martynmcg

Bulli, I get what you're saying completely mate. I wouldn't say I missed the point only circumvented it a bit. I was trying to highlight the point that regardless of what Government or race testers say people will buy what they see is the best because of price/looks/brand respectively. However I do believe what you were saying about people being mislead by certain testing measures and approval methods. This could be applied to most things in life that have 'independent, non-bias' testing methods though so it's not a new age tactic, if that is what this SHARP testing ultimatley is. The main sure fire way to check things helmets is unfortunately to crash with them. But not every crash is exactly the same so results can vary. I do still believe however that further testing by responsible measures can lead to safety equipment becoming better for all involved. Companies who cash in on people's fears and concerns is nothing new though, so as always tread carefully. Hind sight is only useful when it's too late

I think some people are missing the point of the tests. I don't believe that they are there to say "A £400 Arai, Shoei, AGV helmet is a % better than a £50 HJC, tinpot lid to save your skull in a crash". It's there as another way to test safety equipment, which is always good. It makes manufacturers aware that their product maybe has a flaw or could do with extra protection here or there. If the test is flawed so be it. If you like the helmet, buy it anyway. Have they ever said "Don't buy a helmet that has less than 2/3 stars"? Not to my knowledge. At the end of the day, it can only aid to make helmets safer in the long run. So let the manufacturers moan and groan that their goods aren't getting 5 stars or whatever method of scoring is applicable. In the end, a helmet on is better than a helmet off. Doesn't matter what people say as there is only one person ultimately responsible for your skull..... YOU. If you feel more comfortable or can afford to spend £££'s on a lid, do it. If you can only spend £50 or feel better in another helmet, then do that. To hell with anybody else. It's your head, decide on your own

That was going to be my tip Pete about the tights. My step father told me that just after I started riding. He rode bikes in the army years ago. Regardless of what folk may think, as long as it keeps you warm.

According to http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=2168 it's crap. Heavy showers on Saturday, bit of wind, low pressure.... the usual. Much like Scotland

Is the 'no admission after 1000' not just for display vehicles? Or am I reading it wrong?

phil mate, you're welcome to the whisky. It's there to drink but you wont get to half on your own..... hint hint....... so not to worry vicki, I have no clue what time we'll get there. I'm leaving with James but he can't leave until after work so we might not get away till after 6. I've got a 2 man and a 4 man tent here, planning on bringing the 2 man but if it's easier for you to stick the spare up before hand, then I'm perfectly good with that. Just let me know.

Sorry vicki, missed this one earlier. Stuck my name down for both regardless so vote is in. I might bring a nice bottle of whisky along as well

Excellent, cheers vicki. Is this a BYOP (bring your own pud) event or will there be designated *cough* master chefs on hand?

I'd be up for the pud run this year. Sounds like a good gig. TimR, if you're up for some company I'd be happy to accompany you on the way home north on the Sunday. Also, is there any more room for camping vicki or is it going to be a bit of tarp and some tent pegs over the bike for me?

If only getting sat nav was that easy. I have to 'smuggle' in a pair of alpinestars boots I just bought without letting on to my wife how much they were. But I think you're right Stu, getting to Hull is the easy bit. Getting to the right bit of Hull is the problem.

Definitely up for this. Plus it'll be my first TMBF event as well Only problem is I've got no fooking idea how to get to Hull Which will be fun

I know it's a bit late on posting this but I use a V2R on my SV and it's fine. The internal visor is great, not too heavy for me but it can be a bit noisy if you don't wear earplugs/earphones. Got mine for £100. Bargain if ever I saw one for my first helmet Plus it looks good I think