The South East’s No.1 FREE bike magazine ISSUE 55 • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2018
CHECK YOUR RIDE
TRAVELLING ABROAD
IT IS A GS • CLASSIC EVENTS GUIDE REVIEWS • FEATURES • EVENTS • SPORTS SEB: ON FULL THROTTLE SINCE 2008 southeastbiker.co.uk
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STARTING GRID
Editor scribes Even though we put together this issue in the depths of winter gloom, it’s always exciting to look forward to the longer, sunnier biking days that are on the horizon. The massive expanse in the use of social media and technology such as smartphones has enabled us to easily communicate with each other and obtain biking information. Each time I bump into another biker I hear of another app or tool to track routes, record information and generally get the most from your motorcycling time. In some ways technology has spoilt some of the fun we used to have by working things out for ourselves and making mistakes. However, if used correctly, we can use it to plan our rides and adventures more effectively without losing the main component of motorcycling, simply enjoying the ride. So this year, as always, we will endeavour to help put together all the relevant information on offer in all the formats we can, including that old favourite, print! Then you can just get out there and ride. After all, despite all the tech at our fingertips, that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it?
Contents
4 6 10 13 14 16
IT IS A GS Travelling Abroad Check your Ride News from MAG Ride of the Ruperts Motorcycle Live
All the best Nick
Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US
ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk
GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 07913 758955 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Gemini Print, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex. © 2018 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.
South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
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SPANISH BUTT PART 3 Winter Riding Spada Base Jacket Bike Book Roundup 50 Years of the Norton Commando 30 Classic Events Guide 3
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW
IT IS A GS
Les Smith has owned or ridden most of the adventure bikes on offer over the last few years. Here is his take on the new BMW G 310 GS…
B
efore I start…“It’s a GS”, it’s a GS because the people at BMW say it is. So, the GS’erarty can stop chomping on about it not being a real GS, I remember the same lot moaning when the F 800 GS came out and we know how accomplished that model has become. Right, that’s the mini rant over, so...is there a need for a 310cc (lightweight) GS? Well, BMW seem to think so and that being the case I had to take one for a quick spin to satisfy my curiosity. Upon arrival at the BMW Dealer, Coopers in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the G 310 GS looked resplendent in its red and silver livery, and on casting my beady eyes over the bike there was a feel of real quality to the motorcycle. The paint finish and cycle parts look to be of great quality and all the panels nestled nicely together without those annoying gaps and creaky noises found on some bikes. The techno stuff is great too. I’m not an expert in engine tech but with its reverse cylinder set up and the exhaust out of the back of the head thing, it is certainly well thought out. With the stacked gearbox keeping the power unit nice and compact, this certainly goes to make this little bike quite a bit techy. The power is claimed at 34 Bhp and I’ve got no reason to doubt it. I’ve ridden a Honda CRF 250 Rally recently and this 313cc BMW has a fair bit more grunt. Starting the bike is thankfully with the use of a key and a starter
4
button, none of that new fangled keyless rubbish (Les’s opinion! Ed). I am always scared I’ll leave the fob on the bench in the garage and ride off into the sunset, only to realise I’ve left the bloody thing behind after my first brew some 50/60 miles away. Anyway, the motor spun and fired into life effortlessly and the fuel injection was crisp and efficient, however the bike revved higher that I would have liked at tickover. I half expected the revs to drop when the engine had reached its working temperature but it didn’t really, bit of fettling at first service may sort this out I reckon. One little annoying trait of this was the reluctance to slow on a closed throttle, due to the higher revs, more than once I had
February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW
to use a covering rear brake to slow enough when turning left into a side road for instance. To be fair the little GS had only done 70 miles from new when I picked it up so I would expect these niggles would be sorted on first service. First impressions of the bike on the whole were really good. I found it quite a natural and well thought out bit of kit. All the switches were nicely placed and intuitive, the engine revved freely on the throttle and the brakes were strong with good feel. I found the clutch was very light though, almost too light for me, so light in fact there was not much feel and it took some getting used to after my own bike. Handling wise, I was impressed with the way it rode, the suspension and wheel setup give the bike a solid feel, it was properly stable and supportive and the bike steered really well on its Tourance tyres. The wheel and tyre size (150 /17 and 110/19 front and rear) would normally sit under a much larger bikes and this bigger geometry allowed the bike to flow, stress free over bumps and round bends with ease and the whole thing feels like a much bigger, more stable machine which was nice and confidence inspiring. I’ve read elsewhere that some riders don’t like the seating position and comments have been made about the low handlebar height when being off-road an issue. I agree that the bars would be a little low for proper off-road use but as tested, on the road, the riding position was good, a little supermoto like. In fact the bike whipped around the narrow Kent country lanes so well it left me thinking that the only thing holding it back was the fact that it’s a 34hp 310. I reckon the chassis could cope easily with
10hp more and would be even more fun. As it is, with the 34hp it goes ok, but overtakes are a proper planning job, not just a point and squirt thing. I had to be in the right place on the road and in the right gear sort a thing, that’s another article but you get the drift. Talking about the go factor, on the dual carriageways and main roads the performance is a little steady. It’s not completely gutless, it revs well and the little GS will hold a steady 70plus mph on the motorway, however doing so it feels like a good thrash and I’d want a bigger screen too for longer journeys. No doubt the after-market people already have a number of bits ready for the new GS rider to bolt on, Touratech anyone? That said, it’s not designed to be a motorway muncher, it’s a smaller capacity bike to get riders onto the GS brand and provide BMW with a viable commuter/ weekend fun biased machine for the masses. Within that remit I think it should do well. I’ve already seen companies
South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
modifying the little GS for more off-road adventure style jaunts, and it looks like it will be a good base for that too (solo riders only I suspect) Overall first impressions are that of a good entry level GS package with good build quality and rideability. For someone looking for an allrounder first bike with a bit of street cred — yes, I did say that. It’s a BMW after all. I think it’s a very nice bike. USEFUL INFO
BMW G 310 GS Price from £5,100 OTR Engine 313cc water cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder. Max Power 34 HP at 9,500rpm (ECE model) Max. torque 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm Max Speed 89mph Gearing 6-speed synchromesh gearbox Secondary Drive Endless Z-ring chain Frame Tubular spaceframe Tyres front 110/80R19 Tyres rear 150/70R17 Seat height 835mm Dry weight 170kg Tank Capacity 11 litres 5
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
TRAVELLING ABROAD
Far be it for me to provide technical advice on how to ride safely in an unfamiliar country. However, I thought it may be useful to provide some pointers and tips, some of which can be overlooked when planning an exciting tour away from home. Before setting off, don’t forget to take out travel
