Archive for November, 2008

Get new real estate with bkr loan, 303417 euro is not a problem

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 7 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 11 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 7 percent. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 8 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 4 percentage. Different lenders charge different fees.

Translated in Dutch it means: Woon je in Uithoorn of Oudewater en heeft u BKR’ Lenen met zonder BKR registratie is nergens zo eenvoudig. Verwen jezelf met een nieuwe auto met direct geld lenen 10 minuten rekenig, 267655 euro is geen obstakel om te financieren. Van Meppel tot Laren, geld lenen met en BKR codering gaat hier altijd.

And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 4 percent offered by competitors will change.

Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. See which lenders are charging fees 7 percent and for how much. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 8 percent. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 8 percent. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin.

Come Across Everything you May Possibly Demand for your Kitchen Online at John Lewis

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Whether you have only recently moved into your new residence & could do with a whole range of kitchen appliances and fittings; or you just need a new kettle – John Lewis has you covered. It is frequently recognised that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s necessary to own the correct electrical appliances after all, seeing as the wrong kettle can make a big difference.

Clearly some acquisitions are considerably more essential than others; therefore you might give extra time considering which grill or fridge you desire rather than pondering over your next blender. Conversely, even the tiniest of products can drastically change the look and feel of your kitchen. What’s more, ordering several items from one store presents you the opportunity to give your kitchen a more modern look by bringing together the style of your purchases. Glancing at the John Lewis site you may also see other ideas for kitchen merchandise you might not have mulled over in the past – juicers for illustration.

But it’s not purely the ‘appearance’ of the kitchen appliances that you must chew over but additionally the functionality; e.g. what particular size of toaster do you want? How many facilities should there be on your washing machine? Do you prefer a gas or an electric hob? For more information and recommendations on buying the perfect domestic appliances then take a look at John Lewis’s consumers’ guides, which can be accessed on their internet site. Find a huge range of cookers online at John Lewis

Purchasing from the John Lewis internet site could not be any easier or more functional. Not only will you have free postal delivery on all orders; you may also upgrade to next day delivery should you want that coffee machine in a crisis; and also free returns if you are frustrated by the merchandise. John Lewis also at this instant provides two day express delivery on an assortment of appliances for instance washing machines, dishwashers and cookers. Therefore, you can defiantly order from John Lewis’s online shop with entire trust.

Golf Swing Instruction – Ask a Pro

Friday, November 14th, 2008

Sometimes, no matter how much you practice, perfecting your swing or even correcting small problems in your swing seems impossible. In this case, you might require golf swing instruction from a pro…even if you have been playing for some time. Golf swing instruction will probably help you even more than you realize.

Golf pros are different from ordinary golfers. They have perfected their own game, and then they learned to study other people’s games to help them perfect their games. A golf pro knows that all golfers are different, and each one will have different needs to correct small problems. Pros are trained to help you correct those problems – in ways designed just for you.

Finding golf pros is easy – finding golf pros that are good is a little harder. Finding a golf pro that suits your particular needs can seem absolutely overwhelming… but it doesn’t have to be. There are certain steps to take to find a good golf pro. Don’t just settle for the guy that works in your local pro shop.

First, ask your friends for recommendations. Find out where the pros are located, and if possible, watch them with their other students from a distance. How do they interact? Are they patient? Do they seem to know what they are doing, and what they are talking about? Visit your local pro shop, and ask about the pros that are available in the area. Don’t worry about insulting the pro running the shop – he probably no longer offers instruction anyway.

Most clubs have golf pros on staff. Follow the same protocol, and watch them from a distance, after the practice session that you watch, try to catch up with the golf student, and ask questions about the golf pros instructional skills, and ask specifically if they would recommend him. Ask them if there has been any improvement in their game since they started the lessons.

Ask for references – and check them. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch the pro in action on the course, ask to join a training session for observation purposes. Don’t be alarmed if the pro says no to this – it may simply be to protect the privacy of his or her clients. You might even offer to pay half of the hourly rate for the opportunity to watch them in action with another student.

Once you’ve started instruction with a golf pro, give it a few sessions to determine whether or not this is the right golf pro for you. Sometimes, people simply don’t get along well. It may be that this particular golf pro cannot convey the concept to you in a way that you understand. If it isn’t working out, don’t be afraid to stop working with that particular pro, and start your search for another one. The current pro may be able to make a recommendation if you just explain the situation to them in a nice way.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can perfect your golf swing in just one or two sessions with a golf pro – or even three or four, and maybe not even in ten sessions! Everyone learns at their own pace, and golf techniques take time to learn, and even more time to perfect. Also, really listen to what your golf pro is telling you. If you aren’t willing to listen, you are wasting your time, your money, and the pros time as well. Stay completely focused during your training sessions, and make sure that you put in the additional practice time that is recommended by your pro.

If you feel that you have been given quality golf swing instruction by your pro, don’t be afraid to tip them, or offer them a bonus. This is a common practice, and many pros depend on tips a great deal. Treat your pro with respect – they are not underlings. Failure to give proper respect to your pro may result in him or her walking off the job! Golf pros have a true love for the game – and if you demonstrate that same feeling for the game, you may find that you receive superior instruction!

Charger’s a Season of Misses Opportunities

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

While reading about Antonio Gates being voted the only unanimous Pro-Bowl selection, I got to thinking about the Charger’s season. A season so filled with hope and high expectations. Can anyone really say that this is not one of the eight best teams in football? How could this team not have made the playoffs? Sure they played a brutal schedule that saw them travel to the Eastern time zone an unprecendented four times but when it’s all said and done, 2005 will go down in Charger history as a year of missed opportunities.

The season season got off to a rocky start with the holdout of Antonio Gates. There is plenty of blame for both parties here. The Chargers were right to hold the line against the already under contract Gates. The free agent basketball player from Kent was well within his rights (based on performance) to expect a better long term deal.

The situation was handled very poorly by both sides with Gates ultimately suspended by the team for four games for not reporting. Gates, who received a $7000 signing bonus in 2003 and was scheduled to make the league 3-yr minimum of $380,000, eventually signed a six-year deal worth a reported 30 million (10 million guaranteed) but the dameage was done. Gates would miss the Charger opener vs. Dallas.

Week One: Dallas 28 San Diego 24 – With Gates sitting out the final game of his suspension, the Cowboys were able to stack the box holding LaDanian Tomlinson to just 72 yards. Three Drew Bledsoe TD passes, the final with 3:06 to play, downed the Chargers in their home opener.

Week Two: Denver 20 San Diego – The Chargers took a 14-3 lead to the lockerroom at halftime but could only manage 41 second half yards. Champ Bailey came up with a pick in the final five minutes and Ron Dayne’s 38 fourth quarter rushing yards set up a Jason Elam FG with five seconds left. The Chargers had dug themselves an 0-2 hole.

Week Five: Pittsburg 24 San Diego 22 – The Steelers, off a surprise loss to New England and also off their bye, got a 40-yard FG from Jeff Reid with six seconds left to win the Monday nighter. An LT TD with 4:42 left gave San Diego a 22-21 but Tomlinson was stuffed on the conversion setting up a final drive by Roethlisberger.

Week Seven: Philadelphia 20 San Diego 17 – The Chargers overcame an early 10-0 deficit to lead 17-10 and were ready to ice the game with a FG with just 2:25 remaining. After failing to convert a fourth-and-one, Nate Kaeding’s kick was blocked and returned 65 yards for the Eagle win. Tomlinson was held to just seven yards on 17 carries. At this point, San Diego is 3-0 in games when LT has 20 carries and 0-4 when he doesn’t.

Week Fourteen: Miami 23 San Diego 21 – In classic look ahead, Chargers never show up, never get going, and are handed a third home loss by the Dolphins led by Gus Frerotte. The Chargers had won five straight in dominating fashion before forgetting they had a game before meeting the then undefeated Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers clearly had their backs against the wall.

The Chargers easily handled the Colts on the road but it was still win or go home as the Bolts headed to Arrowhead to meet the equally desperate Chiefs.

Week Sixteen: Kansas City 20 San Diego 7 – Larry Johnson rushed for 131 yards and two scores and the Charger offense could get nothing going as they were officially eliminated from the playoffs. The Chiefs extended their December home win streak to 18 and Johnson rushed for 100 yards for the eighth straight time.

