Check this one out and view it LARGE. Jules has a real knack for catching beasties with macro lenses.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
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!
Friday, 25 December 2009
Merry Xmas war is still not over...
Christmas in the Trenches
(John McCutcheon)Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here
I fought for King and country I love dear.
'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung,
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung
Our families back in England were toasting us that day
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound
Says I, ``Now listen up, me boys!'' each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
``He's singing bloody well, you know!'' my partner says to me
Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony
The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent
``God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen'' struck up some lads from Kent
The next they sang was ``Stille Nacht.'' ``Tis `Silent Night','' says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky
``There's someone coming toward us!'' the front line sentry cried
All sights were fixed on one long figure trudging from their side
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shown on that plain so bright
As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand
We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em hell
We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own
Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more
With sad farewells we each prepared to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wonderous night
``Whose family have I fixed within my sights?''
'Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost, so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same
Powered by ScribeFire.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Motorcycle Action Group comments on the initiative by Sussex police on high visibility clothing
From the el Presidente of the Motorcycle Action Group(MAG) sent to the Sussex Police force regarding their policy of enforcing cloting rules on motorcyclists!
"I have read that Sussex police are stopping motorcyclists who are spotted riding without reflective clothing. An article in the weekly ‘Motorcycle News’ states that police officers are providing advice on the use of reflective items, handing the riders reflective vests which they are urged to wear, and checking their bikes for roadworthiness.
As a body that exists to represent the interests of motorcyclists we are concerned that riders are being stopped on the highway when they are doing nothing wrong and implicitly told that their behaviour falls short of what is deemed appropriate.
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is concerned that a tactic whose value in reducing road accidents is unproven, is being promoted in a way that does not appear to reflect the uncertainties and sensitivities that surround this issue.
MAG is uncomfortable with the implicit suggestion that riders are partially to blame when involved in accidents with motorists who claim not to have seen them. MAG has a philosophic commitment to free choice over the clothing style and standards which riders adopt and so we view any attempt to coerce riders into a code of clothing conduct as worrying.
MAG remains sceptical of drivers’ claims of not seeing motorcyclists. It seems reasonable to speculate that no driver at the scene of a typical intersection accident would admit to seeing a motorcycle but pulling out anyway in the belief that there was enough time to complete the manoeuvre. MAG believes that the issue of ‘unseen’ motorcycles is more complex than many think. Moreover there is concern that riders who wear reflective kit believe themselves to be more visible to motorists in all circumstances and subconsciously ride less defensively in consequence, sometimes with tragic consequences.
As the road safety debate has evolved to a more sophisticated level, the aspects of human behaviour I have mentioned here are enjoying more serious consideration, certainly the phenomenon of risk compensation is pretty much now universally accepted as axiomatic.
Against this background your initiative, though obviously well motivated, appears conspicuously simplistic and worrying inasmuch as it shifts the onus of responsibility to the rider’s detriment. We would value your comments on these observations and hope that you will take this letter as an invitation to an ongoing dialogue in pursuit of enhanced road safety for all road users.
I wonder in conclusion if you would consider an operation that involves stopping motorists for random roadside eyesight checks? Operation spectacle perhaps?"
Ian Mutch
MAG President
Information: Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org
"I have read that Sussex police are stopping motorcyclists who are spotted riding without reflective clothing. An article in the weekly ‘Motorcycle News’ states that police officers are providing advice on the use of reflective items, handing the riders reflective vests which they are urged to wear, and checking their bikes for roadworthiness.
As a body that exists to represent the interests of motorcyclists we are concerned that riders are being stopped on the highway when they are doing nothing wrong and implicitly told that their behaviour falls short of what is deemed appropriate.
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is concerned that a tactic whose value in reducing road accidents is unproven, is being promoted in a way that does not appear to reflect the uncertainties and sensitivities that surround this issue.
MAG is uncomfortable with the implicit suggestion that riders are partially to blame when involved in accidents with motorists who claim not to have seen them. MAG has a philosophic commitment to free choice over the clothing style and standards which riders adopt and so we view any attempt to coerce riders into a code of clothing conduct as worrying.
MAG remains sceptical of drivers’ claims of not seeing motorcyclists. It seems reasonable to speculate that no driver at the scene of a typical intersection accident would admit to seeing a motorcycle but pulling out anyway in the belief that there was enough time to complete the manoeuvre. MAG believes that the issue of ‘unseen’ motorcycles is more complex than many think. Moreover there is concern that riders who wear reflective kit believe themselves to be more visible to motorists in all circumstances and subconsciously ride less defensively in consequence, sometimes with tragic consequences.
