SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
The IAM Aims
To Improve the Standard of Driving and Riding The Advancement of Road Safety The Administration of an Advanced Test
MAKING
sam SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS May 2012
progress INSIDE P5 Touring with your bike essential check list.
Do not become another statistic, Page 7.
P6 Slow Riding Course.
P9 Any reason is a good reason to take up biking.
Celebrating success, page8.Page
1
Registered Charity 1097558
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Chairman’s chat, May 2012 Over and out Since I last sat down to write, we seem to have had winter, spring, summer and back to spring again – and all since late February. Lots of bikes have been ‘resting’ in garages across the region over winter and the sudden appearance of good weather was accompanied by the usual increase in reports of biking accidents (none within SAM I am glad to report) as unprepared riders jumped onto unprepared bikes and took to Hampshire’s unsuspecting roads. We know that bikers fall victim to more than 20% of all road fatalities, despite accounting for just 1% of road users. But the combination of ‘rusty riders’ and blissfully unaware drivers accounts for almost 14 of those 20 percentage points. So I was delighted to see that Bennetts, the bike insurance broker, has started an online petition to make bikerelated questions compulsory on the new driver theory test. They point out that: "With questions currently selected at random, there is no guarantee that a question relating to motorcyclists will arise in the current driving test format, so our petition is set to challenge that. With the casualty rate of motorcyclists currently a staggering 61 times greater than that of motorists, something must be done to increase awareness of bikers on our roads.” So I urge you to visit https:// submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26272 and sign the petition.
vert? The campaign aims to educate all road users about the need for mutual respect and awareness. This consists of a huge image of a motorcyclist printed on the back of buses with the caption: ‘See me now? Take longer to look for bikes’. Hampshire’s road safety manager, said: “We want car and truck drivers to remember they are sharing the roads with motorcycles which are obviously smaller, often faster and not always easy to spot in one quick glance, so you have to learn to look twice.” This campaign had a big Press launch, but sadly I for one haven’t seen a single one of these bus adverts. This is a great pity because awareness is very much the key message in keeping the road space safe for all users. This will be my last Chairman’s chat article as I will be stepping down at the AGM on 8th May. I am very sad to say that this decision has been rather forced on me by changes in my work circumstances, and I won’t be located in Hampshire for quite a while. But I am very happy to step down with a very strong Committee in place (with whom it has been my pleasure to work over the last two years), and undoubtedly the best bunch of Observers in the IAM, who provide advanced training for associates, and on-going training for members. We also have a healthy social calendar full of rides, activities and outings. So the Group is looking very strong. I wish it, and you, all the very best. Stay safe, and I look forward to riding with you again soon.
By the way, has anyone seen the Road safety GB ad-
Page 2
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Chief Observer’s Report – May 2012 As we approach the AGM, I've been thinking of how best to sum up all that's been good about observing in SAM in the last year and the theme that comes to mind is one of teambuilding. It is the strength and depth of the present Observer team that has enabled us to achieve the results we've had, but that's not just what I mean by "team". Firstly, those results: Since the last AGM we have had: • 46 Associates pass their IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test, up from 31 in the previous year; • 8 candidates have passed the SAM Advanced Plus Test, up 2 on last year. • 3 Observers passed their Senior Observer tests with Jon Taylor; and another Senior has joined us from TVAM. • 10 Members became Group Qualified Observers Secondly, besides the excellent results, the aggregate effects on SAM of building a stronger Observer team: • We now have 4 Observer Cells, led by experienced Senior Observers, with at least 1 currentor ex-police advanced rider in each of them. • Support within the cells for all Observers, however long they have been doing it, is strong and readily available. • SAM now has a dedicated Training Officer to deliver Theory Sessions and administer the Slow Riding Training. • Feedback on all Associates' training experience is collected and collated (either at the point of their Check Test or when they ask for a pause in their training) by the Associate Coordinator. This enables us to deal promptly with any issues (thankfully, there are few) that may arise.