Week Seventeen: Denver 23 San Diego 7 – With nothing on the line for either team, this yawner was played as if both teams were comatose and double-parked. Adding insult to injury, Drew Brees dislocated his shoulder near the half with Phillip Rivers seeing first real action in two years and going 12-22 for 115 and an interception.

Clearly there will be changes as the Chargers head into next year. The Bolt front office has already made it clear that they want to keep both Brees and Rivers. They’ll also need more player on defense, particularly in a secondary that has cost them dearly in this two-year resurgence.

The Chargers first five losses were by a combined fourteen points with all five games being decided in the final five minutes, two on the final play. Each of those games was extremely winable, and one could argue that had the Chargers had some character, their December 18th meeting with the Colts could have featured two unbeatens. All in the course of a year for a squad whose highlight will would be aptly titled, “The season of Missed Opportunities”.

Criminal | Arrest Records: Arrest Records in Killeen Tx

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

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Arrest | Criminal Records and Searches: They are updated only fitfully and expunged records now often turn up in criminal background checks ordered by employers and landlords. O’Neill said. Searches for Arrest Records In Killeen Tx and Arkansas Criminal Public Records Free are easy to find. It would include existing protections that allow police to withhold information that would jeopardize an investigation or compromise the privacy and safety of witnesses and victims.

The sex offender was arrested after agents patrolling the area found evidence of an illegal entry near the Colorado River and County 20th Street, and it is easy to find Arkansas Criminal Public Records Free or Arrest Records In Killeen Tx. Public access to the state is possible in most of cases because they are kept in state depositories which are made public. Usually and Arrest Records In Killeen Tx or Arkansas Criminal Public Records Free. Marie Kingsbury executive director of the Waukesha Women’s Center which provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence said the online database of court records can be a valuable tool for anyone looking for information on another person’s background including in dating situations. Please bookmark this website (searches for arrest and criminal records) for your future information needs.

S. Get full results on Arrest Records In Killeen Tx from the official government registry database below. Before you hire a nanny; driver; or sales cashier; you can have their background checked with public Arrest records. Search for Arrest Records In Killeen Tx and Arkansas Criminal Public Records Free from the the most reliable government sources. “Nothing Changes until Something Moves” and it’s YOUR MOVE! You Have Nothing To Lose If You Take Appropriate Action… And Everything To Lose If You Don’t. Arrest probabilities were also calculated by race for males. Our official arrest and criminal record database is constantly updated with new records and search capabilities.

First a police officer or law enforcer should present you a valid warrant of arrest. With your arrest location; precinct information and last name; a good attorney will be able to track you down using special contact numbers to the District Attorney’s office and Central Booking (where your arrest number and docket number can be obtained). Search for Arrest Records In Killeen Tx or Arkansas Criminal Public Records Free from the 100% reliable government record database.

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Hints for Arranging Cheap Ski Transfers for Your Catered Chalet Holiday

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Geneva Ski Transfers provide comfortable, guaranteed and custom ski holiday transfers from your airport swiftly to your luxury chalet in Avoriaz, Verchaix, Chamonix village and the surrounding Mont Blanc area.

Our Geneva Chamonix ski transfers friendly service covers skiing transfers to Isola 2000, Flaine, Espace Killy, Chastreix-Sancy, Araches-la-Frasse, Brevent and even Les Gets and Montgenevre and we can provide one off trips to different alpine destinations when ordered.

With the modern well equipped 9 people fleet of minibuses and Hongqi, Hino, Toyota, or Subaru cars we can chauffeur as many as 18, or twenty plus should your group ask this. Moreover the drivers are very trained in adverse driving conditions for your piece of mind. Naturally we are comprehensively insured and licensed.

We also organize mountain bike Geneva airport transfer from Jun through to Oct and drive to locations like the top ten: La Plagne, Les Deux Alpes, Les Houches, Chamonix, Savoie, Grand Massif, Plateau de Beille, Les Menuires, Luz Ardiden, La Tania, Avoriaz, Samoens.

Traveling to the Chamonix valley, Meribel or Serre Chevalier from your plane has never been so simple. For bespoke ski transfers from Geneva airport to your groups luxury chalet in the Chamonix Valley contact Ski Airport Transfers right now, afterwards relax and delight in your ski trip.