insurance. I know this is obvious to many, but you would be amazed at the amount of times I have spoken with clients who had no or inadequate travel insurance for their specific needs. The policy should be tailor-made depending on the tour you are planning. And don’t forget that travel insurance doesn’t cover everything; it will often cover baggage loss, holiday cancellation and curtailment, but it won’t always cover medical expenses to a significant degree. I have seen far too many horror stories where someone has been “stranded” in a foreign country as their travel insurance policy won’t cover the significant repatriation fees involved in flying the person home by air ambulance (and with medical support) following a serious incident abroad. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident then medical expenses cover can be one of the most important short-term issues, so you should ensure that you are comfortable with the level of cover under the policy you choose. In addition, don’t forget what can be a very useful add-on: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which you can obtain for free on the NHS website. The countries covered are more than just the European Union member state countries so it is worthwhile reading the relevant part of the NHS website for more information. But don’t think that the EHIC is a substitute for travel insurance as the EHIC only provides a certain level of treatment that will just allow you to continue your stay up to the point where you had arranged to return to the UK. Nevertheless, it can be very worthwhile. From a practical perspective, if you are involved in a road traffic accident, and depending on the
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February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
At this time of year many bikers start dreaming about heading off to the Continent or further on their machines. Part of the planning process of any trip abroad should involve obtaining as much information as possible beforehand about anything unforeseen that may crop up. Paul McClorry, Head of Travel Litigation at Hudgell Solicitors provides some invaluable tips…
A
s a personal injury solicitor specialising in road traffic accidents that occur abroad on behalf of individuals with serious injuries, it is not surprising that I have acted for a significant number of people involved in motorbike accidents over the years. Unfortunately, these incidents have resulted in people sustaining life changing spinal and/or brain injuries and, in some instances, fatalities. More regrettably, many of these incidents could have been avoided had the “at fault” motorcyclist appreciated the different riding conditions they were experiencing and taken heed of the local laws of the country they were travelling in.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE severity of your injuries, you should try and think on your feet despite the painful and stressful situation that you may find yourself in. The preservation of evidence is key and my top 10 tips are:1. Call the emergency services and the police if anyone is injured. 2. Contact your insurance company immediately to report the accident. 3. Make detailed notes about the accident circumstances. 4. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene – including the positions of any other vehicles involved and their number plates. 5. Take the names, addresses and vehicle and insurance details of the other driver and of as many witnesses as possible. 6. When the police arrive, co-operate fully with their requests. It is not usually the case but, in some countries, there can be a tendency for the local police to favour the local motorist. 7. If you do not understand what the police are saying, ask for an interpreter. 8. Produce your driving licence, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance. 9. Complete a ‘Constat Amiable’ or European Accident Statement (a pro forma “agreed
statement of facts” document. The aim of the form is to help holidaymakers involved in road accidents abroad exchange information about what happened. This is completed immediately so that the accident circumstances remain fresh in everyone’s mind and can be agreed by the drivers). Only sign this form if you are happy and fully understand what is written on it. 10. Keep any documents the police give you as you may need to refer to them in the event of a claim for compensation. Once you return home, if you have been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may wish to consider obtaining legal advice in relation to a civil action. It is important that you obtain advice from a lawyer that specialises in this niche area of the law as issues concerning jurisdiction (i.e. in which country a claim can be brought) and applicable law (i.e. the law of which country applies to determine the issues in and value of the case) are not straight forward. In terms of jurisdiction, the way the law has developed across EU member state countries over the last decade means that you are now more likely to be able to bring your claim in your own country. Before 2007, that was often not the case with the result
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LEGAL ASSISTANCE being any claim having to be brought through a foreign Court with the involvement of foreign lawyers and experts. This was practically very inconvenient and often extremely expensive such that many claims were simply not viable. However, the law now in relation to the majority of motorbike incidents in EU member states means that you can instruct a lawyer and experts in your home country and have access to your home country’s Court system. But being able to pursue a claim in your own country does not mean that your local Court will apply English/Welsh law to your case. The law in this area is quite complex and can result in different laws applying in different circumstances. As a starting point, the law that determines who is at fault and how much compensation should be awarded is the law of the country where the incident occurred. There are ways around this but they are the exception rather than the norm. What does all of this legal mumbo-jumbo mean?! Well, in short, if an English motorcyclist is riding through France and a French motorist collides with the English motorcyclist, the English motorcyclist can bring their claim through the English Courts and the English judge will apply French law to determine liability (which can include compliance with road
signs and speed limits, and sometimes some very unique principles of “strict liability”) and the value of the claim. A lawyer who is experienced in this area should advise you on these issues as, in some circumstances, discrete arguments can be deployed to gain more favourable results. Very importantly, different time limits can apply to the period within which you must bring your claim, failing which you have no entitlement to claim whatsoever. These differ from country to country e.g. for some types of claim where Spanish law applies, the claim must be brought within 1 year of the date of the accident whereas, in some cases where French law applies, the time period can be 10 years. Obtaining expert legal advice as soon as possible can be fundamentally important to being able to proceed with a claim at all. And don’t forget a very obvious, yet fundamentally important and often forgotten, point: check with your motorbike insurer that you are covered under your motor insurance policy to ride through all of the countries on your planned tour. For more information on this or any other legal issues regarding motorcycle accidents contact Hudgell Solicitors on 0808 301 8554 or hudgellsolicitors.co.uk
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February-March 2018 • South East 14/11/2017 Biker Magazine 12:35
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CHECKLIST
CHECK YOUR RIDE At this time of year many riders take to the green lanes to avoid the salt, potholes and grime of our tarmac ‘roads’. Bob Dixon says it’s easy to neglect your dirt bike as you will be generally covering fewer miles. However the bike will be taking a lot more punishment and normally gets a coating of mud in the winter or dust in the summer so here a few things to look out for.
