South East Biker, issue 34, August-September 2014

o.1 The South East’s N ine FREE bike magaz

tember 2014 Issue 34: August-Sep

REVIEW: TRIUMPH

675 DOUBLE

MONDO SAHARA

E N R Y B Y E K SHA T O P S E H T N O

ORTS P S • S T N E V E • URES REVIEWS • FEAT www.southeastbiker.co.uk Join us:

south east biker magazine

@southeastbiker

www.haslemeremotorcycles.co.uk Tel 01420 488290

Suzuki V-Strom 650A

“The V-Strom’s trump card is its frugalness with fuel.”

(Mel Falconer Motorcycle Monthly) “The comfort of the 650 is excellent with the position of the pegs, bars and seat in harmonony ... as a long distance, mid-range, road-based adventure tourer, the 650 V-Strom is the best out there right now. ” (Alun Davies ABR)

Haslemere Motorcycles in conjunction with British Cafe Racer brings the heritage, style and feeling from the original Cafe Racers of the golden era of British motorcycling in to the modern age.

The reliability, build quality and performance of modern motorcycles provides the foundations that e underpin every mchine.

With each new motorcycle being a bespoke, unique and individual statement based on the latest British classic designs, you can enjoy the style, performance, sound and feel of your individual, hand built motorcycle without the maintenance, repair and reliability worries often associated with older machine machines.

In association with British Cafe Racer ,Haslemere is proud to be able to produce classic Cafe Racer one off Bonneville based motorcycles for the individual that appreciates the design, engineering and style of the classic era.

Call Today

The friendliest dealer in the south www.britishcaferacers.co.uk

Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Bordon, Hants GU34 9AR

STARTING GRID

CONTENTS 4 Triumph 675 Double 10 Beat The Holiday Stress 12 Trail Attack 2 14 Mondo Sahara 16 Become A Better Rider 18 Exploring North Wales 20 Shakey Byrne On The Spot 24 First Time On Track 28 A Man With A Mission Part 3 30 History Of Witley & District MCC 32 Unique. Passionate. Talented 34 Frontline News From MAG 36 Kilts, Castles And Clutch Cables 38 Biker Events

WHERE CAN YOU FIND SEB MAGAZINE?

South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is delivered to selected motorcycle outlets and businesses across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, London, Essex, Middlesex, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset. Please see website for current distribution points.

We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you missed your copy then subscribe for just £9 per annum and we will post you a copy direct to your door so you will never miss an issue ever again. Just email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

www.southeastbiker.co.uk MAKING CONTACT

ADVERTISING Debbie Tunstill & GENERAL Tel: 01892 610808 ENQUIRIES: Email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk

South East Biker, Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 2SP EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk PRODUCTION: Dean Cook, email: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2014 South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is an independent title and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of South East Biker magazine. Reproduction of content is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the editor or publisher.

COVER IMAGE: Shane Byrne photo by Nigel Martin.

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

As well as being a great method of transport, a motorbike is your introduction to a vast unofficial society, you become a ‘biker.’

It doesn’t matter what bike you have, if it’s got two wheels and it moves you, you’re a member. Something as simple as a nod to another motorcyclist to organising charity events for numerous causes separates us from ‘the rest’, who have only ever experienced being cooped up in a sterile mobile entertainment system.

We have had a couple of unfortunate bike related incidents happen to friends of ours recently (get well soon Mick and Nikki) and the response to appeals for help via social media is incredible. If your bike breaks down by the side of the road you can guarantee that the first biker to pass by will stop to see if you need assistance. If you pull into a biker café on your own and wander round with a cup of tea, before you know it you will be chatting to a total stranger about their pride and joy. BSB hero Shane Byrne was wandering around giving riding tips to riders at Brands Hatch on his day off when we were there recently.

If the advertising agencies that market motorbikes were better at getting across this side of biking, more sales would surely follow. Motorcycle advertising seems very focussed on those who already have a bike, preaching to the converted!

In this issue we have tales of trips to Wales and Scotland, beautiful riding places that are within reach of all of us. Les Smith reviews a couple of Triumph triples. Debbie has a fascinating interview with the local legend Shakey Byrne. We test some of the latest adventure bike tyres and take a look at Austin Vince’s cinematic masterpiece that is Mondo Sahara. Dream it, Do it!...is his motto. So what are you waiting for?? Enjoy your summer’s two wheeled adventures…

All the best Nick

south east biker magazine @southeastbiker 3

REVIEW: TRIUMPH DAYTONA AND STREET TRIPLE R

TRIUMPH 675 DOUBLE Les Smith reviews two 675cc Triumphs; the Daytona and Street Triple R. Which would come out top?

T

he words Triumph and Daytona, for me, conjure two images, the famous British motorcycle mark and the Daytona race track in the US, in essence motorcycle history and speed.

So, the chance to run two of the 675 engined bikes from Triumph, one being the Daytona, back-toback was a great opportunity and a great way to get a feel for how these British born bikes are on the road and possibly how different they are to each other at the same time, considering they share lots of bits.

I had been looking forward to the test for some time and I was not disappointed by either motorcycle even if the result was a little surprising.

The two bikes in question – the 675 Daytona and the 675 Street Triple R (+ arrow pipe and quick shifter) are the latest versions of these two popular models.

Triumph’s 675 Daytona, as tested in glorious red is a good looking 4

motorcycle, first impressions often count in a world ruled by trends and this little beasty certainly makes a good impression. It would do very well in the garage test.

Open the garage door in the morning and spotting a bike lurking silently in the gloom is always a good start to any day’s riding or even just the jaunt to work.

When I open the garage, I need to be able to look at my bike and say to myself “right, come on then, let’s have it” ... ok, this is a little extreme but you know what I mean.

Bikes do that to their owners and this little 675 Daytona will not disappoint in the open garage door department nor will it disappoint on the road.

Riders will just want to ride it. If you love riding motorbikes you will love the Daytona.

The newest version of this little flyer is not just a pretty face either, a quick look at the specification will tell you that it is packed full of fun for road riders and track dudes

alike. I’m not going to run through all the changes over the previous model – it’s been done elsewhere before. I’m going to concentrate on how it rode when I took it for a quick spin the other day. (I must quickly mention Laguna Motorcycles Maidstone. These are the lovely people who allowed me to ride their Demos. Cheers Jim).

Over the last few years sports bike sales have perhaps not been as good as they once were and I am a quirky sports bike fan at best. I love what they can do and when you consider the performance figures these bikes bring to the roads it’s mind blowing what a little, 160ish kgs of two wheel rocket can achieve in the performance stakes for the price of a ‘small oriental car’.

Can I just say, I reserve the right to diss sports bikes for being impractical, ‘cos they are. I’ve owned a couple over the years and I’ve ached at the end of the day with the best of men and girlies, but then who wants a practical sports-bike? Well I don’t. Like many

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

HELMET CITY Passionate About Protection Approach Road, Tatsfield Westerham, Kent/Surrey Border.

TN16 2JT

4000 SQ FT DEDICATED TO HELMETS & CLOTHING Tel: 01959 577911 Website: www.helmetcity.co.uk Email: helmetcitytatsfield@live.co.uk Opening times: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-5pm FREE SPIDER BUNGEE OR OXFORD COMFY on presentation of this voucher!

1 Voucher per Household

REVIEW: TRIUMPH DAYTONE AND STREET TRIPLE R

other riders I like to think that there is still a bit of a biker rebel lurking somewhere under the grown up facade and I like a sports bike to be a hoot to ride.

So does the Daytona do that?

We’ll, in a word ‘yep’. As soon as I set off I knew it was going to be a fun ride. I was a little worried about a cramped riding position when I first laid eyes on the Daytona.It looks like a race bike but once on the bike, it felt similar to one of my old bikes, I had a K5 GSXR 1000 for 15,000 miles and this Daytona reminded me of that bike in some ways; as far as the riding position goes anyway. It is actually quite comfy for a small bike, despite my 6’ frame and 120kgs.

the bike travelling at a fair old lick, but wring its neck and it is as fast as you like on any road.

The singing engine just revs and revs giving the rider a beautiful sound track to the rapid progress.

I’m not going to talk about speed – that’s vulgar – and I think I can safely say that all modern sports bikes are fast. The little Triumph has my vote more for its personality.

During the ride out of town there was a bit of weight on the wrists and, to be fair, ten minutes of this

would be a real pain, but as soon as the open road appears the pain disappears.

I did find the standard suspension settings a little harsh on bumpy B roads but I reckon with a bit of setting up this could be sorted.

Everywhere else the bike is a gem to ride, it’s quick when you want it to be and a puppy when you need it to be. It steers with the slightest thought and it brakes really well remaining stable under pressure.

You have to remember that this bike is as light as a feather and every contour of the ground is felt by the rider but it’s controlled via the chassis into proper feedback.

Now I’m no expert race track dude, I’ve got the broken collar bone to prove it, but I would love to do a track day on this bike.

Among the many styling touches on this bike I particularly loved the rev limit lights. Getting them to light up as the bike leaps forward through the gearbox is a bit of a hoot and adds to the fun. It’s what sports bikes are for anyway. You have to ride this bike positively to get the best out of it. It really needs to be ridden. You can’t simply put it in third and twist like you can with the litre sports jobbies. It’s definitely a rider’s bike. I have to be honest, I

SO WHAT’S THE DAYTONA LIKE TO RIDE? The sweet Triple sings its heart out all the time, the engine note is just gorgeous and the surge from the grungy power plant is very addictive. The Triple-engined 675 bucked the trend in the mid-class sports bikes when it came out years ago and the newest bike is doing the same. Accelerating, short shifting, through the box soon had 6

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

REVIEW: TRIUMPH DAYTONA AND STREET TRIPLE R

don’t have a clue about the petrol consumption figures and I don’t really care. I didn’t ask about max power output either.

To put this bike into context I thought back to my days with my litre bike. I remember my K5 1000 very well and, although the Daytona would not be as quick, it’s not as fast as the K5 in a straight drag race scenario. I reckon a tidy rider on the Daytona could give a good account of themselves on the twistys and most race tracks come to that, that’s for sure. Let’s face it folks anyone can jockey a 1000cc sports bike along a motorway, but on the bends it’s a whole new ball game.

The Daytona accelerates very quickly when used at the top of its rev range and between bends it builds pace very well, slowing for the next bend is easy and controllable too thanks to the brakes and chassis. This composed progress was most evident when

a tractor decided to make an appearance in the middle of a series of bends hidden by trees. The little Triumph let me brake hard and negotiate the hazard with ease – no fuss and no skipping on the bumpy road. Easy.

