Showing Tag: "ride" (Show all posts)

Number of female riders growing

Posted by Kat Barker on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

It used to be pretty extremely uncommon to see a woman at the controls of a motorcycle. If a woman was on a bike, there was a guy in front and she was riding pillion. That started to change about 20 years ago and now women riders are the fastest growing segment in motorcycling. With their eyes ever set on trends in the industry, the motorcycle manufacturers are now targeting this group of potential customers with more bikes that fit their generally smaller stature. And as an added plus, this ...

Motorcycle Rider Experience

Posted by Liz Francis on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

There's lots of information out there that gives advice on how to choose your first motorcycle and choosing motorcycle gear when you're just starting out. I have my own opinions about that as well, but I'm not here to talk about that. I'm here to talk about what experts don't, what it's like to be a novice rider.

First, I'll admit that I bought a bike before I took the MSF class. (I have friends that bought new bikes before the course and the decision didn't always work out well) I bought a 20...

Women Motorcycle Riders

Posted by Kim Morgan on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

In the early 1900's William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson did some experimenting with electric bicycles and created the first motorcycle. This invention changed the world and was the catalyst for getting riding where it is today. Since then many with an adventuresome, free spirit that love to ride and see the world from the back of a motorcycle of their choosing have joined the ranks of riders. From that day those joining the ranks have not just been men but also women. Today women riders put...

Advice for new courier drivers

Posted by Martin Ford on Monday, October 1, 2018, In : Courier Work

Working as an owner-driver in the delivery industry is the ideal job for many people. If you love driving and being out on the road, being a courier driver can provide you with a great deal of freedom and the opportunity for great financial rewards. However, getting started on your own can certainly have its challenges. Here are some tips to help set you on the right path to success in the delivery industry.

Sort Out the Basics

You will need a number of things to get started in the courier indu...

Motorcycle Riders Clubs

Posted by Nancy White on Monday, September 3, 2018, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

According to Wikipedia, a motorcycle club is a group of people who have a common interest in motorcycles. Motorcycle clubs are enterprises operating legally, mostly for fun and charity. However, there are those that are outlawed, usually referred to "Onepercenters" because they are estimated to be one percent of the motorcycle population. American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the umbrella body of motorcycle clubs, currently has 1200 charted clubs under its wing and counting.

Motorcycle club...

Institute of Advanced Motorists

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, May 3, 2018, In : Advanced Motorcycle Riders

The United Kingdom is the home base for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, otherwise known as IAM. This charity based organization serves to improve the riding standards for drivers of automobiles and motorcycles. The organization’s focus is to create better safety on the roadways by controlling the systems of automobiles and motorcycles.

The History of the Institute of Advanced Motorists

IAM was created in March of 1956, but the organization has expanded greatly since this time. The most r...

Advanced motorcycle rider course

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Advanced Rider Course

Taking an advanced motorcycle riding course is a good idea. It gives you added confidence and improves your riding skills. The benefits of attending a course in the UK are:

Gain confidence and skills
Possible cheaper insurance
Use your own motorcycle
Meet like-minded people
Gain full IAM membership
Improve on road anticipation
Appreciate your motorcycle’s full capabilities
Become a better rider in different environments

If you ride a motorcycle you already appreciate the sense o...

Christine Firehock ( Motorcycle Instructor USA )

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, October 13, 2017, In : Female Motorcycle Riders

As a fourth generation female motorcyclist, Christine began her road riding career at age 16 in 1980. At 21 Christine joined her mother as a motorcycle instructor at the American Motorcycle Driving School, Inc.

As an instructor for beginner, intermediate and advanced motorcycle riders of all riding types and riding styles, Christine’s certifications include Certified Harley-Davidson RidersEdge Program Manager, Nationally Certified Harley-Davidson, RidersEdge Coach, Special VIP Trainer to Du...

Female motorcycle couriers

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, October 5, 2017, In : Female Motorcycle Riders

We have recently had two female riders working for us as motorcycle couriers. Jodie Mitchell recently helped us out for a week and Penny Jones has been helping us out since 2016 when she has holidays from her regular job. Both are excellent riders and have never let us down. I know both ladies will be reading this, so give yourselves a pat on the back. Gender shouldn't come into any working environment, if a woman can do the job she should be given the opportunity.

Penny Jones has been riding ...