F
irst of all it may seem obvious but clean the bike after a day out. It’s tempting just to throw it in the shed as you may be tired, cold and knackered, but half an hour going over it will pay off. Not only will you stop all the crud drying on or in all the components but you may well spot something that is loose, broken or missing. So, after cleaning, and before putting the bike away: 1. Oil and adjust the chain and check the sprockets. 2. Check all coolant levels are correct and there is no water in the gearbox oil. 3. Check for any wear in wheel and headstock bearings 4. Grease any points that require regular maintenance 5. Inspect tyres for any damage or nails etc 6. Make sure all the lights and electrics are working 7. Check brake pads 8. Have a good look around for any loose nuts, cables, panels etc. These check should ensure the bike will be ready to roll for the next outing with just a few simple pre-ride checks. Then, before you head off again check: 10
1. Tyre pressures 2. Ensure all fluid levels are correct 3. Make sure brakes are not binding and clutch working correctly 4. Lights and horn are all functioning. It’s worth having a simple tool kit, spare inner tube, chain link and possibly fuel and two stroke oil. These pre- and post-ride checks are well worth doing on your road bike as well. As bikes have become more reliable over recent years it’s tempting to treat them like a car and just rely on a regular dealer service. Bikes however require much more regular inspection to make sure they are legal and safe to ride. If you are new to bikes most local dealers will happily show you how to perform these simple checks. Bob Dixon runs organised trail rides in Shropshire. www.adventureride.co.uk
February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
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February-March 2018 • South East 09/01/2017 Biker Magazine 10:43
WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT? Andy Carrott, National Vice Chairman, Motorcycle Action Group
W
hat do we want? More recognition for the benefits powered two wheelers bring in respect to social mobility, congestion busting and reducing pollution. More secure parking, road schemes that take into account rider safety, and a clampdown on motorcycle crime. When do we want it? Er…yesterday! Sexy stuff, don’t you agree? Get it on the front cover, that’s going to sell magazines. No, you don’t think so? Then perhaps it’s just as well some people quite enjoy getting their teeth into these issues and try to do something about them. That’s the thing see: riders’ rights don’t really get people very excited and that makes it hard work getting what we want, when we want it. Ever since we started charging about on contraptions equipped with internal combustion engines, politicians and law makers have wanted to control it and then tax it. Long gone are the days of steam when a vehicle needed to be manned by two persons and the national speed limit was 10mph (5mph in towns). But even this low speed was considered too much by some and in 1865 it was dropped to 4mph (2 mph in towns) with a requirement for a bloke carrying a red flag to walk 60 yards ahead of the vehicle just in case a great 12-tonne noisy, steaming, hissing, lumbering leviathan crept up on unsuspecting pedestrians and ran them over. That said, the first ever death involving a car and a pedestrian was in 1896 and involved a speed of around 4mph. By 1907 recommendations were being made that cars should be taxed but also that the speed limit (then 20mph) should be scrapped. Concerns were also raised that speed traps were being used to make money and not protect lives…..where have we heard that before?! One of the first, if not the first, organisations to represent the views of road users was the Automobile
South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
Club of Great Britain (founded in 1897 and later became the RAC). It campaigned for the relaxation of speed limits. It also campaigned against the introduction of the helmet law in 1973. At the time, the majority of riders were wearing crash helmets so compulsion was seen by some as unnecessary. Out of their dissatisfaction, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) was born. The group no longer actively campaigns for the repeal of the helmet law and, despite what some riders think, does not oppose the wearing of helmets. MAG still holds the principal of freedom of choice at the very core of its philosophy in respect to riders’ rights. Whilst it is only proper that legislation should stop us from hurting each other, there has to be a limit to legislation that stops us from hurting ourselves. Similarly, legislation should not hurt us, either physically with poor road traffic or highways legislation, or in our pockets with unnecessary congestion charges and tolls. Life was quite simple in 1973, with a one issue campaign. Today MAG works on a multitude of fronts covering areas such as congestion charging, poor road design, theft, crime, licencing, unfair sentencing, tolls, bikes in bus lanes, parking, etc. It does so on a relatively small, shoe-string budget. It punches above its weight but could do so much more with more members whose funds would support our professional lobbying effort which currently runs at one paid person. Yes, that’s right, you, me, us, the motorcycling public are only funding one person through MAG to stick up for your rights. We have some great volunteers but ultimately we need paid professionals to work for us. You can help by joining: it costs just over 50p per week. Please call 01926 844064: single membership costs £27 (family, joint, affiliated club and corporate memberships also available). Or join online at http://www.mag-uk.org/en/membership/ 13
COMMUNITY
What on Earth is the Ride of the Ruperts? It’s a ‘pay and ride’ charity motorcycling event for the Movember Foundation. They help in the fight against prostate cancer and raise awareness of men’s mental health issues through valuable projects. The ride is open to all bikes, trikes and scooters. It doesn’t matter what you ride — just that you ride!
When is it? Sunday 13th May 2018. I’ve heard there’s a dress code. What’s that all about? Absolutely! This is a fun ride, where riders and pillions are encouraged to dress dapper. Think tweed, posh frocks, pipes and monocles and you’re on the right track. Participants are expected to throw caution to the wind and join in the fun as we show off our steeds and outfits to passers-by. Where does it start and finish? The ride meanders from the Milk Churn café, Rudgwick to The Custom Café, Bexhill through towns, villages and the beautiful Sussex countryside. There will be a couple of rest points on the route to cater for older bikes (and possibly older riders!) So it’s just a ride? No, it’s far more than that! On Sunday 18th March there’s the Revelry of the Ruperts. A party with the same dress code, live jazz bands, 14
dancing, licensed bar, restaurant and prize giving! It’s not just about the ride — this will be an awesome event to attend for riders, pillions and supporters of the ride! Can I just turn up and ride? Sorry. In short, no. To allow our start and end venues a fighting chance of feeding and watering everyone and for safety reasons riders MUST register beforehand. How do I find out more or register? If you’re on Facebook it’s easy. Search for Ride of the Ruperts and you’ll find everything you need to know under the Events tab. If you’re not on Facebook then email the organiser at rotrsussex@yahoo.com Should I really make the effort? Too right! There’s really no excuse. With well in excess of 100 bikes registered so far this will be something to remember and proud to be part of! February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
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EVENTS
MOTORCYCLE LIVE – REVIEW
John Allsopp from SEB made the annual pilgrimage to the NEC for Motorcycle Live. Here are his thoughts. Was it worth the trek to the Midlands? NEW METAL EVERYWHERE! There were at least 40 manufacturers displaying their wares, many fresh off the back of the launches in Milan. I did find it amusing that the Kawasaki stand had a queue of guys, who had all paraded past more contemporary models, all waiting to throw a leg over the retro Z900. FMX LIVE IN HALL 4 The free 30-minute show was a noisy and exciting showcase of the impressive skills of these acrobats. THE BLACKHORSE STAGE IN HALL 3/3A Hosted racing stars from MotoGP, World and British Superbikes, the Isle of Man TT and Speedway. The most bizarre experience was watching Steve Parrish beatboxing! CUSTOM XTREME IN HALL 4 Here were displays of a vast array of choppers, bobbers, streetfighters, trikes, café racers, street scramblers, flat trackers, brats and rats from some of Britain’s best bike builders. Not really my scene but I admire the hours of work that go into them. 16
