D
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The official magazine of Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists
JOHN F. BLACK
Tel: 01387 267473
St. Michael’s Services St. Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QD Tel: 01387 254304 ~ BP ultimate fuels ~ BP Autogas ~ Car wash ~ Jet wash ~ MACE convenience store ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group members
more performance, less pollution
Servicing, Repairs, Welding, Recovery, MOT for cars, motor-homes & commercials
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Group Committee Members for 2008/09 This magazine was published Group President: Tommy Jardine
by the Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists.
Chair, Graeme McColm Chief m/c Obs
01387 720425
Vice Chair
Jamie Wood
01683 300347
Secretary
Helen Cameron
07707 035518
Treasurer
Russell Wears
01387 263893
Minute Sec
Anne Lind
07877 291715
Contact the Group Secretary:
01387 261523
dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk
Assoc Coordntr Peter Dodds
M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird 01387 259500 Christine Donaldson News Dist. 01576 202805 Events programme
Stewart Cameron Scott Anderson
01387 264005 01387 257826
For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk
Magazine comments and contributions to: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor, Group or the To e-mail any member of the committee, please in Institute of Advanced Motorists, the first instance, use the group contact e-mail to which the Group is affiliated. address: dumfries@groups.org.uk Reg Charity No. SC 023511
Committee
Charlie Allman Andy Campbell Neil Martynink
01387 263750 07717 798109 07725 941180
What’s on? - check out the Events Section at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 8 September – POLICE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM 7 October (Tuesday) – PREPARING FOR WINTER - THE AA 15 October (Wednesday) - TEN PIN BOWLING V CARLISLE GROUP. Help us regain the cup - please let Helen Cameron know if you can come so car sharing arrangements and the necessary bookings can be made. 10 November – VISIT TO SCOTSPEED MOTORCYCLES, Nith Place, Dumfries (show your IAM card & you can get 10% discount on the night (non sale items only)) 8 December – TABLE TOP RALLY courtesy of Jim Hunter All Meetings will be held at Dalston House Hotel, Dumfries unless otherwise stated. (Sometimes last minute changes occur but we endeavour to update the web site) Our work including this magazine is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council. For a full list of our many sponsors please visit the Sponsors Wall at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk
Supported by:
© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 1
New Chairman for Dumfries Group The May AGM saw Graeme McColm (pictured right) elected as Chairman for the next year. He is shown here presenting Alan Jones, the outgoing Chairman, with a quaiche in recognition of his five years of service to the group; at the same time Alan congratulates Graeme on his new position. The AGM also saw Jamie Wood elected to position of Vice Chairman.
The Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm Welcome to the Autumn Edition of our Advance Magazine. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan for all his effort and hard work over the last few years and wish him all the best for the future. Alan is continuing his good work with us by carrying on as a Senior Car Observer, therefore, very much involved in the day-to-day work. I would also like to thank the Committee and Observers for all their hard work and support they have shown me both before and since I took over this role in May 2008. I am also looking forward to working alongside Tommy Jardine (President) and I am sure we will continue to broaden our working relationship. I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little about my life. I have been married for 26 years to a very patient and understanding wife and have two grown up children. I am very much into road safety and as a family; the four of us have all passed our Advanced Driving Test. My son is currently sitting his Bike training and hopes to pass soon. I am Chief Observer (Motorbike Section) and also a Car Observer. I hope to use my vast experience to help expand our membership of Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists and to improve road safety in and around Dumfries & Galloway. So enough about me, on with the business in hand. The first part of the new syllabus is on the previous page, I hope you take the time to read it and note down some dates for your diary. If non-members would like more information please contact any of the committee members or visit our web site. As we have had such appalling weather lately with much water on our roads perhaps now is a good time to continue your training or come back for a refresher. Finally just as we are going to press I have heard that Arla Foods have given us £250, this is fantastic news - thank you, we are very grateful. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Membership renewal Membership renewal forms will be sent out soon, by the Treasurer. From this year we will be giving you the option to renew your membership by standing order. The growing size of our Group means that administration of the group's accounts, including membership matters is becoming a more timeconsuming task for our Treasurer. In order to increase efficiency and minimise the difficulties of administration we ask all members to consider payment by standing order using the form that will be sent out along with the renewal form. The fee for full group membership for next year will remain at £10. Those of you who have not received a membership renewal invitation from the group before may find the following explanation of membership issues useful. There are two tiers to membership, national and local. The national organisation (IAM), provides Examiners, administration, overall support, oversees tests and produces ‘Advanced Driving’ magazine. Local, affiliated groups, such as our Group, organise observed drives, test preparation and social nights - you will be presented with your pass certificate at one of these social nights. The fee that you paid with your original application covered three elements: 1. Fee paid to IAM, covered the Examiner’s fee and the course book etc. 2. Membership of IAM for one year commencing when you passed your test. 3. Associate membership of Dumfries & Galloway Group for one year dating from receipt of your application. This covered the costs of local administration. On passing your test you become eligible for Full Group Membership, due in the Autumn each year. When you receive this group membership renewal invitation it is because this third element has been reached. We hope that Associates will continue as Full Group Members after they have passed the test, attending the meetings, maybe joining the admin team, becoming Observers or just supporting the group through their membership.
