1 Degree Magazine Issue 4

CARS BIKES golf fASHIoN lIfESTYlE SPoRT

© www.1degreeeast.co.uk

©

Leon Camier

Two wheels one aim

ReďŹ ned at every level New and Approved Pre-Owned sales, parts, accessories and servicing.

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Contents

8.On Target

Clay pigeon shooting

42.Testing Times Learning to ride a Monster

12.Puff Daddy Fashion

48.Superman

Leon Camier BSB superhero

14.The Ultimate Underwear More than just pants

16.Grooming 20.Don't Call Us...

We'll Call You! Tv presenting

24.This Way Up

54.How To Look Good Naked Honda CB1000R review

60.Designs On The Future Tiger's new courses

64.The Horse Photographer

Aerobatic flight training

68.Five Bites

28.The Estate of Play

70.It's All A Matter Of Taste

One novelist, one character and an M5 Estate

Restaurant under review

34.New Power Generation

72.Fun In The Sun

The Tesla roadster

41.Pick Up Lines Nissan Navara

04 . 1째 East . WINTER 08

Winter Sun - The Amalfi Coast

76.Needle In A Haystack City break - London

77.Swiss Reserve

Contributors

Tom Cain Tom Cain is the pseudonym of an award-winning journalist, educated at Cambridge University. He has more than 25 years’ experience working for Fleet Street newspapers, as well as major magazines in Britain and the US. During the course of his career he has conducted several hundred in-depth interviews with senior politicians, billionaire entrepreneurs, Olympic athletes, movie stars, supermodels and rock legends.

He has investigated financial scandals on Wall Street, studio intrigues in Hollywood and corrupt sports stars in Britain. The first Western journalist to cross the border into Serbia after the US bombing campaign of 1999, he has lived in Moscow, Washington DC and Havana, Cuba. But wherever he goes, he must live with the burden of pain and disillusionment - made all the more cruel by occasional brief glimpses of hope - that comes from supporting West Ham. Jarowan Power (JP) Our in-house snapper has never let his difficult-to-pronounce name hold him back. Born and bred in Norfolk but half Irish (hence the name), he graduated from the Norwich School of Art & Design with a degree in photography. Lotus Cars soon beckoned and the next five years were spent convincing his friends, family and co-workers that photographing sports cars for a living is actually hard work. The achievement he is most proud of to date is the image of the editor standing on the bonnet of a Bentley, all of which was done without damaging her Jimmy Choos!

Damian Harty He's been very keen on motorcycles since his mother told him they were 'weapons of the devil', but has yet to see any evidence of that assertion. He has another life as engineering contractor to Prodrive, and in that role has worked for Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Subaru, Porsche and BMW among others. He has a rich history of breaking and crashing cars but strangely this does not seem to extend to motorcycles.

W

hat can we say, other than CONGRATULATIONS LEWIS, YOU DID IT…!

Aside from the best Formula 1 race, won in the most dramatic fashion by our youngest ever champion, Lewis Hamilton, it has certainly been an eventful few months. Can the economic situation get much worse?

Hopefully this, our fourth edition of 1 Degree East, will provide some much needed light-relief.

As usual we’ve been busy and my feet haven’t touched the ground since I last wrote. In fact, with all our antics I may not be far off from picking up where Annika Rice left off. ‘Challenge Suzannah’ – I like the sound of that!

That said, I’ll have to brush up on my presenting skills if my presenting debut at the Goodwood Revival is anything to go by.

In response to the world credit crisis, we’ve taken a look at the motorbike as a practical alternative to the car, tested the Tesla, the all-electric sports car and bestselling novelist Tom Cain, whom we featured in the last issue, has put his fictional character Carver to work testing BMW’s M5 Estate for us. And last but least, there is an interview with cover model Mr Leon Camier, the rising star of the British Superbike paddock. Over to you Leon…

Before I go, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a fantastic Christmas and a great start to the New Year!

Until then, take extra care, Suzannah Sorrell Editor editor@1degreeeast.co.uk P.s. Roll on next year when I unveil some seriously exciting new writers!

WINTER 08 . 1° East . 05

ELDERKIN & SON (GUNMAKERS) LTD MISCELLANEOUS GAME GUNS JAMES PURDEY CIRCA 1982 28/2 ½” ORIGINAL BARRELS

AYA No 2 28 BORE ROUND BODIED WITH COIN FINISH 28” BARRELS

15 ½” all wood well figured walnut stock, action finely rose and scroll engraved throughout with modern coin finish. Complete in oxblood case. Price £23,500

Price £2,950

PAIR BROWNING C2G 20 BORES 30” WITH EXHIBITION GRADE Rounded pistol grip walnut stock with matching forends, actions boldly game scene engraved throughout. Complete in best London oak and leather case with outer cover. Cost new today would be in the region of £45,000.00. These guns are as new at £18,500

PAIR AYA No 1 20 BORES WITH 30/2 ¾” CHAMBERED BARRELS Upgraded exhibition grade walnut 15 ¼” stock, spring opening actions retaining most of the original colour finish. Cased. Two seasons’ use. Price £18,950

BLAND BEST LONDON BOXLOCK 28/2 ½” BARRELS CIRCA MID 1960’s Game scene engraved action with bold scroll, retaining most of the original colour finish. Complete in leather case. Price £3,250

JAMES WOODWARD OVER AND UNDER 12 BORE WITH 28” NEW Lightweight tubed barrels, 15” all wood straight hand stock, action retaining most of the original colour finish with name embossed in gold. Weight 6 3/4lbs only.

Complete in leather case. Sensibly Priced at £23,500

PAIR OF HAND MADE BROWNING UK GAMES WITH 30” GAME Ribbed barrels, rounded pistol grip walnut stocks, actions scroll and game scene engraved, consecutively numbered 1 and 2 in gold. Price £11,950

PAIR AYA 25” SIDELOCK 20 BORES COMPLETE IN DOUBLE CASE With all the original finish. Very sensibly Priced at £3,950 Please contact us for further details, or view the guns on our upgraded website

ELDERKIN & SON (GUNMAKERS) LTD Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1TG, UK Open Saturday – Closed Thursday Website: www.elderkinguns.co.uk Email: william@elderkin.co.uk

Shooting

 Holland & Holland The 'Royal' Side by Side Shotgun with traditional 'Royal' scroll engraving. The action is a Holland & Holland's patent Self-Opening system with sidelock ejector hand-detachable locks, two triggers with manual or automatic safety. £52,500 www.hollandandholland.com

aim high Shotguns of a higher calibre

Beretta  From the Olympic podium to the most exclusive global game shoots, the Beretta SO series of game and competition shotguns holds the envious reputation as the most functional, elegant and exclusive series of 'Over and Unders' in the world. £53,435 www.berettagallery.com

 Purdey Purdey is one of the world's oldest sporting brands and universally recognised as one of the leading producers of hand-crafted bespoke guns and rifles. Purdey has drawn on almost two hundred years of gunmaking experience, to build the new Purdey Sporter; an 'Over and Under' entry level gun for either clay or game shooting. £28,750 www.purdey.com

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Shooting

On Target Calling those with the attention span of a Gnat; clay pigeon shooting provides instant gratification.

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

winter 08 . 1째 East . 09

Shooting

T

he Royal Berkshire Shooting School, located in Pangbourne near Reading, is not your average shooting school. Let’s put it this way, we thought we were being flash arriving in Maserati’s Quattroporte but pulling into their drive told us otherwise, as we counted at least five helicopters! We discovered later that Harrods Aviation were holding a corporate day, along with Norfolk-based Aston Martin dealer, Stratton Motors.

Entering the architecturally designed facilities, built to cater for parties of up to a 100 people, it is a far cry from the many spit and sawdust-style facilities available up and down the country, hence why it has seen an upsurge in corporate customers hungry for a new hospitality activity.

“Ok, now cover your right eye. Now look at my finger. Where does it end up if you close your left eye?” “Now try that again with your right eye.” Matt Rivers, my shooting instructor for the next 45 minutes, was trying to ascertain which of my eyes was dominant. “How funny, you’re one of the rare but lucky few who has no eye dominance, so just keep both your eyes open when it comes to shooting and you should be fine.”

Ten minutes later, sporting a rather fetching ‘shoot’ waistcoat, I was armed and dangerous with a 20 bore ladies shotgun stuck between my right cheek and shoulder, having undergone instruction on the importance of stance and positioning of the gun. “It’s really important to get the position of the gun spot on and your hands in the right place otherwise you could end up with a bruised face or shoulder from the recoil,” said Matt. Gun etiquette is also important and is basically how to hold the gun when not in use and how to unload the gun prior to

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offering it to your loader to reload. A safety precaution so that no one accidentally gets shot!

After a few pointers from Matt on where to aim – put the barrel slightly ahead of the target… much to our amazement, I hit the first few clays.

This was my kind of sport. For the next 20 minutes, I continued to hit most of my targets from a series of traps.

The school’s grounds boast over 150 traps replicating anything from high pheasants, driven grouse and coveys of partridges to bright eyes.

Talking of bright eyes, this was the most difficult task of the day, not because I was overly concerned about hitting the target; it was more a case of being an overly reactive trigger-happy loon. “You're not afraid of the gun are you?” commented a rather surprised Matt, after witnessing me unload countless cartridges on hearing the trap release the clay. Before adding, “You just need to wait and get in front of the clay before shooting it. Relax, take your time!”

That’s the interesting thing about clay pigeon shooting, although it’s a reactive sport, it is also about timing. Shoot too soon and you’ll miss the target. Be patient and you’ll reap the rewards.

Although there are many great shooting facilities in the eastern region, the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, employing 8 full-time professionals with combined experience of 125 years, is a superb facility run with great efficiency, that shooters of all levels can benefit from. Although not cheap, if you are serious about shooting, you should treat yourself at least once in your lifetime. www.rbss.co.uk

Shooting

This Picture: Instructor Matt Rivers protecting his ears.

Left: The Ed loaded up and ready.

Below Right: On an average day over 6,000 cartridges are spent.

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Fashion

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Fashion

Puff daddy The Puffer jacket is back!

North Face  Nuptse Jacket is a classic and popular stowable Down jacket with superior warmth-to-weight ratio and reinforced upper torso for increased durability.

From: £149.99 www.northface.com

Odin Down Jacket  Long live cold weather. The Odin Down jacket, features premium grade 800 fill power gray goose Down. Designed to retain heat and provide comfort in the coldest environments, the ultra light weight jacket packs away to nearly nothing.

From: £239.99 www.hellyhansen.com

Marc O’Polo Marc O’Polo’s lightweight padded jacket employs new innovative methods of production, eliminating the use of plastic within the jacket lining, previously used to protect the Down – resulting in an extra soft finish and stream lined look.

From: £225 www.marc-o-polo.com

winter 08 . 1° East . 13

Fashion

The Ultimate Underwear Ever wondered what would happen if military spec chemical warfare materials were used in men’s underwear? No, nor have we! But that’s exactly what Kitchen Designer, Paul O’Leary and Textile Designer, Darren Cleary did when they invented Shreddies, allegedly the best pants in the world...

Writer: Simon Skeffington Photographer: Jarowan Power

I

t all came about over lunch one day. Paul and Darren started discussing pants, as you do. Not content to leave it there and after a bit of digging around, they discovered most were designed by women and that the design of underwear for men hadn’t changed since the '30s. “There wasn’t anyone out there trained in making mens underpants. Even male mannequins used for modelling underpants didn't have all their bits attached!” commented Paul.

Realising a gap in the market they approached and gained funding from the Prospect IP scheme run by De Montfort University in Leicester, to develop their first product. The pair worked their way through 160 prototype pairs, road testing the garments themselves until they settled on their final design.

Initially touted to the press as the male equivalent of the Wonderbra, thanks to their support and ‘package enhancement’ properties, the pants christened Shreddies, which is an old military term for undergarments, go much deeper than that. As well as providing adjustable support and enhancement, the pants include a flatulence filtration panel, which they claim will prevent nasty odours escaping.

They also claim the revolutionary new underwear will bring to an end awkward and embarrassing social situations for sufferers of digestive problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

In order to make their unique filtration system work properly however, the pair discovered they had to make sure the pants fit as snugly as possible. To achieve this they developed a unique adjustable testicular 'package' cradle with elasticated straps that stretch to each hip; there are a number of buttons on the waistband of each hip, which allows

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Fashion

Left : Shreddies with adjustable support.

Below right: More conventional Jockey underpants.

the cradle to be adjusted for comfort. The by-product of this snug fit is its enhancement properties but the really clever stuff is around the back, the flatulence panel that contains a sheet of flexible activated carbon, similar to that used in chemical warfare suits.

When tested by De Montfort University using their gas chromatography technology, the results showed the carbon panel is 100% effective at removing odours. The team claim the panel is good for 100 washes, as long as the washing instructions are followed.

As the saying goes, proof of the pudding is in the eating, not that these pants are edible, so we sent a pair each to three brave testers, who wish to remain anonymous and told them to do their worst!

Our highly scientific results showed that none of our testers were prepared to own up to being windy enough to notice whether the carbon panel was effective, although they all agreed there is indeed a lot more support than with more traditional undies. All felt the rear panel added too much bulk similar to that of cycling shorts. And all agreed that careful adjustment of the support cradle was needed if one was to avoid turning from a Tenor to Soprano, something our model learned to his cost. Suffice to say, it took him a week to regain feeling in his nether regions. Despite being convinced they were on their loosest setting, a quick look at the photographs confirmed what we suspected; they were set to the highest setting, hence his discomfort.

If you’d like to test them for yourself, visit www.shreddies.com.

Alternatively, if you’re not as flatulently-challenged as some, perhaps the more traditional pants from Jockey might be more your thing, although you’d have to be brave to wear these colours!

winter 08 . 1° East . 15

Groomingpromotional

Time to Face Facts I looked in the mirror this morning and thought, blimey, maybe my friend is right, I am looking a bit tired. Not that he put it quite as delicately as that.

I

t was more along the lines of “Mate, I don’t mean to be rude but you look exhausted, you’ve really let yourself go.

“Thanks!” I’d said, before downing a few more pints and heading for the Thai restaurant. Later that night, I thought he’s right, I do need to take better care of myself.

When I started my business almost ten years ago, I looked the picture of health but years of 18 hour days, flying around the world staying in hotels, drinking way too much and eating rich food has taken its toll. The economic climate of late hasn’t helped matters either. And don’t get me started on my ever-expanding waistline!

So the next night, after meeting with my female friend, I resolved to book myself in for a facial after she’d said, “darling, you should hand yourself over to a spa. Let them sort out your bags. I do it all the time and look at me.” I had to admit she did look fabulous, despite running a successful business herself. “Just don’t forget to wear clean underwear!” she’d added, as she bade me farewell.

Although I’ve had the odd sports massage in the past, I’ve never really dared venture into what I and no doubt most guys consider to be a girls domain but she assured me I’d be fine. “The therapists don’t bite you know!” she declared.

A few days later, feeling slightly self-conscious, I walked into the newly created spa, aptly named The Spa, within Barnham Broom Hotel and Country Club, where I play golf, and was relieved to see a slick and stylish décor and not a hint of pink. Fay, the spa manager, greeted me with a warm smile and asked me to sit down to discuss what I’d like to achieve from the treatment, before asking me to fill out a short questionnaire – essentially, am I allergic to anything, recently had an operation or on any medication? Then she introduced me to Espa’s super-stylish range of men’s products, which wouldn’t have looked out of place in Christian Bales orderly bathroom in American Psycho.

Afterwards I was led through to one of the treatment rooms – a large calming room with soft lighting, neutral colours, slate flooring, wooden cabinets, black granite tops and wooden blinds – and asked to sit on the chair in the corner. “I’m going to perform a sensory test on you to find out which oils to use for your facial,” said Fay. Sounded ominous, but before I could worry, she was rubbing two different oils on my wrists. “Which one do you prefer?”

This happened a couple of times. I think I chose a ‘fitness’ blend and a ‘regenerative’, amongst others, but it’s all tailored to the individual. Apparently the oils you choose is in direct correlation to what your body craves. For

16 . 1° East . winter 08

example, if you’re tired, perhaps you might need something like the fitness blend to invigorate your soul and senses.

After that she told me to undress but leave my underwear on, once she’d gone outside, that is – now I understood why my friend insisted I wear my best underwear – and slip myself under the towels on the massage table. She would then return and wrap me up in a blanket and start the treatment. All seemed good to me.

I can’t remember all of what happened next because I think I nodded off, which is positively encouraged at The Spa, but it essentially involved cleaning my skin with various cleansing potions, some lovely hot towels left on for a few minutes at a time – to open my pours and soften beard hair apparently, not that I have a beard. I was then scrubbed – not as harsh as it sounds – followed by a seriously relaxing pressure-point massage on my face, neck and shoulders, which alleviated much of my tension and that is where I conked out.

I woke up just as Fay was giving me a scalp massage with some conditioning mud and oil for my hair. Then she said it was over.

As she left the room to get me some water – it’s thirsty work all this pampering stuff, but this is partly due to toxins being removed from the body and the dehydrating effect of the natural oils – allowing me to change, I finally hauled myself up, put my feet onto the heated floor when a thought struck me. I haven’t had so much attention focused solely on me since I was a baby. I wanted more and I certainly didn’t want to leave the comfort of the room, with its black out blinds, but then I looked in the mirror and apart from the greasy hair from the mud and oils, which is optional by the way, I looked a lot more relaxed. Brighter even. My friend Sam was on to something. A few more of these and I’d look better than ever.

Now it was time to have a burger in the Sports Bar – I’ll address the spare tyre another time…

The Spa Barnham Broom Tel: 01603 757545 spa@barnham-broom.co.uk www.barnham-broom.co.uk

Grooming

pevonia botanica Pevonia For Him, a professional treatment and home care anti-ageing programme that counteracts razor burn, sensitivity, visible lines, wrinkles, dehydration and loss of elasticity.

Aqua-gel foaming cleanser – £27.75 Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion – £29.75 Soothing After-Shaving Balm – £31.25 Age-Defying Caviar Balm – £47.45 www.skclinic.co.uk

florame - homme for men

the real shaving company

Florame Cleansing Face Gel, an organic cleansing face gel that helps to eliminate impurities in the skin and disperses excess sebum helping to reduce facial shine. Used daily, it deep cleans the pores, helping to detoxify and reinvigorate the upper layers of the epidermis. This refreshing gel has the unique cedar-argan synergy compound as its base which helps to purify, protect and moisturise the skin. £11.15

The Real Shaving Company has been providing professional shaving products to barbers throughout the UK since the 1950s, furnishing them with a range of products which excude luxury and 'spa indulgence'. The Daily Skin Soothing Balm, which lasts for ages, has exceptional moisturising qualities and is easily absorbed to leave skin with a matt finish. £4.99

www.florame.co.uk

Bulldog natural grooming Since launching last year, Bulldog has lead the way as the pioneer of natural grooming in the UK. With a refreshing attitude, the Bulldog product range does not contain any of the controversial man-made chemicals used in other grooming products, including parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

Instead, each Bulldog product is packed with at least seven essential oils and a host of natural ingredients that offer improved performance in a “body friendly” way. It's great value too!

Bulldog Original Shower Gel and Moisturiser Box Set - £7.00 www.meetthebulldog.com

winter 08 . 1° East . 17

Fashion

18 . 1째 East . winter 08

FasHion

Winter Wonderland NO THERMALS REQUIRED!

La Perla Black Label Jeweled Velvet Lingerie Set Bra £301 Thong £109.20 www.laperla.com

WINTER 08 . 1° East . 19

Life

20 . 1째 East . winter 08

Life

don't call us... we'll call you If you’ve ever watched Top Gear and thought that looks easy, you’d be in good company, as it seems there are many of you out there who share the same view. In fact, you only have to log onto websites like YouTube to realise that everyone wants to be on TV. Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

winter 08 . 1° East . 21

Life

B

ut, before you pick up the phone to Aunties HR department, just make sure you have a journalistic background, or you could find yourself exposed to the wrath of Mark Austin, the ITV newsreader who recently launched a scathing attack on the new generation of ‘pretty’ presenters, or ‘autocuties’ as he calls them.

How hard can it be, delivering a few lines to camera from a supercar?

It can’t be that difficult, surely. So when I received a call from a producer offering me the opportunity to record a few links for a pilot he was producing at the Goodwood Revival, one of the most prestigious historical motor race meetings in the world, attended by thousands of car hungry enthusiasts and champagne charlies, I thought, yeah I could do that. I’m a journalist, know a bit about cars, handy behind the wheel and have a fairly nondescript accent – perfect!

But first I had to find a suitable outfit. The producer mentioned something about a sixties-style mini dress and white boots, so off I trotted to the nearest charity shop. Nothing! Although I now know where all the fur coats and wedding dresses have ended up… Five charity shops later I came across a demure cream Jackie O-style number with matching jacket, priced at just £5.99 – perfect for schmoozing with Jaguar on the first day, one of the key sponsors of the event, but not quite funky enough for a TV debut.

After a quick visit to fancy dress shop, I found it – a yellow A-line mini dress with matching hat and cute little amber belt ­­– ridiculously short, but exactly what the TV crew wanted. My transformation into a swinging sixties hippy-chick was complete!

The morning of the shoot my confidence was rapidly deserting me as we made our way to the circuit, but Jarowan, our photographer, did a sterling job of trying to bolster my ego. On arrival I met with the producer and his crew for the first time within the new Earls Court car show, which housed an interesting collection of cars both old and new. After that it was off to the media tent to grab a coffee and discuss my scripts for the day. All five paragraphs looked relatively innocuous, even if they weren’t necessarily to my style – all very dull.

Next, I was to be wired for sound, which is interesting when you are wearing a teeny tiny dress – the wires have to go somewhere!

After that it was a short walk to get myself in position, outside the 1960’s Porsche showroom, and frantically try to memorise my lines.

My task was to walk and talk to camera. A doddle, I thought, I’ve been doing that for around 30 years, albeit without the camera or the crowds, who were by now desperate to know who the tall bird in

Above & Right: The Ed was not the only one trying hard to rember her lines.

22 . 1° East . winter 08

Life

the short dress was. As the producer cued me and I started walking, I immediately forgot my lines half way through the sentence. “Again” called out the cameraman and so it continued. “Now do that again but this time put some oomph into it as you speak. You have to appear enthusiastic, like you’re really enjoying yourself”. Right oh, I thought. Finally, after several attempts, I gave it my all and delivered a fine performance, but it was to be my last, as it rapidly went downhill from there.

Too much background noise to film or people randomly wandering into shot or, in some cases, chaps cosying up to me as I delivered my lines, presumably with the hope of getting on the telly, left the producer frustrated. This in turn made me more nervous. I’m a feeder, so the more he stressed, the more I stressed.

With the pressure of all the attention, simple sentences became dissertations. My usually good short-term memory continued to fail me and by the time I came to record the last but one link, which went along the lines of “Where better to launch the brand new series of Classic Cars than here at the most authentic historical motor race meeting – The Goodwood Revival” I was struggling to remember my own name. As the panic set in, all I could think of was ‘forgodsake, it’s only a bloody sentence’ and the more I beat myself up, the more I couldn’t remember. Everyone, with the exception of the producer, tried to console me and even the lovely cameraman gave me a pep talk but I’d lost my head and nothing was working.

“Say it again, but this time a lot slower and then walk off into the crowds,” said the producer. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally delivered a shortened version of what I was supposed to say before disappearing into the crowd.

The easiest part of the day’s filming was, without doubt, the part where I had to say ‘well that’s all folks'… before zooming off in a gleaming Triumph, whose owner, funnily enough, turned out to be a BBC radio presenter. “You’re doing great, you just need a bit of practice!” He declared before adding, “I should have done TV, it’s much more fun!” All I can say is it is definitely easier delivering lines sitting in a car rather than standing stiffly in front of a camera.

All in all, given the circumstances – no training, large crowds – It wasn’t a bad first effort but it is definitely not as easy as it looks.

I have a newfound respect for the likes of Clarkson, May and Butler-Henderson. I think I’ll stick to the written word for now…

Above: Good posture helps delivery!

Log onto www.1degreeeast.co.uk, click on video, to see all the action…

Above: This BMW bike was having as much trouble getting going as the Ed. Left: The Ed in full flow.

winter 08 . 1° East . 23

Flying

this way up Writer: Suzannah Sorrell

Photographer: Keith Wilson

24 . 1° East . winter 08

Flying

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Flying

"i’m a control freak and i like to administer the terror not receive it but I’m sure if i was in charge, i’d be fine..!"

S

crutinising the short safety video at Cambridge Aero club, while waiting for my flight instructor to finish a lesson, brought back long since buried memories of my first experience of aerobatics.

It was a few years back at Kemble, an ex-military airfield nestled amid the picturesque Cotwolds countryside, where Mazda had chosen to launch Prodrive’s tweaked version of the RX-8.

The head of PR, a huge flying fan, thought it would be a great opportunity to combine his favourite adrenaline-fuelled sport with a test drive of Mazda’s rotary-engine sports car. He was convinced that a bunch of gung-ho car journalists would take to it like a duck to water; most of us did. Well, we weren’t about to loose face to a PR, but some three hours later, after two half hour bursts of swooping, barrel rolling, looping, inverted flying and upside down antics in a Bulldog and an Extra 300 with some hot shot former RAF and Red Arrow pilots, most of us emerged from the small cockpits red faced and feeling positively nauseous and, in the case of our long suffering photographer, clutching a brim-full sick bag!

I hadn’t cared that I’d just pulled up next to a famous newsreader’s plane or that a minor celebrity had just landed a few feet away, I was feeling sick with a capital S, but I put on a brave face.

It’s not so much the G-force, as the negative G that gets you, caused when you nose dive at a too rapid speed of knots towards the earth before pulling it up sharply and flying straight towards space; then banking to the left or right to perform continuous barrel rolls and all that jazz. Made worse, by the fact that every time you look out, it’s just

26 . 1° East . winter 08

you, the sky, a little bit of Perspex, the sky...

After that experience, I’d resigned myself to the fact that I was never going to make it into the Red Bull team or play with the Red Arrows anytime soon. And it was plainly obvious that my childhood dreams of being a passenger in something like a MIG was probably just a pipe dream; I don’t think my fragile constitution could quite stomach it. A grave disappointment to a Top Gun fan such as myself!

So I’m not quite sure how Chief Flying Instructor, Luke Hall, managed to talk me into a date with his cockpit... “You’ll be fine, we’ll just take it gently. We won’t do anything you don’t want to,” he’d said and for some odd reason I’d believed him.

In truth I think he saw me as a challenge. “I can’t believe you’re scared of aerobatics when you test cars for a living and have three World Records for dog sledding,” he continued. “I expected more of you after reading your magazine.” “Ah yes, but that’s different, I’m a control freak and I like to administer the terror not receive it, but I’m sure If I was in charge, I’d be fine...!

As I sat on the tarmac waiting for a ‘take off’ slot in the Extra 200 – a 200 bhp, 4 cylinder-engine version of the more powerful Extra 300 I’d flown in at Kemble, I regretted saying my last sentence. I quietly berated myself for not sending someone else to cover this feature, as originally intended. “You’re very quiet.” came Luke’s voice interrupting my thoughts. “I’m Ok.” I managed to say. And two syllable answers were all he got out of me for the next 40 minutes.

As we taxied the comparatively cost effective but incredibly capable Extra, which Luke described as the ultimate training plane – a twoseater, tandem arranged, low wing aerobatic monoplane with conventional (taildragger) landing gear – all of which meant nothing to me, I just felt like a trussed up chicken, with all the harnesses done up and my knees around my ears.

FLying

As I looked around the tiny cockpit, which took all of three seconds, I suddenly came over all religious and prayed to God. But then I remembered that Extra’s are built in Germany. I’d be fine, I thought. If the build quality was anything like the two German cars in my driveway or my Miele washing machine, I wouldn’t fall out of the sky and bits wouldn’t fall off during take off.