Thirdly, we are able to contribute to the wider community road safety team: • SAM is being joined by motorcyclists of increasingly varying ages and types of riding style, and from a widening geographical area, which means news about our friendliness and quality of training travels! • We now have use of the Hants Fire & Rescue Road Safety section base at Winchester for group training purposes. • Observers are ready for the likely increase in the provision of assessed rides and recruitment that should result from deployment of the new MDU, particularly at Ower for the first time. • Members of the Observer team have attended IAM training events for Observers and Senior Observers, in participatory and mentoring roles, contributing to the overall IAM team. Finally, recognition of what it takes to be part of this team: I had an enquiry from a Member recently about becoming an Observer. He was a bit surprised with the standard reply I sent out emphasising the degree of commitment Observers have volunteered for. He thought I was trying to put him off. No, I wasn’t, but I never want anyone to be under any illusion about what being an Observer takes – TIME and EFFORT. We can’t escape that reality because the IAM wants membership to grow and we want to improve on present retention rates (although SAM’s are much better than the national average). Getting people ready to pass the IAM test is our prime purpose and everything else is a bonus. Our achievements have been possible because we have the full support of the SAM Committee. Together, we are a unified and united team SAM, and long may it remain that way!
Words of Wisdom, courtesy of Rapid Training (via www.motorcyclenews.com) • When in doubt, open the throttle. It will either solve the problem or remove the suspense. • Motorcycle Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a vague wish for something a little salty. • Experience is a hard teacher, because the test is first, and the lesson afterwards. • Cars lie to us. They tell us we are safe, powerful and in control. Motorcycles tell us the truth - that we are • • •
small, vulnerable and probably going too fast for our own good. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but three rights do make a left. If a hammer doesn’t fix it, it’s an electrical problem. Carburettor is Italian for ‘Just leave the f**ing thing alone’.
Page 3
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
SAM Welcomes New Members William Anderson Alan Ashton Steven Paul Beaumont Matthew Beresford Mark Britton Matt Broad Andrew Browning Simon Cambridge Alan Clark Darren Clark William Cooper Jamie Davies Leon Driver Mike Duncan Mike Feltwell Steven Fry
Steven Hill Andy Hocking Craig Lamble Alistair MacCallum Graham MacClean Tony Markham Steven Morton Matthew Munday Mark Palmer Alan Rawlinson Trevor Smith Nigel Sullivan-Tailyour Michael Trickey Darren Way Colin Wheeler
ed sed
Some of you may think that this edition of the SAM newsletter is late as you were expecting to receive it in April. You are right, and I apologise for that, but we moved it back a month to make it available at the AGM. Following on from the AGM all editions will move back a month to bring future issues out in August, November, February and May.
This year I plan to take the motorcycling trip to Italy that I have been dreaming of for many a year. Being an Italian bike fan, it gives me the chance to visit the birth place of my favourite marques in Mandello Del Lario and Bologna (that’s Moto Guzzi and Ducati if you didn’t know). In addition my accomplice, Julian, and I intend to take in some of the twisty mountain roads on the way. As you can imagine, a great deal of preparation has been put into that the trip, including, on my part, learning enough Italian to get by comfortably. But before the Italian trip there is the gathering in Northern Spain (MC Piston Cantabrian rally) to attend to, which is always fun, as it is so well organised and provides the opportunity to really test your skills. I had planned to go to Italy on my old Moto Guzzi and to Spain on my 750 Ducati, but decided to swap. The Guzzi would probably be a little more comfortable on the long trip to Italy, but Julian is taking his Le Mans, and it will be a struggle to keep up (it’s only a 500 after all). I say old Guzzi, because I have had it for 24 years now, a very long time. For much of that time the old bike languished in the back of sheds and garages slowly gathering dust, rust and other forms of corrosion, until I got the motivation and facilities to do it up to look the part. Now that it looks good I am a little apprehensive about throwing it around the twisties in Cantabria and Asturias in case I spoil its good looks by taking a tumble. But motorbikes are functional things, not pieces of art and are best when used, so used this one is going to be,
Dates for your Diary:
and hopefully there will be some good stories coming out of the two trips to share with you in future editions. As part of my preparation for touring Europe I have put together a ‘Touring Essentials’ check list for any of you also considering taking your bikes abroad. By the way, if you are bored reading what I have to offer, then write something yourself and send it in, you never know it may get published. Looking back, I have had a long, off/on, motorcycling career. It started when I was 17 as a necessity because public transport was non-existent where we lived, I could not afford a car and the bicycle just took too long to get anywhere. In those days it was very much a male dominated pastime, and women and girls were on the whole relegated to the pillion seat. In fact, I can only ever remember one female rider of a proper motorcycle in my home town of Bury St Edmunds. But the situation is changing, and female riders of motorcycles and scooters are now the fastest growing sector on two wheels. Although still a minority, they account for 20% of licensed motorcyclists, according to a study by the University of Huddersfield’s Motorcycle Consumer Research unit. The motivation for taking it up is varied and mainly put down to factors of economy and the ease of commuting when compared to car ownership. Since we recently had two of our female contingent pass their IAM Advanced test I thought I would take the opportunity and find out from them what motivated them to ride a bike, so read Lesley’s piece in this edition. This also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the success of our club’s ability to promote skilled riding: 3 cheers for SAM!
SAM has been asked to provide motorcycle marshals for the ‘Basingstoke Big Wheel’ (22nd July) and the ‘Round the Harbours’ (10th June) charity cycle rides, without marshals these events cannot take place. This is an excellent opportunity to promote the club and have some fun. To volunteer and for further information contact David by email at publicPage 4 relations@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Touring with your bike Taking your bike abroad can be either a fantastic experience - one that you cannot wait to repeat - or an absolute nightmare which leaves you scarred for life. The difference is normally a matter of preparation. This article will prove invaluable for the seasoned, as well as the novice, when biking abroad. Travel abroad checklist Before you go create a checklist of the items you should take, which will be: • Passport (it may seem obvious, but it needs to be on there). • Driving license, both parts (the original documents, photocopies will not do). • Motor insurance certificate (again not a photocopy). • MOT (if your bike is older than 3 years). • V5 – certificate of ownership (again not a photocopy). • Do not under-estimate the need for travel insurance, make sure that it will cover you for the purpose you intend, also make sure that it will cover you for repatriation should you be hospitalised. • Credit card (not just for emergencies). • Map of the countries you are visiting (even if you are taking a GPS). • Mobile phone. • E111, unless you enjoy paying high hospital bills. Tell your credit card company and bank that you are travelling abroad and which countries you are visiting, the last thing you want is to be unable to pay that hotel bill or get cash.
•
Blank out an area of the headlight as to not dazzle those coming the other way.
In addition; have your bike serviced before you go and make sure your cables, chain, tyres and sprockets will make the distance you intend. Take some tools, but only those that you are comfortable using. Most garages can replace an inner tube if you have one (so take a spare if you use them) or fix a puncture in the tyre. Spare fuses, spark plugs, short lengths of electrical wire, a roll of insulation tape, a small assortment of nuts and bolts, these are the sort of things that will allow you to fix your bike at the roadside and get on with your journey. Stating the obvious Remember if you have not driven abroad that they drive on the other side of the road (the right side) in most countries, make sure to go around roundabouts the other way (anti-clockwise, so when approaching give way to the left). Riding a bike on the continent is much easier and far more natural than driving a car abroad as the controls don’t move, your position on the road just has to be adjusted, but saying that you need to keep your wits about you at junctions as some, especially in France, have right of way when joining the road you are on, so check out the white lines at junctions: they have right of way if there isn’t one. Make sure you have a GB sticker or the equivalent on the back of your bike and check the regulations for the country you are travelling through in terms of legal requirements on number plates, etc. It will certainly spoil your trip if your bike is confiscated.
