A Month as a Norfolk Blood Biker - Part One

[@arthurramm8664]

You performed like a real pro in front of the camera but who could possibly criticse anyway. Thank you on behalf of every citizen for your sacrifice and service. You're a great guy.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate them. I have plenty more plans for future videos and hope I don’t let you down😉

[@paullewis4107]

Thank You for giving up your free time and providing the NHS with your service. As someone who lost 6 pints of blood on the operating table you guys and the NHS are knights in shinning armour. Thank you Ralph👍

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for you lovely words, they are much appreciated. Cheers Ralph

[@kierandavey8225]

This video has really inspired me on my journey to one day be a blood biker. I look forward to more videos. Please dont stop 😁😁

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Good to see someone covering what it is to be a blood biker. You all need more appreciation for your selfless dedication and invaluable volunteer service. I am shortly due to take my IAM exam after making the grade and hope to progress onto blood bikes locally to me. It would be good to give something back like this.

[@xl447]

As an Observer for IAM Roadsmart, I take great pleasure in introducing new riders to Advanced Riding as they take their path to being a volunteer Blood Biker. Nice video 👍

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. If you haven’t seen it already, my previous (and first) video is all about the IAM Skills Day I attended. Stay safe.

[@xl447]

@CaptureLight Great, I'll take a look. Done Thruxton 4 times. 👌🏍

[@GSADVENTURER]

I’ve been a blood biker for around 7 years (Essex group) - you’ve summed up our important service to the NHS brilliantly! Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. Stay safe

[@cbrider726]

I have just am joining the Blood Bikers in Ireland .What a great cause when your retired or can offer some of your time to a great cause. Keep up the good work and i am looking forwards to joining you all . We are all of one a biker groups that works in the dark .No one knows that your even going past there homes late at night .To take milk to a new born baby that cant feed on its mother .Most people will never need this service but please support it.

[@petermcintyre4481]

Respect - I take my hat off to you and your colleagues, what a fantastic role you undertake.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you.

[@sjchan3199]

Thankyou for your dedication and hard work behind the scenes. Another unsung hero, where would we be without you helping to save lives. V interesting video

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@sc2705]

Brilliant video, and thank you for your time to do this !! Hello from Freewheelers Bristol. I'm a blood biker volunteer for Bristol Freewheelers, doing Cordinator/Controller and Talks Coordinator, doing it for 5 years 😀

[@GreyBiker99]

Great video. I am contemplating applying to join Blood Bikes as a rider (I'm east of Norwich, so the same sort of area as you). This has given me a great insight into what would be expected, thank you.

[@michaelrandle4128]

Job well done young man, I wouldn’t mind doing that, I’ve got a gtr 1400 and just love riding. I’ve retired from the NHS so lots of time on my hands. I just might look into it. Thanks for taking the time and effort to put this together.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you. It is definitely worthwhile and very rewarding. More importantly it gives you a 100% bulletproof excuse to ride! :o)

[@grahamhenry7327]

Cheers for the feedback Gents

[@CapturelightCoUk]

You’re welcome.

[@phughes8742]

Thank you for your service 👍

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you for watching the video. Cheers Ralph

[@michaelpage2151]

Got several mates who are Bloodbikers. All you guys are heroes. And great video, man. You got no worries. More please.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have a few plans for videos coming in the new year. Cheers Ralph

[@naughtycoolsailor1240]

Wow. You have provided a real insight in to what blood bikers actually do in real terms. Thank you for demonstrating and thank you for the dedication in helping others.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you found it interesting. Cheers Ralph

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

Thank you!

[@CapturelightCoUk]

You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@medler2110]

For somebody new to making You Tube videos, I thought you did great, filming is good, your commentary is informative and very natural. Looking forward to much more content. Looking at the quiet roads, reminded me of when I was doing a night trunking job, normally going from Holton or Great Witchingham. lovely driving on such quiet roads.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you for your feedback. I have a big tour in May next year and I want to produce the best video of it that I can. I have several ideas I want to try out over the next few months (once the temp rises above -5!) and I hope to get better with each one. I really appreciate the support. You’re right about the quiet roads. There may not be much to look at during the night, but it has other benefits. Cheers Ralph

[@ciduk]

