2017 is already coming to an end and it seems time flies by faster every year!
As always there have been plenty of adventures for B.I.K.E.R.S. Training throughout the year. We’re delighted our colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland BikeSafe Team invited us to continue our attendance of the annual ‘Northern Ireland’s Motorcycle Festival’ on the outskirts of Lisburn. And so we kicked off the year with a new exhibition stand carrying the BikeSafe Team and FBoS Logos and Images, giving it a more professional look.
Thanks to our friends at The Irish Motorcyclists’ Association for inviting us to their stand at ‘The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show’ in the RDS in March. Overlanders & Adventure Motorcycles Ireland asked us to attend the open day at their premises in Gorey as well as their ‘Touratech Travel Event’ event at Glenmalure in the Wicklow Mountains. We also found ourselves unexpectedly invited to the Horizon’s Unlimited Travel Event outside of Enniskillen for a presentation on all things FBoS. People from all parts of the world attended both events and some interesting exchanges were made.
Events 2018
February 2nd – 4th Northern Irelands Motorcycle Festival, Lisburn
February 24th / 25th Monster Motorcycle Show, Cork
While visiting the ‘TT’ in the Isle of Man, Rodge spread the word about FBoS. And during the summer months he took the FBoS Bike on a number of First Aid Duties supporting charity cycle races and marathons around the country. At the recent ‘Motorcycle Live’ exhibition in Birmingham, he also had the privilege of meeting the new head of the UK BikeSafe Team.
We still have our column in the Bike Buyers Guide and Principal Insurance continues to provide a discount to anyone who successfully passes FBoS. Earlier in the year they also ran a course for their staff and it was great meeting the whole team.
The newly formed community group at Bikers Shed in County Kildare has just organised our biggest FBoS course in Ireland to date. After a busy day we were surprised with a presentation of a beautiful plaque. Whether we provide courses for individuals or groups, it really is amazing how much voluntary work and fundraising is done by bikers!
Courses 2018
January 10th / 11th Abbeyfeale, Co. Kerry (fully booked)
January 28th Ardee, Co. Louth
February 11th Dublin
February 18th Ennis, Co. Clare
March 10th Kildangan, Co. Kildare
March 24th Tralee, Co. Kerry
March 25th Cork
April 14th Gorey, Co. Wexford
April 15th Waterford
April 28th UK
April 29th UK (fully booked)
May 19th Castlebar, Co. Mayo
May 20th Galway
June 9th Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
June 10th Antrim
June 23rd Cavan
June 24th Portlaoise, Co. Laois
While there seemed to be fewer FBoS members attending accidents this year, the number of fatalities and accidents has unfortunately stayed much the same. The majority of people giving feedback, find the skills to be the most useful and view expressed that the course should be compulsory for all bikers / road users. With this in mind we are heading into 2018 to continue teaching live saving skills and hopefully make a difference to someone.
Again Thank You for your support!
With best wishes for a quiet and safe Christmas and New Year,
Rodge, Nick and Berni