Then I began to question my logic. Thought of all the fantastic engineering feats we’ve overcome and more importantly, the planes we’ve designed, engineered and built over the years; if it wasn’t for the Brits (oh and the French), there wouldn’t have been Concord, but then I thought of British Leyland or Rover as it became known and I lost my fight, just as we were searing through the sky at a rate of knots.

“You can take over the controls whenever you like,” said Luke, just as my heart rate was being to recover and as we levelled off to a steady pace. “Ok,” I responded. “How are you feeling?” he asked. “I’m ok,” I said, through clenched teeth. “Just relax your arms and watch how I move the control stick. You just need very small movements.”

Just as he said it, I remembered the first time I tried to fly a helicopter; being amazed at how little inputs were necessary to fly forwards or left and right. If you pulled back too sharply, you felt your stomach go, panicked and pushed it forwards, which made you feel even worse. I took control, even though I was as stiff as a board, and managed to keep it flying in a controlled and steady way.

After ten or fifteen minutes of flying above Cambridge, by far the best way to see the beautiful architecture of some of the oldest universities in the world, I began to relax and gain confidence, so I uttered the immortal words. “Can we try a barrel roll? I seem to remember I didn’t mind those.” “Are you sure?” came a surprised reply. “Yes, just take it slowly please.” After two, I was happy. I’d overcome that hurdle. That would be quite enough aerobatics for one day. Now it was time to have a go at landing… which, in an Extra 200, was an absolute doddle, although I suspect Luke helped me a little more than he let on.

Far Left: Luke demonstrates just what the Extra 200 can do.

Left: Aerobatics with Mazda.

Below: The Ed tries to remain calm.

Log onto www.1degreeeast.co.uk, click on video, to see all the action…

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the estate of play A 507 BHP estate car with a seven speed gearbox, capable of 0-60 in 4 seconds with a theoretical unlimited top speed of over 200mph. sounds like a work of fiction, doesn't it? So we dispatched our favorite fictional character to put it through its paces.

Writer: Tom Cain Photographer: Jarowan Power

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S

amuel carver was a professional assassin. In exchange for large sums of money, he could arrange accidents that were both terminal and untraceable. So he wasn’t the sort of man that luxury goods manufacturers publicly courted as customers. Plus, he drove an Audi, specifically a six year-old RS6, de-badged and painted dull grey. It looked at first glance like a corporate dronemobile, but went like brown stuff off a gardening implement – and all in glorious Quattro four-wheel drive.

Now though, BMW were tempting him to change brands. He could see the logic. Bankers were losing their bonuses. Estate agents were going down like second lieutenants on the Somme. Someone had to buy expensive cars; and Carver hadn’t noticed any drop in demand for his services.

So here he was at the Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford.

Millbrook was the place car-makers used to test their new models on every conceivable form of road surface. They weren’t the only ones.

There were several patches in the tarmac on one of Millbrook’s three hill routes where James Bond had flipped his Aston Martin. Well, thought Carver, Bond was a civil servant, what could you expect? He really should have stuck to that Ford Mondeo.

But what about the Beemer?

They’d sent Carver an M5 Touring. Plenty of sensible people had long regarded the 5-Series Touring as the ultimate blend of luxury, performance and function: an incredibly comfortable sports-car with room in the back for a chest of drawers. And the ‘M’ high-performance badge was a petrolhead icon. Combined, they should go together like coke and rolled-up twenties.

This one had a V-10 engine and 19-inch alloys: yours for the best part of 69 grand. Carver wasn’t sure about the colour. BMW called it Indianapolis Red, but it reminded him of his old maroon school blazer.

Still, the 5-series Touring had always been a great looking car and its appearance had somehow escaped relatively unscathed from Chris Bangle’s cultural revolution at BMW. Even the raked-back, shark’s eye headlights that looked so weird five years ago seemed perfectly contemporary now: a classic case of the market catching up with a visionary design.

BMW, however, were clearly worried by Carver’s destructive tendencies, because they’d sent a minder to keep an eye on him. She was about as tall as Carver, even a shade taller, if he was being honest. She had brown hair, a bit like his. But that was where the resemblance ended.

All in all, Carver thought, that was a good thing.The girl had legs as long as the Lord of the Rings and jeans that rode as low as a politician’s morals. She had a figure that would give a supermodel hissy-fits. Her name, she said, was Suki Soro.

‘Why so sorrowful?’ asked Carver.

She grimaced and gave her hair a dismissive flick. ‘You haven’t driven it yet,’ she said. ‘Get in.’

Carver thought that sounded like a great idea. Then he realised she was talking about the car. But he did as he was told. Suki was the kind of girl that men found easy to obey.

He climbed aboard. Carver was not an expert on cars. His only technical interest was working out how to sabotage them. Aside from that, his demands were simple. He wanted a machine that got where he wanted quickly, efficiently, and unobtrusively. He stuck the key in the M5’s ignition, tried to twist it and … nothing.

‘That’s not how you do it,’ said Suki. ‘Ensure that the car is in neutral.

Depress the brake-pedal. Push the key. Now press the starter button.’

Carver did all that and the engine came to life with a soft, distant rumble. He felt a warm, gripping sensation around his hips and back.

Well, it was a bit soon for Suki to be giving him an intimate massage, but he wasn’t complaining. Then he realised he was being groped by his seat, which hummed and whirred as it moulded itself to his shape. Meanwhile, a chime had sounded, like a lift in an old-fashioned department store. Carver half-expected a voice to say, ‘Third floor: home furnishings and ladies’ lingerie.’ But it was just the car letting him know that it was alive and waiting for orders.

‘Right,’ he said, ‘time to see how this thing drives.’

The car was parked at one end of Millbrook’s mile straight. Carver wanted to get to the far end, as soon as humanly possible.

‘Hold on,’ said Suki. ‘You’ve got to set your driving parameters.’

‘Sorry?’ said Carver. He wasn’t interested in setting anything. In his

30 . 1° East . winter 08

'There were sever al patches in the tarmac on one of Millbrook’s three hill routes where James Bond had flipped his Aston Martin. Well, thought Carver, Bond was a civil servant, what could you expect?

He really should have stuck to that Ford Mondeo.'

business, fractions of a second were the difference between life and death. If the cops were on your tail, or the bad guys had just abducted your girlfriend, you couldn’t hang about worrying about parameters.

‘Automatic, or Sequential Manual gearbox?’ Suki asked. ‘Now which Drivelogic mode? You’ve got five automatic options, from Relaxed to Sporty, and six in manual, from Balanced to Pure Sport. If you want Pure Sport, though, you have to disengage the Dynamic Stability Control. Got that?’

She didn’t wait for him to answer, but carried on, ‘There are three stability modes: On, Off and M-Dynamic. Then there are three Electronic Damper Control options: Comfort, Normal and Soft. The engine can be set to three different outputs: 400, 500 and 500 Sport.

And then, of course, there’s the heads-up display. You can have that in Standard or M-View.’

Carver felt like a customer in a Starbucks from Hell. At any moment he expected Suki to ask him whether he wanted chocolate or cinnamon sprinkles on top.

‘Look,’ she said, ‘I’ll set it to Automatic, Relaxed, Comfort, Soft – that’s the easiest – and we’ll work up from there. Just so you know, you can either use the buttons here …’ her fingers flew around a series of controls to Carver’s left. ‘Or you can do it all on the iDrive.’

She showed Carver the computer screen on the dashboard and the large, round control near the gear-stick that controlled it.

‘Can we go now?’ he asked, imagining himself surrounded by squad cars, fiddling with the iDrive, while his enemies disappeared into the distance.

Suki paused, running through a mental checklist.

motoring

Above: Putting the M5 through its paces on the hil route.

This image: The M5's V10 engine is just a glorious piece of engineering.

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Right: Suki demonstrates the M5's handeling.

"Flat out in seventh gear, the M5 Touring was a glorious, all-conquering dragon of a machine" ‘Yes, I think so,’ she said.

Carver released the handbrake, flicked the gear into Drive and floored it. The car raced off, like an impatient dog released from its lead. Five seconds later there was an horrendous lurch, followed by a swift punch to Carver’s kidneys.

‘What the **** was that?’ he yelped.

‘Just a shift,’ Suki said. ‘They’re a little …’

‘Jerky?’ suggested Carver, as the car kangarooed all the way up to seventh.

It was, truly, the very worst gearbox he had ever come across.

The changes were so crude, if he’d made them himself, he’d have apologised to Suki. They went up the mile several more times, in a variety of different permutations of settings. Auto, or manual, it made no difference. It was completely impossible to make a smooth change.

Even worse, the gear-paddles on either side of the steering-wheel

32 . 1° East . winter 08

motoring

were positioned millimetres away from the headlight, windscreenwiper and cruise controls. If Carver went in at even slightly the wrong angle, he didn’t shift gear, he washed the bloody windows.

Carver took the car out onto the hill routes, a series of landscaped roller-coasters that rose, fell, turned and swooped at increasingly severe gradients. He drove it round the circular bowl. Suki, too, took a turn at the wheel, swiftly showing a nerveless capacity for high-speed car-control that left Carver feeling car-sick, but massively impressed in the passenger seat.

Irrespective of the driver, three things were overwhelmingly apparent.

First, that the V-10 was a fantastic engine: powerful, flexible, infinitely responsive. Second, that the handling never lost grip or precision, even on the tightest turns, or at the highest speed. And third, that the whole car was let down by the gears. The transmission was slow, crude and indecisive: at certain speeds, in automatic, Carver could feel the box jittering between ratios like a nervous maiden aunt trying to choose a fairy-cake.

Flat out in seventh gear, the M5 Touring was a glorious, all-

conquering dragon of a machine. In all other circumstances, it was a crushing disappointment. The problem, Carver decided, was that its predecessors were too good. The basic issues of moving and controlling this great hunk of metal had all been solved at least a decade ago. But BMW had to keep coming up with reasons for people to buy new cars, instead of just driving their old ones into the ground. So they’d fiddled about and complicated their creation until, like an overcooked sauce, they’d lost what had made it great in the first place.

Carver looked across at the beautiful creature in the passenger seat.

The female body: now there was a great design. And it had remained unaltered for hundreds of thousands of years. Mother Nature knew what BMW didn’t: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The Survivor, the second Samuel Carver thriller, is published by Bantam Press (£12.99)

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motoring

new power gener ation If you are going to drive a car in London, ideally it needs to be quick off the mark, agile, have good brakes and a loud horn. And, if at all possible, be electric, to avoid gassing cyclists, pedestrians, pigeons and, of course, incurring the pointless congestion charge.

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

34 . 1째 East . winter 08

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U

ntil recently, if you wanted electric you either had to don a paper bag and drive the laughable G-Wiz, or hide behind oversized dark glasses, pretend to be an all-caring celebrity on a mission to save the world, and drive the aesthetically-challenged hybrid Toyota Prius, neither of which are particularly quick off the mark or agile.

Wouldn’t it be great, therefore, if someone took a sports car chassis – something small, feather light and nimble – a powerful electric motor and a whole bunch of laptop batteries.

Enter the Tesla Roadster - the ultimate city car that sounds like a milk float but goes like a Ferrari! Brought to us by Silicon Valley, via Lotus, the TESLA is truly unique. Essentially a redesigned Lotus Elise – it shares the same platform and chassis – but in place of its Toyota Celica petrol engine, TESLA have shoehorned in a hugely torquey electric powertrain, which delivers an outrageously fun driving experience and the ability to drive 244 miles on a single charge.

During the three miserly hours I had to play with the new ‘green’ sports car, or rather 2 hours after our photographer had finished photographing it, a smile never left my face. Not even when an idiot in an Audi A8 tried desperately, and in vain, to prevent me from entering his lane whilst we circumnavigated the sinuous streets of Central London.

To be honest it was no contest. I was the size of a mouse, had 450lbs of torque available instantly and continuously under my right foot and the equivalent of 248 bhp. And what do mice do? Dart in and out of spaces at warp speed.

Think Tom and Jerry. So, the whale of an A8 never stood a chance. Nor did the 911 Turbo as we shot past it coming up to the Ritz Hotel – the driver’s astonished face will stick with me forever. And then there was the jostle with the Italian-plated Lambo. The guy just couldn’t comprehend it at all. No sound, yet overtaken at the speed of light – spooky.

It’s like driving a dodgem-car on steroids but with brakes! And thanks to its outrageous amounts of torque, when you floor it from 0-60 or 40-70 … it gives you the heart-in-the-mouth, pinned back in the seat power delivery we all crave yet rarely experience.

But what does that prove? That the TESLA is the perfect getaway car? Which it is, provided you’ve perfected the art of getting in and out. Otherwise you’ll find yourself scrabbling around on the pavement just like the poor red-faced bus driver who’d rushed over to us whilst we were busy photographing it, keen to know if it was the car he’d read about in the newspaper the night before. “Sure, you can sit in it,” I’d said. Initially he’d been as pleased as Punch but when it came to extracting himself from the cockpit, “It certainly ain’t easy to get out of!” he declared, with an embarrassed laugh.

Of course, the point of the Roadster is allegedly to address the environmental issues of the automobile and to lessen our reliability on fossil fuels, to prove to the world at large that EVs (Electric Vehicles) are the future. To prove also that there is a real alternative for those who love sports cars but are feeling the pressure from the environmentalists to stop using their gas-guzzling pride and joys. But at just shy of 100 grand I doubt it’ll be as prolific on our streets as a G-Wiz, and as they are only manufacturing 2,000 units per year, its hardly going to have any impact at all on the huge automotive CO2 cloud that appears to be choking the planet.

It is therefore the perfect vehicle for the aforementioned celebrities, who insist on following obscure beauty regimes - I’m sure they don’t really need that water from melting arctic icebergs or that face pack made out of moon dust and uranium! – which generate vast amounts of CO2. And I wasn’t even going

36 . 1° East . winter 08

motoring

"the ultimate city car that sounds like a milk float but goes like a Ferrari!

