Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group
April 2021
Welcome to T.U.G. Dear Members, After the debacle of the February issue, which was two months late, we now plumb further depths by presenting the April issue four months late. It was getting tedious making bricks without straw and I just couldn’t face finishing it off. My apologies. It is also probably the weakest of the ‘pandemic’ issues, but that is due to dearth of content. I am hoping to produce an ‘August’ issue for printing and distribution when Group Nights resume in September but I desperately need something to put in it. If some of you could send me some copy, even if it has nothing to do with motorbikes, I would be pathetically grateful. The final copy date is Friday, 27th August. Chris
Naughty Boy Editor (TUG@eamg.org.uk)
Chairman’s Piece
2
Zoom Group Night
4
Test Passes
5
Membership Info
7
New Members
8
Training Team News
10
Old This & That …
13
New Roadcraft
18
Membership Form
22
Dates for the Diary?
24
Old Picture Gallery
26
New Highway Code
30
Old Events Report
33
Further Training
42
What’s happening next?
Log into www.eamg.org.uk, then
Runs and Rides Forum
And follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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CHAIRMAN’S PIECE April 2021
Fingers and toes crossed we will be out of this doom and gloom soon. Hopefully you have all seen the committee’s road map out of lockdown. We made difficult decisions to keep rigidly to the government restrictions and to uphold the good reputation we have as a training group. I’m sorry if you felt we could have done more sooner and we wish we could have, but we are close to having some normality for the summer. Please remember when you are undertaking any group activity we will be scrutinised by members of the public and part of our promoting excellence in motorcycling is the public perception of motorcyclists in general.
We have held a couple of on-line natter nights hosted by Mick Hewitt and myself which have given new members a chance to pop in and say hello. These will continue till we are allowed back in Channels. If you haven’t had the opportunity to ride during the restrictions please remember to take some time to practice and get your riding
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back to your best as the guidelines allow. As we start training again please make sure your 2021 membership has been paid. Likewise if you are planning to attend any social rides, we will be checking! I’m so looking forward to seeing you all again and hoping the sun shines on us all. Take care out there.
Editor: If you want to renew your membership by paying directly into the bank, or even better by setting up a direct debit, the relevant details are: . Account name: Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Ltd Sort Code: 30-96-94 Account Number: 00791646 Reference: YOUR POSTCODE and YOUR SURNAME
Payable on 1st January each year
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Zoom Meeting Feb 2021
r
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CONGRATULATIONS ‘Recent’ Test Passes
Joe Johal
18th December 2020 RoSPA Gold Observer: ? Examiner: Mick Jones
Note: Many more passes will appear in the August T.U.G.
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Membership Information Dear Members & Prospective Members, The membership form is on the website or page 22 if you wish to join or if you are renewing. Also please remember to spread the word about EAMG, recommendation is such a valuable tool and current members are always the best advocates for what a good group this is. The membership appears to dip in the first quarter because renewals have not all been made promptly! The membership figures are not
currently being updated
Membership Fees for 2021
New Associate Members
...£55.00
Associate Member Renewal
...£40.00
Full Member Renewal
...£25.00
Social Member
...£25.00
Full Member Training
...£20.00
(For more information on Full Member Training see page 42) This is in addition to the Full Member Fee
Membership
Number
Full
95
Associate
35
Social
0
Observer
18
Life
13
Total
153
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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New Members
Reporting of New Members will resume with the August issue.
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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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TRAINING TEAM NEWS John Tullett .
Coronavirus
Sadly, thanks to the third national lockdown, you can count the number of EAMG training rides so far during 2021 on the fingers of no hands! Recently the Government announced a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions and move out of lockdown. The changes planned under step two, which will not be before 12th April, will facilitate the resumption 1-1, 1-2 and 2-1 rides. This date is indicative and potentially subject to change. RoSPA RoSPA's position in relation to the pandemic is that they do not anticipate resuming testing prior to the 12th April but they will consult with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency again closer to this date before they confirm a restart date. However, if you have received a retest notification during lockdown you should still go through the online booking process, to ensure that you retain your test grade and allow your retest to be booked at the earliest opportunity.
