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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group
October 2016
Welcome to TUG Dear Members, For the first time I am in the happy situation of having too much copy, and Rob Urand’s account of his first ride as a full member will appear in the December issue. It wasn’t all cushions and custard; two of the critical pieces arrived uncomfortably past the final copy date and Yours Truly has well-bitten fingernails. Thanks are due to Simon Enticknap, whose remorseless reminders undoubtedly drove in several submissions. I hope he will keep up the pressure; one article will not go far towards the next issue and, if you feel like submitting something a bit early, I really will not mind at all! I still feel that using Microsoft Publisher is a bit like climbing onto a huge Adventure bike immediately after taking CBT; my control will not take me past the first serious bend. Copy date for the December issue is November 26th.
Chairman’s Piece
2
Test Passes
4
Membership Info
7
Observer Coordinator
8
New Members
15
Air Ambulance Run
17
Mid-Week Rides
19
Mick Hewitt’s Rides
21
Membership Form
22
Dates for the Diary
24
Picture Gallery
28
Events Report
30
This & That
37
Poets Corner
41
Further Training
42
Chris - 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
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CHAIRMAN’S PIECE October 2016 As you know, this year has been a health roller coaster for me. Everything was going so well with my psoriasis treatment until 3 days after the Group barbecue - nothing to do with Clive and Suzie's cooking! Week 11 of my treatment and my body cried enough of the drugs and my liver went deranged. My doctor called me to the surgery as my blood results were seriously wrong and I had sweats and rigours and the moment he saw me he called the hospital and I was admitted within 30 minutes. 2 days in ITU and a further 8 on the ward and I was allowed home but no further treatment for psoriasis can go ahead for some while to come! Here's hoping it stays controllable until I normalise!
In early September some R & R was required so Yvonne and I spent a week in France with Terry Greer-King and his wife, Jane. The girls went by car with their kit and all the luggage whilst us boys went by bike, Terry on his GS Adventure and me on my CBR1000F. It was just what I needed and riding abroad was refreshing and the twisty roads option on Terry's sat nav a revelation- especially after he turned off the " use unpaved roads " option ! Lol, not all of us ride Panzers!! Riding on deserted twisty roads through rural France seeing cars about every ten minutes was wonderful although overtakes were few and far between. The girls loved it too, especially the caves and champagne tasting at the MoĂŤt and Chandon cellars in Epernay. So nice to get away from London....... Attendance at the September AGT was very poor and I think that
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next year we may have to consider a date that doesn't clash with the Essex Air Ambulance run which coincidentally had its biggest turnout of an estimated 5000 bikes. However, the second slow riding skills event on the 18th September was well attended and we had perfect conditions. Everyone that attended seemed to be smiling and many commented about how much they'd benefitted both in skills and confidence - Priceless!! The slow riding race was a close run thing with David White coming out as the winner! Well done David. The coveted T shirt will be available for you to cherish! Hopefully the good weather will continue into October and we can enjoy some wonderful riding before the winter arrives. Ride safely, ride well. Chris 'Remember it's not how fast you ride but how you ride fast'
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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CONGRATULATIONS Recent Test Passes
Tony Coleby
Mark Bass
29th August 2016 RoSPA Test (Silver)
13th September 2016 RoSPA Re-Test (Silver)
Examiner: Mark Anderson Observer: Phil Jones
Examiner Mick Jones Observer Richard Parker.
Andy Parnham
25th August 2016 Rospa Retest (Gold ) Examiner Mick Jones Observers Richard Parker and Graham Cooper.
