Durham Advanced Motorcyclists - Chairman steps down..

Durham Advanced Motorcyclists chairman John Matthews (left) seen here being presented with a Joey Dunlop replica by the group's secretary Bill McCready at the Annual General meeting which was held at the Bowburn Hall Hotel on Tuesday 20th November.
John passed his Advanced Test on the 12th August 1998 and has worked hard for the group throughout these years, the last few as chairman.
John has handed over the 'reins' to Brian Walls who will hopefully 'drive' the group forward with continued success. (John is also actively involved in marshalling at motorcycle meetings and usually can be seen at Croft when there's a motorcycle meeting being held.)
THANKS from all of us in the motorcycle office for all your hard work over the years John - the amount of unseen work done by the committee is greatly appreciated by us and the end result of that work is that motorcyclists in Durham have the opportunity to improve their riding.
DAM was presented with a cheque on the night from Mick Alder & Alison Bonar. This has been a feature since BikeWise was founded and helps the group with it's annual running costs.

The Chain.... (New Video)

Small video compilation for you to enjoy....

'Rain Stops Play'.....

'Rain Stops Play'......
This is the sight we were greeted with this morning after an extra hour in bed - RAIN and lots of it - so. unfortunately we will NOT be running our event at Police HQ.
Work is still continuing in the background with the council to try and find an indoor premises that we might be able to use over the winter months.. Keep checking your emails and look out on the Blog for the latest information.
Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and remember - it's only 57 days to Christmas !!

Next Meeting - Sunday 28th October at Police HQ

Hi everybody.... The next meeting will be held at Police HQ, Aykley Heads, Durham on Sunday 28th October
Registration will be from 10am and safety briefing will take place at 10.30am.
The weather as always will play it's part and we have not seen a long range forecast at the moment, so, if you have any doubts on the morning about the weather either ring Bob Brown on 07767-324896 or Mick Alder on 07974-503781
With Autumn / Winter approaching we are still making enquiries with Durham County Council to hopefully provide an indoor venue for the winter months - watch this site for further developments...

Photo's on-line from Sundays meeting at Carrville Park & Ride

THANKS to all who turned up on Sunday at our latest venue, Carrville Park & Ride.
Many Thanks to Donald Waller & Albert Nugent from Durham County Council who provided us with this new venue and arranged for staff to open it up for us. What a brilliant site and we were able to set up a large track using all our cones.
Anyway thanks to the Mam's, Dad's & Grandparents who came along and supported us on the day - we had a another great meeting, with the sun shining all day.
Special thanks must go to Stuart, Neil, Andy & Dave who helped Steve, Mick & I to marshall the event. Your help will continue to be needed in the future as the club learns to stand on it's own feet and grow's.... The riding was once again brilliant with Katie & Charlotte showing the way for the boys to follow and so they did -Sam, Josh, Luke, Daniel, Jordan, Dale, Sean & new members Joe (on his 'spiderman' bike) and Ben (who managed to get a few laps in at the end) . Once again some really smooth, controlled riding and you all have improved a lot since we started the club.
Enjoy your school holidays and watch out for the next date which we'll try and make soon.... Enjoy the photo's - if anyone wants prints from any, please get in touch with me (Bob) and I will order them. (Sizes 6x4, 7.5x5, 9x6 & 12x8 - (bob.brown@virgin.net)

Carrville Park & Ride - Sunday 14th October

(Double Click on the image to view all the pictures on-line.)
Remember to leave some comments on this Blog and we'll see you soon at the next meeting.

URGENT! Next meeting Sunday 14th October

The next meeting for our club has been arranged for this coming Sunday,14th October. We are holding the meeting at a brand new venue, the Carrville Park and Ride Site on the outskirts of Durham.
To get there, leave the A1M at junction 62, the Durham turn off, and take the A690 towards Sunderland for a hundred yards or so. You can't miss it on your left!
Sign on will be at 10am and the safety briefing will be at 10.30am prompt.
Lets keep our fingers crossed for a dry day. If you are in any doubt about the weather on Sunday morning phone Bob on 07767 324896.
See you on Sunday!

Thanks... Photo's on-line from Saturday's meeting

THANKS to all who turned up on Saturday at very short notice for our meeting at Aykley Heads. We will hopefully have some good news in a few weeks time about a possible indoor venue for winter & also another outdoor venue in the Durham area...
Anyway thanks to the Mam's, Dad's & Grandparents who were able to come to Aykley Heads on Saturday, we had a great meeting.
Special thanks must go to Stuart, Ivor, Neil, Andy & Dave who helped Geoff, Mick & I to marshall the event. Your help will continue to be needed in the future as the club learns to stand on it's own feet and grow's....
The riding was once again brilliant with Katie & Alex showing the way for the boys to follow and so they did - Josh & Luke (even without their Rizla Suzuki for most of the day...), Daniel, Tom, Keiran, Jordan (who was having trouble with his clutch), Dale & Sean (Who got his knee down..)
Some really smooth, controlled riding and you all have improved a lot since we started the club.
Enjoy the photo's - if anyone wants prints from any, please get in touch with me (Bob) and I will order them. (Sizes 6x4, 7.5x5, 9x6 & 12x8 - (bob.brown@virgin.net)

15th September 2007 - Aykley Heads

(Double Click on the image to view all the pictures on-line.)
Remember to leave some comments on this Blog and we'll see you soon at the next meeting.