I have ridden a few 600s in this class over the years and the Daytona certainly has the edge on grunt, which then makes for smarter progress. It has less weight than bigger sports machinery making it easier to ride fast too and is a good case for less is more, light weight, good smooth power and a sweet handling chassis, end of.

SO IS THAT THE WHOLE DAY’S STORY? No it’s not, I dropped the little Daytona off at Lagunas and headed straight back out on the sibling 675 street Triple R, with goodies added. Lagunas demo…

‘Street’, get me, presented itself for inspection with a quick shifter and

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

a tuneful Arrow Race Can fitted.

Just to clarify, the Street Triple is a naked sports middle weight sensation and has the sales figures to prove it. The R model comes with up-rated suspension and brakes and is aimed at the more serious rider.

It looked fast stood still and I must say I was really looking forward to following the same route as my Daytona ride as a comparison.

Sitting on the bike in the yard at Lagunas it felt much more roomy straight away with the higher MX style bars and softer seat.

The engine sounded really good with the addition of the pipe though and as I set off I was straight into quick shifter mode, holding the throttle steady about half open and just kissing the gear lever up into the next gear. This seamless short-shifting is just brill.

The bars on the bike were rotated a little too far forward for me and the grips felt like they were at a bit 7

REVIEW: TRIUMPH DAYTONA AND STREET TRIPLE R

of an odd angle but that was the only thing I could really sense as I set off. The bike made smooth progress towards the town centre and felt light and agile from the off

I was almost straight into street fighter mode and by the time I got to the motorway I was happy with the riding position and the comfort factor.

The engine felt strong and grunty with plenty of umph for the dual carriageway. On the motorway at speed it was fine too; the wind blast over the small fly screen was not an issue and I reckon I could run for quite some miles on this bike. I’m not long back from a tour to Europe and the last day of the trip was a 500 mile Strasbourg to Calais run. The Street Triple would have been fine on this trip I reckon.

The Street Triple looks great in the white and red scheme and the sound from the Arrow can adds to the fun when riding the bike. The noise is addictive but more than that it speaks to the rider, asking to be ridden.

According to the info and hype about this bike open A and B roads are its forte. The open road is the place to be on this bike, but during my ride I found it a bit of a puzzle.

The suspension was too harsh on the back roads and the engine felt

Service • Repairs • Tyres Suspension Set-up MOTs by Appointment 17 Years Main Dealer Experience

Tel: 01825 766351, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: info@everestmotorcycles.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk Unit 3, Enterprise Centre, Bell Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex. TN22 1QL

WE HAVE MOVED

Unit 3, Enterprise Centre, Bell Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex,TN22 1QL. NEW TELEPHONE TOO:

01825 766351

8

Everest Motorcycles HP 0414.indd 1

August-September 2014 • South East 07/07/2014 Biker Magazine 08:55

REVIEW: TRIUMPH DAYTONA AND STREET TRIPLE R strained on the faster A roads which is a bit daft as it has the same DNA as the Daytona. I don’t know if it was the gearing or the pipe but the power was harder to extract on the Street Triple than the Daytona.

The Street Triple is a fast bike and the handling is great but it was hard work at speed compared to the Daytona.

The Street Triple R is a bit of a SWAT team bike: all noise and fight without any subtlety whereas the Daytona on the other hand, was smooth and felt faster in a Gentleman’s Shooting Club sort of way. Both are quick twisty road motorbikes but the Daytona felt more refined.

Street Triple R’s progress on the country roads is quick and the bike begs to be thrashed. The thing is

it’s a street fighter that likes to have a fight. I’m sure the suspension can be improved with some tweaking making for a less frantic ride but, as tested I preferred the Daytona, I felt that even with all the generic similarities the bikes are so different. In a way this division is credit to Triumph for creating two very unique bikes out of the same

stable. So well done for that Mr. T. I really had a blast on the Street Triple R. It is a cracking bit of kit and is such fun to ride. The thing looks and sounds the business with the Arrow Can and I would love one.

On the day, given that the Daytona is not a town bike, the real rider’s sports bike is the Daytona but the Triple R is possibly a better all rounder (with suspension set up better). The bike can be touring one day and scratching all the next.

If working a motorcycle to its maximum potential is your thing and you not lured by 2 million BHP and 200 MPH (in a straight line...zzzzz) these two lumps of motorcycle beauty are worth a look. Keep it up ... right!

For the ultimate Sports Bike or Touring Adventure, contact the only Bike Hire Company with a complete selection of quality machines…

South East Biker Superbike Rental Magazine HP 0613.indd• www.southeastbiker.co.uk 1

16/05/2013 15:319

TRAVEL INSURANCE

BEAT HOLIDAY STRESS – JUMP ON THE BIKE AND GO Trying to co-ordinate flights, transfers, hotels and day trips can create headaches rather than holiday bliss; however this stress can easy be alleviated if you scrap the airport, and simply hop on your bike and hit the open road for a long weekend.

otorcycle holidays in Europe require a very small amount of pre-planning, and can be organised at the very last minute if needs be – removing all the stress of a normal summer holiday. To ensure you have a fantastic motorcycle trip, all you need to do is follow the top tips below from our touring experts.

INSURANCE Even if your trip is last minute, you should never leave home without checking you have the right insurance in place; • Bike Insurance – make sure your bike insurance covers you for riding abroad, and that you have a copy of your insurance certificate just in case you are required to produce it.

• Break down cover – if at all possible you should never leave for a trip abroad without having international break down cover in place. Without road side assistance your trip could come to a grinding halt if you have mechanical issues or if you have an accident.

• Travel Insurance – once your bike is fully insured, make sure you also protect yourself and your trip. Specialist Motorcycle Travel Insurance can help if you need medical assistance, if your leathers or kit are lost, stolen or damaged, if your trip is affected by a breakdown plus much more.

DESTINATIONS The following destinations are perfectly situated in Europe for a fantastic sunny road trip; Spain – although busy during the summer months, Spain offers a fantastic opportunity to soak up the sunshine. Depending on how long you have to travel, you could visit Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid.

Italy – for a true taste of Italia head to Florence, or alternatively for some biking history head to Bologna; the home of Ducati.

Switzerland – if you’re looking for scenic views then look no further than Switzerland. Beautiful mountains and quant villages will make for a picture perfect trip.

Don’t forget, when travelling in Europe always ensure you take your EHIC with you.

Always check the rules and regulations of the country you are visiting to avoid being caught out, for example in France it is the law that all vehicles (including bikes) carry a breathalyser at all times.

FERRY TRAVEL Remember, just because you’re avoiding the airport does not mean you definitely won’t be victim to delays. If you’re travelling by ferry, make sure you arrive in plenty of time for your departure, allowing time for traffic and queuing at the port. Once your bike is on board thick foam pads should be placed around it to prevent any damage by the heavy duty ratchet straps and chocks which are used to hold it in place. A member of crew should be around to help you with this, to ensure the bike does not topple over during the trip and cause damage to itself or anything else.

Once you exit the ferry, your adventure has really begun!

For more information about specialist Motorcycle Touring Insurance visit Holidaysafe.co.uk/SEB or call 0845 2307 622.

M

10

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

Enjoy what the world has to offer with Holidaysafe SAVE

20%

Cover from as little as

£P2ER .D9AY4

*

online with discou code SEB5

nt

Ends: 31/08/14

Motorcycle Travel Insurance • Cover for track days, off roading and Motorcycle touring as standard.

• Cover for damage or loss to your leathers, helmet, gloves, boots, tank bag and much more.

• Cover for medical emergencies and personal accident.

• Cover for Pillion passengers, plus discounts for couples.

• Cover towards the cost of collecting your bike if you are forced to leave it behind due to illness, injury or mechanical failure.

SAVE 20%* online at www.Holidaysafe.co.uk/SEB or call 0845 2307 622

*Saving of 20% is made with our 15% online discount PLUS an extra 5% for SEB Readers using code SEB5 – valid on purchases until 31st August 2014.

Holidaysafe voted Travel Insurance Provider of the Year 2014 by Consumer Experts Moneyfacts

BOOTS FOR BIKES

TRAIL ATTACK 2 The Tiger 955i needs some more rubber so Nick Tunstill is trying something different on his daily ride…

F

or the last few years I have used Metzeler Tourance tyres, very solid and dependable and long lasting. However tyre technology has marched on relentlessly and we now ride on rubber that would have been welcome on GP bikes not so many years ago. So time for a change and to try out what’s on offer in 2014 after using the same make of tyres for some years.

Continental’s Trail Attack 2 was designed specifically for heavyweight adventuretouring machines.

The company worked very closely with KTM during the development of the 1190 Adventure model. Unlike some competitors’ products, the Trail Attack 2 utilises only a single rubber compound across the surface of the tyre. They are designed to keep an even temperature across the tyre, warm up quickly and offer high levels of wet grip and improved braking distances. Continental’s zero-degree, steel-belt construction is designed to deliver superior stability at high speeds and good ride quality with high-load capacity. Reinforced front tyre carcasses employ a new tread pattern to ensure precise steering and long wear.

The Trail Attacks are designed to be ridden hard straight after fitting using Continental’s cold-coating system (Traction Skin) eliminates tyre-release agents, so they have a brief break-in period. Continental also use a proprietary “Black Chili” compound. This 12

sounds more like a Reggae band but is a piece of engineering meaning tyres benefit from quick warm ups and better traction.

Adventure bikes can be ridden hard and these days will often keep up with sports bikes on the road in the right hands and with decent tyres. It’s all about confidence and feel. The Metzelers are an effective tyre, long lasting and reliable. Good in the wet, although I wouldn’t want to push them too hard while cranked over. The back has a habit of skipping out when damp and the throttle is applied with a bit of enthusiasm when exiting a corner.

Initial impressions are good, we have been lucky enough to have a couple of reasonably dry months and certainly grip levels in the dry are excellent and they help turn in more than the Metzelers. The Tiger is used all year round and in most conditions so time will tell how they fare over the winter. A short European jaunt is in the offing so that should give some useful feedback also.

The name is a bit misleading, these tyres are aimed at the ever popular big trailies most of which will deal with little more than a gravel track. I don’t plan to test them off road on anything more challenging than that as, looking at the tread, there will be more appropriate tyres for anything more hardcore than a farm track. Check out www.conti-bike.co.uk for the full range. Price wise they seem good value, I guess the real proof will be in the mileage achieved.

Tread life is estimated in the region of around 8000 miles, depending on the bike, surfaces and riding style. This seems to be perfectly acceptable for bikes with well over 100bhp these days. I will keep you informed…

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

Your emergency contact and medical information accessible by Smartphone carried by first responders.