Andrew James 25th August 2016 RoSPA Gold (retest)
Observer: Andy Hems Examiner: Mick Jones
Jane Parnham
13th September 2016 RoSPA Gold Observer: Graham Cooper Examiner: Mick Jones
Mick Hewitt
r
Jill Winn
7th June 2016
18th June 2016
EAMG Observer (Retest) Assessor: Richard Parker
EAMG Observer (Retest) Assessor: Richard Parker
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T: 0844 888 0999 F: 0844 888 4190
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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. 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
90
Associate
29
Social
2
Observer
18
Life
12
Total
151
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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OBSERVER COORDINATOR John Tullett Scholars and Gentlemen
Unfortunately my broken foot did not recover in time to attend the BMW Club's Track Day at Snetterton on 8th August. When I got in touch to cancel my place I had hoped it would be possible to carry forward a percentage of my fee, less an administration charge, to a future track day. I was amazed and delighted to receive a 100% refund credited to my bank account by direct transfer that very day. I will certainly be joining the queue for next year's event at the earliest opportunity....
FireBike and Bikesafe Training Having missed out on my track day I decided that the best strategy to ensure I was OK for these training days would be to not ask my physiotherapist when I should return to riding. Instead my plan was that if I could successfully complete one practise ride beforehand, partly to help bed in new tyres on my Fireblade (courtesy of a puncture the day before my wasp encounter), then I would be fit to attend the FireBike Advanced Machine Skills course on 21st August. The day was really enjoyable and proved to be a great way to break myself back in to riding. Essentially it was a full Hopp Rider Training course but for free! The Wethersfield airfield also proved to be an excellent venue, with the benefit of a pleasant ride out to meet up at Finchingfield before being escorted past security.
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The following weekend I was on the Bikesafe Essex course from South Woodham Ferrers, which cost just ÂŁ10, including lunch. This included a mix of classroom sessions and two assessment rides, where I and another John (also riding an R1150GS) were paired up with Mick Jones. An added bonus of successfully completing the day is that you qualify for a complimentary day's training with a professional trainer under the 'Hugger Challenge'.
If you wish to register your interest for next years FireBike and/or Bikesafe days the relevant links are: http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/locate -a-force/essex/bikesafe-workshops-2014/ and http://www.essexfire.gov.uk/RTC_Reduction/FireBike/Training/ Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Full Member Training (FMT) At the August Observer meeting we spent a considerable amount of time discussing why the numbers of group members attending FMT days have been lower than usual this year, which has been disappointing not only in view of the amount of effort that goes into organising these events but also with two new routes having been introduced for 2016.
There was a suggestion that some Group members could find a lower overall mileage more appealing. Accordingly, John Tipper has agreed to introduce one 150 mile route for one of the four 2017 FMTs, on a trial basis, to see if this might increase demand. Associate Group Training (AGT) While I must confess to missing the July and August AGTs, thanks to my broken metatarsal, the turnout of just 3 trainees wishing to attend observed rides in September (1 Associate and 2 Full members signed up for Further Training for Full Members) was poor. Phil Jones put a lot of effort into preparing his roadcraft talk but his main audience ended up being other Observers. It also made the job of allocating trainees to observers more challenging than I would have liked - as we had 11 Observers on hand to assist with training! With the benefit of hindsight it may not have been wise to hold an AGT on the same Sunday as the Air Ambulance Run, but we really need to attract as many Associates to AGTs as possible if we are to justify the not inconsiderable cost of hiring the Moulsham School facility.
If any Associates have any suggestions on how we can make AGTs more relevant to them then please let me know.
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Slow Riding Day By contrast we had a very successful Slow Riding Day on 18th September with 15 participants and 5 Observers attending. Welcome to new members Paul Chapman and Tony Bailey who joined EAMG following the training. Activities included straight and offset slaloms, counter-steering, figures of eight, emergency braking, the DSA swerve test, blip and click gear changing and the correct techniques to manoeuvre and pick up your bike (these latter two exercises were not in any way connected). Our Slowest Rider Race had 3 heats of 4 riders, which were won by Paul Chapman in 18 seconds; David Uzoeshi in 24 seconds; and Dave White in 26 seconds. Chris Reed made it into the final as the fastest 2nd place rider in 24 seconds. The final was a tense affair with all riders starting slowly. Paul was first to crack by putting a foot down. Dave was going even slower than in the heats but then also put a foot down. David and Chris were pretty much neck and neck until a last moment display of 'ridermanship' saw Chris employ a turn of his bars to slow his bike just before the line, taking the win in 25 seconds to David's 24. Awarding of the 'Slowest Rider T-shirt' was more complicated than usual, with Chris ineligible as an Observer and David riding as a guest. In the end the Observers unanimously agreed Dave White was the worthy winner, on the basis of posting the slowest time in the heats and overall.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Re Tyred Like many other riders I was very disappointed when Universal Tyres closed their Billericay branch in 2015, having been a regular customer for many years.
