Events and invitations for the motorcycle enthusiast
The 2nd Cardiff Classic Motorcycle Show takes place on Sunday the 8th of May, at Whitchurch High School, Manor Way, Cardiff.
This was a fabulous event in it’s first year last Spring so is not to be missed.
1st Class Rider training will be supporting the show and once again we will have a stand at the show.
Promoting our training courses and our European Tours so come along and have a chat.
An excellent day out.
The November issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available from us here at 1st Class Rider Training- Cardiff.
This month’s issue contains pictures to look at, words to read and competitions to enter!
It’s all about bikes, it’s out every month and it’s absolutely FREE!
Get it from us or speak to any 1st Class Rider Training Instructor.
The October Issue of Motorcycle Monthly is now available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff and it’s still free.
In this issue you have the chance to win a 1001 piece Mega Masters Tool kit, worth £5800. Also read read the revciew of Yamaha Fazer 8 versus Honda VFR 800.
Lots of articles, features, product reviews and offers. This has to be the best Monthly Motorcycle Paper, that’s why they call it Motorcycle Monthly.
Pick up your copy form us here at 1st Class Rider Training, or from any of our Instructors. Or join us on a ride out and collect your copy from us there. See our Newsletter Blog for Ride Out details, offers and tour news.
This month there is no photo of the October Issue…..because it looks a bit like the September issue, and the August issue… And if you want to see what it looks like, come and get your copy. Did I tell you it’s free!
Amsterdam and The Anne Frank House. March 11th – 13th 2011.
Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the 11th -13th of March 2011.
For those of you looking for something different, then this is it. Amsterdam in the Spring, Bruges, & The Anne Frank House.
Crossing from Dover to Calais on Friday morning (11th) and travelling to Bruges for a lunch stop. Taking a tea stop on the way at a Chocolate factory coffee shop. This is a coffee shop with a difference with some of the naughtiest chocolate goodies you are ever likely to see.
After lunch travelling to Amsterdam for 2 nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. You will have a chance to sample the best that Amsterdam has to offer. Take a trip to The Anne Frank House for a very emotional and poignant visit, take a drink in one of the “cafe’s” which offer much more than just coffee! And not forgetting the World Famous Red Light District, where the window girls will try and charm your Euros from out of your pocket! (Please note that Amsterdam is not a sleazy place and this trip is open to Male and Female Riders alike – so please don’t think that this is just a ‘Men only trip)
Amsterdam is one of the most chilled out ‘cool’ places I’ve ever been, visiting several times whilst my Son lived over there for a year or so.
This will be a bike trip with a difference. So take a tour under the watchful eye of your experienced Guide/Leader.
If you’ve never been… then you must.
It is anticipated that this trip will be quickly sold out so please ensure you don’t miss out and let me know, and get you name on the list.
Costs as before, it is anticipated that the cost will be £350 per person. Cost includes return ferry crossing, accommodation, information pack, maps and the services of our experienced tour guide/lead rider.
Limited to 10 bikes only.
Come on You know you want to……
The Ryder Cup is not all Good News for some local businesses.
Motorcycle Training Expert Andy Smith of 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff says, ‘The Ryder Cup is being hailed as a boost to the economy in the South Wales Region but it has meant that the Newport Driving Test Centre has closed it’s doors for the duration, leaving motorcycle test candidates with an extended wait for tests’.
At a time when the Motorcycle Industry is under pressure from the recent introduction of the new two part motorcycle test, which brought with it a drastic cut in the number of tests centres, this is added pressure on a straining industry.
“We have been left firmly in the bunker” adds Andy. With the wait for motorcycle test in Wales well above the national average as it is this just prolongs the misery for test candidates, already having to book tests as far ahead as Mid November.
“I believe that the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) may have a reason for not wishing to conduct road tests during this period with the increase in traffic that the tournament will bring, but surely they could still conduct the off road element of the tests which involves no road riding at all”
With Newport being one of only two test centres for the off road test, serving the entire area of Mid, South and West Wales and is often used by training schools from as far afield as Hereford and Bristol, this week would be a perfect opportunity for the DSA to go some way to reducing the back log and waiting time for the Module 1 – ‘off road’ test.
