Day One.... Did you know that Pete is 50??

IMG_5407
Originally uploaded by Captain Smurf

Bikes finally checked and all gear stowed and packed; we set out to catch up with Pete to celebrate his 50th birthday at the Plough in Farcet Fen. Off we head with sunny skies towards the good route... A6006 to Melton Mowbray and the A606, past Rutland Water, to the A1.

This trip, having splashed out on a pair of Midland G7's complete with headsets and PTT kits from Maplin, we have bike to bike communication. This proved invaluable for being able to talk while still moving in town, and gives two pairs of eyes for spotting cashpoints in Oakham. Not so good on the motorways or above 50MPH with the bottom end (cheap) mikes we have which came as an offer with the radios.

First issue found, the maps I had loaded on the GPS were not ROUTING maps! Bugger, means we can only tell where we are , and not depend on the magic box. No probs really,as we are loaded to the gunwhales with Michelin maps...

First minor navigation problem was the road I thought I could take is now closed off due to a bypass being built! Diversion is in place, but signs run out... a quick u-turn and we are in territory I know and arrive in style... not too late and not the last.

Tent goes up presents are presented and we get stickered... boy do we get stickered. Dawn, Pete's other half, has three times the number of stickers for the event she was expecting and they all have to be used. Great, stickers,kids and drunk bikers... what a combination for mischief.

Pete's do coincides with a wedding and another birthday party that is a mini music festival. Apart from the wedding the guests mingle and get drunk together... the wedding guests are a wee bit discomforted by lots of people staggering round wearing yellow stickers stating "Pete's not accident prone but a bit unlucky and 50!" And finding them on their cars...wonder how that happened....

We imbibe some of the local brew and after a brief torchlight lust session over the Wunderlich BMW parts catalogue with Bowser we head for bed... quiet start really.

Delays......

Well here we are looking out the window at a fairly good day. No rain and possible showers, but Jules has a badly bruised foot ankle knee and leg from a fall yesterday and I am wiped out after a hectic couple of weeks in work after our main client pulled a go-live date forward by a MONTH!

Most of us booked the end of July off as we expected to be working flat out through August, but nooo, computer says go go go for July.

That and swine flu have caused a shed load of extra work and one very tired Scouse, who is still a day of bike prep away from leaving... so tomorrow we hit the road. Can't wait!

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FEMA Elects New President

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) warmly welcomes Hans Petter Strifeldt as its new President. The former Chairman of the Norsk Motorcykkel Union (NMCU) was unanimously elected by FEMA’s national members at their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 2 February.

Hans Petter replaces Kees Meijer, who after five successful years (2003-2008) as FEMA’s President decided to step down from the position. He leaves with the belief that FEMA is evolving in the right direction and is confident regarding FEMA’s future.

The election at the Annual General Meeting was a first for FEMA, as Hans Petter flight was cancelled due to a snowstorm in Norway he could not attend the meeting in Brussels, nevertheless he managed to communicate with FEMA’s members via webcam.

Hans Petter is also the first FEMA President coming from a country which is not a member of the European Union. However, he clearly sees this positively: “I think the challenges European motorcyclists are facing are universal. Even Norway is heavily influenced by EU decisions. We clearly cannot achieve results only by working at the national level. We must work on a European level and, eventually, globally. Coming from a non-EU country does not matter. I am European, and will work from that angle.”

He has a clear vision for FEMA’s future: “I see FEMA as a strong, economically independent and highly respected organization not only recognized by its professionalism - as is already the case - but also with a strong support from European motorcyclists. Strong national associations are the best foundation onto which FEMA must be further built. I hope - in short - that FEMA will further prosper through strong national organizations.”

Hans Petter (38) has been working as a journalist for some 12 years before entering into communication and media relations 8 years ago. He obtained his motorcycle licence in 1992 but did not become an active rider until 2000. From that time onwards, however, bikes became his first and most important leisure activity, only surpassed by time spent with his family. He rides some 20-25000 km per season and uses his bikes as much as possible for commuting, touring, or holidays. His wife and daughter also ride, so they pretty much form a “motorcyclists’ family”.

Hans Petter is FEMA’s 6th President and joins FEMA as the association celebrates 20 years of active representation in Brussels, promoting and defending motorcycling in Europe.