Brought to us by Silicon Valley, via Lotus"

WINTER 08 . 1째 East . 37

Motoring

"It was fun playing traffic dodgems. Now I can’t imagine I’d be as excited if I’d just been driving around in the Toyota Prius I encountered along the way, or for that matter, the preposterous G-Wiz thing." to mention Bono’s hat flying incident, but hey, I’ve started so I may as well finish. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, Bono forgot his favourite hat when he left for a concert, so had it flown first-class to where he was performing… And, despite their privileged lifestyles that afford them multiple gargantuan houses, private jets, limos and stylish yachts, they still insist on appealing to anyone who’ll listen that they care about the environment. So, the Tesla will be another bandwagon they can jump on to prove to us mere mortals that they really do care about saving the planet.

But, the thing is, take away all the environmental discussions and you are left with an exciting and innovative product, one that challenges our preconceptions of what a sports car should be.

And it has to be said that I have never derived so much pleasure driving around a congested city, EVER. It was fun playing traffic dodgems. Now I can’t imagine I’d be as excited if I’d just been driving around in the Toyota Prius I encountered along the way, or for that matter, the preposterous G-Wiz thing. I say thing, because they are simply an insult to the automobile.

The TESLA represents a giant leap forward for the Electronic Vehicle (EV) and for those who believe that vehicles like it are the future.

Below: The Ed checks out the Tesla's competition, we know which we'd choose

38 . 1° East . winter 08

1100% Monster Developed with

www.ducatiuk.com

Get ready to enjoy cornering like never before. The Monster 1100 was made for it. Great handling from a super light weight chassis combined with the charismatic power of the L-Twin engine delivers fantastic performance and riding excitement. Get ready, the next corner is yours. The new Monster 1100 will be roaring into view from November.

SEASTAR SUPERBIKES To book your demo in advance, call: 01508 471919 The Garage, Ipswich Road, Newton Flotman NR15 1PN. sales@seastarsuperbikes.co.uk www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk

motoring

How to get yourself in a credit crunch

I

n 1898 The President of France, Félix Faure, a known automobile-sceptic, opened the world’s first-ever automobile show at Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. This outdoor location was chosen to showcase a handful of ‘new age’ automobiles but, unlike today’s mainly static indoor shows, to prove the validity of the ‘new’ mode of transport, manufacturers had to drive their vehicles from Versailles to Paris. The President displayed his lack of faith however, by choosing to leave in a horsedrawn carriage.

Paris therefore holds a special place in the hearts of the automotive manufacturers and is often where world debuts happen. And this year was no exception and there was not a horse-drawn carriage in sight!

Two Italian heavy weights, the Prancing Horse and the Raging Bull, stole the show by unveiling their hotly anticipated new models – California and Estoque.

Holding up the British end, although unveiled in London, Lotus showed off their new Evora for the first time in Europe.

Top Right The beautifully detailed fourdoor Lamborghini Estoque.

Right: The eagerly anticipated Lotus Evora.

Below: The latest mouth-watering Ferrari California.

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motoring

pick-up lines.

Is it a plane, a train, an automobile or just a pick–up having an asthma attack? That’s what the confused looking pedestrians and cyclists seemed to be asking themselves on hearing the Navara wheeze up behind them.

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

Y

ou have to hear it to believe it but one things for sure, it’s not cool having a vehicle that sounds like a bus or, for that matter, manoeuvres like one. Then they spot the dogs…

Ah, my two Great Danes, now there’s a story. You should know that three things are guaranteed to devalue a car quicker than buying it brand-new and driving it off the forecourt – smoking, children and dogs. The latter only became apparent after my two lively pups ‘trashed’ my brand new ‘dog car’ within six months!

Having gone through a ridiculous amount of automotive finery (well, except for the old Vauxhall Frontera), do I regret taking them on board?

Do I heck. You can’t cuddle up to a car, can you? Well, that said, I seem to recall seeing a trailer for a programme about some slightly unhinged people who like to kiss and fondle their cars, but on the whole, the slightly saner amongst us don’t get our ‘rocks off’ on our metal, well not in that way anyway. Cars are great but they are no dog substitute.

In hindsight, I should have researched my choice of ‘dog car’ more thoroughly as thus far my overly pampered ‘girls’ have ruined three 4x4’s, two estate cars and a people carrier in their 7-year lifespan. Not because they chew out of boredom no, not at all; more so the lethal concoction of their superfine short hair and super-glue style slobber.

Now this is no ordinary slobber. I reckon you could bond windscreens in with this stuff, and there’s an endless supply, which can normally be found hanging from the headlining like a stalactite, after an enthusiastic headshake.

The phrase ‘I’ve been slimed’ from Ghost Busters takes on a whole new meaning where Danes are concerned. The slobbering, coupled with their love of sticking their heads out of the window, which is all very entertaining for passers-by and me, has the knock on effect of bringing electric window mechanisms to a squeaking halt from dribble strain.

In essence, the combination makes for a fairly unpleasant environment

and a less than appealing driving experience – hence the need for a separate dog car!

Could a pick-up be the answer and in particular Nissan’s Navara Aventura? Well almost. Despite their size, once they get past 4 years old they don’t like jumping into things, especially vehicles on stilts, although they don’t mind jumping out of them if they spot another dog! What they need is pimp-my-ride style hydraulic suspension, sadly not on the Navara’s option list. Once in however, it’s an almost perfect pied-à-terre although, in an ideal Dane world, I’m sure they would prefer wind down windows rather than pop out ones. The plastic loading area is perfect, as it’s wipeable, and it offers plenty of space even in the Double and King Cab versions.

The bonus for the driver is that they are completely separate from the main vehicle, so the whole car doesn’t stink – but a window allows you to see your pedigree chums and they can see you so everyone is a winner! Well almost.

As with all the Nissans I’ve ever tested, they have incredibly unsupportive seats designed with Americans in mind, I suspect, which means your back is constantly twisting and fighting to hold you in place as you go around corners. The automatic gearbox is old fashioned and fairly horrendous, so best opt for the manual transmission if you want to get the most out of its 171 hp engine and the pulling power of 403 nm of torque otherwise, like me, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Don’t bother getting the hardtop if you want to be able to get anything out of the back without lowering the hideously over-heavy tailgate, and don’t get me started on the supertanker turning circle and neurotic parking sensors. Apart from that, it’s a great versatile vehicle with loads of storage space and a great stereo.

winter 08 . 1° East . 41

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testing times Why would anyone ride/prefer a motorcycle? Is it to be cool, for freedom or simply a mid-life crisis?

Or could it be a practical alternative to the car because of the shambolic economic situation, rising costs of living and massive hikes in car ownership, that has made many switch from 4 to 2 wheels? Make way for the ‘Credit Crunch’ Biker...

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

W

ho am I to buck the trend? Owning a bike means lower running costs and CO2 emissions, quicker journey times and easier parking, not to mention lower congestion charges. It also means more power for your pennies – the new breed of superbikes costing under 15K can deliver 0-60 in just over 2 seconds. Just think of the amount of money you’d have to fork out for a car to deliver the same. Unfortunately, before putting my name down for a super cool new Ducati Monster, I needed to get a licence. The only problem; it meant going through the ordeal of another Theory test.

The Theory A call to the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and £30 on my credit card resulted in a bible-sized book of test questions and CD-Rom being posted to me to study, which of course, like any journalist/ student worth their salt, I left until the night before to look at. After locking myself away in the office, panic set in as I got the first questions wrong.

I emerged, the following morning, bleary-eyed knowing that disabled vehicles have a speed limit of 8mph not 20mph!

During a 20-minute drive to the test centre, I made mental notes of signs and tried desperately to remember braking and stopping distances! I arrived with 15 minutes to spare, but as I looked around at the fresh-faced 17 year-olds, I suddenly remembered I’d left my driving licence and passport in my glove compartment. So much for the relaxed state of mind.

Much to my amazement I passed the test, which now includes a hazard perception element – 14 video clips from the drivers point of view containing one or more developing hazards that you have to respond to by clicking your mouse. This was in spite of the DSA sending me a CD Rom that is incompatible with Macs and the wrong book – the theory test for car drivers, rather than the shorter motorcycle version.

(I thought it was odd they'd omitted to mention bikes at all.)

The Pr actical All that was left to do was find someone to do my test with. Now I know very little about bikes but one name stuck firmly in my mind – Ducati. After being invited to watch the Superbikes at Brands Hatch back in 2004, I recalled the unforgettable sound the Italian bikes made. “You can’t learn on a Ducati. Amateurs and Ducati go together like chalk and cheese,” said my bike fanatic friend. Adding “What you need is a nice, friendly Honda.” I wasn’t having any of it though; I’d met Ducati’s press officer at last year’s MCN Bike Show when he said it was an urban myth that Ducatis were hard to ride. “The old ones

42 . 1° East . winter 08

maybe but not the new ones and I’ll prove it by putting you through your motorbike test on one, as we’re launching our new Ducati/BSM motorcycle training school at Silverstone.”

Almost a year later, I received a call from Ducati’s press officer. “Your intensive course is all booked. Just one thing, you’ll be accompanied by two Superbike riders, is that ok?” Brilliant, once I’ve finished the course, I should be able to get my knee down!

So early one Saturday evening I left Norfolk bound for Silverstone, Northamptonshire via Whittlebury Hall Hotel, which is perfectly located 5 minutes from the famous motorsport circuit.

Next morning, bright and early, I made my way to the circuit, closely followed by a Zonda on his way to watch some Le Mans action, arriving at the track’s Costa Coffee at dead on 8:30, as planned.

My instructor was nowhere to be found but at 9am, in strolled Andrew, looking every bit the RAC guy from the advert. “You don’t look like someone who hasn’t got a car licence,” was his opening gambit. “No, I have a licence.” I said, with a sinking feeling. “I thought you might have somehow and, with all due respect, you don’t look seventeen, they’ve obviously sent me the wrong file.”

Bad start, but once we’d got that out of the way we had a good old chat. I warned him about my annoying habit of breaking into hysterical and uncontrollable laughter whenever I’ve ridden scooters and filled him in on my various quad bike antics.

A while later I was introduced to the lovely Tina, or Cinderella as she refers to herself, at the BSM office; situated next to the Bridge café opposite the pits. A word of advice. It’s well worth being extra nice to Tina as she’ll make you loads of tea and coffee throughout the week.

During the first of many cuppas I listened, as intently as I could, to Andrew as he went through the various safety procedures.

What type of clothing, boots and helmet you need to wear. Legal requirements of riding a bike, “So you could, if the urge took you, ride a motorbike naked as long as you’re wearing a helmet, and still be legal?” I enquired. “Yes, effectively you could but it’s obviously not advisable,” replied Andrew. Once the boring, but vital, bit was out of the way I was introduced to my Van Van. Not a new supervan, but a Suzuki 125 Van Van, which looks a bit like a Café Racer but with only a mere 14.5 horsepower and balloon tyres.

“You need to press this, pull that, twizzle this and then lift that up with your foot" blah blah blah, said Andrew. I looked at him in horror and chastised my brain which had phased out midway through his instructions. Yet, to my astonishment, after we’d walked the bike over to a large concrete pad, used to carry out all the required tasks to complete my CBT test, I was riding around unaided - a bloody miracle given the circumstances.

Motorcycling

Above: The Ed practices her low speed control on the pad at Silverstone Circuit.

Right: The Ed stops to discuss her progress with her Instructor.

Far Right: The Ed on the open road

The circumstances being, the Le Mans racecars which were so loud I couldn’t hear Andrew’s instructions and, the assembled spectators who decided that watching me wobble around was a good counter attraction. Despite the need for lip reading, I completed the day feeling triumphant and confident and in need of a back and shoulder massage to ease my aching muscles.

Day two More pad work, involving figures of eight around various cones, clutch control, emergency stops, corner control, left and right hand turns, gear change, stopping and starting and rear observation, all of which resulted in even stiffer arms and shoulders and my CBT certificate.

Day three Introduced to the Superbike boys – Leon Camier and John Laverty – and Ducati’s Monster. After an initial panic at the thought of swapping the 14.5 hp Van Van for a 600cc Monster, I was surprised to be riding around quite confidently within a few moments thanks to the expertise of the BSM instructors. I even got a compliment from Mr Camier; “You look really natural riding that Monster.” This was the encouragement I needed to go out of the confines of Silverstone and attack the big bad and dangerous roads.

Although tentative at first, I was soon whizzing around country lanes of Silverstone village and beyond, doing well according to my instructor.

I even managed to wave to three old chaps, whom we later named Compo, Clegg and Foggy after Last of the Summer Wine. So well in fact, it was soon time to hit the A43; that’s where I nearly soiled my Ducati technical jeans!

During the 10-minute ordeal, I managed to get up to just 60 miles per hour and to say I was terrified is an understatement. Back at the Hotel, with my right arm and shoulder completely seized up, because of all

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the tension I joined John and Leon for a few beers to ease the pain before heading off to a Chinese restaurant.

Day Four Spectacularly dropped 25 stone of Monster on my foot thanks to some strategically placed mud as I was pulling away from the Centre.

It was all rather sudden but effectively my rear wheel came around in a speedway flip and, although I thought I’d caught it, I lost the fight, breaking both front and rear brakes and a tiny spring costing £75! I hadn’t even left the Centre… The only consolation: the BSM guys gave me points for style. But, after that one-minute incident, at zero miles an hour, my confidence took a nosedive. I was shocked at how easy it was to have an accident just maneuvering the bike. I used to laugh as guys recounted stories of how they’d dropped their pride and joy in the garage and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage. I wasn’t laughing now!

Sitting in the café waiting for my bike to be repaired, I wondered whether I’d done the right thing in learning to ride, especially being a founder member of the ‘self-preservation society!’

If you’ve ever been to a British Superbike meeting you’ll know where I’m coming from; a bit like going to a orthopedic outpatients department.

There are more limps than at a Pirates convention!

The only good news is that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reported back in June, a fall in fatalities for the first time in years; conversely they also mentioned that the number of serious injuries had risen but statistics also showed that pedal cyclists were far more vulnerable.

So, as the saying goes ‘get back on and ride’, I got back on my Monster and wobbled off down the road…to be continued in issue 5.

time

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dining

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winter 08 . 1째 East . 21

Profile

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Profile

Superman Normally when interviewing a sporting celebrity one is usually granted only a miniscule fraction of their time; during it we’re expected to glean sufficient understanding of their life and personality in order to portray an insightful and informed feature.

