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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group
June 2016
Welcome to TUG Dear Members, The last issue seemed to work out not too badly and so far, touch wood. there have not been any major technical issues with the current one. I am however bedevilled by the perennial problem which all TUG editors have had, a shortage of copy. They pass through the stages of optimistic request, agitation, and resignation (metaphorical) to resignation (literal). I have had one success. By dint of persistent bullying poor Dave Iszard has been coerced into writing a fresh episode of his much-loved This & That column. But, please, send me some stuff. If you think that TUG is total shite then write to me about it and I shall be delighted to print it. I shall only disagree with you if it is a short complaint and I need to pad it out. Best bike, worst outing, all welcome. Copy date for the October issue is September 24th.
Chairman’s Piece
2
Membership Info
7
Observer Coordinator
8
New Members
12
20 mph Speed Limits
14
Events Report
17
Dates for the Diary
22
Membership Form
24
Picture Gallery
28
California Superbikes
30
This & That
34
Poets Corner
41
Further Training
42
Chris
Journeyman Editor What’s happening next?
Log into www.eamg.org.uk, then
Runs and Rides Forum
And follow us on Twitter.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
Page 4
CHAIRMAN’S PIECE August 2016 After a rather wet, cold and dismal June, the weather has finally taken a turn for the better. To be fair though, the 'slow riding skills day' was a very pleasant oasis of sunshine in June and very much welcomed by those who attended. The only downside to the improvement in the weather - aside from millions of insects - is the huge number of riders adorned in riding equipment more akin to a day on the beach in Malaga than riding a motorcycle. Unless their skin is made of Kevlar, do they not realise that they risk permanent disfiguring injuries or death from even relatively low speed tumbles. There is no such thing as 'common sense', and self discovery is a painful journey I for one do not wish to take. I wish riders used more brainpower rather than worry about horsepower or how cool they think they look. You don't look cool having skin grafts!! By the time you read this article the Group barbecue will have taken place and around 90 tickets have been sold. I'd like to thank, in particular, Jill Winn and Andy Hems for being the main organisational engine behind the event and to all who helped out on the day. On a personal note, my treatment for psoriasis is now starting to take effect and I'm now able to wear normal clothing and to ride again. I will be gently easing myself back into work and group activities so hopefully I will be able to get out on some group rides in a couple of weeks or so. Thank you for your patience.
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Earlier I mentioned the 'slow riding skills day' in June. If you didn't manage to get along or want to come along again to consolidate your skills, we have another event at Ford's Dunton research site in September. The date and timings are in the group events calendar. Come along and give it a go. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out how much fun it is. Ride Safely Chris Remember, it's not how fast you ride, it's how you ride fast!
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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CONGRATULATIONS Recent Test Passes
There were no test passes that I am aware of during the last two months, but this page is very tricky to set up so I have left it in as a placeholder. My Apologies. Editor
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Tel: 01621 856 888 Email: autosafegroup@btconnect.com
Autosafe Group—MOT Classes 1-2-3-4- 5-7
RIDEMASTER PO BOX 859 Aylesbury Bucks. HP22 9FJ
T: 0844 888 0999 F: 0844 888 4190
www.ridemaster.co.uk “If you have a crash and it wasn’t your fault we can manage your claim free of charge. That means we will represent you and communicate with your insurance company, the at -fault insurance company, your repairer and, most importantly, YOU to resolve liability in your favour and manage your claim until your bike is back with you, fully repaired. In the unfortunate event that a bike is damaged, bikers may not be aware that once their insurer is notified, the insurer will arrange for their approved repairer to collect their bike. This may not be ideal for a number of reasons, that’s why Ridemaster will work with your chosen local repairer where they know you and know your bikes’ history. Call Ridemaster first and we’ll take the pain out of a bad day.”
Page 9
Membership Information Dear Members & Prospective Members, The membership form is on the website or page 24 if you wish to join or if you are renewing. If you have paid up and haven’t received your membership card please let a committee member know. 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.
Membership Fees for 2016
New Associate Members
...£55.00 (Includes AGT Training)
Associate Member Renewal
...£40.00 (Includes AGT Training)
Full Member Renewal
...£25.00
Social Member
...£25.00
Full Member Training
...£20.00
(For more information on Full Member Training see page 42)
Membership
Number
Full
85
Associate
22
Social
2
Observer
17
Life
12
Total
138
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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OBSERVER COORDINATOR John Tullett Slow Riding Days
We had a very enjoyable Slow Riding Day on 19th June and even the weather was kind to us. We offered the usual range of activities including slaloms, figures of 8 and emergency braking, complemented by the DSA swerve test, counter-steering and a (planned) demonstration of how to pick up your bike.
