| 23 May, 2013 - Motorcycle Funeral Lebanese Style | | #Funeral #Lebabon - I'd say a lot of bikers I know would like to ride a motorcycle funeral like this; armed with machine guns (and probably many do). |
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| 15 May, 2013 - One European Hotel Chain That Caters For Motorcycles | #Logis #Hotels - The private hotel chain Logis, a French group and France's biggest hotel chain, has started a campaign to attract motorcycle riders to their establishments.
Many of you who travel on holiday on a motorcycle will know that often hotels for some reason do not like bikers. They see us a rowdy and loud people, and are often not equipped to receive us and our stinking and noisy motorcycles (all true, but still....).
Logis seem to be going out of their way to accommodate us. They have recently sign a charter to make our lives more bearable when travelling. Out of the 2,556 hotel properties in Europe (2,429 in France, 32 in Spain, 25 in Belgium, 24 in The Netherlands, etc) 290 are already converted to servicing bikers. They are called Logis Moto...........
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| 10 May, 2013 - France: Monks, Motorcycles and Holiday | #Exposition #Monks #Abbey - Here's an interesting travel tip for those of you who are planning to visit France shortly. Starting on the 17th of May, until the 30th of June, in the Abbey of Saint-Martin de Ligugé the monks there are holding an exposition of enameled motorcycle art.
The expo is named "A Golden Century of Motorcycles", and consists of 25 enamel based portraits of vintage and modern motorcycles, even the latest Ducati Diavel and the Yamaha V-Max.
Apart from passing through the obligatory gift shop, you can even ask the monks to make an enamel rendering of your favorite motorcycle. All exposed artwork can also be purchased. Each artwork is on a copper plate measuring 17 x 25 cm...........
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| 8 May, 2013 - Idea: Traveling On A Motorcycle For Business | #Luggage #Business #Suits - When traveling for business, it's usually difficult to ride a motorcycle, since you can't really show up to a meeting dressed in your leathers and biker boots, can you now (unless you are maybe a loan shark or hitman)? And taking your business clothes, including your shoes, is a hassle and the end result will probably mean that your suit is as wrinkled as a 90 year old woman who has been sunbathing in the nude all her life.
But it does not need to be like this. The Skyroll Wrinkle-Free Luggage Carrier could solve your problems. In the center is a hollow tube into which fits your "dress" shoes, while your clothes, including suit, roll around the tube. Simple and very effective to make sure your suits are wrinkle free and easy to transport...........
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| 7 May, 2013 - France: MotoGP 2013 Motorcycle Rest Places - Relais Calmos | The French MotoGP motorcycle race is on for 17, 18 and 19 May, and the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) has put in place several motorcycle rest stops along the way, where you can tank up, get hot/cold drinks, eat, visors cleaned, mechanics, etc.
Here's a list and map of where they are, and when they are open.
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| 24 April, 2013 - Syria: How To Get Your Motorcycle Across The River | #Syria #River #Motorcycle - In civil war-torn country like Syria, riding your motorcycle over a bridge can be very dangerous for your health, that is, if the bridge still exists. So people do what they need to do to cross the river.....
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| 15 April, 2013 - The Most Dangerous Countries For Motorcycles In Europe | #Accident #Europe #Statistics - The roadside assistance organization in Belgium, Touring, has conducted a research on the number of deadly motorcycles accidents in Europe, and correlating them with the number of inhabitants of that country. This gives a score of the countries where you are more likely to have a fatal motorcycle accident.
I didn't manage to get much data, except for the top 4 "most dangerous countries in Europe". The number you see after the country is the number of deadly motorcycle accidents per million inhabitants...........
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| 10 April, 2013 - Europe: No Tire Brand Change Rumor Debunked | #Politics #Europe - A strong rumor has been circulating amongst motorcycle professionals, particularly motorcycle dealers, that Europe was going to install a law that made changing your tires for a different brand illegal. Sounds far fetched?
Actually, Germany has such a law, that requires you to use only homologated parts on your motorcycle, including the tires. So if a motorcycle manufacturer has homologated their bike with tires from Brand A, model B, than that it what you will need to put on your bike from now on. It is forbidden in Germany to go for Brand X, Model Z, unless that tire has been approved. Tire manufacturers are bound to keep tires in play for 10 years, after that you're on your own...........
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| 9 April, 2013 - USA: WTF? No More Smartphone GPS Usage In California? | #GPS #Smartphone - Sometimes I forget that there are other places on this planet that have nanny-states, where the government tries to control every aspect of our lives, from birth to burial. France is pretty bad at this, but I'd say California is a close second. In their latest drive to ensure that its citizens can't do anything that can be seen as remotely dangerous, they have disallowed to usage of smartphone-based GPS while driving, or in our case while riding our motorcycles.
Basically, some judge in a court somewhere in California decided that the ban currently in place that disallows you to talk or text while driving also implies that you are not allowed to use your smartphone to navigate through the roads of California. If you want to use your smartphone's GPS, do it at home..............
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| 8 April, 2013 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops Bol D’Or 2013 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurance race, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
Do watch out of the police before and after these rest stop, they are ALWAYS there!
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| 5 April, 2013 - France: Motophobia Of The French Airport Orly | #Taxi #France #Orly - The life of the French motorcycle taxi is overflown with obstacles, and they are usually not the ones you find on the road. The obstacles encountered by French motorcycle cabs are political, car taxis and obstructive & motophobic airport authorities.
In the latest slap in the face, ADP, the operators of Orly Ouest (West) decided to move motorcycle taxis to another place. Already a few years ago they closed the motorcycle taxi information booth (see related below) and now they decided to move passenger pickup from the door next to the "normal" taxis to the furthest away point in the airport (see diagram).
What this means is that business people who come to Paris for the day, find themselves walking a very long distance to get to their motorcycle taxi. Often these people are pressed for time, the reason they go for motorcycle taxis since normal taxis during rush hours can take hours, and now they need to rush to the other side of the airport to get their ride, not exactly passenger friendly but the airport has caved in several times under pressure of the 4 wheel taxis. To hell with the actual customer!..........
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| 2 April, 2013 - France: Video Ticketing Has Begun | #Fines #CCTV #Video #France - In France politicians are grasping at any straw to get money into the state's purse. Things are going bad, with more and more unemployment and deficit, higher taxes, more factories closing down and therefore innumerable ways of ticketing cars and motorcycles. It looks like every few months the authorities think of new ways of parting motorcyclists and car drivers with their hard earned money. We've already seen all sorts of radars, but now the latest weapon to get your money has started in Paris on April 2nd; VIDEO.
The French had reluctantly started rolling out video surveillance equipment to fight crime (it's too expensive while money can be better spent getting money from hard working citizens), but now suddenly someone realized that you can actually use video cameras to find ways of making money. A plan was immediately put into place, and with a speed that you will never see a government do for something good & proper, the video surveillance cameras will now fine you for a host of issues:..........
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| 25 March, 2013 - 40 "Gas Stations" From Around The World | In many parts of the world you can expect a certain standard when riding up with your motorcycle to fuel up. Gas stations are gas stations right? I mean, what's the difference between one or another; maybe the shop, or self-service, the brand. Maybe the gas station operator is better than the next one, cleaning the floor more regularly, friendly.
But if you travel around the world, you'll be amazed how gas stations differ. Many RTW motorcycle riders have found themselves in front of one of these "gas stations", but as the saying goes "any port in a storm". When you need to fill up your motorcycle, you need to fill up. Even when the gas station looks like one of these....
Here are 40 photos of gas stations from around the world, and I use the word gas station loosely.
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| 21 March, 2013 - France: Some Clarification About The Motorcycle Helmet Stickers | Two weeks ago I published an article about an old law in France that requires all motorcycle helmets sold in France to have reflective stickers on them. In the article I stated the dimensions, and it was just a reminder of the law.
The article itself drew several questions, and I've been monitoring discussion forums and blogs on this matter, and I'm amazed at some of the things mentioned. Here are some responses to the items ..........
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| 20 March, 2013 - Don’t Ever Complain About Your Gas Station Again | I've heard fellow motorcycle riders complain about the amenities of their gas station, or some bikers even complain about the pumps. After you see this "gas station" in Somalia you'll never complain again.
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| 15 March, 2013 - UK: Thankful Villages Run 2013 | You might be wondering what a "thankful" village is? Sounds kind of strange, doesn't it? "Thankful Villages" are those villages in the UK that have not had any people killed during the World Wars that had decimated many villages in Europe. In other words, these are villages that did not need to place a war memorial to honor the villagers that had fallen for their country. There are 51 such villages in the UK, and 14 of them are "Double Thankful" since they lost no one during World War One and Two.
To mark the occasion, to meet the proud residents and to raise fund for the Royal British Legion, Medwyn Parry and Dougie Bancroft have organized a motorcycle trip starting July 27th to visit all 51 villages. That's a total of 2,500 miles covered in 9 days. Mind you, it's not a race, so no speeding...........
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| 13 March, 2013 - Spain: Proposed New Maximum Speeds - Up & Downs | The Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), after a review of speed limits in Spain, have drafted a new law concerning speed limits and a few other transportation related issues.
The most important ones concern the maximum speed limits on the motorways. Depending on road conditions and general state of the roads, the speed limit can be raised to 130 kph (currently 120 kph). On the secondary roads, again depending on the state and width of the road, maximum speeds will vary. If the width is 6.5 meters, the speed limit is lowered from 100 kph to 90 kph. If the width is less than 6.5 meters, speed limit goes between 50 and 70 kph. If there's no visible lines on the narrow roads, speed limit is set to 50 kph...........
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| 8 March, 2013 - Tunisia: Creation Of An Angry Biker Federation | Tunisia have gone through hell and back with their "revolution". A dictator was disposed, and the current government is not exactly popular, so there's still a lot of unrest in the tourist-depraved country. But one thing the motorcycle groups have decided to do is set up a proper motorcycle lobbying association.
Modelled after the French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC), the Tunisian one is called FTMC (Federation Tunisienne des Motards en Colere)...........
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| 6 March, 2013 - France: No Entry Into Alps For Motorcycles No Longer An Issue | In January this year, the local governor of the Haut-Rhin province called for a ban on motorcycles riding the Alps in his area. The ban was supposed to be for the weekends only and would forbid motorcycles from riding the twisting roads to the mountain peaks.
This brought a very loud outcry, not only by motorcycle riders all over Europe, but also from the biker rights lobby groups like the FFMC. Since this goes against the freedom of movement, a fundamental human right in Europe, the local government quickly caved in and stated that this is a non-issue...........
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| 4 March, 2013 - France: New Hidden Radar In Service This Month | A new and very sneaky speed radar starts this month in France. The radar is mounted in unmarked police cars, and there are no visible signs that you're about to be caught by one. No markings, no telltale radar bubble, to visible flash... nothing to tell you that you've been photographed apart from a very expensive photo sent to your house in the next few days (and remember that radar detectors are highly illegal in this country).
The only current sign is that these unmarked police cars are Renault Megane 1.5 dCi, and there will be two uniformed gendarmes inside, and starting on the 15th of March, there will be 20 of them patrolling the French roads. The cost for each car is €70,000, paid for by our taxes and speeding fines...........
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| 1 March, 2013 - A Virtual Visit Of The Michelin Facilities - Very Nice | Many of you will never get the chance to visit the incredible Michelin museum. Michelin have been manufacturing motorcycle tires since there were motorcycles, and they have a history to be proud off.
In the city of Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin have had their headquarters since the beginning (1888). In fact, most of the city is Michelin. One of its biggest attractions is the impressive and very big museum. But as I said, not many people get the chance to see this museum, until now...........
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| 28 February, 2013 - Ducati: Factory Visit and Tour The Area On A Ducati Motorcycle | #Ducati - Here's your chance of a nice mini holiday. Ducati are organizing the "Ducati Dream Tours", a guided tour on the Italian motorcycle. The tour starts on Friday with a visit of the Ducati factory and museum, and a lunch at the factory. You leave your luggage at the factory.
After the lunch, the participants pick up their preferred Ducati motorcycle and participate in a guided ride through the fabulous Bologna area. Mountains, twisting roads, forests ... a perfect ride through the "Moto Valley". Your destination is the Monte del Re hotel in Dozza, where your luggage will have been transferred to. After check-in and relaxation you'll be having a nice dinner...........
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| 19 February, 2013 - South Africa: Western Cape To Stop Motorcycle Lane-Splitting? | While in some parts of the world they are actively promoting motorcycle lane-splitting, other countries are looking into legalizing it, while even other countries are looking into stopping lane-splitting.
In the latter category falls Western Cape in South Africa (Cape Town et al). There the Member of the Executive Council (MEC), responsible for Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, has decided that he's seen too many bikers die on his roads, most of them in between cars.
According to Carlisle, motorcycle crashes increased by 33% from 63 crashes in 2008 to 84 in 2012. Of course he doesn't show the increase of motorcycle ownership during the same timeframe. Statistics, statistics and lies...........
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| 14 February, 2013 - France: French Solution For Mandatory Breathalyzer | If you've been following the news here last year, you'll have read about the incredible law that was created, making it mandatory to have at least 1 breathalyzer kit in any motorized vehicle on the French territories. That meant that all motorcycles above 50cc had to have a breathalyzer, in working condition (meaning you'd need to have two, since if you use one, you need to have another one in working condition). If you were stopped and didn't have one, you'd be fined €11.
Since this meant that all European vehicles transiting France needed to have one, you can imagine the nightmare it became to have breathalyzers in your car, or on you on your motorcycle. Especially when you consider you could only use ones that were approved in France. The two factories that made them were churning them out day and night.
The CNSR's recommendation is the continue making breathalyzers mandatory in every vehicle (and now possibly even 50cc mopeds), but not to fine anyone if they don't have it...........
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| 11 February, 2013 - Study Your Lean Angles With iPhone App Kneeslider | Motorcycle riders love curves, it's what drives most bikers. We'll go out of our way to ride them. But for the serious curve riders, the ones that like putting their knees down, there's an iPhone app that allows you to record the event.
Italian Aspidea have produced an app (for non-geeks that's software), called Kneeslider, that runs on the Apple iPhone that will record the roads you take with many curves. It allows you to measure your performance in the curves, either on the public roads or on tracks. The app records the lean angles and acceleration that the bike is subjected to during the ride...........
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| 8 February, 2013 - France: Motorcycle Taxis Are Allowed To Be Called Taxis | Crazy as it may sound, the French car taxi associations had forced the motorcycle taxis to remove the word "taxi" from their business and motorcycles. In other words, French motorcycle taxis were no longer allowed to call themselves "taxi". This was one of the weapons the "normal" car taxis were deploying to stop motorcycle taxis. Car taxis see motorcycles are an enormous enemy since motorcycles don't have fare meters and more importantly, they don't pay for a taxi license.
But on the other hand, motorcycle taxis aren't allowed to be "hailed" on the road, nor are they allowed to wait for walk-by passengers; they need to be reserved in advance.
Anyway, the organization that controls the industry (FNTDR) has finally judged that motorcycle taxis are allowed to call themselves taxis. So all the motorcycles that had removed the word "TAXI" from motorcycle cabs can be put back again...........
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| 1 February, 2013 - The Netherlands: Lights On Motorcycle Clothing Is Illegal | We can file this under the archaic and stupid laws politicians regularly surprise us with. In The Netherlands, a country reigned by a queen king, the law states that lights are only allowed on a motorcycle.
Very simple, what it means, is what is says. Lights (those shiny things) are only allowed on a motorcycle, in other words not on the biker's clothing. So if you like to ride safely by using lights on your jacket or helmet, as some of you do, know that it's illegal in The Netherlands...........
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| 31 January, 2013 - Cute Vespa Ice Cream Bar - While It Lasts | This looks like a cool (excuse the pun) ice cream parlor, with Vespa scooters as seats for the patrons to sit on. So far nothing special but cute. But the photo is illegal, and I can possibly expect a take-down notice.......
The photo was taken at the Braehead Shopping Centre in Glascow, Scotland. It's a normal shopping mall, like million others around the world, except of course they have this cute ice cream bar.
And that's what Chris White thought when he took his 4 year old daughter there. They went and had an ice cream, and Chris immortalized the occasion by taking a photo or two of the girl and uploaded it to his Facebook account, something millions of people do everyday.
But bad luck for him.... the police arrived and confiscated his camera...........
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| 17 January, 2013 - Luggage: A Perfect Adventurer Saddle Bag | Motorcycle adventure riding, and I don't mean riding to a Starbucks in the next town, requires bringing quite a lot of stuff with you. Sleeping bags, tents, cooking gear, clothing, espresso machine, etc, all of it needs to be stored on your motorcycle for your trip. And as we know, there's never enough room on your bike. One way is to place panniers alongside your motorcycle. Another way is to use the ViaTerra Claw Saddle / Tail bag.
ViaTerra is an Indian outfit who produces some interesting luggage sets (just look at their tool bag). The Claw is a reversed U-shape luggage that either is placed on your pillion's saddle (i.e. no passenger), or if you really need to take your pillion with you, you can place it on the tail end of your bike...........
