Withernsea Bike Festival

This year will be on the Bank Holiday weekend - we will be there as usual on Sunday 29th August and look forward to catching up with your news so come along and have a great day out with the family.

Independent driving: the facts

Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010.

It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.

It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Newspaper reports

The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.

Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.

In our experience it is always best to buy from a reputable dealer with years of expertise behind them, skilled staff who can advise on the best bike for your needs and also help with advise on finance etc.  For many years we have had a successful trading partnership with 5-Ways Motorcycles based on Walton Street Hull, for quality new and used motorcycles they are without doubt the people to speak to.  

Buying from other sources such as from advertisments in the local paper or internet can be successful but you are well advised to check out the bike first to make sure it isn't stolen or been in an accident, if this is ok then take along someone who knows about bikes and what to be wary off.  

A well maintained bike is a safer bike.  Looking after it regularly can save you money in the long run, a little bit of oil or lube can prevent a breakdown that could cost hundreds to fix.  Simple checks carried out as routine will highlight what is required such as oil, brake fluid top up etc. 

Our advise to new riders is to enrol on the Basic Bike Maintenance course run by Hull College based in Cannon Street, this short  course will instruct in simple maintenance and also  how to change brake pads, adjust your chain, replace a worn sprocket etc and for about £100 could save you thousands in garage bills over your riding career.

We kicked off the summer with our annual May Day ride on Monday 3rd May, what a great turn out, it's always nice to see so many familiar faces all still safely enjoying the biking experience.

We were 12 bikes strong as we left Ideal at 10 under quite threatening skies, but apart from a blustery wind the weather was good to us.  I didn't risk taking my new 'baby' out as until I get the seat lowered I am still a bit too tippy-toe to feel confident, but not long now :) so pillion for me.  A fun ride included temporarily losing a couple of members by the time we reached Hornsea, where we met the meet the rest of the group (making 15, 16 if Neill's GSXR hadn't let him down), having to back track for petrol, a dropped bike and bad drivers out to kill.

The photo above show some of us on Brid harbour after we had grazed our way along the harbour front, fish n chips, whelks, prawns, ice cream, tea and donuts and that was just Pete!  (I've put a few more pictures in the gallery).

The group split at Brid some went on to Scarborough and back the long way round, and others headed back.  Unfortunately no photos exist of Chris getting an ear full from Tracey, (that's an ear full of ice cream cone!) shame. So once again we start the biking season with a belter.  I look forward to many more, see you out n about ... Marion

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our good friend and colleague Jim Bristow, who passed away last week.  Jim had work with us for many years originally doing his ADi training with us.  Jim will be sadly missed by colleagues and pupils alike.

Jim's funeral was held on Monday 12th April 2010 at 11.45 Hull Crematorium Chanterlands Ave. and was very well attended with many of his friends turning out to say goodbye. The service was a melancholy celebration of Jim's life and achievements with music he would of approved of.  He wanted no flowers but donations to the Cat protection league instead. We send our deepest sympathy to Mr and Mrs Bristow in their tragic loss.

Anyone interested in joining Pete and Nigel on there planned ride to Genova region Northern Italy, get in touch asap proposed leaving date is 23/05/2010 via North Sea Ferries and return on 30/05/2010.  Some camping plus the odd hotel stay, 

Our own car and bike instructor Chris Mackay-Mumby is now a happily married man.  He and the lovely Tracey tied the knot (or is it jumped over the broom, not too up on pagan weddings), on Saturday 31st October at the Beverley Regisry Office.  We all wish them a very long and happy life together.

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our Online Booking page it is now up and running. Launched following many request from pupils looking to book training but who had difficulties  reaching us by phone or in person pupils ie. overseas or in the armed forces.  

Coming soon will be a list of local B&B's hotels available in the area for residential courses.

Presentation—Enhanced Rider Scheme
WE were delighted to be able to contribute to the success of the special events held at Leconfield Barracks this week and our thanks to Rich Attenborough for giving us the opportunity to spread the word on ERS.

Since we spend every Saturday night in Ray's - we thought it was about time we acknowledged this fabulous resaurant publicly.  The food is out of this world (especially after a hard days CBT) try Ray's specials they are amazing, but be warned they are highly addictive.  Ray has no drinks licence so bring your own plonk!

Look forward to seeing you all there.

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THIS SUMMERS COMPETITION TO WIN EITHER A FREE CBT OR ERS  COURSE IS 

BROCHURE # 132

PLEASE POP IN WITH YOUR WINNING BROCHURE TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE.