Open House Issue 98

ISSUE 98

ISSUE 98 EDITED BY Vic Hawkes PUBLISHERS Red Hen Promotions Ltd PO Box 75 Brighouse West Yorkshire HD6 3WF TEL 01484 400666 EMAIL info@redhenpromotions.com ADVERTISING SALES advertising@thenabd.org.uk TEL 0844 415 4849 All enquiries, correspondence and so on to: The NABD Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre Robson Avenue Urmston Manchester M41 7TE Telephone: 0844 415 4849 Email: office@thenabd.org.uk Web: www.nabd.org.uk Articles on varied relevant subjects for inclusion in Open House are always welcome from all members.

Email or post your articles to the contact details above. Please enclose original photographs or digital images of good quality/size (750kb minimum) on a CD - please do not embed in word documents as we cannot use them. Also images printed on inkjet printers or using plain paper are of no use whatsoever so please don’t send them.

Submissions may be edited before publishing. Please remember that articles received after copy dates CANNOT be included.

IN THIS

ISSUE

REGULARS An Introduction to the NABD

04

A Rough Guide to Adaptations

26

Chairman’s Chunk

06

NABD Affiliated Clubs

29

NABD Merchandise

30

NABD Patrons

NABD National Committee & Representatives NABD Affiliated Businesses

32 33 34

FEATURES The NABD joins forces with the IAM RoadSmart

08

Voodoo, Magic, Wizardry, Pixle Dust and All Things IT

18

Christmas Cheer

Dreaming of Future Travel

16 22

ADAPTATIONS It’s A Trike Jim, But Not As We Know It! A Long Time Coming!

10 11

Copy Date for the next issue of Open House (Issue 99) is 31st March 2021.

Cover photo by Eddie Hancock

Open House Issue 98 3

AN INTRODUCTION TO...

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIKERS WITH A DISABILITY The NABD was set up in April 1991 by Insurance The NABD has negotiated discount rates for a group of people in Manchester who believe that disabled people should have members from some of the more reputable companies. Where an individual has difficulty full access to the independence and obtaining a reasonable quotation we will attempt freedom of motorcycling.

During the past twenty - odd years, this unique Association has develoed immensely.

The membership of the NABD has increased to over 7,500 individuals from all over Britain, Eire and Europe with well over 150 clubs, groups and businesses affiliating to show their support of our aims.

The NABD has many diverse aspects including:

Financial Grants

To assist with the cost of special adaption work to bikes and trikes to suit the individual requirements of disabled riders. These grants range from £500.00 to £2,000.00 dependant on the type of machine and the specific needs of the disabled rider.

NABD grants are also now available toward the costs of refresher training and assessments.

Assessments and Training

The NABD has a number of “learner legal” 125cc machines, which are adapted to suit various disabilities.

These machines are lent to disabled riders free of charge for the purposes of professional training/ tests and rider assessments.

The NABD also offer financial help with the cost of refresher training for riders who have become disabled due to traumatic accidents or who have endured a protracted period of time off the road.

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to negotiate a satisfactory conclusion.

Bikesure Insurance (part of the Adrian Flux Group) in cooperation with the NABD operate a unique discounted insurance scheme for our members.

It is our belief that; “When it comes to motorcycling, a disability should not be a handicap”.

Representatives

The NABD has a wide network of appointed representatives throughout Britain who co-ordinate the efforts of local members and organise regular meetings and fund-raising events.

Awareness

The NABD is constantly trying to educate the organisers of motorcycle events to the fundamental needs of disabled riders. Many organisers now ask our advice on facilities for people with disabilities as a matter of course.

NABD information and publicity stands attend a large number of motorcycling and disability events each year throughout the British Isles.

The NABD’s quarterly magazine, Open House, which gives a broad view of the work of the association, is available to every NABD member and affiliate and to other supporters and interested parties.

Adaptions

The adaptions made to motorcycles and trikes are as varied as current technology will allow.

Adaptions range from simple re-siting of existing controls, to the fitting of specially designed kits or even the building of specialised vehicles where necessary to suit the particular needs of a disabled rider.

Due to the detailed engineering work involved, the NABD utilises a network of professional engineers throughout Britain and Eire.

Events

The NABD holds many events around Britain throughout the year. These NABD events range from major annual motorcycle rallies to smaller fund-raising activities.

Also, and perhaps more importantly, members get the chance to help lots of people enhance their lives in a practical and constructive way.

Affiliations from motorcycle clubs and businesses are also very welcome. See www.nabd.org.uk for further details, or contact the NABD office (contact details on page 3).

Campaigning

The NABD has several objectives concerning the rights and safety of disabled riders, we are regularly consulted on issues relating to disabled motorcycling by the DVLA, DfT, VOSA, DSA, and the Highways Agency.

Although these events are intended primarily to raise funds, they have gained a reputation for being good value, quality entertainment.

We also work closely with MAG and BMF on many issues affecting the rights of bikers.

Several of the more regular events are now classed as some of the best on the motorcycle scene.

Over the years the NABD has helped thousands of people with disabilities to enjoy the independence and the freedom of motorcycling.

Finance

The Future

The administration of the NABD is financed entirely With the continued support of the biking from the proceeds of membership fees and our community the NABD will remain the world’s own direct fund-raising efforts. foremost support group for disabled bikers!

All donations made to the NABD are used solely to fund the adaption grants and other services offered to disabled riders by the Association.

The NABD is a voluntary association. We only have two paid employees, a full-time office administrator and a full-time admin assistant. The gross turnover of the NABD for 2018-1019 was over £245.000.00.

Other Funding

The NABD are constantly seeking funding from sources like the National Lottery and the European Union.

We are also seeking sponsorship from commercial interests and the motorcycle industry in particular.

Membership

NABD membership is available to anyone with a love of motorcycling irrespective of disability.

Each member receives a members pack, the Open House magazine and discount prices on some items of NABD merchandise.

NABD Website: www.nabd.org.uk

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/groups/TheNABD

Email:

office@thenabd.org.uk The views and opinions expressed in Open House are not necessarily those of the editor or the NABD and no responsibility can be accepted for any action taken as a result of reading any of the information herein.

Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of NABD.

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THE

CHAIRMAN’S CHUNK...

I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anybody to know that 2020 was an extremely tough year for the NABD. Though I think that all of the trustees believed that the NABD would survive the pandemic in one form or another, none of us could be certain what condition the Association would be in at the end of it all.

By late April 2020, after having to cancel the NABD’s biggest annual fundraising event (The You’ve Been Nabbed Rally) for the first time in 29-years; we could see that all of the other events that support the NABD would also be cancelled in 2020 so the NABD National Committee decided that there was no other viable option but to suspend 80% of its regular activities (basically, where possible, all of the things that cost money to run) and to furlough one of our two paid staff members.

As even the smaller random donations from individuals quickly dwindled, the National Committee also had to take the heart-rending decision to suspend the NABD Adaptation Grants 6 Open House Issue 98

system, which makes financial grants to people with disabilities who need motorcycles, trikes or sidecar outfits adapting to suit their needs.

The adaptation grants have always been at the core of the NABD’s services and the unavoidable suspension of this service was a very hard pill to swallow.

In October 2020, with all indicators suggesting that the effects of the pandemic would continue for much longer than had initially been predicted, the equally difficult decision was taken to offer Redundancy to Jane Singleton, who had been furloughed since June. Jane, fully understanding the position the NABD was in, accepted the redundancy gracefully; taking with her our heartfelt thanks for her years of dedicated service.

Throughout the year we continued to offer advice on adaptations and sort-out licensing and insurance problems for people but most other NABD activities remained on-hold until such time as Covid-19 restrictions become a thing of the

past. The monthly National Committee meetings continued (albeit via online Zoom meetings rather than pour traditional meetings at the office) so that we could constantly monitor the situation and liaise on administrative issues like the Charities Commission annual reports, NABD accounts and other aspects of our duties as Trustees.

At our National Committee meeting in January 2021 we decided to use what general donation money we had received since June 2020 and I am very pleased to say that we managed to award grants to all of the people on current the waiting list.

The tangible lift to the spirits of every member of the National Committee that was engendered by clearing the waiting-list of grant applications was an absolute joy to see!

The NABD financial year runs from April 1st to March 31st and although our current financial year began after the Covid-19 restrictions were originally put into place on March 16th 2020 we did have enough money in the Adaptation Grants Fund to process some grant applications before suspending the Adaptation Grants system in June 2020.