There were three heats of the Slowest Rider Race, won respectively by Mark Wiles (29.67 secs), Ian Brady (28.52 secs) and Andy Hems (37.74 secs). Andy 'sped up' to win the final in 35.92 secs but, being an Observer, was ineligible to win the much coveted Snail T-Shirt, which was duly awarded to Mark with a time of 32 secs. We hope to incorporate even more activities in our next Slow Riding Day - so please ensure that you pencil Sunday, 18th September in your diaries.
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Promoting EAMG Unfortunately I had to cancel my plans to attend the Maldon Motor Show, held in Promenade Park on Sunday, 3rd July as a consequence of disturbing a wasp's nest while gardening and breaking a bone in my foot whilst attempting to make a hasty getaway! Those Group members that were there found the show to be well organised and well worth attending. Many thanks to Audrey & John Tipper, Mick Hewitt, Alan Burke, Geoff Preston and any others there on the day that I have missed. Being an independent group EAMG has to work a little harder than those supported by a national organisation in attracting new members. Accordingly, it would be very helpful if a few more members could offer some of their time in helping to promote the Group. You do not need to be on the promotional stand all day, unless you want to, even an hour or two's assistance would be greatly appreciated. Our next promotional event will be the Essex Air Ambulance run to Harwich on Sunday, 11th September. We have also been offered a pitch at the Copdock Show on Sunday, 2nd October but as things stand we do not yet have enough volunteers to be able to confirm our booking.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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If you feel that you have benefited as a rider from joining EAMG, regardless of how long you have been a member, it would be really beneficial if you could help to spread the word. If you are willing to help please let any member of the Committee know. Two Wheels For Life I am sure that many Group members were sorry to hear about the recent closure of the UK side of the Riders for Health charity, as a consequence of being unable to secure enough income to cover operating costs over the last couple of years. The new 'Two Wheels For Life' charity has now been launched, with the support of the MotoGP™ paddock, to raise funds for and support the work of Riders for Health Africa's programmes in Liberia, The Gambia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya and Malawi.
Day of Champions 2016 is now confirmed for 1st September with tickets on sale via the Silverstone website. See http:// www.silverstone.co.uk/events/2016-day-champions/ for more details. Group Night Meetings We are always looking for ideas for Group Night speakers. So if any Group members have any suggestions for new speakers or subjects they would like covered at future Group Night meetings then please let any member of the Committee know and we will try to make it happen. For September we have Andy Strougler visiting to talk about the training options offered by the FireBike team, to try and make the County's roads a safer place. We also Gary Baldwin, from Rapid
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Training, booked for November to give one of his ever popular presentations. FireBike and Bikesafe Training Many Group members will already be aware of the FireBike and Bikesafe training options available in Essex. They offer a great opportunity to refresh and/or enhance your skills. It is also hard to argue with the costs, with Bikesafe just ÂŁ10 in 2016 and the two FireBike options (the on-road 'Better Biking' course and 'Advanced Machine Skills' held in conjunction with Hopp Rider Training at Wethersfield Airfield) both free of charge. By the time you read this it is quite possible that most dates for 2016 are fully booked but if that is the case it should be possible to register your interest for next year. Relevant links are: http:// www.bikesafe.co.uk/locate-a-force/essex/bikesafe-workshops-2014/ and http://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/RTC_Reduction/FireBike/Training/ ---ooo0ooo--Should any members have any training related queries then please contact me on 01277 623860 (before 21:30 please), text 07570 992801, e-mail jtullett@eamg.org.uk or send me a PM via the Message Board. Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Welcome to New Members Tony Coleby Marie Elfayhi John Haynes Terry Hill Vince Knight Peter Kingsley Harry Squibb Martin Thompson === Mark Wiles Naomi Evans Patrick Herlihy Glyn Bacon Ric Ladbrook Terry Saltmarsh
We welcome you to the Group, and hope that your membership proves educational, worthwhile and, most importantly, highly enjoyable. The Group has a lot to offer and the more you avail yourself of the opportunities the happier we shall be!
www.eamg.org.uk
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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Speed limits (20 mph) In recent weeks there has been a lot of garbage uttered regarding the reduction of speed limits in certain areas to 20 mph. So far I have not heard the voice of motor manufacturers to explain the folly of this consideration. All vehicles have for many years been geared to achieve the use of top gear at 30 mph. over recent years with the rearrangement of the gearing to include top gear to be an “Overdrive�. Making a lower gear the original top gear of 1 to 1 Engine revolutions to one of the rear Wheel.
