in 2017 ride moreride more - · pdf filemcn has teamed up with bennetts and other partners...

IN 2017

RIDE MORERIDE MORERIDE MORECHANGE YOUR LIFE

24-PAGE

PULLOUT

O�Why more miles WILL make you happy O�UK’s best roads O�67 Amazing biking destinations

IN ASSOCIATION WITH MCN’S TRUSTED PARTNERS

I T ’S LEAVING THE

HOUSE, THE JOB,

AND THE TRAFF IC

BEH IND

Nothing beats getting away from it

all, when all you need to think about

is the road ahead. And when it comes

to insuring your bike our team make

it as hassle-free as possible, so you can

simply focus on your next ride.

• We search our panel of insurers to find

you the best cover for the best price

• Trusted by riders for over 85 years

• Expert 24-hour claims service

• Tailor made insurance packages

Visit Bennetts.co.uk or call 0330 018 5943 for a quote BennettsMotorcycle insurance specialists

#ItsWhatWeDo

WELCOME TO#RIDE MILES

My wife bought a pair of re-ally expensive wellies… excessively expensive. For the following year,

she’d proudly and loudly announce every time we went for a walk: “An-other mile walked, another 50p of value…” Until we all got bored of work-ing out whether she’d actually ‘paid’ them off by walking the requisite amount of miles.

A motorcycle is a bit like that – but loads better… obviously. Once

the investment is made, more

miles simply means more value is be-ing extracted.

Add to that the time saving, the stress relief (what row of traffic?) and the

sheer enjoyment of lifting your visor and taking great big gulps of fresh air.

MCN has teamed up with Bennetts and other partners (see page 9) to create a campaign to encourage bike riders to cover 5000 miles this year.

Join us on Facebook, sign up to our FREE newsletter and send us your pics as you rack up the distance. It doesn’t matter whether your mileage is made up of a daily commute, one massive adventure or a bit of both – we want as many people as possible to get involved. Come on out, the world is lovely!Andy Calton, Editor

‘Join us on facebook, sign up to our FREE

newsletter and send us your pics as you rack up the miles’

How to get involvedIt couldnÕt be simpler, sign up to the

Facebook group and do the miles

Destination plannerThe best events, bike

meets, tea stops

and race meetings

Ultimate touring tips

By globe-trotting experts

How riding to work will make you richer…Éand youÕll soon have more time

on your hands

Ten great roads you must ride this yearAs nominated by MCN readers

The perfect biking year

We plan the ultimate biking year.

We dare you to do itÉ

Kit that’ll go the distanceOurs, and your best, riding kit, tyres,

luggage and electronics

8

11 16

18

20

Kit that’ll go the distanceOurs, and your best, riding kit, tyres,

20

Get your FREE stickers!

Don’t worry, the

lawn will still

be there when

you get home

12

Pullout

planner to

put on your

garage wall

CONTENTS

How riding more willimprove your lifeItÕll make you happier, more skilledand less likely to get divorcedÉ

4

How riding to work will

6

The people who dobig miles alreadyMeet the MCN readers who canÕt stop riding their bikes

22

We’ve got 1000 #ride5000miles stickers

available in pairs to give away. All you need to do is send a

stamped addressed envelope to: MCN, Bauer Media, Media

House, Lynchwood, PE2 6EA.

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

03 Join us on facebook #ride5000miles

www.motorcyclenews.com

Sign up to our free newsletter04 RIDE MILES#

Riding more will improve your lifeimprove your lifeimprove your lifeWho wouldn’t want to be happier, more skilled and richer?

The average mileage of a British biker is around 3500 miles per year. The reasons for that are fairly obvious – in this

increasingly busy world, us bikers are pulled about in every direction. We all know the drill – none of us are getting younger and we’re all more stretched than ever: working harder, paying the mortgage, keeping the wife and kids happy. Washing the car. Doing the DIY. Mowing the bloody lawn.

But we should all be riding instead. Our #ride5000miles initiative is about getting out and enjoying the best, most exciting things in all our lives more – bikes. It’s about remembering all the reasons that we all got into it in the first place. The thrill, the freedom, the sense of control, the stories, the meets and the mates we make on the way. In a world that seems full of bad news and uncertainly, this is just about fun. It’s about putting biking first sometimes.

Once you decide that you’re up for getting more out of riding, we’re here to help. By signing up to our challenge you’ll also get a support network – spur-ring you on. You’ll find new routes, new destinations and hopefully find more fulfilment than you have for years. This isn’t about throwing your old life away and heading off into the sunset – it’s about making a conscious effort to use your bike more and enjoy being a biker. You won’t regret it.

RIDE YOURSELF HAPPY

Riding with your partner,

riding with friends, riding

solo… whatever suits,

it will make you

a better person

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

05 @ motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles

‘WE’VE ALREADY SIGNED UP!’Meet the MCN readers that have already signed up to our #ride5000miles Facebook group.

TO JOIN, LOG ON TOfacebook.com/groups/

ride5000miles

IT’LL MAKE YOU HAPPIER

“There are three main components

to biking that makes us happy”, says

Vincent Walsh, Professor of Human

Brain Research at University College

London. “Pleasure – as in the hit the

thrill of speed or new kit, purpose –

being in a social group, improving as a

rider, learning about bikes and control

– riding when and where you want.”

Biking produces happy-making

chemicals, too. When you get your

highs and have purpose you produce

dopamine, when you feel part of a

group you produce oxytocin and your

brain also produces serotonin to

regulate your long-term happiness.

“You get dopamine hits when you

experience the pleasure of taking

a corner exactly right,” says Prof

Walsh. “The community of biking

will stimulate oxytocin (a hormone

associated with social bonding). Doing

something you love will have an effect

on regulation of neurotransmitters

associated with mood regulation such

as serotonin, too.”

1 YOU’LL BOND WITH YOUR BIKE

“The more people ride, the better

they feel,” says Mark Edwards

riding instructor of MCN’s chosen

advanced training company, Rapid

Training. “I train hundreds of riders

each year and there is a marked

difference between those who ride

regularly and those who don’t. This

shows itself up in three ways. The

first is finesse – the riders who ride

regularly and are more familiar with

their bikes are much smoother and

steadier in the way they operate

them. The second is patience.

Occasional riders seem desperate to

get on the throttle, they can rush up-

to stuff too fast and be a bit scary.

Regular riders seem more chilled

out and therefore enjoy it all a bit

more, too. The third is observation

– it seems regular riders plan ahead

more and look further ahead too,

probably because they are more

familiar with their machines.” So

that’s smoother, safer and with

better vision, faster.