Really enjoyed your videos. Would really like to see more stuff especially about being a blood biker.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks, I’m glad you found it interesting. I hope to do an update video in the summer. Cheers Ralph

[@martinlewis8225]

Really enjoyed the video! I’m also in Norfolk and when life gives me a bit more time this is something I’d be keen to do.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. When you’re ready, I’m sure we’ll still be looking for new Members. Cheers Ralph

[@StuHolland]

Legend! Thank you

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@somatyk]

Really enjoyed this. A great insight into the work you guys do. Removing some of the romanticism and showing how vital your work is. Camera work, editing and presentation was spot on. Thank you. Subbed.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you for your kind comments and feedback on the video. They are really appreciated, I just hope I can live up to them in future videos . Cheers Ralph

[@Carlnewman68]

Epic work my friend

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@1Markyparky]

Good on you - You have my respect and thanks

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@ianbentley2007]

Great insight into what goes on behind the scenes of the blood bike charity . I was part of Merseyside Blood bikes at the start 13 years ago now live in Canada we’re it is -30 so no bikes being rode till spring keep up the good work.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks I’m glad to found it interesting. It’s currently -5 here, so no bikes here either😂. Cheers Ralph

[@richardgiles2484]

Really enjoyed your video mate. And a massive well done to all you guys and girls doing an amazing job across the UK 👐👏👏👏

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.

[@waynemacgowan7162]

Thanks was really interesting to see what you guys do

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@bloodbikeleinster4839]

Fantastic well done great video, looking forward to seeing the next one, safe travels.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it.

[@stuartmoles843]

Good for you, your time is appreciated and really interesting.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph

[@jlouise5250]

Love this video, thanks for sharing! I’m a controller at SERV Wessex, I don’t ride so I don’t really see the other side from the comfort of the sofa… very interesting indeed 😁 thanks for what you do and keep up the vids!

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for the kind comments. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Funnily enough, Graham (the Controller that sent me out on the first run) said the same thing. I will mirror your own statement and say “thanks for what YOU do”. Without the controllers none of this would function properly. Cheers Ralph

[@jlouise5250]

@@CapturelightCoUk it’s all about teamwork!

[@garrycaswell2301]

Well done Ralph, that was nicely put together 👍

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you.

[@SquareoftheyearFM]

Great content and a brilliantly produced video. I saw the White Knights on display and was contemplating enquiring further but had a big off the same day. That was thirteen years ago and I haven’t ridden since 😢

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s such a shame about your accident, I hope it didn’t affect you too much. All the best Ralph

[@impoppa9647]

wow fantastic, enjoyed finding out about this service! I wonder if any areas of Canada have a similar set-up

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks, I’m glad you found it interesting. I don’t know if there are Canadian Blood Bikes, but I’m sure a quick ‘Google’ will tell you. Cheers Ralph

[@jamesfromnorway2840]

What modifications are needed to your bike? Fantastic service you are doing and I thank you on behalf of all of us who have needed the NHS.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you. Check out ‘Part Two’ as I run through the bike mods. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnXCgKqGgJyffbs

[@garethmayfield4014]

legend fella

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you.

[@mikedignum1868]

It's bloody chilly out there..2c when I got up at 8am today, and it's only going to get worse. So our rules say anything below 4c and bikes are off the road...Cars only. Member of the EVBS since 2020.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Our rules are the same. 4 degrees affects the product rather than the bikers willingness😂. Stay safe.

[@johncharman2840]

a great video there is not a lot of new videos of blood bike on here. I keep looking a making one for are blood bike group

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you. Part two will be out soon. What group are part of?