1. The full interview of Hans Petter Strifeldt is available at the following link: <http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years/index.php?p=downloads>
2. Please also note that the second part of "FEMA History" is now online: <http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years/index.php?p=About>
3. For any further information, please directly contact <virginie.fema@chello.be>.

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FEMA - Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations
Rue des Champs 62, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 736 9047 / Fax: +32 (0)2 736 9401
http://www.fema.ridersrights.org

20 years defending European riders:FEMA - An association run by and for European citizens!

10 January 2008 - The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations is very proud to announce its 20th Anniversary. 2008 marks 20 years of pro-active lobbying in Brussels and in Geneva and will be celebrated with a series of events throughout the year. Representing all European motorcyclists: a look at the past to better face coming challenges.

http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years


Reducing congestion, pollution and accidents while at the same time increasing mobility is one of Europe’s main challenges. The use of Powered Two-Wheelers clearly offers major advantages to the transport mix as well as solutions to many of the transport problems faced by EU Member States. Recognition of their positive contribution has been one of FEMA members’ main reasons for creating the Federation in 1988. 20 years later, promoting fairer and appropriate legislation for motorcyclists remains FEMA’s main task.

On 25 June 1988, motorcyclists’ associations from France, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg decided to form a European citizens’ organisation in order to make European riders’ voice heard in the political debate: The Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEM) was born. Ten years later, on 10 January 1998, FEM and the European Motorcyclist Association (EMA) merged to form the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA). The two associations joined their forces to offer motorcyclists the best representation possible. Today, FEMA counts on a 4 person office in Brussels.


In 2008, 24 national road riding motorcyclists’ organizations from 19 European countries will hence celebrate 20 years of riders’ representation in Brussels. The 10th of January has been chosen to officially launch FEMA celebrations for this double anniversary. Throughout the year, FEMA will disseminate information about its history and how it works, but it will also organise a series of activities, such as participation to shows, workshops and conferences, interviews of keynote representatives, and a special edition of the MEP Motorcycle Ride in Brussels. The detailed programme and additional information are available on FEMA 20th Anniversary dedicated web space www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years

Aline Delhaye, FEMA General Secretary, says: “I would like to take this opportunity to underline how local decisions are increasingly linked to European policies. European motorcyclists need to get stronger to face coming challenges. As in the early days, there is a need to ensure that motorcycling is rightly and fairly considered in crucial debates, such as Intelligent Transport Systems or Congestion Charging Schemes, to only mention 2 examples. I warmly thank FEMA members and partners for their faith in the work of the Federation and I call all motorcycling stakeholders (industry, media, clubs, individuals) to support the Federation and give it the means to promote motorcycling through the next 20 years and beyond”.


We are looking forward to celebrate this event with you!

Europe Questions the Role for Motorcycle ‘toys’ on our Roads

A leading EU transport “expert” has questioned whether there is any place for motorcycles on Europe’s roads.

Norwegian Rune Elvik says: “In Norway, I believe all the most cost effective measures have been implemented – mandatory helmet use, strict licensing, engine tuning ban, daytime running lights for motorbikes. The question that needs to be raised now is whether there should be any place for these motorised toys in the transport system at all.”

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) says that Elvik’s comments, which are contained in a recent report from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), are biased and anti motorcycling.

There is a real danger of these so called experts’ opinions and motorcycle safety reports being accepted without question.

On 21st December 2007, the Flemish Parliament in Belgium was presented with the ETSC report as a basis for legislation on motorcycle safety.

However the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Belgium, with the support of MPs, defended the riders’ position by using the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations’ (FEMA), European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety which highlights the importance of finding real solutions to improve the casualty rates for motorcyclists.

As a direct result of MAG Belgium’s action, the ETSC report was rejected and instead, MAG Belgium’s motorcycle friendly programme was adopted.

MAG’s General Secretary, Trevor Baird, says, “Motorcycling is under constant threat from the European safety agenda. The introduction of this agenda has been thwarted in Belgium before it spreads further like a rash across Europe. MAG will continue to protect motorcycling and defend riders’ rights from whatever quarter the threat comes.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. FEMA’s European Agenda For Motorcycle Safety http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/EAMS2007.pdf

2. ETSC report can be found at http://www.etsc.be/PIN.php

Issued by

Trevor Baird
General Secretary MAG UK

MAG UK
PO BOX 750
Rugby
CV21 3ZR

Tel: +44 (0)1788 570065
Fax: +44 (0)1788 570052

Email general-secretary@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation

www.mag-uk.org