Bike insurance reminder

Motorcyclists have been warned of the potential risks of getting back on their bikes after a long winter rest.

With the clocks set to go back and the weather steadily improving, thousands of bikers are expected to head out onto the nation's roads over the next few weeks.

And while a vast majority are skilled and safe riders, many could be a bit rusty after spending the winter indoors, prompting AA Motorcycle Insurance director Simon Douglas to advise people to take extra care.

"We have all heard of road rage, but at this time of year the big danger to bikers is 'road rust' among drivers who have lost the habit of looking out for bikes," he said.

"The skills of many motorcyclists need polishing too after a long lay-up, so it's important for both to be aware of the risks as the results can be tragic."

Figures from the AA suggest that insurance claims involving motorcycles rise by around 40% each spring.

Kick Start For World Trials Championships Announced

A world championship motor cycle event will kick-start in Northern Ireland later this year, under the title of the Adelaide GP of Ireland.

Jack Challoner, winner of the 2008 Youth Trial World Championship is pictured getting in some practice in the shadow of the Mournes for the prestigious event which takes place on 4 - 5 April.

It will see motorcycle champions from all over the world race into Newcastle to compete in the first two rounds of this year's SPEA FIM Trial World Championship.

At the press launch in the Slieve Donard Hotel the Lightweight Motor Cycle Club (LMCC) - which is hosting the event - revealed that for the first time the opening rounds will be held in Northern Ireland, in the all-new venue of Donard Park, Newcastle.

The world's top trials riders will all compete for the first points of the 2009 Championship under the watchful eye of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Such luminaries as Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will come to south Down to take on the best of what the Mourne Mountains can throw at them.

An LMCC spokesman said they were extremely pleased to be working with Down District Council at this new venue, and excited about what this special event will bring to the town.

Offering a town centre location with seaside resort facilities, Donard Park will give fans the chance to see some of the World's best trialing sections only a few minutes walk from the promenade.

Donard Park itself is mostly thick forest, interspersed with rivers and streams carving their way from the Mourne Mountains to the sea, and also a large quarry area which overlooks the town, and marks the change from forest to open mountainside.

The club also announced a new title sponsor of the event, Adelaide Insurance Services, Northern Ireland's long-standing premier motorcycle insurance provider.

Adelaide were voted 'the UK's favourite motorcycle insurance broker' by the annual Rider Power 2008 survey.

The club spokesman also took the opportunity to thank the other sponsors whose continued support has made the event possible, including Uhire, a Newtownards based Plant Hire company, and Barkley Murphy Building & Shop Fitting incorporating O'Hares Bar & Lounge Newcastle, as well as numerous section sponsors.

Last year's Northern Ireland rounds were held in Bangor, Co Down, and brought over 15,000 spectators into the area over the weekend.

The upcoming trials seem well on its way to exceeding this footfall, with interest building for several months within motorcycling circles, all eager to find out where the new venue for the beginning of this year's World Trial would be.

See: www.worldtrialni.co.uk/

Georgetown / Hutto / Taylor Impacts - February 2009

1. New transit station
Construction of a new Capital Area Rural Transportation System transit station is underway at 3620 S. Austin Ave., just north of SE Inner Loop. The CARTS station, which is expected to be complete by fall 2009, will serve as a stop for regional buses, freight vehicles and private carriers such as Greyhound. A new park-and-ride lot will also be available. Visit www.ridecarts.com.

2. Awarding experience
GTX Awards and Engraving, offering personalized engraved items for sports teams and businesses, opened under its new name Jan. 1 at 1915 N. Austin Ave. Formerly Yours For Keeps, the store was purchased by Ty and Crystal Gipson, owners of Minuteman Press, and Georgetown Sporting Goods owners Brian and Cindy Burkhart. Call 868-5881 or visit www.gtxawards.com.


3. Same digs, new treasures
The owners of His and Her Treasures, 112 W. Eighth St., have added a walk-in cigar humidor to the shop’s selection of Mexican pottery, Willow Tree Angels and other custom-made crafts. Call 868-3288 or visit www.hisandhertreasuresgeorgetown.com.

4. Chantal’s is back
Chantal’s Bistro, 204 E. Eighth St., celebrated a grand re-opening Feb. 5. The restaurant is now open for dinner Thursday to Saturday 4:30 p.m. to closing and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch. Call 535-6143 or visit www.chantalsbistro.com.

