, it is clear where the focus of attention should be if the government is serious about cutting casualties.
MAG applauds the new Think! campaign but reiterates that the onus of responsibility should not be placed on the victim, but rather the perpetrator and awareness of all road users should be central to driver training.
100,000 bikers all over France protested on June 18th against draconian Government proposals to ban all bikes over 7 years old from urban areas, impose compulsary Day-Glo clothing, introduce large number plates for bikes and hugely increased speeding fines, as well as going straight to jail for 30mph over the limit (whatever the circumstances).
The demos were organised by FFMC, MAG's equivalent in France and also a fellow member of the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA).
MAGs Nich Brown and Paddy Tyson were in Lille to meet the local FFMC organisers, show support and join the Lille demo ride. In Lille the protest used parts of the A1 motorway network to great effect. Because the police permitted it if the bikes kept moving, not surprisingly, the 5000 or so riders parked up on the main A1 carriageway (all 5 lanes of it) to smoke a Gauloise before heading into Lille City centre.
William, one of the organisers said "the police are not so very OK with us", but in truth, the 30 or so police riders on FJRs and TDMs, seemed to be enjoying themselves weaving around and between the scooters, sports bikes, customs and every manner of machine that was present. There were some quite emotional French riders thank MAG for coming across the Channel to show Solidarity.
Every town in the country had a demonstration on the same day and the Paris Demo was 4 times the size of the Lille demo, and many other big cities were the same. It was the lead story on the French National News: http://ukfrancebikers.com/2011/06/18/france-completely-paralysed-by-almost-100000-bikers/
On the subject of compulsary Day-Glo, please remember that there still is no research on which to base this decision, but more importantly it is another case of putting the onus of responsibility on the victim and undermining any element of freedom of choice for the rider. If it was a justifiable safety issue, then surely the bikes most frequently involved in accidents (under 125s in an urban environment) would be the ones to concentrate on, but bizarrely the French plan is to exempt these!
Our near neighbours in Ireland are going one further and pressing for 'Full Sleeve' Day-Glo.
The Irish Government ".... proposes the introduction of regulations for the mandatory wearing of high visibility upper body clothing with full sleeves for rider and pillion passenger."
Quote taken from Section 4.4.5 of the Irish Road Safety Authority's NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY ACTION PLAN 2010 – 2014: http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Road%20Safety/Motorcycles/National_Motorcycle_Action_Plan.pdf
You would think it was April the 1st !!!!
If this has you fired up for a big UK demo, July 2nd is the opportunity for UK riders to make their feelings known about plans to introduce compulsory ABS and anti-modification of motorcycles (including limiting tyre choice and the use of aftermarket air filters or sprockets), as well as compulsary Day-Glo clothing and a whole raft of other unwanted EU proposals. The annual Brum Demo is always a well attended event so if you want to go, the meeting point is the Hare & Hounds, Lickey Road, Rednal, B45 8UU. Gather at Noon for a 1pm start. 75 branch points for all Wakefield MAG members who attend. Go on the demo then enjoy a damn good party afterwards (see below) !!!
7) Wakefield MAG Mid-Summer Mayhem Party
Wakefield MAG's 2nd Mid-Summer Mayhem Party is being held on Saturday 2nd July, at the Duke of Wellington, 220 Horbury Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 8RE. All the usual MAG party night attractions including live music from local band (and MAG members) Justice Rising, Silly Games, Raffle, Fancy Dress (optional, but prize for the best outfit) and lots more. 7pm till Late. Tickets are only a fiver and available from our branch meetings, and also on the door itself. All proceeds from the party will go to the MAG Fighting Fund. Last years Mid-Summer Mayhem Party was a cracking event and raised 283 quid for the MAG Fighting Fund. Let's try to beat that this year !!!
8) DSA searches for casual hire sites for module one motorcycle test
The DSA recently issued a press release asking for help finding new motorcycle test sites after years saying there was no need for extra sites and turning down every possible location that was presented to them.
Mid and West Wales is perhaps the area where most work has been done on this, including a presentation directly to the Minister Mike Penning, by MAG members Ken Huntly and Roy Osmond and their MP. Even though one particular venue met all criteria it was later flatly refused by the DSA.