Those grants early in the pandemic, together with those we were able to award at our National Committee meeting in January 2020, came to a total of £13,337.55, which has enabled twenty-seven (27) more people with disabilities to have their bikes, trikes or sidecar-outfits adapted to suit their needs.

Though this is a far cry from the previous financial year’s total grants of £52,959.19, which helped seventy-four (74) people with disabilities to have their bikes, trikes or sidecar-outfits adapted to suit their needs; it still feels like quite an achievement to us, under such extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

As there is obviously a long way to go before we see an end to the restrictions relating to this pandemic and all indicators suggest that 2021 may prove just as difficult as 2020, the NABD Adaptation Grant system remains suspended until such time as donations received allow us to once again deal with any grant applications we receive.

In Other News: The You’ve Been Nabbed Rally 2021

With no end to the threat of Covid-19 in sight we have had no option but to cancel our main annual event for 2021. I have already produced a statement about this for general circulation and that should also be featured in this issue of Open House, so I will not go into all of the details here.

Online Memberships

Simon Freedman, our esteemed and extremely hard-working Webmaster has been busily improving our online services throughout the pandemic and, as I write this, he has just suspended our ‘somewhat problematic’ online membership/ renewals payment system for a few days to enable him to bring online a new, greatly improved system that is much better suited to the task.

At this point it is probably worth me reminding members that, under our new system, you can pay your membership subscriptions monthly, quarterly or annually, to suit your budget and your convenience. You can also choose to ‘auto renew’ your membership to save you having to remember when it is due for renewal.

Membership subscriptions have never been as important as they are now. The simple fact is that the NABD could not have survived 2020 without membership subscriptions. As tough as times are for everybody at present, I urge you to please renew your membership when it is due. Hopefully the option of paying £2.00 per month will make that an easier prospect for many.

Without members there can be no NABD! This is, quite possibly, the shortest ‘Chairman’s Chunk’ I have ever written but it has been a year of greatly-reduced activity so I will bid you all the very best wishes for 2021 and hope that you all manage to stay safe-and-well until the vaccination programme brings some normality back into our lives.

Rick Hulse

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THE NABD JOINS FORCES WITH THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS ROADSMART. The world’s leading charity for bikers with a disability has teamed up with the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, helping to remove potential barriers to becoming a safer rider.

IAM RoadSmart believes that adapting to different learning styles is key to making advanced driving and riding accessible to many, ultimately improving road safety on UK roads.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Andy Arnott from the National Association for Bikers with a Disability said: “Our aim is to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling. This partnership with IAM RoadSmart supports our aim.

“I have been a member and supporter of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability for the last decade and I was always conscious that many of the riders with disabilities I have worked with, have been keen to improve their skills but no one knew how to go about it.”

“As an Advanced Rider as well, I spotted a natural opportunity for the two charities to collaborate, I look forward to helping to bring these two great organisations together.”

Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It is important that road safety is all inclusive and that everyone has access to training to improve their skills on the road.

“I am extremely excited about this collaboration. The National Association for Bikers with a Disability is a great charity and we look forward to working with its members, giving them access to the support they would like and making even more people aware of what we offer to enhance rider skills and confidence.”

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Earlier in the year, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve road safety for everyone, IAM RoadSmart also launched a guide to ensure all volunteer observers nationwide can adapt their driving and riding coaching to different neurodiversity needs and different learning styles, including: dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and Asperger’s among others.

Dr Andy Arnott explains how the link with the Institute of Advanced Motorists started; Chris Ganley (the one-armed bike racer) and I are both members of Cheddar Valley Advanced Motorcyclists, the local group for both of us with the Institute of Advanced Motorists. I’d met Chris previously at a group social night where he was promoting his bike racing venture and fund raising.

Subsequently he allowed the National Association for Bikers with a Disability’s information stand to share his gazebo at the Nailsea Bike Show. I then processed his NABD membership and introduced him to the IAM members in attendance, Chris was eligible for the young rider scheme so I got the committee to underwrite his membership for the IAM. Cheddar Valley Advanced Motorcyclists had a number of associates that were almost test ready before the pandemic. Following the lifting of some restrictions and a carefully coordinated socially distanced intensive couple of days, we were pleased to announce that we had 5 out of 5 passes! The successful candidates were Chris Ganley, John Alexander, Jason Knox, Kat Sharpe, and Magelie Epin.

WHO ARE IAM ROADSMART? IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable.

It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests.

IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy.

The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programs.

Now he has passed, Chris is hoping to progress to Local Observer fairly soon.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

His road bike had been robbed of a few critical components to keep his race bike going, with the help of donors from last year’s ‘You’ve Been NABD’ National rally, a fundraiser auction was coordinated with the IAM, allowing Chris to put his road bike back on the road to commence the training for his test.

His adaptions had been done without the help of a grant, by “race mechanics” but mainly by himself.

He is now actively promoting the National Association for Bikers with a Disability at race meetings having assisted Phil Morris (National Stall Manager).

Cheers

Andy

You can see more about Chris Ganley’s remarkable story on his website – www.chrisganleyracing.com Open House Issue 98 9

IT’S A TRIKE JIM...

BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT!

Every grant we give out, means good news for someone. The ability to finally get out on two, three or even four wheels.

Or it makes someone’s dream come true by allowing them to ride. This is the joy we (the committee, reps and other volunteers) take from running the National Association for Bikers with a Disability. Most of these people come into our lives briefly, then exit just as quickly to enjoy their lives.

However, every now and then it gets personal.

I have known Chris for many years. He used to live not too far from me and I would see him at local events and such like. Don’t tell him this, but I’ve always admired his spirit and attitude.

I obviously knew about his desire to get on three wheels, but not being technically minded I could offer very little in personal help or suggestions. I was so happy for him when I heard of his breakthrough in getting someone to make it for him. But, as with all things, the situation wasn’t as everyone had hoped and delays after delays dogged his dream.

10 Open House Issue 98

Unfortunately, the grant he got from us was all too quickly swallowed up, and as costs mounted it was doubtful whether the trike would ever get finished.

(I’m sure we all know that feeling!)

But I hadn’t considered the generosity and selfless efforts of the people around him.

Friends, bike clubs, companies and individuals who probably didn’t even know Chris, all gave their time, effort and money to ensure his dream didn’t die.

This is why I love the biking community.

We at the National Association for Bikers with a Disability couldn’t be happier for him, and I can’t wait to see him out and about on it (hopefully at an event).

Vic

Anyway, this is his story:

A LONG TIME COMING! I have had Cerebral Palsy from birth in 1965 but it hasn’t stopped me fighting for things that I enjoy doing. From a young age, I have been interested in motorbikes.

I battled for my driving licence and passed my car Paul Holmes at first said £14,000.00 and I just test at the first attempt, since then I’ve been driving laughed and said I couldn’t afford that. He spotted an adapted van with foot, head and elbow controls. my NABD jacket and I guess he was thinking there could be future work for his company, so he I’m 55 and my Dad (rest his soul) brought me up basically talked himself in to building it for £10,000 with the attitude that, “If you don’t try, how do you and he would cover anything above that price. But know you can’t do something.” this was a verbal agreement between Paul and myself, said in front of David Alton (my PA) back I had wanted a trike for many years but with being in early March 2014. I agreed the total build price, disabled and using a foot steering system in my on the road of £10,000 to be completed within 12 van, we knew it would not be straightforward. months so fitting it around other builds, he could wave the labour costs.

After much research and two other part-built failures, my personal assistant found out about the For this, I used some of my inheritance which I was reversed trike, designed by Stuart Mills. left by my Dad when his bungalow finally sold and was split between 10 of us, plus a bank loan which I was going to ask Derby University if they had any started on 26th March 2014 over 5 years. Of which, students who could help build something from I ended up with very little to show for. scratch but then we decided to ring Stuart, the owner of Mills Extreme Vehicles, himself. After a Even then, Road Track Race Ltd. were dragging their long phone call back in February 2014 with him, I feet. After 12 months, they had a rolling chassis was put onto Road Track Race Ltd. in Nottingham.

Road Track Race Ltd. was dissolved in August 2016 I arranged a meeting with Paul Holmes at and according to Paul Holmes my trike build should Road Track Race Ltd. back in March 2014. have gone with Road Track Race Ltd. but as he At the time, I knew he had capable engineers said, “As a good will gesture, he salvaged my build working for him who could build me a trike based and took it on himself. It has nothing to do with Exo on the R1 trike that they had already built, but Sports Cars.” Which was set up in January 2017 modifying the frame to take an Aprilia Mana 850, which I had purchased because it had the fully Paul was struggling with fitting the foot steering and knew of a company who adapts vehicles, so, my trike automatic gear box.