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| 8 January, 2013 - Indonesia: Shortly Woman Pillions Not Allowed Biker Style | Sometimes the world goes backwards, not forwards, as is the case in the city of Lhokseumawe in Indonesia. Indonesia, a former Dutch colony, is now predominately Muslim, and in Lhokseumawe the town fools elders have decided that female pillion riders are not going to be allowed to sit as bikers sit on a motorcycle, with a leg on each side of the bike.
Instead, in the name of Muslim decency and to protect the woman from unwanted male sexual desires, they will need to sit amazon style, ie, both legs on the same side. Funny enough, they are allowed to ride the motorcycle, and that is allowed to be done in normal style. However, women must wear a head scarf and clothing must cover all parts of her body.
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| 7 January, 2013 - 17 Photos Of Bombed, Burned and Exploded Motorcycles - Part 4 | Part 4 of photos of motorcycles that have been blown up, burned and destroyed beyond recognition. What a violent lot we are, we humans....
Warning: If you are any bit squeamish for the site of dead motorcycles, for crying out loud, DO NOT LOOK AT THESE PICTURES. These 17 photos are pictures of motorcycles that have been totally destroyed....
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| 20 December, 2012 - Indonesia: Holy Crap! That Is A Lot Of Motorcycles | It's starting to look like Indonesia is becoming the next India/China, i.e., a country where there's an explosion of wealth for the wealthier people (and less money for the poor), and with that explosion of wealth comes the big question... what do we do with the extra money.
And one of the many things they do.. is buy motorcycles.
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| 17 December, 2012 - China: Tour Beijing On An Electric Scooter With Guide | I don't known about you, but I absolutely hate going on city tours on a bus with a guide. I prefer not to go than to sit in a bus listening to a tour guide's drivel. But here's one interesting guided tour way to visit one of world's most interesting cities, Beijing, China.
Beijing Electric Bike Tours is a Canadian owned and operated touring organization who, as their name says, operates guided tours through China's Beijing on electric scooters.
Using 330 - 350 w electric scoots, and an English speaking guide, you tour the mythical city on your own scooter, giving you a freedom rarely offered by bus tours...........
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| 13 December, 2012 - Philippines: Testimony Of Motorcycle Maker’s Quality | When I see these frequent photos of several people (usually more than 5) riding on the same motorcycle, I can't but help wonder: a) how dangerous it is and b) how incredibly well built the motorcycle is to withstand this kind of punishment.
Have you considered how your motorcycle, be it a Ducati, BMW, KTM or Triumph would hold up with 7 people riding on it for miles of bad roads?
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| 10 December, 2012 - USA: Louisiana Requires You To Explain Your Cash | Scary laws for states that are strapped for cash. If you get stopped in Louisiana by cops, and you have money on you, you better be able to show that the money is yours, and how you obtained it.... if not, the cops will confiscate your money.
The ruling came down from the Louisiana Supreme Court after a motorist for stopped by a State Trooper. The Trooper was given permission to search the car, and he found $144,320 hidden away in the minivan. The driver, Tina Beers, had no reasonable explanation for the money, and despite the fact they found no drugs, and the seizure was no warranted, the cops were allowed to keep the money...........
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| 6 December, 2012 - Spain: The Penguins Gathering For 2013 | For the truly brave bikers, the ones that don't mind a bit of cold weather, snow and ice, and those than can sleep in a tent covered with snow, this one is for you. Once a year in Spain (yes, it does get cold there), the annual Pinguinos gathering (Pinguinos is Spanish for Penguins) attracts over 27,000 motorcycle riders from all over Europe and beyond.
Braving the cold weather, they sleep in tents, and do several group ride-outs in the snow, parading in the main city of Valladolid. In the evenings there are concerts, strip shows (poor girls...) and many famous motorcycle riders are present at this unique event...........
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| 28 November, 2012 - France: Hi-Viz Armband and Breathalyzers Law Suspended | Things always happen when governments change. One law made during the last government gets changed with the new one. And that is what happened here.
Two laws had been created by the previous conservative government, the mandatory wearing of 150 cm2 of high-visibility armband for motorcycle riders and the mandatory breathalyzer kit in your car or motorcycle. Both laws had been heavily criticized by associations and people alike. Even the European Commission intervened saying that the laws were illegal (see related below). And both laws have been suspended.
Here's what this is all about...........
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| 27 November, 2012 - Colombia: No More Male Motorcycle Pillions Allowed | Wow, talk about drastic measures. In Colombia apparently there's a lot of thieves working on motorcycles. Pillions rip handbags out of the hands of old ladies walking to church, and ride off in the sunset with the loot.
To stop the expanding crime, the 10 mayors of the Aburra Valley area have decided that starting November 30th, for a period of 2 months, no motorcycle is allowed to carry male pillions. According to statistics, 20% of thefts are done by motorcycle riders and 17% of homicides were also performed by armed pillions...........
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| 22 November, 2012 - Switzerland: New Law - Speeding = Jail Time | Already speeding in Switzerland, land of banks, cows and skiing, can be a very expensive affair. Speeding fines are allocated according to your income, so the more you earn, the higher the fine (the record is a guy in a Ferrari who was going 100 kph too fast, and had to pay €200,000). But it's not enough to make one of the safest countries in the world to ride in, even safer.
Starting on the 1st of January 2013 (if the world still exists), Switzerland will throw you in jail for speeding. The minimum jail time will be 1 year, the maximum 4 years.
You will be thrown in the slammer, whether you are in a car or on a motorcycle, for the following speeding offenses..........
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| 21 November, 2012 - Europe: 3 Motorcycle-Related Laws Coming Into Play | The European Parliament has passed three laws specific to the motorcycle world yesterday. They are all positive, but with some negative news.
The three laws are on the following topics:
1. 100+ (74kW) limitation of motorcycles
2. Mandatory ABS
3. Euro4 and Euro5 polution norms
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| 5 November, 2012 - The Netherlands: Interesting Electric Motorcycle Taxi Company | The Netherlands is an eco-friendly country, with cities like Amsterdam seeing more bicycles than cars. There are quite a lot of motorcycles as well, but what's interesting is the new motorcycle taxi company operating in Amsterdam.
Since October 1st, the new Hopper motorcycle taxi company offers a novel approach to bring people to their final destination. They use an electric scooter for the "last mile", in other words, for short inter-city destinations. But the interesting thing is that the scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 25 kph. That speed limit allows you to ride a scooter without a helmet in The Netherlands. This means logistically, it's easier to use, since the cab company doesn't need to bring different helmets. You really hop on and off.
Also interesting is the fare. There's only one price, and that is €2.50..........
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| 23 October, 2012 - Spain: Race Between Taxi and Motorcycle Taxi | It was bound to happen one day... a race between a car taxi and a motorcycle taxi. The location is Madrid, Spain, and one of the MotoTaxi scooters up against a car taxi in a 6 kilometer race through the heart of Madrid. The time is just before rush hour traffic, so a lot of cars, but not jam-packed.
Both vehicles leave at the same time, and as you can guess, the motorcycle taxi arrived at the destination 10 minutes before the car. But the real race was not the time it was going to take, since the answer to that was quite obvious, but the real race was the cost...........
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| 23 October, 2012 - Lebanon: A Nice Day For A Motorcycle Ride? | When I go for a motorcycle ride, I enjoy seeing the scenery of trees, hills and winding roads... but it looks like in Lebanon, the scenery is burning tires...
To each their own..
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| 18 October, 2012 - Europe: The Top 10 Most Congested Cities | If there's anytime you need a motorcycle or scooter, it's when you need to go into a congested city. When traffic is at a standstill, motorcycles usually can carve their way through traffic and arrive at the destination on time. Dutch GPS manufacturer TomTom has been recording their user's GPS data; they receive anonymous data from the TomTom GPS, so they know when a car has slowed down, or stopped entirely. So they can see when and where the traffic gets dense.
Using this statistical data, TomTom have compiled a list of European cities that are the most jammed up...........
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| 17 October, 2012 - Italy: Next Month No More Euro1 Motorcycles In Rome | Some politicians (okay, most politicians) must have their heads examined. Knee-jerk reactions are often dangerous and can have disastrous consequences. Like the one the Rome major has taken. Starting the 1st of November 2012, all motorcycles using the 12 year old Euro1 exhaust norm are forbidden to enter the old city during weekdays. This because of pollution reasons....
This means that 100,000's of motorcyclists that have bought their motorcycles before 2004 (the Euro1 norm was defined in 1999 but motorcycles not respecting that standard could be sold until 2004) will need to scrap their bikes, or use the inadequate public transportation to go to work.
Another display of total lack of understanding of mankind.
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| 5 October, 2012 - Belgium: Dutch Bikers Do Not Need To Pay Speeding Fines | With more and more bi-lateral agreements between European countries, and with a general Europe-wide law that allows a country to retrieve data and money from speeding fines made by the other country's citizens, one country is having a problem. It's becoming common place that if you live in Country A and get caught speeding on your motorcycle in country B, nowadays many countries will hand over DMV information to the country where the fee was generated. This allows for the "other" country find you and to go and get their badly needed money.
But in Belgium they have a problem with it. With their neighbor The Netherlands, there is no legal agreement so far. In order to get their money from your speeding fine, the authorities will need to jump through legal hoops... So a Dutch motorcycle rider can get fined in Belgium, but the authorities will not be able to send him/her the fine and to cash in.
But the government is hopeful to have a new treaty inked and signed before the end of the year. And then in 2014 it will become common place in Europe with a general law.
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| 25 September, 2012 - Australia: Mandatory High-Visibility Clothing Coming? | It looks like we in France (and others) aren't the only ones who will be forced to wear hi-viz gear when riding our motorcycles. In Australia, one misguided cop has gotten in his mind that he can save many of the 200 or so motorcycle related deaths per year amongst the 1.3 million riders.
He is trying to push through legislation that will force motorcycle riders to wear hi-visibility clothing, day and night. He reckons that this way, bikers will be more visible to car drivers, and therefore avoid accidents (we'll become target fixation, that's probably more like it)
On the rider side, they are totally opposed to the idea.......
.......Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 19 September, 2012 - Dubai: Good Merits Points For Good Driving, Bad For Bad | Quite an unusual way of dealing with naughty drivers. Instead of penalizing people for reckless use of their cars or motorcycles, deducting or adding (depending on the system) merit points from your license, in this latest Dubai scheme, you get "White" points if you ride without fines.
Black points are added to your driving license for any bad driving you do (speeding, running red lights, etc), while white points are given if you manage to ride without any traffic offences.
Here's the stinger; after 12 months of cumulating white points, you get gift vouchers....
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| 5 September, 2012 - France: Use Smartphone To Get Motorcycle Taxi | It used to be that in the good old days in Paris, you could flag down a taxi by just holding up your hand in the street. But that was a long time ago, and nowadays you need to reserve taxis by using complicated phone-in procedures, or for the more modern companies, a dedicated web service. Even motorcycle taxis don't escape this process.
But the smartphone app Uber is changing this. Available for iPhone and Android devices, you can not only reserve a motorcycle taxi (and normal car taxis) in Paris, but also pay for it using the app. So you don't need to bring your money with you to pay the cab........
..........Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 4 September, 2012 - Dutch Government Against Mandatory Roadworthiness Test | This is a very good sign. The European politicians are planning to make an annual technical roadworthiness inspection for motorcycles mandatory somewhere in the near future. Every motorcycle lobby group is totally against this, but now one government has pronounced against it, that of the Dutch government.
The Dutch government has sent out a letter saying that they are against the proposed new law. According to them
"The Netherlands is against the expansion of mandatory technical inspections for 2 or 3 wheeled vehicles, resulting in an enormous increase of administration and roadside inspections, since the expected positive effects on road safety and the environment can not be offset by the administrative efforts by its citizens and enterprises."....
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| 31 August, 2012 - Belgium: You Will Need To Pay To Use The Motorways | #Belgium #Toll - I preferred Belgium when they didn't have a working government...The Belgium government is going to charge for the usage of their motorways. Until now, their autoroutes were free, and you could riding through Belgium without spending a dime. But on the downside, the roads are in pretty bad shape. To repair the roads, you need a lot of money, and that today is not something most governments have.
Starting in 2016, if the world hasn't ended, people who live in Belgium will need to pay road tax. It's something that most countries in Europe do, so not that much different.
But.... foreigners will need to pay as well.
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| 30 August, 2012 - The Netherlands: Motorway Speeds Now 130 KPH | Starting on the 1st of September, most motorways in The Netherlands will raise their speed limits to 130 kph (previously they were 120 kph). Not all roads are at this speed though, some may still be at 100 or 120 kph, depending on traffic and environment.
Some motorways will only have the maximum speed allowed during evening or night riding. The speed limits will be clearly marked, but if there's no speed limit posted, then the limit will be 130 kph.
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| 29 August, 2012 - France: Mandatory Breathalyzer Contested By Luxembourg | The mandatory breathalyzer that every motorist, including motorcycle riders, must have with them at all times when on the road has been a hot iron in a part of the French government that doesn't shine. The previous government had made it a law that all vehicles on French soil must have an "in-working-condition" unit in the vehicle (meaning if you used one, you had to have another one unused). To make matters worse, the unit had to be approved for French soil, visible by the "NF" logo. So even as a foreigner riding your motorcycle in France, you need to buy a French approved unit.
Luxembourg has gone on the attack. They have written to the current president of France, telling him that this is nonsense. This is Europe after all, and politicians over the last few decades have been trying to normalize laws and products over its borders.
If France wants to continue a law that most experts deem inappropriate, then France should allow European breathalyzers, not just French ones.
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| 24 August, 2012 - France: Record Revenue From Radars Expected | Radars, as we all know, are money generating machines; real jackpots for the government. Our fearless & greedy "leaders" will tell you that the radars are there to keep speeds down, to promote safety and to reduce the mortality figures, but in the end it's all about money. Show me the money....
This year in France, the radars are expected to bring in a record 700 million Euros! That's close to ONE BILLION US$. Thanks to many more automatic speed radars, red light radars and the introduction of segment radars, it looks like it's the French government's way of shoveling money into the deficit black hole. By the end of the year, we'll have 4,000 radars in France - another record.
So if you're planning on riding your motorcycle in France, better watch out of the money machines. Despite many election promises by the current socialist government, they are going to continue "taxing" vehicle son the road. It's in our own benefit... meaning they want and need the cash.
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| 20 August, 2012 - Europe: Who Are The Worst Drivers - Survey | Often when riding your motorcycle in Europe, you end up having the impression that some countries have worse drivers than other countries. I know I've had that feeling often enough. Travel web site Zoover thought so too, so they held a survey on their site, asking their readers which country has the worst drivers. Some 30,000 readers responded.
In the top 15 of the countries with the worst drivers, the number 1 slot (i.e. the worst drivers) is Italy, and the best drivers come from Finland.
Here's the complete list.......
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 17 August, 2012 - Belgium: Europe’s Worst And Most Ridiculous Road | The fact that most politicians suffer from chronic CRI is a given, but at times you got to wonder how bad their disease really is. In Belgium, a road that has been marked as a heritage road (it once was a Roman road, but nowadays there's no sign of the old road) has been "protected" by means that can only be described as ridiculous.
On the 5 kilometer long stretch, the politicians have had installed 27 chicanes and 250 (that's right, two hundred and fifty) signposts. The posted speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour, and the road has become so narrow that no trucks can drive through. It's just wide enough for two motorcycles. And all this in the name of road safety....
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 24 July, 2012 - The Netherlands: Road Signs To Be Readable By Color-Blind | Being color-blind can be unforgiving on the road. You can "guess" the color of traffic lights by the position of the light that is on, but road signs can be a problem. Riding up on your motorcycle, you have only seconds to see the road sign, and if you are color-blind, you'll have a problem.
In The Netherlands, there are some 700,000 color blind drivers, and now the government has decided to change all the important road signs so that these people can recognize them quickly.
The problem with current road signs is that there is not enough contrast, especially for red and blue, the two main colors many color-blind people have problems with.......
.......Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 23 July, 2012 - Belgium: Not As Rosy As It Seems In The Motorcycle World | A few months ago we wrote about how things were looking up in Belgium for the motorcycle world. With some progressive and well thought-out laws in favor for bikers, it was a good step in the right direction.
But that is not how the political world works, is it now? On the 11th of June, the State Council cancelled a Royal Decree allowing motorcycles to park on the sidewalks, as long as they left 1.5 meters of space for pedestrians. The Royal decree was very reasonable, a win-win for everyone.
It looks like the mistake the Belgium government made (remember that in those days there was none, it was the civil servants who were running things), was not talk to the big cities about their plans for these new laws, in particular Brussels.........
........Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 20 July, 2012 - The Netherlands: Meter Maids Go Electric | It looks like getting a parking fine is going to be ecological in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company that manages the parking meters has just received 14 electric scooters for their meter maids (and boys) to zoom around the canal city looking for cars that have run out of time on their parking meter and giving them a nice fine.
The 14 scooters are from the German Govecs, and the electric scooter allows them to ride 140 kilometers, fining cars left, right and center. That's a lot of tickets they can issue before needing to recharge. But at least it's ecological. Personally, I think they should walk....