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IAM The IAM are keeping their cards close to their chest in relation to when they will restart testing, merely stating that they intend to resume all normal services as soon as they can do so safely. Associate Group Training (AGT)
Taking account of the 12th April date mentioned above, April's AGT has been switched from the 11th to the 18th. This will be a socially distanced and Covid safe AGT with a maximum of 25 attendees at Beryl Platt Centre, 12-14 Redwood Drive, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3LY. Associates and Observers MUST email mickhewitt39@hotmail.com to reserve their place. As numbers are limited please only email if you are sure you can attend. No full members unless enrolled on FTFM. If anyone is not comfortable to enter the building with others, but wishes to participate in an observed ride, Mick will arrange for you to meet an Observer outside or at an alternative location. The 9th May and 6th June AGT's will also follow these rules. Providing future steps of the roadmap are not delayed the 11th July AGT should see a return to the 'old' less restrictive format and include a social ride for full members. EAMG Membership If you have not already done so please remember to renew your 2021 membership before attending any Group activities.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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New Motorcycle Roadcraft A new edition of Motorcycle Roadcraft was issued on 26th October 2020. John Tipper has been busily reviewing this document during lockdown and is now working on applying relevant changes to the EAMG Observer Laminates to ensure they are kept fully up-to-date. ---ooo0ooo---
Should any members have any training related queries then please contact me via e-mail to training@eamg.org.uk , or on 07570 992801 or speak to the most relevant member of the Training Team.
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Old This and That Dave Iszard This article first appeared in TUG in December 2005. Another of Dave’s highly individual pieces. It’s not every day I spend £10,000. So when I bought a new Honda Pan European last December I expected rather a lot from it. A flagship model, if you don’t count the Gold Wing that is, it was going to be everything I wanted in a motor cycle. I’d had test rides and Bruff had let me loose on his for a while. Mine was duly ordered from George White of Swindon and arrived in a van one morning. After a bit of local swanning around, winter was behind us and I planned our usual trip to Germany and France. That’s when I started to realise that we weren’t going to bond, certain aspects of it were absolutely brilliant, the comfort, Nicki loved the pannier and top box inner bags. Easy to pack and to take up to the hotel room. An engine producing endless power made long distances a pleasure and that’s about the end of it. The electric screen was only useful at lower speeds, with it fully up, the faster I went the more the bike meandered. With it in the lowest position the wind noise it produced was deafening even with ear plugs. However I did find a useful position when it rained, sweeping the wet away as if by magic. The weight is another issue, while most bikes are getting lighter the Pan remains a porker tipping the scales at 267 kg, about one and a half FireBlades that is but that all disappears on the move. The mirrors are a joke, nice and big but they are mostly filled with the reflection of my gloves and the bar end. It takes some head bobbing to get the full picture rearward. The last gripe is the horn, I’m sure it is the same one that is fitted to the Honda 90. For this money I want a horn that blisters paint, something you can hear in another county but no, thumb the button and you are rewarded with meep meep. So you think I don’t like it, not strictly true it’s just that an expensive bike should be devoid of these niggles. It is no better than my Blackbird was and to buy that new today would be £2500 cheaper. My GS 1150 is far more pleasurable to ride and is a less refined bike (the tractor as Chris called it recently).
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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I can’t blame the Pan for a worrying moment while crossing Belgium on the E42. Not too much traffic around and a lot of miles in front of us I let the speed build to a steady indicated 110mph. (the sat nav said 105). The limit is 80mph on this road. I kept a watchful eye in the mirror (much head bobbing) and noted a small white car that kept up with me for many miles but never made up any ground. Traffic thickened and I eased off a bit, the white car eventually caught up and to my horror it was a police car complete with blue lights flashing. It neatly dropped in behind me and followed for about half a mile. I’m now down to 60mph and wondering ‘what now’ when he zoomed off down a slip road leaving me with a pounding heart. Thankfully no souvenir speeding ticket on this trip Phew! That was a worry. Why is it that all of my hobbies seem to appear to certain other factions as antisocial. If you are a motor cyclist you are frowned upon by some and blamed for all