BikeWise News

DSA announces new motorcycle licence regime for 2013

2012-01-24T14:27:00.001Z

Details of a new motorcycle licence regime to be implemented next year have been confirmed by the Driving Standards Agency.

The new rules will limit all riders under 19 to 125cc machines and under-21s to 47bhp.

Those aged 17-19 will only be able to gain a licence for a machine up to 125cc and 15bhp by taking a test on a bike of similar spec.

At 19 they can qualify for a bike up to 47bhp by doing another test or undertaking additional training. This must be done on a machine over 395cc and between 33bhp and 47bhp.

They then face a further two-year wait – and yet another test or further training - before they can qualify to ride a bike of any power.

Alternatively, people over 24 can take a single Direct Access test to immediately qualify for bikes of any power. This test must be taken on a machine of at least 595cc and 54bhp.

Each step-up in power will involve a further test or training. A DSA release said: ‘The feasibility of the training option is currently being looked into; a final decision is yet to be made.’

The new regime is due to be implemented from January 19 next year.

It means 17-year-olds will face three exams or training sessions over a minimum of four years before they can ride an unlimited bike.

Ministers to 'push back' against EU legislations

2012-01-24T13:33:00.001Z

MIKE PENNING MP, Under-Secretary of State for Transport, has said that Ministers will fight against the EUs move to impose anti-biking legislations.
The EU want to introduce new technical regulations to motorcycles that could see ABS become standard on all bikes above 125cc and measures that would prevent owners from tuning their bikes.
In an interview with BMF magazine, Motorcycle Rider, Penning gave his view on some of the legislation suggestions raised by the European Parliament: "I don’t think they are hugely beneficial to any of us and I have permission from the Prime Minister to push back as strongly as possible on them.
"The European Parliament has no power to legislate and, if for some reason, legislation did come through to Ministers, we will vote against it if necessary."
Mike Penning, who is a motorcyclist himself having first started riding as an Army despatch rider and currently owns a Ducati Monster and a Royal Enfield, added: "At this time this just is a suggestion from the Commissioner. The way it works in Europe is that the bureaucrats decide the policy and then the politicians vote on it, which is exactly the opposite of what happens here. But I can assure you we will push back on it."

Photo’s now online from the latest Mini Bike Club meeting

2012-01-18T19:49:00.001Z

Photo’s are now online from the latest meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club which was held at our new indoor venue at QC Space, Peterlee on Saturday 14^th January .

Lots of new riding equipment being worn by our riders as a result of Xmas and James Alderson also brought along his HM Plant Metrakit for us to see.

We were short of staff on Saturday so, ‘Many Thanks’ to all who helped build (and take down) the track, for signing riders on and marshalling throughout the day – your help and support is greatly appreciated as we couldn't run the events without you.

The date of our next meeting is Saturday 4^th February, although there is potentially a mini bike session at PPIK, Leeds on the 29th January. (for further info on this, please contact PPIK : 0845 126 0613)

To view the pictures of the indoor meeting, please CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image.

BikeWise 2012 : Sunday 1st July

2012-01-18T13:40:00.001Z

The 18^th annual BikeWise Show

will be held on Sunday 1st July 2012 at Police HQ, Aykley Heads, Durham.

This years Olympic Games have caused problems in the finalising of a date for the show, however it’s now sorted, so put the date in your diary and get yourself ready for the annual ‘pilgrimage’ to Police HQ for BikeWise 2012. Remember to tell your friends and family also.

Local world record stunt rider Dave Coates is already confirmed as attending and you will soon be able to keep up to date with BikeWise 2012 updates via the website which will be updated in the next couple of weeks to reflect BikeWise 2012

Register online for the 2012 BikeWise Easter Egg Run

2012-01-12T00:48:00.001Z

Well it’s 2012 and a Happy New Year from the BikeWise team.

What better way to start your motorcycling ‘new year’ than to ride out with a group of like minded people at the BikeWise Easter Egg Run which will be held on Sunday 8^th April.

We’re trying to encourage people to ‘register online’ (CLICK HERE), it’s free to do so and doesn't mean that you have to attend – what it does do is give us , the BikeWise ‘team,’ a ‘heads up’ of how many bikes we could have and let’s us plan accordingly.

We also can then also forward you any subsequent info about the ride and any other ‘BikeWise News’ via email.

To read more about the 2012 Egg Run : Please Click Here

Whilst on the site why not download a 2012 poster and share it with friends.

So please take a couple of minute’s to register online and forward this news item onto your friends.

Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2012-01-12T00:13:00.001Z

The next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Saturday 14^thJanuary 2012 at QC Space, Peterlee. (See Where we Meet on the website for location)

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start

Please note that we cannot train new members at this indoor venue due to restrictions on space but you are more than welcome to come along and watch. As soon as we get outdoors again at Carville (March/April time) we will be able to train new members to ride

See you all on SATURDAY

Teesside Bikers

2012-01-08T13:00:00.001Z

Teesside Bikers meet every Tuesday night from 1800hrs onwards at :

The Pit Stop Diner, Bowesfield Lane, Stockton-on-Tees. TS18 3HJ

For further info contact Lee on : 07802251502

http://www.teessidebikers.co.uk/

http://www.thepitstopdiner.co.uk (01642 653 460)

Merry Xmas & Best Wishes for the New Year

2011-12-23T12:07:00.001Z

Well it’s that time of year again, 2011 almost gone and it gives us a chance to quickly reflect on what’s been happening in the BikeWise ‘world’ and look forward to what 2012 has to bring.

We started the year off with the launch of the new BikeWise website, followed by our biggest Easter Egg Run, then our 17th annual BikeWise Show and finally our Mystery Ride out for the GNAA. We’ve also spent a lot of time up in the Durham Dales meeting and talking to fellow motorcyclists.

BikeWise Training continues to receive support from Durham County Council and Bob & Mick have been very busy over the summer months with riders on Training days.

The BikeWise Mini Bike Club continues to thrive with new riders joining on a regular basis. Some of the riders have completed very successfully in the Scottish Mini Bike Championship and we look forward to what they can achieve next year. These young riders are the future motorcyclists of this region and it is great that we can help and support them as they set out on this path.

On the downside we have had two motorcycle fatalities within the County this year and our thoughts go out to their families at this difficult time of the year. These deaths though make us more determined to promote the BikeWise message to even more motorcyclists in our region in the future.

So 2012 is almost here, it will be a difficult year in the policing world with the Olympics being held in the UK and the subsequent abstractions to deal with it, however we do have some dates for your diary :

BikeWise Easter Egg Run – Sunday 8th April 2012 - Click Here to read more and to register online

BikeWise Show – Sunday 1st July 2012

BikeWise Mini Bike Club runs meetings throughout the year, further details can be obtained by clicking on the Mini Bike Club from the homepage.

BikeWise Training takes bookings all year round, but the Trainings Days are ran from approx. March – October (dependant upon weather), why not click on BikeWise Training on the homepage and read what people think of our Training days and perhaps ‘Raise Your Standards’ in 2012

Our Events section of the website should be able to keep you up to date with motorcycling events around the world. If you know of an event that’s not on there then drop us an email and we’ll put it on the calendar.

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for the New Year from all the BikeWise ‘team’

Xmas Meeting Photo’s now online

2011-12-22T11:44:00.001Z

Photo’s are now online from the Xmas meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club which was held at our new indoor venue at QC Space, Peterlee on Saturday 17^th December .

A great turnout on the day and some hard work had been put into Xmas costumes and decorations for our riders and their bikes.

Another year done and another successful year for the mini bike club, riders come & go but we always have a ‘hardcore’ of families who support the club (even after there own children have left the club).

The club is coming up five years old in January and it continues to grow and thrive due to this support, it would be wrong to name people but you know how much your support is appreciated by the BikeWise ‘team’

‘Many Thanks’ to all who helped build (and take down) the track, for signing riders on and marshalling throughout the day. We couldn't run the events without your support.

It was great to welcome Chairman of Durham County Council, Dennis Morgan to our event as he handed out gifts to our riders. The club was initially supported by former chairman of the council Albert Nugent who provided funds and support in the early days and Dennis has subsequently supported the club in the later years. The skills our members are achieving now in riding their mini bikes will help them in the future when they eventually start riding / driving on Durham's roads. Councillor Morgan spoke about Durham’s road safety record and how he was proud of what our riders were achieving.

The date of our next meeting is Saturday 14^th January 2012 at QC Space although there is an indoor mini bike session at :

PPIK at Leeds on Thursday 29th December 6pm – 10pm. For further info contact PPIK on 0845 12 606 13 or email them on info@ppik.net

To view the pictures of the Xmas meeting, please CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image. (Thanks to John Attle)

Best wishes to all our members for Xmas look forward to seeing you all in 2012 (I’ve no doubt there’ll be lots of new ‘gear’ that Santa has brought)

Highway Code joins Twitter & Facebook

2011-12-20T07:27:00.001Z

The Official Highway Code has joined Twitter and Facebook to share reminders about the rules for road users.

You can also follow The Highway Code by email, or RSS

Twitter
Get reminders about The Highway Code in 140 characters, and retweet them to your followers

Facebook
Get reminders about The Highway Code in your newsfeed, and share them with your friends

Email
Get topical reminders about The Highway Code by email alert

RSS
Use a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) reader - like Google Reader - to get topical reminders about The Highway Code

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties.

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Government slashes motoring Red Tape

2011-12-20T07:07:00.001Z

Motorcyclists with bikes kept off-road will no longer have to fill in a SORN declaration form every year following a Government announcement.

Owners will only have to fill in a Statutory Off-Road Notification once instead of annually.

The need for a paper licence counterpart is also to be scrapped from 2015 in changes aimed at cutting red tape for motorists.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “Motorists shouldn’t have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance – we live in a digital age and we need to embrace that.

“Reducing the number of rules and regulations in our life is absolutely vital to removing barriers to economic growth and increasing individual freedoms. This whole process just proves that there’s so much sitting on our statute books that at the very least needs a good spring clean or can be scrapped entirely.”

Following a vigorous process of challenge, both by the public and within Whitehall, a total of 142 road transport regulations will now be scrapped or improved.

For further details visit : http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20111215

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club–TOMORROW

2011-12-16T10:43:00.001Z

The next meeting(s) of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Saturday 17^rdDecember 2011 at QC Space, Peterlee. (See Where we Meet on the website for location)

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start

Will be be short on staff on Saturday so any help at the beginning and end of the day will be appreciated.

This is our XMAS meeting so hopefully our riders will be getting into the festive spirit as they have in previous years

See you all on SATURDAY

Photo’s now online from Mini Bike Club Meeting

2011-12-06T12:47:00.001Z

Photo’s are now online from the last meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club which was held at our new indoor venue at QC Space, Peterlee on Saturday 3^rd December .

Initially the floor was quite slippery, but very soon our riders were adapting to the conditions and riding smoothly and safely, it was great to see so many smiling faces amongst them when it came to leaving time.

We were short of staff on Saturday so, ‘Many Thanks’ to all who helped build (and take down) the track, for signing riders on and marshalling throughout the day.

We couldn't run the events without your support.

The date of our next meeting is Saturday 17th December – our Xmas meeting, so please get some tinsel out and start decorating your bike or yourself so that we can have a fun meeting.

To view the pictures of the indoor meeting, please CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image.

‘Border Raiders’–2011 from the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-12-06T11:03:00.001Z

L to R : Andrew Thornton, James Alderson, Jack Hoy & Rishon Hickey

Some BikeWise Mini Bike Club members took part in this years Scottish Mini Moto Championship and returned home with a fine collection of silverware. Above picture shows some of our trophy winners with their bikes and below shows them receiving their awards up in Scotland, from BSB racer Stuart Easton.

The BikeWise ‘team’ are really proud of all our club members achievements this year. For some of the members it was their first ‘taste’ of racing when the championship was brought down to North East Karting at Warden Law for the 3^rd round.

Championship results for 2011 are shown below these pictures.

Andrew Thornton

James Alderson

Jack Hoy

Kai Emmerson

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-12-01T23:23:00.001Z

The next meeting(s) of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Saturday 3^rdDecember 2011 at QC Space, Peterlee. (See Where we Meet on the website for location)

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start

Will be be short on staff on Saturday so any help at the beginning and end of the day will be appreciated.

This is our new indoor venue for the winter months and we have been very lucky to obtain the use of the premises but we will have to leave it immaculate when we leave as the premises is in use on the Sunday.

We are also going to have to pay for the electric we use for the lighting so will have to increase our ‘subs’ for the winter months by £1.