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

I

n the case of Ducati’s British Superbike rider Leon Camier, however, I was lucky enough to spend almost a week in his presence. Despite being one the rising stars of the British Superbike series – one of the toughest and most competitive national championships in the World – he didn’t, at the time, possess a full UK bike licence and was enrolled on the same Ducati/BSM Rider Training course as myself, giving me the perfect excuse to get up ‘close and personal’ to find out any idiosyncrasies/ foibles he may have. Like for instance his unusual eating habits..!

At breakfast it is amazing just how long he can make a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes last. “I really struggle in the mornings but my trainer says I have to eat loads", he revealed, as he hunched his lean frame over the still full bowl, barely awake.

“You should see me trying to eat Shredded Wheat if you think this is bad. It takes me about 45 minutes, by which time I’m starving again.”

(Much laughter) During the three occasions I had the pleasure of having breakfast with Leon he attempted to have a full English every time but failed miserably.

Take him to a Chinese and he’ll whine if chicken curry isn’t on the

menu. “You know when you’ve made up your mind what you want to eat and if it’s not on the menu, it kind of throws you.”

Fortunately, after 10 minutes of futile searching, he asked the chef and thankfully ‘needs’ were accommodated, otherwise I don’t think we’d have heard the end of it.

The following night he had Ducati’s head of PR, fellow Ducati Superstock rider John Laverty, and myself in mass hysterics, after I’d told him that the black stuff around his succulent Tiger Prawns In Garlic Butter was, in fact, poo. “Prawn Poo!” He exclaimed. “Urh, that’s disgusting,” as he proceeded to fish it out with his thumbnail, whilst the rest of us struggled to regain our composure. You had to be there, I’m sure!

And don’t get him started on the state of the British physique. He’s generally appalled at our ever-expanding nation. “It’s disgusting, how do people get themselves into that state?” he enquired after seeing a huge bloke piling his plate full of cheese, ham, sausages, toast and anything else he could fit onto it, as if it were his last meal.

Another time after spotting a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like in the bar, (Tesco’s management team were staying for a conference and Marilyn was part of the entertainment) he launched a critical attack. “Look at

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Profile

"every bit the super-cool rider with his trademark spiked hair, pierced tongue and model good looks. He is, in short, a sponsors dream and a mother’s nightmare."

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Profile

Left: Leon posing under duress!

the state of that! She’s got back fat overlapping her dress.” I looked around half expecting to see a Beth Ditto type but instead there was a normal sized girl with a centimetre of excess fat. I shifted uncomfortably before turning to John Laverty. “We’d better forget dinner and go to the gym.” (Laughter all round). I think it’s fair to assume that Leon favours the waif!

You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s easy for him to say, as a young professional sportsman in the prime of his life, but you know what they say about those that are critical of others – they are twice as critical of themselves.

At 6ft 3inches, Leon stands head and shoulders above the rest of his fellow riders in the Superbike paddock and a good 2 inches taller than me: he looks every bit the super-cool rider with his trademark spiked hair, pierced tongue and model good looks. He is, in short, a sponsors dream and a mother’s nightmare! In fact, he was on the books of Models 1, a top London agency, who have represented the likes of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and super waif, Kate Moss, but quickly learned modelling wasn’t for him. “I couldn’t be bothered with all the castings,” Leon proffered about the whole experience.

After all is said and done, he’s happiest on two wheels. Whether he’s piloting his Ducati around a racetrack, zipping about the paddock on his scooter, perched on his trials bike or peddling around the countryside in 70k sprint cycle races, Leon very definitely belongs to the bi-pod generation. In fact, after racing in the final round of the 2008 season at Brands Hatch, he headed up to Yorkshire to take part in the grueling 70-mile Scott Trial, one of the most challenging off-road trials in the world, after accepting a bet that he wouldn’t be able to make the first petrol point! Having done absolutely no training, it was touch and go as to how he’d fair. “I pushed myself to exhaustion but got past the hardest part and made it to 4 out of 6 petrol stops,” commented Leon after he’d retired from the trial.

His only nod to four wheels is his white Ford Transit van, a rather unpretentious mode of transport when you consider what he does for a living. Although he is considering changing his van for a M3 CSL, the fact that he would no longer be able to transport his trials bike to and from races will, I’m sure, mean he never gets one. And to be honest, given his temperament behind the wheel, it’s probably a good thing. To say he fits the white van/BMW driver of old stereotype is an understatement!

I was fortunate or unfortunate enough, however you see it, to experience his unique driving style firsthand when he heroically offered to drive my damaged foot and I to Northampton A&E, after I’d dropped 25 stone of Ducati Monster on it. Now I’m not saying he’s a bad driver but his penchant for hooting at people randomly and generally menacing them doesn’t necessarily endear him to other road users: but then he is all of 22! Lets be thankful he doesn’t drive a Corsa…

Although his antics could be considered childish and irresponsible, at the time they kept my mind off my swollen and frozen (thanks to a huge ice pack) right foot, well that and the fact that my presence in the van had relegated John Laverty to the cargo hold, along with Leon’s trials bike. Suddenly, an engine roared into life and it became obvious that John was bored in the back and had fired up the engine of Leon’s bike. (Much laughter upfront…) Quite where he thought he was off to is anyone’s guess!?

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"What is it about human nature that makes you watch something you know is going to make you feel sick?"

No stranger to hospital’s, Leon carefully parked his temporary 'ambulance' in a disabled space right outside the front door before offering a helping hand to get me to reception – his parents brought him up well! It was at this point I felt a complete fraud as I recalled the images I’d seen the night before, of his horrendous crash in August 2007, courtesy of YouTube. What is it about human nature that makes you watch something you know is going to make you feel sick?

Leon was airlifted to hospital where they discovered he’d sustained a fractured pelvis, a femoral shaft fracture to his left femur (thighbone) and dislocated his knee, after being thrown from his Honda Fireblade as he rode over The Mountain on his approach to Hall Bend.

Understandably he goes quiet if you mention the catastrophic crash that brought his 2007 season to an abrupt halt. Although he appears to be fully mended, he has the scars to tell the tale and a titanium rod running the full length of his thigh. There’s been talk of removing it but after careful consideration he’s decided to leave it where it is. “I don’t want to be out of action for another two months and miss out on my winter training,” said Leon. Despite both John and I suggesting he should get it removed, although I’m not sure why we felt we were qualified to give advice – perhaps it was because we were sitting in a hospital but Leon was having none of it. “I’ve chatted it through with my consultant and he thinks it’s fine to leave it where it is.”

Asked whether he felt nervous getting back on his bike after the seven months he was out of action, he replies nonchalantly, “Not really”.

Were you nervous racing at Cadwell Park this August? “No, you just get on with it. I’ve been riding a bike since I was three years old, it’s what I do” he commented. He obviously did just get on with it as he came fourth and then went on to win at Croft a few weeks later. Having dropped my own bike at zero miles per hour, and subsequently been nervous every time I slowed down for a few days after, I’ve decided Leon is Superman, either that or completely insane, but then everyone I’ve spoken to about bike

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racers warned me that they are completely unhinged!

For all his bravado and childish antics, Leon is a man on a mission, determined to get as far as he can in his sport. He has, after all, been honing his skills for most of his life. Progressing from multiple championship wins in the British Grasstrack Championship through to being crowned British 125 Champion more than once to where he is now, Ducati’s number two Superbike rider to Shane Byrne, with the successful Airwaves team. In the future, he’d like to compete in World Superbikes and MotoGP but, “It’s difficult with MotoGP, the Italians and Spanish all want their riders to compete so there aren’t many chances to even get a test, let alone compete,” Leon added.

Occasionally, when he’s not messing around with John or acting up for the Bike Channel, who were there to capture footage of him trying to obtain his road bike licence, you catch a glimpse of a depth of character.

There’s definitely more to Leon than meets the eye. During the week it transpired that the Airwaves Team he rides for were switching from Ducati to Yamaha. He would be riding the much talked about YZF-R1 bike with its big bang engine. He had just 24 hours to make a decision and sign a new contract. When I asked him how he felt about the move, he seemed genuinely thrown by the newly developed situation.

“It’s frustrating for me really, as I’ve only just started to get the best out of the Ducati and I’ll have to start over again. “Can’t you stay with Ducati?” I asked. “No, where the team goes, I go. I don’t really have a say in the matter.” As I sat there listening to him, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, I suddenly came over all protective. Lets face it, there aren’t many 22 year olds who have to make major career decisions in 24 hours, especially ones which will no doubt cause him to have to rethink his strategy for next season.

Leon is like the younger brother you never had. Although not particularly sophisticated, he makes you laugh and is the perfect antidote to a thirty-something editor who has begun to take life a little too seriously!

Profile

Left: Just another day at the office, Leon discusses qualifing times in his pit garage at Brands Hatch.

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Motorcycling

how to look good naked I never thought I'd like naked bikes but the CB100R is everything I know and love about motorcycles – and Hondas in particular – plus a few more things I didn’t know I liked until now.

Writer: Damian Harty

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Motorcycling

F

rom the moment you hear that startled-chipmunk sound of the starter motor, to the moment you switch it off, the entire journey will lift your mood. Whether it’s filtering through rush-hour traffic, carving on a favourite A-road or going to the shops, this is a Motorcycle-as-MoodEnhancer.

It generated an astonishing amount of attention and got me respectful nods wherever we went. Its looks are seriously funky and mostly wasted on me, but I do love the details like the blue accents on the suspension and embossed Honda wings on the tank.

Normally when things try this hard with their styling, the reality lets them down. Not so with the little CB. As you swing your leg over the alcantara seat (best not to wear jeans if you’ve left it out in the rain) the first thing you notice is its diminutive size – more like a 250 than a litre-bike. The riding position is right over the front wheel, initially giving a tremendously reassuring feeling of connection and immediacy.

When coupled with the wide bars the result is a delightful, intimate nimbleness that has the machine responding to every flicker of consciousness, every whim of direction.

Sometimes this can feel a bit much if you’re not in the mood, a bit like a puppy that doesn’t know you don’t want to play. However, far from being a criticism I find this simply makes me feel all curmudgeonly for not being in the mood, so I smile and get in the mood, which solves the problem.

It’s no sportsbike, and attempts to ride for minimum lap times, super accurate positioning and peg scraping perfection are more likely to result in fumbled giggling than a Rossi-beating rush. Criticising this would be like criticising Cindy Crawford for her mole. I mean, really.

Look at her cleavage if it bothers you that much.

The linked ABS brakes are truly fabulous. Not in terms of sportsbike ferocity, but in good, simple, honest stopping power. As you pull harder on the lever the frenzied fizzing sound from the front discs grows more intense and you know you’re working the wheel hard. Just as the front wheel starts to fold and your foot goes out, the ABS pulses and then gets back on the brakes tightly and quickly to get on with the business of drawing you to a halt. Try as I might I couldn’t find fault with the system,

even in the wet. The idea that it will cramp your style is pure pub talk. Of course it doesn’t make the bike uncrashable, but as a sentient being I feel the rider can make some informed choices in that direction, so I don’t see it as a flaw. If you really want to go stunting, just pop the fuse out of the ABS. So is there anything I don’t like about this bike? Yes, of course. I wouldn’t be a journalist if I didn’t find something to whinge about.

Still, the only two things I can criticise are the stupid LCD block fuel gauge, which flashes the last of five (six?) blocks at some indeterminate and un-noticed point (really, chaps, it’s fuel injection; cars have had “mileage remaining" for years and Triumphs have it – where is it on Hondas?) and the slightly awkward headlight dip switch action. A bit like complaining that I don’t like the shade of Angelina Jolie’s lipstick rather than noticing her sumptuously kissable lips themselves, I feel.

The headlight itself is stunningly good. My neck muscles would give way before I’d run out of visibility in the dark. The whole neck muscle growth thing is simply something that goes with the naked bike territory and the CB1000R is no exception. It does however have the effect of rendering my licence safe from harm on the motorway, and something about the bike means my manhood isn’t threatened by the turbodiesel Audi coming past 15 mph faster than me.

This whole effect on my psyche has been a fascinating and pleasant surprise for me with the Little Engine That Could. Of course, when I say little I need not forget that it is a full litre, and with its redline at 10,000 rpm has a really usable, useful feel to it; allied to short gearing associated with its lack of wind protection, it feels faster than my Blackbird. It isn’t, of course – whether in isolated performance measures or real world journey times, but somehow this isn’t the point.

I just don’t care what time it is or how late I am. Every ride is an occasion, no challenges to my fragile ego present themselves (well of course he’s faster, he’s on a ‘Blade – so what?) and my licence is resting more easily than it ever has done on the Blackbird. I can’t take any luggage? Well, I’ll just have to not need any.

I feel somehow empowered to just enjoy it.

Can one ask for more in a naked playmate?

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Motorcycling

little star Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

P

arked next to the rather tall and upright supermotard style Suzuki DR125SM, also on test, the CBR125R looked tiny in comparison but it’s taut integrated bodywork and race-inspired looks will certainly appeal to many a beginner. Hey, Just because we sport L-plates doesn’t mean we want to look like novices or, for that matter, sound like one. Firing up the electric starter, it has a surprisingly meaty sounding engine. “Are we certain this is a 125?” I asked a colleague, whilst letting the revs creep up to around 10,000 rpm. It was too cold to redline it to 13,000.

After pushing it across my lawn (a long story) and promptly getting it stuck in the gravel drive, I was impressed that someone as weedy as me could pick up the rear and move it, unaided. That has to be the baseline test for any learner bike, knowing that if you drop it, which you inevitably will, you can pick it up again with ease. Unlike the 25-Stone Monster!

Out on the road, although I looked ridiculously tall and gangly on the back, the riding position was good and the power delivery from its single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine was strong and silky smooth, making it a joy to ride. It was forgiving too, particularly after I’d over cooked it turning into a

56 . 1° East . winter 08

corner and the back wheel started to give way, prompting me to do the unthinkable – brake and put my foot down! With no drama, I was able to catch it and continue. Riding around the country lanes, its nimble handling made for an exciting ride, whilst its rear suspension worked effectively to smooth out any bumps in the road. Its brakes were reassuringly progressive and when I opened up the little 125 cc engine, unleashing the full 13 bhp, along the A11 in high winds, it felt stable and planted, despite its skinny tires suggesting otherwise.

