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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group
December 2014
Welcome to TUG Chairman’s Piece
2
Test Passes
4
Membership Info
7
Observer Coordinator
8
Just a note to all to remember that membership renewal is fast approaching so please fill out those forms and get your renewals done & dusted!
NEC Show Report
12
Moto Word Search
17
Dates for the Diary
20
On another note, I really have struggled to put this issue together through lack of articles, unfortunately if this continues I will have to hang up my Editor’s boots as being Writer, Compiler & Editor is an impossible task so please don’t let this be the case.
Bikers Crossword
21
Membership Renewal
22
Picture Gallery
28
BMW Club Track Day
30
Remember please email any articles, pictures to cchilds@eamg.org.uk.
Events Report
35
Crossword Answers
41
Proper bikers ride all year!
Further Training
42
Colin
Destination Rated
44
Dear Members, Christmas is almost upon us, so I and all the other committee members would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and hope you enjoy the festive break!
Editor
What’s happening next?
Log into www.eamg.org.uk, then
Runs and Rides Forum
And follow us on Twitter.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
Page 4
CHAIRMAN’S PIECE December 2014 With 2014 drawing to a close, it is maybe the time when the vast majority of riders hang up their gear and cover up their bikes for winter. In reality, its actually quite an enjoyable time of year to be riding and keeping skills honed for the start of 2015. Sure, you have to be smoother and slower than in the warmer months but you can still really have a great time on your bike right through the winter so take the opportunity of any Group rides to get out, with like-minded members, and enjoy yourselves. If you’ve asked Santa to deliver a new bike for Christmas, you could do a lot worse than ask for a Yamaha MT07. At the September Slow Skills Day, Jane Houghton invited me – and everyone else she could cajole – into having a go on her new MT07. I have to say that it was a pure delight to ride slowly – well balanced, punchy power delivery, light, agile and according to Jane, lots of fun to ride on the road, far better than her Tiger 800 in fact. I was so impressed by its easy handling that we’re considering getting two of them as additional DAS bikes to add to our XJ6 Yamaha’s. It’s easy to see why it has been voted Motorcycle of the Year 2014. Marc Marquez may well have won the MotoGP 2014 Championship but for me, the rider of the year was Valentino Rossi. Coming back to Yamaha and having to completely change his riding style to suit the new M1 Yamaha, he took the fight to the new ‘Aliens’ in the second half of the season and beat them, including his team mate Jorge Lorenzo. Watch out in 2015! Rossi was the only rider who could put Marquez under enough pressure to produce cracks in his armour. If the Yamaha is the equal of the Honda straight out of the blocks in Qatar then 2015 could be the most enthralling year in the ‘history of MotoGP according to Valentino’. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see him Champion again!!! Going forward into 2015 we will be looking for a volunteer to take over one of
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Teri Olley’s roles – that of Membership Secretary. If we have anyone who would be able to give us a few hours a month to help in the smooth running of your Group then please let me know. Finally, it is the season of goodwill, so please let me, on behalf of everyone on the Committee, wish you all a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Ride well, Ride Safely Chris Reed Horsepower is no substitute for Brain Power!
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Congratulations! Mark Gilder 15th November 2014 RoSPA Test (Gold) Examiner Mick Jones Observers Peter Richbell & Jill Winn
Paul Poulton 30th October 2014 RoSPA Test (Silver) Examiner Mick Jones Observer Peter Richbell
Geoff Preston 16th November 2014 Observer Re-Test Senior Observer Assessor John Tullett
Paul Smith 4th September 2014 RoSPA Re-Test (Silver) Examiner Mick Jones Observer Phil Jones
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MOTORCYCLE TYRES AND TUBES RIDE IN RIDE OUT FITTED FREE
Car and Van Tyres
All Makes — All Sizes Vintage Classic Modern Road Off Road Race
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Autosafe Group—MOT Classes 1-2-3-4- 5-7
Page 9
Membership Information Dear Members & Prospective Members, The membership form is on the website or page 22 if you wish to join or if you are renewing. If you have paid up and haven’t received your membership card please let a committee member know. Please also note the feedback form on page 18 it will be most helpful if as many members as possible can fill one in and get them to John Tullett. Also please remember to spread the word about EAMG, recommendation is such a valuable tool and current members are always the best advocates for what a good group this is.