2

IT COULD SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE

This could be the perfect time to

get your partner more involved in

your motorcycling. The target of

5000 miles could be the excuse

you need for more Sunday morning

rides together, or that tour that

you’ve always wanted to take.

“Having shared activities is a bedrock

for many partnerships. Sharing

interests and activities are a point

of connection and can stop partners

from drifting apart and living

separate lives,” says relationship

expert Sarah Donelley. “Shared

activities of which motorcycling

could be one, work on a number of

levels. They’re something partners

can look forward to, plan together,

enjoying doing together and can look

back on fondly when they’re over.”

However, we will issue a disclaimer

here: if your partner isn’t really that

keen on motorcycling, and your

marriage is on the rocks, plonking

them on the back of your bike for days

on end, probably in the rain, could be

just the excuse they need to issue

those divorce papers.

3

‘You get dopamine hits when you

experience the pleasure of taking

a corner exactly right’PROFESSOR VINCENT WALSH

dopamine, when you feel part of a

‘Gorgeous location darling but are you sure the scooter is safe there?’

Save time & money

TURN OVER

Car v Bike: A week of commuting


06 RIDE MILES#

Over a 10,500-mile yearly

commute, the average car

would cost £1360 in fuel,

but the bike would cost

£1055 (a 23% reduction).

This of course is much

higher with a more-thirsty

car – commuting in my old

Lexus every day would cost

£2100 a year. Of course the

Multi costs a little more to

run over those 10,500 miles:

the Ducati would need a

service and a set of tyres,

while the Golf wouldn’t.

The new Multistrada and

my 2015 Golf are worth

about the same.

The real saver is time –

the average time spent in

the car is 93 minutes, the

average time on the bike is

57 minutes – that’s a saving

of 36 minutes each day, or

three hours a week.

Over 48 weeks of

commuting this would

equal 144 hours, or six

whole days, of my life. And

remember, during that time

you’re riding a motorcycle…

DAY 1Vehicle VW Golf 1.4 TSI

Distance/time 44 miles/1hr 38 mins

Average speed 26.39mph

Fuel consumption 42.3mpg

Cost of fuel £5.61

It’s Monday and I’m on the nursery run

queue as posh mums in Audi Q3s are

dropping little Archie and Albert off

at childcare. Today I’m in the family

Golf. It’s practical rather than exciting,

and economical for a petrol engine – I

used to see 46mpg before the roads to

Peterborough got congested. But now

they’re clogged and each roundabout

is a bad-tempered game of ‘after you’.

But it’s OK, I’ve got climate control and

a DAB radio. Then I realise that Donald

Trump is on every channel…

DAY 3Vehicle: VW Golf 1.4 TSI


Average speed: 25.14mph

Fuel consumption: 41.1mpg

Fuel cost: £5.78

What a miserable day. I really wanted to

take the bike in today, but in order to get

a comparable set of mpg figures I have

to take the Golf instead. Remember, this

is science (kind of). On the way to work

I spend 15 minutes stuck on the A14,

on the way back it takes 35 minutes

to cover the mile from the office to

the junction with the A1(M). It’s utter

tedium, made worse by seeing my bike-

riding MCN mates cruise by. Oh well.

DAY 5Vehicle: Lexus IS200




Total cost: £8.80

Wildcard time. For a giggle I dig out

my £1200 Alan Partridge-spec Lexus

winter luxo barge. A better journey this

time, with a bit less time queuing – just

15 minutes to do the last mile this time,

but still a huge amount of boredom –

and an emptier wallet. By the time I get

to work I’m still pretty demotivated…

DAY 2Vehicle: Ducati 950 Multistrada

Distance/time: 44 miles/54 minutes



Fuel cost: £4.63

That’s more like it. With its upright

position, decent agility and that

responsive motor, the Multistrada is

heaven compared to the car. Part of

my commute includes fast, flowing

B-roads and although it’s cold I’m

hustling the Ducati along at enough of

a pace for it to be exciting. I filter past

the mile-long tailback of yesterday

and arrive at work awake and inspired,

rather than lethargic and depressed.

DAY 4Vehicle: Ducati 950 Multistrada

Distance/time 44 miles/59 minutes



Total cost: £4.21

A brilliant day’s riding. It’s cold, crisp and

slightly slippery, but just being on a bike

makes it all worthwhile. The Multistrada

might not be the most exciting of bikes,

but compared to most cars its engine

and chassis flood with feel and interest.

I stick it in Sport mode and enjoy the

improved throttle response. Like Day 2,

I’m happier, more excited and more

positive when I hit the work car park.

RIDE A BIKE TO WORKAND GAIN SIX DAYS A YEAR!

TO JOIN, LOG ON TOfacebook.com/groups/

ride5000miles

IT’LL SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Why you should ride to workUsing your bike for the daily commute

seems like a no-brainer, yet so many of

us don’t do it.

On the surface, this seems like

madness: bikes are more economical,

carve through traffic jams more easily

and are, in every way, more fun. Or

that’s the theory. To assess the reality,

Senior Editor Matt Wildee alternated

between car and bike for his congested

Cambridgeshire commute. The results

were interesting…

IT’LL SAVE TIME AND MONEY4

How many times have you felt like this? Bike commuters don’t

Nose-to-tail, nose-to-tail, nose-to-tail...

DAB radio can’t compete with B-roads

The speedo stayed bottom left for ages

Even the Partridge-mobile can’t cut it

Riding really connects you to the world

Time saved

38.7%

JO

E D

ICK

TYRE OF THE YEAR

FIND OUT MORE AT METZELER.COM

EXCELLENT GRIP BOTH

ON DRY AND WET ROADS

ENHANCED PRECISION

AND RIDING COMFORT

EXTENDED MILEAGE AND PERFORMANCE CONSISTENCY

DISCOVER THE NEW METZELER

SPORT TOURING TYRE


Getting involved is easyRide your bike more, then tell people about it – simples!

Your target is simple – ride

5000 miles in the 2017 biking

season. The idea is just to ride more,

embrace the mileage and discover

new experiences. So, make a note of

your odometer’s figure at the start.

Take a picture of it, write it down, or

even put a sticker with the figure on

your bike as a reminder. On modern

machines with two trip meters, reset

your second trip.

1Make a note of your mileage

Sounds obvious, but that’s

all you need to do. These pages are

full of great roads to ride and great

events to visit, so go to some of them

– and don’t let that awesome bike rot

in the garage. This isn’t about jacking

in work and heading around the world

(but don’t let us stop you). Instead,

this about riding to work a bit more,

going a bit further at weekends, or

even doing a tour with your partner.

