Category Archives: Events

Events and invitations for the motorcycle enthusiast

Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycles, News

We are Back! Ride Outs are restarting.

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We’ve been away… but now we are back.  I do apologise for the missing ride outs.

We have been extremely busy with ‘Learner’ training through the last few months, (and we are still heavily booked up now) but I have been asked a few times when the ride outs will start again. So here we go.

To make up for the missing ones I will be running 2 in November.

Sunday the 6th of November.  Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley and the Banks of the Severn.

Starting from our new meeting point. 9.30am at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, (which is a snack bar….on Caerphilly Mountain).  The snack bar has been revamped and now offers covered seating – and still has the same range of burgers, rolls and drinks etc. that we (I) have grown to love over the years. It is the home of the ‘Mountain Monster’ which is a massive breakfast roll – and not the woman who works there!

Sunday the 20th of November. Motorcycle Live 2011.  (The NEC Bike Show to you & me).

This is an old favourite taking a scenic route up to the M5 near Worcester and jumping on to the Motorway for the last run in to the NEC.  Starting at the ‘Mountain Monster’ for an early start at 8.30am.  Tickets for the Show are £19 on the door or £16 if you buy them in advance from the ‘Motorcycle Live’ website.  If you don’t want to visit the ‘New’ bike show there will be an opportunity to visit the British Motorcycle Museum, which is just the other side of the NEC roundabout.  Either one is a great bike day out.

Sunday the 11th of December.  The Teddy Bear Christmas Run to the Children’s Casualty Unit at UHW.

We have done this before and we will do it again.  All I ask is that you bring along a New Teddy Bear or similar, (at least 1).  Please don’t bring along a massive bear as the idea is for the Bears to be given to the children who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in the Casualty Unit as Christmas approaches.  As an idea, IKEA sell small (pocket sized) soft toys for around 40p up wards.  So for a couple of quid you could fill your panniers!

The reason is that it is believed that if a child becomes attached to the toy whilst they are being treated, it aids their recovery if the are allowed to take the toy home with them afterwards.  Obviously there is no funding for this in the NHS.  So please support this one and dig deep for your Teddies.  So remember it is better to buy a few small ones rather than one big one (which can become cumbersome in the confines of the Casualty Unit).

So I hope there is something here for you and you can join us on one or all of these.  As before these ride outs are free but all I ask is that you buy a ‘Full Stop’ badge in aid of the NSPCC.

Also, get your free copy of ‘Motorcycle Monthly’ plus discount vouchers for clothing at ‘Infinity Motorcycles’ and also ‘Bikegear’ at Bridgend.

If nothing else…. come and see the Mountain Monster!

Come on…… you know you want to.   We are back!

Follow us on Facebook.  Just search for ‘1st Class Rider Training’ and see some things about some stuff and some pictures with things in….. 1st Class!

Advice, Events, Motorcycles, News

TT 3D, Closer to the Edge

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‘TT3D, Closer to The Edge’  is a film in Cinemas now.  It is a documentary behind the scenes look at the Isle of Man TT Motorcycle Races.  The TT is an iconic event, where ordinary men (and recently women) risk their lives to compete in the World’s most dangerous race.  For no big prize money they pitch their wits against the clock and against the course rather than against each other.

The film features Guy Martin and centres on his efforts to turn his 8 podium places into his first win in 2010.  This film is not just for the bike enthusiast, although if you’ve ever ridden you will be sure to appreciate it, but it shows the human spirit and determination of those not only riding but friends and family behind the scenes.  It’ll make you catch your breath, it’ll make wonder, it’ll make you laugh and it might just make you cry.

Go and see it.

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

CRASH Card

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What is a CRASH Card?

The CRASH Card was designed by Paramedics who are passionate about motorcycles.  The purpose is to pass on essential information about you, the rider, to paramedics at the road side and medical staff in A & E, in the event of you having a crash and not being able to communicate yourself.

Here at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff I have just received mine.  It was sent out when I renewed my Bike Insurance.

How does The CRASH Card work?

You will be supplied with a small Green Dot Sticker which you place on the right hand side of your visor or helmet.  (I think the helmet is better in case the visor comes free in a collision).  The Green Dot sticker alerts Paramedics that you have joined the CRASH Card scheme.

The sticker comes with a small (credit card size- but not plastic) card on which you put your name and contact details together with any essential medical information or history. You then place the card inside the lining of your helmet.  The Green Dot Stickers tells the Paramedics what to look for and where.

So if you are unlucky enough to have a crash, and unlucky enough for that crash to be that serious that you can’t speak for yourself then the CRASH Card will do it for you.

