We will soon be moving into the big double figures in the 21st century.
Time certainly flies as you get older...
Thursday 16 December 2010
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Cold Winter Days
Still no riding, just colder and colder days where the air temperature never rises much over -2C. Ground temperature is even colder with black ice on every shaded bend.
Its 22C somewhere, with clear roads with a mix of tight sweeping bends , hairpins and mountain roads... oh that will BE New Zealand then...
Its 22C somewhere, with clear roads with a mix of tight sweeping bends , hairpins and mountain roads... oh that will BE New Zealand then...
Friday 3 December 2010
Lomo phone pics
All these pictures do is increase my desire to own a Holga or at least get my Lubbitel out more.
The emphasis is more on composition than the actual subject. The unpredictable focussing, exposure and colour latitudes turn every image into an abstract work of art... I am possibly pretentiously grooving on it, but it is floating my boat big stylee.
Losing the need to accurately represent what is in your viewfinder has opened up new levels of creativity.
The emphasis is more on composition than the actual subject. The unpredictable focussing, exposure and colour latitudes turn every image into an abstract work of art... I am possibly pretentiously grooving on it, but it is floating my boat big stylee.
Losing the need to accurately represent what is in your viewfinder has opened up new levels of creativity.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Well the weather outside...
Is feckin' freezing, but full of photo oppourtunities.
So I have been experiment with some Lomographic effects on my Android phone.
Lomo Snow
Originally uploaded by Scouse_and_Jules
So I have been experiment with some Lomographic effects on my Android phone.
Lomo Snow
Originally uploaded by Scouse_and_Jules
Thursday 30 September 2010
I am the fly...
Check this one out and view it LARGE. Jules has a real knack for catching beasties with macro lenses.
Monday 6 September 2010
Summers End
Taken August 31st 2010 on Jules Dads' allotment in Budleigh Salterton.
Previous day was brilliant sunshine... such is the British Summer.
Previous day was brilliant sunshine... such is the British Summer.
Friday 3 September 2010
New EU plans for Super MOT and roadside checks for bikes?
Fresh EU plans announced yesterday could mean super-MoT, roadside spot checks for bikes and further restrictions on bike modification.
The European Commission has just launched an internet consultation on Periodic Technical Inspections (PTI) for motor vehicles and their trailers.
The consultation envisages harsh and costly new measures that go far beyond the current MoT system familiar to riders across the UK, including:
* road-side spot-checks specifically for motorcycles
* inspection of after-sale upgrades, replacement parts and modifications
* EU member states to swap information about individual vehicles
* additional inspections whenever the vehicle changes hands
* increased test fees (up to 30% extra)
* all EU countries to adopt the harshest test conditions currently found in any member state.
Nich Brown, General Secretary of MAG(UK), said “the scope of this consultation confirms that the EU is contemplating a draconian and expensive burden on riders. All riders need to act now to challenge the potential excesses of yet another pan-European system that fails to meet the needs of individual nations.”
The Commission say they are inviting comment from citizens as well as organisations and public authorities from all EU member states. But whilst the consultation questionnaire allows for individuals and organisations to vote for more sensible options, the only way to respond appears to be via an online form that has hardly been designed to let the rider’s voice be clearly heard. For example, the consultation question asking what category of vehicle you usually drive gives no option to say motorcycle - only ‘none of the above’.
The usual suspicions about the questionnaire design abound, for example riders and drivers are asked if they have been involved in a road accident or vehicle breakdown, but not whether any accident or breakdown was caused by a vehicle defect that might be detected in the super-MoT or by a roadside spot-check.
The EU and national Governments are said to be “at one in wishing to ensure that the EU Single Market works as efficiently as possible and that the administrative burden is reduced, in the interests of citizens.” The irony of this statement is that were the most extreme of the options to be adopted almost every EU citizen with a vehicle would face a far greater burden than they do now.
The other main policy objectives are reducing the number and severity of road accidents and to reduce emissions from road vehicles. Official statistics indicate that just 1% of motorcycle crashes in Great Britain involve a vehicle defect, whilst pan-European research suggests similarly low figures elsewhere, even in countries that have no periodic inspection.
This suggests there may be relatively little benefit from the current UK system based on annual MoT testing and certainly does not provide a strong argument for tightening MoT controls or introducing road side checks.
The European Union is asking riders and others to vote on what should be done:
Option 1: No change.
Option 2: Encourage agreements and exchange of information between Member States, but no new legislation.
Option 3: Mutual recognition of national tests, an information campaign in countries where the test quality is thought to be low and exchange of best practices among countries
NB: All of the above options suggest the UK could keep its MoT system more-or-less as we know it.
Option 4: Impose through EU legislation a harmonised system of PTI based on either a) the ‘Most Rigorous’, b) the ‘Medium Quality’ or c) the ‘Least Rigorous’ of the current national tests.
MAG supports the pan-European campaign for individual countries to continue to determine their own national requirements for vehicle testing. The campaign by dozens of riders groups across the EU is being coordinated by the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations *http://www.fema-online.eu/index.php?page=rwt*
The Motorcycle Action Group says that the best way to achieve this, and to defend against moves toward harmonisation around the most draconian form of testing, is for riders and their representative groups to support Option 1.