Having struggled and failed to find a suitable replacement following their closure I was delighted to hear that Rob Johnston - who used to be at Universal Billericay - is now based at Probike in Chelmsford. Rob provided his usual excellent level of service when he recently fitted a new set of Pirelli Angel GTs to my Fireblade. Rob is able to supply & fit bike and car tyres and is also now qualified to MOT bikes. If you are interested his number is 07943 191738.
Expect the Unexpected
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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Many established Group members will recall a series of articles that John Tipper published in TUG describing some of the more unusual situations he had encountered on the road including, for example, meeting what was effectively a racing sidecar.
Clearly by adopting 'the system' we all aspire to have a riding plan in place that takes account of what we can see, what we cannot see and what might reasonably be expected to happen. However, when I saw the related accident on the news, I couldn't help but wonder just how many of us would have had the presence of mind to lay our bike down when travelling on the M20 at 70 mph to go under a footbridge that had just collapsed after being hit by a lorry carrying a digger? Perhaps more typically for a motorcycling enthusiast, and despite suffering five broken ribs in the accident, Jim Shaw's first thoughts when he came to rest were for his damaged Yamaha MT-07.
---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.
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Welcome to New Members
Charles Millar Karen Routlege Peter Moule
We apologise if you have joined recently and your name does not appear here. It can take a little while for the names to trickle down to the TUG editor but they will appear in the next issue. 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 besides excellent training and the more you avail yourself of the opportunities the happier we shall be!
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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St Lawrence House 2 Gridiron Place Upminster Essex RM14 2BE
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AIR AMBULANCE RUN TO HARWICH By Malcolm Kentish (with introduction by John Tullett) One of the ways in which EAMG seeks to promote the Group is to take our promotional stand to various events where we hope to make potential members aware of the wide range of training options and social activities that we offer. We rely on the goodwill of members who are prepared to give up their time to assist on the stand for the benefit of the Group and future members. All are welcome to assist, from the newest Associate through to longest term Full members, as each individual will be able to outline how they have personally benefited from joining EAMG.
So far this year we have attended the Essex Motorcycle Show at North Weald Airfield, the Maldon Motor Show at Promenade Park and, on Sunday, 11th August, the Air Ambulance Run at Harwich. Our final planned social event for 2016 is the Copdock Show to be held on Sunday, 2nd October. If you have never helped on EAMG's stand but would like to do so in 2017 then please make any member of the Committee aware of your interest. Malcolm Kentish kindly volunteered to assist with the Air Ambulance event at Harwich and, because most Observers had to attend the clashing AGT at Mousham School in Chelmsford, Malcolm also agreed collect and transport the Group's Gazebo and promotional material to and from the show. Below is Malcolm's summary of the day. ---ooo0ooo--I would like to start by making special mention of Paul Poulton who was there at 8.00 am to help me unload, erect the eze-up and set the Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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stall out, two men, forty minutes. Next to arrive was Alan McDowell, his first task which he performed admirably was to get us all a coffee. Finally Richard Stiles arrived. Paul left around mid morning because he had a family get together to attend, Richard left mid afternoon for a similar reason to Paul and Alan stayed to the end to help me disassemble the stand and pack it away in the van. Chris Johnson paid a flying visit in the afternoon and took some publicity shots for the magazine.
