Good turnout last night at Karting North East, even though it was freezing cold.
These events are running every two weeks on a Monday night 5pm-8pm. (They are run by Karting North East and not by the BWMBC)
We will be getting some track time on the big track and will try and notify in advance so that you can change your gearing.
Photo's from last night can be viewed online on the BikeWise Mini Bike Club website or click on the image to go to the Gallery
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Once again ‘THANKS’ to all who helped with the signing on, marshalling, etc and to John Attle for taking the photo’s – without your help we would not be able to run the club…
A great days riding for our members with plenty of track time on a slippery track.
Next meeting will be outdoor at Carrville and we will hopefully see the benefits off riding indoor on a slippery track when we get outdoor again, on a surface with plenty of grip.
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 21st April 2013.
The next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be on Saturday, 6th April at QC Space, Peterlee
We would have preferred to run outdoor at Carrville but have had to make a decision dependant upon the weather and the forecast is not good, so we've gone for the safe option of running indoors
Usual start time of 1030hrs with signing on from 1000hrs.
(We will not be able to train any new starters indoors at QC Space, as we do not have the facilities.)
Karting North East (Warden Law) will be running their fortnightly sessions on Monday 8th April (1700hrs - 2000hrs).
In view of this weekends weather forecast and the location of Karting NE, we would advise you to ring the centre on 0191 521 4050 if you have any doubts about the weather before travelling. (These events are not run by the BWMBC)
Officers were alerted to the incident on the B6301 road at Low West House, Hedleyhope near Tow Law, County Durham, by the ambulance service shortly before 1pm.
The motorcycle, which was travelling in the direction of Tow Law, was in collision with a Mitsubishi 4x4 motor vehicle heading in the opposite direction. The collision occurred at the junction with Hedley Hope Wind Farm.
The victim, who was confirmed dead at the scene, is believed to be a 60-year-old man from the Wearside area.
He was riding a blue BMW 600cc machine.
The driver of the white Mitsubishi was a 50-year-old man from the Durham area.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and taken into custody at Durham City Police Station.
The road was closed at its junction with the A68 and reopened at 4.55pm.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact investigators on 0191-3752159
The accident occurred yesterday around 2pm outside the Shell garage on Thomas Lewis Way in Swaythling. The officer's motorcycle collided with a BMW which was leaving a Shell petrol station. The driver of the BMW, a 35-year old man, sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.
PC Steve Rawson, 40, was on-duty but not involved in a pursuit or responding to a 999 call, Hampshire Constabulary said. He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Simon Hayes said: "This is a very sad day for Hampshire Constabulary and a tragic loss of a police officer in the course of his duty. This tragic incident highlights the fact that police officers regularly put themselves at risk in performing their duty and in protecting the public. Our thoughts and sympathy go to his family and colleagues at this very difficult time."
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said " PC Rawson was a totally dedicated officer and larger than life character who always made a positive contribution to his team and to the force.
"His death is a massive blow to the constabulary and his loss will be felt throughout the organisation.
“We are supporting his wife and family and our thoughts are with them at this devastating time. He will be missed by all who knew him.
"The response from the public has been overwhelming. We have had messages of condolence from across the country and from other organisations and we thank everybody for their support."
The thoughts of the BikeWise team are with PC Rawson's family and colleagues.
Over 500 of you registered online and the weather was playing games right until the last minute. It was -5C when we made our way into work, it was the coldest Easter on record but at least it was dry so we were a little uncertain as to how many of you would join us in the freezer!
We weren't to be disappointed numbers were no less than on any other recent Easter Egg Run and as usual we had our normal selection of rabbits and chicks astride their bikes, the eggs were being loaded onto the van and the charity buckets were clanking away.
One particular trend is for people to bring in eggs and cash donations raised from workplaces and it would be great if you can feed it back to you colleagues that their generosity is very much appreciated!