[@riderramblings]

In the early 1980s, before the current Blood Bike system was introduced, there was an informal system in London known as *_The Blood Run._* This was made up of unpaid volunteers who were also DRs (Dispatch Riders). Mostly, we would take organs for transplant from one hospital to another, usually in London and Home Counties, or to Heathrow airport. We were given a Tabbard to wear while "doing the run", this gave us similar "rights" as an Ambulance. The Tabbard had to be either given to the "Receiving" Hospital or, in the case of a Heathrow run, returned to the "Issuing" hospital. On occasion, a Police motorcyclist would see us on "the run" and escort us part of the way if he could or stop the traffic at lights for us, but this was unusual. Looking back, I'm surprised that we survived to make the deliveries as, apart from the fact that we were DRs in London, most had had no Advanced Rider Training, no livery (apart from the Tabbard) and certainly no "Blues and Twos" on the bike even though we were allowed to "jump red lights" etc if safe to do so. We did most of our "Runs" during the day, usually during the Rush Hour periods. It is lovely to see how the Blood Bikes have evolved. Thank you for your insight into the modern much more professional system and your excellent work.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

The very first Blood Bike group was formed in 1962 in Surrey. It's all come a very long way since then. Thank you for your insights.

[@KevParry]

Curious why your guys go all the way to Addenbrooks when SERV Suffolk and Cambridgeshire are in and out of there all time and can easily meet you at the Thetford RV?

[@markm5ireland]

Great videos part 1 and 2. Hope to do ROSPA over the next year and then blood bikes. Quick question do you know the make of hi vis jacket …just trying to get one that looks waterproof with similar design and reflectors (not red and no writing). Anyone I see to buy don’t seem like this…very similar to police but obviously don’t want the white and blue. Thanks and keep the videos coming…excellent editing as well, what camera are you using for the high position from behind?

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you and good luck with your ROSPA training. I’m not sure where we got our current Hi-Viz from, but I do know that our neighbouring group gets theirs from here: www.totalclothingshop.co.uk/servhertsbeds. I think we may be going to them soon as well, so they may be able to help. These videos were all shot with the Insta360 One r, using the 360 and the 4k modules. Cheers Ralph

[@alexmorgan3435]

You do fantastic work. BB is something I have always thought of applying for. I have a question. Why use bikes during the night when the roads are pretty much empty devoid of traffic? I would have thought a car as your colleague Scott had would be just as easy and frankly safer especially during winter at night? I can understand using a bike during the day or when there traffic is going to be an issue as a bike can get through or past traffic so much more easily than a car. And also driving or riding late at night do you have to stick to the speed limits if you are on such a critical mission possibly to save some one's life could you for instance ride along an empty motorway type dual carriageway at 120+mph? Surely if time was so critical to get the products where they needed to be perhaps it would be a case of a blue light run by police or another emergency response vehicle who would have the training and authorisation to drive/ride at high speed? Just curious. Great video. I wouldn't have known it was your first video if you hadn't had said. A+++.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks again. To be honest I think it’s more of a tradition to use bikes at night (although much more enjoyable). Although it is important to note, that some Blood Bike groups don’t use cars at all. For Norfolk, when the temperature drops below 4 degrees, the bikes are taken off the run as this temperature isn’t good for the products we carry. Cheers Ralph

[@paul5taylor]

Firstly well done Ralf hope to see more of these types of videos, I have never seen the Acle straight so quiet must be the best time to ride it, it is a good video for those considering doing the blood bikes is a bit like "in the day of". A question either for you Ralf or others who do this, how do you manage to get up at them type of hours without disturbing the wife/partner or your Neighbours come to that?

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks Paul. In my case, I tend to sleep in the spare room when I'm on duty and have all my kit laid out in the lounge. That way, the call only disturbs me and I am well out of the way when messing about trying to get my kit on. Saying all that, it's important to realise that there is an impact on your family/partner when volunteering for Blood Bikes. Their support is essential.

[@mickeymouse4897]

Good on ya bro for giving up ya time for this much needed service ... Background music is annoying & far too loud mate, it's drowning out your audio, while talking either kill it all together or turn it down considerably.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for the feedback. Music is such a subjective choice and I am still learning my video and audio editing skills. I hope to improve in future videos. Cheers Ralph

[@everythinggaming7938]

Is there any paid roles?