URGENT... Next meeting Saturday 15th September

Apologies for the short notice - County Hall currently has work going on which involves the removal of asbestos - so we are not allowed to use the site. There was also a problem with the HQ venue but this has now been sorted. Although this is very short notice we are running an event tomorrow.....
at Durham Police HQ site (Saturday 15th September.) We appreciate you may already have arrangements made but we will be there....
Registration will be from 10am and safety briefing will take place at 10.30am.
The weather forecast looks reasonable but if you have any doubts in the morning about the weather either ring 0191-3752136 or contact Bob on 07767-324896.
With Autumn / Winter approaching we are making enquiries with Durham County Council to hopefully provide an indoor venue for the winter months - watch this site for further developments...

Thanks...

Well, the time has come for me to 'hang up the keys' and move on to pasture's new...
So, it's 'Good Luck' to Sgt Iain Rodgers who is replacing me.
If you get half the satisfaction I've had out of the job Iain, then you'll walk away a very happy man in a few years time.

I've worked with & for some fantastic people as a result of being the motorcycle Sgt in Durham Constabulary and take away many happy memories.

To the 'motorcycle team', who I've worked with daily for the last ?? years - a BIG,BIG 'Thank You' from me, for the friendship, commitment and professionalism you have shown to me over the years.
You made it a pleasure to come to work..
Thanks again and safe riding - Bob

Fatal Motorcycle Accident

At approximately 5.25pm on Thursday 16th August 2007 on the A177 dual carriageway between Sedgefield and Thorpe Larches.
A red Honda CB400 was carrying out an overtaking manoeuvre, for some unknown reason the rider has lost control, the machine has come into contact with the grass verge, which has thrown the rider from the bike.
If anyone has seen this accident or has any information, can you please contact Pc Mick Bell, Durham Police's Accident Unit on 0191 3752159.

Another Ladies Ride out - Sunday 9th September

Due to popular demand and me getting a lot of ear rake from the girls I'm running another ride out.
It's on Sunday 9th September and it's a Durham Dales Run. We will be meeting at Durham Police HQ at Aykley Heads at 10.30am for a cuppa and explanation of the route and heading out at 11.00am.
Because it getting a bit colder it will be up to Hartside for a hot chocolate and a bite to eat in Middleton in Teesdale!
Hope you can all make it and if you need any more information just drop me an e-mail.
See you there. Ali

Photo's on-Line from, Wed 22nd August at Aykley Heads

Another good meeting, our first evening one at Police HQ on Wednesday 22nd August.
Good weather, good riding, plenty of track time.
Katie and Tom both had new bikes on display....
Dale was back from holidays, after missing BikeWise and was 'raring' to go.
Well done to Jordan who had been racing at Lanbaurgh in Cleveland the day before and had won a trophy (Need to see some pictures on the Blog !!)
Nice to see Simon travelling up from Stockton on his own motorbike to watch the event - hope to see you on your smaller version at the next meeting..
Enjoy the photo's and keep checking this site and your email for details of our next meeting.
See you soon
The 'BikeWise' Team

22nd August 2007

Recent Burglary at Motor Cross Direct-Chilton Ind Estate

The newly set up business of Motor Cross Direct was broken into between the evening of Thursday 9th August overnight to the morning of Friday 10th August.
The company which is situated in a unit on Chilton Ind. Estate had a large quantity of motor cross clothing, equipment, parts and accessories were stolen from the unit valued at over £16000.
Anyone with information relating to this burglary contact DC David Eames at Spennymoor C.I.D. or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thank You - To Durham Advanced Motorcyclists

I'd like to say a big 'Thank You' to members of the Durham Advanced Motorcyclists who 'sprung' a surprise upon me at the 13th BikeWise event on the 29th July,which was my last as a serving Police Officer.
The first event was held in 1995 and on the same day we launched the Durham Advanced Motorcycle Group. It's chairman at that time was Mike Cope, who has been a stalwart of the group throughout the years and it was Mike who came up onto the stage at the end of the presentations to present me with a drawing of me on my Police bike - a Honda ST1300. There is a lovely inscription, from the group to me on the frame.
Throughout my years as motorcycle Sgt I have been privileged to help the group and to see it grow. D.A.M became so big at one point that it had to split and the Northumberland Advanced Motorcyclists group (N.A.M) were subsequently formed and also continue's to thrive.
Both these groups have trained hundreds of local motorcyclists in advanced riding techniques, based on the Police system of riding.
The Committee, Training officer, Senior Observers and Observers put countless hours into running the group and Mick Alder & Alison Bonar from the bike office also put a lot of their own time into helping with the group.
There are to many names within DAM to mention people individually but to all both past & present a big Thank You from Annie & myself for your kindness.
Although I am retiring from the Police Service, I fully intend to be actively involved with the group and to examine any future associates that the group put's through to test....
Bob Brown

Next Meeting for the BikeWise Mini-Bike Club Has Been Set.