The Recreational Value of Fishing

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Many people consider that fish are only a medium of survival, or to some extent a food supply; yet there is another angle that is little known. The manufacturing industry utilizes more than two billion pounds of fish and fish by-products every year. This is slightly more than is used for food.

What most people do not know is that fishing continues to provide recreational activity of making it one of the most preferred hobbies.

In fact, fishing as a hobby is continuously growing and that is why the estimated number of people who acquire fishing licenses each year is more than 12 million.

Moreover, surveys show that for every dollar spent for a fishing license, there are sixteen dollars spent for equipment, such as fishing tackle, food, clothing, and transportation. There is more money spent on fishing than on any other hobby in existence. Why is it a Great Hobby?

It is a means of providing something to free the mind and body of the worries of the day. It has also been proven to help in mentoring troubled teens, replacing negative thoughts and activity with more positive traits and pursuits. Fishing is truly a wholesome sport.

The use of all types of fishing equipment has added something that no other feature could possibly accomplish. Thousands of youngsters are enthusiastic to learn how to cast a fly or plug bait.

These youngsters have an interest in fish and fishing and they desire to fish in a lawful and recreational manner. Boiled down, fish and fishing may be considered one of man’s essential resources. It is hoped that further realization of fishing as a hobby will develop the necessary knowledge of the true recreational value of fishing, the fish, and the general conservation of all natural resources as well as the value of good sportsmanship and developing good citizens.

Hiking Gear: Packing Tips

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

More and more people today enjoy the simple, wholesome fun of hiking. Hiking is an affordable, yet healthy and emotionally rewarding way to spend a vacation or a long weekend – and you don’t need to visit a travel agent.

Experienced hikers will always tell you that every detail matters when you pack hiking gear, especially tents and camping stoves. The right hiking gear and clothing, a properly and ergonomically packed backpack, positive mood and good fitness – all these elements play an equally important role in the success of any hiking trip.

Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. The right footwear will serve you longer and take you farther and safer than any training shoes or sneakers will. You can wear a cheaper pair of pants or an old t-shirt, but a good reliable pair of hiking shoes or boots should be as expensive as you can afford.

Many people consider their jackets as another important clothing item for a hiker, especially in the colder periods of the year. A hiking jacket can be a true lifesaver if you choose well. A Gore-Tex top layer will shield you from cold, wet, and windy weather. Many hiking jacket manufacturers use a layering approach in their jackets, so that an outer shell layer becomes not insulation, but goes over insulating clothing. Underneath a Gore-Tex layer your can wear a lightweight and even trendy fleece jacket, which you can use in warmer months and for other sporting activities too.

Hiking tents are a must if you plan to camp in mountain regions in all three hiking seasons – spring, summer, and fall. Hiking tents can be used for protection from storms, winds, small animals and insects. Along with a tent pack a sleeping bag and an insulating ground pad which also brings warmth as well as ironing out bumpy ground.

A lightweight, dependable backpacking stove is much easier to use than campfires which are often prohibited in certain areas. A camping stove manufactured by such trustworthy brands as Primus and Coleman are basically a fuel container and a fire faucet with burner grates. These grates can collapse for compact storage. More expensive models even have electronic ignition so you won’t need matches or lighter. Although it is always a good idea to pack matches anyway in case of ignition failure. Another version of a camping stove is a storm cooker which basically consists of a spirit burner with windshield and handle and a pot or pan for cooking. These stoves are lightweight because you don’t need a propane container, but are sufficient for one or two people only.

The newest models of camping stoves are environmentally friendly, odor-free, and very accommodating. To cook and eat take a pot, spoon, and a cup. To start the camping stove, if you don’t have an ignition feature, lighters are more reliable than matches. Take more fuel than you initially planned – camping stoves “eat” more fuel in cold weather.

To fully enjoy your hiking trip you must prepare beforehand. Even a small mistake in selecting your hiking equipment may result in an injury or at the least in discomfort and a negative experience. Check and fire up your camping stove while still at home and double check your hiking gear and equipment using a hiking checklist before you head out.

Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Camping and Hiking please visit www.camping-hiking-guide.com and for additional Camping and Hiking articles please visit www.camping-hiking-guide.com/campinghiking-articles/.

Equestrian Safety

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

How can horseback riding accidents be minimized?