A simple yet effective scannable sticker, key-fob, or luggage label.

Your information is stored in a QR Code and NFC Tag.

SEB

READER OFFER 2 X STICKERS 2 TAGS 1 X KEYRING

Use Code SEB045

£15.99

Order yours today: www.nokalert.co.uk NOKALERT 0414 HPH.indd 1

18/03/2014 10:41

The adventure starts in store

R O A D

•

T R A I L

•

E N D U R O

MOTOWARD.CO.UK

•

M OTO - X

Tel: 01403 823222 • Web: www.motoward.co.uk • Email: motoward@aol.com V I C T O R I A H O U S E , C H U R C H S T R E E T, R U D G W I C K , W E S T S U S S E X . R H 1 2 3 H J

TO P N A M E S I N C LOT H I N G A N D PA RT S • W O R L D W I D E D E L I V E RY South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Motoward HP 0714.indd 1

13 14/07/2014 08:47

FILM REVIEW

MONDO SAHARA

A motorbike adventure by Austin Vince.

Nick Tunstill sits down and watches a whole film for once…

I

have to admit a bit of bias, I have been an Austin Vince fan ever since I went to one of his shows a few years ago in Brighton. He is down to earth, in his own special way, and has a refreshing approach to biking and life that keeps things simple, fun and achieveable.

A man of many talents, Austin started his motorbike and film adventures with Mondo Enduro, a no frills adventure riding around the world without GPS, the internet or any back up. Austin and his mates showed how you can have an amazing bike trip without spending huge amounts of cash on bikes and gadgets.

14

A decade after Austin’s round the world trip, Ewan and Charley set off on their much hyped expedition complete with full back up and camera crew and the adventure motorcycling boom took off.

The years have rolled by and Austin is still exploring the world but keeping it cost effective and as simple as possible.

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

FILM REVIEW

Mondo Sahara combines Austin’s passions of film making and adventure motorcycling and it works brilliantly. At the beginning of November 2012 a team of seven riders left the UK. The plan was to ride from London to Mauritania, to the heart of the Sahara desert. Five weeks and 4,000 miles predominantly off road, culminating in a multi-day unsupported desert lunge, digging up buried caches of food, fuel and water. The riders are an interesting mix who all contribute to the overall feel of the film. Now, to be honest, most of us would probably struggle to arrange this sort of caper in advance without the right contacts. And Austin obviously has these after 20 years of adventure riding. However the basic idea that a motorbike adventure is achievable on a relatively tight budget is an inspiration to us all.

Rather than a straight forward documentary following the trip, Mondo Sahara cuts in archive footage that adds an atmospheric retro feel to the film.

There are plenty of extras and background bits that make the whole DVD package a delight. It manages to combine the intimacy of a home shot film with a professional feel that entertains and informs.

A lot of us will never have the opportunity to undertake this sort of adventure, but even if you just head off for a day’s ride to somewhere you haven’t been before, you will gain sense of achievement.

So go out and buy it! The DVD will cost you £18.50 from Austin’s website www.austinvince.com

WIN A SIGNED DVD

How would you like to win a signed copy courtesy of SEB? Well simply answer the following question with your contact details and email to nick@southeastbiker.co.uk or post to Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2SP. After Mondo Enduro, Austin and the crew made another film tracking their trip across Europe, Greece and Turkey, Kazakhstan and Russia to become the first recorded motorcyclists ever to cross the gruelling Zilov Gap. What is it called?

Competition closes September 30th 2014.

southeastbiker.co.uk

South East Biker Magazine • www.

15

RIDING SKILLS

BECOME A BETTER RIDER

Modern motorcycles are superb pieces of engineering with engines, brakes, suspension and tyres that only a very few highly skilled riders will ever push to their limits.

James Sanderson spends time with Kent Fire & Rescue Ride Skill Day at Brands Hatch

U

nfortunately most of us ride on the overcrowded, pot holed excuses for roads that we enjoy in the South East and spend most of our time dodging other road users of various persuasions, most of whom haven’t a clue what they are doing. Kent Fire and Rescue have a couple of excellent initiatives to help us improve our riding and also how do deal with an incident if we are involved in or come across it.

KENT FIRE & RESCUE RIDE SKILLS DAY Ride Skills Day at Brands Hatch. What’s this about?

Simply put it is a ‘taster’ day for a number of different experiences, run at this world famous circuit by The Kent Fire & Rescue Service, the Fire Bike Team with assistance from The IAM, Survival Skills MC Training and MSV (Motor Sport Vision). It is about offering Bikers the chance to experience differing aspects of biking that are all geared to make them safer/ more accomplished riders on the road! There are five elements covered on the day: Basic First Aid for Bikers, Advanced Motorcycling Theory input, Slow speed control session, Observed Rides (tasters) with IAM Observers and two track sessions (novice level). All in one day and all for fifty-quid!

It is NOT really for ‘track day demons’ or Advanced Standard riders, it is aimed at those who have never been on a track, who have never had advanced input or been a member of an Advanced group, they can and will cater for newer riders and the more nervous or those who just want to experience some of the 16

above. Having said that if you are a bit of ‘sporty’ rider on the road and like speed then maybe you should also get yourself on the course as they may still be able to help you with some enlightenment!

Below are the links to the booking page on the MSV website, just pick a date and get yourself booked on. Be warned clothing requirements for the track sessions are unbending and FULL leathers either one piece or two piece with a zip ALL the way around the waist are a requirement!

All participants will need to produce a full, current and unrestricted category A motorcycle licence upon registration. Riders will also require an ACU approved helmet, bike boots and leathers. For the avoidance of doubt, textile riding equipment is not permitted.

They will have run six by the end of the year and are hoping to do a similar number for 2015.

They are proving extremely popular with newer riders and the ladies. Simply put, it is a ‘taster’ day for a number of different experiences run at this world famous venue. They look forward to seeing you here!

BIKER DOWN! TRAINING COURSE Often bikers ride in groups or pairs and it is usually the case that when one is involved in an accident the first person on the scene will often be a fellow biker.

Many clubs and groups discuss the need for the training of riders in how to deal with a crashed biker.

Injured motorcyclists need to be dealt with in a specific manner by a First Aider due to the mechanics of the type of injuries possibly suffered and the issues August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

RIDING SKILLS surrounding helmet removal.

Direct video link: http://bit.ly/bikerdown To respond to this, Kent Fire & Rescue are offering a FREE ‘First Aid for Bikers Course. ‘Biker Down’ includes three modules.

Incident scene management: A presentation from a Fire Bike Team member, on scene management and personal safety for a biker happening upon an RTC involving a motorcyclist.

Casualty care: This module is delivered by qualified Life Support Instructors, from KFRS with Motorcycle First Aid specific, expertise, covering; Trauma and mechanism of injury, snatch rescues, why when and how, basic life support, CPR, managing spinal injuries and crash helmet removal, when and how.

The science of being seen: During this session the attendees receive instruction and advice on conspicuity, how effective is Hi-Viz? Looking at the use of conspicuity clothing and Hi-Viz aids. Within in this talk phenomena such as Motion Camouflage and Looming are discussed as well as tips on what you can do to be seen without necessarily the need for covering yourself head to foot in luminous yellow!

This module is delivered by Kevin Williams of Survival

Skills Motorcycle Training who is an Advanced Instructor and widely experienced as both an author of several motorcycling books and as a lead rider, regularly leading parties of bikers, both in this country and abroad.

Their aim is to offer this course to all bikers. They feel this will prove to be a highly valued service within our minority group of road users, who make up the highest casualty rates. Find out more on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kentfirebike or email james.sanderson@kent.fire-uk.org or visit: www.msvtrackdays.com/bike-home WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO Every year bikes become faster, lighter and sharper so it makes sense that you need to be sharper too. By developing your skills and putting the emphasis on yourself to avoid unsafe situations you can enjoy your bike to the max. Find out more at: IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists); Bikesafe; Rospa; ERS (Enhanced Rider Scheme).

For any further information please contact Lawrence Pater on 01474 535 943.

BIKESAFE – Education in partnership with the road user WHAT WILL IT ENTAIL?

“Lifetime skills helping to create a safer riding environment” WHAT IS IT?

BikeSafe is a National Police run motorcycle scheme, aimed at working with bikers in a relaxed environment.

The idea is to raise awareness and to create a genuine desire for you to progress to accredited post test training. The end result — a reduction in casualties.

The format of BikeSafe workshops may vary in different parts of the country but all contain information on real life needs: • Attitudinal issues • Systematic methods • Collision causation • Cornering • Positioning • Overtaking • Observation • Braking • Hazard perception • Use of gears A BikeSafe workshop will include an on road observed ride with a police motorcyclist or approved BikeSafe observer. It’s fun and the benefits could last a lifetime.

WHAT DOES IT GIVE YOU?

• A taste of safer motorcycling techniques • An observation of training needs • A certificate of completion • An opportunity to benefit from incentives

AND IMPORTANTLY

It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses in preparation for training by recognised accredited providers.

Bikesafe

@BikesafeUK

For more information and to book visit: www.bikesafe.co.uk

South EastHP Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Bikesafe 0414.indd 1

17 24/03/2014 10:18

TOURING

ExPLORING

NORTH WALES The beauty about living in the South East is that you and your machine can be in another European country in a matter of hours but what about heading in the other direction? Our intrepid designer, Dean Cook, took some family members for a two night biking break to north Wales.

G

oogle Maps is a fantastic tool to plan routes but on this occasion, having just flown back from Tenerife, I simply had no time.

Although armed with my Garmin 660 SatNav and The Best Rides Motorcycle Atlas, purchased from Mapsman.co.uk some years ago, this time round we would simply jump on the bikes and ride.

On the Thursday evening at the end of June, my recently serviced KTM 990 SM-T was ready to go but I needed to pack. We had all intentions to go camping but with the additional factor of heavy rain running up through the country on the Friday and Saturday we ditched the idea. Instead we would book a B&B en-route to our destination…

Lost. wherever that would be. Who knows? Who cares? My brother, Phil, was relieved.

Leaving the camping equipment certainly speeded up packing the old panniers. Spare pants…done.

My cousin, Dave Sullivan, and his son Josh, had a bigger concern. Desperately fighting time, as the sun settled beneath the horizon, they battled to replace a leaky seal on the front forks of Josh’s 9-year old Suzuki GS500.

Friday morning arrived with a welcoming text that the Suzuki’s seals were replaced however my brother’s battery wouldn’t kick his KTM 990 SM-T into life. With the last minute addition of jump leads

amongst our luggage, all was set to meet Dave, riding his Kawasaki Versys 650, and Josh at Cobham Services on the M25.