Membership Fees for 2015
New Associate Members
...£55.00 (Includes AGT Training)
Associate Member Renewal
...£40.00 (Includes AGT Training)
Full Member Renewal
...£25.00
Social Member
...£25.00
Full Member Training
...£20.00
(For more information on Full Member Training see page 42)
Membership
Number
Full
119
Associate
43
Social
1
Total
163
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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OBSERVER COORDINATOR John Tullett I would like to start by wishing Peter Richbell a speedy recovery from his recent accident and hope that he is able to return to two wheels very soon. Committee The next AGM will be held at the Group Night meeting on Tuesday, 3rd February 2015 and there will be at least a couple of positions to fill, so if you would like to give something back to the Group and help others by joining the Committee then your assistance will be very gratefully received. You might think I am jumping the gun by mentioning this now, but for the Membership Secretary position the busiest time of the year coincides with renewals during December & January. Accordingly, it would be ideal if this position could be filled now! If you are potentially interested in joining the Committee but are not sure what this entails then please have a word with any current member of the Committee. Slow Riding Day Our Slow Riding Day on Sunday, 28th September was well attended with 15 members and 1 guest participating. With 10 Observers on hand to assist, we were able to run a wide range of activities. Due to resurfacing work on the main Dunton Track overrunning we relocated to the Special Surfaces Track and this suited our requirements very well. Ian Cranston added to his collection of 'Slowest Rider' t-shirts by winning his heat in a time of 36 seconds and the final in 34.08. Stuart was busy taking pictures & film clips and some of these images should be
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included in this issue of TUG. A special mention to Graham Simpkins who arranged access to the Special Surfaces Track for us. Full Member Training (FMT) The FMT to Diss, held on 19th October, proved very popular and attracted 10 participants. This has secured the future of FMTs for 2015 and details of the four dates planned for next year should appear elsewhere in this issue of TUG. FMTs cater for all levels of riding ability from someone who has just passed an advanced test through to the most experienced rider. John Tipper takes great care in matching ability levels and aspirations when finalising the allocations for these events. Associate Group Training (AGT) October's AGT was well attended with 8 Associates and 1 Guest, which showed a marked improvement over the previous three months. Sadly, in November (with admittedly a slightly damp start) we were down to just 1 Associate! Obviously, the clash with Remembrance Sunday had an impact - along with the Ring of Red remembrance ride around the M25 but it is rather concerning that some riders seeking to improve their skills appear to be prepared to let a little precipitation impact upon on their training. Fortunately quite a few Full members were able to hear Mick Hewitt's interesting presentation on Filtering before departing for their social ride. New Members As an independent Group we are more dependant than most on word of mouth recommendations to attract new members. Thanks at least in part to a good number of test passes this year, we now have a situation where we have spare Observer capacity and no waiting list of new members to be assigned for 1-to-1 training.