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was taken to the specialist company in the north, in October 2015. They fitted the foot steering and came up with a nifty idea to fit a seat riser sideways, to assist me to get in & out of the trike.

Paul asked them to do a few bits for the electrics while they had it, so the work undertaken by them came to £3,750.00, more than I expected so the grant of £2,000.00 I received from the National Association for Bikers with a Disability went to them and I had to cover the £1,750.00.

The last fitting was in Huddersfield, when I was giving the final check on their adaptions that they had done for me. I was concerned about the foot steering not having power assistance back then, but was told to try it and see how I went on so Paul collected the trike from them in January 2016.

wanted it to go brum-brum before he did any more.

I had to arrange for the National Association for Bikers with a Disability to kindly pay the £2,000 to the adaption company. Normally they do not release the grant until the vehicle is completed but they understood the situation and kindly paid the company.

He had put the engine & back wheel in and got a low profile tyre on the rear wheel, which he made a big issue over but doing this changed the run of the chain, which caused other issues. Apart from this, nothing had moved forward for 19 months.

My wonderful partner, (now wife) Angie kept going over to Nottingham to try and hassle the guy into doing something to the trike.

In June 2017, Angie had her head shaved at our Paul said he couldn’t use his own stainless -steel tanks local pub called The Leopard in Tutbury. The now because of the fuel pump. He could not locate landlady sold hot-dogs for the week and gave us the original tank from the Mana donor bike so instead half the funds from that, to go towards getting somebody to finish the trike. of getting on with things that could be done, like, mounting the pedals, fitting a handbrake and little After many phone calls and even a call from Mev fiddly bits like that, work stopped because he 12 Open House Issue 98

Owners to Paul which he wasn’t pleased about. I told him to deliver the trike with all parts that are required to finish the project.

I was left with a part-built trike, with a few parts supplied by Paul Holmes and then having to find somebody willing, capable and fairly cheap to get this trike finished for me.

Conrad, a very good friend who is a member of WozWolf Rally Club and a volunteer for Nottingham Blood Bikes, contacted a couple of trike builders to see if they could help but nobody stepped up to the challenge. After a couple of months, Conrad decided to take it on himself and cut down on his blood bike volunteering.

Over the past two years that Conrad has had my trike, he has worked wonders, calling in a lot of favours from people that he knows. It has basically gone from a frame with an engine that had no fuel to a fully road legal, running trike.

As the adaption company changed the “quick” steering rack that was first fitted to a standard

rack, I was finding this too unresponsive. It had my old foot steering system fitted from my old Transit van but Conrad had this reconfigured to work with the electric powered steering system.

I have a powered driving seat, which lifts me and takes me over the side rail of the frame to make it easier for me to get in and out of the trike.

There is a metal frame around my seat, with buttons that operate the secondary controls, including head mounted indicator switches and some buttons mounted in the cover of the foot steering system which I can operate with my right foot.

Conrad has also added an electric powered ram so I can apply the handbrake at a touch of a button.

I also have an electric motor for reversing, this seems a bit underpowered for the weight of the trike but it will assist whoever is with me if required to back up. He also designed a carrier on the side of the trike to hold my manual wheelchair with one wheel removed and strapped to a rack on top on the bespoke fuel tank.

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Conrad has done many hundreds (probably thousands) of hours of work during evenings, which he has all done for free. I have just bought parts as and when required, which came out of funds raised and some donations.

(Pics by Eddie Hancock & Chris) Thanks to a few very special people, who are:

After many years of hoping and wanting to be on 3 wheels, the light at the end of the tunnel has been reached,

Conrad and his wife, TJ (TJ hasn’t complained about her husband spending hours of the evening in his garage, beavering away with my trike but I know she’ll be glad it’s finished.) Conrad, I know you don’t like praise but you are the Christmas Elf.

I am just about to try some skinnier wheels to see if this helps to make my steering easier. If this works, I can slowly build up my left leg muscles and then, in time, return to the nicer looking wide wheels that were supplied with the trike.

If I could turn back time, I would have stayed clear of Mr Holmes and would had gone down a different route, because this has caused many hours of worry and trouble for myself and other people, but, thanks to good friends and friends of friends, I will be riding my trike this year.

Chris “Timmaayy” Molesworth 14 Open House Issue 98

My wife Angie, who stuck by me and supported me all the way.

Also, Lee Sharp who has been helping Conrad when required.

WozWolf RC for supporting Conrad and myself while this has been going on.

A few other people that I would like to thank for their services, either heavily discounted or free.

Tim DeVos (tin man Tim) Built a one-off bespoke fuel tank at cost. www.facebook.com/TIN-MAN-TIM162840014654304/?hc_location=ufi

John Pullara – digital speedo Donated the exhaust can www.digital-speedos.co.uk Steve Taylor – Taylor Made Wheels Machine work to steering shaft www.taylormade-wheels.co.uk/index.php Belmont Shot Blasting Ltd. Needwood, sprayed the fuel tank and a lot of other bits shot blasted and sprayed www.belmontshotblasting.co.uk The ex-landlady and all the customers who use to drink in the Leopard in Tutbury, Staffordshire in 2018 Unwanted MCC, Burton on Trent who had a whip round when Angie had her head shaved because they couldn’t make it, with another bucket that went around at their “Cock-out” rally in 2018.

And of course, the National Association for Bikers with a Disability, for their adaption grant.

The technical bit.

Power unit: Aprilia Mana 850cc which has the Auto gearbox option.

Steering: Foot pedal steering, electric assisted Snap-on steering wheel for when Angie drives.

Side raise & lowering driver’s seat Secondary controls Foot and seat-arms mounted Manual wheelchair carrier on side with wheel carrier on top of fuel tank Rear facing camera to assist with reversing Reverse motor (Not the greatest) Tow-bar For rallies to carry powere d wheelchair.

This grant of £2000 was possible through the combined donations of Picton Entertainments (Rally in the Woods), John Thompson and David Williams.

Open House Issue 98 15

CHRISTMAS CHEER

I think we all needed cheering up at the end of last year, but the restrictions put in place made things very di�cult. However, there were some ingenious solutions to the problems presented, here’s one from Alison and Diamond Trikes in Northern Ireland; Christmas 2020 was very different to what we were all used to. In fact, 2020 was very different altogether!

Long-time supporters of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability and GOLD Affiliated Business, Diamond Trikes from Portadown, Northern Ireland were determined to spread a little Christmas cheer.

A few years ago, they had built a Santa Sleigh to use for the local community groups and to put a smile on the faces of all the local children, both young and old.

This year, unfortunately, some of the bookings had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place. Luckily however, there were two local organisations who were able to come up with

16 Open House Issue 98

some measures that complied with the rules, and maintain everyone’s safety. Corcrain Redmanville Community Partnership and Loughgall District and Improvement Association both managed to come up with a solution that allowed Diamond Trikes to bring Santa to town!

Luckily on the day the weather was dry, but very chilly. The sleigh was hooked up to a trike and Mr and Mrs Claus (Mr & Mrs Robert Bothwell) boarded their sleigh ready to spread the joy and love.

With Derek Winter (of Diamond Trikes) doing the chauffeuring they set out to Corcrain to meet up with their helper Elf (Campbell Best), Santa and his helpers then visited all around the gardens, handing out joy and presents. In Loughgall they had arranged for the families to do a drive by (are you sure that’s Christmassy? – Vic), and Santa handed out presents on his silver shovel to all the kids (and probably the adults as well).

Both were great festive evenings and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely.

To top it off a donation of £100 was made to the National Association for Bikers with a Disability.

Alison Winter, NI rep.

Further information on Diamond Trikes can be found here: www.diamondtrikes.co.uk There have been some amazing and ingenious solutions found to bring us some joy and fun during this pandemic. It has been a great showcase for the ‘never say die’ spirit.

One of the comments left on the Corcrain Redmanville Community Partnership proves that point: ‘It was fantastic to see families out together having fun and of course the children’s excitement made the whole event! Tonight has really sent the message home that ‘better days are ahead’.

Well done to everyone involved!

Vic

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VOODOO, MAGIC, WIZARDRY, PIXEL DUST AND ALL THINGS IT I haven’t written anything for Open House since my introductory piece about 5 years ago, since folks aren’t usually interested in all the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes the National Association for Bikers with a Disability tick. So, I thought I’d put fingers to keyboard for a change.

