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The IAM Aims To improve the standard of driving (and riding) on the UK roads. The Advancement of Road Safety.
sam
SOLENT ADVANCED M OTO R C Y C L I S T S
The Administration of an Advanced Test.
MAKING
progress European Grand Tour 2010 see page 7
MARCH 2011
INSIDE p5 Chief Observer’s Report
p7 Grand Tour
p9 Why the Advanced Test
p10 Singing in the Rain
p11 Rally de Colombres
Registered Charity No. 1097558
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March 2011
FAREWELL TO GODWIN
By John Goodson
Those of you who have had the pleasure of knowing Godwin will know what a lovely man he was, he always made everybody he talked to feel at ease. I will certainly never forget the very first time I met him at the club night way back in the spring of 1997: he went out of his way to make me feel welcome, but then again he was the same with every one he met. e was a founder of the SAMs motorcycle group along with Mike Sleath in 1995: both of them having been involved with the car group, of which the motorcycle group was formerly a part. He had always been very active with the group in its earlier years, having been chairman before I joined the group; then was treasurer for a good number of years, taking over the post from me in 2000 until he passed it on to John Parvin. Even
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after he relinquished the post of treasurer he was still active on the committee, travelling down from Twickenham each month for the meetings - true dedication. He was also a very good observer with the group for a good many years, as I am sure those of you who had the pleasure of being observed by him will know. After he finally vacated his position on the SAM committee because the travelling was getting too much, he
became involved with Council in the form of for cars, motorcycles cycles and, as usual, he this as well.
the Surrey road safety and pedal excelled in
Apart from his commitment with SAM he was also involved with ROSPA, having passed both car and bike with gold on several occasions. Here again he was involved for a short while as an observer, he also gave me some help in passing my initial ROSPA motorcycle test.
On a final note I am sure that Efra, Godwin’s wife, would like me to mention how pleased she was that so many of you attended his funeral. She said to me the other day when I spoke to her that she didn’t realize how much he was admired. Godwin, you will be truly missed, you were a good friend, rest in peace.
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March 2011
CHAIRMAN’S chat The speed limit is there for a reason. Your task is to constantly look for that reason. elcome to a new biking year! And what a year it promises to be. Having worked so hard last year to lay the groundwork (particularly the revised cover for our club insurance), your Committee is pleased to announce some great club night events, an exciting program of social events throughout the year, and some new themes for our regular rideouts (see the article on p3).
headline if ever there was one and music (I suspect) to many an ear here at SAM. Reading the article underneath the headline revealed that what the research was actually confirming was that IAM green badge holders rode more safely than experienced but untrained riders due to their defensive riding style, while still making more progress (when unlawful speeding was excluded) than those other riders.
SAM enters 2011 in great shape to truly deliver a skill for life to our members and associates with a fantastic team of observers who can boast a track record of success to rival any in the country.Which brings me onto a subject that touches a raw nerve in us all – safety.
This really set me to thinking. When exactly is slower not safer? After all, it’s still safer to walk than to use any form of mechanical transport you’d care to mention. So I took a closer look at the research, commissioned from the University of Nottingham by the IAM, and the really startling conclusion was that green badge riders ride closer to the speed limit, and maintain it for longer, than other riders and yet make fewer errors. It
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You will no doubt have seen the IAM research, much quoted in the national press, that “slower isn’t always safer”. An eye-catching
also showed that green badgers were more likely to accept the blame when we do make mistakes. We already know that IAM riders have fewer ‘KSI’ accidents and fewer ‘damage-only’ claims. The rates offered to us by IAM Surety for bike cover bear that out. So is our success really all down to our superior hazard-awareness, I wondered? Now, interestingly, the same newspaper that published the “slower isn’t always safer” headline carried another article a year or so earlier with the headline “speed a factor in 95% of accidents”. This was based on American research from 2008, so off I trotted to look this up. What the headline-writer had failed to put across in his snappy one-liner was that it was driver behaviour allied to either equipment failure, roadway design or road
maintenance that accounted for these accidents. And driver behaviour was defined as including (as well as excessive speed) frequent or unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, tailgating, failure to yield the right of way, disregarding traffic controls or impaired driving. Now I am sure that is something that would get a resounding ‘yes’ from all of us! And then I remembered something that my observer used to say to me. And the logic of his reason, and the simplicity of the message came crashing down on my unsuspecting brain cell. “Always ride at a speed that is appropriate” he would say, “because the speed limit is there for a reason. Your task is to constantly look for that reason.”