After a planning a route over bacon butties in hand we mile munched on the M40, through Oxford, A44 to Worcester before stopping for lunch at a great little American Diner in Leominster at the start of the A49. After making several calls to hotels between Welshpool and Wrexham it started to dawn on us that North Wales was pretty busy with hotels full. Would we find two rooms for two nights?

Fortunately the Glyn Valley Hotel could accommodate. With a full belly and ‘Glyn Ceiriog’ punched into the SatNav, we set off bouncing either side of the English/Welsh border. So far we were lucky with the forecasted heavy rain but nothing would dampen our A sign of a good hotel. mood if it caught us out.

Arriving at the hotel, Markus, the owner, met us outside and invited us to secure our bikes on his private drive – now this was a man who understood bikers. Beer, food and World Cup football on the telly finished the day off perfectly.

You like? We did.

18

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

TOURING started to close in. Making our way down the A5, we SATURDAY SCENERY turned left up the A4501, past Lake Brenig leading up The day to explore the roads of north Wales arrived. to Denbigh. Another fuel stop, and signs of getting This particularly excited Dave and Josh as they have tired, the A525 and A542 would take us back to the never ridden these stunning roads. My brother and I knew what was coming and couldn’t wait to share our hotel near Llangollen where more beer awaits.

No road on previous experiences. the whole The first waypoint marked on my hit list was a loop would reservoir at Llandwyn. It boasted a stunning dam. disappoint. It As we neared the B4396 / B4393 junction a couple could have been of petrol pumps built into a wall caught my eye.

The turquoise route covered. even better had Appreciating fuel stops can be far and few between, the sun shared the day with us. we didn’t hesitate to fill up. The owner, Andy, originally from Hampshire, told me about plans to cater for HEADING HOME the biking fraternity by opening a café in an unused Bellies replenished with a Full English on the building next door because of the increase in touring Sunday morning, we thanked Markus for his motorcyclists to the hospitality and headed south towards the region over recent A483 to Newtown before jumping on the years. I said, ‘Why not A470 to Rhayader. Stick this town into the operate biking tours SatNav; behind it is a 16 mile route around from here? It’s a great three reservoirs; Craig Goch, Panygarreg and position to capture Carreg-Ddu. We recommend to travel anticustomers’. Planning to Lack of petrol stations could catch you out. clockwise but one thing for sure you’ll enjoy open in readiness for the ever-changing scenery and Easter 2015 he hightailed off with a sense the sights of the dams. enthusiasm.

Turning right at Elan Village we Stopping shortly after to make sense gingerly made our way on the of the dam we made our way round the tight small roads to rejoin the reservoir to turn off onto an unlisted A470 at Llanwrthwl. Continuing road to Llanuwchllyn. The view of rolling on the A479 and over the green valleys continually reshaped each The dam on Craig Goch Brecon Beacons on the A40 we corner we turned. For some considerable stopped for a late lunch at distance it was just road, nature and us. Such Abergavenny. From there is the beauty of the landscape we had to stop. we decided to take the As the clouds lifted, so did our spirits.

A486 from Monmouth Joining the A494 we made our way to Bala to Chepstow – another for a quick break before continuing on the beautiful twisty road that A4212 past Lake Celyn and to cut across on the runs alongside the Welsh B4391 to Ffestiniog. These roads possess some The scenery constantly changes border and the Wye Valley. brilliant grins.

The M48 would take us across the River Circumnavigating the Severn and duly pointed our bikes in the underside of Snowdonia on direction of home. Saying our goodbyes the A4085, we turned right and splitting at Guildford, Dave and Josh on the A498 and stopped made their way back to Maidstone whilst at one of my favourite my brother and I enjoyed a few more grins places in Wales. There is a Pull into the A498 lay-by, give your backside a rest and feast your eyes and ears on this. through a warm summer’s Sunday evening little lay-by north of Pont Aberglaslyn – pull in, cross the road and make your way down the A281, B2133, crossing Ashington to the A283 before finishing up back in our home town of to the river. You’ll enjoy what Wales really has to offer.

Making our way on the A498, A4086, A5 we stopped Shoreham-by-Sea – adding 775 miles to our odometers.

Such a great time was had by all that we’re for lunch outside Betws-y-Coed railway station – thinking of doing it all again at the end of June popular with tourists and motorcyclists alike. next year. Fancy coming? If so email the editor: Now mid-afternoon, and having seen some nick@southeastbiker.co.uk and we’ll try and excellent views, time was ticking and still had a fair organise something. distance to cover – it wasn’t help by the weather as it South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

19

SPOTLIGHT: SHANE BYRNE

SHAKEY What started out to be a regular track day at Brands turned out to be a very special one as Debbie Tunstill got to meet three-times British Superbike Champion, Shane Byrne.

W

alking around the pits meeting people helping guys and girls out with their riding and even gave a class talk to the novice riders, this is a guy that really does eat, drink and breathe bikes. Even on a day off he is milling around with the ‘normal’ people and taking pictures with them and checking out the bikes we were riding.

Shakey had raced at Knockhill in Scotland the day before and was just about to get into his car and go home when we collared him. Without hesitation he came over and chatted to a couple of strangers for 20 minutes. It’s amazing how down to earth and approachable so many of these riders are.

I managed to track him down just before he left for the day to get a few minutes to talk to him about his career. Shakey came into bike racing a lot later than most racers but he makes it look as if he was he has always been on a bike.

20

I asked Shane how he came into bikes and how he got the chance to ride bikes for a living.

SB: You know as corny as it sounds and it is the truth on my kids’ life, I never ever wanted to be anything else than be a motorbike racer. My Mum still has some of my school books from when I went to a new class and they ask you what you want to be when you grow up and mine was always to be a motorbike racer. It is quite ironic really as my Mum and Dad didn’t even have driving licences so where it came from I have no idea. I waited for a long time for it to come to me and it never did. A point came when I was working on the London Underground with my Dad, earning good money for a youngster in those days and I thought this is never going to happen if I don’t make it happen myself.

So what age were you then?

SB: I was late teens, around 19, when I came into track racing as I had been riding off road a bit from the age of 11. A bit of MotoX when I was16 and finally at 19 got myself into road racing.

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

SPOTLIGHT: SHANE BYRNE You see all these new breed of racing stars like Marc Marquez or Jorge Lorenzo that seem to have been born on a bike. That must help them to become a better racer.

SB: I was really lucky actually and that is a big part of anyone’s career.

Obviously if you are a Marc Marquez or a Leon Haslam they are born into racing and ultimately have no choice. You could say that about my son Zac, surely because his Dad’s a racer he should go into racing and have a better start at it. I think a lot of these kids get burnt out, they get pushed and pushed and you see it a lot in MotoX, they get to 16 and they want to be out enjoying themselves.

I think when you have always dreamt of having something and the only person that can make it happen is yourself and you are in control of your own destiny. Realistically, I could say my career has

been fantastic but I always wanted to be a World Champion. I could win 15 British titles but not one World Superbike title, which is what I wanted. It is unfortunate, that you find yourself in a position where you cannot fight for a World Championship and that can be a bit hard to take. At the end of the day I always wanted to race bikes so I think if I was racing round Tesco’s car park I would be happy.

K&S Motorcycles Motorcycle servicing and repairs Collection & delivery service Wivelsfield Green, Near Haywards Heath Telephone: 07799 852736 Email: notchyracing13@gmail.com

South Biker HP Magazine K&S East Motorcycles 0714.indd• www.southeastbiker.co.uk 1

21 11/07/2014 14:56

SPOTLIGHT: SHANE BYRNE

You had a go at GP and the trouble was you have really got to have a great bike to do well.

SB: I truly believe that in GP there are a couple of really special guys but if you take WSB, say Eugene Laverty on the Aprilia and the Yamaha, when that was the best bike he would win races. Put him on the Suzuki, admittedly he won Philip Island, but what has he done since? That is not being horrible to Eugene, because if you put him back on the Aprilia, he would win races again because the machine dictates more than the rider in WSB: Now, you know the greatest rider of all time, who seems to have been forgotten about, since he did his two years at Ducati, proved to me that if you are not on the right bike you are not going anywhere. Yes, I had a shot at GP and yes, I went there on something that was not what it was supposed to be and yes, I would do it all over again.

I would still make that decision and take that ride but I would be just a little bit more careful with the contract I signed, which I wasn’t last time!

I know you were not a fan of the changes to the BSB when they first introduced it due to the dramatic fall in numbers in the BSB paddock. Do you think they should introduce something like that in the WSB paddock?

SB: I think at the moment WSB is not in a very good place As for the showdown in BSB, I am still not a fan of it but at the end f the day we all know what they are introducing and the system when we sign on to become BSB riders. Two years it has worked against me but one year it worked for me. Of course, I would be happier sitting here talking to you as five or six time BSB Champion rather than three times BSB Champion. I know the rules so I try to race by them.

Right now, things are looking really good for us, we have had a great start to the season and I have built up a good championship lead. If it was in a regular 22

championship I would be pretty happy right now, but I am not and it is not , so I just have to get every point I can.

At this point a young boy of about 11 years old came over and hovered waiting to speak to Shane.

He was great with him, he spoke to him as if he remembered him and the boy was completely star struck.

BSB has increased the podium credits system this year to 5 points from 3 for a race win, 2 points for 2nd and 1 point for 3rd. Do you think this has increased the pressure for you to get the full 5 points for a win in the races as the podium credits can make a huge difference to the final scores?

SB: I wouldn’t say it has put more pressure on to win, I would say it has put more reward on to win. You know that it is one of those glass half full or glass half empty situations. I think of it very positively, ultimately I am paid to win races and if I come here and win a race then will get and extra 2 points more than my competitor. We all know the name of the game and the game is to build up as many podium credits before the showdown, so far it has been fairly good for us.

You have such a great package with Paul Bird and the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki team but the Kawasaki does seem to be the choice of bike for most teams now. Why do you think that is?

SB: That is interesting as I have been asked this question by a Spanish journalist as to why do I think the Kawasaki is so good. In all the different championships it does seem to be the preferred choice of bike. It shows that it is a good bike but with my bike, I think a lot of credit has to go to my team because they keep the bike sharp and exactly how I want it.

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

SPOTLIGHT: SHANE BYRNE You seem to have a great relationship with your team and they have even given you advice on how to prolong your tyres on a certain track.

That seems amazing that you still take advice from others about your riding, considering you are three times BSB champion.

SB: You never stop learning and my guys study my timings and data sheets but they look at the sector times of other riders too. This all helps me to know who is quickest through what part of the track. That is their job and they are great at it, my job is to ride the bike as fast as I can and if the two work hand in hand then the results should follow.