One of the first things I was tasked with was updating the main website (www.nabd.org. uk) which has been ticking along quite nicely for the past few years. One part of that website is the membership joining section. This had to be reworked to cope with the introduction of the instalment plans and subscriptions that we wanted to provide. This would make it easier to pay for membership in the first place, and autorenew so you wouldn’t have to remember to do it in the future.

This has given me a few headaches, in the way that the memberships are recorded and the info passed to Mark Mayo (our Membership Officer), whose job it is to print membership cards and send out reminders

18 Open House Issue 98

etc. This has led to some memberships falling through the cracks and being missed. As well as duplicate cards being sent out to some members, for which we apologise.

With the advent of COVID-19 and our National Rally & every other fundraising event being cancelled, we hastily organised the Virtual Online events. With our Patron, troubadour Stevie Simpson, leading the idea forward. This involved a hasty week of rehearsal and technical troubleshooting. In order to make sure that everyone got online at the right time and could be heard and seen, although not always the right way up! Some worked better than others, but I’d say that all the events were a huge success, and our heartfelt

thanks go to each and every artist and donor for making it all happen.

This in turn led to the speedy launch of a new shop, for the sale of the Virtual Rally patches. The system allows Julie Williams (our Office Manager) to easily see the orders, print packing slips and invoices, plus gives us greater stock control management.

There’s been the odd hiccup along the way but that system too seems to be embraced by our supporters and working well.

So, over the summer my thoughts turned once again to the membership system.

I’ve been trialling several methods over the years, ideally aiming for an Open-Source solution that wouldn’t cost

the Association any money.

The commercial packages are horrendously expensive once you get over 50 members, so they were not an option.

I tried selling membership via the new shop, but that itself did not work the way we needed it to.

An alternative has now been decided upon and is close to being launched. I am proud to announce that the NABD Membership Portal is just around the corner. Once I’ve managed to import all of the existing membership data into it.

When it does go live, you’ll be notified on our Facebook Page & you’ll get an email from portal@thenabd.org.uk with your login details.

The Portal will allow people to join as Individual, Family or Lifetime members, with auto-

renew, monthly or one-time payments. Clubs and Businesses will also be able to Affiliate in the same way.

Once created, the Member – (IE You!) will be able to update their own information in their profile. So, email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers etc can be changed without having to contact the office or Mark.

You will also be able to see your payment history, your membership number and any other information you have supplied to us as part of your sign up. If you do wish to cancel your membership for any reason (we’d rather you didn’t but circumstances change & dictate, unfortunately) then you can do that as well. If it’s an auto-renewing or subscription monthly payment it’ll cancel it from PayPal as well.

The look and feel of the site may change a bit as we try new things, like themes and addons, but that basic functionality should always be there.

The NABD Office will have the ability to add memberships directly and take payment over the phone, for those members who “don’t do the Internet”.

Though if I can get the NABD Committee to use more IT Systems then surely you can to?

The NABD Office Systems I’d like to extend a big thanks to Huw Lafleur-Davies (of Beer Monsters fame) for providing two Solid State Hard Drives (SSD’s) for the two Office PC’s.

They’re now installed with 64-bit Windows 10 & when combined with the Server he’s also hoping to donate (I hope I’ve not jinxed it!), it will make a big difference to the IT Infrastructure in the Office.

Open House Issue 98 19

Whilst the office doesn’t support hundreds of users, the two exdesktop PC’s we have been using as Servers are getting past their retirement date now.

That’s it from me, maybe for the next 5 years!

All the best!

Simon

NABD Webmangler.

I would like to say that everyone in the National Association for Bikers with a Disability is grateful for all the work that Simon Freedman has done since joining the committee.

I would like to, but to be honest most of us have no idea of the work Simon has had to put in.

He has tried explaining it to us, but I think he’s getting fed up of the glazed look that comes over our faces.

20 Open House Issue 98

Simon’s first job was to try and drag us into the 20th Century, and then into the 21st Century.

Unfortunately, I (and other members of the committee) are only slightly more IT savvy than a Neanderthal. This has led to much gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair for our IT hero.

Not only that, but we have tasked him with re-doing every IT system we use, plus add much more, without costing the Charity anything.

When Simon revolutionised the website, we were ecstatic, as it was very old and showing it. I think the lines were drawn then, and little did he know what he was letting himself in for.

Simon has been the Charity’s IT saviour. No doubt about it.

So, on behalf of everyone at the National Association for Bikers with a Disability and its members. Thank you, Simon, for all the technicalous computery type stuff that you do.

As part of Simon’s fiddling, updating and hair pulling with the new membership system, there will be times when the existing system may be off-line or not in use. Please bear with us/him whilst he’s doing this.

Also, you should start to receive emails from the new system; Today I sent out a test email to all the email addresses we have for members. If you received that email all is fine and you can just delete it. Please remember to check your Spam/Junk/ Promotions folders since I believe that’s where it’s now turning up.

If you DID NOT receive an email and are a current member, or have been a member in the past 2 years, please email noemail@ thenabd.org.uk with your Name, post code and Membership number and the email you’d like on record for your Membership.

Vic

The You’ve Been Nabbed Rally 2021 The Covid-19 virus remains a very real threat to many members and supporters of the NABD and although that threat should steadily diminish as the programme of vaccinations progresses, it is felt extremely unlikely that 2021 will see it reduced to a level where it can reasonably be disregarded.

The Trustees of the NABD have a duty of care to all of the volunteer marshals and the rally-goers who attend this iconic annual motorcycle rally and so it is with great regret, and after much deliberation, that the Trustees have to announce the cancellation of the You’ve Been Nabbed Rally 2021.

All being well, The 29th You’ve Been Nabbed Rally will now take place on the weekend of May 6th – May 8th 2022. ………………………………………………………

The loss of our largest and most successful annual fundraising event for the second consecutive year will put an even greater strain on NABD funds.

In 2020 we ran three virtual online events to help mitigate the loss of our traditional fundraising events and, although those events could not be expected to raise as much as our traditional events, they did make a very significant contribution to the survival of the NABD in a year when the overall income of this charity had been decimated by the effects of the global pandemic.

We will be running a Virtual You’ve Been Nabbed 2021 event on Facebook on Friday May 7th & Saturday May 8th 2021 featuring live music, stand-up comedy and bucket-loads of banter, to ensure the continued survival of the NABD as we head slowly toward what we hope will be an end to the pandemic.

Please support this virtual event if you value and support the continuing work and aims of the NABD. Further bulletins about this virtual rally will be posted on the NABD website https://www.nabd.org.uk and on the official NABD Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNABD. Rick Hulse NABD Chairman For & on behalf of The Trustees …………………………………………………..

The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) is a Registered Charity Open House Issue 98 21

DREAMING OF FUTURE TRAVELS 22 Open House Issue 98

So, you want to ride over to the continent once you’re allowed? Dreaming of future trips abroad? Yep, and me.

If, like me, you enjoy riding your bike over the other side of the channel and exploring new and exciting places, you may be a bit confused about the new rules you need to meet.

It turns out this isn’t as straightforward as it first appears, as there is conflicting information all over the place, even on the government’s own website.

I’ve been asked a few times about riding over to, or through the EU now the UK is no longer in it. So, I thought I would try and update people as to what you now need.

However, there are a few things that I can find out.

Firstly, and most importantly, beware websites that have been set up to

con you out of money by saying you can apply through them. It will cost you more, if you get anything at all. ALWAYS use the official site.

Driving licence – Make sure your UK licence won’t expire soon, and take it with you as always – along with your V5C and insurance documents etc.

International Driving Permit (IDP) – Some websites are saying you need to take an IDP for every country in the EU that you are travelling through. However, the government website states: ‘You do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a card driving licence issued in the UK. You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either: • a paper driving licence • a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man’ There are also further complications as there are three different types of IDP if you do need one.

There is a full list of countries and whether you need an IDP (and which type) on the government website here: www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/ international-driving-permit They cost £5.50 and you can get them from a post office. A digital copy is no good, you must take a physical copy with you.

Insurance – Most (all?) bike insurance policies will still cover you for the basic level in the EU. But check with your insurer to make sure, and it may be worth upgrading to better cover.

On another note, most EU countries issue their drivers an ‘Accident Report’. This is a form to fill in if you have an accident (similar to our insurance claim forms). Whilst it isn’t compulsory, it might be an idea to print one off to take with you. These forms are usually in the language of the issuing country, but you can download one here http:// european-accident-statement.accidentsketch. co.uk in English (or any other language) to print and take with you.