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| 10 July, 2012 - South Africa: Great Idea! Police Confiscate Mobile Phones | This is a great idea that the police have had in Cape Town, South Africa. There, like anywhere else in the world, many motorist drive their cages while talking on their mobile phone. Distracted as they are, they are a menace to all, especially motorcycle riders.
Most countries will fine you when caught. But not in Cape Town. There the cops just take away your mobile phone, and you can come and get it back 24 hours later .....
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 6 July, 2012 - France: Need A Motorcycle Taxi? There’s An App For That | Motorcycle taxis have become part of the everyday scenery in most European cities, and now they've become an everyday commodity. You can see that when the first software for smartphones arrives on the scene allowing you to order a motorcycle taxi.
France based Hi-Cab has some 80 motorcycle riders at your disposal in several French cities, and to get the one you need, they've developed an app for iPhone and Android smartphones.
The app will know where you are thanks to the geo-localization function, and when you indicate where you are going to, it will tell you how much, when and what time you'll arrive.
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| 2 July, 2012 - The "Real" Results of the Dutch MotoGP Race Weekend | The real fight within the MotoGP world wasn't just the one we saw this weekend in the TT of Assen. It wasn't just between racers, it's also between the motorcycle world and the general media.
The general TV/Media blamed the motorcycle world for a lot of bad things that happened on the road, but when the Dutch motorcycle news site Nieuwsmotor, investigated, it became apparent that the general media's reporting was shoddy at best. Even the Dutch cops were satisfied with the motorcycle world.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 29 June, 2012 - France-Belgium: Bilateral Fine Exchange Starts | Starting tomorrow, June 30th 2012, all speeding (and other) fines you incurred in either France or Belgium will be exchanged between the two neighboring countries.
Foreign cars and motorcycles represent 25% of speed radar fines (while they only account for 5% of the traffic), and so far, they managed to escape without paying their fines. Last year, 400,000 speeding fines were made by Belgium-registered vehicles in France. Each country will have access to the other country's Motor Vehicle registration database. With that, they have your name and address (at least, if you motorcycle is in your name)........
.......Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 25 June, 2012 - France: Next Week Starts The Mandatory Breathalyzers For Motorcycles | We've warned you already, but now it's just around the corner. Starting the 1st of July, all motorized vehicles (cars, motorcycles, ATV, trucks, but not mopeds) will be required to have an approved alcohol testing unit on them.
The Breathalyzer units can be bought in most pharmacies and gas stations, or can be bought on-line, but they will need to have the "NF" logo on it (meaning it's an approved brand). It's not like it will empty your piggy bank, since a unit will cost you €1-€2.
The law does not say you have to use the unit, just that you need to have it on you (or in the car). Starting November 2012, getting caught without a unit will cost you an €11 fine.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 21 June, 2012 - France: First 3 Segment Radars | We've already told you that France was going to deploy segment radars, or radars that would take a photo of your motorcycle when entering the segment, and then again when exiting the segment, usually several kilometers further. Then by simple mathematics, they'll calculate your average speed. If it's above the authorized maximum speed, you'll get a nice letter from the government asking you for your first born. Or an arm & a leg.
The segment radars, like all new radars in France, will not be signposted, and the exact locations are not allowed to be stored in a GPS or smartphone (they only will tell you that you'll be entering a "danger zone"). The 3 segment radars will be operational starting July 20th, 2012, but for the first week, they'll not send you the nice government letter, but will just be tested. On August the 1st, the machines will start generating the much needed money for the government.
The first three segment radars will be located.......
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 14 June, 2012 - Travelling To Europe? There’s An App For That | If you're planning to travel to Europe on holiday this year, with your motorcycle, car or caravan, and you want to know the general rules of the roads, and more importantly, the speed limits, then Goodyear comes to your rescue.
Goodyear have released a free app for the iPhone that has a lot of information for each European country. They have under each European country, a selector for cars & motorcycles, caravans and mobile homes information. Furthermore, you can select if you want to see the speeds in kph or mph.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 12 June, 2012 - Brazil: Sao Paulo The Next City To Restrict Motorcycles? | According to this news report, it looks like Sao Paulo, Brazil is going to be the next city that is going to restrict cars & motorcycles from entering their city. Please don't tell me they are going to start with congestion charges....
When will the elected officials ever understand that motorcycles are a solution, not a problem....
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| 25 May, 2012 - USA: Florida Judge Allows Warning Others Of Speed Traps | The cops hate it when they set up their speed traps hidden in the bushes somewhere, and then people start warning cars and motorcycles by flashing their lights. Here in France it is common place (and legally you HAVE to warn other vehicles about an upcoming speed trap), and it is the case in many other countries.
In Florida it's not the case, but it is done once in a while. Ryan Kinter was one of them. When he saw the local sheriff set up a speed trap, he decided to warn other drivers that they were heading for a ticket. He did this by pointing his car towards oncoming traffic and flashing his lights.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 14 May, 2012 - European 4 Corner Motorcycle Tour Coming Up | For more years then I can remember we've had the Four Corner Tour of the USA (as far as I can remember, it started in 1983), whereby members would ride their motorcycles to the four corners of the US. It is a great way of seeing an immense country, and still have a measure of competition, or should we say adventure, in it.
Well, now the USA is not the only one. The European Motorcycle Tour Operator Association, EMTA, is organizing a similar tour calling it appropriately "4 Corner Tour". The tour is sanctioned, and helped by, the organizers of the US version, the SCMA.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 14 May, 2012 - France: MotoGP 2012 Motorcycle Rest Places | The French MotoGP motorcycle race is on this weekend, and the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) has put in place several motorcycle rest stops along the way, where you can tank up, get hot/cold drinks, eat, visors cleaned, mechanics, etc.
Here's a list and map of where they are, and when they are open.
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| 10 May, 2012 - UK: Is The London Congestion Charge Working? | Back in 2003 London introduced a congestion charge for any car that wanted to travel into London. Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 18:00. The charge is £10 (about US$16) per day. The money is to be used to enhance the public transport system, and relive the traffic logged city from cars.
There was a lot of criticism, saying it would never work. But this graph below from the ITO World show the change. The red zones is where that was an increase of traffic, the blue zones where there was a decrease. I guess the red zones can be explained that it's commuter traffic heading for the train stations, and from there into the inner city by train or underground.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 10 May, 2012 - France: 150 Average Trip Speed Radars To Be Installed | One of the last things the current French president has been able to push through before becoming unemployed, is the installation of 150 route trip radars.
Route trip radars consist of 2 sets of radars, one at the beginning of a road segment, the other at the end. When you arrive at the beginning of the segment on your motorcycle, the first radar makes a photo of your motorcycle license plate, recording the date & time. Then when you pass through the end part of the segment, another photo is made, and the average speed is calculated. If you have been speeding, and your average exceeds the maximum speed authorized, you'll get fined, and license points will be deducted.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 9 May, 2012 - Know Where To Ride Motorcycles In Northern California | There are lots of sites out there that have route descriptions for great motorcycle rides, almost all using crowdsourcing. But here's a site that will tell you very well where to ride in Northern California, and all the rides have been created by several knowledgeable local "guides".
The site, MotoSFO, was created under the leadership of Carla King, well known adventure rider and author. Together with several other, mostly female, bikers she's put together a comprehensive database of routes to put your motorcycle on when you are in Northern California.
The itineraries are not some generic database, but a well laid out travelogue of the route. There are the inescapable Google Maps with the actual route, but also the recommended restaurants and hotels/B&Bs.
Click on the headline to continue reading this story.......
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| 8 May, 2012 - Russia: 2012 Motorcycle Season Starts | We tend to forget that some countries in the Northern Hemisphere take longer to reach motorcycle riding season, Russia is definitely one of them, especially Vladivostok.
At least they can start riding their motorcycles now.
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| 19 April, 2012 - India: Woman On Motorcycle? No Need For ATGATT | < |
Hmmm.. strange laws in India. As a male motorcycle rider, you are required to ride your motorcycle with a helmet, but if you are female, you do not need one. In other words, females lives are much more expendable, not counting for much.
It's probably why so many women die on their roads.
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| 18 April, 2012 - Indonesia: Evacuate? Use A Motorcycle | < |
If you have a motorcycle, it'll come in handy if you need to evacuate, and not only from Tsunamis, but any reason to get the hell out of Dodge City.
I guess we bikers are lucky, imagine having to evacuate in a car, amidst 1000's of cars...
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| 10 April, 2012 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops Bol D’Or 2012 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurance race, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
Do watch out of the police before and after these rest stop, they are ALWAYS there!
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| 29 March, 2012 - Foreign Motorcycle Riders and France (UPDATE) | Many are planning their holidays, and it might involve riding your motorcycle through France, so here's the scope about the recent law changes.
- Breathalysers
- Reflective Clothing
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| 23 March, 2012 - Got A Royal Enfield Motorcycle? Get Discount In A Pub | The town of Redditch in the UK used to be the home of the Royal Enfield factory, from 1893 until 1967 when the motorcycle factory closed its doors and moved to India where it has been ever since.
2 years ago, a fantastic and award-winning pub opened in the former city of Royal Enfield, and was aptly named "The Royal Enfield". Located in the town's old cinema, it looks pretty good as far as pubs go.
But if you arrive on a post 1999 Royal Enfield motorcycle, the owner will give you a 10% discount on the food.
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| 23 March, 2012 - Ural 5th European Get-Together | Russian motorcycle manufacturer, Ural, have released the dates of their 5th European motorcycle bash. It's a time for Ural owners and lovers to gather, swap stories, drink lots of beer and do some ride outs.
The date is set for 31 August until 2 September. The venue is Aschach, Austria (on the Danube river).
So if you are into Ural motorcycle, mark the dates, and start planning your holiday.
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| 23 March, 2012 - Europe: Tickets Interchangeable In Countries | This is going to become more and more common while Europe gets its act together: speeding tickets interchangeable between countries. Until recently, if you got caught speeding (or other less drastic offences, like parking) in another European country, you could forget about paying. At the very most, the country in which you got caught, will send you several letters, each one more menacing than the other, but they could never do something about it.
Several bilateral agreements have started over the years between countries allowing them to exchange speeding tickets details, giving access to a country's computer system containing the motorcycle (or car) registration details.
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| 22 March, 2012 - Italy: Government Runs Out Of Money. Can Not Mail Licenses | The Italian government has run out of money, and can no longer afford to pay for postage stamps for license renewals, residency stickers, license points, etc.
This has been 2 months already that no letters have been sent by the Ministry of Transportation.
But I bet you that speeding fines are still being sent...
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| 20 March, 2012 - UK: Tougher Action Against Aiding Fine Dodging | Help a friend keep his license in the UK? You'll now get prison time....
Get money for helping someone avoid license points penalties .... several years prison time!!!
You're better off killing someone, since you'll probably get less prison time..
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| 14 March, 2012 - Belgium: First Motorcycle taxi Operational | Following up on their promises, the Belgium government made it possible for the first motorcycle taxi to start its operation in Brussels. Brussels has one of the worst traffic jams in Europe, so it's appropriate to have such a service.
The first company, City Scoot, has started operating a service with 400cc scooters. More companies will follow shortly.
It's good to see that this initiative is government sponsored, not like other countries, where motorcycles are still seen as a problem.
Click the headline to read more .....
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| 8 March, 2012 - USA: Proposed Colorado Bill Will Prohibit Biker Discrimination | A bill is being proposed in Colorado that will prohibit discrimination towards motorcycle riders in bars, restaurants, stores and hotels.
It's not a rare occurs, as I have found out myself often enough, and such a bill should be wide spread, but unfortunately, the opposing political side does not see eye-to-eye.
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| 6 March, 2012 - Germany: New License Point System Presented | Germany is to introduce a new license point system in 2013, stricter but simpler.
Instead of 18 points, now you will lose your license, car or motorcycle, if you have 8 points. But only 1 or 2 points will be presented, depending on what you did.
Minor infringements will not be penalized.
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| 2 March, 2012 - France: Alcohol Test Unit Mandatory, Also On Motorcycles | Already last year, the outgoing President of France had announced that he was planning to introduce mandatory alcohol testing units in every car in France. The alcohol test unit would need to be approved, but could be a simple, single-use unit that can be bought on the internet for a few Euros. God knows why, since someone who is drunk and insists on driving will do it anyway. Someone who takes care, and just wants to be on the safe side, will not have drunk enough to be unsafe... so a totally useless measure.
But yesterday the law was published by the Prime Minister, and now there's a twist.... the measure applies to motorcycles and scooter as well. Only mopeds are exempt.
So now we need to keep a alcohol test unit on us at all times, even in the hot summer. If you don't have any storage on your motorcycle, tough. Failing to have one, will cost you $11.
Click on the headline to read more...
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| 29 February, 2012 - The Netherlands: How Not To Launch A Motorcycle Smartphone App | The Dutch motorcycle association, KNMV, has launched an app for motorcycle riders for iPhone and Android devices that will tell you if the weather is good for riding your motorcycle.
So far, so good. The app is free, but only for members (you need to enter your membership number to activate). That is bad!! For an official organization that looks after the motorcycle world in The Netherlands, something like this should be available to all bikers, not just members.
It's self-serving, and not in the interest of the motorcycle world.
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| 28 February, 2012 - Travel North To South Europe On The Train With Your Motorcycle | Going from the Middle/North part of Europe to the Southern part of Europe (Cote d'Azur or North Italy) is a great motorcycle ride, with beautiful scenery, but... it's bloody long.
An alternative for your holiday is take the Dutch Autoslaaptrein, a Motorail service that brings you and your motorcycle, in comfort to your destination. Live, eat, & sleep in a comfortable cabin, arrive fresh at your destination and take your motorcycle off the train, and start your holiday at your destination.
Not a bad way to start ...
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| 24 February, 2012 - Tunisia Motorcycle Rally Tour 2012 - With A Twist | Again this year the organizers are preparing for the 2012 version of the Tunisia Rally Tour. This one week, all inclusive motorcycle rally, suits all types of contestants, from beginners to professionals.
But this year the organizers have added a category, that of the "Gentleman Biker". This category is targeted for those riders who want to see the amazingly beautiful country, but who do not want to race. They will follow the itinerary of the race, but after the last racers have left. There are no timings involved, no penalties, no rush. You'll discover this scenic country at your own pace.
Once you reach the destination, you get to party, eat & drink with the rest. As an added advantage, this category allows for pillions, so a real holiday.
Click headline to read on.....
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| 23 February, 2012 - India Discovery Adventure Organized By Unicef | The UN agency, Unicef, is organizing an adventure motorcycle trip in India. Planned for November 2012, 20 odd adventurers will be setting out on Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles (plus vintage Ambassador cars) to discover parts of India.
The itinerary will see you go past several Unicef projects, so you can see the work they do. This is a quote on part of their program:
"The 1,000 km route takes you along Kerala's coast, inland to Mysore, through the tiger reserves of Bandipur and Mudumallai and up through 36 hairpin bends to a vast expanse of tea plantations. The trip ends back in the serene backwaters of Kerala – an exquisite conclusion to a remarkable adventure."
The trip is planned for 30 November to 9 December. It's not cheap, since it the trip supports the Unicef work, so it's worth it.
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| 21 February, 2012 - Even In Iran Motorcycles Have To Queue Up For Fuel | It's strange if you think about it... one of the biggest oil producers in the world, and still motorcycles need to queue up for along time to get their fuel.
I guess the cobblers' children wear the worst shoes.
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| 17 February, 2012 - France: Michelin Guide For Motorcycles 2012 | French tire giant, and renowned map maker, Michelin, have for the last few years been publishing a nice guide for motorcycle in France. The guide, published like one of Michelin's guide books, has many motorcycle trips detailed.
This year, the Michelin guide has 96 fully explored itineraries available. All the itineraries are available on their ViaMichelin website to down load, either in one of the GPS standards, or as a printable roadbook. The downloads are free, but you'll miss out on all the detail.
The details for each itinerary is encompassing. You'll see which are the good restaurants along the way, what the tourist sites are which you can visit, maps of the area, including elevations. Each trip is graded between 1 and 3 stars (like the Michelin Red Restaurant guides). They are also categorized for fun, duo riding and sightseeing.
Click the headline to read on.....
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| 16 February, 2012 - Wolfman Luggage: Very Comprehensive Motorcycle Luggage | Sometimes the right motorcycle luggage can make an adventure trip, a long distance motorcycle trip, a RTW trip or even a camping trip the difference between a success and a fail.
Most motorcycle luggage manufacturers make hard luggage, either metal or plastic. These luggage are really cargo holders, functioning only as a place to put stuff.
USA based Wolfman Luggage make luggage that you can not only store on your motorcycle or scooter, but also carry with you on your airplane trip, or when checking in into the White House.
Wolfman have many different sorts of luggage. If there's a place to store luggage on your motorcycle, Wolfman has got you covered!
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| 9 February, 2012 - Switzerland: Motorcycle Riding To Be Put In The Constitution | There is a movement going on in Switzerland to have motorcycle riding put officially in the constitution. It sounds pretty strange, but what the motorcycle groups are trying to do is make motorcycle riding a "normalized" form of transportation, guaranteed by the constitution.
The movement comes from a group of illuminated politicians, assisted by the motorcycle lobby groups.
