TC1474

The problem is that one persons noisy is another persons silence and so it is very subjective, I have used GV for a number of years and I find them superbly quiet. Shark and HJC I find are (for me) some of the noisiest helmets on the planet (and I always wear ear plugs) so it comes down to personal experience and how a helmet fits which will determine how quiet it will be. No easy answer as which ones to avoid as all hats have to comply with EC22/05, all helmets sold in the UK exceed EC22/05 and you are by and large paying for a name, the features and a fancy paint job. It all comes down to fit and your budget.

There are a few good advanced group in your area. Have a look round and go and visit one of their group meetings to get a feel for it. Bikesafe is being phased out in quite a few areas for various reasons, but even if you do one, you would only be directed towards a local group anyway. You are choosing a good time in your riding career to start advanced riding as you will still be receptive to the idea of learning, and the 99% of the rubbish you are taught to pass the L test can easily be corrected.

From a pure maximise safety point of view, gloves offer more protection if worn over the cuffs, simply because if worn under, the raw edge of the sleeve cuff is exposed and can ride up exposing the forearm and in some cases slpit along the seams. The same also applies to boots worn under leathers. This is a common issue and I have lost count of the number of serious injuries caused as a result of the leather riding up. The argument that it must be safe because racing riders do something does not hold weight because the displines of racing and road riding are very different, hence why wearing a 1 piece leather on the road is not as safe as a 2 piece (but this is a seperate discussion which we have had before) I have seen the problem of raw edges riding up and leaving parts of the body exposed on many occasions as part of my case studies into kit. But, kit is evolving, and with textile kit, it is always going to be something of a compromise. Manufacturers are looking at ways to make cold weather and winter riding more of an enjoyable experience, but you cannot cater for every situation and of course it tends to be bulkier than leather, so sometimes gloves under are the only viable option. But if you understand that it is a potential safety compromise, then fair enough, at least the majority of your body is protected..

I did thank you for asking. Eventfull but fun and very relaxing

I am their guest speaker next Monday (16th), so if you are a member and plan to be there, then please do come over and say Hi. BWAM = Bournemouth & Wessex Advanced Motorcycle group just in case people are wondering.

Unless it is a catastrophic or fatal crash, investigations are not done anymore, particularly forensic investigations, and even then it is rare that the calculations for determining speed is done because of the scientific and mathmatical calculations that need to be done and then verified by the independent forensic labs.

See you in a week or so. Tomorrow I am boarding this baby for a week of luxury and fun Be good and behave

Hi Martin. I went down this route with my SiL when he bought a second hand Focus and the dealer ripped him off. I did all the research legally and spoke to a colleague and how it works is, If he fails to accept you rejecting the vehicle, 1. You must give the dealer a opportunity to repair the vehicle to a standard that is acceptable to you. In this case, 5 opportunities is more than reasonable. 2. If the dealer fails to repair to a satisfactory standard, then he must be given the opportunity to replace with a like for like vehicle. 3. If he fails to offer a suitable replacement, then you are entitled to reject the vehicle and be given a full refund. So it is Repair Replace Refund in that order Once these options have been exhausted, then proceedings can be issued and strict liability means that the judge will find against the dealer and the cost of you issuing proceedings wll be refunded. In the case of my SiL he actualy had to get the High Court Sherrifs involved (which is another story) but the law is on your side as the court will deem that the the problem was there when they sold you the vehicle and as a lay person you are entitled to expect the vehicle to be of merchantable and road worthy quality. Documentary evidence is all important in these cases. Good luck

Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive of Ryanair after arriving in a hotel in Manchester went to the bar and asked for a pint of Guinness. The barman said, "That will be £1 please, Mr. O’Leary." Taken aback, O'Leary replied, "That's very cheap," and handed over his money. "We do try to stay ahead of the competition", said the barman. "We have the cheapest beer in England". "That is remarkable value", Michael comments. "I see you don't have a glass, you'll need one of ours. That will be £3 please." O'Leary scowled, but paid up. He took his drink and walked towards a seat. "Ah, you want to sit down?" said the barman. "That'll be an extra £2. If you'd pre-booked it would have cost £1." O'Leary swore to himself, but paid up. "I see you've brought your laptop" added the barman. "That wasn't pre-booked either, that's another £3." O'Leary was so incensed and his face was red with rage. "I've had enough! I insist on speaking to a manager!" "Here is his e-mail address, or if you wish, you can contact him between 9.00 am and 9.01am every morning, Monday to Tuesday. Calls are free, unless answered, then there is a charge of only £1 per second". "I will never use this bar again". "OK but do remember, we are the only hotel in England selling pints for £1."