This is about making your life better

through riding a motorcycle more.

2Ride to great places

By signing up to our

#ride5000miles movement, you’ll be

joining a club of bikers who all have

the same common aim – to ride more

and get more out of motorcycling. It’s

a positive community consisting of

people who what to get out there and

have fun on two wheels.

Log onto www.facebook.com/

groups/ride5000miles. Our

Facebook group is a wonderful,

positive thing. It’s there for you to post

regular updates of your year, sharing

how you’re totting up the miles. If

you’re new to motorcycling, the group

is a friendly, helpful resource that’s

free from idiots. The group has riders

of all experience levels so if you’re

unsure about anything don’t be afraid

to ask for help or advice. All of the

MCN editorial team are in the group,

too. To join, all you need to do is visit

the page and click ‘join group’. Once

you’re in just use the hashtag

#ride5000miles on all your posts plus

your Twitter and Instagram accounts

if you use them.

@ Don’t use Facebook? In that

case, just send us your riding

pictures and stories to

ride5000miles@motorcyclenews.

com. You can also sign up to our

monthly newsletter. This gives you

the edited highlights of what’s being

going on and also entitles you to enter

our exclusive #ride5000miles

competitions. Just go to www.

motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles

3Tell people about it

Each week in our new

#ride5000miles section, we’ll be

sharing your best pictures and

stories, as well as documenting our

own staff’s quest to ride further than

ever before. We’ve a year’s worth of

road tests, features and long-riding

inspiration planned, so we’ll be with

you every step of the way.

4Read about it in MCN

For the high-mileage riders

there’s the 10,000 mile challenge.

People who pack in the miles are a

valuable resource to the group and

their knowledge is essential to help

new riders. The key to the either

challenge is to share experience so

if you’re going try to reach 10,000

miles, you can regularly update and

encourage the rest of the group.

your second trip. 2Ride to

4Facebook group is a wonderful,

ALREADY DO 5000 MILES IN A YEAR?

Get your

free stickers!

We’ve got 1000

#ride5000miles stickers avail-

able in pairs two to give away. All

you need to do is send a stamped

addressed envelope to MCN,

Bauer Media, Media House,

Lynchwood, PE2 6EA.

08 RIDE MILES#

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

09

M2542 circuits of the M25

weekend escapes to the Peak District

from London

8

133laps of the Isle of Man TT course

Start ridingOur fun guide to clocking up the extra miles

tours to the Pyrenees2

trackdays(if you average 120 miles a trackday)

43

OUR PARTNERS

BENNETTSWho are they? One of Britain’s most

popular bike insurance companies and

they’ve been around for 85 years. The

dedicated team at Bennetts are bikers

and some of them will be joining us on

our 5000-mile quest.

www.bennetts.co.uk

METZELERWho are they? One of the world’s

leading tyre manufacturers with a range

of tyres for everything from off-road to

touring, to road-racing. Their Roadtec

01 is the perfect tyre on which to clock

up 5000 miles.

www.metzelermoto.com

SENA Who are they? Manufacturers of some

innovative motorcycling tech products

including Bluetooth communications

and on-board cameras. They’ve got

some great bits and pieces to help make

this year’s 5000 memorable.

www.sena.com

AIRHAWKWho are they? Airhawk’s Comfort

Seating System uses air pockets to

eliminate painful pressure points and

promote consistent blood flow for

longer, more comfortable rides. Airhawk

can be used on almost any motorcycle.

www.motohaus.com

20weeks

of commuting

50miles

a day

miles

5000BEIJING

LONDON

Join us on facebook #ride5000miles

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# R I D E C O N N E C T E D# R I D E C O N N E C T E D

For every adventure, for every rider - there is...

#MCNwednesday

T RIDE THIS YEAR

‘It has everything, including

places of historical interest’Nominated by Rob Connelly

Length 230 miles

Love it because It’s a day riding the

backbone of England, not flat out

scratching. This is a great way to see

the country with some lovely towns

on the way, starting and ending at

the cathedral cities of Lincoln and

Exeter. The roads are about open

scenery and a sense of space – an

excellent route.

Take a picture

at Any of the megalithic hill forts on

the way. Try Trewsbury Camp.

Stop for a cuppa at Pumpkin’s Deli,

Brinklow. Good lunch menu.

Watch out for Bad overtakes from

oncoming traffic that’s stuck behind

trucks or tractors.

THE HISTORIC ONE4 Fosse Way, Lincoln to Exeter

‘It’s the best part of the ultimate

racetrack – and you can ride it’Nominated by Scott Wright

Length 12 miles

Love it because It’s a piece of road

racing folklore – and best of all

there are no speed limits. The IOM

is the only place within a ferry-hop

where the de-restriction means no

speed limit. The corners are fast

and flowing, the views are stunning

and if you don’t go during TT week,

it’s quiet enough

to let your bike

properly stretch it legs.

Take a picture at Guthrie’s

memorial – with views over Douglas.

Stop for a cuppa at Where else

than the pub at Creg Ny Baa?

Watch out for Cops – they enforce

all the UK’s other traffic laws.

THE REALLY FAST ONE9 A18 Mountain Road

Y RUDE ONEhitby

NT ONE

Market Harborough

PRIZEThe first to get apicture at all ten photolocations wins a year’sMCN subscription

WHITBY

EXETER

MELTON M

‘Simply nothing in England

and Wales can match it’Nominated by Kenny Wright

Length 34 miles

Love it because We reckon that this

could be the best road in the United

Kingdom. A brilliantly-surfaced

ribbon of tarmac that winds its way

between water and rock, it allows

the option of head-down riding or

just sitting back and enjoying the

scenery. The road’s challenging, but

you’ll remember

the landscape.

And the fresh fish at Mallaig…

Take a picture at Malliag Quay

when the fishing boats come in.

Stop for a cuppa at Fisherman’s

Mission, Malliag.

Watch out for Scottish traffic cops

wanting a big nick.

FORT WILLIAM

MALLAIG

MKT HARB

PICKERING

LINCOLN

‘Brecon roads

have fast straights,

endless bends,

sweepers and

great views’Nominated by Ashley Vaughan

Length 153 miles

Love it because It’s fast, flowing

and feels like you’re cutting

though big country. Travelling

past both Snowdonia and the

Brecon Beacons, this is one of the

most involving, inspiring routes in

the United Kingdom, with a good

surface and every challenge a

bike and rider could want.