Clever chaps, these observers. Kevin
SAM – what’s not to like? “I worked hard to pass my IAM test. I got a certificate, a badge, and I’ve acquired a skill for life. Thanks. Now why should I remain a member of SAM?” As a new Chairman, I have spoken to many of you over the last few months and of all the challenges I have heard, this is the big one, the real toughie. Tough, but fair. Sure, passing the test gives you access to all the IAM member discounts and facilities. But what does it take to make you want to stay a member of SAM?
RIDEOUTS • We have a SAM ride every Sunday. These are great training opportunities but they are also excellent social events. • So that as many of you can take part as possible, and help you to hone your skills, SAM will be organising more early morning runs, evening runs, and even some green lane runs. • And we will again be putting together some weekends away. Plans are in hand for a Welsh weekend with Severn AM, another camping weekend, and a foreign trip in September.
Well here are some of the reasons: SKILLS TRAINING
SOCIAL EVENTS
• We now have a dedicated Committee member responsible for the ‘Associate experience’ whose role includes mentoring and theory training as well as representing Associates’ interests in Committee.
• Look at the draft calendar overleaf. We will use SAM Announce to advertise all of these well in advance. Book early to avoid disappointment.
• SAM’s observers have an enviable track record of IAM test passes. But acquiring a skill for life involves constant ongoing refreshing of those skills. So we also offer the Advanced Plus for members who want to sharpen their skills – this test is not just a one-off event and can be re-taken on a regular basis.
CLUB NIGHTS • We have some great evenings lined up with a fabulous mix of subjects and speakers – a technical talk from Hein Gericke, a law enforcement evening with local magistrates and police giving us the insider’s view, tales of trips and great derring-do, and lots more besides.
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March 2011
Social calendar FEBRUARY 6TH MCN BIKESHOW Cold, wet day. Hot steamy show. Some great bargains. MARCH 4TH CURRY NIGHT – watch for SAM Announce MARCH 25 – 27 MARCH Welsh weekend Hosted by Severn Advanced Motorcyclists over the weekend. The guys at the other SAM will send us their favourite routes and join us for a great rideout on the Sunday. Basing our stay around Hoburne Cotswold caravan park in Cirencester. They have a restaurant and bar on site but I suggest self-catering accommodation. Phone Debbie on 01285 860216 to book your caravan or call 0871 9846233 to book a room at the Cirencester Travelodge. APRIL SAM TRACKDAY Training on a track is fantastic. It allows you to explore the performance edges of your bike in safety, under the watchful eye of expert trainers from our friends at Easytrack. The IAM charge £189 for these (and they are always booked up) so we are going to do our own. Prices depend on when and where, and we want to keep the cost down to about £150. Watch out for the SAM Announce due out shortly. You can find information for beginners on track days at http://www.easytrack.co.uk/article/novice_bike_track_days. But we will split into 3 groups; beginners, intermediate, and fast so everyone will have a minimum of 20 minutes per hour on track. MAY 7TH CHARITY CHEQUE HANDOVER Come to Thruxton and visit our chosen charity, the Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance to handover our collected funds. 28TH BSB PRACTICE DAY Get closer to Britain’s hard men of racing with a day pass at Thruxton for the tst and practice day. Tickets cost just £6 and I promise you this is a great day out.