Photo Driving licence - 10 year renewal A reminder that if you have a UK photo driving licence, the photo on it needs to be renewed every 10 years - the first such licences were issued in 1998 and so are about to expire. ‘Field 4b’ on the licence shows the photo expiry date. Section 11 on the reverse indicates the expiry of the licence entitlement. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 3
The DVLA say failure to surrender a photocard licence when the photo has expired is a criminal offence and the driver may face a fine of up to £1000 if the photo is not renewed. Approximately two months before a licence needs to be renewed the DVLA will send a reminder but if you have changed address, without informing the authorities, you may miss the requirement to renew. Of course failure to notify a change of address is also an offence. The fee for renewing the photo is currently £17.50. Old-style paper licence holders are not affected.
Death of Group’s former oldest member. We are sad to hear of the death of Dick Bruce, the group’s former oldest member, who passed away on 2nd June 2008 at the age of 89. Dick came to advanced driving late in life only signing up and starting on the advanced driving course in 2002 and passed his test in 2003. He proved that it is never too late to improve your driving skills and with a bit of determination and an open mind it is possible to reach the advanced standard at any age. We offer condolences to his family and friends.
Drive Check - Stewartry Young Drivers Scheme Our group are working with the Police and the Procurator Fiscal's Office on a year long pilot scheme aimed at young drivers whose driving has brought them to the adverse notice of the Police. The scheme acts as a potential alternative to prosecution and involves referrals to us by the Police or via the Procurator with a request to perform an IAM Drive Check on the young person concerned. The Community Safety Forum has provided £1000 of funding to finance 40 Drive Checks, which are carried out free of charge to the young drivers concerned. Our Observers conduct the Drive Check - a 40 minute assessment drive followed by a 20 minute de-brief and a report is given to the driver indicating where their driving safety or behaviour may be improved. A report on the driver's attitude and driving ability is also given to the Procurator. The results of the Drive Check are taken into consideration when considering whether there is a need to proceed with a formal prosecution. The scheme is working well with 17 referrals and 8 Drive Checks to far. A number of referrals have not gone forward Photo Courtesy of Galloway News and some have resulted in prosecution. There is interest in expanding the scheme across our region and maybe right across Scotland. The photo shows discussions about the scheme between Kenny MacAskill (Scotland's Justice Minister), our Alan Jones, Lyndsay Hunter (Principal Procurator Fiscal Depute) and Iain Howie (Police). © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 4
Motorcycle Chief Observer’s diary - Graeme McColm Hello again, some tests have gone through and more going through as we go to press. It’s been quite a mixed year of things going on in the club. With new associates being trained up, shows to attend and the Skye trip, more on that later, courtesy of Phil Sayers. Part of our ongoing training includes slow manoeuvrability; this helps you cope with slow moving traffic and poor road conditions as well as awkward junctions. Jamie Wood has kindly donated some small soft cones to be carried by Observers to allow further training opportunities. At the end of July, Graham Abrines, Phil Sayers, Jamie Woods and myself got together with associates for a very difficult but rewarding training session. We met in a quiet car park, set down some cones and practised clockwise and anti-clockwise manoeuvres round them. This taught us all new skills and by the end of the evening everybody had gained in confidence. It’s something that not many bikers try to master but everybody should have a go, with a little encouragement most people will manage - remember it is all done at walking pace or less. Everyone had a great time so go on give it a go. I’ve included a couple of pictures here so you can get a feel for the event. I will finish off by saying thanks again to all Observers as well as reminding everyone that BIKESAFE is on twice a year at Cornwall Mount so please attend and I hope to see you there.