ISLE OF MAN TT FEATURE IN HALL 2 Here you could watch on-board laps, buy memorabilia, chat to the event organisers and meet a whole procession of TT stars. CLASSIC FEATURE IN HALL 2 Britain’s history of motorcycle production. The theme was adventure and off-road machinery with the displays of a cross-section of scramblers, trials bikes and speedway racers, as well as early examples of adventure road models. BMW GS EXPERIENCE IN HALL 4 The aim here was to offer riders the chance to learn and try some of the handling techniques taught at Simon Pavey’s world-famous BMW Off Road Skills school using BMW GS motorcycles. The compere was the incomparable Billy Ward. TWO WHEEL TASTER WITH GET ON IN HALL 2 The industry-backed Get On campaign offered free 20-minute taster sessions on a 125cc scooter or motorcycle in a private, indoor area with expert tuition from fully trained instructors. February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
EVENTS TEST RIDE ZONE IN HALL 3A Here a variety of bikes from the leading manufacturers were offered up for road tests. ACU TRY TRIALS IN HALL 4 The opportunity to learn the basics of trials riding in a free 15-minute session with direction and guidance from an ACU-certified instructor. There were also demonstrations by experts to show how it should be done. HARLEY-DAVIDSON JUMPSTART IN HALL 4 This was I found a somewhat bizarre rolling road for people to try their bikes on. EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE IN HALL 2 Now this zone was my absolute favourite — Honda, KTM and Triumph supplied the machines. This also had a bike skills course designed to introduce riders to their first taste of adventure riding, including tuition on bike set-up, body positioning and balance across a number of terrains. Also here you could meet overland legends like Sam Manicom, Derek Mansfield and Graham Field. Yamaha showcased a special 20th anniversary display of the YZF-R1, but the draw for me was the LC
350 surrounded by dreamy eyed guys of around my age mostly sporting a wry smile of reverie. Overall it was a good day but the entry price of £25 was steep. Also, I may have visited on a weekday but the numbers of people seemed relatively low. Of course, it is a very large venue. What do our readers think? Is it worth the trip and admission? Let us know how it can be improved.
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TOURING
S
oon after taking that decision, the rain restarted. Straight after that I took a slip road directing me toward Abbeville. As I rode under the sign Capt. Paranoia paid me a visit. He convinced me I’d taken the wrong turning. So to ensure I wasn’t heading back south, I parked the scooter, dismounted and ran back until I could clearly see my destination. Yes there were some horns blaring at me, headlights being flashed with some added French swearing thrown in for good measure, but making an assumption at this stage would cost me dear so I had to know. I distinctly remember the sound of my boots sloshing through inches of water as I walked back to my forlorn looking scooter.
SPANISH BUTT PART III
Stephen Cooper was attempting to ride to Valencia and back in 48 hours on his Kymco scooter. Heading back through a damp France he diverted towards Rouen… 18
Even though the instinct was to carry on riding for as long as possible, I knew that there was no point in getting to Calais with any urgency as the hotel would be well and truly closed by the time I arrived. So rather than crack on, I paced out my fuel stops and extended my rest periods. I’d walk around a bit more to relieve the ache in my legs and arse. A local newspaper journalist had been covering the ride so it was at one of these extended stops where I called her initially to let her know I was still alive. It also served as a connection to something real, rather than the totally surreal state I found myself in. After the call, I adjusted my clothing to move around the few remaining dry bits that were left but as I did so I could feel eyes boring into the back of my skull. I looked over my shoulder to see a couple leaning against their Citroën just staring at me. Even when I nodded in acknowledgement their expressions didn’t change. They just carried on smoking and staring. As I reached the outskirts of Rouen the rain has reduced itself to a drizzle but it’s still heavy enough for me to have to run with the visor up and my
February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
TOURING
head down. The Kymco’s screen has done a great job of flicking the worst of it over my head but my eyes have paid the price and they are as sore as hell. Time slows down as I retrace my steps around Rouen. I try to remain patient as riding along the bypass feels painfully slow compared to the flowing emptiness of the last 900 miles. As I climb out of the valley in the direction of Calais an unladen HGV overtakes me and a light bulb goes on in my head. I tuck into its slip stream to take the wind off the nose of the scooter, and me of course. I’m not getting so close that I can’t stop if he does but I’m well placed enough to feel removed from the headwind I was riding into. I don’t recommended tailgating, but in these circumstances I can totally justify it. I was getting more fatigued by the mile, so if I could find a way to make the remaining miles a little more bearable I was going to take advantage of it. Just as I start to settle in to being sucked all the way to Calais the driver pulls over to refuel. Dammit. It didn’t take long to find another truck to parasite myself to and this one towed me all the way to the next major incident. Between Rouen and Abbeville there’s an
unmanned toll booth which is roughly 1000 miles from Valencia. As I waited for the machine to process my credit card I felt that this would be a good place to stretch my legs and get some blood back into my tender arse cheeks. As I dismounted I spotted little fissure of blue light on the edge of a black
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TOURING
cloud which told me the majority of the rain had blown inland. My enemy now would be the cold wind which would strip away what little body heat I had left. I unzipped my jacket to see the tide mark of damp on my sweatshirt was now nipple high. I have nothing to complement that last sentence. As I walked around aching from every limb I gorged on my last remaining energy bar then washed it down with some lukewarm Lucozade…mmmm, tasty. It was a pointless act to adjust my clothing to make myself more comfortable but I give it a go regardless. Each attempt to mate either side of my jacket’s zip ends in failure. As I pull the zip up towards my face each side does the opposite of what it’s designed to do, which was to head in the opposite direction. With each attempt my language became a little more colourful, then after the 15th try I attempted an especially ginger approach. This time the sides finally mated. I really didn’t need this kind of malady with just one hour to go. No matter, back on went my soggy helmet and I rejoined the péage for the final stretch to Coquelles. At 5am, I finally get back to the hotel where it all started just over two days and 2,162 miles ago but, as previously stated, its doors are shut. Regardless
20
I photograph the Kymco in the courtyard then the bike’s clocks to confirm my arrival time. I push my room key through the door in the hope that someone will find it but as I’m doing that it hits me — I’ve done it. I’ve completed what I set out to do albeit in a bit more time than planned. Granted I’ve ridden through the night twice and through all kinds of shit to do it, but I’ve done it. I’m actually too tired to be elated, just pleased that my partner in crime, my Kymco Downtown, has remained stoic throughout, as it has done during the previous three 1,000 mile plus events I’ve put it through. It’s done me so proud. Just before I ride off
February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
TOURING
in the search of an open hotel I pat its screen while mouthing the words “well done” and I’m gone. The blue neon sign of the Novotel draws me in and we’re back where we started, among the beautiful people feeling like the only sober person at a wedding. I briefly thought about getting a room but by 5.30 I’d gone past the point of sleep so I made the short ride to the Eurotunnel to see if I could blag my way on to an earlier crossing. By the time I got home I was barely conscious, so into the garage the Kymco went and onto the couch I went, only to wake up the next day. Before I planned this ride I decided that these two Ironbutts would be my last as I felt that 10 was a good number to finish on, plus I had nothing else to prove. Looking back it was a good decision as even
after a week had passed I still felt terrible. Terrible enough to know that I don’t want to feel that terrible again, so retirement from this endurance malarkey beckons. Sure, if an opportunity came to ride across the USA or Canada I wouldn’t think twice but until then my endurance helmet will remain firmly on the shelf. The words have dried.