The proposed constitution change will allow people to make the free choice of transportation vehicles, allow lane splitting, riding in the bus lanes, and for cities to have sufficient parking spots.
It should also mention that using motorcycles is an efficient way of transportation.
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| 8 February, 2012 - Italy: Milan Congestion Charge Paying Off? | We've already reported on Milan's congestion charge, something motorcycles do NOT have to pay, since they are allowed to go into the city without paying the tax.
After the first week of the congestion charge, authorities stated that traffic inside the inner city was reduced by 37%! Cars dropped from 122,000 to 77,000 during the operating hours of the congestion charge. Carbon emissions dropped 30%.
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| 6 February, 2012 - France: Toll Roads Price Hike, Even For Motorcycles | The French government, in their "wisdom" has agreed that motorway operators in France are allowed to increase their tolls by an average of 2.5%.
That makes way to an incredible fraud by the operators, who already charge an arm & leg for their motorways, particularly for motorcycles. The last thing they need is an increase in tolls, since they are making filthy profits on roads that were paid for by tax payers.
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| 30 January, 2012 - The Netherlands: No Full Face Helmets On The Street | Following closely in the footsteps of France and Belgium, The Netherlands are voting in a law forbidding the wearing of face masks, traditionally found in Muslim countries. This means that the traditional nicabs or burqas worn by Muslim women will be outlawed.
But what that also means is that a full face helmet will be outlawed as well. You will be allowed to ride your motorcycle with it (apparently), but once you stop your motorcycle and get off, you'll need to remove the helmet, or if possible, open it (for modular helmets).
Failing to do so will cost you a fine.
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| 19 January, 2012 - Eating On The Road On A Motorcycle - Recipes | Ara, a professional chef and fellow motorcycle adventure rider, and his trusty and loyal dog Spirit have been on the road longer than I can remember. As a chef with 40 years experience, Ara is publishing many recipes for on the road....
The idea is that you need only 1 pan and a few utensils to make these great recipes. Beats warming up some beans.
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| 19 January, 2012 - France: About The Hi-Viz Law For Motorcycles | Several publications have been writing about the new law in France making it mandatory to wear reflective material on your motorcycle clothing. Many got it wrong!
Here's the details of the new law, what you can wear, how much, when, and where.
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| 16 January, 2012 - Italy: No Congestion Charges For Motorcycles In Milan | The authorities in Milan, Italy are using their grey matter. A first? Maybe, but at least motorcycles will profit from this moment of lucidity.
January 16th 2012 sees the start of a congestion charge into the inner center of Milan, called Area C. Everyone must pay to drive into the city, except, motorcycle and scooters.
They are seen as a solution to traffic problems.
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| 11 January, 2012 - Nepal: Filling Up Your Motorcycle, Not Easy | At times when I need to fill up my motorcycle at a gas station and I see another motorcycle in front of me, I just go to the next station. Why wait? But it looks like these poor bikers do not have a choice. Guess you can wait a day to fill up.
Maybe electric motorcycles are a better choice...
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| 4 January, 2012 - France: Radar Localization Hardware - Forbidden, But.. | Fun and games on the French roads....
New laws are being applied for radar localization devices such as Coyote/Inforad, and all smartphone with a GPS app. They are no longer allowed to tell you that you are approaching a radar, just that you are approaching a "danger" zone.
But thanks to the law, cops are not allowed to inspect your smartphone without a warrant, since it's a privacy issue. So if your smartphone has a GPS with radar warning, they can't touch it... fun!
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| 28 December, 2011 - Switzerland: Tougher Traffic Laws - Prison Sentences | Switzerland is getting serious about speeding and dangerous driving, be it cars or motorcycles. It used to be a matter of money, from the speeding fine. That was it. Now it's more serious....
You can now expect a jail term of between 1 and 4 years.
Do you think they serve Swiss cheese and chocolates in Swiss jails?
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| 22 December, 2011 - UK: Motorcycles In London Bus Lanes Now Official | London, UK gets an early Christmas present for motorcycle riders....
Starting January 23rd, 2012, motorcycles will be allowed to ride in the bus lanes! Major victory.... now, will Paris please pay attention!
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| 14 December, 2011 - Xmas2011: Adjustable Bungee Cord | We've all had to haul something on our motorcycle one day or another. And since our rides aren't pick-up trucks, at least most of our bikes, you'll need to attach the "something" to your motorcycle.
Enter the bungee cord. Since it stretches, it's easy to tie around whatever object you need to carry. But on the flipside, if the bungee cord is too large, you either have to try another wrap around, or, if you have this adjustable bungee cord, you just adjust the length you need.
Nothing is simpler to bring it along. Adjust the length of the cord, snap into place, and off you go.
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| 9 December, 2011 - Italy: Massive Fuel Tax Hikes | Italy is under financial pressure thanks to a previous government mismanagement of the economic crisis, and now the public has to pay the price...
Fuel taxes have been added 3 times already this year, and now the 4th tax makes Italy the most expensive country to buy gasoline in.
With these gas prices who can afford to ride a motorcycle, let alone a car?
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| 6 December, 2011 - Europe: IMCO Vote on Type Approval Legislation | FEMA tells us that the European Parliament are putting things in place to make our lives much more difficult when riding a motorcycle.
Maybe they have a few good points, but the bad points far outweigh the good ones.
Here's the press statement from FEMA.
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| 2 December, 2011 - France: Motorcycle Taxi Operator Tests The Victory 1700 | Motorcycle taxis usually use Honda Gold Wing as their workhorse, but since they are expensive to purchase, the operators are always looking for alternatives.
Here's one operator that has tested the Victory 1700 motorcycle. This is his view... |
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| 1 December, 2011 - Switzerland: Riding Without Motorway Tax Will Cost Double | Riding your motorcycle in Switzerland without the annual motorway tax sticker is going to cost you dearly. Even as a foreigner, and even if you are only on the motorway system for 10 minutes, you need to pay the CHF40.
But starting today, if you get caught riding without the tax sticker, the fine is now double... from CHF100 to CHF200 (some $220).
So be aware...
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| 29 November, 2011 - Vietnam: Using Fishnets To Stop Motorcycles | Interesting, but very dangerous, way of stopping speeding motorcycle in Vietnam....
...Throw a fishnet over the rear tire!!!
I prefer the solution in the photo..
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| 7 November, 2011 - UK: Filling Up Motorcycle To Be More Difficult | There is a big drop in gas stations in the UK. It went from 21,000 to 8,500 in the whole country, which is not much.
We're seeing "fuel deserts", where you'll need to travel a long distance with your motorcycle to fill'er up.
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| 7 November, 2011 - Broken Down On The Motorway? There’s An App For That | When your motorcycle stops working on a motorway, it can turn into a disaster. Imagine having to walk in a storm to the nearest emergency phone booth, usually placed miles apart. Trucks thundering past, wind and rain... not fun.
But there's an app to help you out. Available in both iPhone and Android version, press the button, and the emergency center immediately knows where you are, and will send a crew to help you out asap.
Nothing simpler..
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| 2 November, 2011 - Motorcycle Towed Away? Where Is It? There’s An App For That | The Parisian police have released an iPhone/Android/Mobile Windows application that allows you to find the closet police station, find lost objects and most importantly, find out if your motorcycle was towed away for illegal parking, where it is, and how much it'll cost to get it back.
Service with a smile...
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| 26 October, 2011 - How To Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping | A guest article by Amar Patel on the things to do (and not do) for when you plan to ship your motorcycle using a transporter.
It's not something to take lightly if you want to see your motorcycle in a riding condition at arrival, but it can make your life a lot easier.
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| 20 October, 2011 - Renting An Electric Scooter In France | Peugeot is offering a rental service, initially in the French cities, but shortly all over the big European cities of not only their normal scooter range, but also of their electric scooter, the e-VivaCity.
Prices are very reasonable. Currently their web site only allows rentals in France (and in French).
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| 14 October, 2011 - United Nations Condemns European Motorcycle License | The United Nations is telling the European Commission to watch out with the standard and uniform driving license for motorcycle riders.
The aim to have a dual stage license, one for beginners with a restricted power, the other for more experienced bikers, is going to cause problems internationally.
Next step: - bomb Europe...
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| 26 September, 2011 - Ireland To Go Yellow | Ireland is going for the same thing the French have been fighting against; the mandatory wearing of yellow high-visibilty (hi-vis) vests.
The Irish government wants all motorcycle riders to wear hi-vis vests starting 2014. So until then, we can expect a large number of protest rides.
The fight is on!
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| 5 September, 2011 - Tunisia: First Motorcycle Road Rally? | Here's a great motorcycle race for all to do! You get to "race" in a foreign country, Tunisia to be exact, but it's not in the desert, but you'll ride on normal roads. This means you can bring your Hayabusa, 125cc, Royal Enfield sidecar or you Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Accommodation is in 4/5 star hotels, and the fee includes shipping, hotels, food and race fees. You'll not need a support crew, since they provide the mechanics.
Best of all, they have a special program for your followers/fans. Bring your spouse/partner and kids... Everyone wins.
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| 30 August, 2011 - Indonesia: Mass Motorcycle Exodus | Why a mass exodus of motorcycle riders you may ask yourself. Since motorcycles are the preferred and favored form of transportation in Asia, it's the one and only way to get home quickly.
All the motorcycle riders in Indonesia are rushing home for a great meal. For those of you who have never tasted Indonesian food, give it a try. I was raised on it (my grandparents was born there).
It's a great reason to rush home for the first good meal in a month...
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| 19 August, 2011 - Lightweight Camping Tent For Your Motorcycle | The Sea to Summit Specialist tents are so incredibly lightweight and compact, you can carry it easily with you on your motorcycle the next time you go camping.
Why is it important? First you are less heavy, secondly you'll burn up less fuel and third, and this is the most important, you'll be able to carry more beer.
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| 18 August, 2011 - Adventure Motorcycle Magazine Facebook Edition | The two main resources for adventure motorcycle riders just to increased. There's the Advrider forum, the Adventure Motorcycle Magazine print edition (and electronic version), and now the magazine has a very interesting Facebook page full of interesting information for experienced, or budding, adventure motorcycle rider.
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| 17 August, 2011 - God, Decibels and Motorcycles | Once a year, in a small and sleepy village in Brittany, France, population 635, some 20,000 motorcycles and 10,000 spectators come on a pilgrimage to the Madonna of Bikers statue, and to receive a blessing by one of the (bike riding) priests.
A special prayer is held for all bikers that have died in the last year, and for the rest, it's party time.
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| 16 August, 2011 - Latvia: The First Motorcycle Taxi Company Arrives | Latvia now has their first motorcycle taxi company. Called City Scooter, they use scooters with removable roofs.
However, their laws are a bit unclear whether they are allowed to carry passengers.
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| 8 August, 2011 - An Honest Government? | Well, what do you know? One government is playing an honest "game". NSW in Australia is removing speed cameras that have not shown that they save lives, but instead generate revenue.
25% of the speed cameras are being removed.
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| 28 July, 2011 - Ireland: Nice Motorcycle-Friendly Road Pillions - NOT! | When will they ever learn? Authorities on one hand are trying hard to make us behave, trying, according to them to save our lives, but on the other hand, they do everything to kill us.
Here's an example of what's happening in Ireland.
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| 20 July, 2011 - Belgium: Roads To Be Dark, Very Dark | % of the motorways/autoroutes in Belgium are going dark. There's no money for something as frivolous as lamps on autoroutes.
Even when your roads are not in a good state, and motorcycles often have problems because of truck tracks ingrained in the road.
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| 12 July, 2011 - Tour Paris On A Vespa Scooter | Visiting Paris on holiday (or even business). Here's a tip for you....
2 Wheel Tours offer Vespa scooter tours of the French capital. Up to 3 scooters with a guide, will navigate you through the French streets. No traffic jams, and a great way of seeing the city of lights.
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| 12 July, 2011 - New Radar Cars Even More Difficult To Detect | The police and government are coming up with new methods to part you from your hard earned money.
A new mobile radar meant for unmarked cars is being tested in France. Not visible, no flash, infrared and highly intelligent. There goes our money...
Now if only they would use the money spent on radars and invest it in road safety, lives would actually be saved.
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| 8 July, 2011 - Europe: The One Place Europe Is To Be Unified | Europe is going to have its cross border exchange of vehicle and driver information.
Apart from 3 European countries, all others will, when they fine you for speeding on your motorcycle (plus a few other offenses), will know where you live. They can then send a hit squad to get you...
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| 8 July, 2011 - Motorcycles: Germany Gets It, France Does Not | On one side, we have Germany, with a Transport Minister who understands motorcycle riders, and has reduced the minimum dimensions for license plates, and on the other side we have France, where the Minister of Interior hates motorcycles, and is trying to increase license plates dimensions.
So what happened to the unified and uniform Europe? Only when it suits you.... right?
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| 1 July, 2011 - UK: New Mobile Radar Van Against Motorcycles | In the UK, the North Yorkshire police have gotten themselves a new high-tech weapon against speeding motorcycles.
It's a van, highly visible, with radar cameras all around, that can take 360°, very high definition photos, up to 1 kilometer away.
From the 36 people who died on their roads last year, 22 were motorcycle riders, and 24% of them died because of speeding.
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| 27 June, 2011 - Belgium: Changes For Motorcycle Riders - Good Ones | FINALLY! Finally a country that gets it. Belgium, despite not having a working government has passed several laws for motorcycle riders, and they are all (mostly) positive.
In fact, most are stuff of wet dreams....
Lane Splitting/Filtering, Sidewalk Parking, Bus Lanes.... you name it ... we're allowed to do it.
Long live Belgium.
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| 27 June, 2011 - We All Live In A Yellow Submarine | First thing that sprung to my mind when I saw this photo of the motorcycle and two guys in China.. now I can't get it out of my mind (the song, not the photo).
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| 24 June, 2011 - France: Ride A Motorcycle Taxi, Fly Air France | The number 1 motorcycle taxi company in France, City-Bird, has signed an agreement with France's national airline, Air France. The agreement will in a first phase, allow the Flying Blue Frequent Flyers program users to reserve a motorcycle to go to, or return from, the airport.
In a second phase, Air France will package the motorcycle taxi in an all-inclusive package for business folks flying to/from Paris.
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| 7 June, 2011 - UK: Want Motorcycle Insurance? No Pillion Then | One of world's biggest, and the UK top, insurance companies, Aviva, will not insure you on many motorcycle models, if you are planning to take a pillion with you.
And it's not only sportsbike that are involved, even some off-road models.
Now if that's not discrimination, I don't know what is...
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| 1 June, 2011 - French Way Of Dealing With Radar Warning Devices | Buckling under the enormous pressure from dissatisfied voters and their own elected politicians, the French government has made a few changes to the planned banning of radar location devices (such as smartphones, GPSs and dedicated radar location devices on your motorcycle).
They have found a "French" way of dealing with the problem, while still trying to maintain face....
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| 31 May, 2011 - Motorcycles Lined Up, Everywhere | Two photos taken on the same day, thousands of miles apart, but with the same story; motorcycle lined up....
One for a nice occasion, the other for a not-so-nice one.
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| 25 May, 2011 - France: Motorcycle Taxis Not Allowed To Use The Word Taxi | In the eternal struggle for world domination, or at least for the French roads, the car taxi companies have struck another blow against their motorcycle counterpart....
Some obscure French law defines the word "taxi" belonging to the four wheel vehicles, and therefore excludes motorcycles.
The taxi drivers are demanding that motorcycle taxi companies remove the word taxi from their names, commercial info and web.
But they don't ask that for boat, airplane, bicycle and donkey taxi companies. They are making themselves (the cagers) look ridicules and childish.
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| 24 May, 2011 - Maybe Loud Pipes Save Lives, But They Will Cost you | A guy in Canada, who was fed up with the sound level of some motorcycle in his neighborhood, made a device that records sound levels from vehicles, video tapes them, and can sound out an automatic fine to the owner of the vehicle.
Calgary, Canada is testing out the system for wide use.
Another quick way for governments to get money? France should be very interested in the system...
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| 20 May, 2011 - Europe: EC Tells 11 Countries To Improve Their Roads | It looks like the European Commission agrees with most of us .... it's the bad road infrastructure that kills people, not speed...
The have mandated 11 countries in the European Union to get their act together and make the roads safer! It's only been a few years that the motorcycle associations have been saying it, but who will listen to us?
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| 19 May, 2011 - France: Anti-Government Swelling In The Make | As could be expected after the announcement of the new drastic measures agaisnt motorcycle riders (and cars and other vehicles) in France, a large series of protests rides have been organized, with the biggest one on June the 18th.
But the biggest one has not been organized by the motorcycle associations, but from a more unlikely corner, the Association of Manufacturers of Technology for Driving Assistance (AFFTAC), the association that looks after the makers of GPS based speed radar warning devices, of which there are some 6 million users.
They plan to bring France to a standstill on June the 2nd.
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| 17 May, 2011 - India: Judge Grants 3 Year Old A Motorcycle License | Stranger than fiction? A judge in India has granted a 3 year old kid the right to ride a real motorcycle, with as only restriction, that he is not allowed to ride it on a busy road...
