Monday, February 18, 2008

MSF Motorcycle Safety Foundation

About the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Since March 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has set internationally recognized standards of excellence in motorcycle rider education and training. The MSF works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state governments, the military and other organizations to improve motorcyclist education, training and operator licensing.

The MSF is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles.

Objectives and Strategies

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the leader in championing the safety of motorcyclists by:

  • Developing and maintaining a high quality, comprehensive, research-based Rider Education and Training System (MSF RETS) and its individual curriculum products.
  • Establishing national trainer and site certification standards and providing technical assistance for training and licensing programs.
  • Promoting model or enabling legislation to create state-funded rider training programs.
  • Actively participating in government relations, research and public awareness
  • Partnering with other motorcycling and public organizations to make the nation's streets and highways safer for motorcyclists.

The MSF does not deal with motorcycle design or manufacture; its programs focus on the motorcycle operator.

The Five Main MSF Messages for Motorcyclists

To enhance the enjoyment of motorcycling, MSF recommends that riders:

  • Get trained and licensed.
  • Wear protective gear.
  • Ride unimpaired.
  • Ride within your limits.
  • Be a lifelong learner.

The MSF Rider Education and Training System (MSF RETS)

Since 1973, more than 3.5 million motorcyclists have graduated from basic or experienced RiderCourses. Each year throughout the nation and the military, there is an average of 7,000 MSF-certified RiderCoaches actively teaching, each trained by one of a team of 210 MSF-certified RiderCoach Trainers.

  • The number of RiderCourse students trained both nationally and overseas, at civilian and military sites, has exceeded 350,000 annually in recent years.
  • RiderCourses are available at over 1,500 sites in all 50 states, including 47 state-legislated programs. The MSF RETS is a comprehensive curricula system with supporting materials, technical assistance, RiderCourse insurance, RiderCoach certification and training-site/training-sponsor standards. Several of the MSF member companies loan training motorcycles through their local retailers. A national toll-free hotline, (800) 446-9227, links callers with the nearest RiderCourse training site in their area.
  • The MSF staff work with a number of enthusiast groups nationwide to encourage and support MSF-recognized state motorcycle safety training programs.
  • In 1997, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation began operating the MSF DirtBike School (DBS). Designed as an introduction to off-highway riding, the course is administered by DirtBike School Coaches nationwide. The DirtBike School is MSF's fastest growing program, and is already used by both federal and state agencies to train peace officers, search and rescue personnel, volunteers and others on the safe operation of off-highway motorcycles. In 2001, the DirtBike School also became available at various motorcycle retailers across the country.

Operator Licensing

Another important activity for the MSF is operator licensing. The MSF model Motorcycle Operator Manual and written tests were created using the same research-based development process as the curricula; they also serve as a complement to the education and training information contained in the MSF RETS.

  • More than 30 state licensing agencies use one of five different MSF skill tests as part of their motorcycle endorsement procedures.
  • More than 40 states use MSF's Motorcycle Operator Manual, and many incorporate the related knowledge test.
  • Sharing the Roadway, a six-page insert for state driver's manuals, informs car drivers about differing vehicle characteristics and asks them to expect to see motorcyclists on the roadway and respect their right to be there.
  • MSF licensing assistance to states includes conducting examiner-training programs, qualifying motorcycle license examiners, and providing technical expertise on motorcycle operation.
  • The MSF partners with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to update and improve motorcycle operator licensing systems.

Government Relations

The MSF Government Relations office, based near our nation's capital, is the Foundation's advocate for motorcycle safety before the United States Congress and federal regulatory agencies as well as at state legislatures and state regulatory agencies. The Government Relations Office also serves as a clearinghouse for information on federal and state legislation and regulation relating to motorcycle safety, rider education and licensing issues. MSF-developed model Motorcycle Safety Education Program legislation has helped state legislatures craft rider education program laws that have enabled millions of riders to participate in motorcycle safety courses. Staff also works with the motorcycle safety coordinators for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy, recognizing nearly 150 military RiderCourse sites.