If any of our riders who were up at Scotland last week for the presentation are coming along then please can you bring with you the trophies you have won so that we can get a picture of you all with them for the club website.

See you all on SATURDAY

Durham Advanced Motorcyclists - AGM

2011-11-24T11:34:00.001Z

Durham Advanced Motorcyclists AGM will be held at The Bowburn Hall Hotel, Bowburn, Co. Durham on Tuesday 29th November 2011. Kick off 7.30pm

This is your chance to vote for new or existing committee members.

This is also good social evening.

All members & partners welcome.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Regards, Bill McCready

If you’re interested in joining the group this is an opportunity to meet some of the members and find out what the group has to offer.

Croft Circuit drop British Superbike Championship from calendar

2011-11-22T19:29:00.001Z

How disappointing is this for North East motorcyclists……..

CROFT Circuit has vowed to get back on the British Superbike Championship map within 12 months, after the shock news that the track will not feature next year.

Series promoters, MSVR, announced its calendar for the 2012 MCE Insurance-sponsored championship yesterday and it came as a surprise to many that Croft was not among the circuits to be visited.
The three-day event is one of the North-East’s top sporting attractions and regularly draws tens of thousands of motorsport fans to the venue outside Darlington.

It was thought by some that the inclusion of the Dutch circuit, Assen, next year might have been the reason for Croft’s omission, but though circuit bosses have yet to confirm the finer details, BSB series director Stuart Higgs said the decision was made in the North-East and had more to do with the after-effects of a long-running High Court case.
In January 2009, Croft Promosport, the circuit’s tenant, was ordered to pay damages and legal costs to three neighbours because the enjoyment of their homes had been affected by “loud, intrusive and repetitive noise”.
The ruling also restricted the number of annual noisy days – when the circuit can run cars and bikes with unmuffled exhausts – to 40.
Higgs said it was this and not any decision on MSVR’s part that led to yesterday’s announcement.
“We offered a round to Croft as part of the normal course of events back in September, the operators said things were very difficult for them, as has been well-documented. They’re operating under very tough operating arrangements which are probably the most stringent in the UK. With only 40 commercial days, they have had to make a commercial decision and maximise the use of those days on a risk-free basis. BSB would account for three days and is quite a big financial outlay, meaning they are hugely reliant on revenue on the day and need a good crowd and good weather, etc. We’re in the business of operating circuits as well, and with only 40 days use a year, they’re very, very tough, if not impossible, conditions to work with.”
Higgs said Croft had provided a good venue for the championship since 2004 and a round could return if conditions for the track improved.
A spokesman for Croft Circuit said they hoped that this would be the case. Although unable to expand on the matter, he said: “It is not a long-term decision. It has not been possible to run the British Superbikes in 2012, but we appreciate it is a prestigious event and we will be looking to bring it back in 2013.”

So no BSB racing at our local circuit, meaning that instead of travelling 28.5miles from Durham to Croft you will have to travel :

158 miles to Donington Park
163 miles to Oulton Park
166 miles to Cadwell Park
167 miles to Knockhill (where it’s usually rained off)
215 miles to Silverstone
259 miles to Snetterton
281 miles to Brands Hatch
306 miles to Thruxton
or either go to Holland (Assen) OR watch it on the TV

What really hurts though is that Brands Hatch is now running three (3) rounds, Oulton Park two (2) rounds and there is even a round at Assen in Holland. The series organizers MSVR own four of the circuits : Snetterton, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch.

Perhaps the series could be renamed Southern Superbikes !! (SSB) instead of British Superbikes (BSB)

You can email BSB at : bsb@msvracing.co.uk if you want to let them know how disappointed you are to be losing the North East round of BSB.

The full BSB calendar for 2012 is as follows :
1    6.7.8.9 April :      Brands Hatch Indy
2    13.14.15 April :        Thruxton
3    5.6.7 May :       Oulton Park International
4    25.26.27 May :        Snetterton 300
5    22.23.24 June :        Knockhill
6    6.7.8 July :        Oulton Park International
7    20.21.22 July :         Brands Hatch GP
8    25.26.27 August :        Cadwell Park
9    7.8.9 September :        Donington Park GP
10    21.22.23 September :    TT Circuit Assen (NL)
11    28.29.30 September :    Silverstone GP
12    12.13.14 October :         Brands Hatch GP

New Indoor Venue for the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-11-20T13:20:00.001Z

The BikeWise Mini Bike Club has a new venue to run some indoor meetings over the winter months.

Last year we ran some meetings at the disused Arriva Bus Depot in Davy Drive, Peterlee.

That premises has now been sold after after a lot of searching / enquiring with property owners throughout the county we have been fortunate enough to be allowed to us a premises – QC Space which is a few hundred yards away from where we were last year.

We have provisionally arranged to host meetings of the club at these premises on the following dates :
Saturday 3^rd December
Saturday 16^th December (Xmas meeting)
Saturday 14^thJanuary
Saturday 4th February
Saturday 25th February
For further details visit the mini bike club website and look at the ‘Where We Meet’ page

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-11-10T14:04:00.001Z

The next meeting(s) of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 13^thNovember 2011 at Carrville Park & Ride, Durham.
Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start

If there is any doubt about the weather on Sunday morning then please either check the website or contact the motorcycle office on 0191-3752136 before travelling.

Karting North East at Warden Law will be running their last mini bike session of the year on Monday 21^st November at 5pm.

The BikeWise team would like to thank all the staff and management of Karting North East for being so supportive of the club throughout 2011 and we look forward to starting again in Spring of 2012

MCN/BikeWise Fantasy Road Race 2011 – season ends

2011-11-10T11:53:00.001Z

The MCN Fantasy racing season has now ended and our very own BikeWise Training’s, Bob Brown finished top of the league with 1973 points ( a year Bob remembers well as it was the last time that a NE football team brought the FA Cup home !!).

Second was Mark Lummis with 1951 points and third was Elaine Jacobs with 1920 points.

The seasons end was affected by the death of Marco Simoncelli at the Malaysian Gran Prix – Marco had been having a great year riding his Team Gresini Honda and will be a sad loss to the racing community.

Our 2011 Moto GP gallery shows all the results and pictures from the 2011 season and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE and then clicking on the Simoncelli thumbnail.

Many Thanks to the 94 participants in the league this year, remember to tell your friends so that we can break the 100 barrier next year.

Motorcycle Live: 19th – 27th November

2011-11-07T11:36:00.001Z

To celebrate the start of Britain’s biggest motorcycle show, the best of British racing talent will be out in force as part of a grand opening ceremony that will see MotoGP star Cal Crutchlow fire up his Yamaha M1 machine on the Black Horse Stage!

Motorcycle Live is so much more than getting your hands on the hottest new bikes, clothing and accessories – it’s an interactive day out for the whole family. An opportunity to see, touch, feel, hear, smell, ride and experience the very best that motorcycling has to offer, no matter what your riding level. Experienced riders and Newcomers can GET ON in Hall 4.

Whether you want to get kitted out yourself or watch your friends or family have a go there is something for everyone! Look out for biking celebrities, visit the cinema, take part in competitions on the Blackhorse Stage in the Arai Entertainment Zone. Classic, Custom & Escape Zones packed full of bikes, information & ideas whether you want to reminisce, build your own or get way! Watch the kids get their first on and off road biking experience plus off road & Trials riding for adults!

Don’t miss out – buy discount tickets now! All features are FREE!
PLUS FREE Access to Ramp’d Up Freestyle Motocross Arena - No hidden or extra charges for Live Action!

A great day out at the UK’s largest motorcycle show!

http://www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/

Classic Bikes to be exempt from MOT

2011-11-04T13:12:00.001Z

Classic bikes will be exempt from the MoT test under proposals published by Roads Minister Mike Penning yesterday.

Bikes or cars made before 1960 will no longer have to undergo the inspection under plans.

The current requirement for the vehicles to be tested annually goes beyond European legislation, according to the Department for Transport.

A spokesman said: “As part of the Government's commitment to cutting unnecessary red tape, today's proposals would exempt private vehicles manufactured before 1960 from the MoT test, reducing costs for owners.”

Announcing the plans, Penning said: "We are committed to reducing regulation which places a financial burden on motorists without providing significant overall benefits.

"Owners of classic cars and motorbikes are enthusiasts who maintain their vehicles well - they don't need to be told to look after them, they're out there every weekend checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.

"That is why I am today putting forward proposals to scrap the MoT test for these vehicles - this will result in savings for the Government and for motorists."

A consultation on the plans runs until January 26: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations.

Photo’s Now online from the Mini Bike Club Meeting

2011-11-04T00:09:00.001Z

Photo’s are now online from the last meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club which was held at Carrville Park and Ride on Sunday 30^th October where some of our members got themselves an early start to Halloween

Some great riding by all riders in difficult damp conditions (and a warm welcome to our latest members)

‘Many Thanks’ to all who helped build (and take down) the track, for signing riders on and marshalling throughout the day.

We couldn't run the events without your support.

No date has been set for our next meeting at Carrville – we’re hoping the weather holds out whilst we keep trying to find an indoor venue for over the winter months, so keep checking the website and your emails.

To view the pictures of the Carrville event please CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image.

Good luck to all of our members who are travelling north of the border this weekend to compete in the final round of the Scottish Mini Moto Championship, hopefully they’ll return with some trophies and good results.

Next Meeting’s of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-10-24T12:18:00.001+01:00

The next meeting(s) of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 30^thOctober 2011 at Carrville Park & Ride, Durham.
Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start
If there is any doubt about the weather on Sunday morning then please contact the motorcycle office on 0191-3752136 before travelling.

Karting North East at Warden Law will be running their Mini Bike session tonight at 5pm

When you think you’re having a bad day–look at this !

2011-10-21T14:26:00.001+01:00

When you're having a 'bad' day at work or can't get out on your bike have a look at this and realize how lucky we are

And after you’ve put away the Kleenex………. on a funnier note have a read of this one :
Next time you have a bad day at work, think of this guy. Rob is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana. He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs. Below is an E-mail he sent to his sister. She then sent it to The X, 103.2 on your FM dial in Ft Wayne IN, who was sponsoring a “worst job experience” contest. Needless to say, she won.
Hi Sue,
Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother. Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you’ve been feeling down lately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it’s not so bad after all.
Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job. As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It’s a wetsuit. This time of year the water is quite cool. So what we do to keep warm is this: we have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose.
Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I’ve used it several times with no complaints. What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wetsuit. This floods my whole suit with warm water. It’s like working in a Jacuzzi.
Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch. So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. Within a few seconds my butt started to burn. I pulled the hose out from my back, but the damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened. The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit. Now, since I don’t have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn’t stick to it. However, the crack of my butt was not as fortunate. When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into my butt. I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator. His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along with 5 other divers, were all laughing hysterically. Needless to say I aborted the dive.
I was instructed to make 3 agonizing in-water decompression stops totaling 35 minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression. When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic, with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber. The cream put the fire out, but I couldn’t poop for 2 days because my butthole was swollen shut. So, next time you’re having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your butt.

The Scott Trial–Saturday 22nd October 2011

2011-10-21T14:11:00.001+01:00

Richmond & District Motor Club’s Scott Trial which dates back to 1914 will be held tomorrow – riders departing on the arduous 85 mile route around the North Yorkshire Moors from 0900hrs.

Of the 210 riders starting the trial - previous winners Graham Jarvis and James Dabill will be setting off just after 1000hrs on numbers 202 & 207.

World Superbike riders Leon Camier & Leon Haslam will be setting off about 0925hrs on numbers 87 & 84 and inbetween then on 86 is BSB team boss and former Moto GP rider Rob McElnea.

For further details of the Trial visit : http://www.richmondmotorclub.com/

This years spectator guide is available to download here: Scott Trial Spectator Guide 2011

Time to get out the hiking boots and watch take in an extreme motorcycle event on our doorsteps

BikeWise Trained …..

2011-10-18T15:16:00.001+01:00

	James Alder
Trevor Shields	Samantha Parkhouse	David Parkhouse
Dennis Coleman	Andrew Watson	Trishia Snaith
Chris Mitchell	Paul Noble	Lyn Hogarth

Congratulations to Lyn Hogarth, Paul Noble, Chris Mitchell, Andrew Watson, Trishia Snaith, Dennis Coleman, Samantha & David Parkhouse, Trevor Shields & James Alder who have been out with Mick & Bob during the last few weeks and completed a days BikeWise Training.