sorts problems. If an accident occurs the bike rider gets the blame, he was obviously going too fast. It doesn’t matter that some dozey twat pulled out in front of him without proper observation. If someone is having a gripe about noise nuisance, bikes are top of the list even though the plaintive spends the summer rushing up and down with a mower,petrol strimmer, chain saw, garden shredder and leaf blower, not to mention the dog barking. For a period I took my biking off road - green laning. Although a legal past time, I on occasions fell foul of ramblers and horse riders even though they were shown every courtesy. Never mind that, Ill take up fishing that’s a good wholesome past time. Not so if you believe the fishing publications, angling is next on the hit list for the ‘anti’s’. With fox hunting consigned to the bin they need a new subject. Any way I don’t care, I’m happy to be a biking, fishing terrorist. I can’t believe more members didn’t respond to Inspector Keith Whiting’s letter explaining the actions of Essex police towards motor cyclists in the county. After reading the letter a couple of times I homed in on one sentence which said that if bikers were to behave and have legal plates and silencers his officers could get on with responding to proper crime. I read that as meaning illegal plates and pipes aren’t a proper crime. So if Keith doesn’t believe loud exhausts are a proper crime can he please fit all the police bikes he is reintroducing in Essex with race cans so I can listen to them up and down the A12 at weekends. I blame Blair
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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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for most things and for everything else I blame Tesco’s. Back in the middle nineties Sunday trading didn’t exist, I could go for a ride on the Sabbath and not encounter hundreds of folk going shopping. Not that they are all going to Tesco. Every other retailer jumped on the band wagon and now shopping on Sunday has joined roast beef and Yorkshire pudding as a British tradition. Tesco was one of the main instigators and have transformed Sunday into one of the busiest days on the road. Tesco will provide food, insurance, banking, mortgage, loans, clothes, breakdown recovery and much more. Not only have they squeezed all the lifeout of the corner shops they are slowly doing the same to all the local garages. This has happened in France, lots of the small filling stations have disappeared and you can only fill up at the super market pumps and even then only with their loyalty card. Will it happen here? So the slogan goes, “The car in front is a Toyota.” I’ve found this not to be true. Find your self a nice twisty road and catch up with the traffic bumbling along at 40mph. Work your way to the front and you will find that the car leading won’t be a Toyota but most probably a mid ninety’s Rover driven by a retired person. All the time in the world, every day a holiday, listening to Wogan while all the traffic in the southern counties forms an orderly queue behind. Will that be me one day?
I’ve always believed that less is more (so why did I buy a Pan?) A good rider won’t need a ‘super bike’ to enhance his riding, you can put him on any reasonable motorcycle and he will perform well, even if he has to ring it’s neck to keep up. I’ve watched this on many occasions and on some social rides this year. A member might own a FireBlade but chose to come out with the group on his winter hack, lets say a Kwaker ER5. He will have to ride at ten tenths and thoroughly enjoy the experience, while a lesser rider is leaning heavily on his R1 to make up for poor ability. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what you ride, always get home safely. Meep meep, make way please I’m off to Tesco’s to fill up now!!! Good luck to Bruff and Ruth Shreeve as they start their new life in Scotland - everyone is invited to go and stay with them and enjoy a full inclusive breakfast and supper. Address will appear in a later Newsletter!!
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Roadcraft 2020 Edition Review John Tipper I was given the latest 2020 copy edition of Motorcycle Roadcraft to summarise the changes therein with a view to preparing a précis to be included within the remaining 2013 copies currently held by the Group. You will see from the list below that this is a comprehensive review; most Chapters have been supplemented or rewritten. About Motorcycle Roadcraft Using Motorcycle Roadcraft for self-study Addition: Bear in mind that all illustrations only give a guide to the real world don’t rely on them alone. Chapter 1: Becoming a better rider Addition: Human factor risks for emergency services riders (Page 17) Addition: Appendix 4 Goals for Rider Education (Page 288) (Include in laminates) Rewrite: Your vulnerability as a rider (Page 6) Rewrite: What are the commonest causes of motorcycle crashes? (Page 7) Addition: Conspicuity - Ride to be seen 1st para (Page 13) New illustrations (Page 14) Rewrite: You are especially vulnerable at junctions (Page 14) Rewrite: The right clothing and protective equipment (Page 15) Rewrite: Weather (Page 15) Rewrite: Your helmet (Page 16) Rewrite: Distraction due to multi-tasking (Page 17) Addition: Overconfidence after training: 2nd Bullet point (Page 22) Chapter 2: The system of motorcycle control Addition: Overlapping braking and gear changing (Page 42) Chapter 3: Information, observation, and anticipation Rewrite: Improving your information processing (Page 49) Addition: Reaction time - new final paragraph (Page 50) Rewrite: Errors of perception - new paragraph Errors pf hazard perception (Page 51) Addition: Focus of attention (Page 51)