As the road safety debate has evolved to a more sophisticated level, the aspects of human behaviour I have mentioned here are enjoying more serious consideration, certainly the phenomenon of risk compensation is pretty much now universally accepted as axiomatic.
Against this background your initiative, though obviously well motivated, appears conspicuously simplistic and worrying inasmuch as it shifts the onus of responsibility to the rider’s detriment. We would value your comments on these observations and hope that you will take this letter as an invitation to an ongoing dialogue in pursuit of enhanced road safety for all road users.
I wonder in conclusion if you would consider an operation that involves stopping motorists for random roadside eyesight checks? Operation spectacle perhaps?"
Ian Mutch
MAG President
Information: Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org
Monday, 16 November 2009
Dreaming...
.. Of high roads in high places..finding fun and adventure in far away places and just riding my bikes... must be that time of the year again to start fettling and planning for the summer.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
MAG applauds Birmingham bus lane decision
MAG applauds the decision by Birmingham City Council to open its bus lanes to motorcycles. In an effort to make more effective and efficient use of its roads, Birmingham City Council recently completed an experiment allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes. The policy allows motorcyclists to see and be seen in congested traffic.
The Birmingham experiment confirmed the experience of other towns and cities, that allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes was beneficial to motorcyclists, with no disadvantages to other road users.
MAG in Birmingham and nation-wide has been campaigning on this issue for years, first winning access to bus lanes throughout Bristol in 1996.
London opened all of its major route bus lanes to motorcycles recently and now the second biggest city in the country has followed suit.
MAG President Ian Mutch said ‘There seems to be an outbreak of sanity among local authorities all over the country, this is great news and shows how MAG’s campaigning is helping to produce real results for riders.
Further information:
Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org
Nich Brown: nich.brown@mag-uk.org
For more on MAG’s bus lane campaign see http://www.mag-uk.org/en/index/a6296
The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling
The Birmingham experiment confirmed the experience of other towns and cities, that allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes was beneficial to motorcyclists, with no disadvantages to other road users.
MAG in Birmingham and nation-wide has been campaigning on this issue for years, first winning access to bus lanes throughout Bristol in 1996.
London opened all of its major route bus lanes to motorcycles recently and now the second biggest city in the country has followed suit.
MAG President Ian Mutch said ‘There seems to be an outbreak of sanity among local authorities all over the country, this is great news and shows how MAG’s campaigning is helping to produce real results for riders.
Further information:
Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org
Nich Brown: nich.brown@mag-uk.org
For more on MAG’s bus lane campaign see http://www.mag-uk.org/en/index/a6296
The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Biker jailed for 166mph is mad BUT
MAG condemns the madness of the biker convicted of riding at 166mph on an A road in Scotland – BUT – asks if the law is failing in its commitment to be consistent and proportionate in sentencing.
MAG notes that the nine month prison sentence is poignantly identical to that recently handed down to a motorist who caused an accident which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and injury to his son.
MAG President Ian Mutch said:
‘Traveling at 166mph on any A road is lunatic behavior but lunacy cannot be the sole factor in determining sentencing policy. For the law to be recognised as just it must be consistent and I suspect that the magistrates in this case have let outrage blind them to that responsibility.’
He added,
‘Let’s be crystal clear about this. Traveling at astronomic speed on public roads warrants serious sentencing BUT if nine months is deemed appropriate for a rider traveling at high speed but hurting no one then a driver whose hazardous behavior causes death should surely deserve a higher penalty. Magistrates should be accountable for major discrepancies in sentencing or the law loses respect.’
For further information
Contact Ian Mutch
theroad@mag-uk.org
The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling
MAG notes that the nine month prison sentence is poignantly identical to that recently handed down to a motorist who caused an accident which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and injury to his son.
MAG President Ian Mutch said:
‘Traveling at 166mph on any A road is lunatic behavior but lunacy cannot be the sole factor in determining sentencing policy. For the law to be recognised as just it must be consistent and I suspect that the magistrates in this case have let outrage blind them to that responsibility.’
He added,
‘Let’s be crystal clear about this. Traveling at astronomic speed on public roads warrants serious sentencing BUT if nine months is deemed appropriate for a rider traveling at high speed but hurting no one then a driver whose hazardous behavior causes death should surely deserve a higher penalty. Magistrates should be accountable for major discrepancies in sentencing or the law loses respect.’
For further information
Contact Ian Mutch
theroad@mag-uk.org
The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Autumn Fruits
Autumn the season of mist and mellow fruitfullness. Have been sorely tempted by these guys this year, Shaggy Inkcaps very more-ish when gently poached in milk and butter... leave it until next years and there will be a bigger clump... Tasty!
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)