For further details about BikeWise Training please Click Here & to read what the riders thought of their Training Day, please Click Here

Photo’s online from last BikeWise Mini Bike Club meeting

2011-10-18T14:07:00.001+01:00

Photo’s are now online from the last meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club which was held at Carrville Park and Ride on Sunday 9^th October.

Some great riding by all riders and a warm welcome to our latest members

‘Many Thanks’ to all who helped build (and take down) the track, for signing riders on and marshalling throughout the day.

We couldn't run the events without your support.

No date has been set for our next meeting at Carrville (but we hope to get another in before the bad weather starts), so keep checking the website and your emails.

Warden Law will be running on Monday 24^th October

To view the pictures of the Carrville event please CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image.

GNAA–Mystery Ride Out–Photo’s online

2011-10-18T13:22:00.001+01:00

The Great North Air Ambulance held their Mystery Ride Out on Sunday 25th September, as usual leaving from the Police HQ at Aykley Heads, Durham.

Unfortunately the Boundary 500 group had organized a Bacon Butty Run to High Force and MAG had organized their motorway protest to European Legislation on the same day – however there was still a large turnout who took off on the days trail.

Members of Durham Photographic Society turned up at HQ and took pictures which are now online in the gallery : CLICK HERE

HM Plant Honda Ends Season On A High

2011-10-10T20:03:00.001+01:00

The HM Plant Honda team missed out on the British Superbike Championship title this year, but at Brands Hatch yesterday (Sunday) Shane 'Shakey' Byrne put in a sensational performance to celebrate a double race victory to end the season on a high for the team.
In the second race of the weekend on Sunday morning, Shakey got off to a flying start from the front row as he moved into second at the first corner but quickly took the lead and continued to head the field until the chequered flag. Kiyonari meanwhile finished in sixteenth place in the second race of the weekend.
In the final race of the season on Sunday afternoon, Shakey again demonstrated the impressive pace of the HM Plant Honda Fireblade to secure the final win of the year by 4.434 seconds, which secured him third place in the overall standings. Kiyo just missed out on a top ten finish in eleventh place and finished sixth in the championship overall.
The National Superstock 1000 Championship race was unfortunately cancelled following a crash that caused the race to be red flagged and Jason O’Halloran was therefore unable to complete the final race of the year.
Shakey said: "That win in the first race of the day race felt like I had just won the championship! We gave it everything at the weekend and I wanted nothing less than two race wins on Sunday. We had a good start but in the first laps I didn't do a very good job of avoiding the damp patches and I had a few moments - in fact more than I think I have had in my whole career! I didn't know who was behind me but I knew I wasn't prepared to let them through as I wanted that win badly. The second win was great for me and the team but at the same time I felt a bit empty as all that hard work and great wins but for no championship title.
“After the first race of the day I didn’t initially realise I couldn’t still win the championship, but then the boys said to me just get out there and enjoy it and that’s what I did. Every lap I kept thinking why did Donington and Silverstone go so wrong? I was desperate to achieve the last two wins of the season and on Sunday we won the battle but we didn’t quite manage the war. The double win was a great result for the HM Plant Honda team for all their hard work all season. Missing out this year means I have something to come back for next year and I will certainly be throwing some grenades then!”
Kiyo said: “It has been another difficult weekend for me and I am disappointed that I couldn’t have a better result to end the season. We have worked hard and I need to thank the HM Plant Honda team for their support to try and help me improve over this year.”
Jason said: “I was really looking forward to the final race of the season as we really wanted to end on a high for the HM Plant Honda team, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible. We had been improving all weekend and I was feeling confident for the race, but I just want to thank the HM Plant Honda team for their support this season, particularly when I was injured.”
Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “Shakey did a fantastic job by taking the double win at Brands Hatch and he couldn’t have done any more. At the beginning of Sunday the championship was realistically unfortunately out of reach so all he could do was end the season with two victories and that is exactly what he did and it was a classy performance from him and we couldn’t have asked for more.
“It has been a difficult season for Kiyo; with him the HM Plant Honda team has won three BSB titles and scored 43 race wins which makes him the most successful rider in BSB history. We want to thank Kiyo for the successes we have celebrated together over the years. He will always be part of the Honda family and we wish him all the best for the future, in whatever he decides to do, as he will not be returning to the HM Plant Honda team in 2012.
“For Jason it was disappointing that the race was cancelled and he was unable to end the season with a result and full race but we obviously want to send our best wishes to the riders involved in the accident that caused the stoppage. We are now already looking ahead to winter preparation for next season where we will be looking to come back even stronger.”

The BikeWise Team would like to thank the HM Plant Honda Racing team for all the support they’ve given to BikeWise throughout 2011 and hope they enjoy a well deserved rest before taking up the challenge again in 2012.

For more info on the team visit : http://www.honda-racing.co.uk/

Next meetings of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-09-26T15:46:00.001+01:00

The next meeting(s) of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 9^thOctober 2011 at Carrville Park & Ride, Durham.
Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start
If there is any doubt about the weather on Sunday morning then please contact the motorcycle office on 0191-3752136 before travelling.

Karting North East at Warden Law will be running their Mini Bike session tonight at 5pm

Photo’s online from last Mini Bike Club Meeting

2011-09-17T13:33:00.001+01:00

Photo’s are now online from the last meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club which was held at Carrville Park and Ride on Sunday 11^th September where club member Matthew Ward celebrated his 7^th birthday with other members, whilst riding his new Rossi replica Polini.

Some great riding by all riders and a warm welcome to our latest members

‘Many Thanks’ to all who helped build (and take down) the track, for signing riders on and marshalling throughout the day.

We couldn't run the events without your support.

No date has been set for our next meeting at Carrville (due to holiday commitments for Mick & Bob), so keep checking the website and your emails.

Warden Law will be running on Monday 26th September

To view the pictures of the Carrville event please CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image.

BikeWise Trained…….

2011-09-17T10:39:00.001+01:00

John Lambton		Craig Lambton
Mark Hipkin	Yvonne Golightly	Keith Dunn

Congratulations to John & Craig Lambton, Keith Dunn, Mark Hipkin ( Your local ‘biker’ lawyer) and Yvonne Golightly who have been out with Mick & Bob during the last couple of weeks and completed a days BikeWise Training.
For further details about BikeWise Training please Click Here & to read what the riders thought of their Training Day, please Click Here

Motorcycle tolls lifted at Tyne Tunnel

2011-09-12T23:15:00.001+01:00

From Monday 12th September 2011, motorcycles will be able to travel toll-free through the Tyne Tunnel.
The Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (TWITA) has agreed to allow free passage for motorcycles in order to reduce delays at the toll plaza caused by motorcyclists attempting to pay their tolls, and reflecting the minimal wear and tear created by these vehicles upon the tunnel infrastructure.
Paul Fenwick, New Tyne Crossing Project Director for the Tyne & Wear Integrated Transport Authority, said: "The Authority has been sympathetic to the case for motorcyclists to use the Tyne Tunnel without paying a toll and it agreed at its meeting in August to abolish it for this class of user. The physical difficulties motorcyclists encounter when using the tolls, for example the need to take off gloves to find the right coins, often meant delays for other motorists.
"The financial impact of the change will be negligible. Revenue from the 157,000 financial transactions involving motorcyclists in 2010/11 was only 0.26% of overall Tyne Tunnel revenue."
Motorcycles will be automatically recognised by the operating system installed at the new toll plaza, which came into use in February this year as part of the New Tyne Crossing project.
There will be no need for motorcyclists to obtain permits to enable their free passage, as the barriers will lift automatically on their approach, freeing up traffic movement through the plaza.
This announcement comes months before the second vehicle tunnel is due to come into operation. With two tunnels in use capacity at the river crossing will more than double, removing congestion at this traffic pinch point and transforming traffic flow on the A19.
Refurbishment of the 1967 road tunnel has made excellent progress, with the tunnel due to be commissioned for use by December this year, on programme and on budget.
Many Thanks to Dave Summers for the info.

James Toseland retires from racing

2011-09-09T15:21:00.001+01:00

Double World Superbike Champion, James Toseland is retiring from professional motorcycle racing with immediate effect following a visit to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mike Hayton, yesterday. The visit confirmed Toseland’s worst fears that the damage sustained to his right wrist during a testing crash at Aragon earlier this year is irreparable and no amount of physiotherapy can repair the injury.

The crash which has turned out to be career-ending took place at the Spanish circuit in March this year and the 31-year-old’s resulting battle to return to full fitness has been well publicised. However, having struggled with the injury during recent races and following a further crash at the last race at Nurburgring in Germany, the Yorkshireman has been told that it is no longer safe for him to continue his career in professional motorcycle racing.

Damage caused by the first crash has left James with a severely restricted range of movement in his right wrist, making it difficult to operate a motorcycle throttle properly and almost impossible to navigate right hand turns. The unexpectedly premature end to what has been an outstanding career, has understandably been extremely upsetting for Toseland, who has tried every treatment and recovery option possible to return to racing.

Consultant Mike Hayton said: "JT has shown dedication and determination in our aim to recover the best possible function in his right wrist. We acted quickly to repair the damage with surgery and rehabilitation and, initially, believed that this had gone well, but we had also been clear from the outset that this was a potentially career-threatening and devastating injury.
"While his approach to recovery has been admirable and he has continued to make good progress, he has not recovered enough range of movement in the right wrist to continue as an elite motorcyclist. We had a difficult discussion on his future career, in which he showed a true sense of professionalism and an unselfish approach to making way for young, talented riders. To work with athletes like JT is a privilege and makes us do what we do."
James added: "2011 has been a tough year for me and this week has been one of the most difficult of my life, but advice from professionals has made it clear that my crash at Aragon has left me with a permanent disability, which means that I will never again be able to ride competently at this level.
"While that’s hard to hear, I have to place the emphasis on the safety of other riders in the paddock as well as myself and I realise that it’s not fair to occupy a World Superbike seat with a team as professional as BMW Motorrad Italia when there are fit and talented riders available who are desperate for this type of opportunity.
"I’ve been extremely fortunate to have enjoyed a long and successful career doing something I love and I’m really grateful for that. I’ve been lucky enough to bounce back from serious injuries in the past and I’ve had the support of a great family, brilliant friends and a fantastic fanbase to see me through the highs and lows.

James visited BikeWise show in 2005 as a result of his close friendship with HM Plant owner John Jones. James has continued to carry an HMP Plant logo on the front of his helmet visor throughout his career.

The BikeWise ‘team’ would like to thank James for all the pleasure he has given to fans throughout the years with his riding skills, and wish him a long and healthy retirement

Mystery Ride Out- GNAA–Sunday 25th September

2011-09-09T14:43:00.001+01:00

Well it’s that time of year again to get out your map’s and compass !!

We are again running the motorcycle Mystery Ride Out in 2011, with all proceeds going to the Great North Air Ambulance.

This is our fifth year of running the event with the GNAA and it is getting bigger and more popular with bikers each year.

The event starts from Durham Police HQ at Aykley Heads, Durham, from 10am on Sunday 25th September 2011.
Departures will be staggered from between 10am and 11am.

Once you arrive and sign in, at the cost of £5 per person, you will be given a clue, solve the clue and it will give you a destination, choose your route to the location and once there you will find another……

There are two different sets of clues, so if there is a group of you participating in the ride together make sure you get the same colour clue.
Most the mystery locations have food and toilet facilities for you, so why not make a day of it and enjoy your ride out.
If you’ve managed to solve the clues and find your way around the north east it should lead you back to Police HQ, where hopefully (subject to being called out to an emergency) the Air Ambulance will be landing for you to have a look at and talk to the crew.

All you need to bring is a map, a sense of direction and your clue solving skills, if you haven’t got any of them make sure you team up with someone who has!!

If you need any further information about the event or helping raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance please contact Mandy or Lynne at GNAA on 01325 487263.
Hope to see you there.
The BikeWise and GNAA teams

http://www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-09-07T19:24:00.001+01:00

The next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 11th September 2011 at Carrville Park & Ride, Durham.

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs safety brief/start

If there is any doubt about the weather on Sunday morning then please check the Mini bike club website or members check your emails before travelling.

Photo’s from our last meeting at Carrville can now be viewed in the Gallery on the website – www.bikewiseminibikeclub.org.uk

BikeWise Trained……..

2011-08-29T10:18:00.001+01:00

Sean Byrne	Richard Spensley
Mike Horner	Richy Tough

Congratulations to Sean Byrne, Richard Spensley, Mike Horner & Richy Tough, who have been out with Bob this week and completed a days BikeWise Training.