For a vehicle to achieve top gear at 30mph most have to reach the mid 30`s to have that gear engaged. Modern engines are not designed to travel at low speeds. The outcome of all this is that to lower the speed limit to 20 mph means that vehicles will have to remain in a lower gear in order to comply with the speed limits. The vehicle will also be in the restricted area for at least one third in relation to time, with the resultant additional pollutant being increased. Not what was originally intended. Raising the output of obnoxious pollutant gases into the atmosphere, apart from using at least 20% more fuel for the same journey. I thought this might be of interest. I rest my case. Yours Roy Hems.
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Chris Johnson, speaking in a personal capacity as one who is interested in urban speed limits and not as TUG Editor, responds -
Roy The fuel consumption argument has been made before by, from memory, the AA amongst others. The RAC, by contrast, have published a document which shows very little difference between 20 mph and 30 mph! I think that one should consider that on a residential urban road you seldom maintain the constant speed at which fuel consumption measurements are made, and that slowing down from, and accelerating back up to, 30 mph rather than 20 mph would use more fuel and thus reduce any possible advantage. As a motorist I find 20 mph limits very frustrating, particularly with speed bumps, but I am keenly aware that a pedestrian struck at 30 mph has a 70% chance of dying, whereas at 20 mph it is 10%, and that the statistics show a marked reduction in deaths and serious injuries when 20 mph limits are applied. The lower speed limit also makes the streets less hostile for pedestrians, especially children, and cyclists. Because of this, for residential urban roads, I am reluctantly in favour of 20 mph limits, and prepared to accept personal inconvenience for the greater good. There is a wealth of information available online about the subject, some of it conflicting. Regards Chris J.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Page 19
Events Report Chris Johnson The first run eligible for this report was Mick Hewitt's 'Associate' Run to Royston on 22nd May. These used to be strictly for Associates but the rules have been relaxed and Full Members content with a more moderate pace can now attend. There must be a lot of those, because on this occasion we had four Associates and seventeen Full Members. It turned out to be a lovely warm day despite the threat of showers on the weather forecast and with 21 bikes in the party, plus a further few for the FMT Training Run, we really owned Sainsbury's car park. Mick wasn't afraid of unclassifieds and there was heavy use of markers at times. He maintained a consistent unforced pace which suited everyone very well. Arrival at the Garden Centre was spread out over about twenty minutes; there may have been some muddle in the body of the group, and I think we were eventually a bike short but, since nobody could remember who was missing, that was OK. Unfortunately this delayed our movement to the restaurant until dead on 11:30, when they stopped serving breakfast, but did not start with lunch until 12:00, so unless you were one of the fortunate few who blagged a bacon sandwich the menu was a bit Marie Antoinette - cake! This took some of the gloss off what was otherwise a pleasant location. For me an enduring memory was an outdoor display of childrens' slides, see-saws and climbing frames with a prominent warning notice about not letting children play on them. I can see the Elf & Safety motivation for this but I doubt potential purchasers were encouraged. The ride back was Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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equally pleasant and just after 14:00 we ended the run at Boreham after just over 100 miles. Alan did sterling service as back marker. A week later the Full Member Run was scheduled, but Richard was off gallivanting elsewhere yet again, so Colin Childs agreed to lead it. He had a very ambitious route out towards Melton Mowbray which included a stop at the Ambiance Cafe in St Neots, and then proceeding via Oundle and Bourne to Wymondham. There was an astonishing mix of roads, many of which were completely new to me. Some of the place names brought back memories from the time I did installations in that general area in the 90's. I think there were 13 bikes (I didn't get time for a thorough count before we started out) although a couple turned back at the coffee stop on the outward leg because the weather was colder than forecast. On the plus side, it developed into a very pleasant sunny day. Our destination at the Wymondham Tearooms. as well as serving hot meals, featured most of a fine windmill; unfortunately with the sails missing. You could climb almost to the top using narrow wooden stairs whose treads were not really compatible with boots. We got there without incident if you do not count the disappearance of Sandra, who just vanished so swiftly and surely that the only plausible explanation was alien abduction. I cannot remember much about the journey back. It was almost hot, we had a break at a McDonalds on
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a major road, and I cut off before the end for a shorter route home. I think the official run distance must have been around 250 miles, so it was a Biggie. Paula acted as back marker. The AGT on 12th June was on a pretty miserable day, but despite that we had an outing to Bishops Stortford via the B180/1/2 afterwards. There were seven of us on the run, and it rained most of the time. There were few bikes to ogle at High Beach, and we kept a moderate pace through Stansted Abbots and Much Hadham to the Tesco at Bishops Stortford (a dull Costa cafĂŠ, unfortunately). On the couple of occasions when I experimented by leaning the bike more aggressively it slithered a bit, so moderate was the right pace. Five of us returned via Stansted Montfichet and Thaxted to Dunmow, where the run officially ended. Everyone agreed that, apart possibly from the weather, the route, the pace, the cafe, and the company, it had been a most enjoyable run.