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Therefore, if you know of anyone who might potentially benefit from joining EAMG then please introduce them to the Group as it is an ideal time to join. We will be very happy for any Guests to attend a trial observed ride at an AGT if they wish to check out what we offer before making a commitment to join. Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) A number of Full members have signed up for FTFM, at a cost of ÂŁ20 on top of the standard membership fee. Nevertheless when you consider the level of 1-to-1 training on offer, which is tailored to suit your specific requirements be they preparing for a RoSPA test/retest or addressing specific aspects of your riding, I would have expected more individuals to make use of this facility. Again, as with the situation for Associates mentioned above, we currently have spare Observer capacity and if you sign up for FTFM you can be assigned for 1-to-1 training with a RoSPA Gold qualified Observer straight away. Test Passes I try to maintain a record of all test passes within the Group but do not receive any information from either RoSPA or the IAM, so inevitably some details might slip through the net from time to time. If you would like to see your test details included in TUG then please send them to me and I will forward them to Colin for publication. Should any members have any training related queries then please contact me on 01277 623860 (before 21:30 please), text 07570 992801, e-mail jtullett@eamg.org.uk or send me a PM via the Message Board. John Tullett
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NEC SHOW REPORT By Colin Childs This year’s show was eagerly awaited & much preparation had gone into finding a place to stay that would keep the woman at home happy, well as you know she also happens to like motorcycles so that worked out just fine with a combination of a great Hotel & Spa & a day at NEC enjoying a great selection of new bikes. I had a shopping list too, more on that later. Triumph Rather sedate by comparison to some stands Triumph seem to be at a bit of an impasse, with Yamaha & the MT range seemingly hitting the Street Triple hard it was really a case of offering a re-vamped Tiger 800. It looks like a great improvement on an already great bike but I just can’t help feeling that they need to hit back hard with some serious new offerings, to avoid falling behind. BMW As usual BMW have lots to offer with the GS, S1000RR, R1200 RT but also new offerings as in the new R1200 RS a bike that will be a competitor to the Z1000SX & the S1000R a roadster version of the S1000RR. Suzuki The Suzuki GSX-S1000 is the new naked offering from Suzuki and is based on the new GSX R1000 K5, a faired GSX-S1000F version also debuts. A little late to the party but with excellent heritage we await the first reviews in the monthly magazines. Other bikes include a new V-Strom 650XT Adventure, Updated Bandit 1250SA & a faired Inazuma. Yamaha Great to see Yamaha back in the game with their biggest & best stand I have seen for some time. A superb year has resulted in a fantastic range of bikes & the new R1 really was attracting a lot of attention, I’m looking forward to a test ride - it looks great, the R1M even more so! The new MT-09 Tracer also appeals as it looks like a great all
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rounder—a faired version of the MT-09. Other bikes attracting attention were of course the MT-07, MT-09, YZF-R3 Ducati The Italian marque cements it’s position as the Ferrari of the bike world with the Panigale 899 & 1299 looking absolutely georgeous, Italian design at its best. The 899 even looks & feels comfortable - I feel another test ride coming on. The Multistrada has had a design update with a host of revisions too. The front end looks a little more beak like so I’m a little unsure about that but its still a great bike. Ducati are pushing the Scrambler, a return to basic motorcycling with a simple engine, two wheels & handle bars! Honda Lots of Goldwings, lots & lots! The Honda stand seemed busy but I think this was mainly for a sneak look at the new RCV - a bit pricey for my pocket but a thing of beauty! The new VFR800X was also featured, a bike that has a whole host of revisions but remains unsure of what it should be called! Other models featured included the NC750, Honda Vultus, CTX 1300, VFR 800 & VFR 1200. Kawasaki
The Kawasaki stand was heaving, like Yamaha they have a great line-up. The new Versys 650 & 1000 models have had a bit of a facelift much for the better, in my opinion & they also feature the new panniers as on the Z100SX!
