29.7.10

WHITE RIBBON RIDE SET TO RUMBLE

by Big Dave 0 comments

Ric Odom and his Goldwing
The White Ribbon Ride in November will visit more than 40 towns in the North Island on a road trip to help end violence towards women.

The motorcycle ride, organised by the Families Commission as part of the White Ribbon campaign, will start in Tauranga and travel south through the centre of the North Island to Wellington and then north via eastern and western routes to Auckland and Bream Bay, visiting some 40 local communities.

“I’m delighted that the ride is being supported by motorcycle enthusiasts,” says Rob McCann who coordinates the White Ribbon Campaign for the Families Commission. “The inaugural ride in 2009 was fantastic and the riders were met with enthusiasm, and a few too many sausages, whereever they went. I’m sure that the positive experience from 2009 is why we have so many riders asking for ‘ride 10’ details.

“During the last few years New Zealand has seen a growing intolerance of violence and this has been reinforced by the ‘It’s Not OK’ and White Ribbon campaigns. This rejection of family violence, and specifically violence against women, has led to increased reporting and is also reflected by the increasing number of communities taking part in White Ribbon Day activities,” says Mr McCann.

“I was recently asked why White Ribbon Day was a call to men? The answer is simple. Men want to be part of the solution. This is an opportunity to show leadership and create role models for the next generation, and in doing so, break the cycle of violence.”

By offering an activity that speaks to other men, the ride can engage with communities in a way that is exciting and creates attention.

Ric Odom, owner of a Honda Gold Wing, National CEO for the YMCA and a member of the White Ribbon organising committee, participated in the White Ribbon Ride last year and encouraged some of his YMCA colleagues to join him. He says, “I had a great experience last year. Not only did I get to ride my bike for more than 800 kilometres, I had a real feeling that we contributed to making New Zealand a better place. At each location we were met by communities that were excited that men were making a stand against violence.

“Powerful bikes equal a powerful message, but we need riders to join us and show that men do care about our communities, our homes and our families. All violence is unacceptable. The ride is the perfect opportunity to show we’re against violence towards women.”

For further information about the White Ribbon Ride visit http://www.whiteribbon.org.nz/

Key Messages:
No violence within families is tolerable. If someone within the family is being frightened or intimidated by the behaviour of someone else, it is not OK. Violence isn’t just the physical, it’s also emotional or verbal behaviour used to control someone through fear. Things we say, or don’t say, contribute to the abuse.
White Ribbon Day is the international day when people, particularly men, wear a white ribbon to show they won’t tolerate, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
It originated as a men’s movement in Canada and is now part of the United Nations annual calendar (International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women). The Families Commission took a leadership role in New Zealand in 2006.
Whether you are a father, brother, uncle, granddad or cousin – we all want to keep our families safe. We all want our children to grow up and have happy healthy relationships.
By simply wearing a white ribbon you can make it clear to other men that you do not tolerate violence against women.
You can also make sure your home, your business or your sports club is a safe environment where abusive behaviour is not tolerated.
The White Ribbon Day campaign encourages men to talk openly about family violence, to support men who want to change their abusive behaviour and to challenge comments, statements and actions by men that are abusive.

Statistics in New Zealand
In New Zealand most violence towards women takes place in the home.
In violence between couples, it is men’s violence that is most likely to cause serious physical or psychological harm.
An average of 14 women a year are killed by their partners or ex partners.
There are over 3500 convictions recorded against men each year for assaults on women.
One in three women will experience partner violence at some point in their lives.

The Families Commission and White Ribbon Committee works with multiple agencies and NGOs to coordinate the national campaign. The White Ribbon campaign complements but is separate to the family violence It’s Not OK campaign.

The White Ribbon Ride
The White Ribbon Ride is now into its second year. The structure of the ride is significantly different to that of 2009, with one ride travelling south on State Highway One and then two rides travelling north via eastern and western routes. The ride is led by the Super Maori Fullas (Mervyn, Roger and Mahu Rawiri) and the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club whose members are former or serving members of the armed forces or police.
For further information about the ride visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz

Rules include:
No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the ride
No patches
Must have motorcycle of 250cc or greater
Must agree to the pledge that ‘Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women’

The Pledge
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.


27.7.10

HARLEY ANNOUNCES 2011 RANGE

by Big Dave 0 comments

HARLEY-DAVIDSON® OFFERS FIVE NEW MODELS FOR 2011 
Plus New 103” engine for Touring and ABS for Softail® models

SYDNEY (Wednesday July 28, 2010)
Harley-Davidson introduces the new SuperLow, Forty-Eight, and three CVO models with its expansive line of 2011-model-year motorcycles. With 25 models including urban brawlers, long-haul touring machines, contemporary customs drenched in chrome, dark retro-style bobbers, exhilarating sport roadsters, and inviting standards, Harley- Davidson offers a motorcycle to match the desires of almost any street rider.