New rules concerning penalty points - from the Chief Examiner Until now it has not been possible for someone with nine or more points on their driving licence to take the IAM advanced test. Similarly there has been a restriction on people who have been disqualified from driving taking the test, until a period equal to the length of their disqualification period has elapsed. With immediate effect I am pleased to announce that these two restrictions are both removed, thus allowing those who it may be argued are most in need of our help to undertake preparation for the test, and the test itself. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 5
There is a restriction currently applied which prevents anyone who has a court case for a driving matter pending (including the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice) taking the test until the court case is completed. This restriction will continue to apply, to avoid the IAM being used as a ploy by some who are simply seeking to manipulate their position, and who may be expelled from the IAM by being disqualified from driving almost immediately after their test. Any case where a court requires a driver to undertake the test should be referred to the Chief Examiner as a specific matter – but the intention will be to facilitate this wherever that is reasonable.
Dumfries Show - Helen Cameron Thanks to the volunteers who helped by manning our stand at the recent Dumfries Show. There was quite a bit of interest from the public with three people signing up on the day and several others taking away forms to complete at home. Luckily the weather was in our favour ... most of the time. The prize draw for a Car Safety Kit was won by Craig Kerr. We will have the new IAM Mobile Display Unit at the Moffat Show on Saturday 30 August and I’m looking for volunteer members (drivers and bikers) to assist manning the unit. Please let me know if you can spare a couple of hours so that I can arrange a rota.
Group accounts 2007/2008 Over the page are the Group accounts for the period 1 May 2007 to the 31 March 2008. They have been approved by John Love, an Independent Examiner acceptable to the Trustees of the Charity. You may notice that they are presented in a different format from previous years but now reflect the latest required format set out by the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR). In summary, the Group is spending what it receives and utilising its balances to fund one-off purchases of required assets and is in sound financial shape. The full accounts, Independent Examiner’s report and detailed Treasurer’s report is available on the Group web site. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Dumfries & Galloway Grp of Adv Motorists & Motorcyclists
SC023511
Receipts and payments accounts Period start date Period end date Month Year to Day Day Month Year
For the period from
May 2007
1
Mar 2008
31
Section A Statement of receipts and payments Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Expendable endowment funds
Permanent endowment funds
Total funds Total funds current last period period
to nearest ÂŁ
A1 Receipts Donations Legacies Grants Receipts from fundraising activities Gross trading receipts Inc from investments not land & buildings
1,094
265 1,927 56
1,995
66
Rents from land & buildings Receipts ex other charitable activities
A1 Sub total
1,969 5,311
2,061
-
-
investment sales Proceeds from sale of fixed assets Proceeds from sale of investments A2 Sub total
-
-
-
-
Total receipts
5,311
2,061
-
-
A3 Payments Expenses for fundraising activities Gross trading payments Investment management costs
1,002 1,618
Payments relating directly to charitable activities Grants and donations
1,373 80
Governance costs: Audit / independent examination Preparation of annual accounts Legal costs Other
53
4,880
A3 Sub total
4,125
A4 Payments relating to asset and investment movements Purchases of fixed assets Purchase of investments A4 Sub total
4,880
-
792 792
-
-
Total payments
4,917
4,880
-
Net receipts / (payments)
394
(2,819)
-
-
-
A5 Transfers to / (from) funds Surplus / (deficit) for year
3,089 265 1,927 122 1,969-
6,500 550 2,252 86
7,372
15,941
-
4,790
1,763
-
7,372
15,941
1,002 1,618 6,253 80 53 -
1,197 3,044 5,416 135
52
9,005 error
9,844
792 -
386
-
792
386
-
9,797
10,230
(2,425)
5,711
394
(2,819)
-
-
(2,425)
5,711
Sliding around at Knockhill Saturday 28 June a dry but overcast day saw members of the Dumfries Group head to Knockhill race circuit in Fife for a half day skid pan session. The event started with an introduction and briefing then the members were Driving hard for the fastest time treated to demonstrations, in groups of three, with an instructor. They were shown techniques of skid control and learnt about braking and steering both with ABS enabled and disabled, in the latter case using a cadence braking technique. After the demonstrations each member got a 7/8 minutes practising the techniques while driving the car round the skid pan under instruction. Two cars were used, a Vauxhall Vectra with ABS and a Ford Sierra without ABS.
