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What a horrible day. Too much to do, not enough time to it and the whole world wanting it yesterday. An hour out on the bike around the local A roads and it all starts to get better. God bless the man who thought of strapping and engine to a bicycle !
Today thousands of bikers took to the major roads around the UK to register their objections to proposed EU legislation. This is supposedly in the interests of motorcycle safety but addressing the cause of 0.07% of accidents whilst destroying the jobs of thousands at huge cost to motorcyclists seems to be missing the point in my opinion. If you then take into account that the cause of 70% of motorcycle accidents, i.e. poor car drivers, haven’t been taken into account in any point of the legislation and I can’t help but feel that this is legislation for legislation’s sake.
It was heartening to see so many bikers turn out to support MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) in their fight against this nonsense. The gang pictured consisted of myself, the Old Dragon, David my little brother and my niece. We met at H Café just outside of Oxford and proceeded to join the ride South down the A34 from the Didcot services. We were quite near the front of the group but looking back in my mirrors there were bikes filling the inside lane at 40mph for as far as I could see. Let’s hope those in Westminster take notice. Fluorescent jackets, restrictions on modifications and restrictions on the age of vehicles allowed in urban areas are not wanted here. Instead go away and teach car drivers to keep a proper lookout for other road users.
Wandering around the web recently looking at various motorcycling related bits & pieces I came across the UlyssesThe aims of the club are: Club. Being the curious chap I am I looked into this a bit further and found a little treasure. The club was started many years ago by a brit, Stephen Dearnley, living in Australia and is aimed at the more ‘mature’ biker. The club is now a global organisation with branches in Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, the UK, Germany and beyond. The bit that really appealed was the club moto ‘Grow Old Disgracefully’ which is a line I have used on many occasions for many years. I took this to be a good omen.
2. To show by example that motorcycling can be enjoyable and a practical activity for riders of all ages.
3. To draw the attention of private and public institutions to the needs of older riders.
There is a facility to sign up to the forum on a 21 day temporary membership so, my curiosity having been peaked, I did. Following a post on the ‘Welcome Mat’ I was swamped with replies. Never before have I had this happen, a fantastic welcome from lovely people all of whom share a similar sense of humour and outlook on life.
Well that did it I had to join and at £12 for the year it’s a bit of a bargain. The best thing is that at the tender age of 48 I only qualify as a junior member ! It will be another 2 years before I make a senior. You’ve no idea how much that made me laugh. So, if you’re an old git unwilling to give in and keep on biking looking for like minded people check it out here.
I’m hoping to take part in the MAG protest ride this weekend joining the run going from Didcot Services on the A34. Hopefully I will bump into a few more Ulyssians whilst I’m at it.