Awards Program

In 1979, MSF began an awards program to recognize RiderCoaches, licensing examiners, state motorcycle safety and licensing programs and administrators, independent RiderCourse sites and all supporting sponsors such as motorcycle dealers, school districts, community colleges, and journalists, among others.

National Motorcycle Safety Fund

Tax-deductible contributions to the National Motorcycle Safety Fund (NMSF) will help build a stronger, safer motorcycling community. This charitable organization [501(c)(3)] was created in 1981 to supplement the work of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. One hundred percent of contributions to the NMSF go directly toward worthy motorcycle safety projects; there are no administrative, fund-raising or other costs paid from donations. Customary NMSF projects include:

  • Supplying helmets to rider-training sites.
  • Assisting in the development, production and distribution of educational materials on helmet use and the perils of alcohol/drug use in riding.
  • Producing rider-awareness seminars and videos.
  • Developing and distributing safety materials like an off-highway motorcycle riding tips booklet.

The NMSF needs people to help ensure a safe future for motorcycling. To request more information, or to send a contribution, contact:

National Motorcycle Safety Fund
2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Irvine, California 92618-3806
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Irvine, California 92618-3806
(949) 727-3227 Fax: (949) 727-4217
www.msf-usa.org

Friday, January 11, 2008

Rooftop of the World

Nepal & Tibet - Rooftop of the World!
High Altitude Motorcycle Expedition

Guarded for centuries by mountains and men, Lhasa will always be an alluring goal for the adventurer! From the mediaeval back streets of Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur , crowded with temples, palaces, and colorful market bazaars, the Friendship Highway climbs for ever upward along the Sun Kosi (River of Gold) toward the foot of Mount Everest, like the mythical Stairway to Heaven. At the end is the Potala, home to the exile Dalai Lama, wonder of the world, and the jewel in the crown of the Tibetan people!


Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
Himalayan Roadrunners will meet you at the airport. Transfer to our hotel followed by a quick briefing and collection of passports for Tibet Permit & Visa applications. Motorcycle assignment & orientation followed by a short test ride & stop at Patan's old Durbar Square for late afternoon sightseeing and a beer.

Day 2 - Ride to Dhulikhel
After breakfast check of motorcycles & personal equipment then ride out of Ktm city through Thimi with a stop at the old city of Bhaktapur for a look around and lunch. Short late afternoon ride to our comfortable overnight accommodations near Dhulikhel on the road to Tibet.

Day 3 - Nepal-Tibet Border-Zangmu
Early morning departure for the Nepal -Tibet Border at Kodari where after immigration & customs formalities, we will say goodbye to paved roads and cross the Friendship Bridge into Tibet where we will meet our Tibetan crew who are waiting with support vehicles, fuel & supplies. A short ride about 6 kms (usually very rough) will bring us to Khasa Gate where we will begin our China Immigration & Customs process. Accommodations at the adequate Zamgmu Hotel meters away.

Day 4 - Zangmu-Nylam
Depending on current road construction and travel timings, departure ASAP (possibly late afternoon/evening 1 May) following the road high above the town into the upper valleys of the Himalaya , and on into Nylam for overnight. BASIC but somewhat charming accommodations tonight at a local Guest House. Welcome to Tibet! Top dead center!

Day 5 - Nylam-Tingri
All gravel road riding today up over Lalung La (5050m) with amazing mountain views of the High Himalaya back towards Nepal and Shishapangma (8012m) Roadside packed lunch near Khozo followed by direct views of Mount Everest via moving motorcycles with arrival into Old Tingri late afternoon. Improved accommodations at the simple motel in Tibetan style Guest House with absolutely STUNNING views of Cho Oyu and Mount Everest to the South!