Take a picture Anywhere on the

spectacular Beacons.

Stop for a cuppa at Terry’s

Burger Van on Brecon, just before

Beacon’s reservoir. Amazing views.

Watch out for Sheep – flocks of

sheep just when you don’t expect

them in the middle of the road or

right on the apex.

THE NEVER-ENDING ONE

5 A470 Conwy to Merthyr Tydfil

A18

MOUNTAIN ROAD

THE BREATHTAKING ONEA830 Fort William to Mallaig10

CONWY

MERTHYR TYDFIL

e ridden them? These are MCN readers’ top ten ribbons of tarmac

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

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TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

Any of the megalithic hill forts on

And the fresh fish at Mallaig…properly stretch it legs.

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DA

Y


TEN ROADS YOU MUST RAS NOMINATED BY MCN READERS

‘It’s like four race tracks have been placed into the scenery’Nominated by Jono Cotton

Length 13 milesLove it because It’s simply a lovely place to ride a motorcycle. This is a coastal road and on a clear day, you trace the ups and downs of the sea-sculpted landscape with Morecambe Bay a constant companion to your right. The speed limits are getting lower in places,

but this is about enjoying the view.Take a picture at The salt marshes near Bardsea. They’re stunning.Stop for a cuppa at The Miners Arms in nearby Swathmoor.Watch out for Dawdling tourists – the route is best attempted early morning or evening to avoid them.

THE SEA-FARING ONE

2 A5087 Barrow in Furness to Ulveston

‘There are fantastic corners absolutely everywhere’Nominated by Justin Groves

Length 54 milesLove it because It’s relaxing. The South Downs are one of the most underrated parts of the country. Big skies and gentle rolling hills mean it’s a welcome break from the usually frantic south of England. On a summer’s evening, the road is a challenge, with fast and slow

corners, golden fields and long shadows. Heaven.Take a picture at Cowdray Park or Midhurst Lake. Stop for a cuppa at Loomies Moto Café, A32 Junction.Watch out for Cars overtaking over crests and blind bends.

THE THERAPEUTIC ONE

7 A272 Winchester to Maresfield

‘Not only is it picturesque, but it has some great corners’Nominated by

James Swift

Length 21milesLove it because It’s a twisting, turning, rising and falling rollercoaster of a road that cuts through the North Riding Forest Park and rises through the Tabular Hills of the North Yorks Moors. With its beautiful quayside and olde world seaside charm, destination Whitby is a top place to wile away the hours. Take a picture at The Hole of Horcum: a 400ft-deep depression valley. It’s also the eleventh-rudest place name in Britain. Stop for a cuppa at Fox and Rabbit Inn, Dalby Forest.Watch out for Police and the bend at Saltergate Hill.

THE SLIGHTLY R

3 A169 Pickering to Wh

‘Twisty sections,

fast corners and

straights with

no fi xed

cameras!’Nominated by Barrie Johnson

Length 24 milesLove it because It’s proof you don’t need to head to the moors to find a great road. A very busy 24 miles with every kind of corner, lots of elevation changes and something to offer any bike. Ridden fast or slow, it just works. In summer it’s a top example of England’s green and pleasant land. Take a picture at The corner by the junction with Marfield. It’s a bike mag favourite. Stop for a cuppa at Ye Olde Pie Shoppe, Melton Mowbray, is a must for pie fans.Watch out for Decaying, bumpy Shellgrip corners.

THE PLEASAN

8 Melton Mowbray to M

‘A mix of fast straights, sweep-ing bends and tight right/left s’Nominated by Alister Cole

Length 55 milesLove it because It’s a fast and flowing long run through some lovely scenery and at times, almost devoid of cars. Pick the right time of day and you’ll barely see another vehicle, leaving you time and space to become one with the bike and the road. There is every kind of corner

to sample on this excellent route.Take a picture at Mullingar’s unique Cathedral of Christ the King with its impressive twin towers.Stop for a cuppa at Road House in Mullingar. Good breakfasts.Watch out for The N52 – it is notorious for crashes.

THE RELIGIOUS ONE1 N52 Dundalk to Mullingar, Ireland

DUNDALK

BARROW

ULVESTON

MULLINGAR

HORTON

WINCHESTER

MARESFIELD

‘During the week, there’s nowt on it other than your good self!’Nominated by Phil Wilson

Length 31 milesLove it because It’s a relaxing, enjoyable, but potentially rapid ramble though the Yorkshire Dales. The road surface is mostly good and grippy as the route follows the dips and contours of the hillsides. And the scenery is absolutely spectacular.Take a picture at Ingleborough – the second-highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales.Stop for a cuppa at The Old Hill Inn, at the bottom of Ingleborough Hill is well worth a visit.Watch out for Walkers, hikers and cyclists – they too are attracted to The Dales’ quiet picturesque roads…

HAWES

THE SOLITARY ONEA65/B6255 Hawes to Horton6

Who better to recommend the best biking roads in the British Isles than the people who have r

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

TICK WHEN

COMPLETE

The salt marshes Mullingar’s

shadows. Heaven.

straights with

it has some great


THE PERFECT

March 11-12Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show,

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

It’s Scotland’s biggest motorcycle show and the

only place in the country where you’ll be able to

see most of the new-for-2017 models in one place.

There’s an area dedicated to classic machinery,

plenty of trade stands, plus you’ll be able to meet

biking celebs such as Niall Mackenzie.

www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com

Ride this road: With the Highlands only 80 miles

further north, you’d be crackers not to jump on the

M9 then the A84 to pick up the A82 up to Glencoe.

CHOOSE A NEW BIKE

RIDE FOR BLOODY MILES

BUY SOME LEDERHOSEN!

June 11-18 Club of Newchurch, Neukirchen, Austria

For the last 11 years this event has been

run in association with Triumph as their

Tridays festival, but now the stunning

Austrian town of Neukirchen has taken

over the reins to create a new week-

long event for all makes and models of

motorcycles. It’s a place to be inspired

by both the bikes on display and also the

spectacular scenery that this part of the

world has to offer. Expect guided tours,

static displays, food, music and fun.

www.newchurch.at

Ride this road: Spectacular alpine passes

like the Grossglockner or the Gelos

Alpenstrasse are very close by.

Brilliant events, places and roads that will have you itching to get out on your bike. T

August 5-8Llanbikefest, Lllangollen, North Wales

Based near the heart of Snowdonia, the

Llanbikefest provides you with the ideal

excuse to venture out and explore this

beautiful part of Wales. Once you’ve had your

fill of the live stunt shows, snapped all your

selfies with the numerous biking celebrities

in attendance and rocked out to the sounds of

one of the Fest’s many bands, you can venture

west into the National Park and enjoy some of

the finest scenery and roads in Britain.

www.llanbikefest.com

Ride this road: For spectacular views of

Snowdon, take the A4086 from Capel Curig

through Llanberis to Caernarfon.