There was then a bit of a gap in the ride program until Sunday 26th June, when we were spoiled for choice with Mick & Alan offering an 'Associate Ride' to Hillcrest Nurseries restaurant at Bury St. Edmunds, and Richard countering with a Full Member Ride to Oundle (which was just a station on the way for Colin's ride the previous month). The day was still damp but not actually raining. Both Richard and Mick's rides seemed to have about 8 participants (difficult to tell since they kept socialising with each other). I cannot report on either ride since I did not choose Mick's, and unfortunately on Richard's run after about 5 miles the bike started flashing a puncture warning at me. Sure enough the rear was down to 36psi and falling. Back marker Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Geoff stopped to help. Since it is at least six years since I last had a puncture my expertise with my mushroom plug contraption was rusty beyond belief, and eventually it was Geoff's Crafty Plugger which fixed the split induced by a tiny (but very vicious) tack. Geoff gets the Hero of the Month Award. I decided to turn tail for home. This turned out to be a good call. After expending all my available change at two garages which turned out to have bikeunfriendly air lines which caused me to lose rather than gain pressure I finally invested a tenner in an AA electric compressor which looked like a toy from a Christmas cracker but, bless it, did very slowly but surely bring the tire up to full pressure. However I could watch the tire pressure slowly drop on the journey back until it was 10 psi down when I got home. The split had opened up again slightly. I found another embedded nail (non-leaking) so it was a new tire for me, since there were only about 1000 miles left on the old one. At least the KTM tire pressure monitoring system proved to be a useful feature. I have no reports from Mick's run, and very limited BBS postings for Richard's. He contributed a laconic two-liner himself, but then Richard would probably have reported the sinking of the Titanic simply as "a regrettable interruption to the journey". Spider managed four lines, but extracting coherent information from Spider's postings sometimes requires that you be a veteran of Bletchley Park, and for me the mystery of the red bike, and who did what and to whom, remained exactly that. I am ashamed to say that I 'led' the Post-AGT ride on 10th July. Many of my rides have been glorious failures, but I think this one took incompetence to a new level. It should have been OK, since two days before I did a pre-ride which worked no worse than usual. The plan was to go to Maldon via Hatfield Peverel, and then proceed through Tolleshunt Darcy and unclassifieds to Marks Tey. There was a choice there between the Bungalow Diner and the Food Company. I settled for the latter as our stop since they served all-day breakfasts, whereas the Diner stopped at 11:30 (and charged me a terrifying price close to ÂŁ3 for a bottle of Coca-Cola). After that we would travel up through Bures to the southern fringes of Sudbury and then take the popular run back through the Hedinghams and Finchingfield. In the event it started
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badly and got steadily worse. Since there were only half-a-dozen of us we elected to use the Buddy System, and I cheerfully led us off down Princess Way. At the roundabout the A138, which with my limited local knowledge was the only way I knew to head towards Hatfield Peverel, was closed. I switched to Plan Fuzzy, which involved following signposts for Maldon on a poorly-remembered and very dull road. It was so long since I had ridden this that I ended up in the town centre with only Alex for company, the others having undoubtedly known that no sane person could be making the bad road choices I had made. Since Alex had a Satnav mounted I asked him to take us to Tolleshunt Darcy, and soon we were on roads I recognised once again. Once there I was so dispirited that I asked him to dial in Copford, and was duly taken over a minor variation on the unclassifieds I had ridden two days previously. However I did lead the final half-mile to the Food Company! Shortly after we arrived a runner came over from the Bungalow Diner to say that the rest of the group had settled in there, having arrived comfortably before us. After the meal we re-grouped, and then three of us headed off for Sudbury. It was starting to rain by this time which took some of the fun out of the very pretty, but poorly surfaced little roads. By Finchingfield I was the last man standing. I confess that when I got home I felt a bit dejected about the run. Perhaps I should try to think positively; after all we only really lost one person. That he was the leader was, of course, unfortunate. I had hoped I might be able to do a last minute report of Richard's ride to Aldeburgh on 24th July, but it was decided that I had to do a family taxi shuttle to Stansted instead. However, some information has filtered back. About 20 bikes, lovely weather, bracing sea breezes, and Geoff as back marker. Some felt that the marker system had broken down. Richard was unusually explicit about this. Failure to go straight ahead at an unmarked crossroads, and complete failure to notice a large biker waving furiously at you from the roadside do not constitute failures of the system. Remember the old aphorism - those who try to design foolproof systems invariably underestimate the ingenuity of fools! Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