I finally left the showground around 6.00 pm under the directions and discretion of the organising staff because quite a lot of people with children were still using the showground as a play area. The two young ladies who were doing the organising and directing had done a superb job during day and I think they deserve a mention. The one sad note, whilst we were awaiting the arrival of the main group of riders an accident took place on the Harwich Road and I believe this resulted in a fatality, details were sketchy but apparently a trailer broke loose from a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to the bike run and collided with a couple of riders. I would like the above people mentioned because when we do these events not everyone gets their moment of fame and a thank you in TUG.
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Bob and Graham’s Mid-Week Rides Graham Seeley They say that the best ideas are conceived in a pub. Well this one wasn’t, it was conceived at the end of an EAMG ride in the Blue Egg Café. So what does that tell you? I have been droning on about mid-week rides to anyone who’ll listen for months now and I was doing this at the Blue Egg when Bob Cowl said he’d been thinking the same thing. The die was cast, now we had someone who was fast enough to lead a ride, and as a bonus had a Sat Nav. A mid-week ride out for the retired, shift workers and those who like to bunk off, what could go wrong? Our first ride was to the Super Sausage, Potterspury. Well we didn’t have a run there at Easter, so it seemed the logical place to start. Five of us met at McDonald’s, Harlow, 2 associates, one guest, who we think might join, and Bob and myself. The 1st thing we noticed is that traffic is still quite heavy at 9.30, so future rides will start at 10.00. Bob and I plus Fiona had done a dry run to the Sausage the week before, so Bob was convinced that even without a Sat Nav, if anyone got lost I could bring them in. By my reckoning that’s far too optimistic and places greater confidence in my navigational skills than I do. With only 5 of us we elected to use the “buddy” system and all went well. Now no matter how good a rider you are, and how determined you are to keep up, traffic signals will always plan to disrupt you. The set at Buntingford are no exception. If you’re planning traffic signals to disrupt a bike ride convoy then Buntingford should be your model. It is the gold standard for disruption and it did its job on that day. Rider 4 and I lost the main group here and I was called on as reserve navEssex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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igator. Now I know we did a dry run the week before, but I had no idea I had to lead a run. DON’T PANIC. It’s a surprising thing even though I was unsure of the main route I kept recognising random landmarks that I’d seen last week. Thoughts would go through my head, “If I see that transport café where I nearly ran into Fiona, I’ll know I’m on track. Oh, there’s that council office that looks like a sports centre” By this bazar navigation system and some riding that Mr Policeman might not have looked kindly on we met up with the main group 10 miles from the Super Sausage. If our dry run had taught me anything, it was that portion sizes are huge at the S.S. We all ate too much, talked about motorbikes and the joys of not working on a weekday. Nobody really wanted to get up for the return journey, but home we had to go. Now this is when the author normally reports that the homeward journey was uneventful and we all waved goodbye at some prearranged destination. Well that’s how it went until, yet again Buntingford. Somewhere around here I picked up a puncture, and before you ask, I don’t carry a repair outfit. (Not then anyway). I spent the rest of my journey chatting to the recovery man from Green Flag, who runs a GSXR600 and is the only man on the fleet who both carries a motorbike trailer and knows how to use it. Our next mid-week ride is to the Krazy Horse Café, at Bury St Edmunds. We’re meeting at Sainsbury’s, Springfield on 12th October, for a 10am start. Like I said at the start, “What can go wrong?”
