Welcome to Ride Ons first winter edition of 2017. Depending where you are in the country it might not even feel like winter yet, but you can bet Jack Frost is just around the corner. So we have a few stories to warm the cockles of your heart, including a South Island ride being planned to help those with depression, a progress update on our Av in WSS 300 and a motorcycle simulator everyone will want in their garage. Hope you enjoy it.
The Cornerstone Ride
Cornerstone Ride organisers, Esme and Glenn Edkins, Paul Mace, and Allan and Kerry Townsend.
The North Canterbury Motorcycle Riders Group are planning a huge coast-to-coast ride in October, in support of family and friends helping loved ones who are living with depression. The group aims to make it an annual event, and planning for the inaugural ride is already well under way. Starting from Sumner esplanade, the route takes in Arthurs Pass before arriving at Greymouth, where a whole bunch of festivities are planned for the afternoon and evening. A tent village is being set up to supplement Greymouths usual accommodation, so riders can stay and enjoy the hospitality. All proceeds go to Supporting Families in Mental Illness, West Coast. Visit the Cornerstone Ride website to register, find out about accommodation, or get more information:
Cornerstone Ride website
Pass the C-spanner
Not sure how much preload youd need for this one, but heres some typically crazy footage from Russia featuring a sidecar combination, two blokes and their rather large pet:
Yes, I know what you're thinking, where's his helmet?
When its just not riding weather
Snow, sleet, hurricane force winds? If the winter weather is an obstacle to getting a track day in at your local circuit, fear not. Some Dutch chaps called Cruden have come up with possibly the best motorcycle simulator ever, using an actual motorcycle. Check it out and tell me you dont want one of these in your man cave/she shed:
Good fun no doubt, but what about as a training tool?
Avalon recovers from crash to take P27 at Donington, even better at Misano
Our great friend and Kiwi contender in WSS300 got taken out in spectacular style during qualifying at Donington Park, but put in a gutsy performance to achieve 27th in the race. At the next round, in Misano, she finished 26th from a start grid of 30. Check out her Facebook page for all the latest:
Avalon Biddle Racing Facebook page
Avalon in action at the Misano in in Italy.
Ride on and everybody benefits
I guess many of us have suspected that riding benefits congestion (and makes us happier). But an article on the UKs Devon Live website pulls together a bunch of studies to show how much even a small switch towards powered two-wheelers would benefit everybody. For example, if 10% of motorists swapped their cars for a motorbike or scooter it would reduce congestion by 40% and free up 20% more parking. Then theres reduced wear on roads and less stress, improvements and productivity and increases in leisure time. Have a read and keep the facts handy next time youre chatting with a car driver!
'What would happen if 10% of people switched to a motorcycle or scooter?' article on the devonlive website.
Eyes in the back of your head? Youve got it.
A UK start-up called ZONA has devised the ZONA M100 rear-view camera and display system that apparently fits any helmet. Endorsed by Carl Fogarty, the technology uses a small plastic display arm mounted inside the helmet that presents to the rider like a 30-inch screen, 3 metres away. They say it can be situated in peripheral vision, without distracting from the forward view. The technology's available to buy as a pre-order right now, and it sounds fascinating and its something well try to get our hands on asap. To find out more, including cost through to fitting, check out their website:
ZONA website
2017 KTM 390 Duke headlight recall
Owners of 2017 Model Year 390 Dukes should have been contacted by now regarding a recall to fix a software bug in the bikes headlamp. Apparently it may reboot itself in operation, so the light would go off. If you have a 2017 model (not earlier) 390 Duke and for some reason haven't been notified, contact your dealer. Details are available on a government agency product recalls webpage:
KTM 390, DUKE, Model year 2017 on the product recalls page
See you next time
If you've got some news youd like to share or an event youd like publicise, get in touch at us. Remember, winter is always a great time to book in for Ride Forever coaching with more places available than in the summer months. So, until the next edition of Ride On, stay safe and shiny side up.
Contact the Ride Forever team