Please note if you lend your helmet to a mate make sure you take your CRASH Card out first!

Also remember that the removal of a helmet after a crash is a skilled ‘two man’ operation and unless the casualty is not breathing, should never be attempted without medical or trained assistance. So never attempt to remove another rider’s helmet on your own.

Hopefully you will never need it, and may even forget that it is there….but just in case.

Here at 1st Class Rider Training we support this initiative and I am trying to get a supply of the cards and stickers which we will be happy to distribute.

 

Cardiff, CBT, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Honda CG 125cc For Sale.

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Here is a Honda CG 125cc Bike for Sale by one of 1st Class Rider, Rider’s Club members.  The CG 125 is an ideal fuel cost busting commuter bike and has recently been serviced and MOT’d.

It is the 2002 model with both Electric and Kick Start and has covered  just 2,600 miles.

The asking price is £1000.

If you are interested please give me a call and I will put you in touch with Martyn who is the proud owner at the moment.

 

Please note hat this is a private sale and is not connected with 1st Class Rider Training and for your peace of mind this is not one of our CBT training bikes so has never been used for learner training.

So just think,  cheap to run,  no toll on the Severn Bridge, free to park in a lot of places and (out of Cardiff) able to use the Bus Lanes.

If you are thinking of buying a small commuter, then this is it.  If you want a bike and haven’t done any training yet, then we can assist you with that.

All you need to ride this is a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and we do CBT in Cardiff at our training site in Whitchurch High School.

Don’t miss this opportunity.

Cardiff, Events, News

Sale at Bikegear 9th & 10th of April

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Bikegear have announced a 20% off Trade In Weekend for the 9th & 10th of April 2011.  Your local store is situated in Bridgend (Tondu Road CF31 4LH), and they have served our  ‘1st Class Riders’ well in the past.

This weekend if you trade in your old kit they will give you up to 20% off the price of any of the new stuff your fancy.

New Stuff … for old stuff… with stuff off…..  Sounds like a good weekend to me.

If you can’t make this event, don’t forget that our 1st Class Riders can pick up a voucher from us which will give you 10% off at any other time and you don’t even need to take your old trousers off for that….in fact we would prefer you to keep them on!

So get down to Bikegear for a great deal.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff Associated Web Sites

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Most of you are familiar with our main training web site for all you needs with regards to Motorcycle Training in Cardiff,Newport and Swansea but We would like to introduce and remind yu of our other linked web sites.

www.1stclassridertours.co.uk  This is our latest addition to our web family, and was set up specifically to give up to date information on our planned Euro Bike Tours and is well worth a visit.

www.1stclassriderblog.co.uk  This is our less formal Newsletter Blog Site for all information relating to our Monthly Motorcycle Ride Outs, Social Event’s,Charity Rides and Advanced Training.  Here you can leave comments, ask questions and express your view on all things biking.  The blog also lists information about the tours and in a way links all of our sites together.

We hope this helps you to find just what you are looking for and separates the information so that those looking to do a CBT in Cardiff don’t end up booking a trip to France instead…..(that will come later for you I’m sure).

To sign up for free automatic up dates on our activities enter your email address into the log in box on our 1stclassriderblog site and enjoy the ride.

It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Come on get clicking.  Why not pay each of our sites a visit, i’m sure you’ll find what you are looking for.  If not, give me a call and let me know so I can put it right.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Module 1 Motorcycle Test. Changes Introduced for Spring 2011

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There is an ongoing review of the ‘new’ two part Motorcycle Test after many reported complaints and problems since it was first introduced.

The DSA have announced that with effect from the 16th of May 2011 some minor changes will be implemented, whilst the main review is still taking place.

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff feel that these changes are  sensible and relevant and bring the Mod 1 test more naturally in line with the Module 2 test.

The main changes are that all the slow maneuvering exercises will be done en bloc before the higher speed, ‘speed recorded’ exercises. Also that candidates will be given an opportunity, during the test to have a familiarisation ride around the bend in the site to get their bearings prior to the actually tested high speed exercises. This should alleviate any claim that the candidates wasn’t clear about the route to be taken through the cones.

The order for the ‘speed’ exercises has been changed in that the candidate will be asked to perform the Emergency Stop, before attempting the ‘Turn & Swerve’ Avoidance exercise.

We feel a major common sense change has been made for the speed recording in that now there will be a tolerance allowing the candidate to still pass the test even if the speed is up to 2kph below the required 50kph (32mph approx).

This is a good move, as in the past we have had excellent riders, well able to control the bike at slow speed and out on the road, but because the only recorded a speed of 49kph (less than half a mile an hour too slow) they have failed the test.