JUNE 3RD TO 5TH (NOW BOOKING) Adventure travel film festival The Adventure Travel Film Festival is a fun-tastic weekend of films, camping and outdoor action, hosted by that well-known biking couple Austin Vince and Lois Pryce. Seen as the warm up event for Horizons unlimited, there will be many familiar faces there. See www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com for more details. JUNE 23RD TO 26TH (NOW BOOKING) Horizons Unlimited weekend. The website says that you can meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or Africa or across Asia, or even around the world! Share experiences and advice on how to do it, and maybe you'll meet them again in Mongolia or Timbuktu! www.horizonsunlimited.com . Last year there were 11 SAM members there, how many will there be this year? More details on the SAM Announce July 30th June to 3rd July Goodwood Festival of Speed – see www.goodwood.co.uk/festival-of-speed for more details. Look out for the SAM Announce nearer the time August Motocross and summer BBQ Look out for the SAM Announce nearer the time SEPTEMBER 16TH TO 18TH GOODWOOD REVIVAL – see www.goodwood.co.uk/revival for more details. Look out for the SAM Announce nearer the time SEPTEMBER 25TH TO 1ST OCT Self-guided tour of the Loire preferably OCTOBER 21ST SAM Chinese night November TBD - Any ideas? December 20th Christmas club night
YOUR COMMITTEE Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Vice Chairman & PR
Chief Observer
Membership Secretary
Club Night Organiser
Kevin White
Peter Curtis
Scott TurobinHarrington
David Forster
Alec Gore
Carey Wall
Wendy Peters
Group Rides Co-ordinators
Skills Manager
Tony Eaton and Colin Goble
Jeff Carter
Further Skills Administrator
MDU Manager
Alec Gore
Tim Bennett
Journeyman
Magazine Editor
Officers, Committee Members and Helpers OFFICERS Chairman: Kevin White chairman@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Journeyman: John Parvin journeyman@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Vice Chairman: David Forster
MDU Manager: Tim Bennett mdu@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Public Relations: David Forster public-relations@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Secretary: Peter Curtis secretary@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Treasurer: Scott Turobin-Harrington treasurer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chief Observer: Alec Gore chief-observer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Membership Secretary: Russ Clark membership@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Club Night Organiser: Wendy Peters club_night@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Group Rides Co-ordinators: Tony Eaton & Colin Goble group_rides@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Further Skills Administrator: Alec Gore
Merchandising: John Parvin mechandise@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Magazine Editor: Carey Wall editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Website: Rui de Castro webmaster@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk VALUED HELPERS Doug Green theory@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk Club Night Refreshments: Mike Barringer Magazine Design and Publishing: Kim Formhalls MDU Towing: Jack Laverick SAM Buddies: Nick Bubb and Sue Demain-Stone sam-buddies@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
John Parvin
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CHIEF OBSERVER’S REPORT Feb 2011
s you read this, the snow and ice will hopefully be behind us and you will be looking forward to Spring and Summer and be able to have a year when you can get out on your bike as much as you can and improve your riding in whatever areas you would like to. If that sounds optimistic, it's meant to; perhaps that's one ability we have as "advanced" motorcyclists - to be able to look forward all the time and see what is coming up. As we ride, we scan ahead as far as we can see, then back to where we are now and then out into the distance again, getting all the information we require and then making whatever adjustments are necessary to our ride so that position, speed, gear and throttle all follow correctly.
A
In an advanced motorcycle group, we have to do that as well. We look ahead to where we want to be, set ourself goals and hope that we can make changes to get there. Reflecting on the passing of another calendar year and looking forward to the next one in SAM, I'm unusually excited about where we are and the potential to go even further, using the people and talents that have recently come our way, particularly in the Observer Cadre. In some areas, it's too early to be specific but the seeds are being sown, conversations are
being had and people are being extraordinarily generous with their time and abilities, being willing to stretch themselves so they can pass on even more to Associates and Members. This should provide for another Observer Cell during 2011, a reinvigoration of the provision of skills and theory training and (fingers-crossed) the continuation of slow riding training at HMS Collingwood. Being recognised by the IAM as the best Advanced Motorcycle Group in 2009-10 has raised SAM's profile. The quality of the Observer Cadre, the training we provide within the group, the support and camaraderie available within the Observer Cells and the success of our Observer training weekend to Tiverton all contribute to making us attractive to people who move into our area from other groups, particularly when they are highly qualified.You can be sure that if we were just a "pipe & slippers" motorcycling social club none of this would be happening. Here's a flavour of what I mean. A warm welcome and appreciation to: 1) Lilian Hobbs, John Parvin, Mike West and Colin Backhouse for stepping up to Senior Observer roles in 2010 2) Julian Labouchardiere for coming forward to train as an Observer and help run the Slow Riding Training 3) John Arthur, as an Observer 4) Alan Ware, a retired police