Motorcycle rides in America

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, In : Motorcycle Rides In America

Tail of the Dragon (Tennessee)

An 11-mile stretch of US Route 129, the Dragon (also known as Deal’s Gap) is widely considered to be one of the best motorcycle roads in America. Resembling a dragon’s tail, Deal’s Gap is said to contain over 300 curves, the sharpest of which has been given nicknames such as Gravity Cavity and Copperhead Corner. The challenging two-lane blacktop-highway stretch brings riders through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Originally 55 mph, the speed limit was...

Motorcycle rides in the UK

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, In : Motorcycle Rides In The UK

There’s nothing more liberating than donning the leathers and getting out in the beautiful British countryside on your motorbike. But where are the best, most beautiful or most exhilarating routes in the UK? Great Britain boasts some incredible roads for motorbike riders, from stunning mountain scenery in the Lake District, endless moors covered in purple heather in the Dales to breathe taking routes on the south coast, we really do have it all.

Whether you’re a novice rider, or more exper...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part three)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

When you put your feet down at a stop, you want to be sure that whatever shoes you're wearing will grip the road securely, not slip and slide and make you feel like you're going to drop the bike. That's another reason why we recommend motorcycle-specific boots, but any good non-slip shoe is better than a slippery-bottomed (but sick-looking) trainer. Before you get mad, keep in mind that not all shoes have equal grip on all surfaces. Some shoes might be perfect for a polished wood gym floor, b...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part two)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Motorcycles are powered one of three ways: chain-driven, belt-driven, or shaft-driven. Shaft- and belt-driven bikes require less frequent maintenance than chain-driven ones. Most cruisers are belt-driven, while most sport bikes are chain-driven. BMW isn't the only company that makes shaft-driven bikes, but they're the most common bikes on which you'll find the system.

Why does this matter? When you're riding a bike, that chain or belt or shaft is what keeps your bike moving. There isn't a lot ...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part one)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Nothing feels quite like finding the perfect bike. As the weather continues to warm up (in between these nasty storms), more people are choosing to ride a motorcycle for the first time. This is great, but when you’re a new rider, there’s a lot of information to take in. In order to help keep you, and everybody else on the road who you're riding around, we’ve compiled a list of the basic things you need to keep in mind before you twist the throttle for the first time. Above all, we hope ...

Tips for new motorbike riders

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Giving up four wheels for two can be a scary thought for new motorbike riders. However, the freedom and excitement that comes with riding a motorcycle is something that can’t be found anywhere else. Below are some tips for any new rider about to head out on the road.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course

If there is one tip I would give to any rider regardless of experience it would be to attend a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider safety course. There are always new things you can lear...

Motorcycle riding tips for women

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, April 13, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Tips For Women

Ride Comfortably – Whatever motorbike you choose, it’s imperative that you’re comfortable on it. This sounds easy enough, but a lot of women ignore this advice and think that they will be OK even though they may feel a little awkward on the motorbike they’ve chosen. Having the right fitting motorbike will give you the confidence that you need to go anywhere. If you’re at all out of sorts and not feeling comfortable on your ride, you’re far more likely to make bad judgement calls. ...

Tom Tom Rider Motorcycle Sat Nav

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, August 21, 2016, In : Motorcycle Accessories

Choosing a motorcycle sat nav can be daunting due to the amount on the market. Don't rush into buying the first sat nav you come across, shop around and find the one that best suits your needs. For instance, if you want one for cross country riding, choose a hard wearing motorcycle sat nav which can take a lot of vibration, that has a good handlebar mounting and a good size, highly visible screen.

Tom Tom Rider 2nd Edition

I've used a Tom Tom Rider 2nd Edition for years and is great for motorcy...
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Short history of motorcycle couriers

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, In : Motorcycle Couriers

A motorcycle courier, also known as motorcycle messengers, or dispatch riders are couriers using a motorcycle or scooter to deliver consignments such as documents and small parcels. Motorcycle couriers are common in the major urban centres of Europe, South America, Asia and America.

