Letters
email the road here –
theroad@mag-uk.org
Perhaps there should be a lower speed requirement for the smaller machines? We should encourage riders to obtain full licences. This is our future. Robert
within them. To that end we are currently negotiating with the Insurer, who provides this product, to make this condition fairer. We will of course update MAG Travel as soon as we have had a response.” Jeff Lewendon, for Rock Insurance Services
Testing stuff On reading Gruff Graley’s letter in The Road, I agree with his main comment about merging the existing Module 1 and 2 tests. I retired from running a motorcycle training school in 2011 and experienced the implementation of the second directive, back in 2009. The initial problem with it was the lack of Module 1 tests sites which meant we had to make long rides with learners to sites. There is still no Module 1 test site on the Isle of Wight. This shortage of test sites supports the
argument for an on road Module 1 test. They have roads on the island where the high speed manoeuvres could legally be performed. Incredibly there is a proposal to sell off the existing Module 1 sites which seems crazy. At the MPTC (Multi Purpose Test Centre) in Cowley, Uxbridge, West London, when the on road test was proposed, an examiner asked me where I thought would be suitable? I told him of a site I used for practice. It is an industrial estate with long straight one way roads that aren’t restricted to 20 mph. This was great but we used to use this and other sites at the weekend, when there are no lorries about. If Boris has his way these roads will be restricted to 20mph and therefore of no use for this purpose. The present path to a full licence is complicated and requires the use of training schools. Some instructors I have spoken to can see the positives in this as they see more work for themselves resulting from the complicated training and testing procedures. Just look around in West London where I
am. Most riders are displaying ‘L’ plates. When I started as a voluntary instructor, 30 years ago, we trained the traffic wardens for passing the test. Now they are asking the Traffic Enforcement officers to take CBT only which will lead to more ‘L’ plates on the roads. Yes an A1 test can still be performed on a
125cc machine but you just try passing Module 1 on a 125. I have had feed back from learners saying
that the speed requirement is a challenge on a 125. It is the same speed requirement for the larger machines.
26 The ROAD
Ed, I couldn’t make the speed requirement for the swerve and brake on a 1600cc bike. The requirement is barmy.
Thanks to The Farmyard At the farm yard party I fell ill and was taken to hospital. I would like to thank the first aiders and the paramedics for looking after me. I’d also like to thank BJ from The Halfway Heroes for bringing my trailer back and Josh and Clive from Mid Lincs MAG for bringing my trike back and to Tony Nightingale for bringing my son home. Thank you to all the other members from Mid Lincs MAG. Ian Atkinson
Hi-viz coercion Our local greens are riding Vespas with L plates, plain Corsas and old Ford Focus estates. Mods in Belfast reported to me that a cop dressed in all the mod gear was taking number plates, checking CBT and license details. On a run out with my own club mates to
Portstewart prom, a rider in full race leathers on a black Hayabusa approached us. He was asking everything under the sun and handing out free hi-viz. To my mind this is a bit fecking much .. Steven O’Kane
N.Ireland MAG Rep
Recruitment tactics Like many others I attended the Blackpool Motorcycle Show run by MAG and Stanley Park Friends in July. It was a brilliant afternoon, bathed in sunshine with lots of superb bikes and trikes plus some discussion pieces and a well known local ‘folk singer’ in the adjacent bandstand. Your advert read ‘Raising Funds for FEMA.’ Over the two hours there we were repeatedly harangued, albeit nicely, to make small donations. However no-one approached us from MAG for donations or in an effort to join. This allowed my tight-fisted BMW 1200 riding mate to dodge the responsibility once again. I have tried for some time to get him to
join MAG but as yet to no avail and he ain’t poor. I was really looking forward to trapping him between myself and any persistant Blackpool MAG recruiter who came our way. When I arrived home a guy rang me offering some magazine free for three months and it set me wondering. Could MAG produce Biker Birthday and Christmas cards bearing the slogan ‘A gift of The Road’
magazine for X months will be made to the card’s recipient. Cards could be ordered on line by the
MAG member and the address of the recipient of the magazine recorded. I’m sure a sensible fee to cover costs or
maybe even a small profit could be worked out. For me it would be a win-win situation. I’d have no need to think about a present and the beneficiary would get the best read in motorcycling. MAG meanwhile would access thousands of potential new members at little or no cost. Del
Under cover but high viz Our local police are riding green Vespas with L plates, driving unmarked Corsas and old Ford Focus estates. Mods in Belfast reported to me that a cop dressed in all the mod gear was taking number plates and checking CBT and license details. On a run out with my club mates a black Hayabusa rider in full race leathers interrogated us about everything under the sun. The real issue though was that the police were handing out free Hi-viz on Portstewart prom. That, to my mind is a bit much. Steven O'Kane,
N.Ireland Rep
Stormin’
The Farmyard Party got blighted with poor weather for the seventh year running so the scale of funds that
MAG relies on from this major event are not going to be coming this year. We have another big bash yet and if you can make it you could have a great time and help MAG pay its way.
Friday, August 30, 2013 – Sunday, September 1, 2013 - Stormin' the Castle
North East MAG’s premier Bike Rally & Custom Bike Show. This MAG fundraising event is now in it's 23rd year. Top live bands, two stages, three bars, custom bike show, 30+ trade stalls, 12 catering vans, camping. New Hobgoblin Bar with real ales. Ticket: Pre-book tickets – £30 On the gate £40, kids £5 (Aged 5- 15yrs) very limited car passes £35 pre-book only Location: Witton Castle Witton Le Wear Bishop Auckland Co Durham DL14 0DE Enquiries: 0870 225 8352
www.storminthecastle.co.uk
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