For further details about BikeWise Training please Click Here

A689rd through Weardale closed at Ireshopeburn

2011-08-26T08:52:00.002+01:00

The main A689 road through Weardale is closed at Ireshopeburn between Causeway Road and Carway Bank, due to a burst water main.
The road is likely to be closed throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
We believe diversions are in place along some very minor roads !
Please take care

Does the Bike Fit ?

2011-08-25T08:43:00.001+01:00

An interesting website link – sent to us by one of our readers, Andy Irwin… (Thanks Andy)

If you're thinking of a new bike and wonder how it might suit you for size then visit the site and enter your height, inside leg length etc and you will see how you might look and feel on it.You can even put your feet on the ground to see if you will be able to touch the ground.

You can view multiple bikes at the same time and if the bike of your choice is not there, then you can notify the site and they will put it on for you.

To view the site please CLICK HERE

Steve Hislop Memorial Run

2011-08-25T08:29:00.001+01:00

The 9th Steve Hislop Memorial Run will be held on Sunday 4th September 2011

To take part in the run – Meet in DENHOLM GREEN for a 10.30am depart.

The Route will take in the following places :

Haughhead, Bonchester, Carter Bar, Bellingham, Whitfield, (stop 30 mins, Midday), Alston, Slaggyford, Milton, A689 towards Carlisle, A7 Longtown, Langholm, Hawick, Denholm and will finish approx. 3pm

(Approx. 165 miles)

to view the full route please CLICK HERE

Check out the local weather on the website before going for a ride

2011-08-21T11:46:00.001+01:00

Most day’s, before we go for a ride, it pays to check out the weather.

We’ve put together a few of our favourite weather sites onto one page so that you can check the weather easily without having to search for three or four sites.

If you visit the What's On page of our website you will see that at the bottom of the page there is a line which says :

“ To check the weather in Durham, please CLICK HERE “

If you click on the ‘CLICK HERE’ link it will take you into a new page , Weather, where some of our favourite weather sites are shown -

The first three shown –

metcheck, XCWeather.co.uk & RainToday are clickable links which will take you into their respective web pages.

The other two are BBC weather and Met Office which show you local weather.

Remember to ‘bookmark’ the page and it will hopefully be able to better prepare yourself for that next ride out in the sunshine !!

To visit the page now, CLICK HERE

BikeWise Trained…

2011-08-19T20:35:00.002+01:00

Stuart Proctor	Dawn Proctor
John Whittle	Anita Craggs

Congratulations to Dawn & Stuart Proctor and Anita Craggs and John Whittle who have been out with Bob & Mick this week on a days BikeWise Training.
For further details about BikeWise Training, please Click Here

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-08-19T20:11:00.002+01:00

Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 28th August 2011.

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs start at Carrville Park and Ride.

If club members have any doubts about the weather please check your emails or the website before travelling.

Open Day at MSG Bike Gear this Sunday (14th August)

2011-08-09T23:34:00.001+01:00

MSG Bike Gear of Darlington who attend the BikeWise Show every year, are holding an open day, this Sunday from 10am till 5pm at their premises at :

Newsham Hall, Aislaby,Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 OQS

For further details please either ring : 01325 333 346 or visit their website at CLICK HERE to visit MSG website

Two DAM stalwarts

2011-08-04T14:02:00.001+01:00

Bob presents Mike with his gift

Bob Brown, Mike Cope, John Cudden, Mick Alder

BikeWise 2011 was the venue for two long serving members of Durham Advanced Motorcyclists to receive a token of thanks from the club in recognition of their hard work in helping to form DAM and making it such a successful club that we know today.

It was fitting that retired motorcycle Sgt, Bob Brown (BikeWise Training) who as our local IAM examiner, was instrumental with Mike Cope in forming the group in 1995, was able to present Mike with a gift from the committee.

Mike has over the years performed allsorts of roles within the group both within Training and the Committee.

John Cudden was one of the first to take his test with the newly formed group in 95/96 and went on to become an observer, senior observer and group training officer. Retired PC, Mick Alder (BikeWise Training) was the motorcycle instructor for the police and together with Ali Bonar worked closely with John on the Training side of DAM so Mick made the presentation to John on behalf of the committee.

Both Mike & John have put vast amounts of their own time into making DAM the successful IAM group that it is today. They have made a huge contribution towards Road Safety in County Durham

The BikeWise ‘team’ feel proud and privileged to have been able to work closely with Mike & John and wish them all the best in their ‘retirement’

BikeWise Show Photo’s now online

2011-08-02T21:09:00.001+01:00

Photo’s are now online from this years BikeWise Show which was held in glorious sunshine at the Police HQ on Sunday 24th July.

Many Thanks to the members of Durham Photographic Society who gave up their time to record the show for us in pictures.

For many of us on the ‘BikeWise Team’ seeing the photo’s is the only way we get to see what happened at the show as it’s normally just a ‘blur’

Click on this Link to go to the BikeWise photo gallery and from there you will need to click on the individual thumbnails to go into the individual albums.

Hope you enjoy looking back on BikeWise 2011 and thanks for your support.

Next years BikeWise 2012 show will be held earlier than normal due to the Olympics in London which will necessitate members of the team working down there for extended periods – so keep checking the website and we will publish the date as soon as we can.

Once again Thanks to the Durham Photographic Society and if you wish to find out more about them please click here

Teesside Bikers donate £2000 to Zoe’s Place

2011-07-27T15:52:00.001+01:00

Great news from Teesside Bikers – the Honda CD 185 motorcycle that they renovated and raffled at BikeWise 2011 made the sum of £2000 which will be donated to Zoe’s Place, the children's hospice.

The bike was won by Syd Craggs from Newcastle who was attending BikeWise for the second time.

Syd used to ride in the 70’s and was keen to win the bike, buying two lots of raffle tickets. He came back to biking about six years ago and passed his test and is currently riding a Honda Shadow.

Syd is shown, picking up the bike from Police HQ on Monday (No…. not the FJR Syd !!)

Honda’s bike’s on show at BikeWise 2011

2011-07-19T09:01:00.001+01:00

HM Plant Honda Race Team Manager, Havier Beltran will be travelling up to BikeWise 2011 from Honda’s Race HQ at Louth.

‘Harvey’ will have with him in the HM Plant Honda Race truck – the two BSB Honda Fireblade superbikes of reigning 2010 BSB champion Riuchi Kiyonari (who is currently in Suzuka, Japan) and also present championship leader Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne.

Honda TT legends, John McGuinness TT winning Honda Fireblade will also be there as will the new Honda VFR 800X Crossrunner.

See bikes and talk to Harvey, Shakey and John at the HM Plant Racetruck throughout the day

A689 Nenthead – Road surface still not repaired – Take Care

2011-07-17T15:40:00.001+01:00

Further to our item of the 11th June : Click HERE to view news item – the road surface at Nenthead when you are travelling downhill towards the Miners Arms has still not been repaired. Please take care as you descend the bank and enter the left hand bend at the bottom of the bank.

For those of you not sure of where this is… It’s the main road through Weardale as you head west, towards Alston (Hartside Cafe).

It’s about two miles past the County Durham border as you descend down from the border at Killhope Cross into Cumbria

The photo’s above show the view back up the hill

The American way

2011-07-17T09:31:00.001+01:00

Win a Honda CD185 with Teesside Bikers (and help Zoe’s Place)

2011-07-16T17:57:00.001+01:00

Teesside Bikers have restored a Honda CD185, to raise funds for their adopted charity Zoë's Place Baby Hospice.

The bike is going to be raffled at BikeWise 2011 and you can buy tickets beforehand by visiting this website : http://nightingales01.co.uk/spiderbike.aspx and then following the instructions. Good Luck

Whats Happening in the ‘BikeWise World’ – July 2011

2011-07-13T13:27:00.001+01:00

Date for your Diary :

BikeWise 2011 – Sunday 24th July 2011 - (click here to find out latest BikeWise Show news)

BikeWise 2011 is almost here – Sunday 24th July….

Click HERE to download a poster

Click HERE to download the show itinerary

HM Plant Honda Racing Team will be there with BSB Championship leader Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and 17 times TT winner John McGuinness.

Darlington based world record holding stunt rider and BikeWise stalwart – Dave Coates will once again be thrilling the crowds with his two shows at BikeWise.

New for 2011 - X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team, who are based at Keighley and consists of two of the world’s best stunt riders, a professional compere and a mobile stunt unit which is the focal point of the show

Music this year is by Twister, who are a young, four piece, energetic pop/rock band based in Durham. Twister have been together for about 6 years, and in November 2009 released their debut album ' Someone's Gotta Lie'

Ducati’s Roadshow will once again be at the event : To take a test ride at any of these events, riders must have a valid motorcycle licence (both parts required) and appropriate clothing and safety gear. Local dealership staff will be on hand to give expert technical and service advice and trained riders will be there to guide all test rides

As well as the above, the Police Dogs will be putting on a display, Motorschool will be giving skid pan and four wheel drive demo rides and the Police Helicopter will also be basing itself at the Police HQ.

And then there’s all our retailers, bike clubs and custom/classic bike show and then of course our younger riders from the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Sunday 17th July 2011 - BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Our next meeting is Sunday 17th July at Carrville Park & Ride, Durham

followed by Karting North East (Warden Law) on Monday 18th July and then BikeWise Show on the 24th July

More details of the club : www.bikewiseminibikeclub.org.uk

Durham Advanced Motorcyclists
Tuesday 26th July 2011 - next meeting at Bowburn Hall Hotel at 1900hrs.
Meet at 1900hrs for a 1930hrs start.
Summer months - ride outs.....
Contact the secretary : Bill McCready on 01325 311 426 for further details

Cafe 1618 Bike Nights, Middleton in Teesdale
Every Tuesday

Bev & John will once again be holding their Bike Nights at their award winning Cafe 1618

16+18 Market Place, Middleton in Tessdale DL12 0GQ.

These will start on the 22nd March and will continue every Tuesday until October, from 1830hrs onwards.
For further details contact Bev & John on 01833 640 300

Last year the couple spent a lot of time and effort working at the rear of the premises and Restaurant 17 has now opened and taking bookings if you fancy a nice night of dining in the dales.

NYRRSC - www.nyrrsc.net

Chat Night - Tuesday 26^th July - Ex Moto GP, WSBK AND BSB Rider Simon Crafar

THE MOWBRAY SUITE, GOLDEN LION HOTEL, NORTHALLERTON, DL7 8PP

PRICES £5 NON MEMBERS - £3 MEMBERS

DOORS OPEN AT 7:30PM - SHOW STARTS AT 8:00PM

Food is available to buy on the night, also raffle and recent TV race highlights

ANY QUERIES RING MIKE REED 07584 565700

See the website: www.nyrrsc.net

Events in the area – Visit our Events page by CLICKING HERE

To find out dates / meeting places of : Aycliffe Bike Club,Darlington MCC, Dragonslayers MCC, Lanchester Centurions MCC, Wetlands and loads of other ‘biking events please click on the link above which will take you into our events calendar.

If you know of any events that are being held please EMAIL US with details (durham.bikewise@gmail.con)

MCN Fantasy Road Race, in association with MCE Insurance is back for 2011!

Once again the game is totally FREE to play. All you have to do is pick a six-man team of riders, comprising the stars of MotoGP, World Superbikes and British Superbikes, then just sit back and let them win you some fantastic prizes!

The game started at on Saturday 26th February and the top prize, courtesy of MCE Insurance, is Yamaha's special edition YZF - R125 (worth £5,800) - celebrating 50 years of racing in World GPs.

There are also seven 'Game Round' prizes to play for during the year, too.

For more information on prizes, just click here. NEW THIS YEAR: Your BSB performance will be put to the test, too, in the all-new MCE BSB Game Round competition! All entrants with the two highest scoring MCE BSB riders for each Game Round will be entered into a prize draw, and of these, one entrant will be drawn out at random to win a pair of tickets to a future MCE BSB round.

So select your riders today!

Once you’ve registered then join the BikeWise League – so that we can all share in the fun.