The consultation runs for less than one month, until 24th September 2010, via the EU official website http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=roadworthiness
The European Commission has just launched an internet consultation on Periodic Technical Inspections (PTI) for motor vehicles and their trailers.
The consultation envisages harsh and costly new measures that go far beyond the current MoT system familiar to riders across the UK, including:
* road-side spot-checks specifically for motorcycles
* inspection of after-sale upgrades, replacement parts and modifications
* EU member states to swap information about individual vehicles
* additional inspections whenever the vehicle changes hands
* increased test fees (up to 30% extra)
* all EU countries to adopt the harshest test conditions currently found in any member state.
Nich Brown, General Secretary of MAG(UK), said “the scope of this consultation confirms that the EU is contemplating a draconian and expensive burden on riders. All riders need to act now to challenge the potential excesses of yet another pan-European system that fails to meet the needs of individual nations.”
The Commission say they are inviting comment from citizens as well as organisations and public authorities from all EU member states. But whilst the consultation questionnaire allows for individuals and organisations to vote for more sensible options, the only way to respond appears to be via an online form that has hardly been designed to let the rider’s voice be clearly heard. For example, the consultation question asking what category of vehicle you usually drive gives no option to say motorcycle - only ‘none of the above’.
The usual suspicions about the questionnaire design abound, for example riders and drivers are asked if they have been involved in a road accident or vehicle breakdown, but not whether any accident or breakdown was caused by a vehicle defect that might be detected in the super-MoT or by a roadside spot-check.
The EU and national Governments are said to be “at one in wishing to ensure that the EU Single Market works as efficiently as possible and that the administrative burden is reduced, in the interests of citizens.” The irony of this statement is that were the most extreme of the options to be adopted almost every EU citizen with a vehicle would face a far greater burden than they do now.
The other main policy objectives are reducing the number and severity of road accidents and to reduce emissions from road vehicles. Official statistics indicate that just 1% of motorcycle crashes in Great Britain involve a vehicle defect, whilst pan-European research suggests similarly low figures elsewhere, even in countries that have no periodic inspection.
This suggests there may be relatively little benefit from the current UK system based on annual MoT testing and certainly does not provide a strong argument for tightening MoT controls or introducing road side checks.
The European Union is asking riders and others to vote on what should be done:
Option 1: No change.
Option 2: Encourage agreements and exchange of information between Member States, but no new legislation.
Option 3: Mutual recognition of national tests, an information campaign in countries where the test quality is thought to be low and exchange of best practices among countries
NB: All of the above options suggest the UK could keep its MoT system more-or-less as we know it.
Option 4: Impose through EU legislation a harmonised system of PTI based on either a) the ‘Most Rigorous’, b) the ‘Medium Quality’ or c) the ‘Least Rigorous’ of the current national tests.
MAG supports the pan-European campaign for individual countries to continue to determine their own national requirements for vehicle testing. The campaign by dozens of riders groups across the EU is being coordinated by the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations *http://www.fema-online.eu/index.php?page=rwt*
The Motorcycle Action Group says that the best way to achieve this, and to defend against moves toward harmonisation around the most draconian form of testing, is for riders and their representative groups to support Option 1.
The consultation runs for less than one month, until 24th September 2010, via the EU official website http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=roadworthiness
Tuesday 29 June 2010
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Bulgaria May 2010
Well we have been off exploring the world again.
This time it was a trip to Bulgaria to see Nik and Chris of Wildrovers 4X4 for a week of exploring and carving up the countryside in Landrovers.
We stumbled upon this place while taking the scenic route to the top of the Shipka pass.... we were only hoping to avoid the Military Police again after a small "incident" earlier in the day... which we will happily recount over a beer sometime :D
Anyhow this is the start of the Socialist Pilgrim's trail to the Budludzha Monument.... built in 1981 and abandoned with the regime change in 1989 .
This place is a great loss to the culture of the country. It's a magnificent building filled with what were once outstanding mosaics , but sadly just left to rot after being stripped of it's copper cladding and other metals.
Perhaps one day someone will reclaim it and restore it... who knows?
More images can be seen on our Flickr account
This time it was a trip to Bulgaria to see Nik and Chris of Wildrovers 4X4 for a week of exploring and carving up the countryside in Landrovers.
We stumbled upon this place while taking the scenic route to the top of the Shipka pass.... we were only hoping to avoid the Military Police again after a small "incident" earlier in the day... which we will happily recount over a beer sometime :D
Anyhow this is the start of the Socialist Pilgrim's trail to the Budludzha Monument.... built in 1981 and abandoned with the regime change in 1989 .
This place is a great loss to the culture of the country. It's a magnificent building filled with what were once outstanding mosaics , but sadly just left to rot after being stripped of it's copper cladding and other metals.
Perhaps one day someone will reclaim it and restore it... who knows?