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Mick Hewitt’s Rides Destination: Shefford, Bedford, Morrisons. No of riders: 13 + 1 pillion Mileage 122 miles roundtrip. Date: 28th August 2016
Left Sainsburys with a route following Regiment Way through to Dunmow to Thaxted, Debden and B1038 through to Baldock where we picked up the A507 - an old favourite of mine. A507 is a fast road so a reasonable pace was set all the way to Shefford, except I missed the turning and we went about 3 miles further than planned - my excuse was that there was no Shefford sign at the roundabout hence the extra miles! I would like to say Chris J was leading but he was on Richard’s ride so can’t use that excuse. After finding the correct turn off and located Morrisons we parked up and walked in to find NO restaurant! First time I've never googled a place to check the facilities, although my understanding was that Morrisons always had a restaurant. As I walked in there I started to cringe as it's not as big as other Morrisons, so looking around no restaurant! I made a mental note; always check the facilities in future. Sods law: this was the first run where i didn't do that! So sandwiches and coffee machine available and sit on the grass outside for a general natter. As it was sunny this was no hardship. For the return journey I never realised the preparation the ladies take to look good – I watched Audrey and company putting on lipstick! So with us all looking good we made our way back – generally followed the same route back; A507 for generally fast run through to Baldock then onto Thaxted where we turned off at B1051 to Elsenham, then through Takeley, Hatfield Broad Oak and onto B1060 into Chelmsford. Everyone enjoyed the day
Mick Hewitt
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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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)
uPVC Cladding, Fascias, Soffits
Underpinning - Landscaping
Painting and Decorating Fully Insured (But not yet Needed!)
For free no-obligation quote, phone Clint on
01621 828276 (Office) 07836 277223 (Mobile) Domestic and Commercial Work Undertaken Insurance Work also Welcome Member of The Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors Flagstaff Farm, Green Lane, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BQ
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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 (hearing protection) 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 (Rapid Training) 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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Events Report Chris Johnson John and Audrey Tipper held their annual run to Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswalds on Sunday 14th August. This used to be called the 'Boys and Girls' run but after several consecutive years marked by a conspicuous shortage of 'Girls' they have faced reality and rebadged it as a mixed-ability social run. We met at Birchanger Services on an overcast, but warm and dry, morning. I counted 21 bikes. This contrasted with my previous visit to Birchanger a fortnight earlier for an FMT when there were just two bikes; the Observer's and mine. There should have been a second trainee but his bike had played up, so I had Geoff's undivided attention for the whole ride. Joy! It did mean that I got good value for money, because detailed appraisal was what I was there for. Back to the Cotswalds run. We divided into two groups. led by John and Audrey, with Peter Richbell and Geoff as sweepers. Audrey had some associates in hers and paced her ride accordingly. The known diversion on the A507 turned out to be further diverted, but John and Audrey handled this seamlessly. The run in general was characterised by a distressing absence of punctures, creative navigation (that is the technical term for getting lost), missing markers and lost riders. There wasn't even any rain at the Buckingham Garden Centre when we stopped for coffee, which was very unusual, and we arrived at the car park a little short of the town centre in good order. This is normally the point at which I make a few caustic comments about Bourton. Over the years I have, however, come to have a grudging admiration for it. The ingenuity of its inhabitants in providing entertainment for vis-
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itors is admirable, and signs indicated that yet more ways to part them from their cash were being planned. The fact that the place was humming even on an overcast day is a tribute to their efforts. I am beginning to be reminded of Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, which has used good scenery to transform itself into a seaside town without sea. Bourton may be heading in that direction, although as yet there is an absence of kiss-me-quick hats. The majority of the group settled on the neat green sward beside the flawless pebbled stream and watched Doug and Maz unpack a substantial banquet for all from their magic topbox. On the way back it was once more a case of good roads and fine scenery, The two groups amalgamated at the usual Buckingham petrol station for the final leg back to Birchanger. Audrey worried that she might have set too moderate a pace on the way out. I suspect she was being over-scrupulous. It was a pleasure to see her cope without problems with a long ride soon after