Green Card – This is a document that confirms you have insurance. You will need a green card

for every vehicle and trailer (so if you are towing a trailer with your bike, you will need 2 green cards, one for the trailer and one for the bike). You need to contact your insurer for these.

GB sticker - You must have a GB identifier on the rear of your vehicle (even if you have an EU symbol or the English/Welsh/Scottish/Irish flag). If you have one on your number plate, you are covered in most of the EU. However, if you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a GB sticker no matter what is on your number plate.

Health Insurance – This is a bit of an ‘up in the air’ one at the moment. The free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) does not cover UK citizens anymore. However, if you have a current EHIC card the EU have said they will honour it, up to its expiry.

The government have said they are ‘negotiating’ a replacement at the moment, and it looks likely to be the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

My personal opinion is don’t rely on it. Get some proper travel and health insurance, it’s not worth the huge bill if anything happens. For people with existing medical conditions, there are quite a few companies now that will cover you. You just need to shop around, which is a pain in itself.

This is from Martin Lewis’ www.moneysavingexpert.com Here’s what we know: UK nationals who currently have an EHIC can continue to use it until the card expires, no matter how long that is, with some exemptions – you’ll no longer be able to use your EHIC in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, which are not part of the EU, but previously accepted the EHIC from UK nationals.

When your EHIC expires or you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to get a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead. Like an EHIC, the new free GHIC will entitle holders to emergency or necessary state (not private) medical care for the same cost as a resident in the EU country they’re visiting; but it won’t cover you in the countries listed in the point above. See our GHIC replaces EHIC MSE news story for more info.

Confusingly, the EHIC branding hasn’t changed Open House Issue 98 23

on the NHS website but apply and you’ll get a GHIC. If you don’t quite know your GHIC from your EHIC just yet, don’t worry, the NHS website is still catching up as well. It says its online application portal will still refer to the EHIC for now. It sounds a little daft but quite simply, if you apply now it’ll look like the EHIC form, but you’re really applying for a GHIC, and that’s what you’ll receive.

Warning. Beware of unofficial copycat sites which charge you to apply for an EHIC/GHIC – you should never pay as they are always free via the official NHS website.

Passport - You should have at least 6 months left on your UK passport and it needs to be less than 10 years old, or you may not be able to travel.

Mobile Phone – The EU rules on mobile phone companies not being able to charge a roaming fee does not apply to the UK now. Check with your company to see if they have ‘roaming charges’

24 Open House Issue 98

(most are not bringing any in). This especially applies to people who use their phones as SatNavs etc, as you can quickly build up the cost. The company should notify you once you have used up £45 worth.

Pets – Pet passports issued in the UK are no longer valid. Other rules are now in place - www.gov.uk/ taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eucountry-or-northern-ireland ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) – This is an on-line application to cross EU borders, for those countries not in the EU, but also do not need a Visa. There has been much talk about this, it was created in 2016 so that people from certain countries outside the EU (or the EU Schengen Zone) can cross the borders without needing a visa. At present it costs 7Euro.

Although the system is up and running, the EU

state ‘All UK nationals will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization by the end of 2022, when the scheme becomes fully operational.’

So it will not be mandatory until 2023. But if you don’t complete it after then, you will need a Visa.

More details here: www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias Also, don’t forget you can’t use the ‘EU’ lanes at ports and customs anymore. You need to use the none - EU lanes. This means you may have a longer delay in getting through, and be subject to more checks.

This may also impact those who need to take prescription drugs with you. At the moment I don’t believe the rules have changed, but best to check before you go, especially if you have a ‘controlled drug’ like Morphine. The NHS has a useful site here: www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/ medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad You will still need to check each country’s rules on what equipment you need to take (reflective vest, first aid kit etc). You can check this at the government website here: www.gov.uk/world That’s about as much as I know at the moment.

Things are changing rapidly though, but hopefully it won’t be too troublesome or costly to ride over to the EU. I for one can’t wait for all the restrictions to be lifted and we can once again get out on our bikes and travel.

Have fun and stay safe.

Vic

Small print (otherwise known as the ‘covering my arse’ bit); This information is current at the time of writing (07/01/2021) and is not comprehensive, but as with everything it can change at any time. It is also only for visiting for a holiday etc of up to 90 days. Anything else (like business travel, selling stuff, studying etc etc) other rules apply.

Further information is available at: www.gov.uk/ transport/driving-abroad Open House Issue 98 25

ROUGH AGUIDE ROUGH TO GUIDE ADAP TO ADAP

ur This is the Left Leg:latest up-date of our LeftRight Leg: or Left Leg: Right or Left Leg: Due “Rough Guide to reduced Adaptions”.

(Amputation, / Due (Amputation, reduced / ble to the limitations of the/ available restricted strength mobility restricted strength mobility For any type of leg / disability you For any type of leg disability you space in the the House in the knee orOpen the ankle joints): in the the ankle joints): mayknee find itordifficult to operate the may find it difficult to operate the magazine we can not go into side stand. This can usually be cured side stand. This can usually be cured y minute detail method of eachwould and every The easiest be to use Thewith easiest would be use the method simple addition of to a hand with the simple addition of a hand le option, but hopefully this article an electrongic gear change system an electrongic gear changeorsystem operated lever/linkage moving operated lever/linkage or moving w ofwillsuch giveasathe fairly good overview of such Kliktronic push button asstand the Kliktronic push button the to the opposite side of the stand to the opposite side of op- thegear-changer most commonly available opwww.kliktronic.co.uk. gear-changer www.kliktronic.co.uk. the machine. the machine. tions the adaption of most Thisfor unit works by pushing two buttonsThisThe unitkliktronic works byswitches, pushing two the buttons twin The kliktronic switches, the twin the motorcycles and trikes suit the on the handlebars that to operate an on the handlebars that operate levers and the thumbrake areanall levers and the thumbrake are all s. needs of riders withconnected disabilities. electronic actuator to the electronic actuator to the available in 1” orconnected 7/8” bar sizes. available in 1” or 7/8” bar sizes. the Where we Kliktronic have included the gearpossible pedal. The gear-changer gear pedal. The Kliktronic gear-changer ct web-site addresses or other contact is supplied as a complete, easy to fit is supplied as a complete, easy to fit Right Arm: Right Arm: details of manufacturers. kit, which can be used on all styles kit, (Amputation, which can be used on all Plexus styles Brachial (Amputation, Brachial Plexus More details are of comprehensive motorcycle. of motorcycle.

Injury, reduced strength/ Injury, reduced strength/ or available on method www.nabd.org.uk or over Another Another is to use a cross method is to use cross over mobility in hands orafingers mobility in hands or fingers from the NABD office: linkage to the right side of the linkage to the & right side of joints): the or elbow shoulder or elbow & shoulder joints): office@thenabd.co.uk motorcycle, mounting the gear pedal motorcycle, mounting the gear pedal either beside or in-front of the rear either or in-front of matter the rearof Thisbeside is usually a simple This is usually a simple matter of Right Leg: brake pedal. brake pedal. the throttle and front transferring transferring the throttle and front (Amputation, reduced/restricted 1. Electronic push button 1. brake Electronic leverpush to the button left handlebar. The brake lever to the left handlebar. The strength/mobility in the gear-changer (to knee fit 1”or and 7/8” front gear-changer brake caliper (to fitcan 1” then and 7/8” be front brake caliper can then be the ankle joints): bars) (“on-bar” or “under-bar” bars) (“on-bar” or “under-bar” operated by a “twin lever” in tandem operated by a “twin lever” in tandem push-buttons) push-buttons) with the clutch lever (see with the clutch lever (see This2.is usually a simple matter “Crossover” to the right of side of 2. www.klever2.com “Crossover” to the right side of and/or www.klever2.com and/or o transferring the rear brake pedal to the motorcycle the motorcycle www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever a handlebar-mounted lever. kits) or by fitting a thumb operated kits) or by fitting a thumb operated This can take the form of a thumb lever below the left handlebar. Some lever below the left handlebar. Some operated lever or “twin” levers. switchgear may require adapting to switchgear may require adapting to ear Another method of adapting the rear suit left hand operation. suit left hand operation. nicalbrake system is to utilise a mechanical linkage or hydraulic extension to (www.bitzforbikes.co.uk) (www.bitzforbikes.co.uk) transfer the brake pedal to the If the disability of the rider just If the disability of the rider just left-hand side of the machine. involves difficulty with operating a involves difficulty with operating a This can be sited either beside the twist grip throttle (i.e. fused or stiff twist grip throttle (i.e. fused or stiff gear pedal or directly behind it for wrist, tendonitis etc) the only wrist, tendonitis etc) the only Kliktronic Operating Switches Kliktronic Operating Switches heel www.kliktronic.co.uk operation. requirement may be the use of a requirement may be the use of a www.kliktronic.co.uk 1. Twin levers thumb-operated throttle (as used thumb-operated throttle (as used 2. Thumb brake on quads). Where it is a matter of on quads). Where it is a matter of 3. Crossover to the left side of reduced mobility or amputation of reduced mobility or amputation of the motorcycle. fingers or wrist problems it may be fingers or wrist problems it may be may For any type of leg disability you may that a thumb operated brake lever that a thumb operated brake lever find it difficult to operate the side will solve the problem. will solve the problem. ith stand. This can usually be cured with A further, though less common option A further, though less common option atedthe simple addition of a hand operated would be to operate the front brake would be to operate the front brake d to actuating lever or moving the stand to with a left foot pedal mounted behind with a left foot pedal mounted behind the right side of the machine. the gear pedal for heel operation. the gear pedal for heel operation.