No wonder India has the highest death rate on the roads.
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| 13 May, 2011 - France: The French Fight Back, Government Indifferent | After the French government announced even stricter measures to get our money, the associations are getting their acts together ..... PROTESTS coming up.
The biggest association, the one that looks after cars (40 million car users in France) is making some very strong noises.
The guillotine is apparently being taken from storage and dusted off...
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| 11 May, 2011 - India: No Helmet ? No Petrol ! | A new order in the Northern part of India forces petrol pumps not to sell fuel to bikers on motorcycles without helmets.
But petrol stations are ignoring the order, since they loose a lot of revenue.
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| 11 May, 2011 - MotoGP Truck Kills Biker, Dangers Of Motorways For Motorcycles | This would not have happened if companies operating the motorways/autoroutes in France would place motorcycle-only toll booths next to the normal toll booths.....
At a toll booth in France, a motorcycle pulled in behind a truck, waiting to pay the toll (motorcycles are only allowed to use the manual/truck toll gate). The truck driver reversed his truck in order to take a shorter/faster toll booth, crushing the biker. The biker died.
To make things worse, the truck belonged to the MotoGP Tech3 Team. The driver has been detained for involuntary manslaughter.
It's rare, but it does happen. This is why we need our own toll booths.
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| 11 May, 2011 - France: MotoGP 2011 Motorcycle Rest Places | The French MotoGP motorcycle race is on this weekend, and the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) has put in place several motorcycle rest stops along the way, where you can tank up, get hot/cold drinks, eat, visors cleaned, mechanics, etc.
Here's a list and map of where they are, and when they are open.
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| 10 May, 2011 - Cannes Film Festival Will See New Taxi Service Using Victory Motorcycles | A new motorcycle taxi service has started just in time for the famous Cannes Film Festival.
Every year, this film festival sees the very top of the A-list from Hollywood appearing, and going from party to party. To help them cut down in travel time, the new motorcycle taxi company, named ProtectDriver Services, will be riding the stars, starlets, directors and producers, plus any commoner, around on a Victory Vision motorcycle.
A bit unusual, but very fitting in Cannes.
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| 6 May, 2011 - India: Highest Number Of Road Deaths - Number 1 | India has surpassed China in the number of yearly road deaths; 1.3 MILLION PER YEAR to be exact.
A growing middle class, bad roads, and even worse habits have made it possible for India to overtake China. But China is fighting back.
Motorcycle deaths have the record within the record. 27% of the accidents are motorcycle ones.
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| 3 May, 2011 - Ace Cafe Coming To America | The very popular, and very British, Ace Cafe is coming to evade North America.
10 outlets are planned, and one temporary one is opening on the 14th of May in Florida to celebrate the grand opening of Dime City Cycles at Largo, Florida.
So now you too can have a place to meet fellow motorcycle riders in a supercool decor.
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| 14 April, 2011 - USA: LAX and NYC - A Motorcycle Taxi Service Starts Up | A new and well equipped motorcycle taxi service is starting in world's most grid locked cities, Los Angeles and New York. With a fleet of 15 Honda Gold Wings, and even Can-Am Spyders, with or without trailers, Moto Limos Club, the motorcycle taxi service, is starting next month.
Professional and experienced riders, full protective equipment for the passengers and even Bluetooth equipped helmets allowing you not only to talk to the rider, but also use your own mobile phone on the move.
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| 14 April, 2011 - Meanwhile, Back In Germany | While France has just announced that they are looking into making license plates on motorcycles bigger, Germany is doing the reverse... motorcycle license plates are being made smaller, legally.
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| 6 April, 2011 - France: Paris To Go 30 KPH? | The Mayor of the French capital Paris is trying to get a citywide reduction of speed to 30 kph, and at night a speed limit of 50 kph on the ring road.
Try keeping your motorcycle upright at 30 kph while riding through a major city.... but we all know that the Mayor hates motorcycles...
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| 5 April, 2011 - Smartphones: Greatest Roads Goes 2.0 | The iPhone app Greatest Roads has gone version 2.0, giving your much more social content, ability to post to Facebook, and more...
It's currently free, and an Android version will be available shortly.
So what are you waiting for?
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| 4 April, 2011 - Belgium: Government To Put Motorcycle Taxi In Place | A first? In Belgium, a country without a government, the temporary government is putting in place licenses for motorcycle taxis in Brussels.
Aimed at shaving off 50% of the journey time in the city, with enormous daily traffic jams, it's good to see a government that see motorcycle taxis are a solution, not a problem.
Already the first company has a web presence, and will be using Hybrid Piaggio MP3 scooter.
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| 31 March, 2011 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops Bol D’Or 2011 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurance race, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 30 March, 2011 - France: Radar Equipped Motorcycles This Year | The French government has found another very effective way of parting us from our hard earned money. They are planning this year to equip several unmarked motorcycles with onboard digital radars and cameras to catch us speeding.
There's no way you can see them, and even worse, next year, the motorcycles can photograph you on opposing lanes.
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| 30 March, 2011 - The Netherlands: Point System For Driving Licenses Coming? | The Dutch government are into NIHS (Not Invented Here Syndrome). The are looking at applying a very repressive license point system. Get caught twice in a period of 5 years, and your riding license is gone for 6 months. No matter if it's in a car, your motorcycle license is gone as well.
Other countries in Europe are looking at easing the penalties since now there are many people without a license but still on the road (and therefore no insurance).
One day a politician will be born that actually uses brains...
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| 4 March, 2011 - Belgium: ATGATT Law To Continue | If you think you have a problem in your country because you are forced to ride your motorcycle with an approved helmet, think again.
In Belgium for example, you need to ride full ATGATT. End of story.
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| 2 March, 2011 - Belgium: You Got To Love Lawyers | There's a lawyer in Belgium who has managed to get ironclad traffic tickets (speeding, DUI, parking) for cars and motorcycles thrown out of court.
He's a one man get-out-of-jail card.
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| 28 February, 2011 - Here’s Your Chance To Ride With Tiffany Coates | The famous female adventure motorcycle rider, Tiffany Coates, will at the drop of a hat take her motorcycle and travel the world to unknown places.
This time you can go too.... she has been asked by GlobeBusters to serve as guide for their upcoming Silk Route expedition to Tibet and Beijing.
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| 24 February, 2011 - Motorcycle Ride Review Using Google Streetview | Daily Moto Rides, from Sunday Morning Rides, is a motorcycle ride database with a difference.
Using Google's Streetview, it allows you to view proposed motorcycle itineraries around the world. You can decide whether this is a good ride to go on, or you can ride your virtual motorcycle along some of the best roads around the world without leaving your armchair.
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| 23 February, 2011 - The Netherlands: Keep The Boycott Of Camping WitterZomer | The Dutch camping WitterZomer near the famous race circuit of Assen (TT Assen MotoGP and WSB) have been a thorn in the sides of all motorcycle riders and organizations. They want to close down the circuit.
last week all groups involved signed an agreement to stop all legal actions and try to work out the issues. All, except one... the camping ground. They want to old track to disappear. But in the mean time, they do want you to visit their camping when there's a race.
So for crying out loud, please to do stay with them ... ever!
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| 9 February, 2011 - Motorcycle Taxi Meters Coming? | A great idea whose time has come! Two American expats living in Thailand have created the world's first motorcycle taxi meter.
No motorcycle taxi have fare meters. The device just don't exist since traditional cage taxis meters don't work on a bike. So they developed a high tech one that looks great.
It's equipped with an onboard GPS, it offers geographical proximity advertising and it has a black box feature that will provide an extra safety bonus for the passengers.
All that for an attractive price that even Asian and African motorcycle taxis should be able to afford.
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| 9 February, 2011 - Brazil: Government Trying To Outlaw Motorcycle Taxi | The Brazilian government is trying to legislate motorcycle taxis to such an extent that they would have to disappear.
31% of all fatal accidents in Brazil involve motorcycle, so they are deemed a "public health" problem.
Why do we have some many idiots.. and why are they almost always politicians?
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| 31 January, 2011 - Why Obeying The Speed Limit Can Kill You | And you thought that by riding your motorcycle at the speed limit was safe! Not always. June 2009, a 79 year old driver, Andrew Cavanaugh, was driving his car through an intersection in Pinellas County, Florida. The posted speed limit is 25 mph, but the red lights were timed for passing through the intersection at 30 mph.
In other words, just before the lights turn orange, you can safely cross the four lanes at 30 mph before the opposite lights turns green.
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| 26 January, 2011 - France: Motorcycle Taxis Now To Be Regulated | Motorcycle taxis in France are finally better regulated.
Starting on the 1st of April, 2011, motorcycle taxis will require several certificate & papers (medical, maintenance, professional cards, etc), that are delivered by the local government.
Hopefully, this will sort out the cowboys from the serious operators, and make the motorcycle taxi more "accepted".
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| 24 January, 2011 - How To Ride Your Motorcycle Through Water | There are many different ways of riding your motorcycle through water, but this is probably the best one, if you want to keep dry, and your motorcycle in good working condition.
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| 21 January, 2011 - Poland: Speed Limit Raised To 140 KPH, But 150 Possible | Poland, in a wise move, has raised speed limits for cars and motorcycles on their motorways to 140 kph (from 130). On normal dual carriage ways, the speed limit was raised by 10 kph as well, to 120 kph.
What's more interesting, is that the Polish government has stated that you are allowed to speed by 10 kph without being ticketed, in other words, you are allowed to ride 150 kph. But at 151 the ticketometer starts running.
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| 19 January, 2011 - Germany: Largest Motorcycle Museum Re-Opens | One of the biggest motorcycle museums in Europe has reopened its doors in Germany. Located inside a spectacular 16th century castle, not only can you see some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, but you can also stay in the castle, and eat in one of its two restaurants.
This area of Germany has 10 castles in its immediate vicinity, plus many hotels and hostels, and the scenery is to die for.
Great holiday tip!
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| 18 January, 2011 - Gas Prices On The Rise! Where To Find Cheap Gasoline | Fuel for our motorcycles is rising, and will continue forever. There's no stopping now, and the days of cheap fuel are over.
To help you find the cheapest fuel around for your motorcycles, here's a list of sites around the world that tell you where to find cheap fuel.
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| 14 December, 2010 - Benelli Opens New Motorcycle Shop In China | Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli, opened their 3rd shop in China.
Next year, they plan to expand to 4 other shops. Boy, things are moving in China.... and we're paying for it..
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| 10 December, 2010 - Germany: Mandatory Winter Tires For Motorcycles? | The new law in Germany, making it mandatory for vehicles to have special winter tires during snow, ice and slush seems to also apply to motorcycles and other PTWs.
Though not 100% confirmed, since the law is a bit "open", experts are deeming the law to apply also to motorcycles. Riding one in the winter will cost you if you don't have snow tires, including foreign registered bikes. So be warned.
If you're going to the Elefantentreffen, better check in advance.
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| 6 December, 2010 - Europe: United Europe, United Speeding Fines | Europe is going to finally unite! It's going to allow member countries to consult each other's car/motorcycle registration database, and send speeding fines committed in another European country to the wrong-doer.
But getting the money is a whole different kettle of fish.
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| 3 December, 2010 - Judge To Be Sentenced For Not Sentencing | Damn. Here I was believing in fairy tales.
The German judge we wrote about that released 42 speeders because he stated that the system was unfair, for sentenced himself for letting the motorists go. The German government was not amused.
The 42 speeders are going in front of another judge.
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| 26 November, 2010 - UAE: Big Drop In Traffic Deaths In Dubai | Interesting statistics coming from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding road/traffic deaths.
Deaths are in a decline, but some interesting data. Why would you have so many radars, and why have radars to monitor pedestrians?
And what's a Jin Radar?
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| 22 November, 2010 - France: New Laws Protecting Sacred Cows | A new French law has declared that pedestrians are sacred cows. Hitting one with your motorcycle has always been a bad idea, but now even more.
A pedestrians who decides to cross the road outside a normal pedestrian crossing, can do so, and you'll need to stop. If not, big fine and many points gone on your license.
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| 18 November, 2010 - Motorcycle Taxis Hit Madrid, Spain | Madrid in Spain now has joined the European cities where you can get to your destination faster than with any other transportation. They now have two motorcycle taxi companies operating in the capital city.
One with Honda Gold Wing 1800, the other with BMW R1200RT motorcycles.
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| 11 November, 2010 - Germany: Judge Understands, Speeding Bikers Released | A judge in Germany who actually thinks for himself, and uses common sense, overturned 42 speeding tickets by cars and motorcycles.
In his opinion, the government is not interested in road safety, but in generating money using speed cameras.
The law that allows the police to photograph someone without their consent was put in place to capture terrorists, not speeding offenders.
Long live the judge...
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| 26 October, 2010 - Yeah! My Book Is Now Available | Photographic visit ... By Photographs &... |
After 2 years work, my book is finally available for purchase.
120 pages of Upper Normandy's Pays de Caux area, including a bit of history, some of the bigger cities and towns, village life and the industries.
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| 25 October, 2010 - Italy: Beanie Helmets Outlawed | As off October the 12th, Italy has outlawed all use of the popular North American motorcycle helmet, the beanie.
Tolerated for mopeds and Harley motorcycles until now, if you get caught, expect a high fine, and possible confiscation of your motorcycle. This also implies foreign visitors.
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| 22 October, 2010 - France: Exhaustive List Of Paris Based Motorcycle Taxi | With all the strikes, protests and traffic jams, the French capital has become a jungle. If you need to catch a flight, or go to an important meeting, your only real transportation choice is the motorcycle taxi.
For those of you needing to travel to Paris, here's a (long) list of motorcycle taxis and their phone numbers, motorcycles used and web links.
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| 20 October, 2010 - The Netherlands: New Motorcycles Not Recognized By New Radars | The new radars being installed in The Netherlands and Belgium require a metal sensor placed in the road surface.
The sensor detects metal, and present day motorcycle have very little metal; more carbon, aluminium and plastics, so they don't get detected, and therefore don't get ticketed for speeding.
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| 14 October, 2010 - Try A BMW Motorcycle During A Holiday In Spain This Winter | BMW, to beat the winter blues, are offering people the chance of a winter holiday in South Spain, riding the BMW motorcycle of their choice.
Four packages are available, either road trips and/or track time. Choose any BMW motorcycle (except the new K1600 series), including (or specially) the S1000RR.
Speaking German is going to be a must....
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| 21 September, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Taxis Now Bookable By Travel Agents | French motorcycle taxi CityBird have been contracted by world's biggest business travel agency, Carlson WagonLit, to provide taxi services in France for the travel chain's business travellers.
This in addition to the contracts they already had with the French railroads and British Airways.
Things are getting more solid for motorcycle taxis.
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| 31 August, 2010 - Scooter Camping Car/Mobile Home | Who needs a Winnebago to travel in comfort, if you can have a camping motorcycle/scooter based on the popular Piaggio APE?
Bed, fridge, cooking area, desk, 2 seats, wash basin.... what more do you need?
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| 30 August, 2010 - Nigeria: Ban On Motorcycle Taxi In Parts Of Lagos | Damned if you do, damned if you don't. The okada, the extremely dangerous motorcycle taxi in Africa (particularly Nigeria), is often the only way to get around the traffic jam invested city on time, but is also very dangerous.
Now it looks like the authorities are trying to prevent these motorcycle from riding on their streets. They are being banned.
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| 27 August, 2010 - The Netherlands: Hell Freezes Over | Looks like hell has frozen over, and pigs can fly! The ultra strict country of The Netherlands, were many portions of motorways are limited to 80 kph, and where there is an overall maximum speed of 120, has gotten many of the Members of Parliament asking the Minister of Transportation to "up" the speed limit to 130 kph, or even 140 kph!
I would have thought it would have been faster to see Paris Hilton get an Oscar for acting.
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| 26 August, 2010 - Europe: Motorcycles Have A New Powerful Enemy | Our most powerful enemy has reached Europe, in Switzerland. A Swiss company is testing the first of a new, military technology, radar in Switzerland. Cheap, and extremely powerful, it can follow 22 vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trucks etc) on 4 different lanes, and track 10 different traffic violations at the same time.
The company plans to make 150 next year, and we'll be seeing them in Europe in no time at all.
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| 25 August, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops Bol D’Or 2010 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurancerace, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 24 August, 2010 - Missed Out Riding In Europe On A Motorcycle? Harley To The Rescue | Harley-Davidson France have released an incredibly well done web site, showing you a 7 day trip through the Southern part of France and the Northern part of Italy on a Harley motorcycle.
The video is very well done, not only does it show you the scenery, but you can drag the video to look around you in a 360° scenery. Want to see the rider, or the sky, or side scenery...? No problem. All in HD and full screen. It's like being there.
Very nice way of riding in Europe without the cost.
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| 16 August, 2010 - License Plate Country Codes | Here's something really interesting.... (I couldn't find anything else to write about to keep you amused)....
All the country codes you find on motorcycles and cars, telling you from where in the world they are....
There.. aren't you glad you tuned into this site today?
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| 10 August, 2010 - Europe: Speed Limits For Motorcycles | Since the holidays are just around the corner, and if you're planning to ride your motorcycle here in Europe, here is a reminder of the speed limits.
