I've just completed a Bikesafe course and enjoyed it immensely. Fifty quid bought two two-and-a-half hour evening sessions with Powerpoint presentations heavily based on the book Motorcycle Roadcraft and a two hour ride out with a Police motorbike rider. During the introductions, we said why we wanted to be on the course. A few said they wanted to keep learning and were labelled "sponge" on the whiteboard. Others said they wanted to improve their cornering and were labelled "bends". I said that I didn't ride in company any more because I found other bikers much faster than me and felt safer riding my own pace rather than trying to keep up. "Nervous" went on the whiteboard. One of the evening presentations contained a commentary by one of the Police presenters as he rode along a local road. That video brought some interesting points home about observation. I caused some chuckles and eyes raised to the ceiling when I claimed to be the only one of the 7 attendees who had no difficulty keeping his speed down to the nsl.

The best bit of the course was this afternoon's ride around bits of North Yorkshire which incorporated part of the notorious "Helmsley TT", a road mentioned by Janet Street-Porter in one of her attacks on motor biking. There were supposed to be two of us being assessed by Policeman Mark, but it looked like rain (more of which later) and the other rider didn't turn up so I had Mark's undivided attention. He gave a friendly briefing by explaining where we would be going and what he was looking for. I was to ride as I would on my own but to stick to the 30 and 40 speed limits rigidly to spare him the embarrassment of being "pinched" by his own colleagues. If I was leading he would give directions by indicating from behind in plenty of time. He started by leading on his black Yamaha R1 with Police and Bikesafe decals while I followed trying to relate his riding to the course content. Then he waved me by and I nervously entered the spotlight, fortunately on roads I knew. Bend technique, observation and overtaking safely were key areas for this ride and, with some effort, I managed to fit in some good and bad examples of all three. The Yamaha's left indicator was invisible next to a badly-adjusted headlight so I was forgiven for missing a junction. Just outside Helmsley I got a detailed breakdown of my cornering and some advice on how to improve. I wasn't to be so rigid about starting each right-hander from the gutter and each left-hander from the white line. I should try and plan further ahead and make bends flow into one another. Again, I followed Mark for a few miles and then was waved by. The knowledge that I hadn't made a total cock-up of the ride so far helped me relax and, barring some nervous horses in Helmsley and a Peugeot driver who U-turned in front of me near Chop Gate, the rest of the run was completed without incident at, erm, slightly more than the nsl. We did over 80 miles in a little under 2 hours including a 10 minute stop for a review and advice so we weren't hanging about.

As I headed for the A1 and home, the sky darkened and so much rain fell that my vision was affected so I stopped for a choccy bar and a drink under a petrol station canopy. When the rain had abated I found myself riding down the flooded main street of Morton-on-Swale. Manhole covers were displaced and spectacular jets of water were spouting from around a dinner-table sized piece of tarmac that had been bent upward by some titanic underground water pressure. This was when I discovered my boots are not completely waterproof. Never mind, it was an excellent learning experience. My Suzuki V-Strom 650 was as comfy and supple as ever and I was intrigued to see that none of the squashed insects that I remember from the Helmsley stop were anywhere to be seen. It seems that I ride a self-cleaning bike.
Hawkeye
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Stranger in a strange land Read more

Hello all,

I've got to get a Renault Safrane V6 some 170 miles over the weekend, but the car has a blown head gasket. Other than that, it's in pretty good condition, with fully working electrics, good bodywork and solid mechanicals.

I'm assured that it's driveable, but I'm conscious of the terminal damage I could do. Given that I have absolutely no option* but to drive it, what's the best way of managing the drive without causing any additional damage?

Is it better to do it in one hit, driving it gently, or should I take a break every 20 miles or so and let the 'Renault Rocket' have a bit of a rest? Any ideas, or any suggestions on the best way to handle this situation?



* It's for a charity event, the car's costing an astonishing £50, and any extra cost takes away from the charity donation. I'd rather take the £51 risk that I'll blow the car than spend £150 on having it transported. Read more

Having been to this event for the last few years and thoroughly enjoyed it can I recommend it to fellow motoring fans?
www.see-red.uk.com/races.asp
I love the old racing/sports cars and to see (and hear!) those old Maserati 250Fs, Lancia D50s, Alfa 158s etc as well as the even earlier Bugattis, Talbots, Bentleys etc: it stirs the blood! You can also get into the pit area and see the cars at close quarters and have a chat with the owners/drivers
Anyway, have a look at the site - I have no connection with the organisers, Donington Park etc, etc but it is a good day out!
--
Phil Read more

I havw a 2001 Mondeo Ghia diesel. When I fill the tank diesel runs from somewhere on the top of the tank? I have had it witha Ford garage twice. They replaced seals but its still leaking badly. It only happens just after I have filled the tank. I only fill the tank to the first click its not a case of me over filling. Anyone any ideas so when I take it back th the dealer for the third time I can tell them what to check?

Cheers Read more

Got a noisy differential on a merc 190 D 2.5,1992 on a J plate-any ideas where to get a reconditioned one,or cheap new one(silly money from merc dealer) cant find one on GSF.
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