[@neilclaridge4518]

I would like to be a part of this I have a yamaha mt with abs would like to be volunteers

[@CapturelightCoUk]

There Blood Bike Groups all over the country. You can find your nearest one here: www.bloodbikes.org.uk/contact-a-group/. Cheers Ralph

[@positivelynegative9149]

👍

[@CapturelightCoUk]

👍👍

[@dargar7325]

Nice work! I just stumbled upon the vid and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please keep up the good work and the vlogs too. Q, What helmet is that? Kind regards, D

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you I’m glad you liked it. The white helmet is a Shark Evo ES and the Grey is a Shark Evo GT. The GT is newer and is a better version. Cheers Ralph

[@dargar7325]

@@CapturelightCoUk thanks for the info. After looking at the reviews, then the ES is the NONE pinlock version. How have you found the fogging as the ES seems to have the coating preloaded from new... Any other differences that has justification for the price jump to the GT? Comfort perhaps? I'm a daily rider by the way so this will have to function all year around. Thanks again for the reply and stay safe out there. Regards D.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

No problem. I had to fit a universal ‘sticky’ fog shield on the ES visor. The fogging was totally unacceptable, however the rest of the time, the helmet was brilliant. I don’t find it too noisy (I can ride my FJR up to 50/60mph without earplugs, with no concerns, although I do tend to wear them most of the time). It is well made, comfy and excellent in the summer. Saying all that, the GT is way, way better in virtually all aspects. Quieter, comfier, better finished, better ventilation and, of course, has a pin lock fitted. It is definitely worth the extra £100 if you’re riding all year. One other bit of advice, I fitted the Sharktooth Prime Bluetooth kit in the ES. It is almost undetectable once fitted and seemed like a good option. I only use it for GPS, phone calls when stationary and listening to music, so I can’t comment on it as an intercom. The phone is ‘crackly’, the GPS good and the music okay. On the GT if fitted a Cardo Freecom 4X. Slightly more money, but streets better. Music volume on half instead of full, clear phone calls, voice control, etc. etc. I did have to squash the padding around the speaker hole to fit it though. If your thinking of fitting a headset, then there are much better options than Shark’s own one, even though its fully integrated. Cheers Ralph

[@dargar7325]

@@CapturelightCoUk That's amazing feedback and superb detail. I will heed your advice. Thanks again and if I may be bold enough to suggest you perhaps make a video with the findings as I'm sure many would benefit from the wisdom you shared with me. Thanks again. D

[@dargar7325]

@@CapturelightCoUk ps. I'm a Cardo chap too. I agree, best all around system..

[@steve00alt70]

Does your neighbours not mind your bike starting up so early in the morning? Haha Matcha green tea is like coffee is good for being alert and calm for doing morning work.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Fortunately, the FRJ isn’t particularly loud and I always try and keep the noise to a minimum. Luckily, my neighbours are very supportive and I haven’t had any letterbombs yet!😂🤣

[@stephenwilliams6103]

The Yamaha FJR1300 is a very quiet motorcycle 😁, ever at 100mph+, it just hussells along with no dramas 😁😁🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@TheVividProject]

I don't wanna sound insensitive but can you do blood delivery and get paid? .

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

i respect totally what you do, i donate blood myself, but i cant for the life of me understand why you don't get paid for this service, the money waisted from the government and the high end earners within the NHS, yet they rely on un paid volunteer's and donations from the public, it doesn't balance out.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

I understand where you’re coming from. The decision to not have an out of hours transport service seems a strange one when compared to other ‘priorities’ funded by the NHS. Saying that, it is what it is, and without Blood Bike groups and the kind people that donate the hospitals would be paying for taxis. Thanks for the comments, cheers Ralph

[@simonchilli2088]

Why do you go to bed between calls? I'd rather stay up for the duration of the shift. I did night work much of my working life so it seems easier to stay awake throughout.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for watching. The main reason for going to bed is the fact that we may not get any calls at all and then you’re wiped out all the next day for no reason. The main difference is the fact that we are all volunteers, rather than at work, and we may only do one or two shifts in a row (or even in a month). It does mean we can lead a relatively normal life in between our duties without having to live like a vampire😂 Cheers Ralph

[@simonchilli2088]

@@CapturelightCoUk Great answer. I can see where you are coming from. Keep up the good work.

[@emmakimble8946]

Do all blood biker rider all away at night?

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Most Blood Bike groups operate throughout the night and at weekends because the NHS does not have its own transport system during these hours. We operate every night, 7pm - 7am 365 days each year as well as 9am-5pm every weekend and Bank Holiday.