The range includes the Z1000, Z1000SX, ZX-10R, ZX-6R & lots more but the star of the show was definitely the H2 & H2R. I reckon the looks are like marmite - you either love them or hate them, me, I want one it, looks fabulous & I would love to see what that supercharger feels like. KTM A range of off road bikes features as always & the new RC390 & 390 Duke are attracting lots of attention. For adventure lovers the forthcoming 1050 Adventure offers a smaller, lighter alternative to beast that is the 1290 Adventure. Other bikes
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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such as the Super Duke & the RC8 remain in their range for 2015. Other brands at the show included Aprilla, Harley Davidson, Victory, Indian, Norton, Royal Enfield, Ariel, CCM, Moto Guzzi, EBR & the upcoming Chinese manufacturer WK so plenty more to see! After having a good look at the bikes it was time for a bit of shopping, first on my list a radiator & oil cooler guard for my Suzuki SV 650 & one for Jane’s MT-07, Beowulf visited and purchase made for a grand total of £60 - will fit those at the weekend as a previous hole in my last SV’s radiator almost cost me a packet. I also spotted a new offering to replace my usual purchase of muck-off cleaner, Pro -GreenMx, a salt free bikewash with no harsh or corrosive elements which can be left on the bike to dry before being washed off. I’ll report back if the claims are true see it at www.pro-greenmx.co.uk. Visiting lots of tour companies had got the brain ticking for next year, but Jane has her heart set on the Nepal tour which has it’s base at Everest basecamp - hmmm not sure about that one as it involves more than one flight there & one back! Looks like a real adventure though. Personally VFR New Zealand is my choice but I might lose that battle. Final purchase of the day was an add-on to my excellent Abba stand. A cross member bar that provides stability along the length of the bike so that the front can be lifted as well as the back by way of a ratchet strap that attaches to a spindle on the back of any motorcycle, a great idea that solves getting both wheels of the ground if you don’t have a lift or centre stand. By the time you read this the show will be over and if you have never been, make sure you go next time, as there is lots to see & lots to buy. The next show is the London Motorcycle Live in February.
www.eamg.org.uk
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0800 083 4422 Quote Ref 1460
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Page 19
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
"Where did you get such a functional bike?" asked the first. The second engineer replied: "Well, I was walking along yesterday minding my own business when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike. She threw the bike to the ground, took off all her clothes, spread her arms wide and said: "Take what you want." The second engineer nodded approvingly: "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit."
< This takes it to a new level!
All Full Member Rides will leave Sainsburys Springfield, Chelmsford, at 9.30am
Page 22
2014 December 2nd 7th 14th 14th
Group Night - Christmas Quiz Night AGT & Full Member Ride Full Member Ride Toy Run at the Ace Cafe (Information Only) www.acecafeevents.com
6th 11th
Group Night - Natter Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am)
2015 January
February
March
3rd 8th 22nd
Group Night - AGM AGT & Full Member Ride Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) 22nd WSB Season Starts 13â&#x20AC;&#x201D;15th Motorcycle Live London 3rd 8th 15th 22nd 29th 29th
April
4th 4th 7th 12th 26th
Diary 2014
May
5th 10th 17th 24th 30th 31st
Group Night - AGM AGT & Full Member Ride (9.15 Start Moulsham School) Observer Peer to Peer Ride Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Full Member Training MotoGP Season Starts Super Sausage Run (Provisional Date) BSB Season Starts Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride (9.15 Start Moulsham School) Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride (9.15 Start Moulsham School) Observer Peer to Peer Ride Full Member Training Isle of Man TT Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am)
www.eamg.org.uk
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BIKERS BREKKIE Crossword
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
Building, Civil Engineering and Maintenance
Extensions - Garages - Loft Conversions
Blockpaving Driveways - Patios
All Types of Roofing
Carpentry - Brickwork
Water Main and Sewer Repairs and Renewal
Fencing - Replacement Windows (uPVC, Hardwood, Aluminium)
uPVC Cladding, Fascias, Soffits
Underpinning - Landscaping
Painting and Decorating Fully Insured (But not yet Needed!)
