Top 5 British Motorcycling Tours This Spring (2013)

Posted on March 4, 2013 by

Winter’s coming to an end, the frost is thawing around the UK’s countryside and many bikers are in the process of digging out their gear and uncovering their ride for another season.

British Motorcycle RoutesAs March quickens pace and the beginning of spring looks to be around the corner, now would be a good time to review the best tours to embark upon this year. From Scotland to Cornwall the UK’s roads are some of the best in Europe for variety and scenery, and these might be well worn routes but their popularity endures for a reason. Whether you are a new rider or an experienced veteran, check out these top 5 British motorcycling tours this spring.

The Antrim Coast Road – Northern Ireland
One of the joys of this road is that it isn’t really a major thoroughfare. On a small, lightly used and narrow road along the Antrim coast, the A2 provides some of the best looking 25 miles you’ll see in your lifetime. Highlights include the ‘Black Arch’ and the The Causeway Coast.

The A82 – Scotland
The ‘Great Western Road’ out of Glasgow, otherwise known as the A82, stretches through the Scottish Highlands, past Loch Lomond, Loch Linnhe and Fort William to Inverness. It covers some of the most stunning scenery the UK has to offer, and sweeps dramatically through mountainous terrain on smooth asphalt which is a dream to ride.

Lake District
There are so many stunning routes around the Lake District it’s often hard to know which to take. Roads with elevation changes, lakeside views and classic pubs litter the landscape – and one of the most dramatic has to be the Hardknott Pass. Not for the faint-hearted, this is one of the steepest roads in Britain, and with a 1:3 gradient it’s a no go for beginner bikers.

Cornwall
One of the favourites, the B3306 connects St. Ives to St. Just along what is known as The West Cornwall Coast Road. With long sweeping bends interspersed with tight village roads and narrow hedge-lined tracks, the B3306 has some of the best views in the region as it hugs tightly to the sea. If touring this part of the South-West, a stop at the Tinners Arms in Zennor is a must.

Warminster to Poole
The A350 from Warminster to Poole cuts south on a primary route through some of the most interesting countryside in this part of the UK. Single-carriageway in its entirety, the route can often be busy but offers good overtaking opportunities through areas of outstanding natural beauty. Highlights include the Westbury White Horse and many small villages hosting rustic pubs, lovely walks and weekend retreats.

The 5 routes documented here offer a starting point for many amazing tours of the UK. On every stretch of road, any biker could easily find a number of welcoming B&B’s, pubs, country houses and hotels which offer a good night’s rest in preparation for more riding the next day. You’ll rarely get bored, and the element of diversity is consistently exciting and engaging.

In terms of motorcycle accessories, get a good map and some lightweight clothing for some of the warmer days spent riding. Infinity Motorcycles are a good bet for finding decent clothing at good rates, and they often have deals and packages available. Log on to www.infinitymotorcycles.com for more info.

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Britain’s Best Biker-Friendly Venues (Infographic)

Posted on February 24, 2013 by

These are a few of the best biker-friendly venues in the UK. There are definitely a lot more out there that I would have added. What biking pit stop would you like to see added to this infographic? Add yours to the comment section below the graphic!
Via MotorCycle Direct).

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UNEASY RIDER by MIKE CARTER – BOOK REVIEW

Posted on January 5, 2013 by

the front cover of Mike Carter's motorcycle adventure book - UNEASY RIDER

How I Met Mike Carter

IN DECEMBER 2012, I was lucky enough to meet Mike Carter in person. I was studying travel journalism at the London School of Journalism and he was one of the teachers. He was built like a guerilla and wore a thick, heavy duffle coat with a sheepskin collar. As I arrived at the school, he was outside in the dark and cold, rolling a cigarette. It was freezing but he stood there casually, like it was a summer’s evening. I nervously explained that I was a big motorcycle fanatic and had wanted to buy his book when I saw it at the local book store, but it wasn’t on the course reading list so I had ended up buying Holidays in Hell (O’Rourke, P. J.). In retrospect it may have come across as a bit of a backhanded compliment; ‘Hi Mike, I was going to buy your book, but then I found something better so I bought that instead.’

IN THE CLASSROOM, he bounded over to his desk and threw a brand new copy of the book to me – “Have a gift!” For me, it was like meeting a hero and I was genuinely touched by his kindness – perhaps he wasn’t as scary as he looked. I handed it back to him and asked him to sign it. His face turned to panic and he scuffled around, asking me and my classmates what he should write. “You’re the writer!” I laughed. But that clearly made him even more anxious. He sat down for a moment and thought to himself. He really seemed to be struggling. It crossed my mind that he should write another book called ‘Uneasy Writer’.  A little while later he handed it back to me and I read what he had written; ‘To Ben, great to meet you. Best of luck with all your writing and travelling. Mike Carter’. It was simple and I felt that it was genuine. Somehow, it was as if I already knew Mike.