August 5-8Llanbikefest, Lllangollen, North Wales

August 5-8August 5-8

Reckon you could #RIDE5000 on one of these beasts?

R

May 26-29 Brit Butt Rally, Fosse Park Premier Inn, Leicester

The Brit Butt challenges riders to visit as many of

the rally’s pre-selected locations as possible, then

take a picture as proof before moving on to the next

one. Points are awarded for the various locations,

and the rider with the most points wins. It’s not

uncommon for top riders to cover a couple of

thousand miles with just three hours’ compulsory

rest! www.britbuttrally.info

Ride this road: The world is your oyster, here, as

you set your own route.

MMM

Sign up to our free newsletter

RIDE FOR BLOODY MILESRIDE FOR BLOODY MILES

REVEL IN THE SCENERYREVEL IN THE SCENERY

16 RIDE MILES#

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

17

T BIKING YEAR

SEE THE NEW BIKES

November 06-12Eicma motorcycle show

This chance to take a look at

2018’s bikes is also probably the

last chance for a European ride-

out before the weather closes

in. The Milan show is twice the

size of the NEC, and all the major

firms will be unveiling new bikes.

It’s an 800-mile trip each way,

so a perfect way to get your

mileage count up…

www.eicma.it

Ride this road: D165 through

central France allows big

speeds and wide-open scenery.

KEEP SUMMER GOING!

September 15-17Bol d’Or 24hr, Paul Ricard, France

It’s sportsbike heaven set in a Rivera paradise.

There’s something magical about watching

race bikes speed through the stillness of a

late summer dawn, smoke from the trackside

campsites swirling behind them. The Bol d’Or

returned to its spiritual home of Paul Ricard

two years ago, and with it returned the hordes

of race-loving riders from all over Europe, keen

to be reunited with the majesty of the Mistral

Straight, and the warmth of the southern sun.

www.boldor.com

Ride this road: The DN8 from Le Beausset to the

circuit is possibly the most perfect riding road

in Europe, but unfortunately this means that on

race weekend it’s as busy as the circuit itself.

September 15-17Bol d’Or 24hr, Paul Ricard, FranceBol d’Or 24hr, Paul Ricard, France

September 15-171

. These eight events will help you on your way to racking up those 5000 miles

November 06-12

September 24Distinguished Gentlemans’ Ride

Annual mass ride out in various locations

across the country/world, in which tens

of thousands of well-dressed gentlefolk

ride their motorcycles to raise money to

battle prostate cancer. These amazingly

well-attended charity ride outs were

designed to help convey a different vision of

motorcycling to the general public. Leathers

and kneesliders go out of the window and

in their place are cravats, tweed suits and

well-groomed beards (or hairdos for the

ladies). It’s a ride out of a different kind, with a

brilliant atmosphere.

www.gentlemansride.com

Ride this road: Whether it’s through the

streets of London, across San Francisco’s

Golden Gate bridge, or cruising in

Copenhagen, a DGR ride-out is the perfect

way to see any city in the world.

September 24September 24September 24

GET THE TENT OUT

August 18-20British Superbikes Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire

Book the Friday off work, grab your tent and

head up to Lincolnshire for what is arguably

BSB’s most spectacular event. Not only is

Cadwell Park the place where you’ll see 230bhp

superbikes get airborne over the infamous

Mountain, but you’ll also be able to indulge in

the incredible party atmosphere that goes down

after the chequered flag has fallen. It’s not in its

traditional August bank holiday slot this year,

but it’ll still attract tens of thousands of bikers.

www.britishsuperbikes.com

Ride this road: Take in the B1183 between

Revesby and Horncastle.

August 18-20British Superbikes Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire

August 18-20August 18-20August 18-20

NT OUTT

@ motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles

DRESS UP

September 15-17September 15-17

There’s something magical about watching

two years ago, and with it returned the hordes

to be reunited with the majesty of the Mistral

Straight, and the warmth of the southern sun.

www.boldor.com

September 15-17September 15-17

Beards arenÕt compulsoryÉ but why not, eh?

‘Being spontaneous sounds fun, but a lack of planning can wreck a trip’

KEVIN SANDERS

‘Going touring is the best

thing you can do on a bike’

Pro tour operators Kevin and Julia Sanders reveal the secrets of brilliant adventures

• GET BIKE FIT Do some serious

miles before you go so you’re used to

spending hours in the saddle.

• MANAGE TIREDNESS Stay

hydrated, always wear earplugs and

test your kit so you know it works and

that your clothing is comfortable.

• PROPER PLANNING

Remember, 200 miles on the

Autobahn is very different to 100

miles on a Himalayan pass.

• DOCUMENTS We secure

everything in a waterproof bag and

lock it in the panniers.

• HAVE A KIT-KAT Don’t try to

do too much, take it easy and give

yourself plenty of time off and breaks.

Be extra pickyWe have always got our biking buzz from independent, long-distance travel. Our adventures always start beyond Europe; where the languages, food, money and cultures are com-pletely different to our own. Countries where the roads have more potholes than tarmac, people drive like they’re taking part in a video game and AK47-toting soldiers guard checkpoints. Some adventurers thrive on dirt roads and wild camping. For others, simply riding on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and ordering a meal in another tongue is adventure enough. So the first thing to do is figure out what kind of riding you want to do. Next, think about how much money and time you can spare. Scandinavia is close to home - but expensive. Turkey and North Africa

are further away - but much cheaper. Decide what you want from your tour and pick wisely. And don’t forget to take weather into consideration.

Plan your escapeBeing spontaneous sounds fun, but a lack of planning can quickly wreck a trip. We’ve met riders who have been refused entry to countries because of incorrect paperwork, others who ran out of fuel because they didn’t realise how scarce it was in some parts, and those who missed incredible landmarks because they didn’t know they were there. We’re old-school. We research using maps and guide books, picking out winding roads away from cities and main routes. It’s easy to overestimate what you can do, based on a riding style that suits Western Europe, but not less

developed countries. Putting yourself under pressure to get somewhere ru-ins the ride and increases your risk of an accident. Plan your trip carefully, allow plenty of time for breaks and an occasional day off from riding too.