For free no-obligation quote, phone Clint on
01621 828276 (Office) 07836 277223 (Mobile) Domestic and Commercial Work Undertaken Insurance Work also Welcome Member of The Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors Flagstaff Farm, Green Lane, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BQ
Page 27
2nd 7th 14th 21st 28th
July
5th 7th 12th 19th 26th
August
2nd 4th 9th 23rd
September
1st 6th 13th 20th
October
4th 6th 11th 18th 25th
November
1st 3rd 8th 1st 6th 13th
Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride Full Member Training Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride Audrey & Johns Social Ride Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Slow Riding Day Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride Full Member Training Observer Peer to Peer Ride Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am) Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am)
Diary 2014
December
Group Night AGT & Full Member Ride (9.15 Start Moulsham School) Slow Riding Day Boys Toys (Provisional Date) Richards Full Member Ride (Depart from Sainsburys, Springfield 9.30am)
Group Nights @ 19:30, AGTs @ 9:15 am
June
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture
October Group Night
September Slow Riding Day
www.eamg.org.uk
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Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery Kings Lynne Run
NEC Motorcycle Live
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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BMW CLUB TRACK DAY by John Tullett Earlier this year I spotted an article by Robert Bensley, the Sporting Secretary of the BMW Club, publicising three track days to be held in 2014. The article suggested that you should consider choosing the BMW Club for your track days if you primarily ride on public roads. The reasons 'why' included: Non-profit making day with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;clubâ&#x20AC;? feel, run by enthusiasts; Entry restricted to significantly less than the number of bikes allowed on the track at any one time, providing more space than on a commercial track day; Entries being restricted to road bikes only, which the Club has found means fewer stoppages to maximise available track time; Instruction, help and assessment available to all participants at no extra cost; Comprehensive safety briefing, with emphasis given to faster riders to look after the less experienced on track; And a full programme and timetable for the day, including guidance and advice for newcomers, issued in advance to all participants. The days would be open to all riders on any make of bike, providing that the rider has a full motorcycle license, wears full leathers while on track (zipped if two-piece) and the bike is road legal in every way. I was suitably convinced and signed up for the 18th August date on the Snetterton 300 circuit. Initial preparations all went well with a comprehensive participants handbook arriving in the post that provided full details of: the day's objectives; the timetable; flags; marshal hand signals; track layout (including guidance for each corner); and do's & don'ts. Unfortunately, an electrical hitch was thrown into the works when my Fireblade expired just outside Dereham during an Observer peer-to-peer ride on 17th August. It seemed certain that this was a charging issue (again!) as all display information disappeared from the clocks a few miles before the bike finally stopped. I must thank Geoff Preston who went beyond the call of duty by sacrificing his own partici-
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pation in the return leg by staying with me until the RAC van and then the recovery truck arrived. As I was slowly travelling back home in the recovery vehicle it began to dawn on me that the breakdown had actually been a blessing in disguise because if it had happened the following day I would have just about reached Snetterton before the bike ground to a halt - and I would have had to settle for being a spectator. It just goes to show the benefit of having breakdown cover and that a second bike is essential, as I was able to press my VFR 750 into service for the track day! The only downside of a 7:30 sign-on was that I had to get up at 4 a.m. but it is amazing how effective an incentive a track day is to encourage me out of bed. I settled into the 'EAMG' pit with Sarah & Nick Jackson and ex-member Andy before heading off to noise checking. A nearby rider on a Panigale 899 appeared a little anxious but crept in under the 102db limit. In comparison my VFR was embarrassingly quiet.
The compulsory riders briefings started at 08:30 and were comprehensive but re-
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laxed and good-humoured, consistent with the 'ride friendly' BMW Club rationale. Some aspects of the briefing were almost diametrically opposed to what you would expect for a standard track day. For example, you were told to use your mirrors and if you saw a rider catching you in the corners to let them pass you on the straights (to avoid holding them up). Having previously ridden the 3-mile long Snetterton 300 circuit only once before I opted to join the Cautious group to maximise my opportunities to ride 'Ducks & Drakes' laps with an instructor during the first two sessions. This involved each rider following the instructors lines for a lap before dropping to the back of the group (almost like sitting behind Richard Parker on an EAMG social ride). We were split into small sub-groups of 2, 3 or 4 riders, depending on experience levels and I was paired with a K1300S, a classic Boxer Twin and a Suzuki Bandit under the guidance of an instructor with endurance racing experience on an R1200S. Mysteriously the Bandit disappeared after just one session. Most lines seemed to make sense immediately with the exception of taking a wide exit to the right from Hamiltons before returning to the left before Oggies. We were advised that this was to prepare for later as our pace increased and the instructors were right, as it was surprising how quickly you could enter Hamiltons with a little practice. In the early sessions overtaking was strictly restricted with passing only on the left on the Bentley & Senna straights but we were gradually given more freedom as the day progressed. Nevertheless, overtaking into corners or between Brundle & Nelson and Corams & Murrays was strongly discouraged (with any overtake deemed to be dangerous by marshals potentially incurring a black flag). The first two sessions provided a very good framework for gradually exploring acceleration and braking limits, without having to worry about things like poor road surfaces, oncoming traffic or speed limits. I must say that despite not being the
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fastest or lightest bike the VFR acquitted itself very well, even if it did bounce off the rev limiter a few times when accelerating through the gears on the straights.