Failing to get up to 50kph was recorded as a serious fault and constituted a failure.  From May a speed of 48 or 49kph will be recored as a minor fault and a pass.  Any less than 48kph will still be seen as a serious fault  – as is the case now.

These changes should put a more natural flow to the test and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff welcomes the changes.  If you are looking for Motorcycle Training in Cardiff of for Motorcycle Training in Newport,or Motorcycle Training in Swansea then give 1st Class Rider Training a call and we will be happy to talk you through the changes and your training options.

For full details of the test changes and to read the DSA press release on the subject, visit the DSA website, or Direct Gov.Co.uk

Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Next Euro Tour. Rouen & Normandy June 24th – 26th 2011

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Rouen,  The Capital of Upper Normandy. France.  June 24th – 26th  2011

Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the  24th – 26th of June 2011.

For those of you looking for something different, then this is it.  Rouen and the Normandy Beaches.

Crossing from Dover to Calais on Friday morning (24th) and travelling cross country to the Medieval Town of Rouen.  Rouen is one of France’s most ancient and historic Cities.

Developed and settled over the centuries  by the Romans and the Vikings and was taken under English control after a long siege in 1431.  It became the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, before the City was returned to French control in 1449.  Overlooking The Seine it is situated in the heart of picturesque Upper Normandy.

This will be a bike trip with a difference.  So take a tour under the watchful eye of your experienced Guide/Leader. Taking a leisurely ride through very scenic countryside, this is a great trip to experience riding in France.

If you’ve never been… then you must.

It is anticipated that this trip will be quickly sold out so please ensure you don’t miss out and let me know, and get you name on the list.

Costs are as before, and will be £350 per person*.  Cost includes return Ferry Crossing for you and your bike, using the prestigious Sea France Fleet, Shared Hotel Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis, Information Pack, Maps and the services of our Experienced Tour Guide/Lead Rider.

These tours are limited to 10 bikes only and are suitable for Riders of All Abilities.  Using a Group Riding Navigation System which allows each Rider to ride at their own pace, it ensures that everyone can ride safely yet still be sure that they won’t be left behind.  (This navigation system will be fully explained).

As with the last trip you will have the opportunity to purchase a personalised ‘1st Class Rider Tours’ Polo Shirt.  Embroidered (not printed) with the 1st Class Logo on breast and with ‘Rouen 2011’ across the back.  The left sleeve can be personalised with either your name or bike make and model.

These quality Polo Shirts proved popular for the Amsterdam Trip and are available at only £25.

CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE.  07545 567 273

*Please note.  If you have travelled with us on one of our Euro Tours before, then a 10% discount off the price applies.  So instead of £350 you pay just £315.  You can’t not come can you…….

For Full Details, Give me a call or visit our new 1st Class Tours Website.  www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

France is waiting……. Come on….. You know you want to……..

Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

BMW R1100RT For Sale (Again)

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Here it is again.  My Old BMW is up for Sale again.  Th Gent who bought it last year is moving to France but isn’t taking the bike with him.  (and I was hoping to go over and visit it sometime..)

He hasn’t ridden it much due to the snow late last year, but the bike has been garaged over the winter.  He is asking £1650 for it and it is well worth that.  It comes with the top box and BMW Touring Panniers.  S Registration with just over 81,000 miles on the clock.

Here are the photos.  If you are interested please give me a call and I will put you in touch with Tony, it’s current owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, Old Betsy in all her Glory!.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give me a call if you are interested.  07545567273.

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Free Stuff – When you buy stuff!

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At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff I have a quantity of vouchers to give you whopping discounts on bike gear. Some free stuff, when you buy stuff.

As part of The Think campaign we can offer you these vouchers and combined advice leaflet aimed at encouraging riders to wear the correct gear when riding. With an approved helmet being our only legal requirement it is sometimes easy to forget about the rest. So take advantage of these vouchers to get yourself covered. Because Riding Shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg!.

The vouchers expire on the 31st of March 2011, so hurry if you want one. The combined vouchers cover items of protective clothing to compliment your kit.

Offer 1
Get 10% off motorcycle gloves, boots, jackets or trousers at Infinity Motorcycles.

Offer 2
Free knee protectors – worth £14.99 – when you buy any pair of Draggin Jeans at Hein Gericke.

Offer 3
Get 10% off Knox FastBack CE approved back protector vest. RRP £59.99.

If you want one of these vouchers please call in an collect one from 1st Class Rider Training or send me a stamped addressed envelope and I will return it to you immediately.

Don’t miss out, get yours today. (While Stocks Last- I’ve got approximately 100 to give away).