Dear Wakefield MAG Member,
Welcome to the March 2021 Wakefield MAG e-newsletter. As meetings are currently suspended until Tuesday 18th May due to Covid-19 restrictions (AGAIN), this Newsletter is THE ONLY WAY to keep up to date with what we are up to, in these quite surreal times.
CONTENTS
1) Top Five Priorities for Bikers
2) Wakefield MAG Meetings
3) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
4) E10
5) Synthetic Petrol
6) For Sale
7) 2021 Yorkshire MAG Rallies
8) Revised Dates for Motorcycle Shows
9) LCC Blinkered Transport Strategy
10) York MAG
11) Forthcoming Events (for March and beyond)
1) Top Five Priorities for Bikers
The Motorcycle Action Group's top five priorities list is now under review by the Roads Minister. MAG surveyed members for their top priority actions that will lead to better outcomes for motorcyclists.
Representatives of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) met Roads Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, on 27th January. During the meeting, the Minister asked MAG to create a list of its top five priorities. MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, was keen that the list should be truly representative of the opinions of riders. Therefore, a survey of MAG members was conducted resulting in the following list of priorities:
Unsurprisingly, the survey results coincide with themes that MAG regularly campaigns on at local level. MAG has submitted the list along with a number of suggested ideas for how the Department for Transport can deliver these outcomes. Above all, MAG wants to work with Department officials to explore all possible solutions.
MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, commented: "Given the warmth of our meeting I am sure that the Minister will give the priority list fair consideration. I hope that she will instruct Department officials to work with MAG to ensure that all possible levers to support the local delivery of these priorities are used. The stock response by central Government on questions such as bus lanes has always been that they are a matter for local government. However, the Department does have considerable influence on the local decisions. I am sure that now the Minister has demonstrated the will, the way can be found. In short, I see this as the start of long, but happy, adventure."
Following publication of the recent Corona Virus lockdown exit roadmap, we can now plan for the resumption of our weekly Wakefield MAG meetings. We will be able to meet again indoors at the Thatched House once the UK is in Step 3, which all being well starts on 17th May. The first meeting is therefore pencilled in for Tuesday 18th May. Let's hope all goes to plan.
3) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
We have had confirmation from Wakefield Hospice that their Wakefield 10k Road Race, which was due to have been held on Sunday 21st March 2021 has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions still being in place. The Hospice are not planning to reschedule for this year but are instead looking at March 2022. So, race marshals, you can stand down until next year.
The Government has taken the decision to introduce E10 (petrol containing 10% Ethanol) as the standard 95-grade petrol by September 2021. Those readers with long memories will remember that Yorkshire MAG ran an E10 campaign back in 2012. That campaign was successful as the original implementation date of 2013 was postponed until 2016, and that date was itself postponed until this year.
The UK is arguably lagging behind with the introduction of E10 fuel, with most of Europe, and indeed much of the world, using E10 as standard in their pumps. But there can be unwanted side effects when using fuel with a higher ethanol content, especially for those with older bikes. Ethanol can damage plastic or fibreglass fuel tanks, cause old rubber hoses or inlet manifolds to swell or split and react with zinc, lead and aluminium components, too. Ethanol is also hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the air around it, and this can cause problems when fuel is left to rest in tanks for long periods.
The first thing to do is check whether your bike can run on E10 petrol. The handbook may tell you, there may be a sticker on the tank, or the dealer should be able to advise. There is also a Government website to check www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol, although not all manufacturers have provided information, and obviously won't have if the manufacturer is now defunct.
If you find your bike is incompatible with E10, then E5 petrol (up to 5% ethanol blend) will still be widely available (Super Unleaded) which is generally compatible with older engines (this was one of MAG's key requests in our 2012 campaign). The downside is this will cost more than E10. There will probably be conversion kits available and fuel additives too so you may have to do a little research to keep your pride and joy running smoothly. Shell currently sell E0 but it's unsure whether that will continue once E10 becomes widespread.
More information is at this link: www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-9296275/Fuel-stations-switch-greener-E10-petrol-September.html
Still on the subject of petrol, Porsche is planning to start making synthetic fuel next year that could slash petrol-engined vehicles' CO2 emissions by 85%, making them as clean as electricity. More details at this link: www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-9286773/Porsche-begin-production-CO2-slashing-eFuel-year.html
That's a potentially interesting development, particularly for committed petrol heads who don't quite want to see their pride and joy become a static museum exhibit in the future.
Our 'Virtual Post Christmas Auction' as covered in the January and February newsletters didn't result in too many sales - I guess you all prefer the cut and thrust of a live auction with our intrepid and entertaining auctioneers, Chas and Martin.