Day 6 - Old Tingri - Sakya (Or Everest Base Camp)
Possible overnight trip into Qomolangma Nature Preserve/Everest Base Camp with commanding views of Sagarmatha once on top of Pang La Pass. This road is currently under renovation and improved but our route out is quite rough. Overnight either at Rongbuk Monastery Guest House or Sakya Monastery.

Day 7 - Ride to Shigatse
Early start for our morning ride over Lhakpa La (5220m)
to our restaurant lunch stop in the interesting junction town of Lhatse. Long afternoon’s ride over another high pass Tsho La (4500m) and through small rural Tibetan agricultural villages. Late afternoon arrival into Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city. Evening free to relax at our fancy hotel or wander into town and sample the Chinese -Tibetan Disco scene. Dinner in town at Tashi's.

Day 8 - Shigatse - Gyantse

Morning tour of the impressive gold topped Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. The largest working monastery currently in Tibet, Tashi Lhunpo is most famous as the site of enshrinement of the first Dalai Lama and is also the seat of the controversial Panchan Lama. After lunch its back in the saddle for our ride east to the outskirts of Gyantse for tremendous views of the Kumbum & Gyantse Dzong (fort). Accommodations at the excellent older hotel, a Roadrunners favorite. Late afternoon free to explore the town and sample some of the best momo’s in Tibet! Dinner with group at a new excellent restaurant nearby!

Day 9 - Gyantse - Yamdruk Tso Lake
Morning tour of the Kumbum, probably the most intersting structure in the entire region! After early lunch departure for our long afternoon's ride to Yamdruk Tso Lake. As of September 2007 this road is now all newly paved. Spectacular riding past an amazing (man made) emerald lake and up over Karo La Pass, followed by stunning up close views of the always snow covered Mt. Nojin Kangstan. Late afternoon arrival at our pre-set camp on the shores of sacred and crystal clear Yamdruk Tso Lake.

Day 10 - Ride to Lhasa
Following the shoreline on the new paved road, we will make the steep sudden ascent and follow the road up over Kambla Pass and then endlessly down (spectacular newly paved decent!) into the Brahmaputra Valley, where we will meet the main road and follow it into Lhasa. Our route will take us right past the stunning Potala Palace , the old home of the now exiled 14th Dalai Lama. Accommodations at what we think is the best place in town, just minutes walk from the old quarter and the Barkhor. Old Tibet found here!

Day 11 - Lhasa
Must see morning organized guided tour inside the Potala Palace, wear your walking shoes! Short after lunch motorcycle ride to one of Lhasa's outlying monasteries! Farewell group drinks & dinner tonight in town!


Day 12 - Fly Tibet to Nepal - Tour End
Early morning transfer to Gongkar Airport through the new tunnel for our flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the Summit Hotel or Nepal's International Terminal for flights onward.

TOUR SCHEDULE


What's Included
Airport transfers as necessary. Tibet to Nepal Airfare, depending on particular itinerary. All hotel accommodations in Nepal & Tibet from tour start date. All breakfasts. Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc Motorcycle including petrol , spares & staff mechanics. Support vehicles with adequate space for luggage & seating for passengers & tired riders. Full medical kit including emergency high altitude medications, oxygen, and a “Gamow” Bag portable altitude illness emergency chamber. Pre-departure information pack including tour route map & Roadrunners T-Shirt.

What's Not Included
International Airfare to Kathmandu. Nepal Visa Fee. Tibet Visa fee. Cold Drinks & Alcoholic Beverages. Bottled Water. Laundry Services . Staff Tips & Gratuities. Intl. Airport tax upon departure from Lhasa & Kathmandu. Any excessive overweight baggage charges.

Immunizations
Immunizations are absolutely necessary for travel to Nepal & Tibet. Please consult your GP/MD or local travel clinic for the latest recommendations.