Members and skid pan instructors at Knockhill
This was followed by a competition between all the members each driving five laps round a figure of eight course. The
top three places were taken by: 1st. Nick Riley (time -117.61 ) 2nd. John Minto (time - 117.81) 3rd. Jim Hunter (time - 119.10) It was a cracking day out, all enjoyed it and would go again, if they get the chance. The cost was ÂŁ50. If you fancy having a go yourself we will consider re-running the event next year, or something similar, if there is enough interest. Its your group so just let Helen Cameron know of your ideas.
Nick Riley takes the top spot
Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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St Michael’s Services, Dumfries is offering Group Members and Associates a free basic car wash, or two jet wash tokens, when you fill up. All you need to do, when you’re low on fuel, is fill it up and let the staff know you would like a free bike/car wash before you pay for your fuel. You will need to take along your membership card or, for Associates, the letter you get from the IAM once you have signed up. There is no minimum purchase but please play fair and don’t expect to be eligible for a free wash if you just ‘top up’ your tank - the offer may be withdrawn at any time. Another member offer (aimed primarily at bikers on cold Sunday mornings but open to all members) is hot drinks priced at 50p for IAM members instead of 85p.
ADVANCED DRIVING OR RIDING - what’s different about it?
We advocate using the ‘Planned System of Driving or Riding’. Just because you don’t use our System doesn’t necessarily make you an unsafe driver or rider. What our method gives you is a means of driving or riding in a consistently safe and systematic way which leaves nothing to chance. Our method will not help you drive or ride through a hazard, say a bend, at the fastest possible physical speed but when perfected it should help you progress through it at the fastest speed consistent with maintaining stability and maximising safety. If you’re interested in improving your skills we can help you, why not find out more? E-mail or call the Secretary (07707 035518), or visit our web site - it’s a ‘Skill for Life’ DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511
Tips for keeping to the limit Speeding is the most common motoring offence and we all know it It is easy, in a modern vehicle, to exceed the speed limit. If you hit a pedestrian at 30mph © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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20% will die whereas a similar impact at 35mph and 40mph will result in the death rates of 50% and 85% respectively, irrespective of whether it was the driver or pedestrian’s fault that the collision occurred. Just keeping to the limit will not by itself make you a safer driver - you still need to use all the other attributes of advanced driving to maximise safety. There are things that you can do to help yourself, protect your licence and stay within the law: 1. Check your speedo frequently, build speed checks into your commentary. 2. Know what the limit is – observe and react to signs. 3. Assume lamp posts mean a 30 mph limit, until signs say otherwise. 4. 3rd gear in a 30 mph limit often helps you better control your speed. 5. Concentrate, don’t get distracted. A commentary will help. 6. Take the pressure off yourself - allow yourself enough time for the journey.
Barabara gets a gauntlet thrown down - Barbara Simpson My initial reason for undertaking the IAM Skills for Life was not so noble as a desire to improve my driving but as a Christmas gift from my husband, who was understandably concerned about my reaction to the implications of such a gift, it was a throwing down of the gauntlet. I was understandably apprehensive about my first observed drive but once my observer completed his drive it was obvious there were lots of areas in which I needed to improve. Stevie, my observer, was not critical of my efforts but provided support, encouragement and instilled confidence. Using the IPSGA system to recognise and plan for actual and potential hazards by giving a running commentary of what you see and what you are doing takes quite a bit of getting used to. I was tongue tied and didn't know my left from right! Gradually it got easier and I found myself doing it in my head whenever I was driving. Changing the way I was driving was equally challenging - ‘block gear changes’, ‘brake/gear over-lap’ and ‘sustained-rev gear changes’ - I had never even heard of such things. Getting excited at mastering brakes and gears, with no over-lap, on the approach to roundabouts was proof that I was enjoying the whole thing. Going out for a drive and concentrating solely on how you are driving, rather than just the task of getting to your destination, was unexpectedly enjoyable. I would recommend this course to everyone, as safer driving will be to everyone’s benefit. The next person who should undertake the Skill for Life course is my husband since there is now no argument as to who is the better driver - I have the certificate to prove it! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 10