Available from September 1 across Australia and New Zealand, each rolls to the sound track of the American road, a syncopated V-Twin cadence that is the pulse of every Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Highlights of the 2011 line include:

XL 883L Superlow
SuperLow
The new SuperLow leads the way combining revised front end geometry, new wheels and tyres, and reshaped seat and handlebars to achieve well- balanced handling and comfort that will inspire confidence in new riders and exhilarate those with experience. Pricing also lives up to the model’s name with a recommended retail of NZ$12,250.

XL1200X Forty-Eight
XL1200X Forty-Eight
The new Forty-Eight motorcycle is a factory custom in the legendary tradition of the hot rod Sportster line with the raw, elemental appeal of the Dark CustomTM bikes. Like the SuperLow the new Forty-Eight provides great value at NZ$15,495.

2011 Road King Classic
Road King Classic
All Touring models gain power with a new standard 103” engine with only a minor increase in price. Prices start from NZ$29,250.

2011 Softal Deluxe
2011 Softal Deluxe

All Softail models now feature ABS as standard, bringing the total number of H-D models with this key feature to 15. New hand controls add features, convenience, and cleaner styling. Prices start from NZ$26,750.

2011 Night Rod Special
Night Rod Special
The 2011 VRSC feature Michelin® Scorcher tyres, new colours, and graphics round out changes to the Night Rod® Special and the V-Rod MuscleTM. Prices start from NZ$26,750.

2011 Super Glide Custom
2011 Super Glide Custom
The four 2011 Dyna® models project pure attitude. Built with the rawest styling of all the Big Twin motorcycles, Dyna models are a customiser’s dream. Each is offered in new colours. Prices start from NZ$23,250.


Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVOTM) returns to Australia and New Zealand this year and offers three premium, limited-production motorcycles for 2011.
• The CVO Street Glide rolls on a new 19-inch AgitatorTM front wheel, and new ventilated fairing lowers house two of the six speakers that are part of a 100- watt-per-channel audio system that incorporates an 8GB iPod nano with dock.
• The CVO Softail Convertible has a new audio system that integrates 3.5-inch speakers and a 20-watt-per-channel amplifier into a redesigned inner fairing. Music is delivered by an 8GB iPod nano stored in a protective pouch. Also new is a 1.25-inch welded mini-ape handlebar, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), cruise control, keyless ignition, and ABS.
• The CVO Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® has a new suspended, heated, two-up seat with leather inserts. Dual mufflers feature new chrome billet end caps with black spears, and new mirrors are finished in mirror chrome. Prices start from NZ$42,995.

Source: Harley-Davidson


ANOTHER ERA, ANOTHER TITLE FOR KING

by Big Dave 0 comments

The podium for the over-40s veterans at the Australian
Motocross Championships this season was
(left to right) Stuart McFerran, Darryll King
and Brad Williscroft. Photo by Kajx Communications.
By Andy McGechan
Old soldiers never die, they just keep on fighting.
That could certainly be said of Hamilton’s Darryll King.
It may have been six years since the Kiwi legend last won a major national title in Australia but he rolled back the clock in July when he made it Australian motocross title No.4.
King won the prestigious open class titles across the Tasman on three separate occasions – in 2001, 2003 and 2004 – and he returned at the weekend to snatch away the over-40s veterans’ crown, an official championship for the first time this season.
The 41-year-old raced his Yamaha YZ450F to a hat-trick of wins at the Coolum circuit, this inaugural veterans’ championship sharing the programme with the eighth and final round of the open class (MX1), pro lites (MX2) and under-19s championships.
“In the end I did it fairly easily but there are still some very fast riders at the top of their game in the veterans’ racing,” said King, who had earlier this season also raced a Yamaha YZ250 in the pro lites championship.
“It was a neat track and (promoter) Kevin Williams does a great job. I always get fantastic support from Yamaha over there too. All in all, it was a brilliant weekend.”
Meanwhile, fellow Yamaha rider Cameron Taylor won the 35-40 years’ veterans’ title with a similar display of dominance, taking a clean sweep of moto wins.
King now looks ahead to contesting the final round of the World Veterans’ Motocross Championships at Lierop, in the Netherlands, on September 4.
A jam-packed personal calendar meant King has been unable to mount a full campaign in Europe this season, but, at the only other round of the world series he attended, the United States GP in May, he finished the day overall runner-up.
King twice finished second that day, both times behind fellow Yamaha rider Doug Dubach.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Holland,” said King. “That’s why I raced the YZ450F four-stroke instead of the YZ250 two-stroke in Coolum. I need to be riding the bigger bike in the deep sand of the Dutch track.”
King said he is still uncertain whether he will be able to mount a full campaign in the veterans’ class in Europe next season but “the calendar is out already and it just might suit me.”


26.7.10

ACC SETS UP ACCIDENT PREVENTION GROUP

by Big Dave 0 comments

The ACC has teamed up with representatives from key motorcycle, scooter and moped groups to look at ways to reduce motorbike injuries.

On 1 July, ACC introduced the Motorcycle Safety Levy (MSL) - a $30 annual fee for each registered motorcycle.

ACC is putting this money into a ring-fenced fund that will be specifically used on injury prevention initiatives to reduce the number and severity of motorcycle and moped injuries and fatalities.

