Author: Arthur

We are in a time of crisis, the current corona virus pandemic has halted all leisure riding and much of the country is facing deep financial trouble. Unfortunately, this also extends to many of our favourite motorcycle stores, who as a result are offering big discounts to drive enough sales to scrape by. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in a position to still have a regular income, there are many bargains and reduced gear to be had. Save yourself a few quid and help keep your favourite online retailers afloat in these uncertain times.

SportsBikeShop: 10% off with code SBSAPR10 (ends 30/04/20)

Motoin: 10% discount with code STAYSTRONG10 (ends 30/04/20)

Motoin: 15% discount with code HAPPYEASTER2020 (ends 13/04/20)

GhostBikes: 15% discount with code GIVEME15

FC-Moto: 10% off everything with code: EASTER20

GetGeared: 10% off everything with code: GETGEARED1020

GetGeared: £10 off £100 spend, £20 off £200 spend, £50 off £500 spend.

Infinity Motorcycles: 10% off everything with code: INFINITY10

Demon Tweeks: Free RST Backpack & Gloves with RST Raid jacket purchases.

Please note, that although I’m suggesting buying some cheap bike gear whilst you’re stuck at home, I’m not condoning heading out on your bike to try the gear out, save your new gear for when normality returns. Do also give the above retailers and postal staff some slack as they run reduced staff in these unprecedented times. If you are self isolating with the virus, do add a note to your order and stick a note on your door so postal staff can maintain a safe distance.

The Coronavirus pandemic has now spread globally, has taken thousands of people and is accelerating in pace. Things just got real, very real. If we stand any chance of preventing our health service from being swamped in the coming weeks we need a drastic change in our social interactions, and that includes ride outs.

The biking season may be upon us, the weather improving and we’re all geared up to head out with biking buddies, but this would be very bad. You may be carrying the virus, your buddies may be carrying the virus, other people you meet may be carrying the virus, those you interact with at retail outlets may be carrying the virus. Symptoms from this virus don’t typically manifest themselves for 5 days, sometimes up to 14 days and some people carry the virus without developing any symptoms. You can’t guarantee those you’ve interacted with over the last couple of weeks didn’t have it, you can’t guarantee those you interact with on a ride out hadn’t picked it up from someone in the last couple of weeks. To head out because you feel fine today would be incredibly selfish to those you meet and those in your household for the coming weeks.

To head out because you feel fine today, would be incredible selfish

But I hear you say, I’ll just go for a solo ride, protect myself with helmet and gloves, fill up with petrol at a self-service pump and take my own thermos flask of tea. Sure, you probably won’t catch or spread the virus with this strategy. However, if you happen to break down you’ll be interacting with recovery staff and any other bikers who stop by to help out. If you have a tumble, it will be even worse. Sure, you may be the safest biker in the world, but unexpected things happen, potholes, debris in the road, diesel spill, or a mad driver thinking the roads are quiet and his to rally. When you find yourself injured in a hedge, don’t expect the incredibly stretched health service to get an ambulance to you in a hurry, don’t expect a free bed in hospital, don’t expect to see a doctor promptly or get any surgery in any time soon. But certainly, bank on picking up a nice Coronavirus infection from the warzone-like hospital as a souvenir.

So for these reasons, I’m hanging up my leathers until things change and I urge you all to do the same.

Staying healthy today so you can ride another day is the current priority.