Class 1 driver, as an Observer 5) Liz Padley, an experienced Observer from TVAM (Thames Vale) 6) Andy King, an experienced Observer from MAM (Middlesex) 7) Tony Hordon, an experienced Observer from BAM (Bristol) 8) Dominic Forrest, who trained as an Observer with the Lymington & Beaulieu Observer Cell 9) Andy Piper, who trained as an Observer with the Hamble & Meon Observer Cell. My thanks as always goes to the Observer Cell leaders Dave Bruguier, John Parvin and Mike West and to all their seasoned Senior Observers and Observers. In particular, I would recognise the graduates of the 2009 Observer Training School - Vince Hall, Lee Blackburn, Stuart Dorey, John Hardman, Mark Haydock and Alan Wright. All are still with us and have had success in getting Associates through their tests. And since everything we do in training is based around Roadcraft - the police System - we are really fortunate in SAM to now have no less than six serving or former police officers among the Observers. Senior Observer, John "JKL" Longland, is still instructing for the police and is a real gem! All Observers now have their own copy of the SAM Observer Training Manual, in a very professional A5 zipped leather
October 2010
folder. We are all grateful to the Committee for making funds available for this. Overall, we now have 36 members in the Observer Cadre, including two trainees. This is a massive improvement on two years ago. Given the size of our membership, the continued joining of new Associates, and with more members taking further training on SAM Advanced Plus, we cannot be complacent. In 2010 we followed a policy of "passive" recruitment to SAM; only taking on new members who came to us, not actively recruiting. As an IAM Group that cannot continue, in 2011 we will be actively recruiting again, which means more work for the Observers. At any time. there will always be a few Observers who are temporarily unavailable due to personal, family, work or health issues. My respect and wishes for full recovery, especially, goes to those who have been seriously ill, but wish to have no fuss and do what they can when they can. So, we still need more Observers! However, success builds on success and the bigger the team, the less work that falls on any one Observer. Even if you could only take on one Associate at a time, then take another when that one is "test-ready", we would welcome you. Please get in touch if you would like to be part of this successful team!
Alec Gore
Due to considerable reader demand here are some more Tommy Cooper one liners. 1. Two blondes walk into a building..........you'd think at least one of them would have seen it.
4. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.
2. Phone answering machine message - '...If you want to buy marijuana, press the hash key...'
5. I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf. He said, 'No, the steaks are too high.'
3. A guy walks into the psychiatrist wearing only Clingfilm for shorts. The shrink says, 'Well, I can clearly see you're nuts.'
6. My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him in.
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March 2011
Even though you have very well developed observation skills and see a lot of what is going on, beware of how your brain sometimes processes what you see.
Perception and Deception by Alec Gore
KEY POINTS: G
The brain constantly makes observation errors by taking shortcuts.
G
The biggest riding problem is when it “stops looking” for danger.
derives deeper meaning from what is selected. Subconsciously, the mind is simply drawn to what it finds most interesting. But the attention can also be directed very consciously.
G
This is only overcome by being consciously alert.
• Familiarity
Usually, we have to assume that we see the world correctly and act on it. Otherwise we would do nothing. But in truth, all of your observation is only a bunch of “perceptions” in your head. They don’t always match what is really out there. The old adage “perception is reality” shows the problem precisely. In a single “actual reality” there are different perceptions and actions. When arguing blame at the scene of a road crash, even allowing for the biased motives, there can be sincere but conflicting beliefs about what truly happened. This probably also caused the crash in the first place. In the classic rearshunt at a roundabout, for example, the second driver is totally convinced that the first one moved off. But they didn’t! Alongside this, the human mind is supremely keen to make sense of things and this is one of its most intense and automatic functions. This is why most of us want to feel a sense of order before being ready to move on to something else.
Conversely, the eccentricity of artists and innovators is often rooted in an unusually high tolerance for chaos and meaninglessness. But in trying to make its best guesses from the jumble of input it receives the brain can easily be deceived. “Magic” shows and “illusionists” play artfully in this area. Although optical illusions are amusing, they do have a serious side. Even your desires can fool your perception too. Here are some common deceptions. They are mostly subconscious and the effect on activities like riding is profound: • Selectivity The sheer volume of sensory input to the brain means that most of it gets ignored, by constantly deciding what to “tune out”. As you read this page you are not aware of feeling your foot in its shoe, the taste in your mouth or what is in the comer of your vision. (But now you are!) Perception is very selective, according to where your attention is. This protects the mind from colossal overload and
Extract from SUPERBYKE Motor Use's Manual – SBS 125 (spotted by Lyndsey Pratt) Page 2 – Manual for buying motorcycles How to measure the quality of motorcycle − Observe whether the surface of the vehicle is perfect or not, whether it has imprint of fray, rip, convex and concave on the surface and whether its surface is smooth. − Check the booklet for use of the vehicle, qualification etc. In order not to buying false products by mistake. − Check whether the goods equipped in the packing slip are in readiness or not. − Be directed on the spot by friends with abundant experiences of motorcycle's driving.