All Full Member Rides will leave Sainsburys Springfield, Chelmsford, at 9.30am
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January
5th 10th 17th
Group Night - Natter Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
2nd 7th 14th 21st
Group Night - AGM Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard’s Valentines Day Full Member Ride ♥ Associate Ride
1st 6th 13th 13th 20th 26th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride Super Sausage Run
3rd 5th 10th 17th 24th
Full Member Training (FMT) Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Associate Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride
1st 3rd 8th 15th 15th 22nd 22nd 29th
North Weald Motorcycle Show Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Geoff’s France Day Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride Associate Ride Full Member Training (FMT) Richard’s Full Member Ride
7th 12th 19th 26th 26th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Slow Riding Day (tbc) Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
February
March
April
May
Diary 2016
June
July
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Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Observer Peer to Peer Richard’s Full Member Ride Summer Barbecue Associate Ride Full Member Training (FMT)
2nd 7th 14th 28th 28th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Audrey & John’s Cotswolds Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
4th 6th 11th 11th 18th 25th 25th
Geoff’s Beachy Head Ride Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Air Ambulance Run Slow Riding Day (tbc) Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
4th 9th 16th 24rd 23rd 30th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Observer Peer to Peer Ride Full Member Training (FMT) Associate Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride
1st 6th 13th 27th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Associate Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride
4th 6th 11th 18th
Richard’s Full Member Ride Group Night (Xmas Quiz) Associate Group Training (AGT) Associate Ride
August
Group Nights @ 19:30, AGTs @ 9:15 am
5th 10th 17th 24th 30th 31st 31st
September
October
November
Diary 2016
December
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture
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Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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A Day at California Superbikes Colin Childs Level 1
Brands Hatch
My day starts early, very early for me at least, my alarm is set for 5.30am but it doesn’t get a chance to go off as I am awake already, 5.20am and my internal clock is going ten to the dozen. No chance of 10 more minutes in bed this morning, this only happens when it’s something I DON’T want to get up for. A quick look out of the window confirms the previous night’s forecast – ITS GLORIOUS – ACE! I jump out of bed, ready for the daily s***, shower & shave (sorry ladies, it’s a male daily routine). A quick bowl of Alpen and I’m ready to get the bike out of the garage. I’ve chosen to take the R1 as I’ve done track days on both the Kawasaki & Suzuki before. Brands Hatch is only 45 minutes away and checking my clock I have a clear hour to get there for sign-on start - leaving another 45 minutes to spare until the end of sign-on! On previous track days I have taken nearly every tool I can possibly cram into my panniers & backpack, Jane calls me “Captain Clipboard” she’s always amused at the quantity and variety of things I take on holiday! Funnily enough having been in Santorini a few days earlier with friends this nickname seems to be spreading! Having never needed anything other than a tyre gauge on past track days I decide to take only a few spanners, tyre gauge & some tape. The journey to Brands Hatch is painless, the roads are busy but not horribly so. I arrive at the circuit just 40 minutes after leaving and am waved onto the circuit where I am greeted by a California Superbikes staff member who checks me off his list, slaps a sticker on the bike and waves me down to the pits. I’m really looking forward to this, it’s warming up nicely and the track looks fantas-
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tic. I pick a spot in one of the open garages and park the bike – she looks good, 17 years old but with only 4000 miles on the clock. I’m handed a sticky number, number 5 it is, plus a few barcodes for the side of the bike – this is how they identify the bike for photographs presumably for sortation by the computer. I do the necessary and stick everything in the right place and then head off as directed to sign-on. It’s slightly different to normal track days as I have to sign-on with California Superbikes and Club MSV. The set-up is slick, hardly any queuing, I’m told the format for the day, given a large bottle of water and asked for my license so they can check all is in order. Due to my “Captain Clipboard” like efficiency, briefing is a while off, so I grab a coffee and chat to fellow bikers. There are a mix of levels being run today as California Superbikes have 4 in their repertoire. I’m doing level 1 so I’m in green group. Level 1 & Level 2 run individually and level 3 and 4 are mixed so that’s 3 sessions being run consecutively. Briefing soon arrives and we get introduced to the team, which is quite large, an instructor for each 2 -3 students, safety staff, photographers and classroom tutors. I listen intently, taking in all the information, advice and detail about the day including the structure, which is made up of 5 track sessions and 6 classroom sessions; 2 track in the morning and 3 in the afternoon for me. I particularly like their rigorous enforcement of the 6 foot shield every rider has, meaning you must always be a minimum of this distance from any rider in any direction. It’s nothing like a normal track day, everything has this purpose – to help me learn, not just bomb around the track. It’s a great set-up, though this does come at the price of £400, you definitely get what you pay for. My group are asked to stay behind as we are doing our first classroom session, Level 1 – Throttle Control. This whole session is based on using only 1 gear, no brakes and using the throttle to control your speed. This is going to be hard on a track like Brands Hatch as it’s all up n down. I leave the briefing & first classroom ses-
