Information and advice about buying a motorcycle in Cardiff
The 2nd Cardiff Classic Motorcycle Show takes place on Sunday the 8th of May, at Whitchurch High School, Manor Way, Cardiff.
This was a fabulous event in it’s first year last Spring so is not to be missed.
1st Class Rider training will be supporting the show and once again we will have a stand at the show.
Promoting our training courses and our European Tours so come along and have a chat.
An excellent day out.
The November issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available from us here at 1st Class Rider Training- Cardiff.
This month’s issue contains pictures to look at, words to read and competitions to enter!
It’s all about bikes, it’s out every month and it’s absolutely FREE!
Get it from us or speak to any 1st Class Rider Training Instructor.
For those who have expressed an interest. This is it. Here are a few photos of the bike.
I hope these pictures help. You can see that it is well worth the asking price.
The October Issue of Motorcycle Monthly is now available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff and it’s still free.
In this issue you have the chance to win a 1001 piece Mega Masters Tool kit, worth £5800. Also read read the revciew of Yamaha Fazer 8 versus Honda VFR 800.
Lots of articles, features, product reviews and offers. This has to be the best Monthly Motorcycle Paper, that’s why they call it Motorcycle Monthly.
Pick up your copy form us here at 1st Class Rider Training, or from any of our Instructors. Or join us on a ride out and collect your copy from us there. See our Newsletter Blog for Ride Out details, offers and tour news.
This month there is no photo of the October Issue…..because it looks a bit like the September issue, and the August issue… And if you want to see what it looks like, come and get your copy. Did I tell you it’s free!
Amsterdam and The Anne Frank House. March 11th – 13th 2011.
Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the 11th -13th of March 2011.
For those of you looking for something different, then this is it. Amsterdam in the Spring, Bruges, & The Anne Frank House.
Crossing from Dover to Calais on Friday morning (11th) and travelling to Bruges for a lunch stop. Taking a tea stop on the way at a Chocolate factory coffee shop. This is a coffee shop with a difference with some of the naughtiest chocolate goodies you are ever likely to see.
After lunch travelling to Amsterdam for 2 nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. You will have a chance to sample the best that Amsterdam has to offer. Take a trip to The Anne Frank House for a very emotional and poignant visit, take a drink in one of the “cafe’s” which offer much more than just coffee! And not forgetting the World Famous Red Light District, where the window girls will try and charm your Euros from out of your pocket! (Please note that Amsterdam is not a sleazy place and this trip is open to Male and Female Riders alike – so please don’t think that this is just a ‘Men only trip)
Amsterdam is one of the most chilled out ‘cool’ places I’ve ever been, visiting several times whilst my Son lived over there for a year or so.
This will be a bike trip with a difference. So take a tour under the watchful eye of your experienced Guide/Leader.
If you’ve never been… then you must.
It is anticipated that this trip will be quickly sold out so please ensure you don’t miss out and let me know, and get you name on the list.
Costs as before, it is anticipated that the cost will be £350 per person. Cost includes return ferry crossing, accommodation, information pack, maps and the services of our experienced tour guide/lead rider.
Limited to 10 bikes only.
Come on You know you want to……
The Ryder Cup is not all Good News for some local businesses.
Motorcycle Training Expert Andy Smith of 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff says, ‘The Ryder Cup is being hailed as a boost to the economy in the South Wales Region but it has meant that the Newport Driving Test Centre has closed it’s doors for the duration, leaving motorcycle test candidates with an extended wait for tests’.
At a time when the Motorcycle Industry is under pressure from the recent introduction of the new two part motorcycle test, which brought with it a drastic cut in the number of tests centres, this is added pressure on a straining industry.
“We have been left firmly in the bunker” adds Andy. With the wait for motorcycle test in Wales well above the national average as it is this just prolongs the misery for test candidates, already having to book tests as far ahead as Mid November.