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Very high selectivity occurs when the mind tunes out things that are constant, well known, repetitious or predictable, such as normal noises around the house. But it also happens with habits, such as tailgating, where riders can become unwittingly adapted and lose sight of familiar dangers. It stops when risks are assessed more consciously. • Constancy Even more, the mind prefers to create constant and simplified perceptions, as a defence against a world that is complex and stressful. This has pros and cons; t certainly helps events to seem reassuringly stable and orderly and stops us having to examine every object and situation as if for the first time. But conversely, reacting to the unexpected then takes longer. If a pedestrian steps straight out in front of you part of your reaction time is the vital instant in which it is “unbelievable”. The same happens when any road user makes a really blatant error, unless you have consciously accepted the possibility beforehand. • Monotony In addition, losing alertness is a natural response to monotony. Without the stimulation of change, our senses actually shut down. Drowsiness is induced without being tired. Steady motorway speed in cosy warm clothing is an ideal condition for this to occur. Similarly, taking little interest in any task also leads to a state of mindnumbing boredom, which is why we see so many riders with a slumped posture and vacant expression. Giving the mind something to work on keeps it active.
• Expectation What you “expect” can be one of the strongest deceptions, as the anticipation in the brain overrides the input from the senses. In looking for the easiest path the mind tries to fit events into its expectations. Have you ever recognised someone you had arranged to meet, only to call out to a stranger? Or, have you failed to spot a change in a road you know well until the very last second? The mind is always tempted to make lazy perceptions. • Optimism Bias There is also an involuntary bias towards seeing what we want to see. We prefer to believe that all is well, even if it means seeking comfort in denial when it is not, especially if the problem is our own fault. Many risks on the road are taken by simply assuming that all is well. • Herd Instinct Perceptions are also very “infectious”. There is a compelling pressure to discard our own perception if other people seem not to share it. In many ways, this conforming influence helps us live in civilised harmony, but it also spreads bad practices too. Thus, you may find yourself riding as if in a herd; too fast in fog, or too close at speed, just because everyone else is. Riding is an intensely group behaviour and the transmission of perceptions is very strong. The key point here is not to learn these deceptions, but simply to recognise the flaws and to know how vital it is to be acutely alert. Vigilance => Interest Monotony => Apathy The spiral into monotony, for example, is quickly reversed by taking more interest. Just thinking more about your riding will naturally stimulate your observation and return you to vigilance. In fact, it can even become a little addictive. Apathy, of course, runs the cycle the other way. To stay alert, the mind needs to have enough to think about.
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March 2011
My European Grand Tour 2010 By Mike Matthais I recently received an email from Mike with a link to his blog. ‘This blog is to relate my motorcycle tour of Scotland and trip to visit friends Mike & Mariola in Poland and Carol, Oliver & Sasha in Italy. Mike chose to celebrate retirement by visiting across Europe on his Pan. There are lots of photos, maps and links to websites and the writing is easy to read. Rui has put the link to this blog on the website.
down. Straight on and anchors aweigh! 18 Sept 2010… On to the A832 for the run along Loch Maree and into Gairloch. Possibly the most exquisite motorcycle run in the world.
http://web.me.com/mikematthias/M ikes_European_Grand_Tour/My_E uropean_Grand_Tour/My_Europea n_Grand_Tour.html
24 Sept 2010… Awake in time for a meal and then back to bed. All this holidaying is hard work!
Here are some extracts to give a flavour of the blog:
30 Sept 2010… I also twig that I'm now in the former East Germany which explains the state of the minor roads.
17 Sept 2010…Something is pushing me on and I leg it down the A770 which is a fun bit of road. Turn into the ferry staging area and see the ferry with apparently full load about to pick up the loading ramp. Dash down the HGV lane as you do on a bike and the little man looks at me then looks at the ferry crew. Joy O' Joy, there's just enough room for a bike. Didn't even slow
2 Oct 2010... I think a good time was had by all but the latter stages of the evening are a little hazy. Must have something to do with Polish beer and vodka. 3 Oct 2010…Here I am in Poland, looking at a manual for an Italian coffeemaker and it's been downloaded from an Australian
website. What a strange world we have created. Hmmm…, in my current condition the manual seems like gibberish. 10 Oct 2010 …Sorry Slovakia, no sightseeing this time. Press on to Austria. 17 Oct 2010 ... To read about the Appian Way in history lessons is one thing. To actually see the stone road that the Romans travelled is stunning.