Motorcycle Damage Deposit

A security deposit of USD $500. is required prior to motorcycle assignment (usually already included in your tour balance invoice) and will be refunded at the end of tour upon return of undamaged motorcycle. Please allow up to 60 days from tour end date to receive this refund. Repairs of small accidental damage from bikes falling over and light spills are normally covered in the tour cost, but HRR reserves the right to appraise all damages/repair costs and charge accordingly.

A Word of Caution
Motorcycling the mountainous areas of Nepal & Tibet is surely one of the best ways to experience the regions rich cultures, friendly people, and unequaled scenery. At the same time, motorcycling has its dangers, especially on narrow mountain roads with steep dropoff’s, unpredictable traffic, and quick changing weather conditions. The route from Nepal to Tibet also crosses numerous high mountain passes in excess of 16,000 ft, and some health symptoms from high altitude are common in most participants. This tour operated by Himalayan Roadrunners Ltd. is better termed a “Motorcycle Expedition”, and should be undertaken by fit, experienced riders, with an open mind for travel in impoverished areas, quick changing conditions, and different rules of the road.

Visa Requirements
Nepal 30 Day Tourist Visa available upon arrival at Ktm Airport or in advance from your nearest Nepal Consulate. Tibet group visas & permits are arranged in advance & upon arrival in Nepal by Himalayan Roadrunners at a cost of USD$150. Please note that China Visa's are useless for entry into Tibet from Nepal and all clearance most go thru the Chinese Embassy in Ktm. Please also be aware that delays (unlikely) can occur during the China permit & visa application process in Ktm and every effort will be made by Himalayan Roadrunners to keep the day to day itinerary on track and tour on schedule! Depending on how many days staying in Nepal before & after the Tibet trip, a regular Double Entry Tourist Visa is available for extended stays, or a 3 day (72 Hour) Transit Visa is available upon arrival at Ktm Airport free of charge. Please have a few passport size photographs and exact USD notes for Visa purchases at KTM Airport as getting change can be on par with pulling teeth! Namaste and welcome to the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, December 17, 2007

Chelsea Star Terry out for upto two months after the last night defeat match with Arsenal


Arsenal defeated Chelsea for the first time since February 2004 to reclaim top spot in the Premier League.


Manchester United had moved above them earlier in the day but William Gallas's header after Petr Cech failed to collect a corner ensured a Gunners win.

Shaun Wright-Phillips should have equalised but missed from six yards, while Manuel Almunia saved an Andriy Shevchenko free-kick in injury time.

Robin van Persie missed from 14 yards and was then denied by Cech late on.

Arsenal did not beat Chelsea during Jose Mourinho's entire tenure as Blues manager but have defeated Avram Grant's team at the first attempt.


Chelsea had gone 16 games without defeat in all competitions under Grant but now trail the Gunners by six points and United by five at the top of the league.

As with United's match at Liverpool earlier in the day, it was a tight game with little to choose between the teams.

But Arsenal showed a little more invention and ability on the break than Chelsea, who crucially lost John Terry to a suspected ligament injury after 38 minutes.

Even so, Chelsea should have equalised through Wright-Phillips, who scuffed his shot from six yards after Gallas had diverted a cross into his path midway through the second half.

Arsenal started brightly, their crisp passing and intelligent movement heavily in evidence as the home team looked for an early goal.

They had Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb back in their line-up but Chelsea, with their five-man midfield, soon ensured that space and time on the ball was at a premium.

And it looked as though the first half would remain goalless before Gallas, playing against his old team, struck in time added on.

Chelsea had lost Terry after he failed to recover from a challenge by Emmanuel Eboue and, without the skipper's commanding presence in the box, Gallas was able to nudge Tal Ben Haim off the ball and convert Fabregas' corner.

But culpability for the goal lay with the normally reliable Cech, who came off his line to clear the corner but failed to make any meaningful contact with the ball.


Brazilian defender Alex had almost gifted Arsenal the lead earlier in the half when he tried to head the ball to Cech but only succeeded in looping it over the keeper and, thankfully for him, narrowly wide of the Chelsea goal.