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21 18/01/2018 10:35
SEASONAL GEAR
WINTER RIDING Winter is still with us. Gone are the days of simply tossing on a light jacket and helmet, if you’re going to keep riding through winter, you’re going to need to learn how to layer. Seasoned all-year motorcyclist John Allsopp gives us some clothing advice…
T
he goal with layering is to create a maximum amount of warmth with as little bulk as possible. There’s no reason to keep yourself warm if you can’t operate a motorcycle safely. Motorcycle jackets are generally fairly warm when standing around, making wind-chill the biggest barrier you have to get around to be able to ride comfortably. Smart layering can keep you warm. BASE LAYERS Base layers are crucial to you staying warm on your bike. Any of the motorcycle or athletic base layers, designed to keep you warm, will be effective in keeping your naturally generated body heat in close where it counts. Make sure they fit snugly and are an appropriate length to cover your body completely. I prefer EDZ and Halvarssons myself. Another choice is synthetic or marino wool. Overall Marino wool can be warmer than synthetic materials and has the added advantage of not getting smelly until you’ve worn them for a week (something not to be sniffed at if you are on a longer tour). MID LAYERS A fleece mid layer works really well at creating the “warmth” part of this whole operation, the thicker and softer the better. If you live somewhere especially cold, or are exceptionally sensitive to temperatures (as I am), a down jacket is ideal for keeping you warm in even the coldest situations. They’re often quite a bit pricier, but can be used for all kinds of applications and are definitely worth the money. 22
THIRD LAYER A wind blocking third layer such as EDZ Innershells offer an ultra thin, lightweight and compact solution. OUTER LAYERS Your outer layers are where you most effectively combat wind-chill. Make sure your outer layer is wind-proof (look for the WindStopper logo on textile items). Length is a huge factor in your outer layer; if your sleeves or torso are too short the jacket will let frigid air in near your core and ruin any chance you had at warmth. Another area you want to pay attention to is at the neck. Your neck is incredibly sensitive and you’ll want to make sure your jacket covers it sufficiently, or you have a fleece neck tube to keep it warm and block out wind. GLOVES When your body gets cold, it circulates less blood to your extremities to keep your core warm, which means your hands are the first place on your body to feel cold and the first place on your body to go numb. It’s a shame they’re kind of important in controlling the bike. It sounds weird, but one of the major ways to keep your hands warm is to keep your core warm so that your body doesn’t feel the need to regulate itself as fiercely. I’ve worn tons of great pairs of winter gloves, but my hands still get cold if I don’t have a neck tube. (Some of these gloves can also make you feel like you are trying to assemble an Airfix February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
SEASONAL GEAR kit in a pair of boxing gloves, so try as many as you can before you buy). If you regularly ride longer distances throughout the year consider heated gloves from the likes of Gerbing. Of course there are other manufacturers out there but, as far as we are aware, Gerbing are the only ones that offer a lifetime guarantee. For places that are super cold, hand guards do a great job of helping to block wind. Heated grips can also help keep both your hands and the rest of your body warm. However, these are best used on shorter trips as they only heat the inside of the hand obviously.
South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
BOOTS Most boots, when paired with nice thick wool socks, will keep your feet warm as long as you don’t allow cold air to get in any of the seams anywhere. That goes double for water. HELMET When shopping for a helmet, do your homework and research as to how well the helmet keeps air out and how well the visor prevents fogging. If it’s too late and you have already bought a helmet, try and find a Pinlock visor to help with fogging and buy a Proline Windjammer to keep cold air from entering the bottom of your helmet. Visit one of our advertisers for advice on keeping warm, cool or dry. They are all experienced motorcyclists and carry a range of kit to suit all budgets and climates. The internet is a wonderful thing but for bike kit to be effective it needs to fit correctly so there’s no substitute for going to your local bike shop and trying on various items.
23
GEAR REVIEW
SPADA BASE JACKET Review by Dom Humby — @RiderRecommends
crucial areas on the back, shoulders and elbows.