Just as we stopped for the lunch interval some really dark clouds appeared on the horizon but, amazingly, they skirted around the circuit and the track stayed dry for the whole day. In total each group enjoyed seven 20 minute sessions during the day. Our group did not experience any interruptions to recover fallen or broken down bikes (I am sure it was just a coincidence but I did not see that many Fireblade's around....). The closest to an 'incident' I was aware of in our group was when the K1300 rider approached one corner a little too enthusiastically and took to the grass - he obviously decided against trying to reach the rougher ploughed areas as he was not on a GS! The day flew by and all too soon I was queuing to pick up my CD of pictures and heading off to Attleborough to refuel. The only small negative I noticed was that the number of spare Instructors available seemed to mysteriously reduce in the
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afternoon. This was not a major issue to me but could have been if you were specifically aiming to take advantage of further instruction.
I would certainly recommend visiting the Snetterton 300 circuit if you have not tried it before as it offers a challenging mixture of corners and some reasonable length straights. The facilities have also improved by leaps and bounds over recent years. The BMW Club (visit www.thebmwclub.org.uk then select 'Registers' & 'Sporting') is, in my view, also well worth considering if you are planning to attend a track day. I felt the day offered good value at ÂŁ120 and I will certainly be keeping a lookout for their 2015 dates. Next time I hope my Fireblade - complete with new stator, regulator/rectifier & battery - will be able to make it too!
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EAMG Events Report! Chris Johnson On the 12th of October we had an AGT. It started a little uncertainly, since we were locked out, and when finally allowed into the grounds our usual room was occupied by a Christian Group which seemed to be rehearsing a rock musical. Still, it was good to see Snowie back on a bike again; one bearing an uncanny resemblance to the machine written off in his accident, but with the addition of 'glimmering' running lights. We were finally allocated the room above our usual one, and Chris Reed gave an impromptu talk on Junctions. This devolved fairly quickly into a discussion of the accident video posted on the Forum recently, and the evils of daytime headlights. In deference to Chris I refrained from pungent expression of my opinions on the matter. After the talk there were six of us to take a ride to the Black Horse at Stratford St. Mary. It was a fine day which became progressively warmer. With such a small group we used the Buddy, rather than Marker, system (do not make a turn until the guy behind you can see you doing it) and arrived without mishap or U-turn. Fortunately the publican at the Black Horse seemed to be in a rather better huEssex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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mour than he had been during my recce. The plan for the return was just to scuttle back along the A12, but John (? - riding a white VFR) announced that if I could get him back to Bures he knew a more interesting route back to Chelmsford. I do love an interesting route, and so the three with something better to do with their lives took the A12, and the rest of us duly made our way to Bures (one tiny U-turn) and then had to cast about a bit to find the relevant road there (another slightly less tiny U-turn) but once Parsonage Way had manifested itself we had a pleasant ride back through Earles Colne, Coggeshall and Tiptree to Maldon. I wasn't quite sure why we were led down into the dead end at the jetty there but it was picturesque enough, I had never been there before, and a U-turn later I was on my way home. It didn't start pouring until I had arrived safely, so I shampooed the bike and let the pure rain rinse it off. That London rain is actually a suspension of soot particles in a mixture of dilute nitric and sulphurous acids is something I prefer not to dwell on. Richard's Full Member Ride on 26th October was to Kings Lynn. A southerly wind kept the temperature at about fourteen degrees and it was a dry, overcast day; ideal for an autumn ride when a low afternoon sun can make forward vision difficult. Richard announced that, although he had not actually vis-