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The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron As a new season starts for our group meetings I would like to encourage everyone to try to attend some of these events. We have a varied syllabus which has been prepared by Scott Anderson and Stewart Cameron and it would be good to see new and old faces at the Dalston House Hotel (or at one of the garage visits) for these events . I can report that we won the inter-group quiz in April in Carlisle and we will host the quiz next year in the Spring so please let me know if you wish to take part. The 10 pin bowling match against Carlisle group has been set for Wednesday 15 October at 8 pm, please let me know if you want to come along, we need lots of support as we have to try to regain the trophy this year. Once again our Observers have been very busy over the Spring and Summer period. Congratulations go to all our new members who have recently passed. If you have not received your certificate and tee shirt then please come along to the September meeting and it will be presented to you. Associate
Observer
March 2008
Associate May 2008 contd
Andrew Black
Callum Ruddick
John Drysdale
Stuart Murray
David Pennycook
Robert Sloan
Peter Dodds
June 2008
April 2008 Vicki McMinn Alan Sproat
Observer
Nicky Riley
Graeme McColm Peter Dodds
Jennifer McClelland Stephen McCormack Anne Lind Charlie Allman
Andrew Hunter
Graeme W
Gareth Coates
Charlie Allman
Richard Ross
Graeme W
May 2008
Jackie Minaudo
Charlie Allman
Donna McCloskey
Helen Cameron
Barbara Simpson Stephen Craighead Kenneth Dunlop
Stuart Murray
July 2008 Alex Dunlop
Stuart Murray
Russell Allison
Stephen McCormack
James McGarrity
Stuart Murray
Philip Solomon
Stuart Murray
Pamela Grossick
Mark Ranshaw
Kevin Andrews
Stewart Cameron
James Millward
Motorcycle Team
Simon Purdoe
Neil Whitelaw
Vikki Halliday
Motorcycle Team
Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 12
Testing time for Lawrence In the last issue we told of Lawrence Smith’s experiences undergoing coaching in the Skill for Life course. Here he tells of his experience on the most testing part of all - the practical test. I was nervous when it came to the test on 2 levels. I manage the Coachman pub in Moffat as well as working in the Buccleuch so my time is valuable. All the preparation and reorganising of lives was quite tough so the last thing you want to do is fail and let the side down. Having said that I couldn’t have asked for a better Observer in Charles Allman who was flexible and helped me out. Secondly there is quite a lot to think about and fit in especially with the commentary and you realise one too many slip ups could result in failure. I had the impression that all Examiners were stern and almost unapproachable however I found Robin Bell was quite the opposite. We struck up a bit of banter which put me at ease, so then all I had to do was worry about my drive. My test ran smoothly with no major incidents to mention. It helped having a mock test drive about three weeks before the real one and the Senior Observer who took me through the ropes noticed my weakness with my parallel © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13
parking and gave me a few fantastic pointers. I went home and practised relentlessly, even dragging my girlfriend out with a couple of cones. Eventually it just clicked and I did ten, without a hitch, just to make sure. Near the end of my final test I was coming to the end of the drive, when the Examiner asked me to turn into a narrow side road. The road was absolutely choc-o-block with cars on both sides leaving enough room for one lane. Just as I thought I was going to get away with it we came to a space about three quarters of the way down between a BMW and Mercedes. Just my luck! My practice session hadn’t let me down and I inched smoothly into place. I am actually over the moon that I have the confidence to park anywhere, anytime and for that I have big thanks to go out to all who helped me. If I hadn’t done this course I would still be parking on mountain tops and walking for miles using the excuse ‘I just like the exercise’. At the end of the test when Robin Bell, the Examiner, asked me to pull into an Industrial Lawrence Smith at the Buccleuch Park, close to the place we had started from, I thought “Oh no, either another last minute manoeuvre to correct an earlier mistake or some sort of discussion to chastise me”. My heart was in my throat! He lent over and started writing my card out and said “well Mr Smith, congratulations, you have passed, well done”. I could have hugged the man right then and there. There is no doubt the course does take time, commitment and utter concentration and to get a good result was just such a relief. The whole period of my course was during an interesting time of year, the change of season between summer and winter. As usual with autumn you have strong gusty winds and dead leaves everywhere. This was exactly what I experienced during the test. As a result of the course I was able to anticipate and plan for the poor surface conditions and I was commended for approaching leafy patches of road safely and at the right speed.