There is a great deal more to safety in horseback riding than just wearing a hard hat though that is certainly basic. After 70 years of riding and 35 years of leading and organizing riding trips I have formed some strong ideas about the leading causes of riding accidents. They often aren’t what people think. In my experience it is rare that speed alone is the cause of an accident. I have found that the following avoidable risks account for the vast majority of serious accidents.

* Not wearing a hard hat
* Failure to match horse and rider
* Going too fast on dangerous terrain
* Failure to recheck cinches a second time after a few minutes of riding
* A hat or coat falling from a horse in front and spooking the ones behind
* A kick from a horse
* Being on foot in the corral
* Riding when overweight and out of shape
* Lagging behind to catch up by speeding forward
* Prematurely “bailing out” to get off a runaway
* Unqualified ride leaders

Wearing a hard hat – If you are enjoying your life, it makes no sense to ride without a hard hat. They are not that onerous to wear and can often prevent or attenuate head injuries in falls. A head injury is usually far worse than a broken bone and those who have them often do not completely recover. About ten years ago a lovely young woman signed a special release not to wear a hard hat before riding with me. An hour later she fell, hitting her head on a rock and went into seizures. She will never be the same; nor will I ever forgive myself for allowing her to ride without protection. I don’t intend to make that mistake again. Since making hard hats mandatory at our ranch ten years ago we have had one or two hats a year damaged when people took falls and I am convinced that we have avoided several concussions as a result.

Matching horse and rider – I think proper matching of horse and rider is the most important factor in avoiding accidents. A spirited, athletic horse can scare the daylights out of a novice and a tired old plug can bore an experienced rider. An actual evaluation by a qualified instructor of a person’s riding skills is the best way to judge since many people do not really know how well they ride according to the standards of the place where they are riding. If it is a matter of a riding tour, it is vital that riders should be experienced and fit enough to do the trip as it was intended to be done and the difficulty should be clearly spelled out. Riders with insufficient skills can ruin the ride for riders who are qualified and be a danger to themselves and the other riders.

Too fast on dangerous terrain – I must have taken over a hundred falls in my time and rarely been hurt, but the accidents I think most likely to cause injury are when the horse falls, especially if you are under him. Three of the four accidents which caused me trouble for more than a few days were when the horse went down. Twice it was slippery mud and once it was an aardvark hole in Kenya when we galloped too fast through grass tall enough to disguise holes.

Failure to recheck cinches – Some horses definitely blow up when a cinch is first tightened. It pays to check them again after five minutes or so. I was an expert witness in a riding accident case where this should have been done.

Falling object from horse in front – I have seen many falls as a result of a horse making a sudden turn when the rider in front lost a hat or a raincoat tied on the saddle came loose. I rate this high as a cause of easily avoidable accidents.

Kicking – Any horse can kick and one should always be aware of this. Many have broken legs as a result. Do not approach the horse in front of you too closely whether it is a known kicker or not. Take extra care with horses which do kick.

On foot in the corral – Some riding establishments keep guests away from the corrals or saddling areas because many accidents can occur there. A tied horse can spook and pull back, sometimes breaking a lead rope or hitching pole which can cause pandemonium. Horses can be more nervous around people on the ground whom they do not know. When you move behind a horse, you are safer either very close or out of range.

Overweight and out of shape – Riding is an athletic sport which demands good muscles and a trim body for the best results. Those who feel that it should be like sitting on a motor cycle should stick to motor cycles. A rider who is overweight cannot perform as well because he puts more stress on the same muscles if he is 20 lbs. overweight. If he falls, an injury is more likely because the greater weight puts more stress on the same bones. It goes without saying that extra lbs. make a huge difference to the horse. Look how jockeys struggle over a pound and what a little extra weight does to the speed of a race horse.

Lagging behind – I have seen several serious accidents occur because someone in the riding group felt the pace to be too slow and held a horse back so they could gallop up to join the others. This often makes the horse held back frantic so that it gallops up at speed and crashes into the rest of the group, getting the other horses very excited and out of control.