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Rewrite: Memory storage (Page 52) Addition: Tips to improve information processing - 5th bullet added (Page 52) Addition: Last sentence (Page 54) Addition: Forward planning beyond the next hazard (Page 58) Addition: Scanning the environment - last paragraph (Page 59) Addition: Rear observation - last paragraph and diagrams (Page 64) Chapter 4: Anticipating hazards in the riding environment Removed: Reference to Cat’s eyes. Now within Reflective studs and markings (Page 77) Removed: Reference to fog lights (Page 86) Rewrite: Road surface self assessment wording (Page 89) Addition: Road signs and markings. Road markings (Page 95) Location: Local road knowledge (Page 97) Addition: A gap in a line of traffic (Page 99) Chapter 5: Acceleration, using gears and braking Removed: Reference to Steering Rewrite: Using the throttle on bends - last paragraph (Page 111) Rewrite: Braking and changing gear - During the later stages of braking (2) (Page 116) Addition: More comprehensive reference to Automatic transmission (Page 118) Rewrite: Safe stopping distance (Page 124) Chapter 6: Manual handling and manoeuvring at slow speeds Removed: Before you start - 2nd bullet point deleted (Page 130) Rewrite: Removing a bike from the centre stand (Page 130) Addition: Placing a bike on the centre stand - 1st Para (Page 130) Rewrite: Applying the side stand to get off (Page 132) Rewrite: Wheeling a bike in confined spaces - 1st Para (Page 133) Addition: Machine control - 1st bullet (Page 136) Chapter 7: Cornering, balance and avoiding skids Addition: Reference to Counter-steering (positive steering) (Page 144) Addition: Reference to Leaning, tyre grip and stability (Page 145) Removed: Reference to tyre compression (2013 RC Page 135) Rewrite: Assessing the sharpness of a bend and use of Limit Point (Pages 149-157) Heading: Machine design developments (Page 170) Addition: Anti-lock braking systems - added paragraph and revised wording (Page
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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171) Rewrite: Traction control systems (Page 172) Chapter 9: Positioning Addition: Avoid defects on the carriageway (Page 191) Addition: Warning of child pedestrians (Page 191) Addition: Diagrams using rear observation (Page 192) Addition: Position on bends (Page 195) Addition: Position for approaching the brow of a hill (Page 200) Chapter 10: Overtaking (Rewrite) Developing your competence at overtaking safely (Page 204) Addition: Bullet points (Page 204) Addition: Passing a stationary vehicle (Page 205) Rewrite: Acceleration, Gear, Speed, Position, sequence (Page 206) Addition: Information - Questions (Page 207) Addition: Overtaking moving vehicles - Questions (Page 207) Location: The vehicle in-front (Page 208) Location: The vehicles behind (Page 209 Addition: Other hazards to consider before overtaking (Page 209) New illustrations showing common overtaking collisions (Page 210 & Page 211) Addition: A single-stage overtake - Questions (Page 211) Information - Identify (Page 212) Acceleration, Gear, Speed, Position, sequence (Page 213) Addition: A three-stage overtake (Page 214) Stage one: following position - Questions (Page 214 & (Page 215) Stage two: overtaking position (Page 216) Stage three: overtaking (Page218) Addition: Overtaking vehicles in a line of traffic (Page 219) Diagram text enhanced (Page 221) Addition & Rewrite: Other overtaking situations (Page221) Overtaking on a single carriageway (Page 221) Overtaking on bends (Page 222) Overtaking on single carriageway roads marked with three lanes (Page 224)New diagram (Page 224) Overtaking on multi-lane carriageways (Page 225) Rewrite: Bullet points (Page 225) (Continued on page 30)
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Building, Civil Engineering and Maintenance
Extensions - Garages - Loft Conversions
Block paving Driveways - Patios
All Types of Roofing
Carpentry - Brickwork
Water Main and Sewer Repairs and Renewal
Fencing - Replacement Windows (uPVC, Hardwood, Aluminium)
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For free no-obligation quote, phone Clint on
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2021 February
March
April
May
June
Diary 20 21
July
August
Tuesday, 2nd Sunday, 7th Sunday, 14th Sunday, 21st
Group Night - AGM Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard's Full Member Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride
Tuesday, 2nd Sunday, 7th Sunday, 14th Sunday, 14th Sunday, 21st Sunday, 28th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard's Full Member Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride (2101) Associate/Full Member Training (AMT/FMT 2101)