To oversee the design of the programme, ACC has set up an establishment group. The group’s aim is to ensure the MSL programme is set up with motorbike and moped riders at the forefront. They met for the first time in Wellington on 14 July and their first task is to develop the foundations for how the MSL programme will be administered and operated.

The group is made of eight people representing the following groups; Bikers Rights Organisation of NZ (BRONZ), Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA), Motorcycling New Zealand, Scoot NZ, NZ Classic Scooter Club, Motor Industry Association, Ministry of Transport and the NZ Transport Agency, Ulysses Club of NZ Inc. Seven of the group members are motorbike or moped riders.

Peter McIntosh, of Ulysses, sees the potential from the use of the MSL funds for motorcyclists.

“For the first time we will have a dedicated safety fund for us as riders with genuine input from the motorcycling community on what types of initiatives will really benefit us. The Government and ACC have made a genuine commitment to working with motorcyclists in the operation of the Motorcycle Safety Levy to improve the safety of all motorcyclists. It is now in place and the best thing we can all do is to take a positive step forward and support it,” said Mr McIntosh.

ACC is providing additional funding to cover administration, so that all funds collected are used directly on funding safety initiatives rather than on the administration of the programme.

ACC General Manager Injury Prevention Keith McLea says the MSL programme’s success depends on input from motorcyclists on its design and development.

“We want to ensure this programme is set up for motorcyclists by motorcyclists,” Mr McLea said.

For additional information or to register to receive updates about the MSL, visit www.acc.co.nz/motorcycle-safety-levy.


Additional information

Members on the establishment group include:
- Brent Hutchison, President of Wellington branch of Bikers Rights Organisation of NZ (BRONZ)
- Peter McIntosh, President Ulysses Club of NZ Inc
- Yvonne Forrest, Representative of Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA)
- Paul Searancke, Commissioner: Recreation/Leisure of Motorcycling New Zealand
- Jess Corbett from Scoot NZ and the NZ Classic Scooter Club
- Clive Hellyar, Advisor from the Motor Industry Association
- Ministry of Transport representative
- Jim Furneaux, from NZ Transport Agency


COACHING WITH CHRIS BIRCH DATES

by Big Dave 0 comments

Womans mid week sand skills 
Wednesday 28th July
Women-only coaching day at the Kawasaki Sand Pit. Nice and relaxed and open to riders of all ability. Starting at ten and finishing around two. Cost is $100.
Pre booking essential please email chris@birchy.co.nz

Mens mid week sand skills 

Wednesday 4th August
At the Kawasaki Sand Pit. Aimed at intermediate riders but open to all. Starting at ten and finishing around two. Cost is $150 inclusive of entry to Kawasaki Sand Pit.
Pre booking essential please email chris@birchy.co.nz

Trail riding Skills 
Taupo 8th August
A days coaching for trail riders at a brilliant venue ten minutes out of Taupo. Open to riders of all abilities. We will cover basic bike set up, a little bit of suspension set up and lots of riding skills for hitting the trails. Cost is $150 and pre booking is essential.
Email chris@birchy.co.nz


25.7.10

KIWI KICKING UP A STORM IN EUROPE

by Big Dave 0 comments


Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
New Zealand’s Kayne Lamont is going from strength to strength.
Lamont won the two main classes at the New Zealand Junior Motocross Championship near Blenheim in April, then immediately afterwards boarded an international flight.
The 17-year-old from Mangakino, in the Central North Island, headed off to Europe to follow in the wheels-tracks of men such as Motueka’s Josh Coppins and Tauranga’s Ben Townley.
Now based in England, the Suzuki GB rider (who is sponsored by Mount Maunganui’s MotoGB in New Zealand) has been flitting to and fro across the English Channel to tackle several rounds of the European 125cc championships (EMX125).
He scored solid points at the latest round of that series in Sweden, finishing 11th and 15th, placing him 14th overall for the day.
He then put himself on the top step of the podium, this time at round six of the Red Bull British 125cc Championships at the Howton Court circuit in Pontrilas, south Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border.
He was again in action in England on Saturday and Sunday, this time challenging the elite of the MXY2 class at round five of the British Motocross Championships at Foxhills, in Swindon.
Making his debut in the MXY2 class, Lamont stormed to the top of the qualifying rankings, humbling current championship leader Connor Walkley and other British stars Tom Kelly, Matt Bayliss and Matt Burrows.
For racing proper, Lamont took his RM125 to the front of the pack, eventually winning the race ahead of Walkley and that really set the tongues wagging.
“The commentator said it was the first time in his memory that a 125cc two-stroke had won a race in this class – the racing here open to 125cc two-strokes and 250cc four-stroke bikes,” said Lamont’s father, Stuart.
Lamont had a more difficult second race and had to settle for runner-up spot, behind Walkley, meaning the young New Zealander had to settle for overall runner-up on the day because of the count-back rule – with the highest-placed rider in the last race getting the nod.
“Kayne is feeling really comfortable with the Suzuki and we now head back to Belgium tomorrow before heading across to the Czech Republic to tackle round six of the EMX125 Championships on August 8.”

Source: Suzuki NZ.


 

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