The PIN number you need to enter the league is :463

Last year, 38yr old Tony Stevens from Hartlepool,who after a ‘gruelling’ season, managing a multi million pound budget and some of the world’s best motorcycle racers Tony not only topped our own BikeWise league – he topped the national league and ‘walked’ away with a brand new Yamaha R6. So let’s hope that we can have a repeat of last season’s success and bring that Yamaha home to the North (again)

If you want to look at your racer’s in action then check out our Moto GP and WSB photo galleries on the new BikeWise website at www.bikewise.org.uk/galleries/ (photo’s will be added as the season progresses)

So – register your team and enter our league – it’s all FREE and you could have a lot of fun and win a bike or tickets to a BSB round

Adelaide Insurance – If you have completed a BikeWise Training day then register your details on Adelaide’s website and you could win a prize in their monthly draw (like Mick Alder did...), you might also get a pleasant surprise when it comes to renewing your insurance.
Quite a few people, who have completed a BikeWise Training day are reporting that they have now insured with Adelaide……
You will be able to select BikeWise Training from the drop down boxes and will get a discount as a result of attending your BikeWise Training day..
Adelaide are a specialist Motorcycle Insurer,provide IAM’s Surety Insurance and support motorcycle Road Racing events in Ireland - www.adelaideinsurance.com

Hein Gericke at Darlington (01325-464 664) - are open everyday, have a shop full of clothing and accessories and you will get 10% off any non sale items in the store if you have attended a BikeWise Training day and produce your card (or ACU license for Mini Bike Club members.)
The team of Alison, Sue, Tim & Craig will look forward to seeing you and giving advice on your equipment needs.
www.hein-gericke.co.uk

*** If you have any ‘news items’ you would like to share with other BikeWise readers, then please forward via email to : durham.bikewise@gmail.com ***

If you change your email address please let us know.

If you wish to stop receiving emails from the BikeWise ‘team’, please reply to this email with the word unsubscribe in the title

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club – Sunday 17th July

2011-07-13T09:30:00.001+01:00

Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 17th July 2011.

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs start at Carrville Park and Ride.

If you have any doubts about the weather please check your emails or the website before travelling.

Karting North East will be hosting their Mini Bike Meeting at Warden Law on Monday 18th July 5pm – 8.30pm.

Have you seen this van ??

2011-07-11T23:13:00.001+01:00

Kenny Blair – owner of Durham Graphics at Dragonville has just ‘wrapped’ his new van and will be running around the area throughout the next couple of weeks advertising BikeWise 2011.

Give Kenny a wave if you see him and if you need any graphics for your bike,car or business then catch up with him at BikeWise show on Sunday 24th July

John McGuiness celebrates 17 TT wins at the 17th BikeWise

2011-07-07T10:42:00.002+01:00

And they will be ‘dropping’ into BikeWise again….

2011-07-07T07:56:00.001+01:00

"Dropping" into BikeWise once again will be the North East Air Support Unit from Newcastle.
The aircraft will be 'based' at Police HQ Durham during the day but will leave if any incidents need it's support.
The unit was originally formed in 1995 - the same year that BikeWise originated and has provided some fantastic service to the residents of Northumbria, Durham & Cleveland over the years.
This will be a great opportunity to see the aircraft on the ground at close quarters instead of racing or hovering overhead.

You spin me right round.... (Well motorschool will)

2011-07-07T07:42:00.001+01:00

Durham Constabulary's driver trainers will be out at BikeWise once again, showing you how a vehicle can react under adverse weather conditions with the aid of the skid pan.
If you've never experienced the skidpan - then make an effort to get to the show early to book your ride as there are only a limited amount of rides available throughout the day and it's an opportunity that you shouldn't miss.
The driver trainers are some of the best drivers in the country and you will be able to ask them any questions about driving.

Dog Section will be 'barking' at you..

2011-07-07T07:40:00.001+01:00

Durham Constabulary's four legged '"friend's will once again be at BikeWise to show off their skills along with their handler's. The display by the dog section is always one of the most popular attractions at BikeWise as it give's everybody an opportunity to see what a valuable asset the dog's are to Police Officers during the course of their work.
Times of the displays will be posted closer to the date of the show.

John McGuinness & ‘Shakey’ Byrne will be at BikeWise 2011

2011-07-03T14:57:00.001+01:00

17 Times TT winner & Honda TT Legends team member & BSB championship leader, HM Plant Honda’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne will both be at BikeWise 2011 along with Honda team manager Havier Beltran who will be bringing the HM Plant rig and the bikes from the Honda HQ at Louth.

John will be flying off to Japan the following day to compete at the next world endurance race at Suzuka

Sadly, HM Plant Superstock rider, Jason O’Halloran will not be there as he is still in hospital after a crash at Knockhill and Riuchi Kiyonari will be back home in Japan, preparing for Suzuka.

Download a BikeWise 2011 Show Poster

2011-07-01T00:21:00.001+01:00

Click on the image below to download a 2011 show poster

Share the link with your friends

2011-06-29T23:34:00.002+01:00

To view / order photo’s from the event click on the image above

Wow..... Scottish Mini Moto Championship at Karting North East,Warden Law on Sunday.

Alan McIntosh of Polini UK brought the championship south, over the border and allowed the BikeWise Mini Bike Club with support from the Durham Agency Against Crime, Durham Advanced Motorcyclists & HM Plant Ltd, to host Round 3 of the championship, giving our local riders from the BikeWise Mini Bike club the opportunity to compete against our friends from Scotland.

Approx forty riders signed on to compete in the various classes and the paddock area was packed with 'motorhomes' !! (Almost like a BSB paddock)

It was a great atmosphere with bikes being worked on and riders discussing gearing, the track, tactics etc....

Lots of friends and family members turned up to watch our young racers and quite a few motorcyclists came along to watch the racing and we were not let down.

The grid for Junior A was particularly impressive with about twenty riders lining up.

Racing was close and the weather initially was sunny and hot. A small shower delayed racing for about ten minutes and held out until late in the afternoon when with about three races to go the heavens opened without warning and we were hit by monsoon like rain.

Racing was abandoned on safety grounds although one or two took the opportunity to practice / ride their bikes on wet tyres for a few laps.

Trophies were awarded to first, second & third in classes and all riders who were riding in the championship received a medal and a framed John McGuinness photograph (John is a great supporter of the BWMBC)

A fantastic afternoons riding, well done to everyone who took part, you represented everything that's good about motorcycling.

Results etc can be viewed at : http://www.polini.co.uk/scottish_minimoto_championship/round3.htm

Warden Law 2012 ???

Photographs from the event are now uploaded into cyberspace...... There’s approx one thousand at the moment (1000) and more will be uploaded later this week, so it might take you a little while to look at them all and see your smiling faces (not half as long as it took us to put them on the internet !!)
So, click on the this link to PHOTOBOX and you will be able to view all the pictures - you can also order prints, direct from there and they will be delivered to your home usually within 24/48hours - so you could be ‘hung’, in a frame, on the wall of your house, on your pride and joy..... before you know it !

If you know of anybody who was at the meeting, then please send them a link to let them know where the photo’s are.
Once again THANKS to you all for making it a special ‘BikeWise’ day.. and making it 'special' to be part of the biking community here in the North East.

Many Thanks to all the photographers who took the photo's, recording the day's events and in particular all from the Durham Photographic Society : http://www.d-p-s.org.uk/

Two for a rainy day…

2011-06-27T11:33:00.002+01:00

These might keep you amused for a few minutes on a rainy day :-)

Copy the link and send it to your friends

What NOT to do on a brow of a hill !!

2011-06-23T15:28:00.001+01:00

At the Isle of Man TT Races local rider Dan Kneen – had the TT save of the century – and said he'd "Not done much wrong" to precipitate the near-catastrophe visited upon him in the 2011 Senior TT. The 23 year old's Kawasaki had been difficult all week on the handling front says Kneen.

"I didn’t square it up for the jump and it obviously didn’t like it" he concluded with the signature excitability of the true Manxman. "People keep asking me about that stupid moment."

Just listen to commentators Jamie Whitham & Steve Plater and watch what the cameraman does (run for cover me thinks !!)

Definitely one to reserve for racetracks..

Scottish Mini Moto Championship at Karting North East (Warden Law) Sunday 26th June

2011-06-23T07:31:00.003+01:00

Well, it’s almost here, this Sunday from 2pm – 7pm.
Alan McIntosh the organizer of the Polini Scottish Mini Moto Championship is bringing Round 3, south of the border to Karting North East at Warden Law (Between Houghton le Spring and Seaham Harbour).
This event has also been kindly supported by the Durham Agency Against Crime, the Durham Advanced Motorcyclists and HM Plant Ltd
Practice starts at 2pm, followed by qualifying and then racing through to approx 7pn.
Racing will be on the full circuit which is 1.2kms in length and there will be various classes of racing.
There is ample new tarmac parking for cars and motorcycles and great viewing around the circuit.
Both ends of the circuit have raised banking where you can get a good general overview of the circuit
Admission is free (although you might wish to drop some change into a bucket to help the club which is all run voluntary)
The main reception area has a cafe which will be open throughout the event and sells tea, coffee, soft drinks and also serves up chips, burgers, sandwiches etc if you’re feeling hungry.
The best bit is last – you’ll be able to see our local young riders competing against their Scottish counterparts and after watching this you’ll never want to watch Moto GP again :-) (You may even want to get your son/daughter, grandson / granddaughter or nephew or niece's involved)
Please come along and support the riders – Karting North East has recently come under the ownership of World Rally Car driver Guy Wilks, who finished 3rd in this years 100th Monte Carlo Rally and he has made significant improvements to the centre already with more in the pipeline. There is a new fleet of thirty karts and some great packages that you might want to look at for a club session of four wheel fun.

Click on the link below to go to Google Maps for directions to Warden Law :
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/myplaces?ll=54.848536,-1.424189&spn=0.00488,0.016512&sll=54.847711,-1.423668&sspn=0,0&ctz=-60&t=h&z=17

Parking on Sunday

Competitors and members of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club should drive in through the normal entrance and head for the Junior Kart Track, then travel up the left side of the Junior Kart Track and park in the area outlined in red.
The Blue coloured car park is to be left for any visitors and motorcyclists who might come to watch the event

To view all the info about Karting North East and to download a brochure please click on the image

TYMC – Durham Dales Classic Run

2011-06-19T16:31:00.003+01:00

The Teesside Yesteryear Motor Club held their 17th Durham Dales Classic Motorcycle Run last weekend (12th June)
The event started at Shafto’s Inn, Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor and approximately 60 riders set off travelling the first part of the route (55miles) which eventually led to Mickleton Village Hall, where there was a compulsory one hour lunch stop, always a great opportunity to have a cup of tea and view some fantastic classic bikes.
After lunch the riders set off and travelled back to Spennymoor via a different route of approximately 35miles.
Once everyone was safely back, awards were handed out and then it rained !!
A fantastic day to view some great motorcycles of yesteryear being ridden in our Durham dales. What date is the ride next year ??
To view / order photo’s of the event please visit : http://www.photoboxgallery.com/bikewise

Watch a video of the event below (some great sidecar footage)

Next meeting of the BWMBC and photo’s online from Warden Law

2011-06-19T16:04:00.001+01:00

The next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be held at Karting North East at Warden Law on Monday 20th June 2011 – 5pm – 8pm.

These events at Karting North East are open to all, not specifically BikeWise Mini Bike Club members.

Last chance to get a bit a of practice before the Scottish Championship event next Sunday (26th)

Great night at Warden Law last Monday, 13th June and a big turnout of bikes from the club.

Photos are now online on the website and if you want to order prints of yourself from the last two meetings at Warden Law please click on this link to view / order : http://www.photoboxgallery.com/bikewise

Prints can be ordered in various sizes and will be sent out direct from Photobox. Any commission we receive from Photobox will be put back into the club.

Drivers to be urged to look for bikers at junctions (again)

2011-06-17T11:33:00.001+01:00

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has today launched a new campaign aimed at getting drivers to think more about riders.

The message will be pushed through advertisements at petrol forecourts and on national radio.

The Department for Transport (DfT) says action is needed because 78% of serious bike accidents involve a crash with another vehicle and 67% of those collisions are at a junction, "often with the driver of the other vehicle failing to see the motorcycle".

Penning said: "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."

The radio adverts will run from next Monday.

A DfT spokesman said: "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.

"There will also be Facebook activity aimed at motorcyclists and online adverts reminding drivers to look out for bikers.

"THINK! will also be working with partners to raise awareness of extra training for motorcyclists and the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear when riding."