The DSA press release reads as follows:
"To improve access for those candidates who have to travel long distances to take the module one test, DSA is looking for additional casual hire sites in the following areas:
DSA may also consider other areas for casual hire sites, but this will depend on location and demand. If you're a driver or rider trainer who knows of any suitable sites ready to use, then DSA would like to hear from you.
Any sites you suggest must:
DSA won't consider any sites where the surface isn't suitable; for example, if it's made up of concrete, gravel, or compressed hardcore. On road access for module two isn't necessary. You could also consider areas where road markings or paint need to be removed.
Motorcycle test module one site size options
A standard area: an area of 125 metres long and 40 metres wide
A hockey stick shaped layout: This may become an option. DSA uses these at VOSA sites:
There's some flexibility in the above dimensions as they may have to be varied to suit the local area. Please bear these options in mind when considering potential sites."
MAG is always willing to work with the DSA, so if you have any ideas, please forward them to campaigns@mag-uk.org and we'll be glad to present them.
9) NE Lincs MAG Grand Day Out Report
Check out the rideout report Here
Classic Honda CB125S. 1977. 2 owners from new, 3065 miles. Red. Non-runner but fully complete, with all the hard to source trim present and correct. This bike is ready for restoration. Must be sold as the owner has retired and is moving to Normandy (and not planning to take this bike with him). Offers invited. Contact Toby on 0772 078 4592
11) Forthcoming Events (for July and beyond)
Saturday 2nd July - Wakefield MAG's 2nd Mid-Summer Mayhem Party
See above. All the usual MAG party night attractions including live music from local band (and MAG members) Justice Rising, Silly Games, Raffle, Fancy Dress (optional, but prize for the best outfit) and lots more. Duke of Wellington, 220 Horbury Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 8RE. 7pm till Late. 5 Pounds. All proceeds to the MAG Fighting Fund.
Sunday 10th July - Yorkshire Heroes Sponsored Rideout
See Above. Wakefield MAG Sponsored rideout to York Racecourse, Knavesmire in aid of The Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust (1114624). Sponsorship forms are available at the Branch Meetings or you can sponsor us on-line via Just Giving or via PayPal, on our website.
Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ. We will stop at Squires at 11:00 en-route to York, to collect other riders / sponsorship / donations.
Sunday 17th July - Wakefield MAG Treasure Hunt
The Thinking Riders Rideout. Multiple clues, Multiple answers, Multiple destinations, Multiple opportunities to get totally lost. Prizes for the most correct answers (1st , 2nd & 3rd place), plus a booby prize for coming last.
Meet 9:30am (to get clues/instructions) at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ (Treasure Hunt will leave at 10:00am)
Sunday 24th July - VJMC Japanese Bike Show
Wakefield MAG will be hosting the Yorkshire MAG stand at the hugely popular VJMC Japanese Bike Show, at Lotherton Hall. We will again be helping our very good friends at the West Yorkshire VJMC Section marshal their show, as we have for several years now. Let me know if you would like to volunteer to help marshal this most excellent bike show, which also features a sizeable autojumble and other attractions. Free entrance for all Wakefield MAG marshals.
Friday 5th August - Sunday 7th August - The Yorkshire Pudding Rally
Yorkshire MAGs small but perfectly formed rally, held at Hesley Wood Scout Camp, Chapeltown, Nr Sheffield, S.Yorkshire. Tickets are now sold out, so if you want to come and don't already have a ticket, eBay may be your only option !!!
Sunday 14th August - Monthly Rideout
Destination will be announced in next months newsletter. Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ
Friday 19th - Sunday 21st August - Ganton Gathering
Ganton Gathering Rally. Organised by Scarborough MAG, raising funds for the MAG Foundation. 2 bands Friday, 2 bands Saturday, bonfire, usual food and bar facilities. 800 limit. Pre-Book only. 15 Pounds per ticket. Cheques payable to 'Ganton Gathering' & available (with SAE pls) from Stuart Gething, 26 Linden Road, Scarborough YO12 5SN. Enquiries: 07919 370608
Sunday 4th September - Monthly Rideout
Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ
That's all for this month and I hope to see you all soon.
Ride Safe
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.