More images can be seen on our Flickr account
Monday 5 April 2010
Pussy willow
It can be truly said Spring has sprung - four seasons in one day weather, sunshine , longer evenings and the roads are warming up nicely and a lot quicker!
Thursday 1 April 2010
BMW to change their business philosophy
In a move that is sure to raise eyebrows in the motorcycle industry, BMW has announced that it is changing the way it builds motorcycles in order to stay competitive in today's world economy.
"The problem we face is that our machines have become too perfect," reports Jon Helm of BMW motorsports development. "All of these years we have strived for perfection and we have achieved it."
As good as this may sound, the result of building perfect bikes has been devastating. BMW has seen a marked decrease in machines returning for service which has impacted the bottom line for many dealers forcing many of them reduce staff and cut back on hours of operation.
"You can't make money changing tyres and oil," laments a BMW shop owner who wishes to remain anonymous. "BMW bikes are flawless. They never return to the shop so now my mechanics mop floors instead of replacing push rod seals."
BMW has heard the woeful cry from its store owners and has decided that they must do something drastic to change this disturbing trend.
"Our engineers will be touring competitors facilities to see how to build inferior machines," Helm states. "We'll be starting with Triumph,Ducati,Honda and Yamaha. We just can't afford to build machines as good as we do anymore."
Asked if BMW engineers would be touring Harley Davidson facilities, Helm responded that BMW does not want to take any giant leaps backwards.
"We really need our machines to be able to be ridden off the showroom floor and make it home," he stated. "Although we are keenly interested in H-D's ability to continually repackage an old idea and sell it as new."
Helm further eluded to secret talks with Toyota but would not elaborate on the nature of their discussions.
"The problem we face is that our machines have become too perfect," reports Jon Helm of BMW motorsports development. "All of these years we have strived for perfection and we have achieved it."
As good as this may sound, the result of building perfect bikes has been devastating. BMW has seen a marked decrease in machines returning for service which has impacted the bottom line for many dealers forcing many of them reduce staff and cut back on hours of operation.
"You can't make money changing tyres and oil," laments a BMW shop owner who wishes to remain anonymous. "BMW bikes are flawless. They never return to the shop so now my mechanics mop floors instead of replacing push rod seals."
BMW has heard the woeful cry from its store owners and has decided that they must do something drastic to change this disturbing trend.
"Our engineers will be touring competitors facilities to see how to build inferior machines," Helm states. "We'll be starting with Triumph,Ducati,Honda and Yamaha. We just can't afford to build machines as good as we do anymore."
Asked if BMW engineers would be touring Harley Davidson facilities, Helm responded that BMW does not want to take any giant leaps backwards.
"We really need our machines to be able to be ridden off the showroom floor and make it home," he stated. "Although we are keenly interested in H-D's ability to continually repackage an old idea and sell it as new."
Helm further eluded to secret talks with Toyota but would not elaborate on the nature of their discussions.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Wrenchmonkees
When you think of Copenhagen , it's Hans Christian Anderson and Carlsberg... Danish bacon and the Wrenchmonkees.
Based in a basement haven for petrol heads in Copenhagen is Wrenchmonkees HQ. Due to draconian Danish legislation they have to work with standard road bikes and still keep 'em street legal.
Somehow they manage to release something from within the bikes using the basic building blocks from many other designers creations and jumble them together to create something new and individual. Something that screams Wrenchmonkees but stays unique.
I love 'em
http://www.wrenchmonkees.com/
Based in a basement haven for petrol heads in Copenhagen is Wrenchmonkees HQ. Due to draconian Danish legislation they have to work with standard road bikes and still keep 'em street legal.
Somehow they manage to release something from within the bikes using the basic building blocks from many other designers creations and jumble them together to create something new and individual. Something that screams Wrenchmonkees but stays unique.
I love 'em
http://www.wrenchmonkees.com/
Friday 5 March 2010
Col du Grand St. Bernard
The urge to go Pass Bashing again is strong.... need to get the time booked and the bike prepped, months in advance this time.
Mountains sing a Sirens song and I must go back to them.
Mountains sing a Sirens song and I must go back to them.
Friday 19 February 2010
Goyt Valley February 2010
This blog was set up for the two of us to post on and amongst many things share our travel and bike pics.
However Jules keeps hiding her creative light under a bushel... so take a bow Jules!
This one is great. Please click on it and check out the larger size! It's rather marvey.
However Jules keeps hiding her creative light under a bushel... so take a bow Jules!
This one is great. Please click on it and check out the larger size! It's rather marvey.
Chop and Stock 2009 Redux
Hey ho , no posts for a while so I thought I would put one of my images up from one of the few hot sunny days of last summer.
The fact is that really good Bike shots are becoming few and far between at the moment; as everyone is bundled up away from the crap weather in the UK this winter.
If this is the future of our climate , I need to see if studded tyres can be made UK road legal!
The fact is that really good Bike shots are becoming few and far between at the moment; as everyone is bundled up away from the crap weather in the UK this winter.
If this is the future of our climate , I need to see if studded tyres can be made UK road legal!
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