she had recovered from her injury. I made the distance 228 miles, and everybody seemed very happy with the run. Two weeks later, on 28th August we had Richard's ride to Uppingham and Mick's 'relaxed' ride to Shefford. Fortunately, since I chose to go on the Uppingham run, Mick has sent me account of his outing which should appear elsewhere in this edition of TUG. I counted 16 bikes, and the mix of roads was excellent, even including a couple of goat tracks (slight exaggeration) for my benefit. We largely avoided the wolf packs of rain clouds which were hunting in the South and most of the run was on dry roads and in sunshine. It was interesting to see that, when we stopped for coffee, creeping gentrification had struck the Green Welly at Chatteris, which used to be one of the last bastions of chipped Formica. The car park at Uppingham was as crowded as ever, but I secured my 'usual' spot up against the telephone box. The Coppergate cafe had its normal relaxed serving pace, and I carefully avoided the Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Malteser milk shake which the last time I was there had given me a better understanding of the nature of infinity. After lunch I was last away, and last away at the petrol station nearby. Richard had said that we would regroup at the lay-by just up the road. I accordingly pottered along to the layby. There was a conspicuous absence of bikes there. Just before I panicked and set off in catch-up mode it occurred to me that this might not be the right road. I rode back to the petrol station, turned right, and there discovered everybody crammed into an inferior lay-by scarcely worthy of the name. Mine was much better. Richard was astonished that I had managed to get lost in a hundred yards. You would think that after over a dozen years of riding together that he would have a better understanding of my capabilities in that respect. There were no punctures, breakdowns or navigational errors that I noticed, though on the way back many markers spent 20 minutes waiting patiently in rain. This was due to a member having a fit of pique and riding very slowly. When we finally got to St Neots he was suitably contrite, and must have been wiser since several people kindly gave him a piece of their mind. I left the ride at Royston after over 200 miles to get a shorter run home down the A10, and was rewarded with a cloudburst at Buntingford and a multi-car collision at the end of the M11. Fortunately I filtered down to it before the police arrived and could thus get past. There were no injuries, but I am baffled as to what could have happened to cause the type of damage I observed. Geoff acted as sweeper, and it was a very enjoyable run.
Geoff held his annual ride to Beachy Head on the 4th September. The
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bikes were a bit scattered around at Thurrock so it was difficult to know how many were on the run; initially I thought thirteen, including Joe on an Indian which made a Goldwing look lightweight. John Tipper had volunteered earlier as back marker, but when he saw the Indian, which looked very ponderous although even with a pillion Joe actually pushed it along at a respectable pace, one could see his face fall as the prospect of being able to enjoy his new KTM 1290 GT dwindled. I took advantage of his brief absence to tell Geoff that we had agreed that I should be back marker instead, and presented him with a fait accompli on his return. This was probably good for John, but not for the group as a whole. The route was ingenious, but I still believe that the local county councils, having discovered that they got a good discount for 50 limit plates by the thousand, tried to justify the purchase. We did get a couple of drops of rain, but the weather otherwise was pretty good. The teashop at Biddenden was closed, so we had a natter break instead. Then, as back marker, I had the weird experience of being the first to arrive at Rye, and after a completely gobsmacked Geoff had turned up rode back to relieve markers from the front; a personal first. It meant that my lunch break at Rye turned out to be four minutes to sprint to a chippie, buy a couple of saveloys, and then bolt them down as we were preparing to depart. As to how I beat the leader - it is a long and unconvincing story involving getting mixed up with another group at a roundabout and following the wrong supposed marker. Beachy Head was incredibly windy, but we did not dally there for long. I think it was on the way back that we lost two riders (more dashing off to try, unsuccessfully, to find them), but still seemed to be left with the same number of bikes, but I may be muddling this up with the stretch from Rye to Beachy Head, when the Tippers were misdirected onto the wrong road . After Tunbridge Wells the route was very urban, and ended with some fine filtering opportunities on the congested approach to the Dartford Tunnel. Posted distance for the run was 175 miles, which was probably about right since I Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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did 210, which agreed with my estimate of 35 for backtracking, chasing after lost souls etc. Bob Cowl and Graham Seeley held a midweek ride for gentlemen, and women, of leisure on 7th September. Graham has written an account of it elsewhere in TUG. It makes good reading. The AGT on 11th