1. Left-hand throttle 1. Left-hand throttle 2. Right-hand thumb throttle 2. Right-hand thumb throttle 3. Left-hand thumb brake 3. Left-hand thumb brake 4. Left-hand twin levers 4. Left-hand twin levers 5. Left-heel brake 5. Left-heel brake Left Arm: (Amputation, Brachial Plexus Injury, reduced strength/ mobility in hands or fingers or elbow & shoulder joints):

PFMKliktronic Twin Lever Operating Unit Switches www.pfmbrakes.com 26www.kliktronic.co.uk Open House Issue 98

18

NABD OPEN HOUSE

ISSUE 97

Left Arm: (Amputation, Brachial Plexus Injury, reduced strength/ mobility in hands or fingers or elbow & shoulder joints):

In most cases this is a simple matter In most cases this is a simple matter of adapting the clutch operating lever of adapting the clutch operating lever and some minor modification to the and some minor modification to the switchgear on the left handlebar. switchgear on the left handlebar.

There are several ways to adapt the There are several ways to adapt the Kliktronic Switcheson the severity clutch lever depending on the severity clutch Operating lever depending www.kliktronic.co.uk of the individual’s disability. In the of the individual’s disability. In the

PTATIONS BY RICK PTATIONS HULSE BY case of total loss of/or loss of use of the left hand, the clutch lever must be re-sited elsewhere.

Most commonly this is a simple matter of transferring the lever to the right handle bar using “twin levers” for front brake and clutch (see www.klever2.com and/or www.pfmbrakes.com for twin lever kits) or by fitting a thumb operated lever below the right handlebar to operate the front brake and using the original front brake lever for the clutch.

In the case of reduced mobility or strength in the left hand, further options would be; An hydraulic to cable conversion kit for smaller bikes makes the use of cable operated clutches much lighter. For a limited range of motorcycles, an automatic clutch such as the Rekluse Z-Clutch www.rekluse.co.uk may be available. Recently some of the major motorcycle manufacturers have produced large capacity motorcycles that are available with automatic

K-Lever2 twin lever unit www.klever2.com

K-lever2 operation detail www.klever2.com

casethe of individual total loss of/or of use rider. loss Where this of is not tran the possible, left hand,some the clutch lever must with second hand be re-sited elsewhere. machines can sometimes be modified Yam to suit the needs of a disabled rider tran Most commonly is a simple matDN0 (i.e. full handthis controls, stirrups, ter of transferring the lever to back the Hon foot-plates, seating styles, rightsupport, handle automatic bar using “twin levers” transmission, for front brake carriers, and clutch (see 1. Right hand twin levers 1. wheelchair etc). www.klever2.com and/or and/or 2. Automatic Clutch 2. www.trikeshop.co.uk www.pfmbrakes.com for twin 3. Thumbrake & Clutch 3. www.trikedesign.co.uk and/or lever kits) or by fitting a thumband/or operwww.boomtrikes.co.uk atedwww.rewacotrikes.co.uk lever below the right handlebar Right or Left Arm: Rig to operate the front brake and using original front brake lever for the kits With With all adaptions to suit riders with the There are “drop down” stabiliser a hand or arm disability we strongly clutch. www.adaptivemotorcycles.com a ha recommend the fitting of a high and www.koeltgen.de/kontakt.h reco In the of reduced mobility quality steering damper. qua tmlcase for solo motorcycles on or the strength in but the as leftyet hand, further When necessary a Velcro glove to market we have not been Whe options hydraulic to for handlebar grip can be used to help han able would to fullybe; testAntheir viability cable conversion kit for smaller bikes keep the affected hand on the disabled riders. kee makes the use of cable operated handlebar & in some cases for han clutches much For a limited amputees, prosthetics can be amp 1. Bike andlighter. sidecar range motorcycles, an automatic specially adapted to enable some 2. ofTrike spe clutch as the (for Rekluse handlebar use. han 3. such Stabilisers solo Z-Clutch bikes) www.rekluse.co.uk may be available.

Recently of the major However we must stress the How Reverse Gear some for bikers: importance of never being too firmly motorcycle manufacturers have imp produced large capacity motorcycles do con connected to a solo motorcycle.

The vast majority of motorcycles thatnot arefeature available with automatic If you do have a spill while riding a reversing facility.

If yo you need to be able to separate you However, for many people with from the machine very easily rather from disabilities, a reversing facility is than be dragged along by it into essential when a motorcycle has been than what could prove to be a more wha converted to a trike. There are dangerous situation. dan several methods of achieving this; perhaps the oldest method was to Both the twin levers and thumb brake Both incorporate an electric reversing are available in 1” or 7/8” bar sizes. motor, but this has generally proven are to be ineffecient and ofter a serious Wheelchair Users & Balance strain on the battery. More recently, Wh problems: purpose built reversing differentials pro K-Lever2 twin lever unit (Bilateral amputation, and in-line reversing gearboxes have (Bil www.klever2.com paraplegia, MS, reduced par emerged onto th emarket from the mobility/strength in legs, motor racing scene. Companies like mo balance problems, etc): Quaife Engineering Ltd bal www.quaife.co.uk and Elite Racing With these types of disability one Transmissions Ltd www.eliteracing With obvious issue is that of stability, transmissions.com produce in-line obv which usually means the addition of a reversing boxes for shaft-driven whi “third road wheel” whether this is in vehicles and reversing differentials for “thi the form of a bike and sidecar combo the chain, belt or shaft driven vehicles. or a trike. or a In the case of bike and sidecar NB. This guide is not intended as an In t combos sometimes it is possible to exhaustive catalogue of the adaptions com utilise standard outfits when the bike utili available for bikes and trikes. It is has been converted to “full hand meant as a brief guide featuring the has controls”. But there are also some most popular solutions to the most con manufacturers who manufacture man common problems faced by many specialised or adapted sidecar outfits spe riders with disabilities when that are specifically designed to suit that considering adapting machines. independent use by wheelchair users inde such as Motopodd Ltd such There are always other options www.motopodd.com and Unit ww available and we at the NABD are Sidecars Ltd constantly working with some highly Side www.unitsidecars.co.uk ww skilled engineers to develop new In the case of trikes it is always In t alternatives and improvements to preferable to have a trike fully pref existing kits.

K-lever2 operation detail manufactured specifically to suit Open House Issue 98 27 man www.klever2.com transmission, thereby doing away with the clutch altogether. The Yamaha FJR1300AS has an automatic transmission as does the Honda DN01, the Honda CTX700 and the Honda VFR1200DCT.

19

NABD OPEN HOUSE

ISSUE 97

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIKERS WITH A DISABILITY Reg. Charity No. 1040907 (SC039897 in Scotland)

Are you a disabled person who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle?

Then join the NABD and take advantage of our unique

LEARNER LOANER SCHEME This could enable you to complete a CBT course and both modules of the practical test with the loan of a suitably adapted 125cc motorcycle for up to 3 months. (Subject to conditions).

A small number of adapted bikes are available specifically for the use of disabled riders (subject to a £150.00 service charge).

We will take care of delivery and collection, so you can concentrate on passing your test.

NABD “Learner Loaners” are loaned to NABD members specifically for the purpose of training & tests and for no other purpose.

Users must provide a copy of a fully comprehensive insurance policy and provisional license prior to delivery.