On my 17th birthday, I took possesion of my first proper road bike the Honda CD175. I somehow very quickly snapped the camshaft of a bullet proof engine, so it was then changed to the moe upmarket CB175 which unlike the CD had the luxury of an electric foot. This was quickly replaced by a Suzuki GT250 which I took my test on

Original Yamaha FS1E unrestricted circa 1974

I actually was in Chievely, but I put Newbury as most people at least know roughly where it is. But to be fair, its not really any worse than Reading

On Saturday, I was invited to attend an advanced drivers conference in Newbury. Anyway, I had just arrived when someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "I just wanted to say thank you" Stunned, I asked "What for?" so he told me that I was his examiner when he took his first advanced driving test which is what got him into advanced driving and riding in the first place. So I said the customary "You are welcome" response and then said "I am sorry I don't recognise you, when did I examine you?" "1985" he replied No wonder I didn't remember him, I have carried out in excess of probably 2,000 tests over the past 32 years, and I can't remember who I met last week let alone who I met in 1985 Anyway, no damage done, he is chairman of a group in South Wales and wants me to go and give a talk to his group. Happy to do so But what a shock to have someone remember me after all these years after a one off meeting.

An error and correction has now been pubished. It was just a 2 year ban with extended re-test GMP tweeted it wrong http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-41362923

By and large, that is what has happened. He can apply for his licence back on completion of half of his ban, but there is no guarantee he will get it. And he can of course run the risk of driving whilst disqual, but he will end up doing a term inside if he persists.... It seems ironic that he only made a run for it because he was carrying too many passengers. 6 instead of 5.....

I have been involved in cases in the past where drivers have been handed 3, 5 or 10 years disqualifications from driving, but 80 years? I know that he can apply for his licence back after half the disqualification period has been served, but that is still 40 years away Maybe a few more courts ought to follow this example http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/student-banned-from-roads-for-eighty-years-for-dangerous-driving-after-leading-police-on-dramatic-chase-with-car-full-of-passengers/ar-AAskQny

Really? Don't compare what we did back then based on what you say on the Telly (although that was true to life and my voice guest starred a few times on the radio as they used TVP radio traffic ) The Flying Squad were a law onto themselves and only worked the Met, but the Police service in general was nothing like they portrayed it, and discipline was very different to what it is now.

How old are you? Where does that thinking come from?

The sad face is because it dawned on me that many of you were still probably no more than a twinkle in your Dad's eye when I started and it makes you realise how fast time passes. On the plus side, I am glad that I no longer serve.

I am the guest speaker for the second time at HERAM in Hull (or Beverley to be exact) this coming Monday evening. I am talking about the investigation process acompanied by some interesting photo's and stories. If anyone is a member and is likely to be there, please do come and say Hi.....

15th of September 1975, I was starting my first day in the Police service. Seems like a lifetime ago....

Anyone a member and attending tonights group meeting at the Met Police Sports & Social club in Chigwell? If so, come and say Hi. I am tonights guest speaker

I know I have covered it briefly in the past, but more and more people are being involved in crashes outside of the UK whilst on Holiday, and often people will believe that they are going to have a problem making a claim because they will be subject to the jurisdiction of that country. My colleague Paul McClorry is an expert in overseas claims and has written an article about how the law works and what to do in the event that you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a crash or injured whilst outside the UK. Hope you find it interesting. https://www.hudgellsolicitors.co.uk/news/accident-illness-abroad/10-essential-steps-you-must-take-if-you-have-a-road-traffic-accident-abroad/?utm_content=bufferc10f6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

You may recall that about 18 months ago, the premier of the documentary about Talan and rest of the team was completed and it had its premier at a black tie do in London which I was fortunate enough to attend, Well from the 2nd of October, Dream the Impossible will be available for download on iTunes, Amazon, Sky and DVD https://www.facebook.com/DreamTheImpossibleFilm/videos/1414581251989303/ It is a fantastic story, brilliant interviews with the guys and it puts all our little aches and pains into perspective. Look at the trailer on the link and you will see what I mean. (Oh, and I appear for about half a nano second )

I don't know if you are aware but National Air Ambulance Week is fast approaching (11th – 17th September 2017) To this end, I am delighted that my firm Hudgells Solicitors are supporting Dave Ascough and Daren Cox under the Roadbase2017 title, who will tour Britain raising awareness and much needed funds for the North West Air Ambulance Charity. In doing so, they are creating a package of routes and planning tips to inspire other riders from all over the country to follow their route and raise money for their own local Air Ambulance. You may not be aware that the Air Ambulance received no Government financial backing but rely totally on donations, and so whilst they are raising money primarily for the North West Air Ambulance service, their primary aim id to raise awareness of all 17 Air Ambulance services around the UK. You can read more here at https://www.facebook.com/pg/RoadBase2017/about/?ref=page_internal As motorcyclists, none of us know when we may be in need of the assistance and service provided by the Air Ambulance regardless of where you live, so I would ask you to support the guys and if possible put your hand in your pocket and support them in reaching their target which is a modest £2,000, but the publicity is priceless. As a firm, we have paid their overheads such as fuel, accomodation, meals, as well as IT expertise and I have sorted out sponsorship of bikes, kit and a few other bits and pieces. So, please join us and help these guys get an important message out and raise the profile of the National Air Ambulance service.