UNEASY RIDER by MIKE CARTER – BOOK REVIEW

ON THE FACE OF IT, Mike’s book could seem a little formulaic – 42 year-old man buys big BMW 1200 GS and takes off around Europe, meeting the locals. But as with so many adventure stories, this story is unique to Mike and the point he was at in his life: broken marriage, sick of his job, lack of self esteem etc. What I think really makes this story different is that Mike wasn’t a biker when he decided to to do the trip. Drunk and messy at his work’s Christmas party (he was and still is a travel journalist at the Observer newspaper in London) he told his colleagues that he was going to do his motorcycle test and then ride around the word. The book is written not through the eyes of a motorcyclist but through the eyes of a traveller. The bike is merely a tool, a weapon of freedom and rejuvenation. I think many of us that love bikes understand this. 

HE TRAVELS through France, Amsterdam, Norway, Latvia, Sweden, Turkey, Italy – 27 countries in all – and meets some rather interesting people along the way, usually at bars and with the help of excessive alcohol. There’s Sue and Joe from Australia, a couple that live their lives on the road and become huge sources of support for Mike. There’s the Swedish beauty, Eva, who he ends up going to Gotland with - Scandinavia’s biggest festival. There’s Dave, the Stella-gulping Mancunian who he meets in Copenhagen and the night of unfulfilled lust with the beautiful Hanne, in Norway. It works because Mike is a real person, like you and me. He isn’t a famous actor, people don’t recognise him and start going crazy. It’s a glimpse of what would happen if you actually packed in your job and packed up your bike. People rip him off, people buy him drinks, people welcome him to their homes – others to their beds. 

ALL OF THIS is underpinned by his personal dilemmas and issues which he openly discusses throughout the journey. He’s aware of his self pity, that he is, in the grand scheme of things, one of the lucky ones. He’s aware that he’s having a mid-life crisis and that he is not the only one to have ever had one. He is aware that the trip is nothing more than a dream to many. But, as much as the story doesn’t revolve around ‘one man and his bike’, he certainly falls in love with his, and the freedom it provides him. He gets addicted to moving, to discovering more and meeting people.

In Short

WHETHER YOU RIDE A BIKE OR NOT, whether you’re having a mid-life crisis, a quarter-life crisis or simply dream of escaping your reality, this book gives you a taste of balls-to-the-wind-take-off-without-a-plan-or-care-in-the-world style travelling. Mike’s introspective style gives us an honest report of the ups and downs, the loneliness and overwhelming sense of love and sincerity that he feels for the people and places he finds. It’s everything you could want from a motorcycle adventure book. And even more than that, it’s everything you could hope for from a mid-life crisis. If mine’s going to be as much fun as Mike’s, then please, bring it on!

The book sleave of Mike Carter's Motorcycle adventure book; UNEASY RIDERUK Readers BUY HERE > Uneasy Rider: Travels Through a Mid-Life Crisis.Best prices from £2.03

USA Readers BUY HERE > Uneasy Rider: Travels Through a Mid-Life Crisis by Mike Carter. Best prices from $5.64

See More Reviews for UNEASY RIDER

UNEASY RIDER BOOK REVIEW by BEN HOLBROOK ~ QNBIKES.

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4 Best Motorcycle Journeys to Take During Winter

Posted on January 3, 2013 by

uncovering your motorcycle after the winter seasonIf you live in the U.S. near the Great Lakes, chances are that between the months of November and April you’re spending most of your time indoors, curled up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Your bike is in hibernation, quietly tucked away in the garage, your wandering mind eagerly anticipating the first warm spring day when you can unleash its pent-up fury to the world.

But what if you could rev that engine a little sooner? What if, come mid-February, your lust for adventure took you along winding roads amid beautiful rolling countryside – while the rest of the snowbelt stayed cozy and coddled by their fire.

Well they can keep their hot cocoa. We’re heading south for the winter.

The Tail of the Dragon

If the name isn’t enough to entice you into this odyssey, the surrounding scenery you’ll confront upon arrival will. The Tail of the Dragon, snaking along the North Carolina-Tennessee border astride the Great Smoky Mountains, is an 11-mile stretch that contains 318 curves. But if 11 miles isn’t enough for you – and we hope it isn’t – the surrounding area boasts other incredible roads for your riding pleasure, including Devil’s Triangle, the Cherohala Skyway, and the Moonshiner 28.

Florida Keys

Enjoy the antithesis of the snowbelt as you get a mid-winter taste of seafood and saltwater cruising along the 127 miles of Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. From mangrove-lined roadways in Key Largo to manatee-filled waters in Key West, the Florida Keys are one of the most scenic riding routes stateside. You’ll make all your neighbors jealous when you come back to the snowbelt in February with a sunburn.

Historic Route 66

While the Main Street of America starts in Chicago, we recommend saving your extremities from frostbite and starting your journey a little farther southwest (unless you don’t value your fingers as much as we do). State Route 66 was one of the original U.S. Highways and was established in 1926. Get yourself a little taste of history as you ride along 2,500 miles of dusty trail through the Great Plains and into the sunbaked deserts of New Mexico and Arizona.

