Here are some words I thought I would never be saying but well done Beds County Council for putting on a free, well attended, well thought through, local motorcycle safety show. All the emergency services were there, including a load of police bikes, a paramedic team and local fire fighters in an informal, friendly atmosphere.

I managed to get roped into a paramedic demonstration with an attractive, blonde professional actress, Meg Morris (wingsva@btinternet.com) – well, someone had to do it – where under supervision I was shown how to remove a motorcycle casualty’s crash helmet. Having done various first aid courses both civilian and military, I thought it would be self explanatory, but quite a few things I had not thought of were brought to my attention. Meg is the artfully arranged casualty on the floor, and despite my cack handed helmet removal, Meg stayed perfectly in character notwithstanding my getting her hair caught in her helmet D ring buckle, and pulling it. Sorry Meg!

We were all trying to get a message across that while bikes are enjoyable they do carry a real risk.

We cannot control what other road users do, but we can minimise the risks and the whole show was run by bikers with a message to get across.

We are running a campaign to try and raise awareness of a real problem for urban motorcyclists’ and commuters, the car driver who turns right without checking his door mirror.

At every show we go to we are giving away as many stickers as we can (in hi visibility colours) encouraging drivers to use the door mirror, and see the filtering motorcyclist. The Highway Code says “don’t overtake by junctions” for motorcyclists, but it also warns drivers to check door mirrors, indicate, and get to the crown of the road, make a lifesaver and then turn. What we see is cars in a stream of traffic just flicking on the indicator, and turning and costing a motorcyclist his leg or his life.

So if you are at a show, please pick up the stickers, get them in your car, your mum’s car, your works van or wherever we can get the message across.

Howdy folks. Just thought I would share my viewpoint on Saturday with you all. Cheffy drove the ‘mighty white whale’ over which left me free to play on the ‘Blade in the sun, lovely.

I arrived just after 12.00 and bumped straight into the big man, not Cheffy, but Carl Fogarty himself. Good start. I felt like a complete child when I asked him to sign my lid but I couldn’t resist, picture below. Even better.

Cheffy even got Foggy to sign the latest prize bike, picture below, so make sure you check your numbers regularly. What a prize.

All-in-all not a bad day to spend an afternoon in the sun.

There is another road safety day being held at Bedford Fire station next weekend – for more details check out our show page.

Ride safe

Ok I got the short straw – I get to drive the HUGE White Dalton bus across to a show in Dunstable instead of riding my bike – BOO!!!  The upside is the show promises to be good and it is local to home. 

I arrive at about 08:00 to find Jenny from Coburn Hughes (Honda dealer for Luton) and Martin Mills from 1 on 1 Rider Training Ltd.  I know the day will be fun!

As expected the banter starts from the off and all the traders etc help each other get set up including the unloading of a Triumph Rocket which had been SUPERCHARDGED!!!!  It is huge, unnecessary and awesome!  So loud that it halted the demonstration by the paramedic.  Straight through pipes – Fantastic.

The day was a success and the sun was shining.   One of the other White Dalton Partners, Paul Henry, turned up on his blade and then we collared the star guest Mr Carl Fogarty to sign our prize bike and Paul’s lid as well as getting our photos with him!  You would never have guessed we are both the wrong side of 21 as it was mainly kids queuing up for photos!!!

And so starts the show season- check out the website for the shows we are doing and if you see a big chap with a skin head and a beard come say hi!