19 Oct 2010 ... (on Passo Stelvio) A superb day. One of the best I've ever had on a bike. Not so much in miles travelled but quality miles. Vertical miles, the best kind. 23 Oct 2010 … Home at last. Unpack bike and take it to garage and then down the pub for a few beers. Can't believe it's over. Over 6000 miles in almost 6 weeks. © 2010 Mike Matthias’
From the editor... I am sorry that this edition is later than advertised. This was due to the Christmas holidays and to a heavier workload. The delay was due, in part, to what you submit for publication. One email had a link to a blog that took two days to read, giggle, read again then hours to precise without losing the feel of the blog. Reading your blogs about travelling whisks me away to curving roads through stunning scenery in the rain and the sun. It is a shock when I wake up to reality, which is a cold, dark January night. Thank you all! At least it prompted me to sign up for Horizons Unlimited’s Annual Travellers meeting at Ripley. Roll on summer. The delay has provided an opportunity to review how the magazine is published. With a new Treasurer challenging costs it seemed a good time to ask whether everyone wanted a printed copy in these days of laptops, ebooks etc. Not only is there the cost of printing but also the cost of envelopes and a 52p stamp for each copy posted. On top of this there is the environmental cost. I know from emails and articles submitted that many of you get out on your bikes on group rides and further afield and can see the impact of climate change. This is an opportunity to do our bit by not producing unnecessary magazines. Fortunately we cater for many tastes and those people who like to sit and read Making Progress away from the PC can continue to receive a paper version, just email editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk to let me know. This is my last edition as Editor as I am taking over Membership Secretary from Russ who is setting up his own business. Russ is not leaving us completely as he will still man SAM Sundays. I have very much enjoyed reading the articles, jokes and seeing the pictures that you’ve sent in. What a breadth of taste we have in this one club! I couldn’t have produced the magazine without the efforts of the talented Miss Formhalls. Thank you Kim. As yet there is no-one to replace me. If you fancy the role of Editor, please get in touch with me, or any other member of the Committee, to find out more. Thank you all for keeping me entertained for over a year.
Carey
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SAM GROUP RIDES PROGRAMME
S A M S O L E N T A DVA N C E D M OTO R C Y C L I S T S S A M S O L E N T A DVA N C E D M OTO R C Y C L I S T S May 2010
January 2010
G We need Green Badge holders to volunteer to lead group
G
rides on vacant dates. Please contact Group Rides to arrange one, and also training if needed. Note also that a filled date can take more than one group ride, providing each is a different Grade.
See the latest Group Rides programme at: http://www.solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk
G
Full details of each run will be announced before the run, via e-mail on SAM-announce. Details will also appear in the Calendar of run/events on the website
G
Alternatively, contact the run leader, or Tony Eaton or Colin Goble via the website.
All rides will be conducted in line with SAM guidelines as per Docs. 010GG and 011GG
G
DATE
RUN LEADER
MEETING / DEPART TIME
DESTINATION
Fri 18 March
Richard Peck
Uxbridge to Silverstone
Comic Relief Motorbike Ride – Will involve circuit of the national track.