“I believe that the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) may have a reason for not wishing to conduct road tests during this period with the increase in traffic that the tournament will bring, but surely they could still conduct the off road element of the tests which involves no road riding at all”
With Newport being one of only two test centres for the off road test, serving the entire area of Mid, South and West Wales and is often used by training schools from as far afield as Hereford and Bristol, this week would be a perfect opportunity for the DSA to go some way to reducing the back log and waiting time for the Module 1 – ‘off road’ test.
An opportunity missed?
The DSA have announced that they are to stop publicising the Driving Test Routes.
Here at 1st Class Rider Training- Cardiff, we welcome that move. We are a firm believer that it is no good to teach a candidate simply to rehearse a test route, but to teach them to ride, and then passing the test is easy.
If you go to any area which has a test centre nearby you will see the same driving/ riding schools riding around and around the test routes. We believe that this does not do the candidate any good in their decision making and enhancing their own ability to read the road and road signs. They are simply learning a test route by rote.
As trainers we must be looking to produce the next generation of road users who are safe and make good timely decisions of their own accord and not simply turn out drivers and riders who get rid of the L plates as quickly as possible.
We have a responsibility to our students to ensure that they can get the best from their bike, before it gets the better of them. We make a point of training and riding anywhere other than the test route to fully prepare our students for life on the road. That way they have to develop their own skills at reading the road and taking notice of road signs.
This is why we take students for tests at any test centre we can get to and back in day. It all counts in their favour and the fact that they ‘”don’t know the area” shouldn’t have any affect on their ability to ride safely and with confidence.
Let’s produce Riders…. not just get rid of L plates.
Good move DSA, Well Done.
There are more changes to come with regards to the new Motorcycle Practical Test.
From the 4st of October Module 2 of the Test, which is the practical, on road ride, will include a section of independent riding. What this means is that the candidate will simply be asked to follow a series of directions or traffic signs. For example the instruction might be, “Follow signs towards the M4 and then follow signs for Cwmbran” (if your test is in Newport that is!).
The purpose of this to make the test a more natural and realistic ride, taking more responsibility for their own actions rather than just following step by step directions given by the examiner. It is anticipated that this would take up approximately 10 minutes for the whole duration of the test.
Students won’t fail for going the wrong way (unless they end up heading for London along the M4 !) but they will be tested on their ability to make decisions in a timely and well managed way taking account of route and traffic conditions. It will give the candidate the opportunity to ride as if they are on their own, and unsupervised.
This shouldn’t be too much of problem for 1st Class Rider Training students. As it is now, when training we give directions like, “Take me to MacDonalds and then follow signs to Burger King”…..
This is another great chance to join us on one of our Long Weekend French Tours. In a group no bigger than ten bikes we travel from Dover to Calais, using the prestigious Sea France Fleet. Using an 8am ferry 0n Friday morning.
Three days, two nights Bed & Breakfast Hotel accommodation visiting the WWI War Graves of The Somme Region of France and the latest War Graves Cemetery at Fromelles on the France Belgian Border. Returning to the UK from Calais to Dover on Sunday evening.
For just £350 you get;
Return Ferry Crossing.
Two nights Hotel Bed & Breakfast (using one hotel so no lugging your kit about)
Our Experienced Lead Rider Guide Services.
Information pack on riding in France with destinations and maps.
These are lead group rides so you get to ride under the watchful eye of highly qualified group leaders.
So if you are a seasoned French traveller or if you are venturing across the water for the first time this is the ideal way to gain experience in a friendly group.
For details or to book your place please give me a call on;
07545 567 273.
Spaces are strictly limited to just ten bikes and spaces usually sell out fast.
Au Revoir ….for now.
The September issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff
Just call in and we’ll give you a copy or they are available free from any 1st Class Rider Training Instructor.
This is a great read and is packed full of features, reports, reviews and competitions.
The Seotember issue includes a report on the issue of Westminster Council imposing parking charges on bikes, and how you can join the fight against it.
A quirky comparison of a Harley Electra Glide versus the BMW S1000RR.
And you can find out who is the MotoGP brightest Bunny Grid Girl. (what do you mean it doesn’t matter)
All this and more…… And it’s free.
Call and get your copy now. It looks a bit like this …..