Got skills?There are three important facts to re-member about the riding skills needed for adventure touring. Firstly, you don’t

Motorcycle travel changed my life. I used to be a chartered accountant for a city firm. But when

I met Kevin in a bar on a back-packing sabbatical in South America… life changed. We explored Latin America on a BMW R80GS for a year. Then Kevin got serious and decided it would be a good idea to circumnavigate the globe, might as well set a new World Record while we were at it too. After our second record ride on the Trans Americas in ’03, we founded GlobeBusters to inspire more riders to experience trans-continental motorcycle journeys. So, with years of experience in the bag, here’s our top advice to get you touring this year.

miles before you go so you’re used to

test your kit so you know it works and

yourself plenty of time off and breaks.

By Kevin & Julia SandersMCN CONTRIBUTORS

You have to be

bike fit but not

a superhero

KE

VIN

AN

D J

UL

IA S

AN

DE

RS

KEVIN’S TOP TIPS

LIFE-CHANGING RIDES


18 RIDE MILES#

A couple of weeks

Morocco and Turkey are close

enough to Europe to encounter

real borders and feel like you’ve

properly escaped. You can make

Morocco in three to four days or

Istanbul in six. Once there, you’ll

feel a long way from home.

Up to six weeks

Fly-ride options are tempting.

Ride from Nairobi in Kenya to

Cape Town, South Africa. Or

journey from the Atlantic to the

Pacific in South America (and

back again) taking in the Andes

and Altiplano.

Two to three months

How about the Silk Road? Take

the northern route through China

for an all-tarmac experience. Or

try the opposite side of the planet

by following the Pan American

Highway from Colombia down to

Patagonia.

need to be an off-road expert. Some of the most legendary adventure routes (like the Dalton Highway in Alaska) are virtually all black top. Secondly, even riding on paved roads can present challenges, such as climate, altitude, road conditions, local driving manners and wildlife. Finally, don’t underesti-mate the effort required to ride for days on end through unfamiliar terrain. Practice specific skills like handling a fully- loaded bike, slow speed control, reading bends and knowing your limits. It’s also worth taking some time to get used to off-road surfaces too.

Travel light and pack rightAn overloaded bike is not fun to ride and constantly packing and unpacking at the beginning and end of each day is unnecessary hassle. If you can’t fit all

your clothes into a carrier bag, you’ve got too much. Lightweight outdoor clothing and layers will reduce the amount of kit you need.

Slim down toiletries and toolkit to essentials. Riding solo we use one pannier for clothes, toiletries, documents and the other for tools, spares and medical supplies. A small tank bag is handy for daily essentials so you can reach them easily. We pack the tent, sleeping bag, mat and cooking gear in a tough waterproof bag strapped to the rack. We like metal panniers because they’re tough, can be bent back into shape after a spill and can be locked.

Kevin & Julia Sanders

Double Guinness World Record

holders, they rode around the globe

in 19½ days in 2002. The follow-

ing year they rode from Alaska to

Patagonia in 35 days and now

run Globebusters, an overland

motorcycle expedition

company.

Who are Kevin and Julia?

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO HAVE A GOHow long have you got?

for more information visit www.globebusters.com

Who wouldn't want to take a swift right turn at a signpost like this?

Austria

Ride to the heart of the Tyrol, with

some of the best alpine passes all

within easy reach. This trip starts

from £1295 for eight nights and

leaves on June 12, 2017.

Iceland

You can either opt for the fully-

supported on and off-road tour

starting August 20, 2017 (we’ll

freight your bike out and back for

you) or take one of our self-guided

packages starting from £1395

for 12 days.

South Africa Garden Route

Two-week fully supported tour

(including rental bike) on one of

the world’s most famous coastal

roads and through the Klein

Karoo winelands. From £3695.

If you fancy touring in a group, then come with us!

A chance encounterled to a lifetime of

globetrotting

HOW TO JOIN IN

Go to Facebook and

search #RIDE5000MILES

Get the right kit

and you can go

anywhere

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

19 Join us on facebook #ride5000miles

Sena 10C Combination Bluetooth Intercom and Camera system £307All-in-one Bluetooth system for recording and sharing journeys

Why it works Combining Sena’s brilliant

intercom system with a helmet-mounted

camera, the 10C allows you to share your

ride regardless of whether or not you’re

riding with friends. For the times when

you’re riding in a group, the Sena will allow

you and your buddies to chat over a distance

of one mile. Meanwhile, the HD camera lets

you record all the stunning scenery you

encounter. The system also packs a

built-in FM radio.

www.sena.com

Airhawk comfort seat from £135Air-fi lled pad provides all-day in-the-saddle comfort

Why it works Why let arse ache

ruin a good ride? Airhawk’s Dry

Floatation technology features

inter-connecting air cells

within the cushion which

equalise forces

over your weight-

bearing areas,

eliminating the

dreaded ‘numb

bum’. Not only do

Airhawk seat pads relieve

numbness, they also help to

control vibration and absorb

shock. And you can transfer them

from bike to bike with

ease. They come in a range

of shapes and sizes to suit all

different types of machine.

www.motohaus.com

Why it works It's made to withstand

the rigours of riding while providing

juice for power-hungry devices.

Delivering 3300mA through dual

USB sockets, OptiMate's O-105

100% true power rating delivers a

continuous and consistent charge.

It will automatically stop charging

any device after three hours or if the

voltage drops.

www.optimate.co.uk

OptiMate O-105 USB charger £24.95Simple device to change your bike’s standard 12v socket into a twin-port USB charger

Chat to mates

and film your

favourite rides

£24.95

Eatsleepride APP freeGPS-based smartphone app for planning, logging and sharing rides

Why it works An App for all your route planning,

recording and sharing needs, Eatsleepride can

record all your route-based ride elements such

as speed, distance and even lean angles. On

phones with accelerometers, Eatsleepride can

even detect a crash and automatically alert your

loved ones (for an extra subscription charge).