Saturday, 3rd Tuesday, 6th Sunday, 11th Sunday, 18th Sunday, 25th
Super Sausage Run Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard's Full Member Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride
Sunday, Essex Motorcycle Show, North Weald (to be confirmed) Tuesday, 4th Group Night Sunday, 9th Associate Group Training (AGT) Sunday, 16th Richard's Full Member Ride Sunday, 16th Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride Sunday, 23rd Observer Peer to Peer Ride (2102) Sunday, 30th Associate/Full Member Training (AMT/FMT 2102) Tuesday, 1st Sunday, 6th Sunday, 13th Sunday, 20th Sunday, 27th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Slow Riding Day Richard's Full Member Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride
Sunday, ? 4th Tuesday, 6th Sunday, 11th Sunday, 18th Sunday, 18th Sunday, 25th
Maldon Motor Show (to be confirmed) Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard's Full Member Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride (2103)
Sunday, 1st Tuesday, 3rd
Associate/Full Member Training (AMT/FMT 2103) Group Night
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Sunday, 22nd Sunday, 29th September Sunday, ?? Sunday, 5th Tuesday, 7th Sunday, 12th Sunday, 19th Sunday, 19th Sunday, 26th October Sunday, 3rd Tuesday, 5th Sunday, 10th Sunday, 17th Sunday, 24th Sunday, 31st November Tuesday, 2nd Sunday, 7th Sunday, 14th Sunday, 21st December Sunday, 5th Tuesday, 7th Sunday, 12th Sunday, 19th
Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard's Full Member Ride
Audrey & John's Cotswolds Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride Essex Air Ambulance Run/Show (to be confirmed) Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Slow Riding Day Colin’s Full Member Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride (2104) Copdock Show Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Colin’sFull Member Ride Associate/Full Member Training (AMT/FMT 2104) Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Colin’sFull Member Ride Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride
Group Nigh ts @ 19 : 30 , AGTs @ 9 : 15 am
Sunday, 8th Sunday, 15th
Colin’s Full Member Ride Group Night - Xmas Quiz Associate Group Training (AGT) Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride
Diary 2O21
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Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Old
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d Pictures ■ 20 11-13 ■ Picture Gallery
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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(Continued from page 22)
Filtering (Page 226) Addition: Anti-lock braking systems - added paragraph and revised wording (Page 171) Rewrite: Traction control systems (Page 172) Chapter 9: Positioning Addition: Avoid defects on the carriageway (Page 191) Addition: Warning of child pedestrians (Page 191) Addition: Diagrams using rear observation (Page 192) Addition: Position on bends (Page 195) Addition: Position for approaching the brow of a hill (Page 200) Chapter 10: Overtaking (Rewrite) Developing your competence at overtaking safely (Page 204) Addition: Bullet points (Page 204) Addition: Passing a stationary vehicle (Page 205) Rewrite: Acceleration, Gear, Speed, Position, sequence (Page 206) Addition: Information - Questions (Page 207) Addition: Overtaking moving vehicles - Questions (Page 207) Location: The vehicle in-front (Page 208) Location: The vehicles behind (Page 209 Addition: Other hazards to consider before overtaking (Page 209) New illustrations showing common overtaking collisions (Page 210 & Page 211) Addition: A single-stage overtake - Questions (Page 211) Information - Identify (Page 212) Acceleration, Gear, Speed, Position, sequence (Page 213) Addition: A three-stage overtake (Page 214) Stage one: following position - Questions (Page 214 & (Page 215) Stage two: overtaking position (Page 216) Stage three: overtaking (Page218) Addition: Overtaking vehicles in a line of traffic (Page 219) Diagram text enhanced (Page 221) Addition & Rewrite: Other overtaking situations (Page221) Overtaking on a single carriageway (Page 221) Overtaking on bends (Page 222) Overtaking on single carriageway roads marked with three lanes (Page 224)New diagram (Page 224) Overtaking on multi-lane carriageways (Page 225)
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Rewrite: Bullet points (Page 225) Filtering (Page 226) Rewrite: Bullet points Addition: Hazard lights and Main beam (Page 227) Rewrite & Location: The range of hazards (Page 228) Cyclists and Horses (Page 228) Road layout and conditions (Page 229) The road surface, new diagram (Page 230) Addition: Human factors in overtaking (Page 231) Addition: Overtaking: key safety points (Page 232) Chapter 11: Riding on motorways and multi-lane carriageways (Rewrite) Rewrite: Riding on multi-lane carriageways (Page 236) Addition: Bullet points (Page 236) Location: Layout of the carriageway (Page 237) Addition: New motorway layouts (smart motorways) (Page 238) Location: Joining the motorway (Page 238) Addition: Riding on the motorway (Page 240) Location: Adapting to higher speeds (Page 241) Rewrite: Taking information (Page 243) Rewrite: Using the hard shoulder (Page 246) Rewrite: Bad weather conditions on fast-moving roads (Page 248) Location: Human factors in motorway riding (Page 253) Chapter 12: Emergency response Rewrite: What is an emergency response? (Page 258) Appendix 2: Testing the brakes Addition: The moving brake test - Check brakes at 30 mph using a non-retarding gear (Page 285) Appendix 3: Fuel-efficient riding Addition: New Appendix (Page 286) Misc changes: ‘Riding’ rather than ‘Driving’ (in most cases) Cornering rather than steering Banking rather than cornering First gear rather than Bottom gear At each gear change rather than at each stage