“Bailing out” – I have known people to throw themselves off a runaway horse because they were terrified and wanted the terror to end. I believe this is usually a big mistake. Horses are not often suicidal and when they tire they will slow down. Usually one can ride it out. I did correctly bail out once when a rock gave way under my horse’s leg on a narrow trail and he went over a cliff, but those situations are rare. Another time when I was leading a ride on a very spirited horse the metal bit broke near the middle and I was left with no control as we were starting a canter. The horse leapt forward like a rocket when he felt the pressure on his mouth give way and I was badly scared. The thought of bailing out did cross my mind, but fortunately I rode it out and a mile or so later he came to a stop of his own accord. The riders behind me thought I had gone crazy.

Unqualified ride leaders – Ride leaders need to be not only good riders themselves, but they need to pay careful attention to the others in the group. Great Britain and France require commercial ride leaders to take courses and pass exams before they can be licensed, but nothing of the kind exists in the United States which means that totally unqualified people often lead rides and ignore basic safety rules.

As in any sport, no matter what precautions are taken, accidents can occur. It is therefore important to have plans in place to get quick and effective help incase of need. When riding in remote places a cell phone or radio can save critical time and if someone in the group has first aid knowledge it can make a great difference. In our experience horseback riding need not be a dangerous activity when compared to a sport like down hill skiing.

Copyright 2005 Bayard Fox and Equitours, Ltd.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.5/

Bayard Fox has been riding for 70 years on six continents and has ridden enough miles to circle the globe several times. He is owner and founder of Equitours Worldwide Horseback Riding Vacations www.ridingtours.com. He and his wife also own the Bitterroot Dude Ranch www.bitterrootranch.com where they raise horses.

Mini Moto Madness!

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Mini Motos have been around in the UK for around ten years now. The first bikes we’re cobbled together with parts that were already available. Small 2 stroke engines, mainly from garden machinery, were used. This type of engine is still used today for a few models and is referred to as an ‘industrial’ engine. But now the mini moto has been given an overhaul and has taken off in popularity.

Mini Motos are true miniatures of their larger Super bike cousins. All of the details that go into the high performance motorcycles of today are scaled down. The slick tires, the race replica bodywork and the “super bike” colours are all present. Although usually only 15 to 18 inches in height and weighing 35 to 55 pounds, it can be difficult to tell they’re not full size when looking at them from a distance. The exactness of detail adds to their ‘coolness’ and is most certainly what has raised them to such heights of popularity.

Although beautiful, Mini Motos go well beyond being mere exquisite scale models. Advanced engineering has catapulted them to high-performance levels at only slightly outrageous prices. European companies like Blata and Polini sell units for £1200-£2000 but less expensive and arguably less reliable ones are made by Chinese manufacturers and cost £180-£400. Most models have two-stroke, 47cc engines, which run on a combination of petrol and two stroke oil. Despite the awkward-looking position it takes to mount one, they are a sheer joy to ride. The short wheelbase and overall low weight give them a lightning-fast turn and the thrill of riding so fast and so close to the terra firma is indeed intoxicating. Safety measures are a must when riding Mini Motos. Gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, a leather suit and a helmet should all be worn for each and every ride. Without them, road rash is quite likely and worse injuries are possible.

Despite the size of these little wonders adults are getting them for their kids but more commonly, for themselves. Normal models can regularly go 35mph, all though parents can set them to max out at much slower speeds or … modify them to go faster. Moreover, models with more powerful engines are available. A GRC RX with 15hp 50cc engine by GRC Moto can be purchased for a mere £1999. The Mini Moto explosion shows no signs of ending anytime soon and MM racing leagues have been in practice in the UK for around seven years now.

The Mini Moto Racing Association offers the following categories for you to test your Mini Moto.

Junior Lights (4.2 hp) Age 6 – 15 up to 35.9 Kg
Junior Cadets (4.2 hp) Age 6 – 15 over 36 Kg
Junior Production Age 9 – 15 no weight limits
Lightweight Production Age 16 + up to 74.9 Kg
Senior Production Age 16 + over 75 Kg
4.2 Senior Age 16 + no weight limits
Supers Age 16 + no weight limits

Race meeting are held around to the country at Go Kart and Mini Moto Tracks. There are also many ‘Arrive and Drive’ practice sessions hosted by tracks around the UK.

About the Author

Matt Tong has been riding and importing Mini Motos for over two years. For expert help and advice please visit http://www.minimotosandmore.com