Rest assured, we will host a live auction later this year once everything is back to normal and we are allowed to.
In the meantime, we will leave the items on our 'For Sale' page, and if you want any of them, do make us a 'sensible' offer. Anything that doesn't sell in the meantime will be carried through to our live auction.
If you want any of the items, email your offer, clearly indicating the item number, and we'll get back to you. Items cannot be posted so will need to be collected from Wakefield.
Branch email address for your offers: wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org
N.B. Sensible offers only please as we are trying to raise money for MAG and charity (2/3 of what we raise will go to the MAG fighting fund, with 1/3 to charity). We do reserve the right to not sell any items if any offer is ridiculously low.
FOR SALE ITEMS
| Item No. | Item | Description | Reserve Price | Contact Details to Submit an offer |
| 1 | Rivet Guns | 2x Rivet Guns with Rivets | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 2 | Haynes Manual | Yamaha XT660 & MT-03 2004-2011 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 3 | Haynes Manual | BMW R850, 1100 & 1150 1993-2004 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 4 | Haynes Manual | Austin Maestro 1275cc & 1598cc 1983-1994 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 5 | Haynes Manual | Kawasaki GPz500S (1987-1999) & ER-5 (1997-1999) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 6 | Haynes Manual | BMW R850 & R1100 1993-1997 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 7 | Clymer Manual | BMW R850, R1150, R1100 & R1200C 1993-2005 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 8 | Owners Manual | Yamaha Tenere XT660Z (1st Edition 2010) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 9 | BMW Repair Manual | R60/7, R75/7, R80/7, R100/7, R100S, R100RS (Issue Date 12/77) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 10 | First Aid Manual | St Johns Ambulance First Aid Manual (9th Edition) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 11 | Ian Mutch Books | Low Rider, Riding with the Beast, Harley to Mali, Motorcycles Forever (all the 'rare' unsigned versions ;-) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 12 | Handlebar Mitts | Bike It Handlebar Mitts | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 11 | DVD | Long Way Round (Episode 1) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 12 | DVD | Air Kidd the Black Knight (Vol 1) - Eddie Kidd | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 13 | DVD | Duke Bike Havoc (Bike Crash Complilation) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 14 | Camping Gear | Camping Stove and set of lightweight camping pans (great for rallies) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 15 | Tie Down Straps | 12x motorcycle tie down straps | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 16 | Indicators | Bike-IT Universal Indicators (10mm Bolt) x2 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 17 | Battery Charger | Halfords 6v/12v Battery Charger | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 18 | Battery Trickle Charger/Maintainer | BikeTek Pro III Charger / Maintainer 12v/1a | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 19 | Electrical Tester | Electrical Multi-tester | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 20 | Pump | Mini Tyre Pump | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 21 | Spark Plugs | Assorted NGK Spark Plugs x18 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 22 | Footpump | Bell Footpump | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 23 | Wheel Balancing Weights | Pack of Wheel Balancing Weights (various x80) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 24 | Disc Lock | Oxford Hardcore Disc Lock (2 keys) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 25 | Handlebar switches | L&R Handlebar Switch Gear (bike unknown) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 26 | Charger | Cigarette Charger Plug with Leads | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 27 | Jubilee Clips | 2x Large Jubilee Clips | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 28 | Mirror | 1x Chrome Mirror | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 29 | Mirror | 1x Black Mirror | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 30 | Mirror Stem | 1x chrome mirror stem | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 31 | Dynojet Kit | Dynojet kit for 1980-1982 Honda CB750/CB900 Stage 1&3 Product Code: E1127.002 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 32 | Air Compressor | Wolf Electric Air Compressor (Type: Sioux). Air Receiver: 24 litres Pressure: Bar 8/PSI 115 with tyre valve and paint spray gun | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 33 | Handlebar Levers | Brake (Disc) & Clutch Lever (unknown bike) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 34 | Tools | Box of assorted tools (mostly spanners) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 35 | Bike Ramp | Trailer or van ramp for a bike (chequerplate) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 36 | Parts Washing Chest | BikeTec 3.5 gallon Electric Parts Washing Chest | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 37 | Handlebar Mitts | Rickman Waterproof Handlebar Mitts | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 38 | Brake Discs | 2x Brake Discs, used but good condition (unknown bike) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 39 | Oils | Box of mixed oils (4 stroke engine / Fork / Gear / Chain Lube) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 40 | Paddock Stands | 2x Paddock Stands | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 