[@tonyfurneaux3399]

Very interesting video and subject, shame about pointless overloud music, and heartbeat effect.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for the comment. Background music is very subjective. Some people like it, some don’t and I respect your opinion. With regard to the music being over loud, I am still honing my editing skills and aim to improve in each subsequent video. Cheers Ralph

[@markyboyz1300]

Sadly as I had an advert after just 3 minutes I won't bother watching the rest

[@elmafudd9703]

Its pretty sad that the NHS does not bother to pay any of these people. Most of the time they have to pay the fuel etc. They run the risk of fines etc if they go one mile an hour over the speed limit. I would invest my time in this but Its too predatory for my sentimentalities using the good will of other without even showing any financial help at all. They risk their lives while others doing less important jobs recieve sick pay holiday pay pension help etc. Thank god that some people have the wealth of time and finances to do a job that should definitely be appreciated more.

[@brockett]

I have not been a teenager since 1968 and now my hearing is such that background music is quite annoying even when it sounds like a dreamy Mark Knopfler. Music and speech Hmmm!. Imagine If we all carried an iPod and every time we spoke we turned the music on first. Of course I echo what others have said so far.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for the feedback. As I have said to others, that have commented on the music, it is highly subjective. I am still learning to balance video, audio and music and future videos will reflect the feedback I have received so far. Cheers Ralph

[@spynles7947]

So this purely voluntary? If so as noble as your cause may be it's just exploitation by your NHS. We have the same scenario here with volunteers in the Ambulance Service where it's been that way utlising volunteers to double man (one permanent, one volunteer) an Ambulance for many years now. They string them along with a 'possible' permanent position whereas for the most part their rationale is why pay to have a permanent when you can have someone do the job for nothing. Has always remained somewhat of a contentious issue.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Yes, none of our Members takes any payment and there is no charge to the NHS. I think anything to do with the NHS, at the moment, is contentious. Across the country, different NHS Trusts have decided to prioritise their funds and have decided that an out of hours transport system is a lower priority than other things. Whilst Blood Bike groups are prepared to do this for free, then they will find it easier to put the funds elsewhere. It is the ‘elsewhere’ and ‘other things’ that are contentious. If Blood Bike groups didn’t exist then the hospitals pay out for taxis, so it just costs them more. Thanks for your comment and I hope you enjoyed the video. Cheers Ralph.

[@grahamhenry7327]

No full face helmet are you mad you won’t have a chin when you stack it

[@CapturelightCoUk]

It’s a Shark Evo Es which is a modular helmet. I tend to ride most of the time with the chin bar down, so it offers a similar level of protection to a full face helmet. Thanks for your concern.

[@grahamhenry7327]

Everyone is put off because you only take old bill and iam so you lose lots of decent riders who are as good as someone who has taken a silly advanced test boring !!

[@CapturelightCoUk]

It’s an insurance requirement but thanks for your comment.

[@ianbentley2007]

Graham take a Roadar/ Rospa course it’s not only a advanced ticket at the end but a great club to be with regular outings with a great bunch of people.

[@ianstockwell9905]

Graham, advanced training is not silly and very definitely not boring. It will make you a better, safer and quite possibly quicker rider. Don't knock it until you've tried it

[@SuperDavensuziyoutub]

Too much boring 'roadwork' content and boring music mate, really. It could have been interesting as 15 minutes.

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thanks for the comment. I respect your opinion. Sadly ‘Roadwork’ is what its all about. Trying to get the balance right is very subjective, especially when it comes to the choice of music. But hey, if we all liked the same things, it would be a very boring world. Cheers Ralph.

[@SuperDavensuziyoutub]

@@CapturelightCoUk Not meant to be negative but just riding in the dark footage is not informative or entertaining. More background information, banter, a bit of 'life', chatting to other blood bikers/colleagues and less intrusive music maybe? Just a thought.👍

[@CapturelightCoUk]

@@SuperDavensuziyoutub No problem. I did recognise this and Part Two is a bit, not a lot, but a bit different. I’ll leave the Banter and chat, to other KZbinrs that are far better at it than me. My future videos will be very different anyway. Once again, thanks for the interest and the feedback. Cheers Ralph

[@davidbirchall5124]

Great video 📹 Thanks for all you do , and all for free....👍👍👍👌👌👌👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@CapturelightCoUk]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Ralph