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sion buzzing! My group is third on track so I have a bit of time and I need to adjust the tyre pressures to 30/32 and get my bike noise tested. I have my baffle just in case - Captain Clipboard style. The bike passes the noise test, 98 decibels with a limit of 102 so no baffle needed – result! I
park the bike up and go for another coffee. The call for green group comes after around 30 minutes so I head back to my bike to find the mirrors turned round so I can’t see them, this is normal for track days as you are told not to use them. The theory being that at the speeds you go on track looking in the mirrors is likely to mean you miss your braking and turning points and it is the responsibility of riders at the rear of you to ensure they do not encroach. I hear the call for green to line up, two abreast ready for two laps behind the lead instructor to familiarise us with the track and warm up the tyres, I reach the front where I get a quick further safety chat and get asked for the password, I say ‘Throttle Control’ with Captain Clipboard efficiency, I must be a good student! I’m off, following the rider in front at a sedate pace for the first lap, speeding up for the second before we are taken back into the pit straight before being let loose again! This is hard, no brakes, no gears – just 3rd for me. I really have to think about this, the approach to Druids (a U-turn), down from Paddock Hill is fast and I need to roll off early. It’s amazing how long it takes to scrub off speed, being on an inline four I don’t have engine braking like I do on my twin. My instructor jumps in front of me giving me a big thumbs up, not sure how long he has been following me but now I’m given the signal to follow him. A few laps later my speed is steadily building, I learn the track and pick roll off & turn markers. This is fantastic, I’m really having to concentrate as it’s easy to make a mistake on track with no brakes. Before I know it I see the chequered flag, 25 minutes gone already! I finish the lap pleased to have made it round with no real mistakes, hitting apexes as I should and building speed progressively.
Back in the pits I hop off, head off to speak to my instructor, a requirement after each session, to discuss both what you think and what he thinks. His name is Flash;
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I presume they all have a nickname then… My head is spinning with a truckload of information so I go for refreshments! 5 minutes later I’m asked “are you in green group?”, “yes”, I reply. “You’re supposed to be in class!” Crap! I forgot class, track, class… I head into class the only one who’s late. I listen as we discuss the track session and move onto Level 1 Turning Points. This session is based on marked turning points allowing me to better judge my approach speed. Again 1 gear, no brakes, using throttle control to ensure my approach speed is correct. Session 2 starts without the need for a sighting lap and after giving the next password “Turning Points”, yes you’ve got it now, I head off on track to practice what I learnt in class. The session again ends all to quickly and I head back to the pits and speak to my instructor about the session, taking in his feedback on my positioning, riding position & progress.
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I’m starved so I head to the café and grab a burger, chips and a coke, sit down and stuff my face. A few minutes later I hear, “any green group”, oh bugger I grab my food and run to class. “I’m going to keep an eye on you, make sure I get you to class on time for the next one”, I reply “Sorry, won’t do it again!”. We go over the session and discuss the plan for the third session. This is the format of the day. It’s called “Quick Turning”, the ability to turn the bike quickly at speed. We are allowed 2 gears & light braking. Another session of information overload, my progress is good and I’m learning loads. I even make it to class on time remembering to make my way there before I head off for a cuppa, though my shadow was lurking in case I forgot! The fourth session is called “Rider Input” and is really interesting, in particular we discuss some of the bikes at the TT, where the bike sometimes carries on without a rider due to an incident. Our teacher says ‘bikes ok now as it got rid of the problem!’. Never really thought of it this way, interesting, I practice more really enjoying this session - not that I haven’t enjoyed them all so far! I try and keep my elbows down, light input, legs tight to the tank on the straights and at least one in the corners. No knee down though, doesn’t seem to be an issue though my progress is swift as I overtake a lot of bikes.