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Highway Code 2020 Consultation Summary. Introduction This summary document allows for readers to easily and quickly identify the changes we are proposing following our review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for vulnerable road users. It sets out the amendments we are proposing and some of the new text that we are considering through this consultation process. It is not intended that this summary document be read instead of the main consultation document, which allows for clear comparison of current and proposed new text in The Highway Code, and provides a detailed background to the review. The consultation document is seeking views on proposed changes to The Highway Code to improve safety for pedestrians, particularly children, older adults and disabled people, cyclists and horse riders. It is important that these groups feel safe in their interactions with other road users. We have not undertaken a full-scale revision of The Highway Code at this time given current work under way relating to the future of transport, and how the advent of new technologies is revolutionising the way people think about how they travel. This interim review of The Highway Code, announced in October 2018, therefore focusses on the vulnerable groups mentioned above with specific consideration on overtaking, passing distances, cyclist and pedestrian priority at junctions, opening vehicle doors and responsibility of road users. There are 3 main changes that are being proposed through this consultation: • introducing a hierarchy of road users which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others • clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road • establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders, and ensuring that they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead Within the chapters of this document, we have explained what the main changes are alongside the proposed new text. These changes will be
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reflected in the following areas of The Highway Code, the: • introduction • rules for pedestrians (Rules 1 to 19) • rules about animals (Rule 52) • rules for cyclists (Rules 59 to 82) • rules for drivers and motorcyclists (Rule 97) • general rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (Rules 123 to 151) • using the road (Rules 160 to 199) • road users requiring extra care (Rules 204 to 215) • waiting and parking (Rule 239) • annex 1: you and your bicycle • annex 6: vehicle maintenance, safety and security
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Old Events Report Chris Johnson First published in TUG in August 2008. Not one of the greatest but typical Over the years John Kidman has organised a number of rides to the Shuttleworth Museum flying evening; each of which has been dogged by misfortune. This year’s attempt on 17th May was no exception. The weather was appalling. I had vowed that I would attend come what may, and so duly arrived at the Spread Eagle, shook myself like a dog, and looked around for company. I finally spotted a lone figure sheltering in a doorway opposite the pub. It was John, with a facial expression indicating patient resignation in the face of customary adversity. We dutifully hung around until 14:30 to see if anyone else turned up and then, predictably, agreed that no interesting planes would be out in these conditions and gratefully scurried back home for warm towels and a mug of Horlicks. By contrast the next day was fine and the re-scheduled Super Sausage Run was a great success, with Chris, Rob and Geoff leading three groups out to Potterspury. I think the last time I counted at the A414/M11 Macdonalds there were 46 bikes. For once Chris’ slow group did not arrive first. We had a long stop at the café because they seemed to be short-staffed. I was hungry and, waiting with ticket 62 whilst number 91 was being called, was beginning to get seriously worried. Those with other commitments returned straight home, whilst the traditionalists rode the Silverstone loop and then stopped at Grafton Honda in Wavendon to get fuel. Entertainment here was provided by a carefree individual with an original D1 BSA Bantam, who still had not worked out that travelling on an ancient two-stroke without a plug spanner in-