California State Route 1 – The Pacific Coast Highway

Head a little farther west and you’ll find yourself faced with 655 cherubic miles of Pacific Coast shoreline. Known for some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, State Route 1 will offer you a diverse landscape in abundance: you’ll pass through twisting alpine mountain roads one day, and the next find yourself beneath the boughs of enormous redwood trees. With plenty of biker-friendly stops along the way, SR 1 is the perfect spot to connect with fellow riders and, between stretches of winding road, simply kick back and relax.

This article was written by burgeoning biker Jeff Hirz on behalf of All Pro Trailer Superstore.

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How to Pass the UK Motorcycle Test – 2013

Posted on November 30, 2012 by

Taking Your Bike Test – A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to know about passing the UK motorcycle exam, and the new laws/requirements which will come into place in January 2013. 

How to Pass UK Motorcycle Test - 2013 In the UK you have to do a series of tests before you can go riding your bike on the road. Depending on the tests you take, you might only be allowed to ride certain bikes so it’s worth knowing and understanding the laws behind the tests too. On January 19th 2013, the motorbike test laws will change even further, altering what you have to do to ride a larger motorcycle and the age at which you can do it.

The Bike Test.
The test is split into multiple parts, consisting of the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), theory test, module 1 and module 2. The motorcycle you do these tests on (usually dependant on the age of the rider) depends on what you’ll be allowed to ride after passing. Only after one part is passed can you move on to the next.

Here’s a quick rundown of each of the parts:

CBT – The CBT isn’t a test, so to speak. It’s a one day course for new riders to learn the basics in riding a motorcycle so that they can get out on the road. The day involves a mix of learning how to ride in an off road paved area like a car park, some basic theory regarding road usage and finishes with an instructor taking you out on the road for more practical experience.

If the instructor considers you safe enough to be on the road, you’ll be presented with a certificate that entitles you to ride either a 50cc moped restricted to 30mph if 16 years old, or a 125cc bike at 15bhp or under if you’re 17 or older. With a CBT certificate you have to have L plates on the front and back of the bike. You’ll also not be able to take passengers or ride on motorways.

The CBT only covers the basics, so it’s very worth going for the full bike test to learn how to be safe on the road.

Theory Test – The theory test is almost the same as the one done for the car test, only that a few of the questions are more motorcycle related. It consists of two parts – a 50 mark multiple choice test you have up to 57 minutes to complete and a hazard perception test that consists of 14 videos of a car going down a road. While the multiple choice test requires you only pick the right answer from a list of 4 possible ones; the hazard perception test has you click when you see a potential hazard and then click again as it develops.

The multiple choice section has a pass mark of 43 out of the 50 questions, and the hazard perception part test is 44 out of 75 possible marks.

Module 1 and Module 2 – These are the practical parts. Module 1 takes place in an off road paved area where you’re instructed to carry out certain manoeuvres like a figure of 8 and U turn amongst others. This is to demonstrate your ability to handle a motorcycle. Upon passing this, you receive another certificate.

Module 2 takes place on the road. It doesn’t involve any manoeuvres – you’re simply asked to ride along a road making turns as the examiner asks to demonstrate that you’re a safe road user and are capable of operating a bike on the road. Pass this and you’ll receive another certificate, allowing you to ride a bike on the road without L plates, take passengers and ride on motoways.

The size and power of that bike depends on the factors discussed before, like your age and what bike you do the test on.

So what bike can you ride after passing your test?
At the moment, completing these tests between 17 and 21 ( 17 being the minimum age to do module 1 and 2, but not CBT or theory) or on a 125cc bike will allow you to ride any size engine as long as it is restricted to 33bhp for the first two years. Because of this, and that they’re generally easier to learn on than a bigger capacity machine, many riders often go for a 250cc or 400cc bike. After two years are up, that restriction automatically lifts and you can ride any bike with any size engine.

Those completing the tests aged 21 or over tend to go down the direct access route, which means the tests are done on a 500cc bike instead of a 125cc. This means that upon passing, you can ride any bike without restriction.

But on January the 19th 2013, this will change.The tests themselves will stay identical – but the age required to ride different sizes of bike will change drastically, as well as the amount of training required.

Between 17-19 years old, upon passing your full bike test, you’ll only be able to ride up to a 125cc bike with 15bhp just like after taking a CBT – but without L plates, with motorway use and the ability to take passengers. This test is done on a 125cc bike and gives you the A1 classification of licence.

At 19 you can ride any capacity bike restricted to 46.6bhp, as long as it doesn’t produce more than 93.5bhp before being restricted. This is called the A2 licence. However, this progression isn’t automatic. Module 1 and 2 must be done again on a bike of at least 395cc and 33bhp.

Alternatively – it is possible for someone of 19 to just do this test straight from doing their CBT and theory test.

After 2 years of this, you can move up to the full bike licence which is just called A. This category lets you ride any bike with no restrictions, providing you do module 1 and 2 again. This test is done on a minimum of 595cc bike with at least 54bhp. The earliest you can possibly do this test is 21, after doing the A2 test at 19. Direct access is still available, allowing you to jump straight on a bike with a category A licence, but this is now only available at 24.

This article was written by avid young motorcyclist Ben Frisby on behalf of Ride Direct.

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