F
irstly upon opening the box to this absolute gem of a jacket from Spada, I was very impressed with the look and style of it. In Spada blue and black it looks incredible, very high tech and gives you that feeling of knowing you look good when wearing it riding and socialising at bike meets. When putting it on for the first time the feel of comfort is unreal, like putting on an exo suit to go into battle, it’s warm, comfortable and very secure with the CE approved protection that comes with it in the
This is a very well equipped jacket with the thermal lining that is easily removed and installed. Removing the thermal lining is easy as pie, it’s a simple zip around the outside of the lining and then a popper in each of the sleeves near the cuff. The lining itself has two pockets sewn onto it, one for a mobile device or anything of a similar size (I used it for my e-cig) and one aptly named “stuff”, which I found was perfect for my me as I am type 1 diabetic. I found that I could fit a blood test kit and both my insulin pens inside it without compromising on comfort. There are pockets situated in various places around the jacket with the two before mentioned on the thermal lining, two velcro pockets on the front of the jacket at the bottom with two smaller slip in pockets tucked in behind them. There is a zip pocket right behind the front zip on the jacket on the left breast and a further two more on the back of the jacket at the very bottom for visors etc. The jacket also has two attachment options for trousers to be added in the form of a fold over popper
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1
February-March 2018 • South East 23/03/2016 Biker Magazine 10:45
GEAR REVIEW
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and a large zip that most textile trousers and Kevlar jeans have these days. Whilst riding with this jacket my first thoughts were “I am so comfortable and warm” that I actually considered not taking it off. Suddenly a brief but heavy rain shower started and I got a little worried as I was unsure of how the jacket would hold up. Needless to say it did not disappoint in any way. I was kept not only warm and comfortable but also extremely dry. The Spada Base Jacket performs incredibly well in all weathers without a single fault in its abilities. Not only was I kept dry, but so were all my important little items like my phone, wallet and keys, as well as vital things like a blood test kit and insulin. Everything was kept bone dry. Then the wind picked up and not a single cold breeze got through until I opened up every vent on the jacket and felt the full force of Spada’s Ventech system, which worked incredibly well at providing a nice cool airflow throughout the jacket. PROS: It looks awesome for starters and makes you feel safe and comfortable at all times. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into this product as every piece of tech used does its job perfectly in my opinion, from the new Ventech system down to the widely used armour and various adjustments that can be made using zippers and Velcro. You can cram as much stuff as you want into the pockets and still be comfortable
DEGRAD
and not worry about them becoming damaged or failing completely. CONS: The velcro and zip closures on the cuffs made it difficult to find a comfortable situation for my wrists, especially as I have a titanium plate in my left wrist. However, with some fiddling around it was achievable. I would like to have seen some more reflective panels on the jacket to help with visibility maybe on the shoulders and bottom of the back perhaps. To summarise, this jacket is worth getting whether it’s for summer or winter use. The only aspect I would like to see added is maybe the Airbag jacket inserts that other companies are starting to use. All in all the Spada Base jacket is worth every penny of the £159.99 RRP. A version of this jacket in some other colours would look good, such as the usual red, white, green and a stealthy blacked out version. KEY POINTS • Outer Shell Material: 600D Polyester and Ripstop construction • CE Five piece TEKTOFORM armour • Rain channel • WP external pockets • Short zip attachment • Fixed WP & breathable membrane • Removable quilt lining 50g • Double stitched throughout • Reflective elements • VENTECH cooling system • Soft feel collar • Dual Arm, waist & collar adjustment • Zip and velcro arm closure
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15/01/2018 14:58 25
BOOK REVIEWS
Maiden Voyage
This tale is a prequel to Tim Notier’s and his fiancée Marisa’s three week trip around the Rocky Mountains to see how they would fare on a proper three year adventure. The idea was to see if it was worth the sacrifice of time, career and money that they had been planning for. They had no idea how inspirational such a short trip could be. Their journey is humorously told with beautiful scenery, interesting characters met along the way, and countless uncomfortable situations such as the
LONE RANGER
In 1982, at the age of just twenty-three and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6. Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well travelled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead. When she returned to London nearly two and a half years later, she was stones lighter and decades wiser. She’d ridden through unforgiving landscapes and countries ravaged by war, witnessed civil uprisings 26
travelling strippers they befriended, Tim’s almost accidental initiation into a gang, a devil child on the side of the road with wicked aim, and the several times where the most peaceful of locations almost lead to certain doom. Written with sweeping descriptions of the landscape and a laugh-out-loud sense of humour, Maiden Voyage is an unforgettable journey into the western wilds of the United States for two people who are woefully unprepared, and yet their trials and mistakes will make you want to be right there with them, discovering for yourself what it is to truly have an adventure. Available from Amazon for £15.26
that forced her to fake documents, and fended off sexual attacks, biker gangs and corrupt police convinced she was trafficking drugs. She’d survived life-threatening illnesses, personal loss and brutal accidents that had left permanent scars and a black hole in her memory. And she’d fallen in love with two very different men. In an age before email, the internet, mobile phones, satnavs and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, this is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure. If you like bikes and travelling and appreciate the frustration of third-world border crossings and admire stories of people living out their dream (with all the trials and tribulations this brings) – you will enjoy this book. Great story, well written, hard to put down. Her sense of humour and optimism shine through. As does her elegance in style. An amazing woman, Elspeth Beard. Available from Amazon for £8.99 February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
AUDIO BOOK REVIEW
IN SEARCH OF GREENER GRASS
“Audio books, the new ‘Netflix’” said an article in GQ magazine. “It’s what an author does when he’s out of inspiration for another book” said me. Same shit different format, but hey let’s give it a go. It started, as things often do, with research. In this case it meant listening to other talking books to discover technique, tips, tones and patterns in dialogue. I signed up for a free trial with Audible and became an instant addict. I never sign into contracts, other than a mortgage and mobile phone, but I willingly stayed when my free trial ended. I went for a best seller and listened to John Cleese so closely I started speaking with his inflections in my voice when I was drunk. This led to a Guns ‘n’ Roses autobiography which reassured me I don’t have a drinking problem at all, not compared to a rock star’s lifestyle. So I’ve learnt to listen, and I think I’ve learnt to read aloud, which is very different to reading in your head. What about accents, rants, conversations? My Mongolian truck driver drawl has questionable authenticity. After passing a two chapter audition the time came to go into the studio for a week. Sounds pretty glamorous, doesn’t it? Well, the mixer desk looked quite rock ‘n’ roll, that’s where the alluring lifestyle ended really, no bottle of Jack Daniel’s perched next to faders or mirrors to powder your nose. The thing about recording a book is, there is an utmost need for consistency, something not associated with mind enhancements. Even a lunch break can change my tone, but it was a necessity as the sensitive microphone could detect a tummy rumble and give it a rating that would chart on the Richter scale. The other thing is, I know this book pretty well, firstly I did the ride, wrote the diary, then the book, proof read it, checked the copy edit, read it again for the 2nd edition and the US publication. There was a South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
danger I would be reciting it as opposed to reading it. In fact when my mouth went faster than my eyes could scan the lines, I did anticipate how the sentence would end and often got it right, then took a breath and waited for my eyes to catch up and calibrate. Much like the journey it describes, the chapters are in days and slowly I made it past the halfway point, beyond Kazakhstan, into Mongolia and on to Siberia, eventually to journey’s and book’s end. It was there that I realised an update was needed as the journey is now seven years old and I’ve got a little wiser in that time too. Much like reaching the distant destination there was elation in the completion, yet unlike the trip I went back to the beginning, now with an established pace and tone, I reread until you couldn’t hear the join. The patience of my sound engineer was a virtue to both of us, never did he tut, (at least not into my headphones) when I screwed up sentence after sentence and mispronounced words. My confidence increased and so the sentences flowed into paragraphs and eventually pages and on one occasion nearly a whole chapter without a mistake, making his job easier and giving me more faith in my ability. Other parts of production were left to other people more capable than myself. The graphics were inspired, not only are the two discs replica brake discs but they are KLR brake discs and duplicated by Adventure Bike TV. So here we have a finished product, read like only it can be by the author. Only I can recall those moments and the emotions they evoked. Sometimes in the recording booth I would break into a sweat or get goose pimples on my arm from the words I read. I’m sure Morgan Freeman’s, Stephen Fry’s or Christopher Walken’s distinctive tones would make for easy listening but to be fair they don’t know man, they weren’t there. My voice, like my books, my KLR 650 motorbike and my trips are seat of the pants. It’s not polished perfection, but it’s functional, real and like my books it’s something I proudly stand behind, achieved without support or sponsorship, anyone can do it if they want to enough. And if I had thought that an audio book would be the end of my writing then I clearly hadn’t anticipated the articles like this one I’m doing to encourage you to listen to my audio book. You read it, hear first. In search of greener grass is available from www.grahamfield.co.uk for £17.99 27
HISTORY
50 Years of the
Norton Commando G
reat weather and a great line-up for the Norton Commando 50th Anniversary lead to a really busy event at Ardingly in October. The Star of the Show was Norton’s rider and designer Peter Williams and two of his legendary bikes.