Check the local speed limits, they are generally comparable to UK speed limits but are in kph: • Towns and villages: 30 (20mph) or 50 (30mph). Check with your motorcycle insurance company regard• Country side 80 (50mph), 90 (55) or 100 (60mph). ing the level of service that they will give you should you • Motorways and dual carriage ways 130(80mph). have an accident, especially if they will bring your bike • Most European countries have variable limits that back and or supply you with a rental so that you can conare lower in bad weather. tinue with your holiday. If you are travelling alone, make sure that someone has There is a toll charge on many motorways even for bikes. your expected itinerary and how to contact you should The cost of tolls can be a significant factor if you intend you not arrive. to do a lot of motorway miles so make sure you budget Take some time to learn a few key phrases in the lanfor it. Most toll booths will take payment by card, but guages of the countries you are visiting, or make sure have cash handy just in case. you take a phrase book, phrases such as ‘do you speak English’ and ‘how far is the nearest petrol station’ will be Don’t assume that because local riders are doing someworth their weight in gold should you need them. Just as thing, it must be safe and legal. In many countries, important is being able to interpret the answers. speeding or breaking other traffic rules can get you an on
For your bike it is compulsory in some countries to: • Take a full set of spare bulbs. • Carry a ‘Hi Vis’ bib and warning triangle. • Ride with your head light on (make sure your battery and generator are up to it).
-the-spot fine or even lead to your motorcycle being confiscated. Police everywhere have no sense of humour, but remember, unlike your normal British traffic cop armed with sarcasm, theirs are armed with guns.
Page 5
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Slow Riding course 21 members and associates attended the slow riding course held at the NATS car park in Whiteley on the 21st April, and with almost as many instructors and observers, the car park appeared very full. All had a good time and many learnt some invaluable skills that will enhance their riding. Not much wriggle room for the GSXR, are you sure these cones are three and a half meters apart?
The weather was very kind to us and no one fell off. There was a range of exercises including stopping and putting your foot down every 2 or 3 meters, slalom through the cones, tight manoeuvring which includes stopping and putting your foot down, the ‘how slow can you go’ corridor, and the ‘ever decreasing circles’ and ‘figure of eight’ section.
The perfect picture of concentration
Julian leads the guys in ever decreasing circles.
42 seconds!, some people just have too much time on their hands.
A big thank you goes out to Alec, Julian, Nigel, John and all the other instructors for providing a fantastic course, and to NATS for the use of their car park. Page 6
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Gambling doesn’t pay I was recently intrigued to read in the local Portsmouth free newspaper that 80% of Hampshire drivers thought that the standard of their driving was very good or excellent. Maybe that 80% live somewhere in the county, but certainly not in south Hampshire. Have you ever seen a van driver try to take a left at a junction while steering with his knees because he had a large store-bought coffee in one hand and a mobile phone in the other? I have. In fact, from the seat of a bike you can see the most extraordinary behaviour by car, van and truck drivers. Ok, a little more difficult with the trucks, but you can certainly see when they are reading the newspaper as they are creeping along with the traffic travelling north on the A2030 out of Portsmouth. Texting on a mobile phone while travelling at 75 or 80mph on the M27, seems to be a favourite for young women, whereas a lot of men like to talk on theirs, I am not sure which is worse.
By R Griffin
you gamble with your life if you set off as the moment the lights turn in your favour. Strangely enough it is not only drivers approaching traffic lights that are prepared to go through a red light. I have also witnessed someone who had been waiting while the light was against them, decide to go as soon as the traffic had cleared from the other direction totally ignoring the red light. To top it if he had waiting another two seconds it would have changed as it was programmed to do so. This is not something that happens only during the rush hour, this particular instance occurred on my way home from a SAM meeting.