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The final session links everything together all gears, full brakes, much more like a normal track day but with structure & tutoring, it’s called Two Step Turning and as advanced riders it is really just a variation of what we already do by looking ahead on the road. The idea of lining up the turn point, moving on from this, trusting your peripheral vision and looking through the corner for the apex really helps, my fastest, smoothest session of the day – I’m pretty pleased with myself, lots of thumbs up from my instructor.
Flash waves at me, then thumbs up but also the slowdown signal, I wonder why? Chequered flag all over! I head back to talk to Flash. He tells me that
my riding was excellent but he just wanted me to roll off a bit as it was late in the last session, and though nothing was wrong with my riding, he didn’t want me pushing it as tiredness leads to mistakes. I head back to class for a final debriefing, I’m absolutely kerr knackered.
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I have to say although expensive, it is great value for money, especially when you consider the number of staff California Superbikes has on hand. The day is well structured, everyone is safe, the rider shield is observed and I never felt intimidated. Tea, coffee & water is included in the price as is bananas & crisps to help keep concentration levels high. Well done California Superbikes.
Level 2 next‌. At close of play I decided to have half an hour before I left. Whilst having a cuppa loads of VWs of every kind started entering the track and it turned out it was a VW evening track day, cars, vans & camper vans. Very amusing, especially the van that was overtaking everything, I reckon a certain Sabine Schmitz was behind the wheel! I stayed a while longer – pictures included! Colin
See them at www.superbikeschool.co.uk or email lynnb@superbikeschool.co.uk
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This & That Dave Iszard HOLIDAY 1995. Think about going on a continental bike trip. Cancel work for a week, book a ferry crossing, put petrol in the bike, go have a great time, get a room anywhere, come back on a high and repeat as soon as possible. 2016. With an impending trip taking me to France, Switzerland and Austria, Nicki and I have been weeks preparing for a ten day trip. First was to book to trip with MCI (my favourite bike tour company). Easy bit, then arrange travel insurance with a great deal of agro as I have a pre-condition for which they take the opportunity to fleece me rotten. That done prep the bike and a minor service, worry that I should get new tyres and pads but decide not to, buy a new suit that hopefully doesn't leak, then take it back because I didn't like it. With a great deal of stress over two days try to download the given routes to my Garmin but it didn't want to know so call in Super Simon to spend an afternoon unravelling a computer pickle (the download was bigger than the Garmin's capacity) . Tell my bike insurers that I'm going on holiday, make sure breakdown cover is in place, get Euros, get Swiss francs, pack too many clothes and four different chargers, get an over night room at Dover so I don't have to get up at silly o’clock to get the ferry. It was so easy when we were indestructible. WHEELING & DEALING I like a bit of that mainly for entertainment as I rarely make a profit but sometimes it comes right. With the invention of on line shopping and can now sit and scour the country for bargains. The down side is everyone else in the world is doing the same so there
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is usually hot competition for any given article. Most of the good deals are by word of mouth or by a tip off. A good example was a 1936 250cc Rudge that my brother bought for £425 in pieces. He reassembled it, made a run and left it in his garage for a few years, he then gave it to me. I after a short while I decided I didn't want it and it sold for £4500 (good return). I had a similar deal with a 1947 500cc Ariel and this money gets rolled over into another bike deal but there were losses as well so I sort of break even. An eBay deal got unpleasant when the winning bidder made no contact and then eventually appeared two weeks later and offered me less than his winning bid. He got unceremoniously told to leave later emailing ebay telling them I was abusive and threatening, I had to agree. Since then I've been rather shy of 'on line' shopping but you can get a bargain if you are careful. I bid for a 2005 Honda Hornet CB900. I was the only bid and had three years enjoyable motor cycling with a small loss of £300 when I sold it. You must view before bidding, the only times I've gotten 'stung' is when i have bought blind.
A CHANGE OF GEAR Get your head around this if you will, I can't. My 1942 Harley has a Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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hand change on the left of the fuel tank, it has a foot clutch on the left and foot and front brake are on the right. My 1954 Velocette has gears on the right foot, the gears are down for up changes. The 1961 BMW has its gear pedal on the left foot, up for up changes as per modern bikes, then I have the 1970 Triumph with gear pedal on the right and it moves up for up. When riding I need to be aware of what is what. I had a wake - up on the Triumph. When going into a bend and needing to loose some speed I pressed on the gear pedal instead of the brake. That made a down change and momentary lock-up of the back wheel with a little side step oops !. The Harley worries me to ride so my Son-in-law has custody of it and gets on quite well.