Skye’s the limit - Phil Sayers Saturday 14 June, after what must have been months (minutes) of planning 12, of our planned 13 motorcycles headed North, out of Dumfries towards the Isle of Skye. The Dumfries and Galloway IAM Bike Group arranges ride-outs on the first Sunday of every month, but this was our first full weekend run. With the route planned, ferries and hotel rooms booked, the group consisted of 1 Associate, 7 Members, 3 Observers, 1 Senior Observer plus Chief Observer. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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The weather was good to us as we headed up the A75 towards Gourock and our first ferry crossing to Hunters Quay. Waiting for us at Gourock Ferry was Jake, he had missed the start and ridden “progressively” and ironically passed us whilst we fuelled up. Now in one group spirits were high as we crossed the short ferry ride. Phil and Graham had devised a route from Hunter Quay taking in Oban, Fort William, Invergarry, Kyle of Lochalsh to our hotel in Kyleakin. The lack of traffic and gentle pace meant we could relax and enjoy the staggering scenery of the Oban coastline. Bikes and bellies fuelled up in Oban we set off to Fort William, Invergarry and finally the A87 to the Kyle of Lochalsh, anyone who has been up this way will know it is a biker’s paradise. The sun shone and with plenty of photo stops our group happily wound its way to Kyleakin. As we approached the Skye Bridge, Graham got up onto the bridge first, dismounted and filmed the group crossing, quite how some people managed to cross several times escapes me. As we arrived at the hotel the weather closed in and the midges came out to play, ho hum off to the bar then. We were treated to the sight of our Chief Observer “helping himself” (it was an honesty bar!) to the beer pumps, all without a glass in sight. The food and craic was excellent. Brian had arranged a bike quiz in the bar afterwards, the best team won, but out of modesty they shall remain nameless.
All 13 bikes heading across the water
A long day, 10 hours, on the bike, the flowing beer and whisky had an effect on some and we were treated to the mysterious appearance of a “slightly” inebriated mouth organ player at about 11 pm which had the desired effect and sent everyone off to bed. We woke, well most of us woke, on Sunday morning to drizzle but after a hearty breakfast and several wakenings of the mouth organist we set off down Skye to the Armadale Ferry. Skye is the most beautiful place and I regret not spending another night on the island so we could explore properly. The run down to Armadale was quick and whilst waiting for the ferry we were joined by another group of 6 or 7 bikes looking to get on the same ferry - it always pays to plan and book ahead as they were unfortunately turned away. Another calm crossing and we arrived in Mallaig, setting off down one of the best stretches of road imaginable, the A380 to Fort William. They are in the process of resurfacing the road so the first 10 miles out of Mallaig was a little © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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rough but the scenery is just superb, the rain had stopped the roads had cleared and this is biking heaven. From Fort William we headed via Glenachulish to Glencoe. And that’s when it happened, 10 miles or so out of Glencoe the words none of us wanted to hear came over the radio … “Rider Down” Tom, one of our experienced members, was following traffic when a car in front decided to stop in a lay-by with very little warning, Tom locked the front wheel and laid the bike down hitting the road at 30mph or so. Tom was obviously in pain so a 999 call was made. Whilst the ambulance crew dealt with Tom, we secured his bike. It was not healthy for everyone to be standing around so the group headed for the Green Welly, leaving Graeme McC, Graham A and Donna McC with Tom. We regrouped at the Green Welly and a decision was taken to head directly back to Dumfries. Tom had broken several ribs and punctured his lungs and was in Hospital in Glencoe. Part of the planning had included an “ICE” number for all the riders, so we were able to swiftly let Tom’s wife know what had happened. The run back was a little sombre with everyone concerned for Tom’s well being but the trip had been very enjoyable, with good weather and excellent company. Tom was moved to Dumfries and is now out of hospital and still deciding what to do about his riding career, but then he is 73. Riding a bike is an exhilarating pastime and one with obvious dangers, advanced training is very important but even Valentino Rossi has the odd spill. In hindsight and without stating the obvious, the weekend was a great success, everyone enjoyed the run, the food, the craic and at the end of the day what better way to spend a weekend than with likeminded friends in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.
Taking in the view at Eilean Donan Castle
DA Autoparts offers all IAM members and Associates 10% discount on purchases made from its New Parts stores in Dumfries and Stranraer. Take along your membership card or this voucher (no need to cut it out) to take full advantage of this offer. This discount offer will continue until otherwise stated. Please ensure you mention to staff, prior to purchasing, that you are from the IAM.