That was the end of our chat unfortunately as I could have stayed all day looking into Shakey’s stunning blue eyes, it is difficult for him being so good looking and an amazing racer! I never got to meet the great Barry Sheene, but I truly believe that this

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

country has another that can fill those boots in Shane Byrne. He spent most of the day walking around chatting to people on the track day, giving advice to riders that asked for it and just enjoying watching other people charging around Brands.

How many other people go to the place of work on a day off to watch others try to go nearly as quick as him? Not many.

Follow Shakey’s progress on his website www.shakey.com

23

FIRST TIME

FIRST TIME…

ON TRACK

Sam Hayes confesses that she has come late to this particular party; it was only 3 years ago that her last remaining faculties upped and left and she decided to take up motorbiking.

T

hree years down the line and I now spend my nights looking at bike porn on the internet, lusting after flame red Ducatis, looking longingly at race replica Suzukis that I can buy an outfit to match.

I entered a competition at my local dealer, Inta Motorcycles in Maidstone, for a free track day, never thinking I would win. A few weeks later and I am presented with the documentary proof that I have been enrolled for a track day. Okay, now is an acceptable time to start drinking again.

I manage to borrow a leather one piece, that makes me look like a cross between a fluorescent tangerine and an oversized Smurf, together with some boots that wouldn’t look out of place on a Storm Trooper and I am good to go. Tom, at Inta Motorcycles provides me with some great advice: “you need to go really fast”. I cogitate on this

24

momentarily and produce a couple of hypothetical scenarios that might lead to this being good advice.

I should have known better. Tom’s ‘Wheel of Wisdom’ provided the rationale behind the comment: “it will simply take the suspense out of what is going to happen to you next”. Okay, thanks for that Tom. Bearing in mind that since I set sail on this foray of madness and for several years the local milk float has been gaily overtaking me on my bike.

Anyway, I have never let incompetence stand in my way; the mental image I have of myself clad in leathers, looking like Cat Woman, languorously hanging off the side of my shiny jet fighter-esque bike as I whistle around a corner at 180mph. I am filling up with fuel, Brad Pitt is at the other pump staring misty eyed at me, I take off my crash helmet to reveal shiny locks of hair, cascading down my back like a waterfall of Pantene induced loveliness.

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

HONDA • DUCATI • KAWASAKI • SUZUKI • TRIUMPH • YAMAHA Quality used road bikes and trials specialist.

Peugeot scooters.

All you need for you and your bike.

Spares, Tyres, Servicing and MOTs. Great selection of clothing and helmets.

Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco trials specialist.

Expert advice and off road parts/accessories SHOEI • ARAI • SIDI • SPADA • RST • HEBO • AIROH ALPINESTARS • OXFORD • MOTUL • CASTROL

Call: 01622 688727 / 01622 765791

99-107 Upper Stone St, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6HE Email: intabikes@btconnect.com

www.intabikes.com

Inta 0113 HP Ad.indd 1

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

15/01/2013 14:00

25

FIRST TIME

The reality of the situation is that I am bumping along some pot-hole riddled lane doing 35mph with a delivery van driver right up my backside, desperately trying to get past. My hair is sweat soaked, stuck to my head in serpent-like strands and I am trussed into leathers that make me look like an overstuffed, leather clad, sausage.

TRACK DAY Suddenly, at 7.30am on a Monday morning it’s all very real; I climb into Inta’s van, bike and kit loaded on the back, being driven to my doom. I barely slept. I can’t eat. I couldn’t come up with a plausible excuse as to why I shouldn’t do this …

On arrival at Brands Hatch and to my horror it transpires that my wing mirrors and speedometer have been taped up. All those lessons I took, all those ‘rear observation Sam’ comments and he does this to me? I am told it is to prevent me from being distracted by what’s behind me. Like there’s going to be anything going on behind me? I am going to be the one at the back. I have registered; the bike passed its noise level and I am back at the SEB garage. At 8.30, I scuttle off to the riders’ briefing with all the other riders, I am showed lots of different flags to look out for, not to undertake someone on the inside and so much more to remember. Not much to think about then whilst trying to get round the track. Debbie, from this very magazine is with me, offering me kind words of comfort and advice but it is all white noise now.

Back in the South East Biker Magazine garage there are lots of people, all looking very professional, I am being told how the bike might handle, what lines I should take (in my naivity I thought someone might be about to offer me some, frankly, desperately needed drugs). My helmet has been shoved on, I am plonked atop my bike (which has been started for me and pointed in the right direction so that there’s absolutely no chance of me evading my fate) and I am lined up on the starting grid. Vince, who drives the Safety Car, introduces himself and checks my wristband, proffering words of encouragement. Marvellous. Suddenly we are being waved forwards and away I go with an instructor at my side.

The first corner, Paddock Hill, and the track drops away from me at what feels like a hundred and eighty degrees. Childhood memories flood my mind of my mother whizzing over hump back bridges in the car with us children in the back and I let out a “wheeeee”. Another participant flies past me, 26

engine roaring, hanging sideways off his machine in readiness for the next corner and, frankly, frightens the living sh*t out of me! I curse him. Gratifyingly he falls off at the hairpin bend and watches while I cruise round it like a tortoise. Well it was tight!

Suddenly, there are bikes whistling past me from every angle and I am cursing the lot of them now. I am sure they are only supposed to overtake me on the outside, according to the briefing. But what is the outside and what is the inside? I don’t know any more. Richard, my instructor, appears alongside me and waves. I wave back and carry on, determinedly.

Then I remember that he is signalling for us to go back in and perhaps my ordeal is over.

MR. BYRNE…?

Back at the SEB garage I am given some useful tips and away I go again, however, this time I have now managed to get myself entangled with the Advanced Group. Great. Thankfully I am rescued from this nightmare scenario by two things; the first of which is Debbie and the second was Shakey Byrne appearing at my side and fishing me out. My undying thanks to you both.

Mr Byrne, motorcycling legend, offers me some hints and advice. In return I offer to take him round on the back for a lap or two. He considers this for a moment before politely declining. Then it is time for lunch. Everyone there is in an ebullient mood, people I have never met before are friendly and helpful, noone minds my constant stream of questioning and are generous with their advice and assistance.

Come the afternoon and I am away again, this time feeling slightly more confident. I shout as I whistle down the drop at Paddock Hill, teeter round the hairpin, get up a bit of speed, come gently through a never ending corner, inappropriately named Clearways, nothing clear about how you should handle this one as far as I can tell, whoosh, a bit more speed. By the end of the day I am doing ever so slightly better, am absolutely shattered and have a summer of biking adventures lined up with a host of new friends.

The day was a great learning curve, on many levels. Thoroughly enjoyable, everyone was so kind and helpful from the MSV staff to total strangers, from the cast and crew of Inta Motorcycles, Maidstone and South East Biker Magazine to Superbike Champions. It has given me a new skills set for my riding and, whilst I don’t think Shakey needs to watch out for me just yet, who knows … I might just get good at this!

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

Evolution Paintwork All types of motorcycle paintwork and classic restoration undertaken Track day/race fairings Plastic repairs Accident repairs 20 years panel beating & painting experience Martin Watts T: 07842 968863 E: evolutionpaintwork@gmail.com W: www.evolutionpaintwork.co.uk Find me on Facebook Unit 6 Oaks Farm Workshops, Framfield, East Sussex, TN22 5PN

Evolution Paintwork 0313 HP.indd 1

15/03/2013 15:19

Demonskinz

Make your marketing stick!

From die-cut stickers to shop signs and graphics, DemonSkinz can make you stand out from the crowd.

• Stickers & Decals • Posters & Banners • Canvasses • • Bike Graphics • Van & Car • Signage • Point of Sale • • Shop Windows & Signs • Interior & Exterior • Call 01892 459080 for a quote or to find out more.

www.demonskinz.co.uk South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk DemonSkinz HP 0714.indd 1

27

17/07/2014 13:46

AIMING FOR A GOAL

A MAN WITH A MISSION PART 3 Pete Mills fills us in the finale of his fund raising ride in the Sunset-2-Sunrise tour.

Holyhead Team ItaliJap 92

W

e did it! It was an emotional moment when my Aprilia Falco and me, finally rode down Sea View Road towards the parking area at Skegness at 4.15am after riding 257 miles through the night with all the other 125 riders who made it too.

You would naturally think riding 257 miles on a motorbike is no big deal and it’s a fair comment.

It’s been a long journey though, both physical and mentally since signing up on 2nd January. Just imagine for a moment, that you have had cancer of the tonsil and base of the tongue. The surgery and treatments have left you 4 stone lighter, unable to generate saliva in any real quantity and unable to swallow bulky foods. Meats just disintegrate into dust and stick your mouth in the early stages. You’re unable to eat a wide range of foods or in enough quantity to get to your ideal body weight. So, the solution is to have a RIG tube fitted into your stomach which allows specialist bottled food supplements to be pumped into your stomach which keeps you alive.

To add a little bit of a challenge you’ve also got type 1 diabetes, a kidney disorder which only functions at 38% and your pancreas, spleen and gall bladder have all been removed previously. Now hopefully, you can begin to understand the uphill battle this has been. But I’m not bleating as it was my chosen battle 28

and I’m so proud to say, for the wonderful people of Macmillan Cancer Support, we won — convincingly.

An event like this is never achieved solely by one person but with the support of many and a few very special people.

Massive friends Julie Giles and Sam Johnson helped in so many ways and were responsible for really giving the funds a kick start when Jules organised a fundraiser day at M&S Swindon Orbital. Apart from raising over £657 on the day and later collecting a further £180 from pledged sponsorship, they have been nothing short of brilliant!

People who I’ve come into contact from having cancer have stepped up too. Heath Cripps a recent acquaintance from FB offered to come up to M&S Swindon and we had never met before that day.

Paul Warman came from the Isle of Wight, through knowing Heath and we didn’t even know each other before our group ride to Swindon. An old riding buddy, Rob Brabiner joined in too. We had a whale of a time, raised some serious funds, rode an exercise bike for 257 kms and helped dispel some myths about bikers with the parents and children who visited the store.

On the way to the S2S tour Sam Johnson and I rode up to Oswestry in Wales on Friday night, stopping overnight where we met up with Frank Smith who stepped in late in the event to replace a friend who was suffering with vertigo. They were both fantastic throughout the tour and really made it something special. Sam was a true friend throughout, always watching out for me and even picked up my Falco when I lost balance on a steep incline after taking a wrong turn and putting up with my unintentional ‘rant’ being embarrassed at being so weak and unable to do it for myself – sorry Sam. He did make up for it though, by taking the mick out of me for the rest of the tour. That was fine, as he always had ‘that’ sly grin afterwards – you really made the tour so much more enjoyable, thanks mate.