Note that some countries have different speed limits for motorcycles...
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| 28 July, 2010 - France: The New Radar Warning Signs | This is the new radar warning sign in France. No longer do you get an advanced warning of an upcoming speed radar so you can slow down your motorcycle, but now all it tells you is that you are in a zone covered by a radar a few kilometers long.
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| 22 July, 2010 - News On Tiff Coates’s Travels | Some news about Tiffany "Tiff" Coates world travels on her trusty, but old, BMW GS motorcycle.
She's back in the USA, and has decided, spur of the moment, to head for Labrador.
In the mean time, Tiff has met up with Carla King, female solo world traveller and successful book author.
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| 13 July, 2010 - The Netherlands: Cops Have A Field Day | The Dutch cops, you know, that country that lost the Worldcup football, had a speeding ticket bonanza last weekend.
Of the 8,300 cars and motorcycles driving on a section of the A1 autoroute, 5,000 got a speeding ticket!
Ka-Diiing goes the cash register!
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| 13 July, 2010 - Less Drinking In Ireland | Ouch... this has got to hurt. In Ireland, they have drastically lowered the drinking limit.
80mg/100 has gone down to 50mg/100, while learners and professionals have got theirs lowered to 20 mg/100.
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| 8 July, 2010 - iPhone: BestBikingRoads App | The site "Best Biking Roads", a web site that allows you to store your best rides, and for others to find out which are the best roads to ride their motorcycles on, have recently released an iPhone/iTouch app.
The app allows you to not only find great rides for you and your motorcycles, but that's to the onboard GPS, the app can tell you which are the closest rides to where you are at that moment. No more searching... just ask "what's nice close to me"...
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| 5 July, 2010 - The Netherlands: People Willing To Pay Not To Be In Traffic Jams | The Dutch are debating a new way of taxing you on the road. The politicians are looking at a "pay-as-you-go" tax, i.o.w., you pay for each kilometer on the road.
But a market research done by Goodyear, shows that the Dutch to not want to pay a tax scheme like this, but are willing to pay more money in order to avoid to having to drive in traffic james.
But then why not just ride a motorcycle? No traffic jams and it's much more fun...
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| 9 June, 2010 - Indonesia: Jakarta Traffic Jams, Even For Motorcycles | With more cars and motorcycles being bought in Asia, there are increasingly number of traffic jams created.
Even here in Jakarta, Indonesia, motorcycles are having problems getting to work on time...
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| 14 May, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Rest Areas For The MotoGP 2010 | The French MotoGP motorcycle race is on next weekend, and the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) has put in place many motorcycle rest stops along the way, where you can tank up, get hot/cold drinks, eat, visors cleaned, mechanics, etc.
Here's a list and map of where they are, and when they are open.
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| 14 May, 2010 - Italy: No 150 kph For Motorways | After years of debate, arguments and political promises, the Italian politicians have finally made de decision..... there will be no raising of the speed limit on the motorways to 150 kph.
So the only country left where you can ride at a faster pace, is Germany...
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| 10 May, 2010 - A Tour De France On A Scooter For A Special Girl | Here's a young lady that deserves our respect. Ara Lucia Ashburne suffered an enormous physical problem, resulting in a life long severe disability, but the disability is not visible.
Many people think if you don't show the disability, you're not disabled. So she's going to set out on trip of her life, riding through France. Just to prove that she can do it, and to make people aware of invisible disabilities.
That's tough... not an easy task.
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| 7 May, 2010 - Italy: New Motorcycle Protection Laws Coming | The days of riding naked in Italy are going to be over... well, I don't think many were riding like in this photo.
A new law being debated will make mandatory, depending on your motorcycle power rating, the wearing of protective motorcycle clothing.
Motorcycles over 70 hp will have a mandatory wearing on either a full integral suit, or a two piece suit, protected, including back protector.
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| 15 April, 2010 - India: Naked On A Motorcycle For A Bath | Sitting naked on your motorcycle, covered with ash, waiting to take a bath, is a pastime that seems interesting...
Wash yourself and your motorcycle at the same time....
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| 9 April, 2010 - Ride Exceptional Motorcycles In The South Of France | Now you can join the equivalent of the supercar clubs, but on motorcycles.
Columbus International, based in sunny Cannes, South France, offer an annual membership that allows you to ride one of their super motorcycles, Ducati, BMW, MV Agusta, or even a Triumph Rocket III.
Fly in to Cannes, pickup your motorcycles, ride via the beaches through the mountains, end up in the casino of Monte Carlo.
James Bond, move over;...
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| 9 April, 2010 - Crash Your Motorcycle In The USA? Pay The Rescue Bill! | When will politicians stop trying to take our money? Their next scam is having you pay for your own crash!
Take example in this story, guy gets hit from behind on his motorcycle, fire department arrives, and hands him a bill for $200 (the car driver got a bill for $100).
Is that what you pay your taxes for? "Crash Tax" - my ass!
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| 31 March, 2010 - OMG! Dolomites To Be Closed For Motorcycles This Summer? | Bad news, very bad news. The European motorcycle paradise, known as the Dolomites mountains (part of the Italian Alps) is going to be closed for motorcycle starting this summer.
Why? Because some people (three of them) don't want motorized vehicles sharing the roads they hike. 10,000's of motorcycle per day enjoy the curves, the restaurants and hotels love us!
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| 30 March, 2010 - France: Confusion About License Point System | There's some confusion about the point system for French driving license according to some smart lawyers....
According to the law, licenses delivered before 1992 are for life, and therefore can not be taken away with the point system...
Of course the government disagrees....
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| 23 February, 2010 - Tiffany To Be A Star | Tiffany Coates, the ultimate female motorcycle adventurer, has been asked by BMW to star in one of five commercials they are making this year.
She will be the only one on a BMW motorcycle, the other four are cars. They are flying her and her old but trusty motorcycle to Turkey next month.
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| 17 February, 2010 - Some Of The Coolest Roads For Your Motorcycle | Riding these kind of roads on our motorcycle is paradise! Miles of twisties is what it's all about.
Here's a link to a site with many roads around the world that will make your heart go bumpy-de-bump...
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| 8 February, 2010 - South Africa: Promoting Tourism Through Motorcycles | South Africa are using motorcycles (but obviously not exclusively) to promote tourism to their country.
Their tourist information website even has a page dedicated to motorcycle adventurers. How cool is that for a country?
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| 27 January, 2010 - France: New Average Speed Camera To Go In Operation | The French government is not content with the money the current speed radars generate. Everybody slows down before one, and then speeds up on their motorcycle.
That will shortly change. The government is installing 2 cameras, distant by several 10's of kilometers, that will calculate your average speed, and then ticket you if it was too fast.
Please go to the cash register and pay....
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| 21 January, 2010 - iPhone: Greatest Roads for Motorcycles | Here's a (not free) application for your iPhone that will tell you where the great roads are that you can ride with your motorcycle.
You can find roads on a map, rate them and share them with your friends. You can also show people the roads you like to ride by creating your own.
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| 15 January, 2010 - Ride With Charlie Boorman Through South Africa | Here's your chance to run shoulders with the famous. Charlie Boorman will be leading a group of 22 motorcycles from Cape Town, South Africa to Victoria Falls, Zambia on the 15th of August 2010. Luxury accommodation, sweeper cars, great food and the organizers are throwing in a 2 day training at BMW off road training school in Wales, UK.
Sounds like fun...
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| 14 January, 2010 - Italy: Motorcycle Sidecar Museum | In a small town in middle Italy, known for its motorcycle sidecar races, there is an interesting museum.
Two exhibits are shown in the museum; sidecars and Motorcycles & Cinema.
A worthwhile visit.
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| 7 January, 2010 - United Europe? No Way! | Talk about a united Europe....
France is reducing slowly all their motorways from 130 kph to 110 kph, while Italy is increasing them to 150 kph.....
Not to mention the unlimited speeds on German motorways....
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| 7 January, 2010 - UK: Government To Tax Taxes | The UK (like several other countries) have promised not to raise taxes despite record deficits.
Instead they have decided to raise a "victim surcharge" on speeding and parking fines. Noooo... that's not taxes, that's to help the victims when you badly park your motorcycle!!!
How stupid are we....???
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| 9 December, 2009 - France: Motorcycle Taxis Thank Their Cage Counterparts | After yesterday's cager taxi strike, a protest against motorcycle taxis, the motorcycle taxi in Paris say a big MERCI to their cage counterparts.
Thank you for blocking Paris traffic, since the motorcycle taxi reached record high revenue that day.
So the next time there's a strike, here's the list of motorcycle taxis in Paris.
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| 1 December, 2009 - Europe: Motorcycles, Trailers And The Law | Laws in Europe differ whether you are allowed to pull a trailer on your motorcycle or not.
Here's the scoop of many of the European countries....
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| 27 November, 2009 - India: Tags To Show Fuel Efficiency and Pollution | In India, all vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles) will need to display a tag that shows their fuel efficiency.
The law is supposed to combat CO2 pollution, but I wonder how they want to achieve this?
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| 24 November, 2009 - Belgium: Almost No Booze For Motorcycle Riders | The politicians in Belgium are going to really lower the maximum alcohol allowed for young drivers (less than 2 years license).
But they're going a step further.... professional drivers of trucks and buses, police .... and .... all motorcycle riders will have the same booze limit imposed on them.
Even if studies & statistics show that motorcyclists as a group are far less likely to drink & drive, the motorcycle work still gets singled out.
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| 23 November, 2009 - UK: Lead Motorcyclist In Group Gets Stiffer Speeding Fine | A dangerous court ruling in the UK, decided that the lead rider in a motorcycle group (of three) was fined for the excessive speed of one of the group.
The court deemed that the leader has to ensure that all follow the speed limit.
How crazy is that?
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| 17 November, 2009 - The Netherlands: No Road Tax, Motorcycles Exempt, Less Cars on The Road | The Dutch are going to tax cars on a pay-as-you-drive system, i.e., per kilometer. No more road tax or sales tax on cars. Initially €0.03 per kilometer, then €0.07 per kilometer.
Motorcycles will not be required to pay these taxes, so many people will start flocking to motorcycles. More fatalities are foreseen.
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| 3 November, 2009 - Quick Update On Tiffany Coates Motorcycle Travels | Tiffany Coates has reached Outer-Mongolia on her old BMW motorcycle, stayed a few weeks, and then headed back for the UK via Siberia.
But along the way, she made a navigation error, and ended up in Japan. Now she's trying to figure out which way to come back, East or West?
Don't you love the adventure spirit?
UPDATE: Tiff is heading to Los Angeles, USA, and from there to the UK.
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| 29 October, 2009 - Holy Cow! Now That Is A Motorcycle Traffic Jam! | Can you imagine commuting to work in this kind of traffic on your motorcycle. It would almost make me switch to a car, since there's no reason to take your motorcycle.
Imagine the noise level...
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| 26 October, 2009 - Using A Motorcycle Rail Service In Europe | Traveling through Europe can be made easier if all you want to do is reach your holiday destination with your motorcycle, quickly and efficiently.
RailSavers offer a comprehensive package for motorcycle riders traveling from the North to the South. With as starting point the Dutch city of Den Bosch, you travel in comfort and style to the South of France, or North of Italy.
Rested and full (great dinner on board)... ready for your holiday.
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| 21 October, 2009 - UK Not To Do What France Has Done: Limit Motorcycle Power | The UK Government has decided not to emulate the French but imposing a power limit of 100 HP for motorcycles.
According to the Prime Minister, it serves no purpose. Training and attitude save lives, not power restrictions.
Will the French government please take note!!
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| 20 October, 2009 - Another Politician Promise, Another Promise Not Kept | Instead of keeping his campaign promise to reduce London Congestion Charges, the Mayor of London has decided to increase the rate.
Going from £8 to £10 to enter the city with your vehicle....
What can I say...
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| 13 October, 2009 - Trapster: See Where The Cops Have Speeds Traps - Worldwide | Trapster is one of those tools that cops hate, and motorcycle riders love.
It tells you on your smartphone, iPhone, Blackberry, Android or J2ME, or on your GPS, where the police traps are. Even the mobile ones.
With 1.6 million users worldwide, it's a real community service. And best of all, it's free...
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| 6 October, 2009 - Congestion Charge Coming To France | Last month, the French senate approved a law that will allow French cities with more than 300,000 inhabitants to apply a congestion charge for entering their city.
None have taken up the charge (yet), but that will change.
No information was given whether motorcycles are exempt.
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| 29 September, 2009 - Motorcycle Honeymoon - Going The Distance | An English couple got hitched, and instead of going to Hawaii for their honeymoon, they got an Ural motorcycle sidecar, and are riding from Alaska to the South most point of South America.
Mike and Alanna Clear are also making a documentary on relationships, called "Going The Distance", which IMHO is very appropriate.
They have a blog, with loads of videos and photos of the people they are meeting along the way.
Interesting.
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| 25 September, 2009 - Major Moto Guzzi Ride Out Through Europe To EICMA | Moto Guzzi have organized a major motorcycle ride-out in Europe.
Starting from 6 different locations in Europe, the 6 motorcycle caravans arrive at the same time in Milan, Italy to visit the EICMA motorcycle exhibition.
The package includes everything, hotels, ferries, restaurants... just show up with your Guzzi.
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| 24 September, 2009 - Where To Go In The USA When Riding A Motorcycle | Here's a web site that provides interesting information about motorcycle rides in most states in the USA.
You can follow specific itineraries, or just find out what places are of interest to visit.
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| 22 September, 2009 - USA: Renting A Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycle | Not exactly a motorcycle you'd find easily available for rent, specially in the USA, but there you go, it's possible.
WeRentMotorcycle.com in California rent out Hayabusas... but... you need to have 15 years riding experience, and part with US$199 per day for the pleasure. But it's extreme pleasure...
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| 15 September, 2009 - Motorcycles Clamped? | And you thought that your motorcycle can't get clamped?
If you live in Slovenia you'd be wrong, very wrong!
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| 31 August, 2009 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops For Bol D’Or 2009 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurancerace, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 24 August, 2009 - Tiffany Reached Mongolia On Her Motorcycle | Tiffany, the UK based girl, has reached her destination. Travelling from the UK to Mongolia on her old, but more-or-less trusty BMW motorcycle, has spent 3 and 1/2 months getting there.
Full of incredible rides, adventures and meeting interesting people.
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| 6 August, 2009 - Trucking Your Motorcycle In France | There's now a new service in France that will transport your motorcycle anywhere in France. They offer a door-to-door service, or from drop-off and pick-up points.
Their website (in French) will give your on-line quotations...
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| 29 July, 2009 - France: Luxury Touring On A Ducati Motorcycle | Columbus International offer motorcycle tours of a lifetime! Riding a Ducati motorcycle (including the latest Streetfighter) in Southern France, eating at the top Michelin rated restaurants, helicopter transfers, driving a Formula One car, riding a Superbike or staying on your own private yacht while fishing for barracudas.
You can also just rent one of their Ducati motorcycles and tour by yourself.
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| 27 July, 2009 - Official English Document For Tourists In France | Everything you need to know about riding your motorcycle in France, in different languages, straight from the horse's mouth (the French Minister of Transport).
Downloadable Acrobat documents in English, Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese.
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| 23 July, 2009 - Bilateral Agreement On Speeding Fines Between France And Belgium | Another bilateral agreement, this time between France and Belgium. Speeding offenses, motorcycle and car, will be exchanged between the two countries, and LEOs in each other's country now will have access to each other's car and license database.
Not fair! So far, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain and Belgium have created these bilateral agreements.
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| 15 July, 2009 - 1st Motorcycle Taxi Launched In Ireland | Dublin, Ireland now has its first motorcycle taxi service; Airbike.
Using Yamaha FJR 1300 motorcycles, they'll bring you, or pick you up from the airport, or ride you around the city.
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| 2 July, 2009 - Florence, Italy: Scooter Paradise | Florence, Italy is amazing. Not only is it a very pretty and old city, but they have adjusted very well to scooters and motorcycles.
The amount of parking space defies imagination. Every street corner has more than what the eye can see.
Also, there are many electric vehicles in the city, scooters, trucks, cars and buses.
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| 30 June, 2009 - Packing Lists For Your Motorcycle Trip | Here's an interesting website for those of you who travel long (or even short) distance on your motorcycle, and have a tendency, like myself, to forget things.
The site, The Universal Packing List, generates a packing list depending on criteria you enter. Very handy...
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| 19 June, 2009 - Adventure Motorcycle Riding And Sharing Your Ride | Adventure motorcycle riding is fun, and many of us do it. But what's fun too, is showing others where you've been.
Here's a website that allows you to capture your ride, GPS, video, image and text make it into a great souvenir you can share with others.
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| 16 June, 2009 - Using A GPS In Spain Illegal, Even On A Motorcycle | A law was passed in Spain last week, that makes it highly illegal to operate a GPS on your motorcycle (or while driving a car).
Apparently you are allowed to have one, but not allowed to operate it!
What a stupid way to earn money. It's cheaper in Spain to speed by 30 mph over the speed limit, than to operate a GPS!