SCOOTER Last year in Sardinia on the most beautiful smooth undulating coast road I was in convoy with four other riders all on big capable bikes. I was last and in my mirror I could see another single head lamp closing in on us. He eventually tagged on to the back and then started picking us off. It was a scooter would you believe with a young lad, tee shirt, shorts and sandals. On the pillion was his girl friend similarly dressed with long hair flailing in the wind, hand bag over her shoulder. Touching 80 on the straight bits the scooter was still edging to the front. Competing on the road is not advised but we got sucked in and the scooter eventually cleared off. It sported a big back tyre (180 ?) and a race pipe. No gear changing just roll-on, maybe a local lad who travels that road every day? Anyway I could do with a scooter like that. Aprilia 850, Yamaha Tmax 630 ?
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Poets Corner
My bike is a red GSR It was made in a land afar It was rescued near dead From somebodies shed Now I use it instead of a car! From an Edinburgh Bike Forum
If you can read this The bitch fell off From the back of a motorbike jacket
4 KOF Registration number of a black Audi (honestly!) Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Further Training Opportunities for Full Members Have you ever wondered if your riding skill is still as good as it was when you passed your IAM or RoSPA Test? Is your RoSPA Retest fast approaching and you feel you’d like a refresher to check that bad habits have not crept into your riding? We are all only as good as the day we are actually riding our bikes. How good our riding was last year or even last month may not be as good as we think it is; complacency can be fatal. EAMG provide two Further Training Schemes for Full Members:
Full Member Training (FMT) – One-day training courses available four times a year Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) – Assignment to an Observer for 1 to 1 training These courses are provided to check riding skills haven’t deteriorated, for those wishing to take a higher grade of test such as RoSPA or for those preparing for qualification as an EAMG Observer. Full Member Training Four FMT Courses take place during ‘summer time’ between March and October. Participation is entirely voluntary and those taking part do not have to join each ride. Training is for your benefit and enjoyment; it is not a mandatory requirement that you go on to take a RoSPA test. To ensure the highest possible standard, Observers undertaking this training will hold a current RoSPA Gold certificate. You will not be riding in one large group. Where possible you will be riding with an Observer and one other Full Member giving you the opportunity to have a 'rest' while your partner is being observed. Every effort will be made to match your riding experience, ability and aspirations with your partner, any miss matching being addressed at the first refreshment stop. The routes, approx. 200 miles, will cover a variety of roads and include several debriefing stops and two refreshment stops. Joining details will be sent by email or post a few days before the event. Events this year:
Joining Fee £45.00
Sunday 23rd October
Contact John Tipper, 8 Carlton Ave, London N14 4UA. Email: jtipper@eamg.org.uk Tel : 0208 360 8590
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Further Training for Full Members You will be assigned to an Observer and rides will be arranged on a one to one basis when mutually convenient. Although not mandatory, unlike FMT, the training will be structured as preparation for a further test such as RoSPA. To apply to join this scheme: Apply to the Membership Secretary either at membership renewal or during the season. You will be asked to pay an additional Membership Fee (details below). Your Application will be passed to the Observer Co-ordinator who will assign you to the first available Observer. Where feasible, geographical location will be considered. You will be expected to pay the Observer a contribution (details below) towards fuel costs. Participation must be renewed annually.
Name: Address:
Post Code:
Tel:
Email:
Riding Experience:
Aspirations:
Typical annual mileage:
Machine:
FTFM - 2016 Membership Secretary
Observer Co-ordinator
Jill Winn
John Tullett
membership@eamg.org.uk
jtullett@eamg.org.uk
Additional Membership Fee
Contribution to Observer
ÂŁ20 pa
ÂŁ10 per ride
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
Chris Johnson, Editor University of Essex Printing Services, contact Hannah 01206 872822 for more information. 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 Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Ltd, Registered Office, St Laurence House, 2 Gridiron Place, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2BE Registered in England & Wales, Registration No. 5258261
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 and a society that pays footballers more than teachers. Inclusion of adverts is not to be construed as EAMG endorsement, although most advertisers are excellent, but seek personal recommendations.Text Š EAMG 2016. Illustrations Š EAMG 2016, except where indicated otherwise. Group material may be reproduced provided acknowledgement is given to EAMG and the original author.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982