Sports Bike Shop led the way with their extremely generous donation too – thanks guys. And to all the other biking businesses who donated, you really made a significant impact.

My local biking Café Loomies in West Meon August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

AIMING FOR A GOAL nosa derrumquati dolorep sus doluptu supported ienimus iunt me plabori throughout oremque a rained late soaked day in ribus, nulpa voluptas nimi, taturer spidust iorecus net, udant, optatem poreribus nobis ium April.

Several quiaeped of the et Bikers qui volorer 4 Macmillandebisto crew rode TM illuptatibus excepre periscia vel nullabo.

Accus. natur,200 over in cuptatectur miles to support sequam my et humble efforts – thanks mo cor rem consect uribus eos anducia guys andspereca gals. Jane eprovita and Leon poreat LoomiesUgitiis kept amagnat. Hari nonsectorro rem exereiciunt volo beris estemol moles voluptatquid collection boxestior until anti aftervendis the tour too –incto thanks guys.quias et periostota HearingsiProtection Systems estibus re volest aut rehenisquae occum volupti exerum To all my imagnatem. friends and Giatiis acquaintances sum and those of osamus, consed cum quiantia illam ra voluptatiae. ut eabeen ipidem dellendia vollab you who inisin have custio kindly esdonated event. becausequidi you have Nempore henihil luptatur sitatur? et late commolu touched Berovidby quam, cancer, untemperrum either yourself, sitayourdolesequodit family or Ehenimus ditatus dere volenem ut ptistrum que lab id elit faciis nonsectessi friends – thank ressus you,acereprerum it means a lot. laborum ent, quatem de laut alis nusdam Finally, quisim but by et noquiaspe means the volupta least, myaut lastearum thanksaliaectisim dent apid secum rem res assequi sus. aboreriat fugia que tiscipsam, must go tosam my family quam incimus Von, my plam Wife andmolupic Chris, my Xero consequis aut dolo blaut volo estrum volorro magnimus lique They Son. et laboriae have put nonsed up with magnate all the disruption this has labo. Nequatur? Evendestis ellaccusto caused estiberati the household ommodand ut the worrysiminum Von hasquam gone quosapis dolorum moluptiunt, simus aut abor as de consequodi am nos sinot through, officitatur just onsit theliberum tour but each time I was ondoles mod quas sunt modi dero quidebis the bike learning magnihiti toincia ride again vid eum after an ipidebis absenceet ofque 20 ra imus elesequos ut plam nusam quias velit quatiae ctectotatem months.

It hasn’t gone solupis unnoticed. nataturento Bikers for Macmillan inus, sum has dolorrum been a greatfaccuptatem experience que prae a nis alibus, perferibus et dolupid ut being a realet, funquiant lovingaudit group and very tempore supportive in dolor alitas verum eatendigni many ways and without them I don’t think I wouldquo be quaspie ntiostione earibus apediciam qui volo dolupis accuptas vendell andebisit, as far through without thisetchallenge. aliquid ioritatiismy re recovery cus. quiraised volorum quist, et explitatem At the time of writing this article we’ve Oreptur sunto blanissit, quibusa pisquissit, ilit re, aut essitia £2,203.63 and when the final sponsorship pledges aliaspe ratatisci sumentiam tatiscia volupta dolorum expelis come we sequis shouldeatam, beat our target. quisquas conempo quo qui renimet audipisque There is still time toquatet donate to this worth ressinctium sitiisqui eos mi, ommoluptatur cause by either visitingsus myeaque Just Giving velictent page eaque restis et quam, sunt, omnimus, ut et arum alis (https://www.justgiving.com/falcopete), or text volendi at venis quas doluptia STST60siminita £ and your donation amount tovolupitem 70070. quidusdae nonsecta sanda doluptis autem dolorit, Many thanks to all at aut SEBquiat Magazine who havesapis run ipis auditae peruptio. qui de pliaectatur apis Utand anditistrum theseaute 3 articles get my story out there trying tosi doluptas di estor niamto qui berum labor emoluptio tem quis help withaut donations really your support. ra volore que vel –eium re,appreciatequodion se nimagnam If anyone wants take part in a motorcycle event Ias volore, que sit officitem laut eiur to si cusdae vent laborerum acilibus. can highly recommend it and you will have memories ium sequisq uidelli genist ra que Odi alicabo ribus, velis est thatmaximet will last alitiis lifetime. del molupta tiumqui dolore vel es di inus ant quam, beat. il moluptatio. Rat repe porum Mendit restem harum int, sus repercide nosam re nienis eaquam delibus dantis mo to expe ma quo int quas ant vercil est ad con paruptae di corrum dolupta temquidere volor sitio quae nihicit, qui con prent ad maio. Em utem ipiendu ciasiment et, et molent veni officabo. Ic totatiis nus dem hil erum volenim voluptius eiusae dolorpos atias eliquaecea dit, aut venimi, evella quia quaecup verro mi, incil eossum volupta tationsed mod undestrumqui culpa niam, nimagnim laut quo volent, que volleca borrovidem optio. Sapic temquo cuptibus cuptatet ea dolor accupta aut velloru meniam harumenimi, inti labore pellibeata voluptaqui sit earibus dandaer itaturia nes dolecab iur, cullum nobis mosam consequis estotat quiam, sam la faccabo rionsequi aut rempor atiis quideniatust unte amet harum num lam que num et vidus pelique is quuntoreped eost utaspel USEFUL INFO TRIUMPH TIGER 800 del ex et aceptatur re praesecepe luptatenis quam asperitatio. Ent Top Speed................................ 130mph re nestibus sa pos aspernam atis hilibus, od quidis aut omnis sinit, Power............................................94bhp non nime sus diciur, sam aut am sit officiae eiurem soloreped quas Weight...........................................210kg fugitem quae net landerum lit magniendunt autatus.

Seat Height....................... 810-830mm Engine................................ 799cc Triple mos enihil into voluptibusam quis Tem incide voluptam re, Fuel Capacity............................ 19 litres sus re arum quis dent, sinvent, omnistio con re corerci pissit odit,

ultimate

CUSTOM

EAR PLUGS HEARING PROTECTION

& COMMUNICATION FOR MOTORSPORTS

u l t i m ate e a r.com

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

29

CLUB HISTORY

HISTORY OF...

WITLEY & DISTRICT MCC The Witley & District MCC is one of the oldest clubs in South-East England affiliated to the Auto-Cycle Union, UK motorcycle sport’s governing body. Laurie Richards from the club offers an insight into its history and what they are doing to celebrate its 90th year.

Grass Track, East Horsley

Inter Centre Team Trial 1932 The old Witley Club Jeep

Pre-War Club run

W

ay back in 1921, a small band of motorcycle enthusiasts used to gather in Mullard’s builders yard in Witley, Surrey.

Without doubt, the friendship, the conversation and banter would have been much the same as when motorcyclists get together today.

Numbers slowly increased and a club was formed.

By now, many wanted to take part in the Trials & Hill Climbs which were becoming very popular at the time, so the decision was made in 1924 to affiliate to the Auto-Cycle Union, and be officially recognised as a Motorcycle Club.

As the number of clubs affiliated to the ACU grew, they were placed into regions, each region becoming a ‘Centre’. The region consisting of Kent, Surrey and Sussex, together with the southern half of London, became the South East Centre, and has remained so until this day. It was in 1926 that the Witley Club affiliated to the South East Centre.

30

Witley MCC has always played a major role, not only in our contribution to the management of the Centre, especially in the early days, but also in the quality of the events we have run and the competitors we have produced.

Off-road motorcycle sport gives riders of all abilities the opportunity to participate in an a variety of exciting and enjoyable activities in a controlled environment, to compete at their own level and to meet other riders with the same interests. Road riders are also catered for with various runs during the year.

The challenges that face motorcycle sport and motorcycling in general are substantial, but we look forward to facing them in a positive and responsible manner. As we mark our 90th Anniversary in 2014, in addition to our sporting calendar, we will be hosting a public event at The Compton Club, Spiceall, Compton, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1EQ (just off B3000, by village green) on Saturday 6th September.

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

CLUB HISTORY

Boxing Day Enduro

evening from 8.30 pm. At present, our members organise and take part in all types of Trials, Enduros, road runs and social events.

Membership includes a bi–monthly newsletter sent by post, regular email newsletter updates and a comprehensive website. Whether your interests are in competition, leisure riding or socialising, we hope to have something to interest you.

For more details, or to let us know you would like to attend the Anniversary event, please visit our website: www.witleymcc.org or contact the Hon. Secretary, Witley MCC, c/o The Compton Club, Spiceall, Compton, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1EQ.

Proceedings will kick off at midday and we hope to have local dealers and other clubs in attendance. There will be machines on show and a BBQ from around 5.00pm. Anyone with an interest in motorcycling would be very welcome to join us as we celebrate this milestone and look forward to the next ten years.

In particular, we would love to meet you if you are a past member or have any other connection with the Witley Club. If you can, please bring a motorcycle!

Although the Club was based in Guildford until recent years, we now meet at The Compton Club — about 3 miles outside the town — every Thursday

THWAITES BIKE & CAR MOT & SERVICE CENTRE BRIGHTON & HOVE’S MG, ROVER, AND NEW MINI AUTHORISED REPAIR CENTRE Thwaites Mot & Service Centre is a familyrun independent garage, situated in a new purpose-built workshop in Portslade.

We pride ourselves on a high standard of workmanship carried out in clean and tidy conditions using the latest up to date testing equipment.

USEFUL We’re proud to know most of ourINFO clients are brought to usTRIUMPH by word-of- TIGER 800 Top Speed................................ 130mph mouth recommendation.

Power............................................94bhp Weight...........................................210kg Telephone: 01273 430 303 • Website: www.thwaitesgarage.co.uk Seat Height....................... 810-830mm 799cc Triple Unit 1, William Street, Portslade, West Sussex.Engine................................

BN41 1PZ Fuel Capacity............................ 19 litres

South EastHP Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Thwaites 0114.indd 1

31 16/01/2014 10:44

PHOTOGRAPHY

UNIQUE. PASSIONATE. TALENTED

Just three words to describe Michelle Szpak – one of the most remarkable and innovative photographers you are likely to come across. Words: Sandy Caulfield Michelle Szpak doesn’t just ‘take pictures’. She produces dramatic shots of bikers and their bikes that scream out style and sophistication.