If you haven't already done so then why not consider a day out with our own BikeWise Training, click on this link to read what other local motorcyclists thought of it and either book through the Road Safety Department at County Hall or speak to Bob & Mick who will be at BikeWise 2011

Next Meetings of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-06-12T08:29:00.001+01:00

The next meetings of the club will be as follows :

Monday 13th June - Karting North East at Warden Law. 1700hrs - 2000hrs
Hopefully we'll get on the big track as well as the small one

Monday 20th June - Karting North East at Warden Law. 1700hrs - 2000hrs
For this meeting we will be restricted to the small track as there is a corporate karting meeting on the evening on the large track

Sunday 26th June - Come rain, hail or shine this meeting WILL go ahead

Spread the word to your friends and relatives and let's make this one a really special day for the club and it's members

Warden Law will then continue to run every two weeks after the 20th June - so the next Warden Law will be the 4th July

We don't have a date set yet for a Carrville meeting but will let you know as soon as possible

A689 Nenthead, heading west towards Alston – Beware of Road Surface

2011-06-11T02:06:00.001+01:00

Shows approach to Miners Arms when descending	Shows missing tarmac

Location of Nenthead – Click Here for Google Maps

If you're planning on travelling on the A689rd, through the Durham Dales towards Alston/ Hartside then please be aware once you reach the County boundary at Killhope Cross and travel downhill into Cumbria and the village of Nenthead.

When you get to the bottom of the long descent and reach the Miners Arms on your right, you are travelling around a left hand bend as as you can see from the photo’s above the road surface has broken up and there are large area’s of tarmac missing. Please slow down and take your time as you negotiate this section of road.

What's Happening in the ‘BikeWise World’ – June 2011

2011-06-10T20:06:00.001+01:00

The weather has not been the best recently but hopefully it will brighten up over the next few weeks and we can enjoy the events we have locally :

BikeWise Events :

Sunday 26th June - Scottish Mini Moto Championship at Karting North East (Warden Law)

Round 3 of the Scottish Mini Moto Championship will travel south of the border, crossing over into England for the first time, so that other members of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club can take part in the championship and race against our Scottish mini moto friends.
Signing on / scrutineering will start at 12noon, followed by practice, qualifying and racing from 2pm - 7pm
Please, put this one in your diary and come along to Karting North East at :
Warden Law Motorsports Centre, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR3 2PR
to watch our young local riders having fun on their motorcycles - these young people are the future of motorcycling in the North East and need your support
There is plenty of good tarmac parking at the site and it may be that you might want to organize a karting session with a few of your friends with the new fleet of karts that have just been purchased.

For further details, please click here

Sunday 26th July – BikeWise 2011

Approaching quickly and once again there’ll be a full programme for you.

Keep checking the website and click on BikeWise 2011

This weekend :

Saturday 11th June:

The Boundary 500 Motorcycle challenge : the ‘Event Control’ will open at 6.30am at Kirkleatham Hall, Redcar. TS10 5NW.

Sunday 12th June :

The Boundary 500 Classic Challenge : the ‘Event Control’ will open at 9.30am at Kirkleatham Hall, Redcar. TS10 5NW.

Visit the website at : Boundary 500 website

TYMC – 17th Durham Dales Classic Run : starts at Shafto’s Inn, Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor – bikes leaving at 1000hrs – eventually heading to Mickleton Village Hall for lunch and then returning to Whitworth Hall

Some great opportunities to see some of yesterdays bikes being proudly ridden by their owners in our area.

Full details of the route can be obtained by visiting the TYMC website at : CLICK HERE

Monday 13th June : BikeWise Mini Bike Club at Karting North East (Warden Law) – 1700hrs – 2000hrs

Friday 17th – Sunday 19th June :

BSB at Knockhill in Scotland

MAG Farmyard Rally at Helmsley

Monday 20th June :

Ride to Work Day - For more info please click here

BikeWise Mini Bike Club at Karting North East (Warden Law) – 1700hrs – 2000hrs

Sunday 26th June : Scottish Mini Moto Championship at Karting North East (Warden Law)

Tuesday 28th June :

DAM rideout from Bowburn Hall. Meet at 1900hrs. Further details from the website

NYRRSC – Alan Carter & Geoff Fowler - See the website: www.nyrrsc.net

In addition our regular places, Cafe 1618 on Tuesday nights, Wetlands on Wednesday and Sundays and Hein Gericke have an offer on now if you spend £160 in store you get £40 off – click here for more details

And then, there’s also Moto GP from Silverstone on the 19th and Assen on the 25th and WSB from Spain on the 19th

£40 off at Hein Gericke, Darlington when you spend £160 in store

2011-06-08T11:43:00.002+01:00

From the 6th - 19th June you can bag yourself a bargain down at Hein Gericke down at Darlington when you spend £160… you’ll get £40 off..
All you have to do is print off this image and take it with you to give to Alison, Tim, Sue & Craig when you make your purchase
So make your way down to :

Hein Gericke - Darlington

Northgate 171-179
Darlington, DL1 1UB

Tel: 01325 464664
Mail: darlington@hg-shop.com

Opening Times

Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm; Click HERE for map/directions

John McGuinness take’s ‘Sweet Sixteenth’ TT victory

2011-06-04T15:55:00.003+01:00

TT Legend John McGuinness has won the first race of the 2011 TT Races, the Superbike Race, onboard his Honda TT Legends Fireblade.

This is John’s Sixteenth (16th) TT victory and came after an early ‘fight’ with Bruce Anstey who retired on the second lap.

Mcguiness won the race in a time of 1hr 46mins 13.40secs, at an average speed of 127.870mph

Fastest lap was set by Bruce Anstey at a speed of 131.378mph

2nd in the race was Australian Cameron Donald on the Wilson Craig Honda Fireblade and 3rd was Gary Johnson on the Lincs Lifting Honda Fireblade.

Congratulations to John from all the BikeWise ‘team’. John has attended BikeWise regularly over the years due to his close association with HM Plant Ltd and he is a big supporter of the Mini Bike Club, last year he made a personal donation to the club which has helped to purchase a second hand Polini 910 for club members to use.

Photo’s now online from Warden Law – Next Meeting : Carrville 5th June

2011-06-03T22:52:00.002+01:00

Great nights practice up at Karting North East (Warden Law) on Monday. Photo’s are now online on the website :
http://www.bikewiseminibikeclub.org.uk/p/gallery.html
Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club is this Sunday, 5th June at Carrville
1000hrs sign on for a 1030hrs start

Ride to Work day

2011-06-01T22:34:00.001+01:00

With petrol prices and train fares rising, riding a motorbike or scooter to work has never looked like a better option.

So on June 20, every motorcyclist in Britain should be out on two wheels, showing what makes it such a great way to commute.

As well as showing the benefits of riding to the individual commuter, the MCI will be using Ride to Work Day to demonstrate how much better everybody’s lives would be if more people rode to work more often.

Steve Kenward, MCI CEO said “More motorcycles on the road would benefit everyone, with less congestion, less pollution and less crowding on public transport.

"The more riders who sign up and take part in Ride to Work Day, the more we get the message across, about the benefits of commuting by motorcycle or scooter. This makes the case all the stronger for motorcycling as a central part of the transport mix.”

The Motorcycle Industry’s Get On campaign will also be using the day to encourage new riders to make motorcycling part of their daily routine, and to show non-riders what they’re missing.

To find out more go to www.ridetoworkday.co.uk.

Dragonslayer MCC – ‘Sober Up The Dragon 12’ Rally

2011-06-01T21:44:00.001+01:00

Dragonslayer MCC are hosting their ‘Sober Up The Dragon 12’ Rally on the 15th –17th July 2011

The Rally Site is just outside of Lanchester / up past the dairies to 5 lane ends.Turn right up Longedge lane towards Rowley and the site is a couple of miles up on the right

Full details can be found on the clubs website at : http://dragonslayermcc.com/

Dragonslayer Club meetings are held on Sundays at 7:30pm at the

Red Lion
Plawsworth
Chester Le Street
County Durham
DH2 3NL
Tel: 08721 077 077

maps available here and here

check if the meetings are on by calling June on 01207 239177

26th June 2011 – Date for your diary

2011-05-28T13:39:00.001+01:00

BikeWise Mini Bike Club was formed in January 2007 and provides a facility throughout the year for young riders in our area to ride their motorcycle’s lawfully.

The club continues to grow and the first of our members took to the roads on two wheels last year after obtaining their driving licence and passing CBT with ACE Motorcycle Training of Durham through a scholarship partnership.

Some of our riders also headed North – over the border into Scotland to successfully compete in the Scottish Mini Moto Championship.

This year four of our club members are regularly competing in the championship and achieving some great results.

With support from the Durham Agency Against Crime and Karting North East at Warden Law (under the new ownership of Peugeot works rally driver Guy Wilks, who finished 3rd in this yrs 100th Monte Carlo Rally) we are pleased to announce that Round 3 of the Scottish Mini Moto Championship will travel south of the border, crossing over into England for the first time, so that other members of our club can take part in the championship and race against our Scottish mini moto friends.

Signing on / scrutineering will start at 12noon, followed by practice, qualifying and racing from 2pm –7pm

Please, put this one in your diary and come along to Karting North East at Warden Law Motorsports Centre, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR3 2PR to watch our young local riders having fun on their motorcycles – these young people are the future of motorcycling in the North East and need your support

There is plenty of good tarmac parking at the site and it may be that you might want to organize a karting session with a few of your friends with the new fleet of karts that have just been purchased

For the ‘feet up brigade’ the centre has just launched a Trials Club with some fun sections for all ages and ability's

For more details of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club visit their site at : www.bikewise.org.uk

Happy Birthday to Kai

2011-05-22T12:35:00.002+01:00

Many Thanks to Paul Henshaw from the BikeWise Mini Bike Club for sending this drawing of Kai Emmerson – who is fourteen (14) today.
Kai is a long standing member of the Mini Bike Club and also competes successfully in the Scottish Mini Moto championship
Kai was due to celebrate his birthday with club members at our meeting today (22/05/2011) but due to the heavy rain early this morning the meeting had to be cancelled.
Paul’s line drawings of motorcycle racers are excellent and we like to view his book which has been signed by most of the racers he’s drawn.
Paul has drawn this picture of Kai, specially for his birthday….
So Thanks to Paul and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kai, hope you have a great birthday and look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

HM Plant Honda Racing welcomes BikeWise Mini Bike Club To Croft

2011-05-14T06:26:00.004+01:00

Once again the HM Plant Honda Racing Team put in that extra effort during a very busy practice schedule, showing great community ‘spirit’ in inviting the next generation of motorcyclists from our area, the BikeWise Mini Bike Club, down to Croft last night, to meet it’s star riders.
Team Manager Havier Beltran, introduced the riders :
reigning BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne
Superstock rider Jason O’Halloran
and
Honda TT Legends rider (and 15 times TT winner) John McGuinness
The riders answered questions from our club members and then posed for photographs and signed autographs on helmets , jackets , T-shirts etc before leaving each club member with signed photographs.
A fantastic and memorable night for our young riders, which will hopefully inspire some of them who are now racing themselves, onto emulating the Honda ‘stars’ in the future…….
‘Many Thanks’ - to Havier and the riders for giving the club such a special night and we hope that they all can step up onto the podium after their respective races and take the silverware away from this weekends races.
Picture above shows club members with riders from Left to Right : Shane Byrne, Jason O’Halloran, Kyo and John McGuinness
http://www.honda-racing.co.uk/
http://www.britishsuperbike.com/riders/2011/r-kiyonari.aspx
http://www.britishsuperbike.com/riders/2011/s-byrne.aspx
http://jasonohalloran.co.uk
http://www.hondattlegends.com/

Easter Egg Run Video’s now online

2011-05-02T19:21:00.001+01:00

Video taken at South Road, Durham
Video Taken at North Road, Darlington
Video taken at Greenfield Way, Newton Aycliffe
Video taken at Southfield Way, Durham (Approach to University Hospital)

Photo’s online from Sundays Mini Bike Meeting

2011-05-01T23:30:00.001+01:00

Many Thanks to all who attended the meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club, on Sunday (1st May).
The weather was fantastic and we had a great meeting, with some new faces, whilst some of our regulars had travelled to Scotland to race in the Scottish Mini Moto Championship
Some safe, smooth, quick riding by our members, and once again a big Thank You to all who helped out with the marshalling / signing on.
Photo's are now online and can be viewed by clicking on this link. (Thanks to John Attle)
REMEMBER that Warden Law is running it’s Mini Bike session tomorrow night – Monday 2nd May 5pm – 8.30pm.

BikeWise Easter Egg Photo’s now online

2011-04-29T09:07:00.002+01:00

Well, they’re finally up there in cyberspace…. your photo’s from the 2011 BikeWise Easter Egg Run
There’s only one or two (thousand), plus a few more,spread out over eight (8)albums, so it might take you a little while to look at them all and see your smiling faces (not half as long as it took us to put them on the internet !!)
So, click on the this link to PHOTOBOX and you will be able to view all the pictures which are within a number of different galleries – you can also order prints, direct from there and they will be delivered to your home usually within 24/48hours – so you could be ‘hung’, in a frame, on the wall of your house, on your pride and joy…. before you know it !
If you know of anybody who was on the run, then please send them a link to let them know where the photo’s are.