And so at half nine we were off police bikes closing the roads and the Durham Advanced Motorcyclist (DAM) as supporting marshals. What's particularly striking is how our communities are engaging in the run with hundreds at the sides of the roads waving and cheering. Indeed one family in Aycliffe Village deserve a special mention as every year they're out with their deck chairs and Union Jack flags at the ready. Despite it being a miserly 2C we weren't to be disappointed they were out once again in all their glory!
The eggs were delivered to our children's wards in Darlington and Durham hospitals, photos and Tweets were sent for all to see and so we ended back at Police HQ. Following a hot drink, some warmth and a short presentation another successful Easter Egg Run came to a close.
We've counted your donations and they came to a fantastic grand total of £940.90 which will once again go to the Meningitis Research Foundation, meanwhile other hospitals, children's homes and special schools will be visited with the remaining eggs!
There's no doubt that the police bike section couldn't put this event together without volunteer helpers to collect the eggs, drive the BikeWise van, make the hot drinks, take photos sort the websites, the list goes on. So to those volunteers we extend a big thank you, it is very much appreciated!
Neither could we safely escort such a huge group of bikes without the support of the DAM observers who act as the marshals. So I also extend my sincere thanks to them. Indeed they're always looking for new riders so why not join them? You'll get more out of your riding and we'll get our marshals, we all benefit!
Finally all of you that took part yesterday acted as first class ambassadors for biking and have made a real difference to our communities who have really embraced the event, to the children who have to spend time away from home this Easter and towards helping eradicate the scourge of Meningitis a disease that hits the young and their families particularly hard.
So from myself and the whole BikeWise team thank you all very much.
Enjoy your bikes this year please please don't learn by accident, ride safe and we'll see you at BikeWise!
Sergeant Iain Rodgers
Video’s from yesterdays BikeWise 2013 Easter Egg Run.
Please double click to view on You Tube.
Photographs are being prepared and will be uploaded in the next few days. Please keep checking the website and we will post a news item with links when they are done.
South Road,Durham | A167, North Road Darlington (Nearside) |
A167, North Road Darlington (Offside) | Greenfield Way, Newton Aycliffe |
A691, Exit from Sniperley Roundabout at Durham | A691, Exit from Sniperley Roundabout at Durham |
For those of you who were up early this morning , you will know that there was snow first thing, but it quickly melted and it has been noticeable that quite a few bikes have been out on the roads today.
The BikeWise team will be in at HQ by 07000hrs in the morning and if there is any doubt about the safety of the ride due to weather conditions then it will be posted on the website : www.bikewise.org.uk, and on our FaceBook & Twitter accounts
Please remember that the ride is leaving Carrville at 0930hrs and that tonight, the clocks go forward by an hour.
(If you forget to put your clock forward then you’ll be at Carrville on your own as we’ll be at Darlington !!)
Please wrap up warm as the windchill when we’re riding will be a lot colder. Pay particular attention to your hands, feet and neck.
Please click on the image above to view full details of the ride and register online (560 of you have already done so), so that we have an idea of how many bikes to expect.
Fingers crossed for some sunshine in the morning 
SHARP has published safety ratings for a further 11 motorcycle helmets
The ratings include 8 full face and 3 flip-front models, taking the total number of helmets rated by SHARP to 300.
Further helmets will be tested by SHARP through the summer and we anticipate they will be publishing some further results later in the year. We will let you know when these the ratings are published.
To view the new ratings or to check out how your own helmet rates please visit their website by clicking on the image or this link : http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
Karting North East (Warden Law) will be starting their fortnightly sessions from Monday 25th March (1700hrs - 2000hrs). In view of this weekends weather forecast and the location of Karting NE, we would advise you to ring the centre on 0191 521 4050 if you have any doubts about the weather before travelling. (These events are not run by the BWMBC)
The next meeting of the BikeWise Mini Bike Club will be either Saturday, 6th April at QC Space, Peterlee OR Sunday 7th April outdoor at Carrville.