The next BikeWise Mini-Bike Club meeting will take place at Durham Police HQ site on Wednesday 22nd August. Registration will be from 6pm and safety briefing will take place at 6.30pm.
This will be our first evening meeting but we will get at least a couple of hours practise in before it turns dark! Oh and keep your fingers crossed for the weather!!

Ladies Sunday 'Ride Out'

Hi Girls....
We're organising a ride out on Sunday August 5th for ladies of all riding abilities.
We will be meeting at the Washington Services (Southbound) A1M at 10.00am, then travelling to Bowburn Services just off junction 61 A1M for 10.30am. We will be leaving the services at 10.45am for our run out.
The run will cover all the aspects of an enjoyable ride out - good roads, good company, a good cuppa, good food and if the weathers nice a delicious ice cream!!

e-mail: ali.bonar@durham.pnn.police.uk
or telephone: 0191 3752399
Looking forward to seeing you there.
PC 569 Ali Bonar

(If you click on the above image you will be able to see (and print) the picture)

MANY THANKS to you all for making the meeting at BikeWise 2007 such a success.
Phil Shaw as clerk of the course and all the officials (I wont name & shame you....) worked very hard throughout the day (And I apologise that we forgot to get you some drinks etc.. )
The parents who came and of course, the stars of the show, the riders.
Once again you were all excellent - your bikes & riding gear look great, your discipline in the pits and start & stop boxes was excellent and your riding was fantastic.
John McGuinness was very impressed with your riding, (I think he's now a little worried that one of you might be competing with him at the Isle of Man in a few years time).
I was pleased that Albert Nugent the leader of Durham County Council was able to attend BikeWise with his family and see the Mini-Bike Club for himself. Without Albert's support we would not be where we are today....
Pictures from the meeting will be uploaded when we get a little more time. Look out for details of our next meeting.
"Thanks Again" from all of us at the Motorcycle Office - Bob Brown

THANK YOU......

A big 'THANK YOU' to all who helped, attended, sponsored, participated, etc... with BikeWise 2007.
The sun eventually did shine this year (apart from a couple of small showers) and a great day was had by us all.
John McGuinness & Steve Brogan from HM Plant Honda racing, Michael Rutter from MSS Kawasaki & James Hillier from Kawasaki's Gearlink racing team attended the show and spent the day talking to fans and signing everything that was put in front of them !!
Dave Coates was 'on fire' in the main arena on one, two & four wheels & Michael Phillipson & Chris Huddleston showed us all what a motorcycle can do (if you have the skill) , whilst riding over everything (including a Hitachi Zaxis excavator) in the arena Trial. Michael & Chris were under the watchful eye of Andy Huddleston, who would have also been riding this year. Andy has rode at the event since the first in 1995 but has been ill during the last week and got up off his sick bed to make sure that the riders had enough obstacles !!! in the arena.
Our own motorschool worked frantically throughout the day providing Skid Pan & Landrover4wd demonstration drives, Police dogs (And there handlers) showed us what they provide to the police service and the police helicopter provided our own 'airshow'.
BikeWise Mini-Bike Club was running throughout the day and the riders had a day to remember when John McGuinness visited them.
Further info & pictures will appear on the main BikeWise site soon.
REMEMBER to Tell us what you thought of BikeWise 2007 (click here to go to the Guest Book)

Look forward to seeing you all at BikeWise 2008....

TT Star to visit BikeWise 2007

HM Plant Honda Racing's John McGuinness - is to attend BikeWise 2007 with sponsor's - Hebburn based HM Plant & Honda Racing.
John has now won 13 TT's on the Isle of Man (2 this year) and is now the fastest man around the 37.73-mile Island circuit, smashing the lap record in the Senior TT on his second lap, the fastest ever lap speed at an average speed of 130.354 mph with a total lap time of 17:21.99 mins.

John will be available throughout the day to talk & sign autographs and will be later making the draw for a raffle for a prize that 'money can't buy' from within the HM Plant big black box which will be on the site.

BSB Star Michael Rutter coming to BikeWise

MSS Discovery Kawasaki's rider Michael Rutter will be attending BikeWise 2007 and will be available at the Kawasaki UK display which is supported by it's local dealer Kawasaki (Newcastle)
For further details of Michael Rutter, visit : Kawasaki's website