Being the first bike I've ridden in the dark, I was impressed by how bright the dual line beam headlights were, and how easy they were to operate and didn’t have to stretch my fingers too far, which is a bonus.

Available in three colour variations, the CBR125R is a great introduction to the CBR range and one, I suspect, that new riders could happy hone their skills on for a few years without feeling hard done by. And at £2,650 with just £15 to pay for a road fund licence, it’s good value, although at this time of year, I’m sure there are deals to be done.

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Sport

Between the posts WHEN William Webb Ellis, a schoolboy from Rugby, picked up a football and ran with it back in 1823, little would he have known he was creating an entirely new sport.

Writer: Simon Skeffington

W

hether fact or fiction, there is no doubting the worldwide explosion in popularity of the oval ball game during the past 200 years. While it will never replace football as the nation’s favourite ball sport, gone is the stereotype image that ‘rugger’ was only for public schoolboys and toffs.

England's World Cup triumph in 2003 and subsequent near miss in just failing to defend the title last year gave a big boost to live and television audiences. So what is in store for 2008/09? Kicking off are the autumn internationals. For many people, these games are the highlight of the season as the home nations face the might of the southern hemisphere. But don’t expect Australia, New Zealand or South Africa to be anything approaching a pushover. These games aren’t known as Tests for the fun of it! The international action doesn’t end there. The New Year brings with it the RBS 6 Nations

58 . 1° East . winter 08

Championship. Last year Wales ruled the roost with an emphatic Grand Slam – their second in four years – so all eyes will be on them. The tournament runs from February 7 to March 21 2009, although even that is too soon for poor old Jonny Wilkinson. Blighted by injury after injury since drop kicking England to World Cup glory over the Aussies five years ago, a dislocated knee is the latest woe keeping him off the pitch. But Cipriani waits in the wings as a potential superstar so all is not lost!

If internationals aren’t enough there are also thriving domestic competitions to keep your appetite whetted. The Guinness Premiership runs until May, while the Heineken and European Challenge Cups provide the thrills for club sides on both sides of the Channel.

And before I sign off, a quick mention for the game’s other ‘code’ – rugby league. For at time of writing its World Cup is in full flow Down Under, with the final due to take place on November 22.

Sport

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Golf

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Golf

Designs on the Future Individual sports that involve serious punting need an outstanding profile; golf is a prime example. Since winning the USPGA back in May the imperious Tiger Woods has been sidelined with a knee injury meaning interest in this great sport has waned and I’ll bet turnover has suffered for every bookmaking/betting exchange organisation.

Writer: Jeffrey Ross

W

ithout Tiger there’s no doubt golf has become somewhat boring, even though modern technology has enabled viewers to have ‘the best seat in the house’ through television coverage. Tiger is a colossus, he bestrides the green scene in similar fashion to Mohammad Ali when boxing was probably the most talked about sport on our planet; after his retirement and subsequent demise there was nothing like the same interest apart from the much-chronicled Mike Tyson who gained more publicity from out-of-the-ring antics than in it. Woods at 32 is just about at the zenith of his powers and he’s taking no chances with the left knee, which takes a colossal follow through strain; Tiger recently mentioned 2010 as the year he’ll be back on song. For punters and bookmakers, not to mention TV companies, that’s a long way off.

Patience is the supreme virtue, until you run out of time! Fortunately Tiger has both but what about punters? Will they have got out of the habit of backing a prohibitive 5/2 chance, in a 150-strong field, a year from now? Betfair is the biggest betting exchange in the world, its golf turnover has plummeted; the likes of Mickelson, Singh, Garcia just don’t ‘cut it’ on stage, and never will. Audiences wont, and can’t, appreciate handicappers after getting used to a classic. Golf betting WAS great fun but with poor liquidity on Betfair it’s impossible to trade satisfactorily and only Tiger can rectify the situation.

So where is Tiger now?

Specifically that’s unanswerable but we know where he’s been, Dubai, America and Mexico!

The ‘Worlds most famous and recognisable sportsman’ was recently espied in the land of luxury, North America and Mexico on his golf-design missions – all a bit daunting, for

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goLF

golfers! Tiger took golf to a new level, he was unassailable and so what would be ‘par’ for him is going to be nigh impossible for anyone else, surely. We take a look at Tiger’s three new course designs that are destined to become classics when they finally open their fairways over the next few years. al ruwaya, Dubai, within the newly created ‘The Tiger Woods – Dubai’ golf course community, will be a 7,700 yards, par 72 championship-quality course, embodying Woods’ vision of the ideal course design. The course will include dramatic elevation changes, lush landscaping, stunning water features and an overall design programme that will challenge and entertain golfers of all playing abilities. Tiger Woods said of his decision to choose Dubai for his first ever course design.

“Why Dubai? Because I am excited about the challenge of transforming a desert terrain into a world-class golf course, I have a vision of creating something that is uniquely mine from the detailed layout of each hole to the Mediterranean architecture to the top-line gym equipment in the clubhouse – it will be unlike anything else.” The golf course community, will also include a golf academy; a 60,000-squarefoot clubhouse; an 80-suite boutique hotel for vIP guests; 300 luxury villas; 20 mansions and a retail area, is scheduled for completion in late 2009 over an area of 25.3 million sq ft at ‘Dubailand’.

Asheville, North Carolina is the destination for Tiger’s second design and first course in his native America. Unique in its stunning mountain setting, the Cliffs at High Carolina will take full advantage of the 50-mile panoramic views.

The 7,279 yards, par 71 course with elevations

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reaching nearly 4,000 feet has been designed to embrace the natural contours, streams and wildlife native to the Carolina Preserve. Tiger has designed it with the ‘walking’ golfer in mind, something that is alien to the average American golfer, I’m sure! Although carts will be available to those who need them, High Carolina staff will be trained to encourage those who can to walk the course and take in the breathtaking scenery. High Cliffs is due to be completed mid 2010.

Punta Brava, mexico will play host to Tigers’ first oceanfront course. The private 18-hole 6,835-yard, par-70 course will be built on the tip of a secluded jagged peninsula stretching seven miles into the Pacific Ocean near Ensendada, just 65 miles south of San Diego and an hour’s flight from Los Angeles. Punta Brava, or ‘Wild Point’, is surrounded on three sides by rugged coastline and on the fourth by a mountain peak secluding it from the mainland. Designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, it will maximise incredible ocean views in almost every direction and incorporate the natural topography and rock outcroppings.

Seventeen of the 18 holes will sit on the ocean, with eight shots playing over water. Expect a dramatic finish. In addition to the course, Punta Brava will feature a wellness spa, hiking, fishing, surfing, diving, children’s activities, and language and culinary courses. Residents will be able to participate in immersion courses focused on marine biology, astronomy and archaeology, among others. The property is ideally situated to take advantage of the rich cultural offerings of the region, including Mexico’s premier wine region. Punta Brava is due to be completed in late 2010.

Golf

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REVIEW

64 . 1째 East . winter 08

REVIEW

Left: 'Olympia-Plaits-Head' Holstein, a German breed of horse often used in dressage and showjumping.

THE HORSE PHOTOGR APHER It's a shame that the only contemporary British photographers most people can name are David Bailey and Lord Litchfield; especially as photography is one of the few areas in which we Brits still excel.

Writer: Jarowan Power Photographer: Tim Flach

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REVIEW

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REVIEW

Right: Part of a series of horse embryo photographs taken at a department of Cambridge University.

Chronological order from top to bottom, 30 days, 65 days and 85 days.

Left: 'Dante's Neck' Neck of a Lusitano.

T

im Flach is a very good example of this. Having graduated from the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 1983, he has worked as a commercial and fine art photographer ever since. He has won numerous international awards along the way and his pictures have been exhibited in Dubai, Shanghai, Tokyo, Berlin and Houston. You see his work every time you go to the supermarket or walk down the high street and even when you post a letter, yet whenever I mention his name or tell friends about his work, I’m greeted with blank stares and mutterings of "who’s he?" As soon as I show them one of his pictures however, their faces light up with recognition. "Oh that’s the guy from the Apprentice, the one who photographs the horses."

I guess it is a compliment. Maybe as a photographer you haven’t really made it until your photographs become better known than you.

If this is the case, Tim, who specialises in photographing animals, is most definitely an A-list snapper. As a commercial photographer, Tim has photographed dogs and cats for pet food manufactures, the iconic Lloyds Bank 'black horse', not to mention the images of 'working dogs' used by the Royal Mail for a set of stamps.

Tim’s passion or, quite possibly obsession, is for equine photography; I say passion advisedly after meeting Tim in his impressive London studio last year. I remember leaving the studio, some two hours later, feeling intoxicated, such was Tim’s enthusiasm for his subject. The working title for his project was Equus. The challenge; to try and understand and document the centuries old relationship between horse and man.

This personal project has taken six years and seen Tim working in environments as varied as the stables of Sheik Omah in the United Arab Emirates, the Rocky mountains of the US, the frozen seas of Iceland and the fabled turf of the home of horseracing – Newmarket racecourse.

Using a mixture of documentary style shots, abstracts and beautifully lit portraits, he manages to convey a sense of atmosphere and emotion in each of the the images. They are so compelling, they stop you in your tracks and urge you to look awhile longer. This is especially apparent in the series of embryo images taken at Cambridge University.

The result of Tim’s journey through the equine world can be found in his new book, EQUUS. This magnificent and beautifully produced coffee table book has over 300 images dedicated to his passion and here are just a few to wet your appetite. If you are quick, you may still be able to get hold of some of his limited edition prints. For more information visit www.timflach.com

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food&drink

five bites Titchwell Manor North Norfolk  Norfolk may finally be embracing the live music scene. Headed up by Eric Snaith, Titchwell Manor conservatory restaurant has been quietly gaining a following for its food and on the night we visited, it was virtually full. Not bad for a Wednesday night! This was no ordinary night however, as The Matt Hodges Jazz Band was in residence playing soothing background melodies to an eager audience, most of whom seemed to be celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary. The jazz nights have been so positively received that the band, who play all over the UK and Europe, are booked to return once a month for an indefinite period. Mussels were on the menu, as you’d expect, given their proximity to Brancaster Staithe and the start of the new season.

As was good old-fashioned fish and chips with perfectly cooked mushy peas. A simple dish often poorly executed in restaurants, but not here. Service is attentive but not too in your face and they don’t do that annoying thing of taking your wine and putting it out of reach. Once you’ve finished in the restaurant take time to relax in the large contemporary bar area or by the fire. To celebrate the mussel season, we noticed on their website that they are offering fantastic deals on midweek breaks, which include dinner, so it might be worth making a night of it. www.titchwellmanor.com

La Strada Towcester This family run Italian restaurant serves the best Italian cuisine we’ve tasted outside of Italy. Situated a stones throw from Silverstone in Museum Courtyard.

It’s not just the food that is spectacular in this relaxed restaurant but that the service is exemplary too! The night we managed to get a table, (we’d tried twice before but failed as they were always busy) Thierry, the French maitre’de was the perfect host and his recommendation to try the ‘Trio of Fish’ special, was spot on. As was the Carpaccio of raw fillet steak – Squisito! www.la-strada.co.uk

Firecracker Restaurant Suffolk South America meets Suffolk in the form of a unique fusion of Suffolk barn and tasty Mexican food.

Situated along the A140 in Mendlesham, you’ll find the Chilli Company and it’s award winning Mexican restaurant – Firecracker. Serving everything from Nachos to homemade Fiery Chilli Poppers straight off their farm to sizzling Fajitas and bowls of Chilli Con Carne. A wake up call for the senses. Attracts all age groups. www.chillicompany.com

Pulse Café & Bar Norwich This trendy vegetarian eatery is a refreshing change from the normal more earthy vegetarian offerings.

Tucked away in a peaceful courtyard, just off Guildhall Hill above Rainbow Wholefoods, it serves a range of dishes inspired from around the globe, using fresh vibrant flavours and organic produce.

Their Avocado and Bean Burger is to die for, even for non vegetarians, like us. www.rafflesrestaurant.co.uk

 Abbots Restaurant & Bar Hemingford Abbots, Cambridge A golfer’s playground! Perfect your back swing on the floodlit driving range, head to the extensive floodlit short game area to work on your lob shots or book a lesson with the pro before heading inside for a beer and a bite to eat in Abbots Restaurant.

This stylish eatery, within the architecturally designed state-of-theart Cambridge Golf and Conference Centre, just off the A14, is testament to Peter Durham and his wife’s vision. Serving modern British food with both French and Italian influences, Abbots, is fast gaining respect with discerning diners. We tried the Slow Braised Gloucester Old Spot Pork with Black Pudding, English Apple and Pea Puree and Pan Roasted Barham Hall Pheasant Breast from the new Autumn menu and were pleasantly surprised by the highly creative presentation. For dessert we opted for old faithful Sticky Toffee Pudding and the cheese board, which had some of the most delicious cheeses we’ve had in ages. If more golf club restaurants were like this, I’m sure membership numbers wouldn’t be dwindling. www.cgcc.co.uk

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food&drink

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FooD&Drink

it's all a matter of taste Writer: Simon Skeffington

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hen the Ed arrived in the office and announced she was taking me to a wine tasting evening, images of pompous blazer-wearing types studiously snorting, swilling and spitting, followed by declarations that the wine had a nose of freshly mown grass with a hint of aviation fuel, spices, pedigree chum and old oak sprung to mind. Great! That should be fun…

Luckily the reality was somewhat different. We arrived fashionably late to find St Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich full of harmless-looking wine enthusiasts, already enjoying their first glass of the night and "images of pompous not a spittoon in sight! Our host, owner Jayne Raffles, greeted us blazer-wearing warmly and thrust a glass of Rosé types studiously into our hands. “We’re running a snorting, swilling competition to guess the wine’s and spitting, followed country of origin, the grape variety and the retail value,” she by declarations that said. Now, I have to admit my the wine had a nose knowledge of wine is somewhat of freshly mown grass limited. Despite visiting vineyards, with a hint of aviation champagne houses and distilleries through work, I have managed to fuel, spices, pedigree learn very little. In fact, the only chum and old oak, thing I gleaned is that I know sprung to mind." nothing about wine. And nor does the Ed, although that doesn’t stop her drinking copious amounts! Wine making is very much an art form – soil, grape varieties, country of origin, the weather and the production process all contribute to the wine's character, aroma and taste – something very few of us really appreciate when we drop into the local supermarket to grab a bottle of Merlot.