Peter Williams 28
On display on the Surrey Norton Owners’ club stand was his ground-breaking 1973 JPN Monocoque Norton Commando (pictured) and the innovative 1974 JPN Space Frame Commando which featured a trellis frame remarkably similar to that used by Ducati some years later. The innovative frame design of both bikes made the out-dated Commando engine competitive against the Japanese multis of the day, with many wins including the TT and the Transatlantic series. Peter was on hand all day answering questions and signing his autobiography and also presented the prizes. The Show attracted some interesting specials and one-offs. This trick Scott was based on a 1965 Swift. The standard 500cc two-stroke water-cooled twin was fast in its day, and the owner had brought the rest February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
HISTORY of the bike up to spec with many modifications including rear-sets, disc brakes all round and an impressive alloy boxsection swinging arm. Another one-off machine was a feet-forward hubcentre steering Commando, designed and built by the owner using an 850cc Norton Commando. At the other end of the motorcycle spectrum was a 1937 Francis Barnett Stag 250 which had been modernised into a Scrambler with a swing arm conversion and Matchless teledraulic forks added some time during the fifties. This popular bike took first prize in the Competition and Specials class. The oldest machine in the show was a 1904 Humber Olympia Tandem Forecar, which was displayed on the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club stand whilst one of the newest was a Laverda Jota, runnerup in the 1970-on class.
The Royal British Legion Riders Branch were kept busy on the helmet stand, with proceeds going to the Poppy Fund. The Show returns to the South of England Showground at Ardingly on Sunday 25th March. For more information: www.elk-promotions.co.uk
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29 18/01/2018 10:37
CLASSIC EVENTS
INTO CLASSICS?
WHERE TO GO IN 2018
If you’re interested in classic bikes there’s tons to see and do in 2018. Julie Diplock rounds up some classic events for the South East, including the events she organises with her ELK Promotions hat on. Apologies to anything she’s missed out; as ever, do contact the organisers if you have any queries. Photos: Sharon Benton FEBRUARY
MCN London Excel 16-18th February has a good classic section, and a motorcycle auction by Coys that threw up some interesting older machinery last year: www.coys.co.uk. Admission is pricey but it’s a great way to get your biking fix in this gloomy month without getting wet and cold. Go by bike or train to avoid the car-parking fees. www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com
MARCH
The massive Kempton Park Autojumble is on Saturday 10th March at Kempton Park racecourse, Sunbury. Further 2018 dates are 19th May, 21st July, 15th September, 20th October and 1st December. www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk On a smaller scale is the VMCC Men of Kent 30
Autojumble from 9am on Saturday 17th March 2018, at the village hall, Dunkirk, near Canterbury ME 13 9LF. All proceeds go to the Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. One of the highlights of my year is the annual Pioneer Run® on March 18th, which is the London to Brighton run for veteran motorcycles and threewheelers. Organised by The Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club, all the machines taking part were manufactured before 1915. They leave Tattenham corner on Epsom Downs from 8am and hope to arrive at Madeira Drive on Brighton Seafront from 10am. As well as the hundreds of veteran machines on display at Brighton, thousands of spectators arrive by motorcycle, and free bike parking is provided on the seafront with access from Dukes Mound. It’s the biggest gathering of pre-1915 bikes in the UK, and possibly the world, February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
CLASSIC EVENTS
and is a great free day out. If you’re following the run on a modern bike, don’t forget that the veteran bikes often have pretty primitive braking, so make sure you give them plenty of room. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk The South of England Show & Bikejumble returns to Ardingly on Sunday 25th March, with five halls of Show and autojumble plus more stalls outside, it’s always busy. Further 2018 dates are the Summer Classic Bike Show on Sunday 15th July and the Classic Show Sunday 28th October. www.elk-promotions.co.uk
South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
APRIL
The Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show is on Easter Monday, 2nd April at Ashford Livestock Market. Now in its 20th year, there’s a large all-motorcycle autojumble as well as the indoor show. www.elk-promotions.co.uk Sadly, at the time of writing there’s no Snow Mann Test Day planned for this year at Selmeston. www.vmcc-eastsussex.co.uk
31
CLASSIC EVENTS worth the visit. www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk The Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble on Sunday 20th May at Hamstreet, near Ashford TN26 2JD. Ride-in Show with spot cash prizes together with tons of motorcycles and spares, clothing and accessories for sale in the ‘jumble. www.elk-promotions.co.uk
The Rotary Club and Sussex British Motorcycle Owners’ Club jointly run the popular Engineerium Run, which is on Sunday 22nd April at Blatchington Mill School, Nevill Avenue, Hove BN3 7BW. Concours judging takes place at 1.30 at the school. http://sbmoc.vpweb.co.uk/ Sunday 29th April sees Velocette Motorcycle Day at the historic Brooklands Racetrack, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL. Although most of the banked circuit has long gone, remnants of it remain, along with the test hill and the museum. www.brooklandsmuseum.com
MAY
The Sunbeam MCC holds the Ixion Cavalcade on Sunday 6th May for pre-1940 bikes. Ixion was the nom-de-plume of Canon Basil Henry Davies, who for many years was the vicar of St Barnabas Church, Bexhill on Sea which he combined with writing for The Motor Cycle magazine from 1903 until 1961. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk Sunday 6th May is also the date for Amberley Museum Classic Motorcycle Day, Near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk If you don’t fancy the hurly-burly of Hastings on Bank Holiday Monday there’s always the Velocette Owners’ Club Open Day, and the surrounding roads are quiet too. From 10am at Hamstreet Victory Hall on May Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May. There’s always a really nice line-up of Velocettes on show in the village hall. Dover Classic Motorcycle Show at Dover Transport Museum at Whitfield, Kent CT16 2JX is on Sunday 13th May. You can buy raffle tickets in aid of the museum with a top prize of 1947 BSA 250cc C11. The museum is difficult to find the first time, but well 32