An opportunity missed?
There are more changes to come with regards to the new Motorcycle Practical Test.
From the 4st of October Module 2 of the Test, which is the practical, on road ride, will include a section of independent riding. What this means is that the candidate will simply be asked to follow a series of directions or traffic signs. For example the instruction might be, “Follow signs towards the M4 and then follow signs for Cwmbran” (if your test is in Newport that is!).
The purpose of this to make the test a more natural and realistic ride, taking more responsibility for their own actions rather than just following step by step directions given by the examiner. It is anticipated that this would take up approximately 10 minutes for the whole duration of the test.
Students won’t fail for going the wrong way (unless they end up heading for London along the M4 !) but they will be tested on their ability to make decisions in a timely and well managed way taking account of route and traffic conditions. It will give the candidate the opportunity to ride as if they are on their own, and unsupervised.
This shouldn’t be too much of problem for 1st Class Rider Training students. As it is now, when training we give directions like, “Take me to MacDonalds and then follow signs to Burger King”…..
This is another great chance to join us on one of our Long Weekend French Tours. In a group no bigger than ten bikes we travel from Dover to Calais, using the prestigious Sea France Fleet. Using an 8am ferry 0n Friday morning.
Three days, two nights Bed & Breakfast Hotel accommodation visiting the WWI War Graves of The Somme Region of France and the latest War Graves Cemetery at Fromelles on the France Belgian Border. Returning to the UK from Calais to Dover on Sunday evening.
For just £350 you get;
Return Ferry Crossing.
Two nights Hotel Bed & Breakfast (using one hotel so no lugging your kit about)
Our Experienced Lead Rider Guide Services.
Information pack on riding in France with destinations and maps.
These are lead group rides so you get to ride under the watchful eye of highly qualified group leaders.
So if you are a seasoned French traveller or if you are venturing across the water for the first time this is the ideal way to gain experience in a friendly group.
For details or to book your place please give me a call on;
07545 567 273.
Spaces are strictly limited to just ten bikes and spaces usually sell out fast.
Au Revoir ….for now.
It has been anounced that due to the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament being held in Newport this year the DSA have suspened all Motorcycle Tests in the City for the period.
I can understand that the Module 2 Road Ride part of the test might be affected by the ianticipated ncrease in traffic but this is another example of more pressure being placed on a Motorcycle Training & Testing system that is struggling and straining due to the lack of test centres and long wait for tests.
I fail to see why this period can not be used to ease the waiting list for the Module 1 of the test, which doesn’t take place on road at all.
I think the DSA are missing an opportunity here.
So whilst the forthcoming Ryder Cup has been hailed as a welcome boost for the economy it is the motorcycle industry that is adversely affected and remains firmly in the bunker.
So what do I think of this decision? Well I bought a second hand golf bag once. There were no clubs, no tees no pencils, no club covers. In fact all I found at the bottom of the bag was just a load of balls………
In spite of this set back 1st Class Rider Training will still be carrying out motorcycle training in Cardiff and Newport and we aim to use the time well, to prepare our students for a future on the road.
So why don’t you put this time to good use and book a course with 1st Class Rider Training. Call us now for up to the minute availability.
Further to my News Post dated the 16th of May about assessed and observed rides offered by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, 1st Class Rider Training can now give more detailed information about this new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.
The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..
“”” South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads. If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,
You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.
You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.
The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.
Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.
At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.
What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.
All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “””
I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.
At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.
We are happy to support the scheme.
ROSSI at Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road Races.
I am updating this News page live from Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road races and I’ve just spotted the surprise guest. His name wasn’t in the programme and you won’t find him on any of the race lists but anyone who knows anything about Motorcycle Racing will be pleased to know that ROSSI is at Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races.
Just take a look at this picture I have just taken at the track infield!
Also shown below are some of the real race heroes of the Aberdare Park event. Put the date in your diary for next year.