Once again THANKS for making it a special ‘BikeWise’ day.. the costumes, helmet and bike decorations and smiling faces really make it ‘special’ to be part of the biking community up here in the North East.
Many Thanks to all the photographers who took the photo's, recording the day's events and in particular all from the Durham Photographic Society : http://www.d-p-s.org.uk/

Remember to put the 24th July in your diary – BikeWise 2011 and also try and keep the afternoon of Sunday 26th June free, when there’s another BikeWise event you might want to come along to (we’ll let you know more in a few weeks time)

Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 1st May 2011

2011-04-29T08:02:00.001+01:00

Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Sunday 1st May 2011.

Signing on at 1000hrs for a 1030hrs start at Carrville Park and Ride.

If you have any doubts about the weather please check your emails or the website before travelling.

NE Karting will be hosting their Mini Bike Meeting at Warden Law on Monday 2nd May 5pm – 8.30pm.

Easter Egg Run – Thank You

2011-04-29T07:52:00.001+01:00

Firstly a BIG – THANK YOU – for making our seventh Easter Egg Run the biggest yet.
The weather was perfect and thanks to the five hundred and thirty (530) of you, with internet access, who took the time to pre-register on our website. It made it much easier for ourselves (and hopefully for you) at the start and we will also now be able to keep you informed via email as to ‘What’s Happening in the BikeWise ‘world’ in future.
A fantastic mix of riders on the day, with quite a few new ‘L’ riders joining in the ‘fun’ as well as some nice trike’s.
Some riders put some quite serious mileage in, to get to Durham for the ride and we really appreciate your support.
We’ve raised £982 for the Meningitis Research Foundation which is well up on the £780 raised last year and is a testament to the generosity of YOU – the bikers involved quite apart from the hundreds of Easter Eggs handed in, which we will distribute in the coming week.
A mention should be made of the staff at the Northern Rock in Bishop Auckland who raised £80 and have raised a substantial sum every year, so special thanks must go to them.
In addition, it was fantastic to see so many people ‘camped out’ at the side of the road to cheer and wave to riders on many with deck chairs in place, clearly set up to enjoy the spectacle! In addition the Union jack flags were in evidence no doubt fuelled by the impending Royal wedding but it all added to the party atmosphere.
It’s great that the Easter Egg Run is becoming a social event not only for the motorcycle community, but also for the people of County Durham and Darlington who come out in force to cheer us on our way.
We were joined at HQ by as many as we could accommodate and riders were given a short road safety presentation by Sgt Iain Rodgers of the Durham Police Motorcycle Section, who invited riders to sign up to BikeWise Training and Durham Advanced Motorcyclists to enhance their riding skills.
The Easter Egg Run is organised by the BikeWise team, but we couldn’t do it without the support of the Cleveland Bike Section, Durham Advanced Motorcyclists, Durham County Council (particularly Donald Waller), Darlington based stunt rider Dave Coates, all the volunteers who help prepare police HQ and serve the teas and coffees, Tesco in Durham; who donated eggs and games and of course our own Chief Constable Jon Stoddart and the executive team of Durham Constabulary who have always supported the aims of BikeWise.
Please keep checking the website for photo’s and video’s of the event – we are working ‘feverishly in the background to get these uploaded onto the internet but it will take time and we cannot go any faster than our bandwidth allows !!
But the biggest thank you is to those of you who took part; your generosity is beyond doubt and without you none of this would happen, so once again - thank you all you all for your support and look forward to seeing you at BikeWise 2011 on Sunday 24th July at the Police HQ.

BikeWise Easter Egg Run – This Sunday

2011-04-22T11:28:00.001+01:00

The BikeWise Easter Egg Run will be this Sunday, 24th April 2011

For full details of the ride click on the link to the Easter Egg Run on the homepage

We are trying to encourage people to register online (CLICK HERE), it's free to do so and doesn't mean that you have to attend - what it does do, is give us , the BikeWise 'team' is a 'heads up' of how many bikes we could have and let's us plan accordingly.

We also can then also forward you any subsequent info about the ride and any other 'BikeWise News' via email.

Whilst on the site why not download a 2011 poster and share it with friends.

So please take a couple of minute's to register online .

The Manor Cafe, Bellerby, North Yorkshire

2011-04-22T09:55:00.001+01:00

The Manor Cafe is the new purpose built bikers cafe in the Yorkshire Dales.

Located just outside Bellerby, near Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales. With hundreds of miles of motorcycle touring roads on our doorstep, the Manor Cafe is the ideal place to meet and eat when visiting North Yorkshire.
The Manor has ample off-road parking for motorcycles and cars, We will be serving locally sourced, no frills, good honest food and drink. Indoor and outdoor seating areas located in a converted Manor House Farm Courtyard with stunning views of Wensleydale on the doorstep.

The Manor Biker Cafe will be THE new place to meet other bikers, hold club ride-outs and meetings or simply a stop-off point on your ride in and around the outstanding natural beauty Yorkshire Dales National Park

For further details please visit their website : www.manor-cafe.co.uk

‘The 68 Cafe’ opens it’s doors (formerly The Wear Valley Diner)

2011-04-22T08:47:00.002+01:00

A regular ‘haunt’ of the BikeWise ‘team’ has re-opened under new management and with a new name.
The former Wear Valley Diner is now ‘The 68 Cafe’ and new owners Paula & Dan Kempin are looking forward to welcoming you to the cafe which has been completely refurbished.
The cafe is on the A68rd at Toft Hill and has fantastic views across to the Durham Dales and has featured in MCN on a number of occasions when reporter/tester Andy Downes has been heading North to Scotland. Great place to meet /stop, for a bite to eat & drink before heading up the Dales or further North to Keilder/Scotland. Why not check it out this weekend…

BMW Track days 2011

2011-04-21T18:15:00.001+01:00

Last years event was promoted as a track training day and was run accordingly, there were over 40 riders on a circuit for the first time and a further 20 or more new comers to Snetterton, abilities ranged from total novices to internationally experienced ex-racers, ages from 21 to 73, machines from a 250 Honda to the latest S1000RRs. With newcomers even in the experienced group, it was considered necessary to do the first session in the form of 'ducks and drakes', with the new infield section only being opened in March this year, it is likely that we will run the first session for the experienced riders this way, after all, we have to lead riders for the first 3 laps to satisfy insurance requirements.

The improver group will also do their first session 'd & d', we may take a show of hands after the midday break to assess the demand for more group training, individual training or free lapping.

Beginners will do the first 2 sessions 'd & d' in the morning and if requested by the majority of riders in the group, also the first session in the afternoon.

Instructors will be available all day to help with all aspects of track riding and to give one to one tuition.

For a newcomer to track riding the thought of another rider passing close by is worrying to say the least, it is for this reason, in the beginner group we will have overtaking on the left only, feedback from last year indicates that the inconvenience was not too important and the slower riders felt considerably safer knowing no one was about to pass going into a corner.

In the other 2 groups higher speeds were being reached and watching from the control tower, I could see problems, especially at the approach to 'Riches' (the first corner), therefore in these groups overtaking will be allowed either side. To make this safer I ask riders to be aware of what is going on around them and help to make the overtaking manoeuvre possible with minimal effort. Numbered stickers will be issued to all riders to attach to their number plates to assist in identification of anyone overtaking too close, or riding in an inconsiderate manner.

The 2 days we are having are organised by the BMW club, our intention is to run and enjoy them in a 'club' environment. The cost is being held at £100 for each day, please come and join us, help us by entering early, our intention is to fill the day with keen road riders who enjoy a bit of track riding.

For further details / info please email contact the BMW Club Sporting Register Secretary : robertbensley@btinternet.com

What’s Happening in the BikeWise ‘world’ – April 2011

2011-04-21T12:31:00.001+01:00

Dates for your Diaries :

Two important dates to put in your diaries …

BikeWise Easter Egg Run – Sunday 24th April 2011 (Click HERE to Register online)

BikeWise 2011 – Sunday 24th July 2011 - (click here to find out latest BikeWise Show news)

BikeWise Easter Egg Run – Sunday 24th April 2011 (Click HERE to Register online)

The event is almost here – so please click on the link above and register online.

It will only take a few seconds to complete the form and it give’s us an idea of how many people are going to be on the ride.
Please forward this link to your friends if they intend to come on the ride.

The run starts at the Carrville Park & Ride site at the junction of the A1(M) and the A690 roads at Durham, there will be a catering unit at Carville serving hot food and drinks but eat and drink quickly as we are leaving at 10.00am prompt!

After visiting local hospitals where eggs & gifts are given to the children’s wards, the ride ends at Police HQ with a free cup of tea / coffee made by our own fair hands and a small ‘roadshow’ which gives you the opportunity to meet the BikeWise ‘team’ and find out what has happened in the last year and what is planned in the BikeWise ‘world’ for the coming year

It costs nothing to partake in the run, just bring an Easter egg, small toy or a handful of change for the charity bucket.

If you or your friends can register online, to save time on the morning & so that we have an idea of how many bike’s we’ll have on the ride, its free and will only take you a couple of minutes to complete.

If not you can sign-on on the morning at Carville from 9.00am

Wear Valley Diner re-opens as The 68 Cafe – Wednesday 20th April

A regular ‘haunt’ of the BikeWise ‘team’ has re-opened under new management and with a new name.

The former Wear Valley Diner is now ‘The 68 Cafe’ and new owners Paula & Dan Kempin are looking forward to welcoming you to the cafe which has been completely refurbished.

The cafe is on the A68rd at Toft Hill and has fantastic views across to the Durham Dales and has featured in MCN on a number of occasions when reporter/tester Andy Downes has been heading North to Scotland. Great place to meet /stop, for a bite to eat / drink before heading up the Dales or further North to Keilder/Scotland. Why not check it out this weekend…

Sunday 1st May 2011 - BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Our next meeting is Sunday – 1st May at Carrville Park & Ride, Durham

More details of the club : www.bikewiseminibikeclub.org.uk

Cafe 1618 Bike Nights, Middleton in Teesdale
Every Tuesday

Bev & John will once again be holding their Bike Nights at their award winning Cafe 1618

16+18 Market Place, Middleton in Tessdale DL12 0GQ.

These will start on the 22nd March and will continue every Tuesday until October, from 1830hrs onwards.
For further details contact Bev & John on 01833 640 300

Last year the couple spent a lot of time and effort working at the rear of the premises and Restaurant 17 has now opened and taking bookings if you fancy a nice night of dining in the dales.

Durham Advanced Motorcyclists
Tuesday 26th April 2011 - next meeting at Bowburn Hall Hotel at 1900hrs.
Meet at 1900hrs for a 1930hrs start.
Winter months - Guest speakers
Summer months - ride outs.....
Contact the secretary : Bill McCready on 01325 311 426 for further details

British Superbikes returns this weekend with the first races of the season at Brands Hatch.

Watch out for locally sponsored HM Plant Honda Racing with reigning champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and former BSB champion and ex WSB rider Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne. We’ll soon be able to see the riders for ourselves as the Croft round is being held next month with the races being held on Sunday 15th May.

MCN Fantasy Road Racing (see below) will then have it’s three major championships competing for that top prize.

MCN Fantasy Road Race, in association with MCE Insurance is back for 2011!

The game started at on Saturday 26th February and the top prize, courtesy of MCE Insurance, is Yamaha's special edition YZF - R125 (worth £5,800) - celebrating 50 years of racing in World GPs.

There are also seven 'Game Round' prizes to play for during the year, too.

So select your riders today!

Once you’ve registered then join the BikeWise League – so that we can all share in the fun.

The PIN number you need to enter the league is :463

So – register your team and enter our league – it’s all FREE and you could have a lot of fun and win a bike or tickets to a BSB round

*** If you have any ‘news items’ you would like to share with other BikeWise readers, then please forward via email to : durham.bikewise@gmail.com ***

If you change your email address please let us know.