It was a fractious game with plenty of niggle, two melees and 10 yellow cards.

Possession was surrendered far too cheaply for either team to find any kind of rhythm and for long spells it seemed to suit Chelsea, who forced first-half saves from Almunia with decent long-range strikes from Wright-Phillips and Shevchenko.

Almunia dived sharply to his right to prevent Obi from scoring his first goal of the season in the second half, while Wright-Phillips's horrible miss was a real let-off for the home team.

The game became increasingly stretched as Chelsea searched for an equaliser and Arsenal cut them open with a precise break that substitute Van Persie was unable to finish from 14 yards.

Van Persie had the ball in the net after another break but the goal was ruled out for offside and later saw another effort saved by Cech, who then denied Fabregas with a follow-up.

Shevchenko had a late chance for Chelsea with a free-kick but Almunia tipped the effort over his bar.

The final action saw Arsenal waste another chance on the break and Fabregas booked for a tackle on Ashley Cole, who was booed throughout the afternoon on his return to his former club.


Lineups:
Arsenal: Manuel Almunia; Bacary Sagna, Kolo Toure, William Gallas, Gael Clichy; Emmanuel Eboue, Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Hleb; Emmanuel Adebayor

Chelsea: Petr Cech; Paolo Ferreira, John Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole; Mikel John Obi, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Shaun Wright-Phillips; Joe Cole, Andriy Shevchenko

a 4-5-1 formation, with Alex Hleb playing just off of lone striker Emmanuel Adebayor as a not-yet-match-fit Robin van Persie watched from the bench until the 70th minute.

Chelsea, unlike the Gunners, were missing top scorer Didier Drogba and fellow African Michael Essien, and therefore played with Joe Cole partnering Andriy Shevchenko in an offensive 4-4-2 which Avram Grant had hoped would bring some beautiful flowing football to Chelsea's game.


Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Van Persie 69), Flamini, Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb (Silva 77), Adebayor (Bendtner 90).
Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Senderos.

Booked: Adebayor, Eboue, Flamini, Toure, Fabregas.

Goals: Gallas 45.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Alex, Terry (Ben-Haim 38), Ashley Cole, Wright-Phillips (Kalou 75), Obi, Makelele (Pizarro 65), Lampard, Joe Cole, Shevchenko.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Belletti.

Booked: Terry, Lampard, Joe Cole, Ben-Haim, Obi.

Att: 60,139

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).


CHELSEA have been rocked by the news that John Terry has been ruled out for up to two months.

Doctors today confirmed that the England skipper has broken three bones in his right foot, including a metatarsal.

That is not just a blow for Blues boss Avram Grant, who now has to get their season back on track without his influential captain.

It also means Terry may well have to sit out Fabio Capello's first game in charge as England manager.


CRUNCH ... Eboue and Terry collide

CRUNCH ... Eboue and Terry collide




The defender hobbled off during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal after being injured in a challenge by Emmanuel Eboue.

X-rays have shown that Terry has broken the third metatarsal in his right foot, which is understood to be as bad as it can get.

A close friend said: "The doctors were surprised as they said it's very unusual to break that third metatarsal.

"It's more common for footballers to break the first or fifth metatarsal.

"The bad news is they say it will take longer to heal than normal.

Chelsea were not expecting such devastating news as an initial scan had failed to show the true extent of the damage.

Club doctor Bryan English said: "An X-ray taken in the Arsenal medical room straight after John left the field didn't show the injury.

"However, as is usual with mid-foot injuries, the fractures were revealed following scans, which were performed this afternoon.

"John will start his rehabilitation immediately with the Chelsea medical team and we will continue to monitor the injury."

Capello, who was unveiled as new England manager today, will make his Wembley bow with a friendly on February 6 against Switzerland.

But doctors believe that could come too soon for Terry to have recovered fully.