As she puts it, ‘I don’t just take photos, I want to create WALL ART, something that will hopefully put a smile on your face for years to come’.

After spending seven years working in professional portraiture, Michelle was asked by a friend if she would take some photos of him and his bike, and a phenomenon was born. She was able to combine the two great loves of her life, photography and biking, and create a style that is purely hers. Her work is instantly recognisable, and definitely has the WOW factor.

Coming from a biking background herself, Michelle understands the love that people have for their bikes, and she also 32

sees the personalities of the bikes and their owners, which means she is able to create something deeply personal. She is willing to travel to a location of the clients own choice, as she feels that placing them in surroundings that they love, and which mean something to them, completes her bespoke service. She is absolutely spot on when she says ‘I want to capture the spirit of biking’.

I was lucky enough to be able to arrange a photo shoot with Michelle. One afternoon, as spring was emerging from winter, I met her in a beautiful private woodland near to where I live.

Nervous barely begins to describe the trepidation at the thought of a professional photo shoot. I arrived there with my partner, Bear, and four motorbikes — my Tiger 800 and my GSX-R 1000, and his GS1200 Adventure and his SP2.

I was really conscious of looking

as good as I could on the day. I took my own Rukka gear for the photos on the Tiger, and was very fortunate to be able to borrow a set of stunning Dainese race leathers from Ian McGregor at Moda2Ride (www.moda2ride. co.uk), to wear in the shots with my Gixxer.

The photo shoot was an absolute hoot, and the fear of looking a nit quickly melted away. Michelle was absolutely charming — professional, calming and funny.

She gave directions without it becoming too false, and was open to suggestions about what we wanted ourselves from the images.

There really is no need for me to say anything more. We absolutely loved the results, and the pictures speak for themselves. Here they are.

If you’d like to speak to Michelle about her photography visit: www.szpakbiker.co.uk or on twitter at @SzpakBiker.

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

BUSINESS

FREESTYLE OPENS STORE IN WALES S ussex based Freestyle have extended their business officially opened a new store in Newtown, Powys, Wales on Saturday 12th July. Open from 9-5pm week days and 9-4pm Saturdays Freestyle has incorporated all aspects of its branding values and goals of providing the customer with a lifestyle. The quality service, products and atmosphere will be maintained as it will in all future enterprises following the Freestyle brand.

Promoted as ‘The home of offroad motorcycling’ it will provide all you could need for off-road riding, including coffee shop and workshop facilities.

With a combination of vintage decor and lifestyle themed scenery, the atmosphere of adventures and

classic history is everywhere.

Freestyle Wales will offer the complete Husqvarna package for both old and new bikes alike as well as all major trials brands.

Wales is a country with vast areas available to green lane riding and is considered the centre of off-road.

The day to day running of the shop will be managed by the one and only Wyn Hughes, 9 times British Enduro Champion and coach for the Freestyle rac team, so there is no one better to advise and recommend for the sport.

Freestyle Wales, 10 St Giles Business Park, Pool Road, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3AJ. Telephone: 01686 807888

Check out our new website and online store!

WWW.FREESTYLEBIKES.CO.UK TEL: 01892 782288 WADHURST ROAD, MARK CROSS, EAST SUSSEX, TN6 3PD

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

33

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

FRONTLINE NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

Motorcycle Action Group

Fighting on behalf of bikers

MAG DEMONSTRATION

23RD AUGUST 2014 HOW MUCH IS A LIFE WORTH? We all complain about motorists not looking for bikers when pulling out of junctions so let’s do something about it...

E

very day, a motorcyclist is killed or seriously injured on the road due to the actions of a driver who didn’t pay attention, or even look out into the road. Nine times out of ten, the driver receives a pitiful sentence for careless driving, or worse still, nothing more than a driving ban; meanwhile, a family loses someone who cannot be replaced.

“Sorry mate, I didn’t see you!”…is the most common excuse for a driver when a rider has been knocked off. It doesn’t matter if the rider is wearing hi-viz, with headlights on or not. It’s time that this changed! The purpose of the demo is to raise awareness on the theme that too many riders are being knocked from their bikes; that drivers are being mildly punished or getting off free, and that we – every day – see that the errors of other road users are putting our lives at risk, while we are being popularly held up to blame. This year there have been even more deaths than usual, and it’s our perception that the majority are due to driver errors and poor planning/maintenance.

34

Our best political lobbying efforts on key issues have received lip-service and duplicitous underhandedness so it is time for action.

The demos will take place in at least nine cities, including London, Glasgow and Belfast.

An event will be created on the MAG Facebook page shortly and more information will be available from this page and the MAG website in the next few days. Also, your Regional Reps will have more details in due course (other cities are being sorted out as we speak).

These will not be the usual demos you’ve seen from MAG recently. Every year, thousands of bikes gather in Brussels to protest at the EU parliament’s scant disregard for riders’ rights. (at the demo attended

by MAG Chairman John Mitchell in 2012, over 7,000 bikes parked along the Rue de la Loi, outside the EU Parliament HQ) and it wasn’t a silent protest.

It’s time us brits took a leaf out of their book.

Now you see us! August 23, 2014 The Motorcycle Action Group – www.mag-uk.org August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP ’s No.1 The South East azine FREE bike mag

Issue 32: April-May

The South #13 East’s No.1

’s No.1 The South East azine FREE bike mag

2014

Issue 33: June-July

2014

SUPPLEMENT

INSIDE

LUCKY FOR SOME 3 BEEMERS TESTED

CB500s on test TEAPOT ONE

ADVENTURE MEET YOUR MAKER TRAVEL FILM TS -BERG BOO ALT SPO • SPORTS FESRTSTIVAL• FEATURE S • EVENTS S • EVENTS • IEWS • FEATURE

KRIEGA R15 SAM MANICOM REV

Join us:

www.southeastbiker.co.uk REVIEWS

south east biker magazine

@southeastbiker

26/03/2014 09:33 SEB Magazine Issue 33.indd 1

Join us:

Re mEaEg! F bik

www.southeastbiker.co.uk

south east biker magazine

@southeastbiker

IF YOU HAVE JUST READ THIS… THEN SO HAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS SEB Magazine Issue 32.indd 1

21/05/2014 10:14

Why not advertise your Company in the South East’s No 1 FREE magazine for bikers?

Maximise your company’s full potential by promoting it in South East Biker Magazine and make sure your company’s name reaches the customers you need.

SEB has a readership of around 20,000 in the height of summer. SEB also has an active website, Facebook Group and Twitter to keep our readers in touch with what’s going on around the South East. With a fully readable edition online our readership is worldwide.

Whatever your budget we can provide a solution; from a business card box to the prestigious cover ads, we are here to help you.

Call Debbie Tunstill today on 01892 610808 or email debs@southeastbiker.co.uk

John Harris Motorcycles MOT, Servicing, Parts, Accessories, Accident Repairs, Clothing and Rider Training HONDA SPECIALIST

All your Spring, Summer and Winter seasons’ needs available for you and your bike.

Full Range of Halvarssons Available!

Call us now: 01892 652380

Blair House, Whitehill Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 1JS

www.jhmc.co.uk

JOHN HARRIS 0413 HP Ad.indd 1 South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

17/03/2014 17:33 35

TOURING

KILTS, CASTLES AND CLUTCH CABLES After a long wet winter and trawling through the tour brochures, Carole said ‘ what about Scotland?’ Mmmmm sounds a bit damp to me and what about the midges?

Mark Stone considers packing the panniers to Scotland.

S

o off I went to the computer. After checking out a few Scottish websites and Google maps, over the next few days, also getting some encouragement from a good friend Lindsay McBryne (who incidentally comes from Edinburgh), I’m thinking it’s not such a bad idea.

Yes Loch Lomond looks good.

We could get the ferry over to Skye and the pass to Applecross looks great. Ok, all we need is a start date.

Everyone I spoke to said June is good, so I booked the first hotel at the end of May. After checking the Tiger over we loaded the usual 100wt of gear on board and we were ready to go.

It was a 6am start leaving Tunbridge Wells, M25, M40 and M6 toll road. The first night was booked in at Killingdon Lake services. Not very glam but the object being to just get the first 320 miles out of the way.

The next leg was to Glasgow. It was a brilliant morning – misty and 36

sunny. Being a Sunday no traffic either…perfect.

The scenery was starting to change, so it felt like this was the real start to the tour.

We came off the M6 at Gretna Green and headed for Dumfries for a quick breakfast stop. Heading to the west coast to Girvan (great views of Ailsa Craig) it was on to Prestwick then finally up to Glasgow.

With only one night in Glasgow we hopped on the bike had a quick whizz round the City and found a great Italian restaurant for dinner.

There was plenty of time for Haggis at future stops.

I was looking forward to day three. It was going to be about 220 miles to Skye. The ride took us up through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – brilliant

riding and very little traffic – then, on to Fort William, via Loch Linnhe.

The views of Ben Nevis were limited as it was foggy…or was it Scotch Mist?

The last part of the day was to Arisaig then Malaig to catch the ferry over to Skye. Caledonian Macbrayne run most of the ferries in Scotland. The service is great and the guys in the hold couldn’t have been more help full in securing the bikes properly.

It’s only about 35 minutes but the views are fantastic and the water crystal clear. We disembarked the ferry at about 5pm and headed to Portree – around 40 miles.

At this point I started to have trouble getting some gears. This was the wrong time to have gearbox trouble. After about twenty miles, we stopped for a quick check.

I adjusted the clutch cable and found that it was frayed at the leaver and hanging on by a thread.

Bugger – it couldn’t have been at a worse spot.

The road was quite fast and hardly any junctions so I decided to head for the hotel. This was a good move once in top gear it stayed there for miles.

When we arrived at the hotel I

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

TOURING had a quick chat with Ewan the owner, and in a strong Scottish accent he said, “you’ll not be getting any bike spares here the nearest bike shop is in Inverness about 130 miles away.”

Ok so It looks like we could be here for a while! So off we went to the pub for dinner.

The next morning I was awake around 6am wondering what the next plan was. Off I went checking out the dustbins round the back of the shops seeing what I could scavenge to repair the bike.

I came across a bicycle shop – no old bikes round the back so I went back at opening time to see what I could find. As luck would have it he had a 2m cable, albeit thinner, but the fitting on one end was almost the same as the Tiger. I threaded the cable down to the engine leaver. I had a nose round Ewan’s garage and found a 13 amp plug, removed the earth pin cut it in half and bingo a solder-less nipple. It all fitted like a dream, and we only lost about two hours. (Thanks to Ewan McDonald of Portree Skye).

The next leg was to Inverness via the mountain passes to Applecross.