We would prefer to run outdoor at Carrville but will have to make a decision dependant upon the weather closer to the time so please keep checking the website.
Usual start time of 1030hrs with signing on from 1000hrs.
(We will not be able to train any new starters indoors at QC Space, as we do not have the facilities.)
Radio and petrol station ads will run from now until May urging drivers to take longer to look for riders.
Ads will also appear on Video On Demand TV, aimed particularly at young drivers.
The campaign tells drivers to ‘see the person behind the helmet’ and is timed to coincide with riders returning to the roads for spring.
In 2011, 74% of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries involved another vehicle.
The Department for Transport is spending more on the initiative than almost any other road safety campaign this year apart from a push to curb drink-driving.
Launching the campaign, Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: “Thirty bikers are killed or injured in accidents at junctions every day. I am determined to reduce this terrible toll.
"That is why we are funding this THINK! campaign to remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists - particularly at junctions - and to see the person behind the helmet, not just a motorbike."
A DfT statement said: ‘The campaign was informed by accident statistics, which show that motorists pulling out in front of motorcyclists is a major cause of deaths and injuries; and wider research showing that drivers are more likely to notice motorcyclists on the roads if they know a biker themselves.’
Injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths.
The two motorcycle frames that were installed at the Roadchef Services (Durham Services) in 1995 have had a bit of a spring clean and been brought ‘up to date’ .
The frames were originally purchased with funding from the Durham Agency Against Crime and were installed when the new RoadChef (Durham) Services were opened. This coincided with our first BikeWise show in 1995 which was opened by ‘Sgt Bob Cryer’, actor & keen motorcyclist Eric Richard who was the star of the long running TV series ‘The Bill’
Eric is seen in the bottom photograph at the opening of the motorcycle parking area with retired Sgt Bob Brown and PC Paul Rodgers.
Eric still keeps ‘up to date’ with the BikeWise ‘world’ through his nephew, PC Ian Squire who is a serving officer on the Dog Section of Durham Constabulary and can be seen most years at the dog display at BikeWise show.
The frames have been well used by thousands of motorcyclists as the services are a regular meeting place for many motorcycle groups including our own BikeWise Training and Durham Advanced Motorcyclists and were looking ‘tired’. The new signs reflect the image of BikeWise and also promote the website : www.bikewise.org.uk
To view the location of the services and parking area please click here
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Usual start time of 1030hrs with signing on from 1000hrs.
(We will not be able to train any new starters indoors as we do not have the space.)
2030hrs on ITV4, part 4 of the TT Legends.
After racing around Ireland in the NW200 last week, the Legends are off to the Isle of Man for the TT’s.
‘The Legend’, John McGuinness will be doing his stuff , no doubt supported by his good wife Becky..
Get a hold of the remote or press record and tune in to the best motorcycle documentary we’ve seen.
Tonight 8.30pm
Usual start time of 1030hrs with signing on from 1000hrs.
(We will not be able to train any new starters indoors as we do not have the space.)
It was bitterly cold and the surface was very slippery but we had a great meeting members with some fantastic riding by our members
MANY THANKS to all who attended and in particular to those who come along to help marshal, etc even though they have no family members riding at the event.
A big ‘Thank You’ to Blyth Valley MAG who have donated £100 to the club
To view the photo’s CLICK HERE and then click on the relevant thumbnail image for the 2th February 2013. Many Thanks to John Attle for taking the photo’s
Video’s can be viewed online on the Durham BikeWise ‘You Tube’ page or via the Mini Bike Club website and clicking on the Video’s to watch button. If you click on this link to YouTube you will be taken to Durham BikeWise’s video page where you can tick the subscribe box and then you will always be up to date with the video’s we make at meetings.
There are four video’s from last weeks meeting – Groups 1,2,3 & 4
Maintenance session on Wednesday 13th February at Alderson's garage (1800hrs) and the next meeting of the club is Saturday 23rd February at QC Space, Peterlee.
MCN Fantasy Road Race, in association with RAC Insurance is back for 2013!