This is not just a recent phenomena either, in 1975, Matthew Taylor, a very good friend of mine, worked as a motorcycle courier in London. That career came to an end when he was broadsided by a Range Rover that had run a red light. Matthew was lucky in that the fact that he was hit by the large flat front end of a Range Rover rather than any Being in the right is no compensation and will not make it other vehicle, as he ended up hurt less. having only 10 compound As bad as that may seem, is fractures to his right leg. The not the reason why I decided to write this article. The pins, and the fact that he was 19 at the time, meant that most worrying increasing trend amongst drivers of cars and vans in particular, is the ignoring of traffic lights. And he was back on his feet and walking unaided again within 10 I am not talking about ‘amber gambling’, I encounter weeks. Unfortunately, the mendrivers going through red lights every day, and not the tal scars lasted for many more ones that are ‘just turned red’ either. For example, one years. evening recently on my way home from work, I was on the roundabout at the junction of the M27 and the I know that this may seem like A2030. My traffic light had turned red/amber, I checked the road, and at green I set off… just then a van driver a bit of a rant against four (or came flying through the red light to the right in front of more) wheel drivers, but in a me, he must have been a least 100 meters from the car versus motorcycle ‘accident’ junction when I checked before pulling off and had obvi- it is rarely the car driver that ously not bothered with any attempt to slow down or ends up in hospital and anystop for the lights. In that instance I was just lucky, if I had accelerated away from the lights a little harder, or he thing you can do to avoid it, is definitely worthwhile. had been 5 meters further down the road, I would have been a statistic. And it is not the first time either. Another black spot for ‘red gamblers’ is at the junction 9 lights Finally, I firmly believe that if Stop and think, engage on the M27: most people coming up the east-bound ramp the person, who broadsided brain before engaging gear. At busy junctions will not even try to stop if they are within 50 meters of you, had no compunction in the lights when they turn amber. Instead, they often ac- driving through a red light, they check the approach before and while puling away. celerate into the junction and straight through the lights. certainly won’t want to stop to That is definitely a spot where a motorcyclist should take face the music after hitting you. a long hard look to check the traffic coming up the ramp is slowing or stopped before pulling away. I am absolutely sure that many of you could add far more places where Page 7
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Celebrating Success Virtually every week Alec sends out a SAM announce congratulating one of our associates or members who have passed their IAM Advanced or SAM Adv.+ tests. Which is testimony to our observer corps and the hard work and dedication that they give to the club. April was a particularly good month as two of our female members gained their Green Badge, well done Nikki and Lesley Thorogood (front cover). Congratulations also go out to Mike Carter, Graham Marsden, Steve Nicholson, Glenn Miles, Graeme Brown, Gary Elston and Pete Maxwell (IAM Advanced) and to Mark Sabin for passing his SAM Advanced plus. A particular “thank you” goes out to all the observers and examiners, you know who you are, without you it is not possible.
Are you Appropriately Dressed?
Nikki Davey receiving her certificate from Logan at the April club night
Do you go out on your bike dressed inappropriately? Then make sure you wear the SAM black polo shirt and new SAM Hi-viz vest. Available on SAM Sunday and SAM Club Nights. To ensure that you get the size and item you want, contact Ian and preorder your item by email at merchandise@solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk
High quality black polo shirt sporting the club logo, only £17.
Be proud of SAM and let other bike riders know that we exist!
The SAM Web Forum
SAM Hi-viz vest sporting the club logo (with pockets for phone, loose change and ID Badge) £11.
by Graham Marsden
As many of you may be aware (or may not, given the limited number of subscribers we currently have!) SAM now has an online forum for advice, discussions and general chat as well as for keeping you informed of club events, ride -out opportunities and favourite routes etc. Just a few of the subjects which have been discussed include "What is your best bit of advice for Associates?", "How to deal with steamed up visors and low sunlight" and "How do you define 'Making Progress'?" So if you want to share any tips or ask questions of more experienced riders or even get into the knotty problem of "Should Hi Viz be compulsory?" do come and join us. Everyone is welcome, be they newbies thinking of joining SAM, Associates or Observers, and the forums can be found by following the link on the SAM site or by going to: http://www.solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk/forum/ Page 8
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Having a good idea of what motivates most men to ride motorbikes, I was intrigued to find out what motivates women. Seeing that two of our female members were awarded their Green Badge in April, it gave me the opportunity to find out. ed
From Tourist to Enthusiast, Lesley’s story I haven’t been riding long so I'm absolutely thrilled to have achieved my Green Badge. My first experience of riding a bike was on the Island of Paxos in 2009 when I was travelling on a small sailing yacht with my husband from Portugal to Turkey.