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ited the proposed lunch venue, Geoff Preston had sorted out something on his SatNav and would switch from back marker to leader after we had fuelled up on the outskirts. Chris Reed paled visibly at such a casual approach to a serious matter, and even I rather nervously asked Geoff if this was the same SatNav which had misbehaved so badly on our USA trip. He reassured me that it was a new one. We set out promptly at 09:30 with a creditable twenty bikes and picked up a couple more en-route at the Sainsburys petrol station and Downham Market. The coffee stop on the outward leg was at that great favourite, The Green Wellie in Chatteris. We then were into the typical Fens roads, with clear views through the bends encouraging brisk progress, and the bumpiness of some of the roads keeping it in check. Soon after Chatteris some minor delay meant that I was trying to catch up with the head of the group when I hit an uneven stretch, and could amuse myself by looking down at the country below and wondering if I should have brought an oxygen mask. Fortunately the bike remained reassuringly stable under both takeoff and landing. Kings Lynn is a historic town, with a seaport and many interesting buildings. Apart from passing under an ancient arch we saw nothing of this, since the lunch venue was in a retail park. Good cheap food, prompt Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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service, plenty of immediately adjacent parking space; what was there not to like? History is so yesterday. On the journey back we stopped at another great favourite, Walkers Burger Bar at Barton Mills, and then ended the run at the Cock Inn in Boreham at 16:45. The fading light meant, in my case at least, that the final 'sling the bike around' stretch had to be taken a little cautiously. It was a most successful run, devoid of incident, and everyone enjoyed it hugely. Total distance 210 miles, plus another 95 for me as a punishment for living in a silly place. I missed the AGT on 9th November; compulsory attendance at my youngest daughter's birthday lunch. I believe that Spider was supposed to have had a ride organised after it. I believe that there was a ride organised by someone. The only thing I know for certain is that pleas for more information fell on stony ground. Otherwise it has been a lean couple of months for outings. I did attend an FMT on the 19th October. An excellent run out to Diss, with ten pupils, which was reassuring since the previous two FMTs had been cancelled for lack of interest. It is good to have a health check on one's riding. I was caught out lingering in the Triangle of Death on one occasion, a real newbie error, and was also cautioned because apparently performing a long block overtake by shouting 'Geronimo!' and doing a passable imitation of a space
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shuttle take-off is not the nuanced approach to the manoeuvre that an Advanced Rider should take. Since the TUG deadline is looming ( I have not been told when it actually is, but it is definitely very imminent) let us bring this report to a graceless conclusion.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
rst I would like to wish Colin Snow a speedy recovery, following a ‘SMIDSY’ incident where someone ulled out in front of him on his way to the Biker’s Retreat, leading to a broken leg and skin grafts. Hope see you back on two wheels soon! r the benefit of new Associes I would like to clarify at we offer two main train-
bacon_motorcycle@btconnect.com
www.baconsmotorcycles.co.uk Open 9am-6pm Mon to Sat
Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Down 1. Shaft 2. Dunlop 3. Collier 5. Snetterton 7. Kawasaki 9. Marquez 13. IPSGA
Across 4. Surtees 6. Barcelona 8. Kevlar 10. Fireblade 11. Straightlining 12. Tinmouth 13. Qatar
BIKERS BREKKIE Answers Page 43
