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Archive for December, 2010

Motorcycle Sport Hits Bingo Jackpot!

Grass roots motorcycle sport is to benefit directly from the proceeds of BingoLotto; a brand new weekly TV game to be broadcast on digital TV according to the sports governing body.

The Auto Cycle Union ACU will be one of the lucky beneficiaries of the game to be shown on the Challenge and Virgin 1 digital TV channels. BingoLotto has been designed to raise money specifically for sport and the voluntary sector and the ACU has pledged that any proceeds it receives from the game will be ploughed into both grassroots and special project activity.

The introduction of the game to British TV screens follows BingoLottos successful run in Sweden where during the 17 years that it has been onair it has raised just under 1billion for charities and sports organisations in the country. To take part in the game players must first buy tickets from outlets throughout the UK and then play along in front of their TV. Game organisers claim that players have a 1 in 9.5 chance of winning a prize which features a top prize of a 100000 jackpot.

At least 20 of the cost of each ticket sold will be given to selected governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation within the UK including the ACU. Motorcycle sports governing body says it will concentrate on using the money to improve infrastructure as well as grass roots level for which it receives no funding from other sources.

In return the ACU will promote the game to its members and will take also part in the TV show highlighting how the proceeds from the show have been spent. In addition current and predicted future stars from Motorcycle Sport will also appear on the show.

Given the games phenomenal success in Scandinavia the ACU is anticipating a significant contribution from the profits and its Chairman Jim Parker believes that will make a big difference to the organisations members. He is looking forward to proceeds from the game providing the opportunity for many more people to enjoy and take part in Motorcycle sport.

Founded in 1903 with the aim of developing and promoting motorsport throughout the UK the ACU is now the independent and official governing body for the sport. In addition to regulating and promoting the sport it also offers a range of benefits to its members including; cheap hotel stays money off car rentals and discounted offroad bike insurance. Now with the projected injection of cash from Bingolotto it is hoping to raise its profile and peoples awareness of the sport of motorcycling.

About the writer:  Adam Singleton is an online freelance journalist and keen gardener. He lives in Scotland with his two dogs.

Motorcycle Safety

Ah the tease of spring. Last weekend the weather was supposed to be in the high 60s for two days but Northeastern Pennsylvania got a taste of the mid 70s. I rode about 250 miles between those days without any problems. Well there was one. During a rip on my favorite mountain road a swarm of bugs tattooed my vision; it appeared as if I was about to ride into billions of black rain drops. I was cruising along about 70 mph and instead of relaxing on the throttle I screwed it on a bit more. After storming through the torrential buggy downpour I had to stop a few miles up the road to clean my visor. Not to be upset I realized it was my bikes first fling with the bugs of spring and how convenient it was considering I just gave my cherished CBR a bath.

But now as I sit here writing my final bike preparation piece its 43 degrees rain pouring down in biblical proportions. Everyone has a tale and nothing beats the stories bikers have so lets make sure our bikes are in top shape so more can be told.

OK since were on stories lets assume one. Imagine the sun just began flirting with the Western horizon and youre cruising home from a long distance trip. The weather couldnt be more perfect and the colors in the sky are slowly fading until its nighttime. The only thing lighting up the road before you is that bouncing headlight which you expect to continue lighting the way but it suddenly stops. You pull over noticing with a match that your wires are all frayed and cracked and you began ridiculing yourself for not checking for a frayed wire.

Its very possible so before that scenario can become fiction inspect your lights and signals. Make sure your headlight brake light and turn signals are working and are free of cracks and condensation. Make sure the hi/low beams work and both the front brake lever and foot lever light up the taillight. Check the wiring for fraying cracks and pinches. Also check the battery wires and make sure the terminals are clean and tight and also the battery is held down securely.

Next is your throttle. Check that your throttle moves freely and snaps closed and does not rev with the handlebars turned. Check the throttle cable for frays and kinks and also lubricate it. And never forget your chain. Adjust it to your manufactures specifications clean it lubricate it and if it needs replacement dont mess around: replace it. Weve probably all heard the horror stories of a snapped chain and the damage it causes. Sometimes its a just something mechanical but it could cause some major road rash and even death if left unchanged. So inspect it thoroughly.

The final preparation step is something most bikers take pride in a shiny steed. I know many people who clean their bikes more than they actually ride them but if it makes them happy let them be. I attempt to clean my bike as much as possible but sometimes when the grime builds I bypass the shine just to get in an extra hour of riding. But its absolutely necessary to do the best cleaning job when its coming out of storage; not only for the appeal of a clean machine but also to further inspect the bike for any safety hazards that will prevent a season of carefree riding.

Some basic tips: remember to only use CLEAN soft cloths and sponges otherwise youll scratch your bike. Remove all your jewelry and other loose items that could scuff your bike as you wash it such a belt or a watch. Always start from the top down and dont forget to treat your chain after washing the bike. And never ever use a compressor to dry your bike! It blows around remaining dirt particles ruining your paint. Some people use a leave blower but I prefer the handdrying method over all. And while youre at it clean your riding gear. Last seasons sweaty helmet is this seasons nightmare. If the insert is removable take time to clean it properly. And do the same with jackets gloves etc.

Hope this miniseries has helped you prepare that machine for this riding season. No matter what if youre on two wheels youre a Romantic for the Road. Remember when it comes to the biker community were all best friends out there. By having your bike prepared as perfect as can be for this season youll not only remain safe but also be a contributing factor towards our community continuing stronger. Ride safe and I hope to see you out there.

For more Industry and Safety news for Motorcycles please visit http://www.allaboutbikes.com

About the writer:  Brenda Boylan

Motorcycle Rides Are Thrilling But Accidents Do Happen
There is nothing quite like the feeling of riding down the open road on a motorcycle with the wind in your hair and nothing between you and the nature around you.

Unfortunately having nothing around you can also be potentially catastrophic should you be the victim in a motorcycle accident.

According to statistics 469 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2005 just in Florida. Sadly at least 80 of all motorcycles crashes result in severe injury or death to the motorcyclist. The mere fact that motorcycles are smaller than other motorized vehicles makes for an easy miss by drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles. Add to that the relative quickness of a motorcyclist when moving between lanes and around vehicles and it is truly amazing more riders arent injured or killed.

It is the responsibility of every driver of every vehicle on the road to be aware of what is happening around them. While it is true that some motorcyclists drive too fast studies show that most accidents involving motorcycles and other motorized vehicles are caused by the carelessness of the driver of the passenger or commercial vehicle. That carelessness or negligence does not just include striking the motorcycle. Some motorists feel that sharing the road with a motorcycle is not acceptable and will swerve toward riders as they pass. If that action causes the motorcyclist to lost control of the bike and crash the passing driver could be found negligent and would be held responsible for all damages sustained due to his or her actions.

Whether a motorcyclist is involved in a crash with another vehicle or not the resulting injuries can be devastating. Injuries can include any or all of the following:

Broken arms hands legs feet

Back and neck injuries

Burns from sliding on asphalt gravel or pavement

Head injuries

Death

Wearing the proper clothing while riding a motorcycle can help lessen the severity of injuries sustained as the result of an accident but the clothes cant protect you from the negligent drivers around you. You can still be very seriously injured even if you are wearing a helmet and protective clothing.

About the writer:  If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or died as the result of a motorcycle accident in the Orlando Florida area please visit the website of The Florida Firm for additional information.