41 | Site Jacket | Dayglo Yellow Waterproof Site Jacket with Hood (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 42 | Bike Gloves | Black Textile Bike Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 43 | Bike Gloves | Black Leather Bike Gloves (S) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 44 | Bike Gloves | Black/Red Leather Bike Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 45 | Bike Gloves | Black Leather Bike Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 46 | Bike Gloves | H-D Summer Leather Bike Gloves (XL) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 47 | Bike Gloves | Leather/Textile Summer Bike Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 48 | Bike Inner Gloves | Inner Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 49 | Bike Gloves | Leather Summer Fingerless Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 50 | Overshoes | Rain Unisex Overshoes x2 NEW (M) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 51 | Bike Gloves | Textile Waterproof Winter Gloves (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 52 | Knee Pads | Knee Pads with Velcro Straps | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 53 | Overalls | Red Garage Overalls (Dickies) 46" Chest (R) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 54 | Overalls | Blue Garage Overalls Size 92R (cm) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 55 | Overalls | Blue Garage Overalls Size 42R | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 56 | Waterproofs | Waterproof Overtrousers Black (XL) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 57 | Waterproofs | Waterproof Suit (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 58 | Waterproofs | Waterproof Trousers Camo Nato Size 78/90 | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 59 | Waterproofs | J&S Waterproof Jacket Black (XL) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
| 60 | Waterproofs | Rukka Waterproof Overmitts (L) | - | wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org |
Disclaimer: No guarantees can be offered, nor returns allowed & Wakefield MAG accept no responsibility for any of the items for sale. Buyer Beware, but you will undoubtedly get a bargain !!
These are the dates for your diaries for the 2021 Yorkshire MAG Rallies:
Tickets will go on sale shortly and we expect it to be a bumper year as every one will want to party hard in a field and put this last year behind us. Even if we still have restrictions in place by then, as the YPR in August 2020 proved, these events can still be held in a Covid safe environment. Be sure to get your tickets early !!!
FOR TICKETS & ALL ENQUIRIES: 0800 988 3199 enquiries@mapevents.co.uk
8) Revised Dates for Motorcycle Shows
The major motorcycle shows are making a comeback after the cancellations of 2020, albeit with later dates than normal:
9) LCC Blinkered Transport Strategy
Check out the recent article in the Yorkshire Evening Post where Leeds and Bradford and Yorkshire Region Rep, Richard 'Manny' Manton gives an interview about Leeds City Council's Blinkered Transport Strategy: YEP Article
Great to see the return of a MAG branch in York, since the demise of the old York MAG a few years ago. Challenging time to start a new MAG branch in a global pandemic but they have secured a meeting venue within the city walls, a great new logo, a keen and enthusiastic committee and lots of ideas for events post lockdown.
We will organise an evening rideout to visit York MAG once we are allowed, but in the meantime, be sure to follow them on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/yorkmag.
This now takes the number of active MAG branches within God's own County to six: Wakefield, Leeds & Bradford, Huddersfield, East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and now York. Importantly, it also re-establishes an active MAG Branch in North Yorkshire.
Welcome on board and we'll see you soon !!!
11) Forthcoming Events (for March and beyond)
Our events list is still a little on the light side due to the on-going CV19 pandemic restrictions in force. However, we are all hoping it will be business as usual come the summer and we can fill our events calendar with lot's of our usual and much missed events, including an Auction, Biker Quiz Nite, Bingo, Rideouts (remember those ?!?!) and a 'late' Christmas Do !! Watch this space for updates.
Tuesday 18th May - Wakefield MAG First meeting of 2021
See Above. 20:30 in the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield.
TBA - Wakefield MAG AGM
All members are invited to attend the 19th Wakefield & District Motorcycle Action Group Branch Annual General Meeting. Exact meeting date is dependant upon Covid-19 restrictions being lifted. At this meeting there will be a Review of our achievements in 2020, Officers Reports, Election of Branch Officers for 2021, Plans for 2021 & a Presentation to our Branch Heroes of 2020. Current MAG Membership Card required to vote. 19:30 for a prompt 20:00 start in the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield.
#### Cancelled for 2021 #### - 2021 Wakefield Hospice 10k Road Race (Wakefield MAG providing Mobile Race Marshals)
See Above. www.wakefield10k.org.uk
#### Cancelled for 2021 #### - Into the Valley (ITV) Rally
See Above. www.mapevents.co.uk
Friday 18th - Sunday 20th June - Farmyard Party (FYP) Rally
See Above. www.mapevents.co.uk
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th August - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)
See Above. www.mapevents.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 (Covid-19 restrictions permitting) at the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield at 8:30pm every Tuesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.