If you wish to stop receiving emails from the BikeWise ‘team’, please reply to this email with the word unsubscribe in the title

Photo’s online from Sunday's meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

2011-04-12T15:45:00.002+01:00

Many Thanks to all who attended the meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club, on Sunday (4th April).
The weather was fantastic and we had a great meeting, with lots of new faces, whilst some of our regulars had travelled to Scotland to prepare for the forthcoming Scottish Mini Moto Championship
Some safe, smooth, quick riding by our members, and once again a big Thank You to all who helped out with the marshalling / signing on.
Photo's are now online and can be viewed by clicking on this link.
REMEMBER that this Thursday (14th) we are holding a Mini Moto Maintenance session at Police HQ, starting at 1830hrs, where Stephen Alderson will once again be telling us how to keep our mini moto’s running smoothly.
Please try and make the effort to attend as it will help you to keep your bike in good condition for our meetings.
Keep checking the news for the date of our next meeting

Fantastic Mini Bike night at Karting NE

2011-04-05T16:56:00.002+01:00

BikeWise Mini Bike Club went to Karting NE last night, Monday 4th April - the first of the outdoor sessions put on by Karting NE.

These mini bike sessions will be from 5pm to 8pm on alternate Monday evenings at a cost of £15. (commencing Mon 4th April)

Although it was a cold, windy night, a fantastic time was had by all with access to both the junior and full karting circuits.

These meetings are not restricted to Mini Bike Club members, they can be ridden by young and old as long as you have a suitable mini bike.

The new owner of the site, international rally driver, Guy Wilks, has been doing a lot of work on site improvements and already has formed a Motorcycle Trials Club and prepared a section of the site for Trials bikes.

The cost of membership is £15 per year and then £10 when you attend to ride your bike (£15 for non-members)

To view all the photo’s from last nights Mini Bike meeting, click on any of the images shown below :

‘Many Thanks’ to the Management / staff of Karting NE for supporting and providing the facility for the lawful use of Mini Bikes in our area

For further details of the other activities offered at Karting NE, please visit their website : www.kartingnortheast.com/index.htm

Fantasy Road Race update after MotoGP at Jerez in Spain

2011-04-03T22:56:00.001+01:00

Stephen Pino went back to the top of the BikeWise MCN Fantasy Road Race 2011 League , after the second Moto GP round from Jerez in Spain Elaine Jacobs with Team Alien has dropped from the top spot to second with Jonathan Knowles in third place

Jorge Lorenzo won the GP with Dani Pedrosa second and Nicky Hayden third.

Main talking point of the GP was when Valentino Rossi crashed whilst attempting to take the lead from Casey Stoner. Rossi was able to remount and eventually finished sixth. Stoner was unable to continue.

The race was ran in wet conditions and a lot of riders fell, some were able to remount and complete the race, but others like Stoner, Simoncelli, Spies & De Puniet were unable to continue.

It’s still OK to enter the league as the season has a long way to go.
There are also seven 'Game Round' prizes to play for during the year, too.
For more information on prizes, just click here. NEW THIS YEAR:
Your BSB performance will be put to the test, too, in the all-new MCE BSB Game Round competition! All entrants with the two highest scoring MCE BSB riders for each Game Round will be entered into a prize draw, and of these, one entrant will be drawn out at random to win a pair of tickets to a future MCE BSB round.
So select your riders today! Once you’ve registered then join the BikeWise League � so that we can all share in the fun.
The PIN number you need to enter the league is :463
If you want to look at your racer’s in action then check out our Moto GP and WSB photo galleries on the new BikeWise website at www.bikewise.org.uk/galleries/ (photo’s will be added as the season progresses)
So - register your team and enter our league - it’s all FREE and you could have a lot of fun and win a bike or tickets to a BSB round

Lanchester Centurions MCC

2011-04-03T15:22:00.001+01:00

Meet every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the New Board Inn, Hill Top Esh, Durham, DH7 9RL
New members welcome
For further details of the club please visit : www.lanchestercenturions.org

The Centurions have been coming to the BikeWise event for years and will be there again in 2011, they have won the Best Club display on a number of occasions.

Use of Bus Lane’s in County Durham by motorcycles

2011-04-03T09:56:00.001+01:00

A number of questions have been coming into the bike office about the use of Bus Lane’s by motorcycles in our area.

Sgt Iain Rodgers, head of the motorcycle ‘team’ in Durham answers the question below :

“In terms of bus lane usage you have to be guided by the signs.

The A690 bus lane for example does NOT currently allow motorcycle usage.

However the bus lanes on Gilesgate Bank and at Langley Moor do, this is evident by the picture of a motorcycle in the blue bus lane signage. (see picture)

The County Council policy is that over time motorcycles will be allowed to use most bus lanes however it would cost a significant amount of money to amend the bus lane orders and the associated signage in one go.

Effectively therefore the introduction of motorcycles is being staged so when a bus lane order is due to be renewed motorcycles will be allowed in the new bus lane order and the signage amended accordingly however this will be over a period of years. “

Mini Bikes at Warden Law – Monday night

2011-04-01T11:20:00.001+01:00

Mini Bikes return to Karting NE at Warden Law, starting Monday 4th April 2011.

The sessions which are mainly held on the Junior Kart Track are from 5pm – 8pm and will be held every two weeks commencing Monday 4th April 2011. (through to Oct)

These meetings are run by Karting North East who have worked closely over the years with the BikeWise ‘team’, to provide riders with the opportunity to lawfully use their mini moto’s at their Warden Law venue.

The cost is £15 and their are no age limits – so anybody can go up there and jump on their mini moto and live the Barry Sheene (or Jorge Lorenzo) dream !!

If you don’t know how to get to Karting NE please click on this link for directions : http://bit.ly/KartingNE

For further details of all events and activities held at Karting North East, please visit their website at : http://www.kartingnortheast.com/

Darlington Central Motorcycle Club

2011-04-01T10:54:00.001+01:00

We are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from Darlington in the North East of England.

We meet at : The Copper Beech, Neasham Road, Darlington, DL1 4DH

We are a friendly club, and you are welcome to any of the club ride-outs.

We have ride outs to suit all tastes and riding styles - so you don't have to be fast to keep up!
Come along and have a drink and a chat with other club members.

For those new to the club or those that have not been to a club meeting before. Things start around 8.00p.m. You can find us by entering through the Lounge and Function Room entrance and then taking the first set of door to your right.

For further details please visit the clubs website at :http://www.dcmclub.co.uk/

All club meetings are now on our ‘Whats On’ calendar at http://www.bikewise.org.uk/events/

Funding to repair potholes has been doubled in the Budget

2011-04-01T00:43:00.001+01:00

The Government will spend an extra £100million on filling potholes in England, Scotland and Wales.

It’s on top of a £100million ‘exceptional payment’ announced last month for road repairs following severe winter weather.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: “Potholes are a menace to all road users and I want councils to make fixing them a priority.

“That is why, when more funding became available, I agreed with the Chancellor that we would double the amount of money we are providing for repairs to be carried out.”

New potholes are formed during cold weather by water expanding as it freezes, forcing minor cracks to widen until repetitive freezing and thawing tears the surface apart.

To report a road defect in our area, please CLICK ON THIS LINK

Fantasy Road Race update after WSB at Donington

2011-03-29T19:31:00.001+01:00

Elaine Jacobs with Team Alien went to the top of the BikeWise MCN Fantasy Road Race 2011 League , after the second WSB round from Donington Park.

Stephen Pino has dropped from the top spot to second with Jonathan Knowles in third place

Carlos Checa made it three wins in four races with victory in the second race of the European round.

Checa, who also qualified in pole position, finished over three seconds ahead of Marco Melandri, with Leon Camier another two and a half seconds adrift in third.

Melandri had earlier won the opening race, ahead of Jacob Smrz and Checa.

However, it was a disappointing weekend for reigning champion Max Biaggi, who could only finish seventh in the first race and was disqualified for failing to come into the pits following a jump start in the second race.

Bike Tax Up in Budget

2011-03-29T19:11:00.001+01:00

Motorcycle road tax for bikes over 600cc has been increased by nearly 6% in the Budget.

The rate for over-600s has gone from £70 to £74. It’s the second rise since March 2010, when the price was £66.

Tax for bikes between 401cc and 600cc has also gone up, from £50 to £53. Bikes from 151cc to 400cc now cost £35 to tax for a year, up from £33, and bikes up to 150cc are up £1 to £16.

Female motorcyclist seriously hurt in crash

2011-03-25T19:29:00.001Z

Accident investigators are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving a car and a motorcycle which left a woman with serious injuries.

The incident happened at 1310hrs on Saturday, 19 March on the A688 through the village of Stainton Grove, at the junction with The Green.

It involved a Honda motorbike, travelling eastbound from Barnard Castle towards Staindrop which was in a collision with a Rover 218 coming onto the main road from The Green.

The bike hit the nearside of the car before leaving the road and coming to rest on an adjoining grass verge and footpath.

The rider, a 49-year-old woman from Shotton Colliery was thrown from her vehicle and sustained serious head and back injuries, as well as a punctured right lung.

She was airlifted to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where this morning her condition was described as 'critical but stable.'

The driver of the car, an 81-year-old woman from Barnard Castle was shocked but unhurt.

The road was closed for around two hours, to allow for the vehicles to be recovered and for police to make an initial examination of the scene.

Anyone who was in the area and saw the incident is asked to contact the force's collision investigation unit on 0191 375 2159.

Please visit our ‘HAVE YOU SEEN THE BIKE’ page on our website by clicking HERE

BikeWise News

DSA announces new motorcycle licence regime for 2013

Ministers to 'push back' against EU legislations

Photo’s now online from the latest Mini Bike Club meeting

BikeWise 2012 : Sunday 1st July

Register online for the 2012 BikeWise Easter Egg Run

Next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Teesside Bikers

Merry Xmas & Best Wishes for the New Year

Xmas Meeting Photo’s now online

Highway Code joins Twitter & Facebook

Government slashes motoring Red Tape

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club–TOMORROW

Photo’s now online from Mini Bike Club Meeting

‘Border Raiders’–2011 from the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Durham Advanced Motorcyclists - AGM

Croft Circuit drop British Superbike Championship from calendar

How disappointing is this for North East motorcyclists……..

New Indoor Venue for the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

MCN/BikeWise Fantasy Road Race 2011 – season ends

Motorcycle Live: 19th – 27th November

Classic Bikes to be exempt from MOT

Photo’s Now online from the Mini Bike Club Meeting

Next Meeting’s of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

When you think you’re having a bad day–look at this !

The Scott Trial–Saturday 22nd October 2011

BikeWise Trained …..

Photo’s online from last BikeWise Mini Bike Club meeting

GNAA–Mystery Ride Out–Photo’s online

HM Plant Honda Ends Season On A High

Next meetings of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Photo’s online from last Mini Bike Club Meeting

BikeWise Trained…….

Motorcycle tolls lifted at Tyne Tunnel

James Toseland retires from racing

Mystery Ride Out- GNAA–Sunday 25th September

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

BikeWise Trained……..

A689rd through Weardale closed at Ireshopeburn

Does the Bike Fit ?

Steve Hislop Memorial Run

Check out the local weather on the website before going for a ride

BikeWise Trained…

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

Open Day at MSG Bike Gear this Sunday (14th August)

Two DAM stalwarts

BikeWise Show Photo’s now online

Teesside Bikers donate £2000 to Zoe’s Place

Honda’s bike’s on show at BikeWise 2011

A689 Nenthead – Road surface still not repaired – Take Care

The American way

Win a Honda CD185 with Teesside Bikers (and help Zoe’s Place)

Whats Happening in the ‘BikeWise World’ – July 2011

Next Meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club – Sunday 17th July

Have you seen this van ??

John McGuiness celebrates 17 TT wins at the 17th BikeWise

And they will be ‘dropping’ into BikeWise again….

You spin me right round.... (Well motorschool will)

Dog Section will be 'barking' at you..

John McGuinness & ‘Shakey’ Byrne will be at BikeWise 2011

Download a BikeWise 2011 Show Poster

Two for a rainy day…

What NOT to do on a brow of a hill !!

Scottish Mini Moto Championship at Karting North East (Warden Law) Sunday 26th June

TYMC – Durham Dales Classic Run

Next meeting of the BWMBC and photo’s online from Warden Law

Drivers to be urged to look for bikers at junctions (again)

Next Meetings of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club

A689 Nenthead, heading west towards Alston – Beware of Road Surface

What's Happening in the ‘BikeWise World’ – June 2011

£40 off at Hein Gericke, Darlington when you spend £160 in store

Hein Gericke - Darlington

Northgate 171-179 Darlington, DL1 1UB

Opening Times

John McGuinness take’s ‘Sweet Sixteenth’ TT victory

Photo’s now online from Warden Law – Next Meeting : Carrville 5th June

Ride to Work day

Dragonslayer MCC – ‘Sober Up The Dragon 12’ Rally

Northgate 171-179
Darlington, DL1 1UB