school’s practise area so we could ride a bike around the cones. The weather was so bad that our CBT theory tests were cancelled. Things continued to get worse as the bike my husband was riding broke down consistently and bump starting in the snow makes for some interesting moments. We finally moved to a more professional training provider and were supplied with a couple of CBF500s with heated grips, luxury! Thankfully I passed the off-road session, I didn't get too excited as my husband was yet to pass and I just managed to contain my excitement until he passed the following week. Having successfully passed the DAS, we were looking at ways to increase our biking knowledge and skills, primarily for our own safety. We purchased an old BMW F650 Funduro that was a little tall for me. I tried to get on with it but for a first bike on reflection it was the wrong choice for me. We acquired various self help books but these only go so far. One day when surfing the net for ride-out opportunities we came across the SAM website. One meeting later we joined SAM and splashed out on a three year old Fazer 600 with only 500 miles on the clock. I call her Cinderella as she had been very much forgotten for 3 years, covered in dust and relegated to the shed by the previous female owner. My first observer was Richard Furgerson, who started me off with the core points of IPSGA. I hope it wasn't my riding that sent him into retirement. Nigel Grace took over the “handle bars” and with various comments coming down the intercom such as “Get on with it!” I slowly came up to the speed required standards. Nigel, persevered with my blank looks until everything fell into place, he has the patience of a saint. My sense of direction still needs working on.
The Isle of Samos, knobbly tyres are needed on these surfaces We were encouraged by our Dutch friends to hire mopeds to see the Greek Islands in more detail and to assist in victualling the boats. At first I didn't fancy taking a bike out by myself, I had heard horror stories of people coming to grief, the Greeks are renowned for their crazy driving and on several islands stopping at a red light is only a suggestion. The result is many a tourist ends up in the local hospital. Well, after a few days I decided to brave it and had a fantastic time going up and down the mountain sides with the smell of Cypress sap filling my head and the warmth of the sun brushing my skin. We visited many a remote village and witnessed some very spectacular scenery. Unlike a car, with a bike you can stop almost any where. Looking back, riding a bike with only a helmet was foolish but we were naive.
Reflecting back I vividly remember the days when I said I didn't want to ride a bike. I have so many people to thank for their encouragement. I was full of self doubt and at times didn't believe I could do it but with their continued help I carried on. The face to face debriefs and the written reports gave me a better understanding of the level I needed to achieve; I practised at every opportunity and soon my confidence grew.
The mentoring I received from the observers, the mock examiner, Colin, and the final examining officer, Phil, was extensive. I cannot thank them enough for the time and commitWhilst riding pillion we had a small spill on a ment given to very sharp and steep bend. Due to a steel storm me . Being awarddrain crossing the entire width of the road, and ed the Green our naivety of braking in a bend, we slid over badge has been a sedately. Luckily we only grazed our knees and fantastic experiLefkas, scooters are the order of the day. for the following two weeks we resembled and ence I'm so proud felt like a couple of naughty schools kids. We to wear it. Every were the lucky ones, the next few months sailing around the time I think of the examiner saying “You have passed”, a grin islands we witnessed a significant number of tourists sporting breaks out over my face. I still can't believe it. their new Scooter battle banners of bandages and lobster red sun burn. I am due to go on the slow riding course soon, I can't wait as there is still much to learn. I will let you know how I get on. On our return that winter we decided to do a DAS course. Riding around on a 500 Suzuki in the midst of winter was so far removed from the warmth of summer in Greece and Turkey. On a By Lesley Thorogood few occasions we actually had the shovel the snow off of the Page 9
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
SAM ASSOCIATE CHARTER (Revised) Purpose This Charter sets out the basis of the relationship between Observers and Associates. Observers Observers give their time freely to Associates. They also invest considerable time, energy and personal expense in their personal training so that they can provide Associates with a “Skill for Life”. Associates In exchange for Observers’ time and commitment, a reciprocal commitment is required from Associates:
•
Regular practice between Observed rides in order to put into practice what they have been shown and to apply `The System of Motorcycle Control`.