Don’t get me wrong, I can pick out a decent bottle according to the Ed, but that’s mainly trial and error over the years – once you find one you like, my theory is you should stick to it. The same applies to Chinese meals. Its

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chicken and cashew nuts with egg fried rice, all the way. So the chances of us winning the competition without some creative interpretation of the rules, was going to be slim. The competition aside, the evening was about tasting wine the way it should be, in my opinion, with good food!

During the four delicious courses of our beautifully presented set menu, carefully chosen wines were poured into our glasses to complement each meal. It got off to a good start with some sparkling wine, followed by a white, a rose and a red, by which time both the Ed and I started to feel suitably relaxed. But there was more to come – a rather moreish dessert wine. We persevered and desperately tried to concentrate as the wine merchant tried his best to explain to us how the wine industry works, and how his wines were different from those you buy in the supermarkets, before standing up to give a similar speech to the rest of the diners. The atmosphere by this point was jovial and the near full newly-refurbished restaurant began to come alive, just as the last of the plates were cleared away. It was then time for our wine expert to announce the winners of the competition. Now it should be noted at this juncture that the Ed, earlier in the evening, had come back from the toilet triumphant.

She’d discovered the empty Rosé at the foot of the stairs but could only make out it was a Sauvignon of some sort from Chili. She couldn’t be sure so dispatched me to confirm her findings.” I’ve learnt not to argue with the Ed, so I made my excuses and went to take a look. Unlike the Ed, however the waiter caught me looking but at least I came back with ALL the facts. And, if it hadn’t been for the Ed’s questionable pricing strategy, and although we cheated mercilessly, I think we’d have won… but what would that have proved?

Even if you don’t know your Sauvignon from your Shiraz, it’s a great way to spend an evening. www.rafflesrestaurants.co.uk

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If you’re looking for that house you can’t find, call Garrington on 01223 858 310.

travel

Fun in the Sun Lured by great roads, a fire-breathing Jaguar XKR-S and the promise of some winter sun, it was hard to say no.

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

T

he great thing about flying is it gives you time to catch up on your reading, so on leaving BA’s business lounge we swiped a couple of magazines. Settling into our reasonably roomy seats prior to the two and half hour journey to Naples thoughts of the beautiful the Amalfi Coast not far from my our minds, we were both happy to substitute mobile phones and laptops and get down to the business of relaxing – a rarity these days.

A meaty looking article about an Italian novelist Roberto Saviano, who co-scripted a gangland film that won the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes film festival – following the success of his international bestselling book Gomorrah – caught my eye, although afterwards I wish it hadn’t!

As I read on I discovered Roberto was from Naples, his book factual rather than fictional and pretty much autobiographical. In it he’d exposed the underbelly of Italy’s ‘other mafia’ the Camorra, based in and around Naples. To cut a long story short, they make The Godfather look like the Simpsons! Still relatively unknown internationally, the Camorra is a collection of clans bigger than the Sicilian Mafia and more violent than the Russian Mob! Despite the success of his book and subsequent acceptance by the film industry, however, the acclaimed 29-year-old lives out his days imprisoned by the threat of recriminations. On a brighter note, the article went on to say, although still functioning the Camorra mob are hugely reduced in numbers due, in no small part, to the publication of Gomorrah.

Needless to say I got off the plane feeling slightly anxious, wondering how I’d managed to hone in on that particular article given there were plenty of others. Was someone trying to tell me something…?

Thankfully, Naples has other claims to fame besides its über mob! The birthplace of the pizza, Neapolitan ice cream and some of the worse roads known to man; discovered after we found ourselves lost in the darkest depths of the city due to my inability to follow the simple instructions given by Jaguar’s XKR-S satellite navigation lady, newly christened Donnatella.

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Travel

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Travel

After a seriously quick re-calculation by Donnatella, she began her guided tour of some of the roughest parts of Naples. “Can we stop by that wall,” chirped up the photographer as we drove by a wall covered in colourful Graffiti. At which point Donnatella threw a strop and went into meltdown. We parked up and he began snapping away as quickly as possible. We had no intention of being mentioned in Roberto’s sequel, but after a couple of minutes a shady-looking character on a scooter appeared from nowhere, heading straight towards the car. After an exchange of worried glances, we tried to remain calm as he started foraging around in his inside pocket. Thoughts of carjacking sent us scurrying back towards the car, just as he started shouting at us in Italian. Being linguistically challenged, we had no idea what he was trying to communicate. He could have been saying, ‘Don’t move or I’ll blow your brains out,’ for all we knew. (I think we’ve been watching too ganster movies!) It was only when he started photographing the car with his mobile that we realised we were safe. He was saying ‘beautiful Jaguar!’

It was just like being in a Ferrari all over again. Italians, it would seem, love all things English whether it’s old Minis, Aston Martins or fire-breathing Jaguars.

I’d like to say we made like a bat out of hell to our hotel, some 44 kilometres along the revered Amalfi Coast, but I’d be lying. I’d been promised flowing, sinuous roads with fantastic corners – the ideal test for the XKR-S. The reality was roads filled with a zillion tourist coaches, fiat 500s and lunatics on scooters, making for an arduous drive. There’s nothing more frustrating than having 416 bhp to play with but nowhere to unleash it.

Time to forget the car’s capabilities and enjoy the Mediterranean sun, mountainous scenery and vast seascapes. Even the frenetic and random driving of Italians couldn’t mar the overall experience. Or could they?

Stopping to take further pictures, we were appalled by the sheer volume of rubbish strewn pretty much everywhere.

Litter, cans, condoms, you name it, the whole place is choked by it.

An hour and a half later we arrived at Hotel Casa Angelina, perched on the side of the mountain at the edge of Praiano village, which is flanked between the beautiful

village of Sorrento and the tourist magnet that is Amalfi.

But, before we could relax there was the hotel’s perilous drive to negotiate – three hairpin bends, a sheer mountain drop and just a simple white steel fence to prevent us from impending death if I accidentally hit the gas rather than the brake.

It was all worth it though for Casa Angelina is one of the most stylish properties along the coast, cleverly blending modern design, architecture and simple ‘Persil’ white décor with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Thirty nine bright and airy white rooms and suites, most featuring terraces, allow the full impact of the breathtaking views of the sea, azure blue sky and Island of Capri beyond to take centre stage. Its roof-top restaurant, reached by a panoramic glass lift with twinkly multi-coloured LED lights – the same discrete twinkly lights that dominate the ceiling in their ultra stylish lounge bar – is regularly voted by Italian press as one of the best places to dine in the region. Also, the most amazing place to enjoy breakfast. In short it is the perfect address from which to explore this delectable Italian region.

No visit would be complete without a trip to the historic village of Revello, a magnet for writers, artists and musicians, frequented in the past by the likes of Virginia Wolf and Richard Wagner. The Ravello Festival, which began in 1953 in honour of Wagner still takes place every summer.

The drive back to Naples the following day was thankfully somewhat quieter, giving me more of an opportunity to appreciate the most powerful XK to-date. Although ever so slightly too big for the roads around the Amalfi coast, it still handled the tight corners admirably, thanks to an outstanding chassis and an unforgiving stiff suspension set-up. Out on the autostrade, the acceleration from its supercharged-engine was fierce and, all too soon, the journey that took way too long the day before was over; we were back in Naples airport ready to board our plane, another magazine in hand. This time, I stuck to fluffy articles…!

For more information about the hotel visit: www.casaangelina.com

Best Nightclub Music on the Rocks, situated on Positano beach is carved into the rocks, as its name suggests and attracts the glamorous international elite. www.musicontherocks.it Naples - Pizza Located within a glamorous yacht marina in the shadow of Castel dell’Ovo, Ristorante Transatlantico offers an extensive menu including delicious homemade pizza! www.ristorantetransatlantico.com L’Accanto Walk the 250 steps from Casa Angelina and take a fast highspeed Gozzo boat (available for hire www.lagavitella.it) along the coast to Sorrento and dine at gourmet Restaurant l’Accanto, lead by Michelin starred Executive Chef Michele Deleo, where he creates and serves the best of Mediterranean Cuisine. www.grandhotelangiolieri.it

"I’d been promised flowing, sinuous roads with fantastic corners – the ideal test for the XKR-S. The reality was roads filled with a zillion tourist coaches, fiat 500s and lunatics on scooters,"

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This Picture: The Hotel Casa Angelina clings to the cliff side which affords it the most incredible sea views.

Above & Right: The ambience of the Hotel is chic, white ,contemporary and very laid back.

Top Right: The XKRS was a popular sight on the twist coastal roads

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Travel

Needle in a haystack Finding a decent bed for the night in London is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Writer: Suzannah Sorrell Photographer: Jarowan Power

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here are plenty around but it is just knowing where to look; the best ones are often hidden away.

Staying within the City of London’s square mile isn’t perhaps the first place you’d think of, especially given the current banking crisis, but it’s the oldest part of the capital and a stones throw from Liverpool Street Station, where you’ll find one of the most interesting boutique hotels. A discrete entrance opposite the Bank of England and London Stock Exchange leads you to the former 19th century Victorian banking hall that is Threadneedles.

Behind the enormous doors and through a further set, you’ll be stunned by The Dome, an elaborate hand painted stained-glass dome dating back to 1856, which floods the lobby and honesty bar below in dazzling technicolour. Corinthian columns and original marble banking counters further echo the buildings past, and to the right is an ultra stylish bar. But it's the Penthouse, accessed by private lift towards the rear of the building, which is its biggest selling point; the outdoor balcony offering spectacular views across the city, including St Paul’s Cathedral, which looks amazing lit up at night. This flexible space can be rented as a whole or part there of. We stayed in 504 – a long richly decorated room with TV’s in every corner and even one in the bathroom, so you need not miss the news whilst shaving. The room also houses a desk and sofa area, making it perfect for a quick business

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meeting or entertaining friends, although with a terrace and a view, I’m not sure you’ll want to share it with anyone other than your better half. Speaking of which, a two-minute meander from the hotel you’ll discover a host of luxurious boutiques within the Royal Exchange or, if she is a lover of art, head to the Barbican Centre, Tate Modern or simply catch a cab or tube into the West End. However short your stay, no visit would be complete without going to try Bonds, a restaurant wthin it's own right. A haunt of locals, the well-heeled and foodies lured by the outstanding cuisine of notable French chef Barry Tonks. This is also where they serve their infamous ‘Power Breakfasts’, voted best in town by City AM newspaper.

Having tried the Ravioli of ‘native blue’ lobster, slow cooked ‘Pyrenees’ pork belly with pearl barley (a delicious alternative to risotto), and a selection of puddings, it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular.

Service was excellent and our sommelier was one of the best we’ve come across. Perhaps it was his New Zealand charm that won us over.

Just a shame that by the time you read this, he’ll have gone back to his roots, but I’m sure his influence over the extensive wine list, which includes a quaffable bottle of Mansion House, Pinot Noir, 2006, will live on.

For more information visit: www.theetoncollection.com

Travel

Swiss reserve Writer: Suzannah Sorrell

winter 08 . 1째 East . 77

Travel

W

hen the 1,000 hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4 was unveiled in 2005, everyone took a breath and held it for just a little bit longer than usual before releasing it slowly, trying desperately not to whistle. The £800,000 plus über-car was not only a work of art but also an enormous engineering tour de force for the historic marque. It was of little consequence that Volkswagen-owned Bugatti Automotive would lose over £4,000,000 every time they sold one, for they would go down in history for producing the automotive equivalent of Concord.

With the exception of a chosen few, most of us car journalists had to accept, somewhat graciously, we were unlikely to ever experience its greatness. We had to sit back and watch Topgear, along with the rest of the car hungry world, to begin to comprehend the emotion a vehicle of this magnitude could produce. It was tortourous but we got through it.

The question is, where do all the Veyron’s end up? Who buys them?

And more importantly, do they drive them or are they left to languish in some gargantuan temperature-controlled garage somewhere?

Well, I know for sure there are two being polished rigorously in Jack Barclay’s spangly London showroom, and know for a fact a resident of La Réserve, a distinctive 5-star boutique hotel in Genèva, is driving around in one; I saw it with my very own eyes during a recent visit. And, on sight, I wasn’t my usual cool and collected self; I literally ran from the bar, through the lobby, with a Telegraph journalist in tow, until ‘we’ were standing right next to its ultra shiny aluminium body, with its two huge roof-mounted air intakes and familiar grill.

Gazing adoringly at the enticing W16 engine, I silently prayed the owner would come out and fire her up. “You should marry the guy who owns this car!” commented my colleague who, despite not being into cars, was now smitten. We both laughed before tearing ourselves away and making our way back to the hotel’s funky ‘Le Bar’, one of the most stylish lounge bars in Genèva, to regain our composure. “What was all the fuss about?” asked a Times fashion journalist who was part

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Above: One of the luxurious bedroom.

Right: Le Bar, the hotel's funky lounge bar.

Right Centre Top: Le Loti Tented Restaurant.

Right Bottom: The beautiful swimming pool within La Spa Far Right: La Spa

Travel

of our party. “The fastest production car ever built is parked outside,” I said breathlessly, but it was completely lost on her.

The Bugatti and, ugly by comparison, Zonda, I’d seen the day before, summarised Genèva for me. Despite the Swiss being known as a car-hating nation, by turning Genèva into a tax haven they rendered themselves powerless to stop the transient über-weathy from driving around in their gas guzzling exotica. And thank god they did because if it wasn’t for the super cars, Lake Genèva and it’s close proximity to some of the worlds greatest ski resorts, it would be just another dull financial hub.