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| 20 May, 2009 - French Motorcycle Accommodation 100-1 | I've reached 99 biker friendly accommodation in France. There's still a lot more to go, but I have to change the program since it only can only count in 2 digits.
I've also made several changes to the pages.
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| 18 May, 2009 - Tiffany Coates Off To A Bad Start | Tiffany Coates, who set out on her solo UK to Mongolia trip has started her motorcycle trip badly. In the space of 48 hours, she has had 3 rear shock suspension.
Her BMW R80GS has got 150,000 miles on it, and in the first portion up to Germany she not only was loaded for the trip, but also had a pillion passenger..... not a good start...
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| 13 May, 2009 - Lots Of Motorcycle Maps | Here's a website that sells almost any motorcycle map in existence.
Many countries in the world are covered, and if there are no special motorcycle maps available for that area, they offer detailed maps.
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| 29 April, 2009 - Next Week 5000 Extra Ticket Writing Police In The Netherlands | Since centuries, the Dutch Military Police, called the Koninklijke Marechaussee, had many rights as a normal Police Officer, but one right/duty they did NOT have. And that was writing out tickets!
Next week, that changes, and now some 5,000 Military cops can stop you, and write out a ticket. Did you get that number?? 5,000 extra ticket writing cops as off next week!!!!
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| 20 April, 2009 - Listing of Motorcycle Friendly Accommodation In France | We've produced a comprehensive listing of motorcycle friendly camping, hotel and gites here in France.
A Google Map, with different colored icons shows you where they are, and clicking on one of the icons will give you all the info you need.
Now you can really plan your holiday.
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| 2 April, 2009 - Biker Rest Stops For The 24 Hours Of Le Mans | For those of you going to the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 31 March, 2009 - USA: Luxury Motorcycle Hotel In Milwaukee | The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, USA is a new style motorcycle hotel. The hotel caters for bikers who have the money, and want to sleep comfortably.
Specially designed for bikers, it has all the stuff you'd want to stay comfortably. 102 big and stylish rooms.
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| 26 March, 2009 - Young Motorcycle Pillion Riders And The European Laws | For those of you who are planning to take their kids on a motorcycle in Europe, watch out!
Laws are different in each European country, so better read this carefully. Some countries have restrictions, some don't.
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| 24 March, 2009 - Ideal Adventure Motorcycling Jacket | Here's a very interesting concept jacket that has its use for motorcycle riders who camp.
The jacket can be used as backpack, but at the end of the day, the lining stretches out and forms a one person tent.
Handy!
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| 17 March, 2009 - Amazing Tiffany Goes For Another Amazing Motorcycle Trip | Tiffany "Tiff" Coates is an amazing woman. I've interviewed her once before when I was covering the 2005 Dakar race. She was on her way for a lunch appointment (the appointment was in Timbuktu).
She had during the 1990's ridden a 2nd hand BMW R80GS from the UK to India, since she couldn't afford to go any other way. She had never been on a bike before! She loved it so much, she continued riding around the world.
Last year she became very ill, and was confined to a wheelchair. The Docs said she could probably never ride again. Boy were they wrong.
Tiff is now going to ride from Cornwall all the way to Mongolia! No support crew, no trucks, helicopters, cameras, doctors, etc... the way it was intended.
Click the headline to read more about this amazing woman.
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| 18 February, 2009 - France: A16 Autoroute Free For Motorcycle This Weekend | This weekend, for the Le Touquet Enduropale motorcycle beach race, world's craziest race, the A16 autoroute will be free for all motorcycles going to this event.
They've also added one rest point for bikers, with free hot soup to warm you up.
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| 17 February, 2009 - Can I Have A Double Ducati Please, With Some Sugar | Ducati have opened a beautiful and trendy restaurants/coffee shop in Rome.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this Roman place is for anyone (even non-Ducati owners) who wants classy food and coffee while mingling with like minded motorcycle enthusiasts.
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| 11 February, 2009 - Motorcycle Rest Areas For The Le Touquet 2009 Race | If you're planning to attend world's craziest, and biggest, beach motorcycle race, the Le Touquet Enduropale, on the weekend of 21st of Feb, and you're going on a motorcycle, here are the special rest places for bikers.
There are 4 of them, places motorcycle riders can go to, to get their bike checked out, drink hot drinks, and mingle with other bikers.
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| 10 February, 2009 - France: Michelin Maps For Motorcycles | Michelin are not only known for their tires. They also publish excellent maps, guides books and travel guides.
Now they have released their first motorcycle rides guide book for France. A 544 pages guide book, detailing 80 of the nicest rides you can do on your motorcycle in France.
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| 21 January, 2009 - Holiday Tip: Motorcycling In Former East Block | Here's a holiday tip for you. Rent a motorcycle in the Czech Republic and tour all those great motorcycling countries, Poland, Austria, Slovakia and Germany.
Or go with the organizers to visit the infamous Erzberg Rodeo, or go for a three week off-road trip to Russia. All you pay are the reasonable rental fees and your own accommodation (tents).
Motorbike Ventures will do it all for you...
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| 20 January, 2009 - DVD Review: Hard Miles | Iron Butt motorcycle rally needs no introduction. Even a newbie knows what it is.
Here's a DVD documentary of the 2007 edition of this motorcycle extreme endurance rally, 11 days, 11,000 miles. Called "Hard Miles", the DVD documents the process and the efforts of riding a motorcycle in this rally.
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| 11 December, 2008 - Surviving Winter On Your Motorcycle | Just because it's winter out there, doesn't mean that you've got to stop riding your motorcycle...
But you've got to equip yourself appropriately.
Here's a list of stuff you may need, or not, whatever turns you on..
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| 21 November, 2008 - What Are The Exact Rules Of The Road In Europe? | The European Traffic Police organization, TISPOL, have an on-line database that can be consulted to find out what the exact Rules of the Road of a specific country in Europe are.
Remember that Europe consists of different countries with their own laws. Ignorance of the laws are not accepted. This database can help you.
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| 12 November, 2008 - UK: AA Now Offer Motorcycle Repair and Recovery Service |
The Automobile Association (AA) of the UK have just bettered their own service level.
They have bought 5 vans equipped purposely to repair, if not recover, broken down motorcycles on the M25.
Nice... bravo!
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| 30 October, 2008 - Netherlands: New Style Countdown Red Light Being Tested | In Den Bosch, The Netherlands, they are testing a new style red light. Instead of going directly from Red to Green, there's a 3 second countdown indicator before jumping to green.
What a great tool to do some drag racing with your motorcycle.... |
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| 22 October, 2008 - Motorcycle Hotels In France | For those of you looking for motorcycle friendly accommodation in France, there's a group of hotels and B&Bs that are presented in a website.
Together with Google Maps, you can find where you can stay, and what motorcycle services are offered. Unfortunately, most of the information is in French.
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| 14 October, 2008 - France And Belgium Sign Bilateral Agreement For Traffic Fines | France has signed a 4th bilateral agreement with regards to cross border speeding fines. After Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland, now it's the turn of Belgium.
Get caught speeding in one country? You'll need to pay the fine!
The UK is next...
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| 2 October, 2008 - Ride The Wrong Way Round Like Ewan and Charlie - In Style | If Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman can ride their motorcycles round the world in luxury and style, so can you. Want to ride a motorcycle along the Wrong Way Round tracks?
Here's your once-in-a-lifetime chance. Discovery Moto Tours are organizing a luxury motorcycle tour round the world. 40,000 kilometers in 18 weeks, including all the support crew, just like Ewan and Charlie; medics, mechanics, fixers, belly dancers.
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| 15 September, 2008 - Finding A Motorcycle Parking Space In The UK | Here's a website that you can use to find a parking space for your motorcycle (or car) in the UK. Prices have gotten so out of hand in the UK, that you really need a monthly rental, or even a purchase.
Incredible. And some of the prices you pay.....
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| 11 September, 2008 - Motorcycle Rest Places For Bol D’Or 2008 | There are a large number of rest areas set aside for motorcycle riders attending the Bol d'Or motorcycle race this weekend.
Here's the list of places you can stop and rest, fill up with fuel, food, drinks, and generally relax amongst bikers.
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| 26 August, 2008 - Really Trying To Slow Down Motorcycle | This is one speed chicane that you do not want to try if you're slightly "inhibited" (=drunk) on your motorcycle.
2 foot high concrete wall, twisting road, narrow.... nightmare...
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| 21 August, 2008 - Boston Bruins Motorcycle Rally For A Cause | I don't do local motorcycle ride outs, but here's an exception. 6 September, the Boston Bruins are organizing a motorcycle rally benefitting a cancer foundation.
After the ride, you get a BBQ and time to mingle. How cool is that (unless it rains, but then the event is held the following day).
There will be no bodychecking!
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| 18 August, 2008 - You Know You Are In Trouble When You See This Sign | In the UK, this would be the first sign you see when riding along the countryside on your motorcycle that you're in deep trouble.
It's a roundabout with 5 roundabouts inside it. Dubbed the Magic Roundabout, it has traffic coming from all sides.
The inventor is probably now in the local looney bin....
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| 13 August, 2008 - Yearly Motorcycle Technical Check Coming To Belgium | Sometimes politicians just don't get it (OK, not sometimes, it's actually very often). They make assumptions, they don't research matters, and then they want to make a law based on faulty findings.
It's the case at this moment in Belgium. Like most European countries, cars need to have a yearly technical inspection, and now a senator wants the same for motorcycles "BECAUSE OFF THE HIGH ACCIDENT RATE OF MOTORCYCLES".
Get your fact right before making statements like that.
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| 31 July, 2008 - Belgium Testing Route Speeding | Despite political issues unrest the Belgium government, they still have time to start an experiment (which has been very successful in The Netherlands).
By placing two digital radar cameras miles apart, taking photos of all motorcycles (and cars), they analyze both photos and subtract the time. This way they calculate your average speed, and fine you if you were going to fast!
No escaping possible!
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| 18 July, 2008 - The Netherlands: Toll Free For Motorcycles | The Dutch government, in a rare moment of clear lucidity, has decided that motorcycles are a solution, not a problem, for traffic.
Therefore, for the new tolls that are being planned for their motorways starting 2012, motorcycle will not have to pay, and can use the motorways for free.
One small step for mankind, one big step for bikers!
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| 18 July, 2008 - The Netherlands: On Request Speed Radar Traps | The Dutch Police have put a process in place in one specific city (so far), that enables individuals in a neighborhood to request speed traps to be placed.
For a day, the cops will place the speed trap in that street, and then send the results back to the requester.
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| 17 July, 2008 - End Of Foreigners Speeding In Europe | Foreigners in Europe used to be able to speed on their motorcycles in each other's countries. The resulting fine could be ripped up, since the Police could not cross the border to get the fine paid.
That is going to change next year. Within the European Union, the Police will come to your door to get the fine paid, but it'll be your national Police, not the foreign one. That will stop foreigners from speeding in Europe.
Now the only thing that'll save you is a Swiss license plate (they're not part of the European Union).
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| 15 July, 2008 - So This Is What The Armada 2008 Looks Like | This article has little to do with motorcycles, except that motorcycles were really needed to get there. 11 million people visited the Armada 2008, 2-3 million were present during the sail-out on Monday.
The views were spectacular, with old tall sail ships and tall sail ships passing past us. Thrown in were a few war ships. Nice....
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| 15 July, 2008 - Florida State Getting Fashion Conscious | The Florida State Highway officials have launched a campaign called "Ride Proud, Ride Loud", and they're not talking about loud pipes...
The State Police think that by telling motorcycle riders in their sunny state to wear bright colors, to paint their motorcycles brights colors and to put on extra lights, that the fatalities will go done.
Personally, I think the only thing that will make you visible on the road as a motorcycle is a bright and blue flashing strobe light!
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| 7 July, 2008 - Moto Rail : Lessons Learned | France is quite big, and if you have to go from one part of the country to another, taking the motorcycle train can be a relief. But it's not always easy if you leave it to the French railroads.
Here are some lessons I learned from our 1st experience.
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| 18 June, 2008 - MotoGP At Assen: Where NOT To Stay | If you're planning to attend the MotoGP at the TT of Assen, do NOT stay at the Wittezomer camp grounds! These people are one of the reason most motorcycle races have been at Assen have been cancelled.
Our colleagues at the Dutch site OliePeil.nl are warning riders away, and they have a good reason. The camp site doesn't mind motorcycles if they make a lot of money, but if there's nobody staying, they don't want motorcycles around them. Hypocrites.
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| 22 May, 2008 - Spain: Front Row Seats For Motorcycles | Barcelona and Madrid, Spain have started placing specially reserved areas at traffic light for motorcycles.
Now, when riding your motorcycle in the city, you go to the front of the lights, and have a specially reserved standing area, allowing you to leave when the light turns green without bumping into cars. Cool!!
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| 22 May, 2008 - Europe’s Fastest Roads | Europe only has one country really where you can legally live it up on the motorways, and that's Germany.
Here are the top 10 autobahns were you can still open up the throttle of your motorcycle without being fined.
But remember, everyone is going fast, and many cars can, and will, go faster than you!
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| 16 May, 2008 - Triumph Motorcycle That Runs On Apples | Some students in the UK, together with Bike Magazine and Triumph, adapted a Daytona 675 motorcycle to run on a biofuel made out of apples.
Instead of drinking the 6,000 apples as a cider, the Triumph motorcycle ran at a speed of 158.7 mph!!
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| 15 May, 2008 - New And Improved viaMichelin Website | Michelin's travel itinerary and mapping website viaMichelin, just got a lot better.
They're now in public beta testing, and it's a really nice and easy to use website for planning your motorcycle rides. It'll show on your road book, where the restaurants, hotels or tourist points are. Lots of nice functions.... have a look.
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| 9 May, 2008 - Need A New Holiday Destination? Try Enduro-India | Feel like something different for your next motorcycle holidays? here's an idea...
Enduro India organize a 1000 km, 14 day enduro trip on Royal Enfield motorcycle through parts of India that you'll never see as a normal tourist.
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| 22 April, 2008 - Adventure Motorcycle Rentals | Finding an Adventure motorcycle for rent is a very difficult task. Try renting a KTM 990 Adventure or R1200GS (or shortly the F800GS)...
Here's an outfit in Montana, USA that delivers the motorcycle to our doorstep. You can even rent them as guides.
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| 16 April, 2008 - The Netherlands: 9 October There Will Be No Traffic Jams | On the 9th of October 2008, in The Netherlands, there should be NO TRAFFIC JAMS!
There you go... a long term traffic prediction. Three organizations want to prove that it can be done.
How about asking for more motorcycles? That'll solve most of your traffic problems overnight.
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| 14 April, 2008 - Cruising Your Motorcycle On A Ship | How to please everyone for their holidays? You want a motorcycle tour, your spouse wants luxury , pampering and new destinations.
The solution is "Bikes on Board". Bring your motorcycle aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (Mariner-of-the-Seas).
A holiday for everyone...
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| 1 April, 2008 - France: VIP Motorcycle Training Sessions | Learning how to race does not need to be a Spartan event. French company 4G, with two former 500GP racers as instructors, offer a VIP package to some of the most beautiful racing circuits of Europe.
Learn how to race your motorcycle (or rent one) while sleeping in luxury hotels, eat good food and be pampered.
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| 27 February, 2008 - France: Extending The Laws | The French lawmakers have designed new laws to make French roads safer, and them richer.
What is more important to them; statistics or money?
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| 13 February, 2008 - An Idea What To Do For July 2008 | If you've got nothing to do on the 14th of July 2008, here's a great tip. Come to France, find a spot on the Seine river, and spend the next few hours watching one tall sail ship after the other sail past towards the ocean.
The ship parade is very impressive, with 5 years ago, 7 million people attending the Armada event. Held every 5 years, this time the exit is on the French national holiday.
Do not miss it if you can!!
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| 12 February, 2008 - Ireland To Move To The Right? | Some Irish politicians want to change the law, and force Irish drivers to drive, and ride, on the right side of the road, not the current left.
People are afraid that this will cause many accidents, so we at Bikes in the Fast Lane have an idea. Here's our suggestion.
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| 23 January, 2008 - Rest Areas For The 2008 Enduropale (Le Touquet Beach race) | The famous Le Touquet beach race will be held on the weekend of the 2nd of February again, and since they are expecting 100,000's of bikers coming from all over Europe, the French government has placed 4 biker rest areas alongside the popular roads. The A16 will be free for motorcycles during the weekend.
Here are the four areas, where you can find food, mechanical assistance, coffee, gas.. etc.
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| 29 August, 2007 - Netherlands: Vandal Proof Speed Camera | The Dutch have a new speed radar camera.
It's vandal proof. You can shoot, it, burn it or try to pull it down. It'll keep working.
4 cameras are on board, so you'll be flashed, no matter what or where.
There's no escaping!
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| 17 August, 2007 - The Most Dangerous Roads Part 2 | Here's the sequel to "The Most Dangerous Roads of the World".
It's called "The Most Dangerous Roads of the World - Part2", and the roads are not as terrible as the first part, in fact, they're more the roads I'd like to ride.
