Email : sidecarjohn@sidecar.freeuk.com
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Site last
amended 11th November 2008
Computer Clearance
EVENTS PUBLICITY - Many events throughout the year can be attractive to sidecar enthusiasts. If your club, or organisation has an event in 2009 that you would wish to be considered for listing on our Events page, please let us know. Email address at top of page.
BAN BIKES - Someone has picked up on a statement made in a lengthy parliamentary document, that the Association of Chief Police Officers propose banning bikes from UK roads. Reading the actual document suggests a definite downer on bikes, described as "motorised toys". Issues of excessive speeds, small number plates, and "massive" avoidance of vehicle excise duty are specifically mentioned, as is the excessive risks compared with car use. All in all a bleak picture, which cannot be ignored.
On some issues it is crazy to deny the issues. Excessive speeds, far beyond practicality, safety and skill levels, if left as they are will surely provide legislators with reason to restrict, even ban. The quest for performance has a detrimental effect on fuel consumption, so doesn't help the cause either. Quoting benefits of commuting and the few who use bikes and scooters for economy reasons don't carry much weight when observation suggests that many bike are indeed "toys".
However, a common theme through much of the evidence presented to the Transport Select Committee, including that of ACPO, identify the problems of dealing with many of the safety issues without police enforcement. Fundamentally, there are not enough officers out there dealing with reckless, dangerous, and law breaking road users. Sadly, this state of affairs means that here in Britain our roads are less safe, and the bike community suffers accordingly.
FAVOURITE FORUMS - Forums are a significant feature of the internet. We use them regularly to hopefully gain information about several aspects of our lives. This ranges from how to make the best of some equipment, how to do something better, or just for the entertainment value. Forums have made a difference to our motorcycling with help on electrical problems, repairs, and things to avoid. Although not in abundance, there's some good stuff out there about sidecars.
With this in mind, we now have a page listing some forums that could be useful. There not foolproof, in fact some may make you smile with stuff you know to be wide of the mark. However, these forums just might make the difference for you. There are one, or two, which are referred to regularly because they just might have that nugget of information, humour, or interesting item that jusitifies having the internet. Enjoy.
FED FOUNDERS DAY REPORT - Well, it's been and gone, and what a day it was.
The Federation of Sidecar Clubs Founders Day meet at The Fox in Burwell, Cambridgeshire on Saturday 18th October was a resounding success. A good attendance of over 80 outfits, plus many others who came either on two, or four wheels, ensured that this was one to fix solidly in the memory banks.
A little advance publicity with the local newspaper and local BBC radio created a little more interest in both the Fed, and sidecars. Many spent the whole six hours chatting, remembering, planning, and enjoying the food and refreshments laid on. Those involved in the planning and operation of the day have plenty to be pleased about. Good weather and good company, what more could you ask.
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Four generations of the Baker Boys |
Are You Listening ? |
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Impressive Line of Outfits |
And even more ! |
An updated history of the Federation of Sidecar Clubs is now available. Long serving Fed committee member Bob Parsons account of the past half century provides an interesting insight into the organisation. Read it for yourself by clicking here.
COMMEMORATIVE METAL PLAQUE - To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Federation of Sidecar Clubs a very limited edition A3 metal sign has been produced. It is now available in very limited numbers for a special price of £8.50, plus carriage. Get in touch if you are interested.
WATSONIAN SIDECARS - The 75th anniversary of the Watsonian Sidecar company 'Watsonian Sidecars" is still available via the internet, and for FREE.
File size restrictions on our website means downloading 6 files. However, hope this will not detract from the offer.
DOWNLOAD by clicking on each of the following "Watsonian Sidecars 1" , "Watsonian Sidecars 2",
"Watsonian Sidecars 3", "Watsonian Sidecars 4", "Watsonian Sidecars 5", "Watsonian Sidecars 6"
(Click on the
Adobe logo to download the free Adobe Reader onto your computer)