September coincided with the Essex Air Ambulance Run to Harwich, and perhaps in consequence of this was rather poorly attended. It didn't have that effect in the Good Old Days! As is my custom I had planned a post-AGT ride which took a circuitous route to Harwich, and since I normally get lost around Bures would probably be very circuitous. I had precisely no takers and ended up taking the wrong turn at Bures all by myself, but recovered very quickly since I have had so much practice at going wrong in that area. Unfortunately I arrived at Harwich in the confusion caused by the trailer accident there, so it was around 2pm when I paid my tenner for a sticker and a parking place halfway to Colchester. Long hot trudge to the EAMG stand followed by an immediate realisation that I had left the copies of TUG I was supposed to deliver in my topbox, so I did it back and forth again. The show seemed to be buzzing, the EAMG stand looked well and had attracted around forty interested people to ask for further details. Its location was good, in the sense that it was close to the stage, and bad for the same reason because it was incredibly noisy. I thought when the band stopped and a lone female came on to sing karaoke that there might be some relief but the sound system did her proud. She seemed a pleasant looking young woman but, even if not abundantly endowed, her chest was much less flat than her voice. Malcolm Kentish has written an account of the day in which I 'made a flying visit'. I stayed there until well after 5pm and helped (not much, admittedly) to break the stand! I also found my own house keys on the ground where they had fallen
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from my jacket under the table, completely failed to recognise them and, after asking everyone else if they belonged to them, left them on the stand behind us. It still didn't click until after I had borrowed the spare set of keys from a neighbour and let myself in at home. I was saved from the worst consequences of this folly by Alan McDowell, who took possession of the keys, posted on the BBS to ask if anyone had lost them, and then promptly mailed them to me. He is my Hero and Saviour! The Slow Riding Day was held at Ford's Dunton track on 18th September. It is quite a few years since I attended one of these, but I had severe doubts about my ability to pick up the KTM if I dropped it and wanted to try this in a supportive environment. There were fifteen riders and five observers there and the weather conditions were ideal; overcast but dry. We had braking, slow figure of eight riding and swerve exercises. Because of the prevalence of ABS nowadays there weren't the spectacular stoppies which I remember and, on one occasion, performed. I think the high point for me was trying, for the first time, to make an emergency stop using rear brake only. The ABS kicked in and kept the rear beautifully in line and the stopping distance, because the KTM rear brake links through about 20% to the front, was subjectively only around double that of a proper emergency stop. It was interesting to feel ABS kicking in. Actually I wasn't a stranger to it because the week before, returning from Harwich, I had made the first genuine panEssex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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ic stop since I was born again over fifteen years ago. It was late, the sun was just about to set, and after the Dartford Crossing I was riding down the sloping slip road to join the A2 westwards. As the road levelled out the setting sun shone under the masking tape on my visor and, even with a clean visor, the world just disappeared. I throttled back, but the car comfortably in front of me must have braked sharply as his vision vanished and suddenly I seemed to have two red dots appallingly close. I would have originally been doing about 60 mph. I just braked and prayed, since disaster seemed inevitable. The ABS juddered happily to itself and the bike slowed remarkably quickly so that I had several yards to spare. It was very impressive. The ride back along that section of the A2 was often at 20mph since nobody could really see where they were going. Returning to the events at Dunton, after reminding myself that my slow riding skills in anything other than a straight line were pathetic, I tried picking up the bike from its side. The approved technique involves pointing the front wheel upwards, hunkering down and grabbing the lower handgrip, and then with a straight back using your legs to lift the bike. Since nowadays if I crouch down and stand up using thigh muscles only it involves a lot of grunting and straining it is not surprising that raising the bike was impossible. It seems that for me raising a fallen bike now involves making sure that there is plenty of charge and credit on my mobile phone. Getting old is a humiliating process. I left before the slow riding race but, absolutely accidentally of course, missed the exit and had to loop around the banked track; unfortunately not fast enough to make it interesting. I had hoped to tag on an account of Richard's ride to Rushden on 25th September, just before TUG went to press, but unfortunately my wife was ill and I had to stay home and look after her, and grandchildren (which is much more demanding on many levels). I hope I can get a summary of it for the next events report.