Sunbeam MCC Conyboro Run 26th & 27th May at The Six Bells, Chiddingly, East Sussex. This is a great pub, famed for its live music, beer and food. The main run is on Sunday and there’s a club members’ autojumble on Saturday. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk The famous Ace Cafe are behind the Margate Meltdown on the late May Bank Holiday, 28th May. Check-out their website for details of their regular British Bike nights at the cafe. www.ace-cafe-london.com
JUNE
British Bike Night from 7pm on Thursday 21st June at The Wagon and Horses, Charing, Kent. Always a fantastic turn-out of bikes, parking is reserved for Brit bikes in the main pub car park, while the rest park in the field. The Romney Marsh Classic Show and Bikejumble is on Sunday 24th June at Hamstreet, near Ashford TN26 2JD. With a Classic Show, live music and beer tent. www.elk-promotions.co.uk
JULY
Sunday 1st July sees Motorcycle Day at the historic Brooklands Racetrack, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL www.brooklandsmuseum.com The East Sussex section of the Vintage MCC hold their Bike Show and Concours at The Cricket Bat Factory in Ashburnham, East Sussex at 2pm on Saturday 7th July. www.vmcc-eastsussex.co.uk If classic racing takes your interest, Bemsee are holding the Brands Hatch GP on 7th & 8th July. www.bemsee.net Further afield, after a break of some years, the VMCC are organising the Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park, Leicestershire, LE9 7QE on 7th and 8th of July. www.festivalof1000bikes.co.uk February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
CLASSIC EVENTS Rother Triumph Owners’ MCC Rabbit Rally is at The Robin Hood pub, Icklesham, East Sussex on 13/14/15th July. Great rally with camping and live music. www.tomcc-rother.co.uk
The Ace Cafe 25th Reunion Brighton Burn-Up is on September 9th. Check-out their website www.ace-cafe-london.com for details of their regular British Bike nights at the cafe.
Sunbeam MCC Garden of England Run for pre1940 bikes starts and finishes at Headcorn airfield on Sunday 15th July. As this is a working airfield, the planes and parachutists, together with an old wartime museum always make Headcorn worth a visit. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk
The Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble is on Sunday 16th September at Hamstreet, near Ashford TN26 2JD, with Ride-in Show and Spares Auction. www.elk-promotions.co.uk
Hunstman MCC Show Sunday 29th July at The Huntsman Pub, Eridge, Kent. www.facebook.com/HuntsmanMCC
AUGUST
The West Kent section of the VMCC hold the popular International West Kent Run over the weekend of 5th & 6th August at The Friars, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BX. The event attracts a lot of visitors from the Continent, with interesting bikes. www.iwkr.co.uk August 11th & 12th. Legends of Lydden sees Classic Racing / Parade organised East Kent MCC. Lydden Hill is a great circuit for spectators, located just off the A2, nine miles from Dover CT4 6ET. www.lyddenhill.co.uk The Sunbeam MCC Summer Pioneer Run is on Sunday 19th August. The start and finish is at classic motorcycle dealer Verralls, of Handcross, West Sussex. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk Sunbeam MCC organise the Gingerbeards and Greybeards Classic Trials at Horsmonden, Kent on 25th and 26th August. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk
SEPTEMBER
Brighton Speed Trials Sunday 1st September, at Madeira Drive, Brighton. Started in 1905, this sprint caters for cars and bikes and is allegedly the longestrunning motorsport event in the world! www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk Get to Dover Transport Museum on Sunday 9th September for the Bike Raffle Draw and Classic Bike Day. Peter Marshalll says “We will be drawing the winning ticket for our 1947 BSA 250cc C11. Come along and see if you’ve won! Tickets on sale now at £1 each.” www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
Saturday 29th September is Amberley Museum Classic Scooter Day, Near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk Sunbeam MCC Romney Marsh Run for pre-1931 motorcycles, making use of the quiet Romney Marsh lanes, ideal for lower-powered veterans. Starts and finishes at The Star, St Mary in the Marsh, Romney Marsh, Kent on Sunday 30th September. www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk
CONTACTS ACE CAFE
www.ace-cafe-london.com
AMBERLEY MUSEUM
www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
BRIGHTON & HOVE MOTOR CLUB
www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk
BRITISH HISTORIC RACING CLUB
www.britishhistoricracingclub.co.uk
BROOKLANDS MUSEUM
www.brooklandsmuseum.com
CLASSIC RACING MOTORCYCLE CLUB
www.crmc.co.uk
DOVER TRANSPORT MUSEUM
www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
ELK PROMOTIONS
www.elk-promotions.co.uk
GOODWOOD CIRCUIT
www.goodwood.com
KEMPTON PARK AUTOJUMBLE
www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk
MCN LONDON MOTORCYCLE SHOW EXCEL
www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com
SUNBEAM MOTOR CYCLE CLUB
www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk
SUSSEX BRITISH MOTORCYCLE OWNERS CLUB
http://sbmoc.vpweb.co.uk/
VMCC EAST SUSSEX SECTION
www.vmcc-eastsussex.co.uk
VMCC WEST KENT SECTION www.iwkr.co.uk
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M.O.T & SERVICE CENTRE LTD
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MOTORCYCLE MOT CENTRE
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EVENTS
For a full list of What’s On visit
www.southeastbiker.co.uk/events
11th February
MAG FRED HILL MEMORIAL RIDE OUT Ace Café
16th-18th February
MCN LONDON MOTORCYCLE SHOW Excel
10th March
KEMPTON PARK MBLE MOTORCYCLEPaJU rk Kempton
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18th March
NIFTY FIFTY ENDURANCE Winchester
18th March
OVERLAND & ADVENTURE TRAVEL BIKE DAY Ace Café
25th March
SOUTH OF ENGLAND CLASSIC SHOW & JUMBLE Ardingly
February-March 2018 • South East Biker Magazine
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