•
A commitment to study the Highway Code, How to be a Better Motorcyclist, Know Your Signs and, preferably, Roadcraft, in-between observed rides.
•
A voluntary contribution towards the Observer’s motorcycle running costs, as set down by the Group and varied from time to time. This is currently £10 for rides up to 40 miles and £15 for rides in excess of 40 miles.
•
To keep in contact with their Observer at reasonable intervals to arrange subsequent rides.
The Process
1.
The Observer allocated to an Associate will make contact to arrange the first observed ride.
2.
When an Observer feels that an Associate is test-ready, he/she will recommend a Check Test with a Senior Observer to verify the Associate’s progress.
3.
Any Associate who wishes a second opinion on their progress is welcome to come along to a SAM Sunday and request an observed ride with an Observer, other than their own.
4.
Some riders achieve the necessary skills with 6 runs, while others require more. Every rider is different: If, after 10 runs, the Observer or Associate feel they are unable to make further progress, the Associate may be handed back to the Chief Observer for advice or re allocation to another Observer.
5.
Associates are normally expected to pass the IAM Advanced Test within 2 years.
6.
Associates are encouraged to ride in bad weather, as this is an essential skill for life. Cancellation of an observed run due to bad weather will be a joint decision by the Observer and the Associate.
7.
If the Observer feels that insufficient progress is being achieved by an Associate over a three month period due to a lack of practice, lack of studying or the Associate not keeping in contact, the Associate will be "pooled" and await reallocation to another Observer.
8.
In the event that an Associate feels that, for whatever reason, e.g. a clash of personality, difference in style etc. he/she is not making the progress with their Observer that they had hoped for, they should firstly talk this through with their Observer and agree a plan and, if this is not satisfactory, contact the Chief Observer to request reallocation to another Observer, at the Chief Observer's discretion. PORTANT This is IM
Ready for your Test …….
"The IAM has told all examiners that candidates’ driving licence photo cards must be valid, otherwise the test will not take place. Previously the test would have gone ahead and the candidate would have been advised to get it sorted." Page 10
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
Events Calendar May 2012– July 2012 SAM Event
Other Events May
6th, SAM Sunday 8th, AGM Club night
5th-7th, BSB, Oulton Park
19th, Slow riding part 2, NATS, Parkway, Whiteley
11th-13th, WSB, Donington Park
19th-20th, BMF Show, East of England showground Peterborough 20th, SAM Group Ride, Thames Valley (SM) WKA, 09:30, (RL) 25th-27th, BSB, Snetterton Alec Gore (AG), Level (L)3 27th, Queen Elizabeth Country park, Classic cars and bikes June 3rd, SAM Sunday
1st-3rd Diesel Motorcycle Rally, The Bat & Ball, Billingshurst, RH14 0EH
10th, ‘Round the Harbours’ charity cycle ride 10th, Linton & Lynmouth N Devon, (SM) WKA, TBA, (RL) John Goodson, L1 12th, Club Night 17th, SAM Group Ride, Wantage (SM) WKA, 10:00, (RL) AG, L3
8th-10th, Chase the Ace rally, Horns Corner, Catsfield, Battle, East Sussex. See http://www.norsemen-mcc.co.uk
24th, SAM Group Ride, TBA (RL) Simon Dickenson
15th-17th, MotoGP Silverstone 16th-17th, HMS Sultan Summer Show, Gosport 22nd-24th, BSB, Knockhill 24th Chichester College, Charity Bike show 30th, Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance 5th birthday event, Popham Airfield. July
1st, SAM Sunday
7th, Waterlooville Classic vehicles
8th, SAM Group Ride, Cheddar Gorge, (SM) OS, 09:30, (EA) OS, 16:30 (RL) Dave Duckett, L2
6th-8th, VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes, Mallory Park. 6th-8th, BSB, Oulton Park
15th, SAM Group Ride, Mere (SM) OS, 10:00, (RL) AG, L2
15th, Bikes, Bands & Booty! The Royal Coach, Brighton Road, Shoreham, BN43 5LD. See http://www.brighton.mag-uk.org
22nd, SAM Group Ride, Cotswold Airport, (SM) WS, 09:00, (RL) Mark Sabin (MS), L2