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This & That Dave Iszard SERVICE. Yes it's tennis season but the service I'm thinking of is followed by a large invoice. I like having my bike serviced and on the other hand I hate having my bike serviced. When Redline Honda were in existence some years back I quite liked taking the bike there because I knew the mechanics and could speak with them. It doesn't feel so personal with Suffolk Triumph, the bike is whisked away and I don't see it or anyone until it is wheeled back again. For all I know it is leant up against the wall for an hour or two and then brought back but of course it's not. On the last service I asked if they would grease the steering head bearing as they get next to nothing on initial assembly, as it was a minor service the financial hurt wasn't too bad. Back on the bike and homeward bound. Some miles into the journey things didn't feel right so I parked up to have a look around; all seemed ok and I set of again. The odd feel to the handling persisted and I started to suspect that they had over-tightened the steering head. Really annoyed now that the mechanic had been so careless. I parked up again and put the bike on it's centre stand I flopped the steering from side to side, it seemed just fine. Whilst looking around the bike I touched the rear tyre and it was red hot. Soft tyre, puncture of course and I mutter an apology to Suffolk Triumph. Never mind, lift the seat for the puncture outfit and - - - nothing. A little thought and I realise the repair kit is under the BMW seat with the pump, some fifteen miles away. It's ok though, a friend and ex member of the EAMG lives just four miles away, so I ring him. He is rather put
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out by my plight (as only friends can be) as having just got home from work he was about to walk the dogs and said how could I be so careless and inconsiderate to get a puncture. He eventually appeared armed with a double barrel foot pump and no repair kit saying I could take the pump and stop to reinflate the tyre when needed. It quickly became apparent that the foot pump has seemed better days and couldn't produce any pressure at all, in fact it allowed the last remnants of any pressure to escape. He then produced from his pocket four small CO2 canisters and with them and a dash between filling stations for 50p air shots I got home. EXPERT PAINT JOB. When it comes to painting I can do a half decent job with a can of emulsion and a roller. When it comes to painting a bit of motor bike things go drastically wrong. Over-spray and get runs, spray when it's too cold and get pluming, don't strip the old paint off and get a chemical reaction. With a brush, get runs, drips, grit from a dirty brush, I just don't have the patience to do a good job. I needed to colour match a pair rear spring covers that were black but needed to be dark red. Off I went to Motormania with a panel of said bike to offer it up as a colour match. Rub the spring covers down to bare metal, degrease, prime, light rub down, under coat, light rub down, top coat, another top coat. Bloody perfect; for the first time ever a good paint job. Put a couple sheets of newspaper on the driveway in the Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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sunshine and place the spring covers carefully on, brilliant! Leave to dry. Return to inspect the finished job only to find a puff of wind had blown the newspaper up and it was now firmly adhered to the spring covers. Instead of a wonderfully finish of Amarath Red I now had printed the results of the "3.30 at Aintree" on one and "Bake off goes to Channel Four" on the other. WHEELER DEALING. I've had for several years a small 1980 Honda in the garage. Thinking it was about time I sold it as it was never going to be restored. I advertised it in Classic Motorcycle and described it honestly. As it was in rather poor condition I only asked a modest price. A prospective buyer rang and I described it to him and also that it was a runner, he said he didn't mind a bit of work and sent a cheque. Some days later he arrived to collect in his van. When he arrived and walked into the garage I saw his face drop on spying the little Honda. Oh dear ! he said and I thought hello ! he's going to want his money back but to my surprise he reluctantly loaded the bike up and went. Result. Thankfully I've not heard from him since.
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Poets Corner
The Purist by Ogden Nash
I give you now Professor Twist, A conscientious scientist, Trustees exclaimed, "He never bungles!" And sent him off to distant jungles. Camped on a tropic riverside, One day he missed his loving bride. She had, the guide informed him later, Been eaten by an alligator. Professor Twist could not but smile. "You mean," he said, "a crocodile."
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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
No further dates in 2016
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
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 Motorcyclists Group Ltd, Registered Office, St Laurence House, 2 Gridiron Place, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2BE Registered in England & Wales, Registration No. 5258261
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982