This was a spectacular ride through Kishorn up over the pass, which is only passable in the summer, to Applecross – heavenly views and terrific bends. Back out of Applecross, around the peninsular coast road, past Loch Torridon back to the A82 and then a 24 mile ride alongside Loch Ness.

Just us on the road with the odd camper van, the view of the loch is stunning. The Clansman Hotel at Brackla is situated on the banks of the Loch it couldn’t have been a better stopover.

The next day we headed for Inverness then up the A9 to John O’ Groats – around a 100 mile ride up the east coast. Then along the Cromarty Firth up to Invergordon, (where the best smelling whisky distillery was on the trip).

By this time it had started to rain so it was a wet 40 miles to the top.

Was it worth it? Mmmm…well it had to be done – three cafés, a souvenir shop and lots of wet tourists…including us.

We sat in the café dripping into our tea, still laughing renaming it John O’ Grots!

After about 40 minutes riding back through Wick the sun came out and we were dry in about half an hour.

The next day was to Edinburgh.

It was a great ride along the Caledonian Canal, down through the Cairngorms National Park, Perth, Dundee over the Tay Bridge, down across the Forth Bridge into Edinburgh covering around 235 miles. We headed off for a hearty meal and some local beer in one of the pubs in Rose Street.

It’s now a Friday morning and brilliant sunshine. Off we went to Edinburgh for the day. Sixty quid gets two of you, all day on the open top bus and entry to the castle.

Well worth it. The guys on the buses are like the ones in New York,

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

full of facts wit and enthusiasm for their City. I can’t say I blame them. Edinburgh is a fabulous City surrounded by extinct volcanoes split in two, new and old towns and the castle dominating the whole skyline. Well worth a visit.

But now its time to head out of Scotland. We were amazed by our trip. Scotland was beautiful, full of wonderful colours and smells.

Highlands and Lowlands that reopened our eyes to how much beauty we have on our doorstep.

At time the isolation reminded us that only five million people live in Scotland compared to 65m down here. Towns with big names turned out to be no more than large villages to us. So many historical towns, beautiful castles and abbeys – a reminder that they did not suffer from Henry VIII’s wrath and bombing in the war. The people were lovely, friendly and helpful.

The Scots are certainly a proud race and have every right to be.

Day 8 – we head for the delights of not so sunny Scarborough. It’s about a 230 mile ride over the Northumberland national park, through the North Yorkshire Moors National Park to Whitby for lunch then in to Scarborough (it’s Blackpool on the east coast – need I say more?).

And what better to finish off the day with fish & chips and a beer on the beach.

Early start to our last day – a Sunday morning back to Tunbridge Wells. We headed down the coast and over the Humber Bridge, through Lincoln then hit the A1, M11, across the Dartford crossing and home.

We completed just under 2000 miles. All in all a great trip and not a red squirrel harmed on the whole tour.

P.S. The next tour is South Africa down through the free State, Swaziland and the Kruga national Park…watch this space.

37

South East Biker Events AUGUST EVENTS

Aug 1-3 West London Harley

Riders present their Burning

Aug 2

Aug 3

Motorbike event at the

Adelaide Farm Cafe, Sandwich

Aug 23

Aug 31

Nr Southampton, SO40 7GY Sep 6

Brighton Speed Trials

Sep 6

Wiltley & District MCC Event The Compton Club, Spiceall,

Hatch

The White Dove

Compton, Guildford, Surrey

Collectors Transport

Show,Bordon, Hampshire.

GU35 9PD

Volts Mechanix CC Scramble On, Ringmer

GU3 1EQ Sep 14

Ace Café Reunion, Brighton

Sep 20

Kempton Bike Jumble, Kempton

MAG National Demo

BSA Owners Club Open Day, The White Hart, Lower

Horsebridge BN27 4DJ

The 21st Carole Nash Eurojumble, Netley Marsh,

Southern MCC Enduro

Aug 9-10 BMRC Club Racing, Brands

Aug 17

Sep 5-6

Budgie Rally 2014

in aid of Kent Air ambulance

Aug 10

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Park Racecourse Sep 21

Romney Marsh Classic Bike Jumble

PLEASE NOTE: we cannot be held responsible for the information provided on this page. Much of it is provided independently. We suggest you check details with the organisers before making commitments. Further details and contacts for some of these events can be found at www.southeastbiker.co.uk.

For South East Biker Track Days contact: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk

If you have an event you would like listed then email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

August/September entries to be in by 4th July 2014. Entries are limited to first come first in.

NEW FOR 2014: ECUADOR AND COLUMBIA

We still have spaces on our 2014 tours

CALL 01424 838618 NOW BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT

Visit: www.perumotorcycling.com or email: info@perumotorcycling.com

DO YOU WANT REACH OUT TO OVER 20,000 MOTORCYCLISTS IN YOUR REGION?

Adventure Peru QPV 0414.indd 1

We can promote your business and services via this magazine, active website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube media.

Contact debs@southeastbiker.co.uk and see if we can provide you with details of the most cost effective marketing you can find!

19/03/2014 13:51

DOCTOR Servicing, Repairs, Tyres, Diagnostics Renovations & Engine Rebuilds MOTORCYCLE, SCOOTER & QUAD BIKES MOT SPECIAL OFFER: £25 Tel: 07794 919333 • www.mdsmot.com Unit 2, Ivy Dene Industrial Estate, Ivy Dene Lane, Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3TN

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

39

cebook page Date to be confirmed. Visit our Fa ervive-facebook for more details: www.bit.ly/canc

IF YOU ARE A BIKER AND RUN A NON-BIKE RELATED BUSINESS, CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL RATES • BIKER BUSINESS

The ever present deterrent

Protect your bike with the cost-effective MotoTracker Security Kit. Deter any thief with deterrent anti-tamper strips, hidden pre-programmed near-field chips and radio frequency identification chips.

Kit comprises of 2 x Anti-tamper Holographic ID stickers, 2 x pre-programmed NFC stickers and 2 x RFID chips Protect your machine for just £19.99

Visit: www.mototracker.co.uk

TRADE SERVICES

NEW BIKES Cooper BMW Motorrad Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE Tel: 0845 601 8593

Servicing & Repairs Collection & Delivery

MAIDSTONE HONDA

Wivelsfield Green, near Haywards Heath Tel: 07799 852736 Notchyracing13@gmail.com

New demo bikes available to try.

Sales, Servicing, Clothing and parts.

Aylesford Wharf, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7XA Tel: 01622 713950 www.maidstonehonda.co.uk

The exciting new Honda dealership in mid-Kent. Open since September 2013, we have already established ourselves as a destination for Honda motorcyclists throughout Kent and throughout the South East.

Haslemere Motorcycles

Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Hampshire GU35 9AR Sales: 01420 488290 Main Suzuki, Yamaha dealer with good quality used motorcycles and Harleys. Test ride the new GSXR600 or try some of our great 125’s on sale.

Kent Motorcycles

Dover Road (A2), CT4 6SA Tel: 01227 832601

Everything Honda, New demo’s available to test ride, CBF 125, CBR 250 and VFR. MOT’s, Servicing, Clothing and Accessories.

USED BIKES J. S. Gedge (Honda)

406-410 Old London Road, Hastings, E. Sussex. TN35 5BB Tel: 01424 423708

SERVICING Fastlane Motorcycles 88 Priory Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2AH Tel: 01732 363630 Email: fastlanebikes@aol.com We have a wide range of Used bikes, Clothing, Servicing, MOT’s, Parts,Track and Race Preparation.

MOTORCYCLE DOCTOR Unit 2, Ivy Dene Industrial Estate, Ivy Dene Lane, Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead, West Sussex.

RH19 3TH MOT, Servicing, Repairs, Tyres, Diagnostics, Renovation and Engine Rebuilds.

CLOTHING GetGeared

The one stop Honda shop.

290 Kingston Road,

INTA Motorcycles

Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7QE

99-107 Upper Stone Street, Maidstone. Kent. ME15 6HE Tel: 01622 688727 or 01622 765791

Email: intabikes@btconnect.com We specialise in quality used motorcycles and are Kent’s leading motorcycle trials specialists.

42

K&S

MOTORCYCLES

Tel: 01372 225100 Everything you need under one roof or check out our extensive website.

www.getgeared.co.uk

Helmet City Waylands Farm, Tatsfield, TN16 2JT Tel: 01959 577911 Email: sales@helmetcity.co.uk Large range of Helmets, clothing and accessories in stock.

Outlets in Chichester and Dorset. www.helmetcity.com

TRAINING Sussex Motorbikes Tyres, Servicing, MOTs, Repairs, Sales & Training www.sussexmotorbikes.co.uk CBT, DAS, ERS with bike and kit hire available. We are an established training centre that can take you from CBT to advanced training.

MTS SUSSEX Motorcycle Training for Sussex, Surrey and Kent • Taster Sessions • CBT • A2/DAS • • ERS • Advanced • Back to Biking • • Free Assessments • Ladies Only Days •

Call us now on 01342 890006 enquiries@mtssussex.co.uk www.mtssussex.co.uk

MISCELLANEOUS HOLIDAY SAFE

Motorcycle Travel Insurance 0845 2307 622 www.Holidaysafe.co.uk/SEB

Viking Motorcycle Seats 27A Heaver Trading Estate, Ash, Kent TN15 7HJ Tel: 07977 874075 Seat modifications, Gel pads, re-covering and embroidery www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk

August-September 2014 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE SEATS MOTORCYCLE SEAT UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS Quality Craftmandship at Down to Earth prices

We are a small but busy workshop near Brands Hatch supplying and fitting gel pads, memory foam and standard vinyls. We have a full range of faux (fake) and genuine skins. If your seat needs recovering, is uncomfortable or too high or wide, Viking Motorcycle Seats have the solution. How about some customised embroidery? We offer a complete, bespoke service to make your bike unique. While you wait service available.

NEW PRODUCT: HEATED SEATS We now supply and fit the fantastic BRAD PADS, heated seat elements to keep you warm all year. These can be inserted into your seat at the same time as a rebuild. A very simple connection to the battery is supplied and the pads come with two settings.

Price is just £75 or £95 including wiring into bike.

Call us now on: 07977 874075

Visit: www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk Email: leetheseat@hotmail.co.uk, or pop in and see us at: 27a Heaver Trading Estate, Ash Road, Ash, Kent. TN15 7HJ 30 years experience • Quality craftmanship • All work guaranteed

VIKING MOTORCYCLE SEATS

Surrey

www.GetGeared.co.uk

290 Kingston Road Leatherhead KT22 7QE Call 01372 372222 7 days/wk