Once again the game is totally FREE to play, and this year we're giving away an awesome Honda CBR500R!
All you have to do is pick a team of six riders, comprising the stars of MotoGP, World Superbikes and British Superbikes, then just sit back and let them win you some fantastic prizes!
The game starts at 04:00 GMT on Saturday, 23 February so give yourself a chance of winning this yea's top prize - a brand new Honda CBR500R - and enter your team of riders today. For more information on prizes, just click here
There is a fantastic prize awaiting this year's winner...
If you are top of the pile come November you will win an awesome new Honda CBR500R!
As well as the amazing top prize, there are eight separate prizes up on offer (one for each Game Round), courtesy of Pirelli.
Each Game Round winner will receive two tickets to a 2013 or 2014 BSB round of their choice, including a paddock and garage tour.*
The Game Rounds are as follows:
Game Round 1: 23 February to 22 April
Game Round 2: 27 April to 27 May
Game Round 3: 1 June to 1 July
Game Round 4: 6 July to 22 July
Game Round 5: 3 August to 26 August
Game Round 6: 31 August to 23 September
Game Round 7: 28 September to 14 October
Game Round 8: 19 October to 18 November
Once you’ve registered then join the BikeWise League – so that we can all share in the fun.
The PIN number you need to enter the BikeWise league is : 7714 (Tell all your friends)
If you want to look at your racer’s in action then check out our Moto GP and WSB photo galleries on the new BikeWise website at www.bikewise.org.uk/galleries/ (photo’s will be added as the season progresses)
So – register your team and enter our league – it’s all FREE and you could have a lot of fun and win a bike or tickets to a BSB round
There are a couple of new televisual highlights coming up for motorcycle fans in February on ITV4!
One is a documentary series about motorcycle TT racing which does what it says on the tin - details the 'behind the scenes world' of the TT - from the viewpoint of the Honda TT Legends Team.
This will feature HM Plant sponsored TT Legend : John McGuinness who has been a regular visitor to BikeWise over the years through his connection with HM Plant
This film was made by Gaucho Productions, who were given exclusive access to the Honda TT Legends team during the tough 2012 season. The film crew followed the racers, both out on the track and between races, as they competed in the World Endurance Championship and raced in the Isle of Man TT, the NW200, the Le Mans 24-hour and the Suzuka 8-hour. The documentary team followed them when they were not racing, filming them when they were relaxing and recovering after the races and finding out about these ordinary but extraordinary men. The series is in-depth and fly on the wall, lasting for eight episodes, and shows all the highs and lows of this dedicated team as they moved through the season, taking on some of the toughest motorcycle races out there. John McGuinness John McGuinness AKA 'The Morecombe Missile' who is an ex brickie and mussel picker who obviously fancied a bit of a career change, is in the Honda TT Legends team. He is famous for winning the Isle of Man TT a staggering nineteen times! Other members of the Team are the Aussie Cameron Donald who has won the TT twice and Simon Andrews who was the fastest newcomer in the TT in 2011 - pretty impressive form for all three racers.
Featuring action from the World Endurance Championship, The Isle of Man TT, and the North West 200 and the Suzuka 8-hour, the eight part series will hit the screens on ITV4 on Monday 4 February. Given the characters in the team, it’s going to be interesting and entertaining in equal measure.
Make sure you don’t miss out!
TT Legends is an eight-part series which will debut on ITV4 at 8.30pm on Monday 4th February, 2013.
The other treat is a one-off documentary called 'Grand Prix Racer' which was filmed during the 2012 Manx Grand Prix, and gives an in-depth insight into this famous and gruelling race. Grand Prix Racer will air on Tuesday 5th February at 8pm so don't let the two-for-one pizza in the pub tempt you out on Monday or Tuesday in early February, sit back and enjoy the ride!
Usual start time of 1030hrs with signing on from 1000hrs.
(We will not be able to train any new starters indoors as we do not have the space.)