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| 14 August, 2007 - Stockholm, Sweden To Charge Congestion Charges | The city of Stockholm, Sweden have decided to turn their experiment of charging congestion charges for entering their city into reality.
Now, depending on the time of day, you can expect to pay some US$ 9 per day. So far, motorcycles are exempt.
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| 27 July, 2007 - Speed Ticket Insurance | A Danish association (speed club - appropriately named Fartklubben) is offering an insurance against speeding tickets (and also parking tickets).
For a little bit of money, they'll pay your speeding fines. Too good to be true ?
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| 18 July, 2007 - Lawyer Challenges Denver Motorcycle Noise Law | The strange and unfair law that went in effect this month in Denver is being challenged by a smart lawyer (a biker himself). He has stated that the Police motorcycles generate more noise than what the new law allows for, so either the law must be withdrawn, or the Police must stop using the motorcycles.
Smart move, now let's see what is going to happen in court. |
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| 2 July, 2007 - Finding Out The Traffic Situation In France | With the upcoming summer holidays, many people will be coming to, or travelling through, France. Many vehicles have radios or GPS equipped with RDS, but for those of you who don't have it, here's a French government site that shows you the traffic situation in real time.
You'll be able to see which roads are blocked, which have work in progress and where the accidents are.
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| 28 June, 2007 - UK: Unity Ride | Unity Ride came after the 2005 terrorists attack on London, UK. Started by TheLondonBikers.com, it was supposed to be a small event; some 30 motorcycle riding through London. It turned out to be 3,500!
After the enormous success, they are planning another ride through London in August. This time, it's to raise awareness of the intolerance towards bikers.
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| 28 June, 2007 - Philippines: Politicos Gone Crazy | Yet another bunch of idiot political bosses decide on a new law. In this case it's in Manila, Philippines, where the top idiots have decided that all motorcycle and scooter riders must paint their license paint in the front and back of THEIR HELMETS!
That must have been some serious dope they were smoking!
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| 22 June, 2007 - A Bit Of Water Never Hurt Anyone? | The start of summer is really bad in Western Europe.
In Switzerland there are record rain falls. France isn't any better.
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| 13 June, 2007 - Want To Ride With Ewan McGregor And Charlie Boorman? | If you're admirers of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman's Long Way Down motorcycle ride through Africa, here's you're chance to join them.
The charity organization Riders for Health are auctioning off two tickets to join the duo on their last two days of the trip.
You'll be flown to South Africa, loaned a BMW motorcycle, and you get to join the two while they ride the last two days. |
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| 28 May, 2007 - Touring Normandy On A Ural Sidecar | We've written a lot about exotic places to tour on your holidays, but here in Normandy, you can also book your holidays, riding the World War II beaches in style.
Moto Masala will organize your tour riding a Ural sidecar or a Royal Enfield Bullet. Prices are very reasonable, and you'll be staying in charming B&B's along the way.
What better way to discover Normandy then in style!
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| 23 May, 2007 - Ride The Top Of The World - Adventure Tour | Riding your KTM motorcycle to the top of the world must be one of those ultimate experiences for a holiday.
Enduro Bhutan is a company that specializes in motorcycle tours of the Himalayan mountains using KTM motorcycles.
One tour brings you at 5500 meter altitude at the Base Camp of Mount Everest.
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| 21 May, 2007 - Organized Adventure Riding - Silk Road | Riding unknown roads in unknown countries can be scary, but riding them at the end-of-the-world can be outright frightening.
Unless you have a full support crew (like two film stars we know), one good way of adventure riding is to join the Globe Riders Silk Road Adventure tour.
It's not for the faint hearted, nor for people with little money, but you do get a 53 days long adventure ride, guided by experts. Have a look at the video.
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| 10 May, 2007 - Planning To Attend The French MotoGP? | As every year, the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) is organizing special rest places for motorcycles riders who are attending the French MotoGP.
Here, you'll find many free services for bikers, like mechanical interventions, visor cleaning, tire inflation, drinks, and food. Some even offer beds.
For many, the MotoGP fun starts here!
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| 10 May, 2007 - The Price Of Fuel In France And Where To Get It | Gas prices have been soaring, and the French government is trying to stop too high prices, and open up competition.
To do this, they've created a website with most gas station's fuel prices. You can search by city, area, postcode or province. Shortly you'll even be able to create an itinerary and the site will show you the fuel prices en-route.
But the site is in French. So, here are some simple instructions on how to use the site.
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| 9 May, 2007 - Avalon Tours - Touring Asia On A Motorcycle | Travelling on faraway and exotic countries can be really fun and rewarding. But organizing them can turn your holiday into a nightmare.
That's where tour operators come in handy. Here's a look at UK based motorcycle tour operator, Avalon Tours.
Touring Thailand and Cambodia... heaven!
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| 4 May, 2007 - Moto Where - Web Motorcycle Routes | You can no longer say that you don't know where to go with your motorcycle!
There are more and more web sites offering detailed routes for motorcycles, with options to download tracks to your GPS. Here's a look at MotoWhere.
It's a really nice use of Google Maps.
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| 20 April, 2007 - More Motorcycles Than Cars in Indonesia | With 3.8 million motorcycles, and only 2.5 million cars in Jakarta, Indonesia, the State Minister is looking at banning the sales of new cars, hoping (in vein) to stop the rampant pollution.
Don't think his plan will work... |
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| 27 March, 2007 - Sunday Motorcycle Rides - Web Mapping Program | Motorcycle itineraries web programs are coming off age. There are more and more of them available, and every new one, has a higher level of sophistication and ease of use.
The latest we're looking at is called SundayMorningRides.com, and features many innovative ways of capturing and displaying your favorite motorcycle routes.
No more excuses for taking that great Sunday ride !
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| 23 March, 2007 - UK 2008 Taxes | Miracles do occur! You just need to look out for them.
The UK just announced its 2008 budget, and for a rare occurrence, motorcycle taxes are not going to increase, or just very slightly. Compared with cars, motorcycles (or motorbikes, depending on which country you live in) are much better off.
I guess we'll be seeing more and more motorcycles in the UK now.
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| 13 March, 2007 - Sweden Ups Maximum Speed Limit | | Whoopee, they've raise the speed limit on motorways in Sweden from a crawling 100 kph to the super fast speed of 120 kph! Huhh ? 120 is not much extra, but it's a start. Better up than down! |
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| 8 March, 2007 - Korea: Anti-Motorcycle Politics | We're not the only ones that have problems with strange anti-motorcycle laws.
Have a look at what's happening in Korea. Not that strange North Korean, but in South Korea!
As a motorcycle rider, you're not allowed to ride on highways (express ways), car-only roads and over passes! The only roads you can take are smaller rural roads and city streets, both are far more dangerous for motorcycles. Why ? Because the Korean government, in 1972, decided it was not safe for motorcycles!
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| 6 March, 2007 - Book Review: Carla King’s American Borders | For those of you who like to read a great motorcycle adventure book, here's one that truly is great! Written by Carla King, a fellow MBI blogger and a travel journalist, Carla knows how to put a sentence together.
Carla's book entitled "American Borders" is the true story of her long ride to all corners of the USA on a Russian built Ural motorcycle. It was not just any old Ural, but the first one post-communist era, meant for export.
Needless to say, the motorcycle had a lot of problems, and Carla had to learn the hard way to fix the bike. Along the way she encountered many "strange" fellow travellers.
Her story is fun to read, entertaining and informative. A must read for anyone who like to read about adventure riding on a motorcycle.
I highly recommend this book for anyone, even if they're not riders!
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| 28 February, 2007 - Intersections - WTF ? | Sometimes you've got to wonder who designs intersections, specially those on motorways.
Here are some examples of really dangerous ones, obviously designed by a committee.
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| 27 February, 2007 - Share Roadbooks Worldwide, Including GPS Data | Always on the lookout for great motorcycle trips, here's a great website that does exactly that. It allows users to upload their GPS data, which is then transformed in a Google Map. Including your comments and even photos, and you have a searchable database full of motorcycle trips.
All trips can be printed and downloaded for your GPS.
What more do you want? Go on, upload you favorite motorcycle trips, or download new ones.
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| 22 February, 2007 - Complicated Road Marking - The Dutch Way | The Dutch are "inventing" new road marking, using colors and different patterns to indicate allowed speed and other rules.
More confusion, more accidents.
Are they really smoking some heavy shit ?? Have a look. |
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| 14 February, 2007 - Illegal To Use GPS In Switzerland | | It has become against the law in Switzerland to have a GPS equipped with a speed radar database. This means almost any modern GPS. If caught, you face the destruction of the GPS and a hefty fine. Long live the liberties in Switzerland. |
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| 25 January, 2007 - Geat Idea In Malaysia ! Why Not Here ? | | In Malaysia the local politicians would seem to be motorcycle friendly. They are planning to install motorcycle-only lanes on their roads. Way to go ! Are the politicians in other countries paying attention !! |
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| 18 January, 2007 - Moto-Map: USA Discovery Maps for Motorcycles | Finding the right motorcycle road/itineraries in the USA can be an impossible task.
Here's Moto-Map to the rescue, tailor made motorcycle maps with some of the best roads to ride on for motorcycles.
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| 26 December, 2006 - Top 7 Most Dangerous Roads | Not all roads are created equal, some are just outright dangerous.
Here's a list with photos of the top 7 most dangerous roads to travel on.
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| 11 December, 2006 - Luxury Motorcycle Tours | UK based Discovery Moto Tours offer luxury guided motorcycle tours in exotic places like Thailand?
Go on a nice motorcycle holiday for 14 days through on a BMW R1200GS, with luxury sweeper cars, guides and the best hotels.
Dream holiday !
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| 8 December, 2006 - Florida’s Christmas Spirit | In Florida, USA, the Orange County Police force have gotten the Christmas spirit.
Dressed up as elves, they're manning their speed radars, and handing out speeding fines as if they're croissants.
What has the world come to ?
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| 8 December, 2006 - What ?? I can’t hear you !! | A simple-minded town in Arizona, USA has imposed a 80 dB noise level on motorcycles !
The town council has not given their approval, their own law states 85 dB, and a US$750 fine was never decided upon.
Why not just say "Bikers Not Allowed!".
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| 6 December, 2006 - Video: Worldrider (Allan Karl) In Bolivia | | RTW motorcycle rider Allan Karl has posted a video of his ride in parts of Bolivia. This will give you a good idea of the conditions he's meeting while travelling the world. |
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| 3 October, 2006 - Riding Solo To The Top Of The World | A look at a very interesting travel/adventure website from India, and a closer look at one of their epic journeys to the top of the world.
Prepare yourself to spend several hours at this site.
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| 20 September, 2006 - Costa Rica Motorcycle Tours | Moto Tours Costa Rica offer a full road or off-road motorcycle tour of Costa Rica on KTM motorcycles.
You can even rent their motorcycles to discover this beautiful Central American country by yourself. |
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| 5 September, 2006 - Interesting RTW Site - Simon and Lisa Thomas | A look at a great RTW website, produced by Lisa and Simon Thomas about their current world travels on their motorcycles.
They've been on the road since 2003, and have been taking loads of great photos, and writing superb diaries. A must see for the budding or armchair traveller.
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| 30 August, 2006 - More Motorcycle Transporters - Belgium | After last weeks article on US Motorcycle Carriers, reader Jerry Rocteur pointed out a Belgium version.
Bikes-to-Beach bring your motorcycle from door to door in Southern Europe (or to big events, or corporate events) for very reasonable fees.
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| 28 August, 2006 - First Luxury Motorcycle Resort | They're building a luxury motorcycle resort in the USA. Called Vintages, it's fully equipped with spas, sauna, bars, etc.
It should be come a nice holiday spot, or passing-through place when travelling in the US. 20 of these will be built over time in the USA.
Lifetime memberships, or more limited ones are available.
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| 25 August, 2006 - US Motorcycle Carriers | Here's a fellow in the USA, who'll come and pick up your motorcycle and transport it on a truck to popular destinations (like Sturgis etc), or in the winter to warm weather (Florida).
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| 18 August, 2006 - Wine and Motorcycles; Touring France | Maybe you think that wine and motorcycles don't really mix, but if you do it professionally, like Unicorn Adventures, you could have a great holiday.
Unicorn run a fully organized wine tour of France on motorcycles. A 15 day holiday through all the wine regions of France on one of their BMW motorcycles.
Interested ??? Read on...
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| 15 August, 2006 - New Moroccan Motorcycle Touring Company | A new, UK based, touring company has been created for touring Morocco. Moto-Morocco will come and pickup your motorcycle, bring it to Morocco, while you fly comfortably there.
Then, with their experienced guides, mechanics and support staff, you tour the country. What could be better ?
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| 7 August, 2006 - Sturgis 2006 | 500,000 motorcycles are gathering in the mythical and famous Sturgis biker meet. The largest in the world, Sturgis attracts bikers from around the world.
Here are some photos of the event as published by the newswires.
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| 7 July, 2006 - Enduro Holidays in the Alps | A look at an outfit that offers motorcycle enduro holidays in the Alps, with English speaking staff.
Stay in their fully equipped chalet.
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| 24 April, 2006 - Love Coast Ride | A look at the trip we took last week, with some photos of Brittany's (Bretagne) Cote d'Armor.
This place is motorcycle heaven; small winding roads, cliffs, forests, coastal villages and many great restaurants. If you're ever planning to ride in France, have a look at one possible destination.
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| 21 March, 2006 - Charity Motorcycle Ride To Mali | | British motorcycle rider, Bertrand Sargisson, is going for the 2nd year, attempt to ride to Mali to help out with the SOS Children Village organization. He is planning to bring as much medical and school supplies as he can get his hands on. You can help him! |
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| 14 March, 2006 - France-Germany Sign Ticket Exchange Deal | | A bilateral agreement between Germany and France (and possibly other European countries) will allow the exchange of speeding tickets. Speed in one country, pay in the other. |
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| 8 March, 2006 - Two African Rallies, 2 Ways Of Doing Them | There are two other African rallies apart from the Dakar. The Optic2000 Tunisia and Orpi Maroc motorcycle races are open to all amateurs.
But you can also fly there on a VIP package, and follow the race in a chauffeur driven 4x4 car, sleep in the bivouac and wine and dine with the stars.
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| 13 February, 2006 - 100 Best Motorcycle Roads In France | A new publication about the top 100 best motorcycle roads in France.
Maps, roadbooks, restaurants, hotels, camping along the way.
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| 26 January, 2006 - Motorcycle License in France | Obtaining a motorcycle license in France is not an easy process. It's lengthy and not easy.
They really put you through their paces. Read what you need to do.
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| 23 December, 2005 - Motorcross/Enduro Holiday In France - Kids/Adults | Don't know what to do for your 2006 holidays ? Got kids who want to learn riding a motorcycle ? Here's the solution. A high park with several motocross/enduro circuits, motorcycles or quads, all under the watchful eyes of trained staff. Activities for kids.
107 room hotel. 200 people restaurant. A great holiday !
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| 16 December, 2005 - Antiquated Motorcycle Laws - France | France have just reinforced one of their antiquated motorcycle laws. If you're caught with a motorcycle with more than 100 hp, you go to jail !
Long live the revolution ! |
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| 30 November, 2005 - Go On A Motorcycle Holiday, Help A Charity | A great idea, go on a motorcycle holiday while helping a deserving charity. 7Fifty organizes 2 trips next year, one on Ecuador and one in Morocco. All included trips.
Adventure of a lifetime.
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| 28 October, 2005 - Legal Motorcycle Parking | The French Angry Biker Association is planning a massive protest ride on the 5th of November protesting parking laws, while the Toronto authorities have granted free parking to motorcycles!
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| 23 June, 2005 - Parking in Paris | Parking in Paris can be daunting, so here's a quick way of finding yourself a parking place in Paris.
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| 10 June, 2005 - Sneaky Speed Radar | The French Police have found a new way of hiding speed radars.
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| 13 May, 2005 - Rent a Race Motorcycle | Moto-Run offer the rental of Yamaha R6 motorcycles at one of the French main racing circuits.
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| 13 April, 2005 - Motorcycle Holidays In France | | An operator has started a motorcycle holiday company for visitors to France, all inclusive motorcycle holidays. |
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| 16 February, 2005 - Radar Web Site for France | A look (and translation) of a very detailed website describing all radars in France, fixed and mobile.
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| 1 February, 2005 - Motorcycle Cruise Ship | ETA offer a good motorcycle holiday for all to enjoy, even if your partner doesn't like motorcycles.
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| 26 January, 2005 - Morocco Ride Report | | Finally my ride report on our trip to Morocco, with 161 photos ! |
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| 1 December, 2004 - Photo Motorcycle Travel Log | Merritt and Pierre are travelling around the world on their motorcycles and are publishing a great website with a lot of great photos.
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| 1 October, 2004 - Motorcycles and London | | London city is seeing an increase of 20% of motorcycle registrations since the congestion tax! |
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| 5 December, 2003 - Motorcycle Taxis in Paris | Car traffic is becoming more and more difficult in Paris.
Motorcycle Taxis are flourishing....
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| 27 October, 2003 - Radars Map in France | | I've published two detailed maps of where you can find the new digital radars in France.... |
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