For a desktop-based system that allows you to

download routes direct to your sat nav try www.

motogoloco.com. Google Play or Apple iStore

you’re riding in a group, the Sena will allow

you and your buddies to chat over a distance

of one mile. Meanwhile, the HD camera lets

Chat to mates

and film your

favourite rides

Get downloading now… it won't cost you a penny

Airhawk comfort seat from £135Air-fi lled pad provides all-day in-the-saddle comfort

Why let arse ache

ruin a good ride? Airhawk’s Dry

Floatation technology features Floatation technology features

inter-connecting air cells inter-connecting air cells

within the cushion which within the cushion which

equalise forces

over your weight-over your weight-

bearing areas, bearing areas,

eliminating the eliminating the

dreaded ‘numb dreaded ‘numb

bum’. Not only do bum’. Not only do

Airhawk seat pads relieve Airhawk seat pads relieve

from bike to bike with from bike to bike with

ease. They come in a range

Some brilliant tyres, gadgets & gizmos that’ll go the distance

RIDE IN STYLE

STUFF TO FIT TO YOUR BIKE


THE BEST KIT FOR

MILESELECTRONICS

Why it works If you’re short of route inspiration, the TomTom

Rider 410 comes with 100 of Europe’s most thrilling rides

pre-installed. The screen promises to be easy to use with

gloved hands while the Premium Edition also features

lifetime world maps, lifetime speed camera updates, secure

RAM-mounting kit and even a car kit, too.

www.tomtom.com

Bespoke motorcycling satnav with touch screen and mounting kit

TomTom Rider 410 Premium Pack £429.99

and share routes info with fellow

riders

DOWNLOAD

FOR FREE

Sign up to our free newsletter

If you’re short of route inspiration, the TomTom

lifetime world maps, lifetime speed camera updates, secure

20 RIDE MILES#

Why it works It’s light,

comfortable and – with its internal

sun visor – practical, too. The

N87 will keep your head safe

and comfortable no matter how

long you spend in the saddle. Its

lightweight, polycarbonate shell

is packed with a comfortable,

removing lining backed up with Air

Booster technology to keep you

cool in the summer heat. The drop-

down sun visor means you won’t

have to stop to swap to a dark tint.

www.motogear.co.uk

A brilliantly-priced, full-face, polycarbonate lid with internal sun visor

Nolan N87 £149.99

My RST waterproof

one-piece rain suit

and Bob Heath anti-

fog spray has never

let me down in bad

conditions.

Ashley Vaughan

Oxford heated

gloves are an

absolute must for

winter riding at

£100. They make

winter easy.

John McLean

I use British Army

Gore-Tex socks for

all-weather riding.

They’re warm, dry

and cheap. A great

option.

Gary Davies

My fave is a Buff

with a windstopper

lining. It’s pricey

compared to others

on the market but

works so well.

Tim Howarth

Visor, face, leathers,

bike and arse –

they’ll clean them

all. But make sure

you don't get the

lotion-loaded ones…

Ian Huitson

Ventura luggage

is great quality.

You can remove

your rack at the

destination and fit

a grab rail. Perfect.

Ash Dunning

My Altberg boots

and Halvarssons

jacket are great. I’ve

used them for over

10 years and they

are still doing the

job. Vivien Wray

‘I love my trusty kit’

‘Invest in heated kit’

‘Experiment with non-bike kit’

‘Buy a good neckwarmer’

‘Pack baby wipes!’

‘Get bespoke luggage’

‘Quality gear will always reward you’

Why they work The only pair of gloves

you need for your 5000-mile assault

this summer, the Weise Sharks offer

sports glove levels of protection, a

waterproof/breathable lining, and just

enough thickness to keep the chill off

on early morning rides without being

overly bulky for those hotter summer’s

excursions.

www.thekeycollection.co.uk

Weise Shark £109.99All-season, sports-style gloves with a waterproof liningWhy they work With

reinforcement at the shin, ankle

and sole, these give impact

protection similar to a full-on

sports boot, yet still retain enough

comfort so you can walk around

at your destination. A breathable

membrane and Zero Sweat lining

will keep your feet dry in all

weathers. www.feridax.com

Sidi Black Rain £194.99Waterproof all-year-round sports-style footwear

HOW TO JOIN IN

Go to Facebook and search #RIDE5000MILES

Metzeler Roadtec 01 £249Current king of the do-it-all sports touring tyres

Why they work New last year, these

are an evolution of the Roadtec Z8, a

previous winner of MCN’s Tyre of the

Year award. The Roadtec 01 has all

the plushness, feel and wet weather

prowess of the outgoing Z8, but

manage to offer an additional layer

of comfort, grip and confidence.

www.metzelermoto.com

Bridgestone T30 Evo £212Superb all-rounders with a distinctly sporty edge

Why they work These are

an evolution of Bridgestone’s

impressive T30 tyres, promising

improved wet grip. Although they

are slow to warm up, once up to

temperature we had no problem

with dry grip or stability but the ride

quality can feel slightly harsh.

www.bridgestone.co.uk

Pirelli Diablo Rosso III £247 Sporty road tyres that will perform well on any trackday

Why they work The Rosso IIIs

let you have fun on a superbike

safely around a fast track, so on

the road you’ll never get close to

their limit. They warm up quickly,

which is a benefit on the road and

track. Overall they are fast and

confidence-inspiring tyres.

www.pirelli.com

TYRES

READERS'

TOP TIPS

Why it works Impressively made from

tough-yet-flexible 500-denier Cordura

reinforced with 900-denier panels at

the shoulders, elbows and knees, this

all-season gear is the perfect solution,

whatever the weather. The Humax-Z

lining will keep you dry without making

you sticky, meanwhile the removable

thermal and vent combos keep things

versatile in all conditions. The

Vader jeans connect to the

jacket via a full-circumference

zip, and feature anti-slip

patches on the seat.

www.held-uk.co.uk

Held Zorro jacket and Vader jeans £164.99/£137.99Touring jacket/trousers with a full set of CE armour

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

21 @ motorcyclenews.com/ride5000miles

Held Zorro jacket

Touring jacket/trousers with

Held Zorro jacket

ride5000miles

Held Zorro jacket

A brilliantly-priced, full-face, polycarbonate lid

Nolan N87 £149.99

Why they work With

reinforcement at the shin, ankle

and sole, these give impact

protection similar to a full-on

sports boot, yet still retain enough

comfort so you can walk around

Sidi Black Rain £194.99Waterproof all-year-round sports-style footwear

@ motorcyclenews.com/


RIDE MILES22 #

‘Riding more miles h

There’s more to motor-cycles than admiring pristine paintwork and squeaky clean chains. And there’s more to

odometers than doubling up as ser-vice reminders. Forget that, they’re not ornaments. Our bikes need to be ridden and enjoyed. And we reckon slapping 5000 miles on your clocks this year is the best way of doing that. To prove it, a bunch of our big mileage readers reveal what they get from riding more miles a year; from eliminating stress to saving a wad of cash, blitzing past traffic and becoming a better rider. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, rack up some digits and have a blast!