The third metatarsal bones are in the middle toe, which normally suffer injury through wear and tear rather than a clean break.

Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen have broken fifth metatarsals before and took at least six weeks LONGER for both players to get back into action than specialists originally predicted.

In 2004, Scott Parker broke a second metatarsal and although an eight-week absence was predicted, it was 34 weeks before he made a return.

After yesterday's game, Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou revealed that Eboue had apologised to Terry for the tackle.

He said: “I was saying to Eboue that it was a red card because he did it on purpose - but he denied that.

“He said he tried to block the ball and it was not on purpose. He said sorry to John.

"He didn’t mean to do it but to apologise was a nice thing to do. John will be a big loss and is very important to the squad.

"We will miss him and it will be difficult to do it without him but we have the players to do that.”


In February 2007 J0hn Terry was seriously injured


Famous Communicable English Disease

Metatarsal

JOHN TERRY has become the latest England ace to be struck down with the curse of the metatarsal.

Here SunSport looks at the previous Three Lions stars to have fallen foul of the injury and their eventual recovery periods.

April 2002 - DAVID BECKHAM broke his second metatarsal while playing in the Champions League for Manchester United against Deportivo La Coruna. He played at the World Cup three months later but it was clear he was unfit. Predicted: 6 weeks Return: 7 weeks later

April 2002 - Manchester United defender GARY NEVILLE broke his fifth metatarsal against Bayer Leverkusen, also in the Champions League, forcing him to miss the World Cup. Predicted: 6-8 weeks Return: 21 weeks later

May 2002 - DANNY MURPHY was drafted into the World Cup squad but fractured a metatarsal while training. Predicted: 6-8 weeks Return: 21 weeks later

June 2004 - WAYNE ROONEY broke his fifth metatarsal in England's quarter-final clash with Portugal at Euro 2004. Portugal eventually win on penalties. Predicted: 8 weeks Return: 14 weeks later

September 2004 - STEVEN GERRARD broke his fifth metatarsal in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United. Predicted: 6-8 weeks Return: 10 weeks later

December 2004 - SCOTT PARKER fractured his second metatarsal playing for Chelsea. Predicted: 8 weeks Return: 34 weeks later

October 2005 - ASHLEY COLE broke a metatarsal before England's World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Poland. Predicted: 6-8 weeks Return: 12 weeks later

December 2005 - MICHAEL OWEN broke a metatarsal bone in his foot when he collided with England team-mate Paul Robinson during Tottenham's clash with Newcastle at White Hart Lane. Predicted: 6-8 weeks Return: 17 weeks later

April 2006 - Tottenham defender LEDLEY KING damaged his metatarsal playing against Everton and, unlike Rooney, England decided not to risk him for the World Cup Predicted: 6 weeks Return: 8 weeks later

April 2006 - WAYNE ROONEY broke the fourth metatarsal of his right foot after tackle by Paulo Ferreria in league match with Chelsea. Returned in time for World Cup 2006 but lacked match fitness Predicted: 6 weeks Return: 8 weeks

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Is this the best goal ever?

FOOTBALL is buzzing with one question right now ? has anyone ever netted a sweeter strike?

Fans of the beautiful game have been gasping in wonder at the cheeky crossed-kick effort by Peruvian Andres Vasquez.

It was the 19-year-old midfielder’s first league goal for Swedish side IFK Gothenburg and it is unlikely he will ever top it.

The image “http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00043/F_200705_May11ed_ima_43641a.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.On Monday night he took the ball from an Orebro player, ran to the edge of the penalty area and, as the ball rolled, moved his left leg behind his right.

With the outside of his left boot he then chipped the ball sweetly into the top corner of the net.

The “crossed-kick” is known as a Rabona and Italian player Giovanni Roccotelli is credited with inventing it in the 1970s.

It has been demonstrated in England this season by Joe Cole and Cristiano Ronaldo.




Here's The video