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variably meant pushing the thing for miles to get it back home when the plug whiskered. Various EAMG members of a certain age enjoyed themselves re-living their youth by trying to get the plug out by other means. In the good old days forgetting the plug spanner didn’t matter so much, since you always had brown paper and scissors with you to fashion impromptu gaskets, and you could just whip the head off. We continued through the Woburn Deer Park and, shock, surprise, in the distance there were actually some deer there for once; curiously immobile with a stag in a frozen ‘Monarch of the Glen’ pose. Probably at nightfall someone would come to return them to their glass cases at the taxidermist’s. The run ended at Buntingford with everyone in high spirits. There was a Ladies Weekend at the Biker’s Retreat in mid-May about which I know little; not being a Lady (or even female, although it appears that half of those who attended were previously male, so I guess some EAMG guys are prepared to face the knife to get a good ride). Richard Parker’s ride to Swaffham on 25th May was blessed by torrential rain, and only five bikes were rash enough to venture out on it. One was lost at the inevitable café near Acton with waterlogged electrics, another had an attack of common sense shortly thereafter, and even Richard gave up after Bury St Edmunds when the flooding at each side of the road joined in the middle. The run was thus ninety miles, or about three million gallons of water. The weather for the post-AGT run to Needham Lake on the 8th June was, by contrast, absolutely stunEssex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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ning. 21 bikes enjoyed the 75 mile outward run to the Big Burger / Little Chef just beyond Needham, and around half of them came back to Braintree, where Hein Gericke had an open day. Many thanks to Stephen for acting as back marker; the livery on his ‘new’ Pan undoubtedly making us look as if we had a police escort. Richard had another try at a ride to Swaffham on 22nd June with greater success. There were sixteen bikes and the weather was good this time. I managed a U-turn on the outward journey when I was late seeing a marker hiding in a bush some way up a turning off to the left (that is my story and I am sticking to it). At Swaffham Richard pretended that we were going to a café which was closed, feigned surprise and chagrin, and then cunningly led us to the fish bar next door which had upstairs dining rooms (that is his story and he is sticking to it). It was an excellent lunch location, and the stop was enlivened by a spirited discussion between Gary and myself about the ethics of touching another rider’s helmet. In retrospect I realise that the ‘public’ pile of clothing on which I dumped my stuff was actually Gary’s private one, so he had the rights of it. My apologies to him. Incidentally those who watch the TV series ‘Kingdom’ can have fun matching locations in it to the run, since it is filmed in and around Swaffham. We had a stop at Walker’s at Barton Mills on the way back.
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On 24th June Bill Bovil organised the first of his experimental midweek rides. The intention had been to go to Wesson’s café near Horam, home of the ‘Big Mama’ burger, but Bill discovered in time that it was closed on Tuesdays, so a stop at the Chalet Café near Horsham was substituted. Five of us met at the Thurrock Services for a civilised 10:30 start; Jill, and four ‘senior statesmen’ with a lot more leisure than colour in their hair. Jill did not have time for the full run and broke off back home up the A22, but the rest of us had a pleasant run on a fine day at a moderate pace. The pace was not actually due to our being well past our sell-by dates, but because of the speed limits and white lines which flourish south of the Thames. The post-AGT run on 6th July was a fairly twisty route out past Epping onto the B180/1/2 family with a stop at the Bishops Stortford Tesco’s for lunch and petrol, Seventeen bikes. The weather was a
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mix of sun. cloud, and light rain but we were luckier than many with our weather that day. We returned via Thaxted to finish the ride outside the Triumph dealer in Dunmow. The long-suffering Stephen volunteered as back marker again, and nobody got lost, although there was apparently one playful little excursion by the rear of the group.
Richard Parker realised to his horror that there was no ride booked for the weekend of 13th July, an abomination against nature, and leapt
into the breach at short notice with a run to Bedford. Since my son and his wife were over from Sweden I could not attend, but Stephen kindly provided some details. About twelve bikes participated in a 150 mile run predominantly on B roads, with no wrong turns. Lunch at the Bedford McDonalds and then a return through St Neots to finish at Dunmow. Fred and Ken shared the honours as back marker. On the Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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16th July Bill Bovil held the second of his mid-week runs, this time to Wessons. I could not attend but from the pictures there appear to have been three participants, and I recognised a stop at Rye. The weather looked good. That concludes the report for this issue.