MCN meets the readers who already travel over 5000 miles a year

MILE MUNCHERS

‘Travelling is an awesome way to rack up miles’

‘There’s a family feeling’

BRADLEY GREW

I used my XT to

commute to and

from work covering

around 6000 miles a

year. But I got a little

bored of the same

old ride so I decided to ramp up the

miles with longer trips around the UK

before heading into Europe. Last year

I racked up an additional 10,000 miles

after riding to Turkey and back. Touring

and travelling is the most fun you can

have on a motorcycle. I can’t remember

living life more than exploring new

countries on my bike, off-roading in

the middle of nowhere, wild camping

and meeting new, amazing people. It’s

something I couldn’t do if I was flying

from country to country or in a car.

Travelling on your motorcycle is an

awesome way to

rack up miles.

2006 YAMAHA XT660R

2015 HONDA NC750X

BARRY THOMPSON

There really is a family feeling when you ride. And you can only get that with riding more Ð more miles, more clubs and more routes. I commute all year on my Fazer, tour to Wales, Europe with my mates once a year

and jump on my Suzuki GSX-R every once in a while Ð just to scare myself. But when I moved to Cheshire I started going to the Ponderosa CafŽ at the Horseshoe Pass. IÕve made most of my friends today there. ItÕs an amazing feeling just talking to and getting on with people IÕve never met before. EveryoneÕs welcome.

‘I’m way less stressed than I used to be’MATTHEW

COOPER

I used to only ride my

sportsbike on sunny

Sundays. But that all

changed once I got a

new job and traded it

in for a Honda NC750X. It’s the slowest

bike I’ve ever owned, but it’s changed

my life. I’m now doing more miles than

ever before, I’ve knocked 40 minutes off

my daily commute and it costs me half

as much in fuel. I’m way less stressed

too, I absolutely hated sitting in traffic.

Now I arrive at work chilled, happy and

fully awake. But most importantly, I’m a

far better rider than I ever used to be. I

never used to go out in the wet but now

I ride no matter what the weather is. All

those extra miles build your confidence.

I’m more aware of my limitations; I’m

doing more, going touring and learning

loads. I go out all the time and love

motorcycling more than ever. I feel

like I’ve been missing out! Once you’ve

upped your miles, and don’t treat your

bike like a weekend toy like I did, then it

becomes a completely different thing. It’s

much more fun, I wish I’d done it sooner.

LEWIS SMITH

I ride everyday of the week and love it. I’ll

commute to work on my bike in the morning

and then go for a ride straight after work,

usually calling on my biking mates on the

way home. I love the social vibe you get from

riding. As motorcyclists we’ve got our own

amazing community. Being in a car is like sitting in a box, on

the bike we’re all together doing what we love. I’m part of the

Moray Coast Motorcycle Club, I rack up a lot of miles there and

with all our charity runs too. I just love that biking social life

and the enjoyment of riding. If you get off your bike and don’t

have a huge smile on your face, you’ve bought the wrong one. have a huge smile on your face, you’ve bought the wrong one.

1999 HONDA CBR900RR FIREBLADE

‘I love the biking social life’

2008 SUZUKI GSX-R1000

HOW TO JOIN IN

Go to Facebook and

search #RIDE5000MILES

MILES A YEAR

MILES

A YEAR

MILES

A YEAR

MILES

A YEAR

March 1 2017

#MCNwednesday

23

s has improved my life’

‘Riding everyday sharpens your skills’

ALLEN MILLYARD

I have a bike for

every occasion!

15 motorcycles

including Flying

Millyard and

Millyard Viper V-10

I’ve loved riding motorcycles since I

was 10 years old. If I don’t ride everyday

my wife says I’m moody. But aside

from loving it, riding everyday keeps

me sharp. If you tuck your bike away

for winter then you’re rusty in summer.

It’s like being a fighter pilot; they have

to fly all the time to hone their skills.

If you ride more miles you’ll be a more

proficient rider. It keeps you current,

you’re reactions will be faster, you’ll

be more alert and at one with the bike.

That’s why we all need at least two

bikes. A ‘sensible’ one and a winter

hack – like a trail bike, you’ll have just as

much fun in the snow and mud!

2016 BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE

FLYING MILLYARD &

MILLYARD VIPER V-10

2016 BMW R1200R

‘Fly and ride trips are an incredible way to see more of the world’

MARK ADAMSON

My wife and I love

riding; we head

to Europe with a

group of mates

and do 10-hour

days in the saddle

exploring. It’s so different to the UK;

less traffic, more forgiving drivers

and spectacular scenery. Our new

thing is flying to countries and hiring

bikes there. We recently covered 800

miles riding the length of Vietnam on

a little Chinese bike. We didn’t plan

anything, just turned up and went

for it. We’re off to South Africa soon

for six weeks, and we’ll definitely be

hiring a bike there too. I massively

recommend it. Fly and ride trips are

an incredible way to see more of the

world on two wheels.

‘Big miles will get you bike fi t’IAN SPEIGHT

I’m a bike trainer

for RoSPA and

cover 400 miles

a month for

Advanced Rider

Training alone. I’ll

then ride another 10,000 in the year

for pleasure. Luckily, my partner

is bike mad and loves riding pillion.

We head off to Europe and on riding

weekends covering a couple of

thousand miles each time. I’ve found

that the more miles you cover the

more bike fit you get. And the more

bike fit you are the easier and more

enjoyable riding becomes. You’ll

learn more too; like how to layer

clothing, proper packing, how to

travel on a bike and so on. It’s easy

to get out there now too; jump on the

forums, speak to people in your area,

join a club, build a list of biking mates

and you’ll have a cracking year.

MILES A YEAR

Join us on facebook #ride5000miles

way to see more of the world’

bikes there. We recently covered 800

miles riding the length of Vietnam on

MILES A YEAR

MILES A YEAR

It’s grinning ear to ear

as you approach a bend.as you approach a bend.

It’s date night in the garage It’s date night in the garage

with the love of your life. with the love of your life.

It’s riding 20 miles to the shops It’s riding 20 miles to the shops

just to pick up a paper.just to pick up a paper.

It’s spitting out flies on the A303. It’s spitting out flies on the A303.

It’s a chat about your new end can It’s a chat about your new end can

with a rider you just met. with a rider you just met.

It’s the experience that comes with It’s the experience that comes with

spending 85 years in the saddle. spending 85 years in the saddle.

And it’s going the extra mile to And it’s going the extra mile to

ensure that whatever your passion ensure that whatever your passion

we have you covered.we have you covered.

#ItsWhatWeDo

IT’S NOT

A BIKE

Bennetts.co.uk 0330 018 5945 Motorcycle insurance specialist

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