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Further Training Opportunities for Full Members Have you ever wondered if your riding skill is still as good as it was when you passed your IAM or RoSPA Test? Is your RoSPA Retest fast approaching and you feel you’d like a refresher to check that bad habits have not crept into your riding? We are all only as good as the day we are actually riding our bikes. How good our riding was last year or even last month may not be as good as we think it is; complacency can be fatal. EAMG provide two Further Training Schemes for Full Members: Full Member Training (FMT) – One-day training courses available four times a year Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) – Assignment to an Observer for 1 to 1 training These courses are provided to check riding skills haven’t deteriorated, for those wishing to take a higher grade of test such as RoSPA or for those preparing for qualification as an EAMG Observer. Full Member Training Four FMT Courses take place during ‘summer time’ between March and October. Participation is entirely voluntary and those taking part do not have to join each ride. Training is for your benefit and enjoyment; it is not a mandatory requirement that you go on to take a RoSPA test. To ensure the highest possible standard, Observers undertaking this training will hold a current RoSPA Gold certificate. You will not be riding in one large group. Where possible you will be riding with an Observer and one other Full Member giving you the opportunity to have a 'rest' while your partner is being observed. Every effort will be made to match your riding experience, ability and aspirations with your partner, any miss matching being addressed at the first refreshment stop. The routes, approx. 200 miles, will cover a variety of roads and include several debriefing stops and two refreshment stops. Joining details will be sent by email or post a few days before the event. Events this year:
Joining Fee
29th March
24th May
£45.00
26th July
18th October
Contact John Tipper, 8 Carlton Ave, London N14 4UA. Email: jtipper@eamg.org.uk Tel : 0208 360 8590
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Further Training for Full Members You will be assigned to an Observer and rides will be arranged on a one to one basis when mutually convenient. Although not mandatory, unlike FMT, the training will be structured as preparation for a further test such as RoSPA. To apply to join this scheme: Apply to the Membership Secretary either at membership renewal or during the season. You will be asked to pay an additional Membership Fee (details below). Your Application will be passed to the Observer Co-ordinator who will assign you to the first available Observer. Where feasible, geographical location will be considered. You will be expected to pay the Observer a contribution (details below) towards fuel costs. Participation must be renewed annually.
Name: Address:
Post Code:
Tel:
Email: Riding Experience:
Aspirations:
Typical annual mileage:
Machine:
FTFM - 2015 Membership Secretary
Observer Co-ordinator
Teri Olley
John Tullett
tba
jtullett@eamg.org.uk
Additional Membership Fee
Contribution to Observer
ÂŁ20 pa
ÂŁ10 per ride
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DESTINATION Rated
Carousel Cafe, Kings Lynne After a fabulous ride with Richard Parker, Geoff Preston took over to lead us to the Carousel Cafe on a retail park in Kings Lynne. Tidy, clean with plenty of seating and decorated for Halloween. It was a real surprise and definitely worthy of a future return visit. Open - Monday to Saturday 8.30am til 10pm and Sunday 8.30am til 5pm Food Service fast. Price Capacity side.
4/5 4/5
Delicious well cooked food & drink. Great milkshakes. No quibbles our food, lots of it was served with a smile and
5/5 5/5
Two great meals for a tenner - what more can you ask for! Comfortably fitted us all with plenty more space in and out-
ESSEX ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS GROUP
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Colin Childs, Editor University of Essex Printing Services, contact Hannah 01206 872822 for more information. Please mention EAMG when replying to advertisers - it identifies you!
Disclaimer and Copyright Notice: The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interest. Any spelling or grammatical errors are the responsibility of the editor and a society that pays footballers more than teachers. Inclusion of adverts is not to be construed as EAMG endorsement, although most advertisers are excellent, but seek personal recommendations.Text Š EAMG 2011. Illustrations Š EAMG 2010, except where indicated otherwise. Group material may be reproduced provided acknowledgement is given to EAMG and the original
http://www.eamg.org.uk Affiliated to the British Motorcyclists Federation Registered Charity Number 1107703 Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Ltd, Registered Office, St Laurence House, 2 Gridiron Place, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2BE
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since