For further details, please contact: Gordon Hooper (Learner Loaners)

NABD, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TE. Tel: 0844 415 4849

Email: office@thenabd.org.uk

Web Address: nabd.org.uk

Tel: 07761 642107 or Email: loaners@thenabd.org.uk

Membership, Merchandise, Adaptation Information, Social Networking, Licensing Issues, Trike Legislation, Insurance Problems, Event Information, Adaptation Kits, VAT Exemptions, Vehicle Tax Exemptions, Learner/Loaner Bikes, Event Tickets, Training & Test Advice. IT’S ALL AVAILABLE ONLINE...

The NABD Website: www.nabd.org.uk

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheNABD

Facebook Page for A�liated Clubs: www.facebook.com/groups/212678039073921 Facebook page for NABD Supporters in Northern Ireland: www.facebook.com/bikers4bikers Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/TherealNABD The NABD Online Shop: www.thenabd.co.uk

28 Open House Issue 98

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• PENNINE WINGS GMR • PINKERTONS MCC

• VESPA CLUB OF BRITAIN • VIRAGO STAR OWNERS CLUB • WEST SUSSEX TRIUMPH OWNERS CLUB • WITCH HAVEN MCC • WOLDS BIKERS • WOZWOLF RC

• YORK ADVANCED MC

• POLICE MOTORCYCLE CLUB N.IRELAND • QUAY VIPERS MCC

Open House Issue 98 29

NABD

MERCHANDISE

SWEATSHIRT

T SHIRT

Black with White Standard Logo and Sleeve Print Members price inc p&p £18.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £20.00 Sizes M/L/XL - XXL (add £2)

Black with White Standard Logo Members price inc p&p £11.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £13.00 Sizes M/L/XL/XXL

5

4

FLEECE

Black with Silver Celtic Logo Members price inc p&p £24.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £25.00 Sizes available: L/XL/XXL

30 Open House Issue 98

22

3

2

1

NABD OPEN HOUSE

ISSUE 97

PADDOCK JACKET

Embroidered Black with Yellow Standard Logo Members price inc p&p £50.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £53.00 Sizes S/M/L/XL/XXL

HOODED SWEATSHIRT

Black with White Standard Logo Members price inc p&p £19.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £21.00 Sizes M/L/XL - XXL (add £2)

6

BASEBALL CAP

Embroidered Black with Yellow Razor Logo Members price inc p&p £10.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £11.00

8

7

SUPPORTERS PATCH

Embroidered Red with Black Standard Logo Price inc p&p £3.50

10

SUPPORTERS T SHIRT

Black with Yellow Logo Members price inc p&p £13.00 Non Mem price inc p&p £15.00 Sizes M/L/XL/XXL

DISABLED BIKER PATCH

Embroidered Black on Yellow Price inc p&p £3.50

9

ENAMEL PIN BADGE

Black with Gold Standard Logo Price inc p&p £3.00

11

BLUE BADGE HOLDER

Unique design, only available sfrom the NABD Price inc p&P £38.00

You can buy NABD merchandise via the web site www.nabd.org.uk* (click on NABD Shop) or by credit/debit card payment over the telephone 0844 415 4849* or by post from: NABD, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Manchester M41 7TE Cheques should be made payable to NABD * Minimum order value of £5.00 when ordering by phone or internet.

Open House Issue 98 31 23

NABD OPEN HOUSE

ISSUE 97

THE...

NABD PATRONS Sir Billy Connolly OBE

Lord Rotherwick

Comedian and bite/trike rider

Member of the House of Lords and biker (pictured here with his son Gus)

David Holding

Mark O’Shea

Para-Olympic gold medalist

Herpetologist, author, TV presenter and biker

Suzi Perry

Gary Havelock

Superbike and Supermoto presenter for the BBC (pictured here iwth fast bloke Eddie Irvine)

Champion Speedway rider

Neil Hodgson

Mik Scarlet

World Superbike Champion

TV presenter and DJ

Sammy Miller MBE

Stevie Simpson

Motorcycling legend

(One Bloke, One Mandolin), biker, troubadour, singer/ songwriter

32 Open House Issue 98

NABD NATIONAL COMMITTEE NABD NATIONAL COM Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer National Secretary Rep’s Liaison PR/Information Webmaster Affiliated Clubs Liaison Learner/Loaners National Stall Manager National Stall Assistant Research Fundraising Coordinator

Rick Hulse Chairman National non-committee Rick Hulse administrative positions: National n Ian Taylor Vice Chairman Memberships Ian Taylor Mark Mayo Membersh John Byrne Treasurer Rally Secretary John Byrne Tina Slesser Rally Secr Tina Slesser National Secretary Tina Slesser Pauline Chaplin Arbitrator Arbitrator Ross Lockett / Vic Hawkes Rep’s Liaison Ross LockettGren / Vic Russell Hawkes Archivist Archivist John Lysons PR/Information John Lysons Stuart Gregory Projects Co-ordinator Projects C Simon Freedman Webmaster Simon Freedman Vic Hawkes Affiliated Clubs Vic Hawkes Vic Hawkes OpenLiaison House Editor Open Hou Gordon Hooper Learner/Loaners Gordon Hooper Phil Morris National Stall Manager Phil Morris NABD Staff NABD Sta Alma Caviaciuti National Stall Assistant Office Manager Alma Caviaciuti Julie Williams Office Ma Derek Durham Research Office Admin Assistant Derek Durham Jane Singleton Office Adm Ross Lockett Fundraising Coordinator Ross Lockett

NABD REPRESENTATIVES NABD REPRESENTA ENGLAND Ashton Under Lyne - Tameside Kel Power 07715 350 706 kelpower.rep@thenabd.org.uk Chorley - Lancashire Chris Loughlin 07903 670920 Derby Dave Jackson 07487 888622 Dorchester Ashley Tandy 07942 588 612 ashleytandy.rep@thenabd.org.uk Hinckley – Leicestershire Ross Lockett 07812 657 680 rosslockett.rep@thenabd.org.uk Horncastle - Lincolnshire Steve Ayres 07843 137979 steveayres.rep@thenabd.org.uk London - E11 Steve Wilton 07917 127414 stevewilton.rep@thenabd.org.uk Loughborough - Leicestershire Grayham Johnson 07729 638886 jhnsngrhm@yahoo.co.uk Manchester Brian Wadsworth 07792 089 619 brianwadsworth.rep@thenabd.org.uk

Poole - Dorset Poole - Dorset Helene Gallimore Helene Gallimore 07824772167 07824772167 Ashton Under Lyne - Tameside helenegallimore.rep@thenabd.org.uk helenegallimore.rep@thenabd.org.

Kel Power 706 Sheffield -07715 South350 Yorkshire Sheffield - South Yorkshire Portadown (Co Armagh) kelpower.rep@thenabd.org.uk Alison Winter Stuart Gregory Stuart Gregory 07974 150 957 07916 142 07974 618 150 957 Chorley - Lancashire stuartgregory.rep@thenabd.org.uk stuartgregory.rep@thenabd.org.uk alisonwinter.rep@thenabd.org.uk Chris Loughlin 07903Yorkshire 670920 Shipley - West Shipley - West Yorkshire Dan Girling Dan Girling Derby 07368 161608 07368 161608 Dave Jackson Chirk - Clwyd Somerset 07487 888622 Somerset Tev ThomasAndy Arnott Andy Arnott 07584 449483 Dorchester andyarnott.rep@thenabd.org.uk andyarnott.rep@thenabd.org.uk tevthomas.rep@thenabd.org.uk Ashley Tandy 588 612 Southport07942 - Merseyside Southport - Merseyside Mid Glamorgan Christopherashleytandy.rep@thenabd.org.uk Jones Christopher Jones Ian Heyes 07958 189 479 07958 189 479 iianheyes.rep@thenabd.org.uk Hinckley – Leicestershire christopherjones.rep@thenabd.org.uk christopherjones.rep@thenabd.org Ross Lockett 07812 657 680 St Ives - Cornwall St Ives - Cornwall Sean Farrellrosslockett.rep@thenabd.org.uk Sean Farrell 07936 153 390 07936 153 390 Horncastle - Lincolnshire Edinburghseanfarrell.rep@thenabd.org.uk seanfarrell.rep@thenabd.org.uk Steve Ayres Alan Russell 07843 137979 01316 237 Staffordshire 124 Staffordshire Sue Bockingsteveayres.rep@thenabd.org.uk alanrussell.rep@thenabd.org.uk Sue Bocking 07970 429 949 07970 429 949 suebocking.rep@thenabd.org.uk suebocking.rep@thenabd.org.uk London - E11 Steve Wilton Warrington Warrington 07917 127414 Eddie Hancock Eddie Hancock stevewilton.rep@thenabd.org.uk 07872 929 869 07872 929 869 eddiehancock.rep@thenabd.org.uk eddiehancock.rep@thenabd.org.uk Loughborough - Leicestershire Grayham Johnson Warminster - Wiltshire Warminster - Wiltshire 07729 638886 Phillip Arbon Phillip Arbon jhnsngrhm@yahoo.co.uk philiparbon.rep@thenabd.org.uk philiparbon.rep@thenabd.org.uk Manchester Wellingborough - Northamptonshire Wellingborough - Northampton Brian Wadsworth Dave Haswell Dave Haswell 07792 089 619 07445 346151 07445 346151 brianwadsworth.rep@thenabd.org.uk

ENGLAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

WALES

SCOTLAND

Open House Issue 98 33

GOLD AFFILIATED BUSINESSES AAA Motorcycle Training Ltd Amanda & Dean, Compound 4, Saxon Business Park, Littleport, Ely, Cambridgeshire. CB6 1XX Tel: 07384 746025 or 07787 125667 Email: aaamct@outlook.com www.aaamct.co.uk

Belonga Mick Mick Manchester, Les Brouillons, Bethines, 86310, France Tel: 07970 371063 Email: Belongamick@email.fr www.Belongamick.com Dedicated biker accommodation in France

Boom Trikes Ltd White Bear Marina, Park Road, Adlington, Chorley, PR7 4HZ Tel: 01257 806045 Mob: 07866549884 www.boom-trikes.co.uk Trike Builders, Custom and Adaption Engineers

Bucklemania Mike Gregory, 210 Wessex Court, De-Havilland Way, Stanwell, Staines-On-Thames, Middlesex. TW19 7JL Tel: 07568 703387 Email: mikebuckham0416@gmail.com

Casarva Ltd Steve Read, 16 Axis Park, Manasty Road, Orton, Southgate, Peterborough. PE2 6UP Tel: 01733 234942 Email: info@casarva.co.uk www.casarva.co.uk Trike Manufacturers, Trike Kits, Conversions and Adaptations

Datum Motorcycle Trikes Ltd Tony Clack, Unit 2A Merrivale Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1DU Tel: 01837 53658 or 07590 299850 Email: datummotorcycletrikesltd@gmail.com www.datummct.com

Diamond Trikes Derek Winter, 38 Grange Road, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 4JD Tel: 028 388 52635xx www.diamondtrikes.co.uk

Mulderrigs (Solicitors) Paul Mulderrig, 72 Bank Street, Rawtenstall, BB4 8EG Tel: 0800 052 3693 www.mulderrigs.co.uk Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel.

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

PHAB Janine Williams, Summit House, 50 Wandle Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1DF Tel: 020 8667 9443 Email: info@phab.org.uk www.phab.org.uk

Principal Insurance Ltd Matt Byrne, Dalton House, Dane Road, Sale, Manchester, M33 7AR Tel: 0161 972 2597 or 0808 178 0181 Email: xinfo@principalinsurance.co.uk www.principalinsurance.co.uk

Trike Design LTD Hank, Unit 2A, Ponty Gwindy Industrial Estate, Caerphilly, CF83 3HU Tel: 02920 880885 www.trike-design.co.uk Trike Builders, Custom & Adaption Engineers

Trikeshop Bev Meredith, Unit 10, Waterside Business Park, Lamby Way, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2ET Tel: 02920 369420 Email: info@trikeshop.co.uk www.trikeshop.co.uk Trike Manufacturers, Trike Kits, Conversions and Adaptations

SILVER AFFILIATED BUSINESSES Kliktronic LTD Bob / Keith, Unit 2, Station Road Industrial Estate, Elmswell, Suffolk, IP31 3PD Tel: 01359 242100 www.kliktronic.co.uk Electronic Gear-Changers, Push-Button Side Stands etc.

TBPI Group (Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury Group) Neil Finney, 13 Wemeth Road, Glossop, SK13 6LZ Tel: 07976 317529 www.tbpi-group.org

NSV Caravans Ltd G. Humphries, Unit 4 Westmans Ind Est, Love Lane, Burnham On Sea. TA8 1EY Tel: 07929 767690 Email: nsvcaravans@btconnect.com www.nsvcaravans.co.uk Specialist used Motorhome dealer based in Somerset.

BRONZE AFFILIATED BUSINESSES Belfast DJ’s Don Anderson, 18 Horn Walk, Belfast, BT11 9NG Tel: 02890 289021 or 07790 296461 Email: anderson_don@hotmail.com www.nidjs.com

THE BIKER GUIDE Website for bikers Email: info@thebikerguide.co.uk www.thebikerguide.co.uk

Custom Paints Ltd Saj Khan, 3 Norfolk Bridge Court, Warren Street, Sheffiled, S4 7WT Tel: 01142 752187 Email: saj@custompaints.com www.custompaints.com

The DeJaVu Roadshow Steven Osborne, 382 Bourne Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3LL Tel: 01775 711874 Email: dejavuroadshow@hotmail.co.uk www.dejavuroadshow.co.uk

Fatbob Crafts Tony Fulton, 58 Roman Way, Godmanchester, Cambs. PE29 2RW Tel: 07495 901012 Email: enquiries@fatbobcrafts.co.uk www.fatbobcrafts.co.uk

Foxylady Reborn Diane Vane, Sunnyside Cottage, Metherinham Lane, Dunston, Lincolnshire, LN4 2EU Tel: 07541 502197 Email: foxylady1960@live.com www.foxyhatsncrafts.co.uk

J. Byrne Ltd 65 Old Road, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 9DH Tel: 0161 344 1175 www.jbyrnelimited.co.uk

Karmenz Bike Training Karl Menzel, Billing Garden Village, The Causeway, Northampton. NN3 9EX Tel: 01604 402444 Email: karl@karmenzbiketraining.com www.karmenzbiketraining.com

Parkitt Performance Motorcycle Racing Unit 4, Ashvale Workshops, Ashvale Road, Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. NG22 0JY Tel: 07530 928314 www.parkittracing.co.uk

Rewaco Trikes UK LTD Maria Lodge, 3 New Green Cottages, Newmans End, Matching Tye, Harlow, Essex. CM17 0QX Tel: 01279 730695 www.rewacotrikesuk.co.uk

Union Leisurewear Ltd Sandra, c/o: Flexispace Business Centre, Old Hall Street, Middleton. M24 1AG Tel: 0161 877 7780

Wyrd Tony Pagan Armour & Jewellery Tony Bunch, 43 Deepdale Crescent, Cowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear. NE5 3HQ Tel: 0191 286 6004 Email: fat.tonys@outlook.com

34 House 9897 26 Open NABD OPEN HOUSEIssue ISSUE

NABD MERCHANDISE NABD Official Apparel - Available NOW!

Tees £15.00 Hoods £22.00 Beanie £ 7.50

Available to order online now from

urbanteez.co.uk

n o i n u leisurewear r

thing and workwea

Premium custom clo

official supplier of outerwear to NABD

email: nabdsales@unionleisurewear.com or telephone: 0161 877 7780

Union Leisurewear is an NABD sanctioned franchise Flexi Space Business Centre, Townley Street, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

THE NABD

Open House Issue 98 35

motorcycle

accident? ...donʼt get taken for a ride!

Here’s what our clients say...

“Service was excellent” K Boules - Sutton Coldfield

“Brilliant”

V Thompson - Bacup

“Very efficient case handling” S Hooper - Bury

“Helpful explanations, good sound advice – would use you again and recommend you anytime” J Kenney - Maidstone

“Easy to understand explanations given along with great sympathy and care” A Chattle - Manchester

“Extremely satisfied by how you helped us” S Dunn - Rawtenstall

“Thank you so much for the brilliant service you provided and all the help and information you gave me throughout”

. One phone call is all it takes to get a free assessment of your prospects. . Straightforward NO WIN NO FEE guarantee. . Weʼll visit you at home... no problem. . Call 0800 052 3693 . Or visit us at www.mulderrigs.co.uk experts in motorcycle claims A member of Law Society Personal Injury Panel.

ASSOCIATION OF PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

36 Open House Issue 98 28 NABD OPEN HOUSE

ISSUE 97

Accredited Practice

J Urmston - Maidstone

“Staff are a credit to your company – case handled superbly – fantastic, thank you” J Wood - Kent

“Came back to you again – speaks for itself” P Harlow - Waterfoot

“Nothing but praise for your efficiency” M Scholes - Burnley

“Everything was explained so easily and in good, clear detail” E Nicholson - Rossendale

...why settle for less?