O B S E R V E R’ S C O R N E R
This section is intended to help when considering the best course of action. It is up to every driver to actively assess each scenario.
Feedback from the Examiner Last year the car Examiner, Robin Bell visited the group and gave us some tips on what he is looking for from a candidate on test. Acceleration: Smooth and efficient at all times (not clog and anchor). Acceleration sense: Should be well developed and used throughout the drive - the driver should know what his/her vehicle can do. Braking: Efficient, smooth and tapered maintaining a good vehicle balance. Clutch: Smooth, keeping the left foot covering the clutch pedal is not a good attribute and he looks out for this. Gear: Gears should be used efficiently throughout the drive, with slick changes. He looks for the right gear for the speed and conditions. The Examiner will monitor how long your hand remains on the stick, it is not good to drive with one hand holding the stick for extended periods. He expects a driver’s hand to leave the wheel, carry out the change and then return to the wheel. Steering: ‘10 to 2’ is not critical. Steering should be smooth and ideally use a ‘Pull-push’ technique. Manoeuvres: These should not be rushed, take your time. There could be up to four manoeuvres. Concentration: This is Important, guard against mistakes in the last 15/20 minutes of the test, especially with speed and position elements. Observation: The examiner looks to see if the driver sees hazards and acts upon them. Although commentary is not mandatory he can’t tell easily what the candidate is seeing and thinking without it. Anticipation: Candidates should display a healthy level throughout the test working out what may happen. Hazard management: Is the candidate working out what to do - and doing it? © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 18
Position: Candidates should use the available road width as appropriate and demonstrate position advantage as appropriate. Speed limits: All limits must be strictly observed throughout the test. The best candidates use frequent mirror/speed checks. Overtaking: Overtakes are often not attempted on tests but when they are this shows the candidate is relaxed. They should be carried out as quickly as possible (within the speed limit). Making progress: Maintaining the right position and the right gear can get you there more safely and quicker. If a candidate knows the road then use the knowledge as an aid to making progress. Use of mirrors: Lots of mirror use is good. Signals: The test here is ‘does anyone need to know and do they need to react?’ For instance moving back into lane one on the motorway often/ usually does not need a signal. Road surfaces: These should be identified and reacted to appropriately e.g. leaves, wet conditions, hot tar etc Overall smoothness: Drive should be smooth throughout, use the right gear. If the pads slides off his knees then you are braking too hard! Courtesy: It costs nothing to wave and the other driver might remember your car in the future. Cockpit and moving brake test: The Examiner likes candidates who carry out a cockpit drill including the moving brake test. Overall he reminded us he is not looking for a perfect driver, there is no such thing. He does firmly believe however that if a better way of driving other than using the ‘System’ it would have been found by now- so use it for a positive test result.
Make safety a priority for winter driving Its probably not news you want to hear but winter is not far away and with that comes the likelihood of more difficult driving conditions. Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government’s transport agency, maintains motorways and trunk roads - local councils are responsible for other roads. From 1 October to 15 May, a 24-hour winter service operates on all of Scotland’s trunk roads and from 1 November to 31 March trunk routes, most at risk to winter conditions, are patrolled by contractors during the night. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 19
The service requires that when snow and ice are predicted road salting operations are commenced within one hour and completed within two hours of starting.
However you should recognise that there always will be times when motorways and trunk roads may not be completely free of snow and ice. Rain can wash off the salt, sudden temperature drops can allow ice to form before the road is treated and it takes time for the salt to become effective. Trunk road salting in our region is now more effective since the introduction of a ‘prewetted’ application technique. Of course it is not just snow and ice that causes problems in winter; fog, low winter sun, and wet or flooded roads all are likely to be more common problems to be dealt with. As with most things planning and anticipation are key, not just on the road but before the journey starts too. Check the forecast, look outside well before you need to start, if the weather is bad, but you still have to make the journey, you might be able to give yourself more time, for example, by starting off earlier. Anticipating the conditions you are likely to encounter will enable you to plan, in advance, how you are going to safely deal with them. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 20
Crossflags At Crossflags we strive to create the best customer experience in the area. Please come and see us when you are considering your next vehicle purchase. York House, Annan Road, Dumfries DG1 3AW 01387 253473 Fax: 01387 253472 www.crossflags.co.uk
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