20th-22nd, BSB, Brands Hatch
22nd, Basingstoke Big Wheel charity cycle ride 22nd, Cotswold Airport, (SM) WS, 09:00 (RL) MS
28th, Calne Motorcycle event
The Ace Cafe London run events every weekend, see www.acecafeevents.com for further details
Key: (SAM Events) RL (Run Leader), SM (Start Meet), EA (End At), WKA (Winchester King Alfred’s Statue), OS (Ower Services), WS (Wickham Square) (Other events) BSB—British Super Bikes, WBS –World Super Bikes
Note: Check the web site for the latest SAM Events programme. Not found something of interest in the list above? There are a number of useful web sites to watch depending upon your particular wants. I have compiled the following short list: http://www.mag-uk.org/en/eventslist http://www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerrallies.html http://sump-publishing.co.uk/classic%20bike%20events.htm http://www.cernunnos-mcc.org/whatson http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/RidingEvents/ http://www.acu.org.uk/events/
• • • • • •
If you know of an event or show that may be of interest to other members in the months August to October 2012, drop a line to editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk with dates, contact details and any other information that would be useful, and it will be added to the list. Page 11
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
MAY 2012
YOUR COMMITTEE Role
Member
Email Address
Chairman
Kevin White
chairman@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Club Secretary
Logan Colbeck
secretary@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Public Relations Treasurer
David Forster Sam Davis
public-relations@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk treasurer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Chief Observer
Alec Gore
chief-observer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Membership Secretary
Nigel Grace (temp)
membership@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
MDU Co-ordinator
Tim Bennett
mdu@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Webmaster
Rui De Castro
webmaster@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Club Night Organiser
Mark Rowe / Martin Thomas
club_night@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Associate Co-ordinator
Logan Colbeck (temp)
associate-coordinator@solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk
Merchandise
Ian Kennard
merchandise@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Magazine Editor
Rod Griffin
editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Caption Competition January 2012 “Bugger! That’s the last time I buy ‘quick release’ wheels” RG
DISCLAIMER Many of the views expressed in this SAM Newsletter are personal to the author and publication does not imply endorsement of any article, any author or any organisation. Views expressed are not necessarily in accordance with the policies or the views of the IAM or SAM. Where articles are reproduced from other publications or authors, unreserved acknowledgement is given to the source. No responsibility is accepted by the Editor or SAM for any damage to intelligence or riding abilities, howsoever caused which might result from reading this publication.
Caption Competition. Suggestion to editor@solentadvanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
And Finally... As I mature I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in. I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, one of your kids did it. I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others - they are more screwed up than you think. Courtesy of www.brummieblogs.com
Advanced notice: The next edition of ‘Making Progress’ is scheduled for August 2012, please ensure all contributions are submitted by 10th July. Advice on submitting articles: send in your article in the form of a Microsoft Office Word document, plain text or in the body of the email. Images should be accompanied by a caption, i.e. file name - caption, if not I will apply my own. So get busy, write and send them in to editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Page 12