Sun 20 March
Alec Gore
9.30 for 10 Winchester
Pirbright Twisties, Cunning Man Pub
25 – 27 March
Kevin White
The Other SAMs Group
Visiting Severn Advanced Motorcyclists Group
Sun 27 March
VACANT Ride of Respect
Wootton Bassett
Sun 3 April Sun 3 April
VACANT
Sun 10 April
Lilian Hobbs
Tues 12 April Sun 17 April
VACANT
Sun 24 April
Alec Gore
Sun 24 April Sun 1 May
VACANT
Sat 7 May
David Forster
Sun 8 May
VACANT
Tues 10 May
10.30am Ower
Swanage, Fish & Chips
Club Night
Crossing the Andes, by Lilian Hobbs
9.30 for 10, Winchester
The George Pub, Meree
MDU
Loomies
9 for 9.30 Winchester
Thames Valley 200, The Pheasant, Brill
VACANT
MDU
Sammy Miller Museum – ties in with the IAM ride in day
Sun 5 June
VACANT
SAM SUNDAY
Sun 12 June
VACANT
Club Night
Helmet Care by Hein Gericke and Access Legal by Shoosmith
Alec Gore
9.30 for 10, Wickham
The Lamb Pub, Wantage
Sun 29 May
3
120
2
200
3
140
3
160
3
Possible HIOW Cheque Pesentation, Thruxton
Alec Gore
Sun 22 May
120
SAM SUNDAY
AGM
VACANT
GRADE
SAM SUNDAY
Club Night
Sun 15 May
MLSA PP
3 – 5 June
The Adventure Travel Film Festival
Tues 14 June Sun 19 June 23 – 26 June
Horizons Unlimited weekend
Sun 26 June
MDU
30 June 3 July
Beaulieu Show Goodwood Festival of Speed
Sun 3 July
VACANT
Sun 10 July
VACANT
Sun 17 July
Alec Gore
9 for 9.30 Ower
The Salisbury Spider, The George, Mere
Nigel Grace
9 for 9.30 Ower
Popham Motorcycle Mega Meet & Vintage Flying Display and MDU
Sun 24 July Sun 31 July Sun 7 Aug Sun 14 Aug Sun 21 Aug Sun 28 Aug
• • • •
SAM would like to thank each run leader for the time and effort they will be devoting to the organisation and planning of their runs Participants are reminded that they must be familiar with SAM Doc. Number 011 and that riding decisions are theirs and theirs alone We wish you an enjoyable and, above all else, a SAFE ride with the group of other SAM riders We cannot guarantee that details of runs will not change before the event. However, every effort will be made to adhere to them.
*For information only, not classified as a SAM event. NOTE. New issues of this list are produced from time to time. Always check on the website for the latest issue.
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March 2011
Why I did the ADVANCED PLUS? By Brian Peacock (I have deliberately not named the observers to protect their anonymity.) fter passing my IAM test the examiner asked if I’d thought about doing the advanced plus course as he felt I would benefit from the training. I thought long and hard as perhaps I needed time to consolidate the skills I had just acquired. I wondered if it was not a step too far for me at this stage of my riding career. But worried I might fall back into bad habits, coupled with a desire to improve my skills further, I decided to apply.
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It was a considerable step up for me personally and it took me right out of my comfort zone; or to put it another way, it re-introduced those six pence half crown moments that I remember so well when I first started biking. In the beginning it didn’t go quite so well, with my observer wondering if I had even passed my CBT let alone my IAM Advanced. Then began the long road (no pun intended) of dragging me up to the required standard. There were days when I’d set off at blistering speed, remembering all the advice I’d been given, only to be overtaken by my observer who wondered when I was going to up the pace. I recall thinking; I’ll never be that good; but isn’t that why I embarked on this course? I was here to be shown and to be taught; if I knew how to do it, I wouldn’t need training. There were lots of enjoyable moments; one I remember took us somewhere around the back of Frensham Pond via the forest. I had been briefed that there were three things on this stretch of road I needed to watch out for but no further clues were forthcoming. Off I went and eventually encountered a ford across the road. I stopped because the cynic in me thought I’d been set up, was it a trap? Drive straight through without checking and disappear up
to my chest in water. But no, my observer wasn’t that mean; I should have trusted him. So on I went. Now…. on a country road in the middle of a forest you don’t expect to encounter a hairpin bend. I didn’t either and needless to say I missed it. I ended up on the other side of the road but at least the right way up. I looked down in the dirt and saw a large number of tyre tracks from other bikers who hadn’t made it either. I was later informed that the country house situated on the bend now leave their gates open as so many other riders had literally gone straight through them. I spotted the third hazard, a nasty right hand bend which is invisible until you pass over the brow of a hill and can come as a total surprise. What you see before the brow is the road continuing straight on to what I think leads to a car park and, (if you notice it), a traffic sign.