Even Lewis Hamilton has declared it ‘boring’, but I guess that’s the price you pay for protecting your assets. So, despite the tiny 282km2 Swiss city being somewhat uninspiring, it does make an ideal place for those looking for a relaxing bolthole, or a place to revive your bruised and battered post-piste body.

Although there are 15 five-star hotels to choose from, one of the most interesting is La Réserve, Flying from London City Airport, you can be smoothly delivered door to door in just 3 and half hours, as I discovered. Although from the outside it looks like a bad council gym, it has been imaginatively designed to look like an African lodge within – In conservative Switzerland! Confused? Don’t be, it’s the work of a whacky French interior designer and is his lateral interpretation of the name ‘La Réserve.’ Personally I think it was just his excuse to indulge his love of Bet-Lynch style animal print, which is everywhere, but who am I to say? Despite the animal print, it’s warm lavish colours, textured walls, elephant sculptures and lights of tropical birds made out of semi-translucent resin, all produce an air of decadence. Its position, overlooking one of the most famous lakes of the world – Lake Genèva – and its wonderfully attentive and approachable staff and relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere, ensures it attracts a rather glam crowd.

Its slick cavernous spa, one of the best in the city, attracts a loyal male following and houses an infinity pool with plenty of day beds to lounge around on, a state-of-the-art gym and an organic restaurant, La Spa,

serving delicious healthy food. Even if you are not an avid spa goer, the various treatments on offer using Swiss La Prairie or French Cinq Mondes products are perfect for reviving tired minds and bodies.

I recommend trying the Massage tonique – a deep tissue massage or a thai massage incorporating a pressure point massage, stretching and movement or simply opt for the Pour l'Hommer spa day – including a game of tennis or personal training session, along with various treatments. Alternatively, consult an onsite osteopath to straighten out any kinks in your body before retiring to your sumptuous room’s private terrace to watch the sun go down over Lake Genèva and Mont Blanc – a sight as breathtaking as the Veyron!

If you can tear yourself away, try out the tented Mediterranean restaurant, Le Loti, which serves the most amazing white truffle risotto and chocolate soufflé, both of which can be washed down with wine from the hotel’s vineyard - Cos d’Estournel – one of the finest Crus in Bordeaux. They also have a Chinese restaurant Le Tsè-Fung.

Genèva may be much more reserved than St Tropez or even Monaco, in that you won’t find masses of nightclubs full of nubile models and wealthy playboys, but it offers plenty of chic restaurants, bistros and relaxed lounge bars to see and be seen in.

The only unreserved things in Genèva are the neon signs on top of its tall buildings advertising the luxury watches Switzerland is famed for.

And although there isn’t much to do in Genèva centre, there is one place you must visit by Le Réserve’s complimentary water taxi – The Patek Philippe Museum. The Genèva-based master watchmaker has an extraordinary display of watches, musical automata and portrait miniatures from the 16th to the 19th century, in addition to a library dedicated entirely to horology and its related subjects.

For more information about La Réservevisit www.lareserve.ch. We recommend travelling from London City Airport with SWISS. They run 23 flights per day and prices are from £69 return.

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Directory Broad house hotel

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iscover Broad House, a unique boutique hotel offering 24 acres of secluded parkland on the edge of Wroxham Broads. Offering nine individually designed suites and bedrooms all with large spa-style bathrooms.

So whether visiting for a weekend break, celebratory evening meal in the fine dining restaurant serving local produce, vegetables and fruits from its own market garden or simply sipping a glass of Champagne out on the terrace, Broad House will deliver an unforgettably tranquil experience. Broad House Hotel lends itself to exclusive hire and is one of the finest venues in the region to celebrate your wedding day.

St benedicts restaurant

Broad House Hotel is, by far, one of the most beautiful places in Norfolk, to just be at peace with yourself, the beautiful countryside, the wildlife, and life in general. Travel to Broad House by boat, luxury limousine or helicopter and simply relax. New for the summer – cruiser available to charter for conferences, meetings for up to 12 people or just to spend time with friends enjoying Champagne.

Broad House County Estate Hotel, The Avenue, Wroxham, Norfolk NR12 8TS 01603 783567 info@broadhousehotel.co.uk www.broadhousehotel.co.uk

Cinema City

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t. Benedict’s restaurant, small but beautifully formed! Owned for 16 years by Jayne and Nigel Raffles, St Benedicts really is the flagship restaurant for the three other sites; Pinocchio’s, Pulse Café Bar and the wow factor Library Bar and Grill. All are located in Norwich city centre but manage to cater for many different styles of customers. St Benedict’s strengths are easy to see with fine food cooked by former Tom Atkins Chef Stuart Duffield, who concentrates on flavour and quality whilst not compromising excellent value for money. Jayne and restaurant manager Tom look after customers with friendly welcoming service and a well-chosen wine list. Not just for special occasions with lunch prices just £8.95 for two courses, St Benedicts is testament to a well-run establishment with people that really care.

St Benedicts Restaurant, St Benedicts Street, Norwich.

Open Tuesday - Saturday for lunch & dinner 01603 765377 www.rafflesrestaurants.co.uk

Ginger rose

G

inger Rose, tucked away in Lees Yard, Holt, has just launched a fabulous mail order brochure - Exceptional Gifts for Men. Owner Harriet Clayton-Gray noticed a gap in the market for fine interior products and giftware for men resulting in this 32-page brochure specially dedicated to them. It showcases Ginger Rose’s range of leather furniture, home accessories and quality gift ideas which include elegant umbrella and stick stands, wine carriers, photo frames, jewellery boxes, magazine baskets and the most beautiful folding writing desk to be treasured and passed onto future generations. A must keep gift bible for women and a relaxed form of retail therapy for men. For your complimentary copy please call 01263 711205 or why not make the time, when next in Norfolk, to come and visit the shop for the full Ginger Rose experience; where you will find two floors of exceptional interiors and gifts for all the family. www.ginger-rose.co.uk 01263 711205 Ginger Rose, Lees Yard, Holt, NR25 6HS

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inema City celebrated it’s first birthday in October - an exciting milestone - and continues to maintain its reputation for showing the very best arthouse and independent films from around the world as well as major blockbusters, in its luxurious state-of-the-art auditoria. We also have a fantastic restaurant serving fine, locally sourced seasonal food, hand prepared in our kitchen.

Relax with a simple snack, afternoon tea or enjoy a hearty meal at Cinema City.

The grade 1 listed Suckling House and the medieval courtyard are a wonderful setting to while away time with friends before taking your seats in the newly refurbished screens.

You can also take a glass of wine or gin and tonic into the screens as we’re fully licensed throughout. How civilised!

Cinema City St Andrew’s Street, Norwich, NR2 4AD Restaurant bookings 07504 356 378 Ticket bookings 0871 704 2053 www.picturehouses.co.uk

Directory Cambridge Aero Club

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ltimate Adventure! Discover the exhilarating freedom and excitement of a trial flying lesson with Cambridge Aero Club. Marvell at the views of historic Cambridge and surrounding countryside and even take control of the aircraft under the expert guidance of your own flight instructor!

A little more adventurous? For adrenalin junkies we offer spectacular aerobatic experiences in our high performance competition aircraft.

To treat yourself or a loved one to the experience of a lifetime call Cambridge Aero Club on 01223 373717 Simply call us and we will send you a personalised flight voucher for the flight of your choice.

Flight experiences start from only £105! www.cambridgeaeroclub.com

national express

English Whisky co.

T

he English Whisky Co. presents England’s only whisky distillery. St George’s Distillery, located in Norfolk, just 5 minutes off the A11, is open to the public and free to enter. Once in, you’ll discover one of the most impressive and wellstocked whisky shops in the region, selling whiskies from all round the world, in addition to their own products. For those who have an hour to spare, the St George’s Tour is a fascinating insight into the creation of single malt whisky, and offers the chance of a taste. The distillery itself is a stunning architecturally designed building and perfect for hiring as a venue for conferences, weddings or any other occasion you can dream up.

N

ational Express East Anglia operates train services from London Liverpool Street station across the East of England.

For more information about their services please log on to: www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com or ring 0845 600 7245.

St George’s Distillery is open 7 days a week for pre and post Christmas shopping. A large range of gifts is also available.

St George's Distillery Harling Road Roudham, Norfolk NR1 3LB 01953 717939 www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Directory If you feel your business should be in the 1 Degree East Directory, please contact: sales@1degreeeast.co.uk or phone 07830 041187 for more information.

winter 08 . 1° East . 81

ACKnoWLeDGeMents

Winter 2008 Issue 4 PM

Page 1

1 DEgREE EAST

CARS BIKES golf fASHIoN lIfESTYlE SPoRT

FA S H I O N S G O. URES.

A NEw BREED of gENTlEmAN’S quARTERlY

Leon Camier

Two wheels one aim

To our readers we hope that you have enjoyed the fourth issue of 1 Degree East. Below you will find the contact details for the products, companies and services we have mentioned within the issue.

FRONT COVER

Photographer: Jarowan Power Model: Leon Camier

Location: Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit ON TARGET www.rbss.co.uk THE ULTIMATE UNDERWEAR www.myshreddies.com www.jockey.com

ISSuE NumBER 4 NoVEmBER 2008

omenal Continental GT. Supremely stylish, yet never sion with the appearance of one complete, flowing hose beautifully understated Bentley touches.

Prepare your senses. This is the most exhilarating GTC. Wings were made for the sky.

© www.1degreeeast.co.uk

We at Big Dog Consultancy would like to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed in whatever way to this issue of 1 Degree East.

DONT CALL US WE'LL CALL YOU www.goodwood.co.uk

01603 219955

1 DEgrEE East magaZinE

A new breed of gentlemen’s quarterly is published by Big Dog Consultancy Ltd – a new breed of creative agency. It is available at premium car dealerships, golf clubs, hotels, marinas, gastro pubs and menswear shops across the east of England. It is also available on private jets from Marshalls Cambridge, private helicopter charters, fairline yachts and at Honda Powerboat races through the UK. 1ºEast is also mailed to an exclusive readership of racing drivers, golfers and international travellers. 1ºEast is available online and an html link is emailed to each member every quarter.

Big Dog Consultancy Ltd Quorn Cottage, Horse Shoe Road, Welborne, Norwich, Norfolk, NR20 3LF www.bigdogconsultancy.co.uk tel: 01362 858862 Email: enquiries@1degreeeast.co.uk Visit: www.1degreeeast.co.uk aDVErtising saLEs tEam tel: 08443 578244 sales@1degreeeast.co.uk EDitoriaL tEam Editor-in-Chief: Suzannah Sorrell Motoring Editor: Suzannah Sorrell staff Writer: Simon Skeffington ContriBUting WritErs Tom Cain Damian Harty Jeffrey Ross

THIS WAY UP www.cambridgeaeroclub.co.uk THE ESTATE OF PLAY www.millbrook.com www.bmw.co.uk NEW POWER GENERATION www.teslamotors.com PICKUP LINES www.nissan.co.uk TESTING TIMES www.ducati.com/od/ducatiuk/ www.bsm.com SUPERMAN www.ducati.com/od/ducatiuk/ www.airwaves-ducati.co.uk HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED www.honda.co.uk DESIGNS ON THE FUTURE www.tigerwoods.com THE HORSE PHOTOGRAPHER www.timflach.com

Copyright: Big Dog Consultancy Ltd Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate, Big Dog Consultancy does not accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission of the publisher. All material has been published in good faith as having been supplied for publication. Information correct at time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders of material used in this publication.

Big Dog Consultancy does not offically endorse any advertising material or editorials for third party products included within this publication. Care is taken to ensure advertisers follow advertising codes of practice and are of good standing, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors.

Big Dog Consultancy Ltd VAT number GB 907415041 Registered in England under number 5499878 1 Degree East magazine is avaliable by subscription.

For further information, please visit the website www.1degreeeast.co.uk and click subscribe.

The cover price of the magazine is £3.50.

Products with a Mixed Sources label support the development of responsible forest management worldwide. The wood comes from FSC certified well-managed forests, company controlled sources and/or post-consumer reclaimed material.

Controlled wood is not FSC certified, but is controlled by the company to exclude: a) Wood from forest areas where traditional or civil rights are violated. b) Wood from forests where high conservation values are threatened. c) Wood from genetically modified (GM) trees. d) Illegally harvested wood. e) Wood from natural forests which have been harvested for the purpose of converting the land to plantations or other non – forest use.

FUN IN THE SUN www.jaguar.co.uk www.steinhotels.com NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK www.theetoncollection.com SWISS RESERVE www.lareserve.ch Thanks to Sally Swadling

TT-COC-002452

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jason Harris and Beatrice Giusti – Ferrari GB Alan Jones – Ducati GB Simon Wittenburg – for all their support throughout 2008

DEsign tEam art Editor: Patrick Benjamin Photographer: Jarowan Power Printing: Warners

Consultancy A New breed of Creative Agency www.bigdogconsultancy.co.uk

BDC

FA S H I O N S C O M E . FA S H I O N S G O. PURE DESIGN ENDURES.

THE C ON T I N EN TA L G TC .

Sleek, magnificent lines shaped by the phenomenal Continental GT. Supremely stylish, yet never the dictate of fashion or whim. A graceful vision with the appearance of one complete, flowing form. Enveloping an interior dressed with those beautifully understated Bentley touches.

Elegance and sportiness in equal measure. Prepare your senses. This is the most exhilarating convertible in the world. The Continental GTC. Wings were made for the sky.

BENTLEY NORWICH 36-42 Duke Street, Norwich NR3 3AR. Tel: 01603 219955 www.bentleymotors.com/bentleynorwich The names ‘Bentley’, ‘Continental GT’, ‘Continental GTC’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2008 Bentley Motors Limited.

Model shown: Bentley Continental GTC, price £132,500. All prices mrrp. Official fuel consumption figures for the Bentley Continental GTC in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.2 (25.3). Extra Urban 24.4 (11.6). Combined 16.6 (17.0). CO2 emissions (g/km): 396.