5. Rest insured
The Square is now home to the new office of Nationwide Insurance/The Dollar Agency, which opened at 109 W. Seventh St. Jan. 12. The agency specializes in home, auto, life, boat and motorcycle insurance. Call 869-2211.

6. Georgetown sounds
Aspiring musicians have a new venue in which to sharpen their skills. Georgetown Music Studio opened Jan. 12 and is now signing up students of all ages for lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, fiddle and accordion. The studio, 2544 Shell Road, Ste. A, currently employs six instructors who teach private and group sessions. Call 868-2255 or visit www.georgetownmusicstudio.org.

7. Start the presses
Work was completed in January on an expansion project at Minuteman Press, 1011 Leander Road. Incorporating the space formerly occupied by Budget Optical, the new floor plan allows the business to include large-format sign making. Call 931-2211 or visit www.mmptx.com.

8. Through the grapevine
Georgetown Winery, formerly known as D’Vine Wine of Georgetown, will relocate to 715 Main St. in February. In addition to selling locally made wine and gifts, the business also hosts winemaking classes and private events. Call 869-8600 or visit www.georgetownwinery.com.

Spur of the moment
After the City of Georgetown took over maintenance of Austin Avenue/Business 35 from Leander Road to Williams Drive, the Texas Department of Transportation renamed its portions of the road. The section from SE Inner Loop north to Leander Road became Spur 26, and from Williams Drive north to NE Inner Loop became Spur 158.

Downtown Wi-Fi
Visitors to the Square will be able to access the internet wirelessly with the launch of a free city network unveiled Feb. 10. In development since the summer, the Wi-Fi system covers the Square with signals from four access points. Laptop owners who connect to the network will be automatically redirected to a website with log-on instructions. Call 930-3652 or visit www.georgetown.org.

Fite fire with fire
Robert Fite has been selected to serve as the new chief of the Georgetown Fire Department. Fite last worked as a battalion chief in Richardson, Texas. He fills the position vacated when former chief Anthony Lincoln retired in May. For more information, call 930-3723 or visit www.georgetown.org/departments/fire.

Bike Insurance News: Make Sure You Are Protected When You Hit The Road

Bike Insurance News: Make Sure You Are Protected When You Hit The Road
Bikesure's Helmet and Leather policy encourages rider safety.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) January 23, 2009 -- Nobody wants to fall off their motorbike but sadly most people will at some point in their biking careers, so they need to make sure they have good quality protective clothing. Modern motorcycle clothing offers impact and abrasion protection from the moment riders hit the road until they come to a stop. It can significantly reduce injuries and, as a rule of thumb, it is recommended that bikers should spend between 15 to 20% of the value of their bike on protective clothing.

But after an accident some, if not all the clothing will need replacing - especially the helmet if it has taken a knock. Helmets and leathers can now cost on average around £500 and many cost significantly more, so taking out insurance for these expensive accessories is very important. For just £20 per year Bikesure offers a Helmet and Leather policy that gives cover up to £1000 on all leathers, including jacket, trousers, boots and gloves, and helmets (subject to a £50 excess).

"We recognise that good quality helmet and leathers are an essential part of a motorcyclist's safety kit," says Robert Balls of Bikesure. "We want to make it affordable for bikers to ride safely. Our Helmet and Leather policy makes it possible for them to easily replace damaged kit after an accident."

Bikesure is 100% British owned and based. It has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap bike insurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders. For details freephone the Bikesure quote line on 0800 089 2000, email the company at bikesure(at)adrianflux.co.uk or visit www.bikesure.co.uk

Helmet and Leather safety.doc – Jan-09
Press Enquiries:
Toni Turner or Alison Haynes at The Publicity Works
Tel: 01263 761000 Email: bikesure(at)publicityworks.biz
Robert Balls at Bikesure Insurance Services: 08700 771377
Press information, digital files, photos etc., available on request from bikesure(at)publicityworks.biz

Bennetts withdraw from BSB

The British Superbike Championship is without a title sponsor with less than three months until the new season opens at Brands Hatch.

The motorcycle insurance company Bennetts has ended it's four year association with the series.

It's another indication of the problems facing motorsport in general with the global downturn beginning to really bite.

The news follows Ducati and Rizla Suzuki pulling the plug on their involvement in British Superbikes.

There has been no word from British Superbike organisers Motorsport Vision about Bennetts ending their sponsorship.