At the end of the first world war in 1918, many British Army motorcycle dispatch riders of the Royal Corps of Signals were demobbed and found gaining employment difficult. As a result, they purchased military surpl...
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Defensive motorcycle riding ( part one )

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, April 28, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Defensive motorcycle riding is based on effective observation, good anticipation and control. It's about always questioning the actions of other road users and being prepared for the unexpected, so as not to be taken by surprise. Defensive motorcycle riding involves - awareness - planning - anticipating - staying in control and riding with - responsibility - care - consideration and courtesy. It means putting safety above all else. It's about having real concern, not only for your own safety,...
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Learning to ride a motorcycle in the UK

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

The CBT Course (Compulsory Basic Training)

CBT is arranged so that you progress through a series of elements. You will only move onto the next element when your trainer is satisfied you have learn't the necessary theory, and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

What are the elements ?

Element A - Introduction to CBT
Element B - Practical on-site training
Element C - Practical on-site riding
Element D - Practical on-road training
Element E - Practical on-road riding.

Within each el...
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The cutest motorcycle courier

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, In : Female Motorcycle Riders

My friends niece Joanne has got to be the best looking motorcycle courier on the road. She has been riding bikes since she was 14 and started on scramblers. Her parents run a farm so she had plenty of off-road practice. She passed her motorbike test first time and rides a Kawasaki Ninja. Last year she helped us out for a week making deliveries, she was so popular we had plenty of calls all asking for her. One company used her three times in one day, you can see why.

She is an excellent motorc...
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Overnight delivery of valuables

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, In : Motorcycle Couriers

Had a call from a lady who needed valuables including jewellery delivered to a relative in Scotland, pick up was from Manchester. The delivery had to be made by 6am, as the person receiving the valuables was flying back home to Australia. The items of jewellery were family heirlooms and valuable. Reassured the lady that the consignments would be delivered quickly and safely. With valuable consignments they are locked in a metal lockbox and carried in a locked backpack. The backpack is never t...
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Beryl Swain

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, June 5, 2015, In : Female Motorcycle Riders

In an era when riding a motorcycle was not thought to be a terribly ladylike occupation, Beryl Swain became, in 1962, the first woman solo rider to negotiate the notorious Isle of Man Tourist Trophy course in an official event. That year she rode her Italian Itom 50cc Racer into 22nd place in a field of 25 in a TT race around the notorious 37-mile mountain road course, which has claimed many lives and inflicted fearful injuries over the years. It was the first year in which the 50cc Ultra Lig...
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Forest Heritage Scenic Byway – Asheville Best for Motorcycle Ride

Posted by Dewayne Jasper on Monday, April 7, 2014, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

If you've ever had the pleasure of passing through or even visiting Asheville, NC, you'll understand that the surrounding mountains and scenery are simply magnificent. For thousands of years, the area has hosted a plethora of vegetation and wildlife in its natural state. Once the town of Asheville was established, neighboring communities began to immediately offer travelers a multitude of activities, from mountain biking and skiing to rock climbing and hiking. But you don't have to leave your...

Minister Says Priority Is To Keep People Riding

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, October 21, 2013, In : Motorcycle News

Motorcycle riding government minister Mike Pennington says he's on a mission to make life safer, simpler and fairer for motorcyclists, and remove some of the many hurdles that put people off. Speaking to the BMF's government relations executive, Chris Hodder, Penning was keen to stress the importance of not only training riders, but also educating them in the importance of being properly equipped for riding. 'Its not so much about getting people on two wheels, but rather getting people to sta...
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Tom Tom Rider 2 Motorcycle Satellite Navigation

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, October 18, 2013, In : Motorcycle Couriers

Satellite Navigation is essential for a motorcycle courier. Delivering consignments across the UK needs to be done as quickly as possible. Most of the consignments delivered are time critical and have to be delivered before a certain time. The Tom Tom Rider 2 Sat Nav is very easy to use. The touch screen is bright and the tabs are large.

It has many settings including the fastest or quickest route options, which is handy if a speedy delivery is essential. The charger is wired to the battery a...
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Working As A Motorcycle Courier

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, October 4, 2013, In : Motorcycle Couriers

Anyone can work as a motorcycle courier. All you need is a motorcycle, telephone, and insurance. The same applies to van couriers. I know quite a few lads that have lost their jobs, so they bought a van got some insurance and had a go. Most of them don't last long.

I came across a lad parked up at the services on the M6. He looked p***** off and was kicking his bike. As most bikers would do I pulled over to see if I could help. His bike had seen better days and was leaking oil everywhere. He ...
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