And now for something completely different. On Sunday 11th April a group of five friends went out on a socially compliant outing; This was not an EAMG run but, since some of the participants may be known to you I include an account by a participant whose prose style is uncomfortably similar to Spider’s. Hello Chris. Richard asked me to send you these photos what I took along with my new bike lol. It was a cold start for the 4 boys and yours truly super spider who was fashionably late. My petrol cap lock has a mind of it's own . I could see them across the road but the key wouldn't come out of the cap. When we got riding the sun made an appearance and it warmed up from 5 degrees to a mighty 7 degrees. With the exceptionally talented built-in navigation system of the one and only Mr Parker leading the way along roads that we've never used before. It was absolutely brilliant to be out with a few people in the club and making good progress while shaking off the covid rust. Ping there goes another bit of rubber. It saves me filing my tyres down to look like I can really lean it on the bends. We ended up at walkers in Thetford where of course you can get a cup of tea and have a wee. I even got a fly in my eye oh my my. Back on the bikes for a bit more flat out fun down the country lanes oh sorry I meant nice gentle ride having a goosey gander at the tulips and daffodils that was in abundance and quaint buildings that one can only dream about buying. Sorry where was I ? Oh yeah burning rubber and breaking the speed limit. What that officer I jest. So plodding on with a different route back to Chelmsford that was equally fun with the the bike falling over to
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the left them falling over to the right and singing songs like what do you do with a drunken sailor. I get bored easy and I was making out i was on a sailing boat we arrived back in Chelmsford with a Gimmee 5 and all alive to do it again next time. We departed ride safe - Spider
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I guess that this must be the bike Spider referred to. Younger riders may think it has had a nasty, but unusual, shunt. Old codgers like myself recognise it as a chopper without the ape-hangers, as epitomised in the film ‘Easy Rider’. It is also what Ogri used to refer to as a comedy bike, but Ogri lacked finer feelings. Note to Spider: If you want a real chopper then get one built from an old Panther 650— they were truly elegant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i9cDNDvcpQ
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Further Training Opportunities for Full Members EAMG FMT & AMT - 2020 1st January 2020 celebrated EAMG’s fifteen years of independence enabling the Group to draw upon the most appropriate riding techniques to meet the training needs of our members, without having to accommodate restrictions imposed by a governing body. With independence, came the responsibility to ensure our training standards progressed and maintained at the highest level. EAMG Observers fulfill a crucial role within the Group. All are required to hold a current RoSPA Gold qualification before they can be considered for observer training. Once qualified, Observers are re-tested internally every two years by one of four Senior Observer Assessors (SOA’s) who, in turn, are re-tested externally every two years by Police Class: 1 riders. Full Members and Associates can therefore be assured that EAMG’s training is of the highest standard. EAMG; ‘Promoting Motorcycling Excellence’.
Full Member Training (FMT) FMT format allows greater focus on many aspects of advanced motorcycling over longer distances on less familiar roads. Make no mistake, passing an advanced motorcycle test is an excellent achievement but it’s only a measure of your riding standard on test day. Riding skills require continued practice to be retained or they will sadly be lost. Associate Member Training (AMT) Similar training courses are now available for Associate Members who may be approaching test standard, have been recommended to apply by their 1 to 1 Observers or those familiar with riding greater distances than covered on a typical Observed ride. Associates will be encouraged to make their most recent Ride Report Forms available to ensure the Observer on the day has the necessary information to identify needs and address any issues that may be apparent.. Ride Format Duration of rides will be circa 200 mls for Full Members and 100-120 mls for Associates. Regular stops, most including refreshments, will include debriefs so that issues identified can be addressed during subsequent legs. We will NOT be riding in one large group. Allocation will usually be on a 2 to 1 basis to avoid continuous Observation. Every effort will be
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made to match riding ability and/or aspirations. Routes will be pre-planned and forwarded to all participants beforehand. Initial briefing will be comprehensive and a full Ride Report Form will be provided.
2021 Events Joining Fees Please note that this program is suspended for the duration of the pandemic! FMT—(£45)
AMT— (£35)
Sunday, August 1st ?
Sunday, October 24th ?
Register by completing and returning this form to: John Tipper Email: john@reveillerrides.co.uk Tel: 0208 360 8590 or Mbl: 07860 773711 Pay direct to Sort Code: 30-96-94 a/c no: 00791646 Ref: FMT or AMT + your name Cash or Cheques payable to Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Ltd on the day Name:
Address: Postcode:
Tel:
Email: Riding Experience Aspirations: Annual Mileage:
Machine:
FTFM - 2021 Membership Secretary
Observer Co-ordinator
Paula Hockey
John Tullett
membership@eamg.org.uk
training@eamg.org.uk
Additional Membership Fee
Contribution to Observer
£20 pa
£10 per ride
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
Chris Johnson, Editor Printed by Colchester Press. Please mention EAMG when replying to advertisers - it identifies you!
http://www.eamg.org.uk Affiliated to the British Motorcyclists Federation Registered Charity Number 1107703
Disclaimer and Copyright Notice: The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interest. Any spelling or grammatical errors are the responsibility of the editor .. Inclusion of adverts is not to be construed as EAMG endorsement, although most advertisers are excellent, but seek personal recommendations.Text © EAMG 2020 Illustrations © EAMG 2020, except where indicated otherwise. Group material may be reproduced provided acknowledgement is given to EAMG and the original author.
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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