Slowly I began to improve and started to really enjoy my riding. So what did I get out of doing this course? 1. Friendship. My observer always said he looked forward to our ride outs. I……don’t think he was just being polite. 2. Advice. Large amounts of useful hints and tips that had somehow passed me by up to now. 3. Techniques. Learning new skills that allowed me to step up the pace safely and efficiently. I might even try a grade three ride out next. 4. Fun. There were times when I’d make a real horlicks of something, only to be shown the most obvious and simple solution. Don’t you just hate it when that happens? I had to laugh. 5. Cost. Where else can you get such superb training for what is effectively the cost of a tank of fuel per ride out? Imagine how much it would cost you if paid
for this training privately. 6. Praise. From my most fearsome critic. She says my riding has got smoother, she is able to relax and she doesn’t head butt me anymore. I do hope she was talking about riding pillion. …….......!!!!!!!!!! I hope that sharing some of my experiences will encourage others to move up to Advanced Plus. You will need to put in a lot of miles of practice but the rewards and the enjoyment are well worth the effort. One last point, during my ride outs my observer seemed to like stopping for coffee at Popham, a popular microlight aerodrome. The last time I flew, I was in a microlight and it ended up looking like the picture above…………………… On this occasion I was the passenger NOT the pilot. I’ve now given up flying and taken up a less dangerous hobby….…………….. MOTORCYCLING!!!!!
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March 2011
SINGING IN THE RAIN By David Charlton TYRES Unless you ride on ‘trackday rubber’ all modern tyres should cope with the wet but whatever you use needs to be in good condition with a tread pattern and depth appropriate for winter riding and dispelling water – don’t just rely upon the legal tread limit, ensure good tread depth on all sections. ELECTRICS Electrics and damp do not mix so make sure electrical connections are clean and dry, then spray them with WD40 or Scottoiler FS365 to help disperse any water. Ensure your battery and alternator are in good condition. BRAKES AND SUSPENSION Salty roads take their toll and corrosion starts quickly on lightweight alloy parts, causing brakes to seize if left for even a few days. Rinse off the salt after every ride - if you don’t have access to a hose, use a hand-held garden spray. LUGGAGE Water will find its way into every form of luggage, particularly when riding at speed. Take the precaution of using waterproof inner bags. Tank bags are particularly vulnerable so that
maps, ferry tickets, cash, radios etc can all suffer. Remember that searching for some elusive item in a downpour can expose all the others! Assume they are all likely to get wet and wrap them individually in something waterproof. KIT Good quality waterproofs should be breathable otherwise condensation can build up inside and it will feel as cold and clammy as if leaking. Check the condition of your jacket and trousers, particularly at the seams and, if necessary, reproof with a repellent such as Nikwax. Use several layers both for insulation and to allow a degree of temperature control. When layering, make sure that you don’t allow all the zips to align or there will be a direct path for draughts and damp to penetrate. Modern lightweight sports kit is both warm and wicking, will not restrict movement and dries much more quickly than cotton or wool. If all else fails and you are caught out in a cold, wet downpour an old but effective standby is to wear a few layers of newspaper and a binliner under your jacket. Knee joints can get cold and stiff and there are a number of sports injury
type elasticised supports available that keep the knees warm and supported. With the extra bulk associated with all these layers, have a trial run to ensure movement is not restricted. BALACLAVAS keep the head warm and also make getting wet crash helmets on and off easier and more comfortable. Neck warmers are essential for winter warmth. Water will always get through so wear a towelling scarf (can make 4 from an old hand towel). Take several with you and replace when you stop for fuel. BOOTS Use coatings such as Nikwax on leather boots to repel water. A couple of pairs of socks will help and if all else fails, polythene bags over your socks will keep the water out and make getting damp boots on easier! Cold hands can affect how you control the bike. Heated grips help whilst off-road type hand guards deflect the wind and reduce the effect of wind chill, as can ‘handlebar muffs’. The main problem with any glove comes when they get wet and the lining comes out as you pull them off! Where possible take a
Opportunity to Ride for Charity... We recently received the following email from Spinal Research, and wondered if you would be interested in taking part, or at least finding out more. If so, please could you drop Caroline an email at caroline.holmes@iam.org.uk, and she will pass your details on to Isabel at the charity. ‘Unfortunately over 800 people a year are paralysed in the UK and too many were riding a motorcycle when they were hurt. Sadly, paralysis doesn’t only mean not being able to walk again - depending on the part of the spinal cord that’s injured it can cause loss of movement in arms and hands, an inability to breathe on your own and a total lack of independence. Recently there have been major breakthroughs in our research, resulting in treatments that are moving into clinical trials and this is a huge step forward. But our research is not cheap – a
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one year project alone costs around £50,000 and with no government funding we rely on our supporters to help. Last year I launched the Fight Back appeal, which was fronted by our supporter Dave Webb, who was paralysed when he was just 19. The appeal was supported by top racers, including James Toseland and Neil Hodgson as well as TV presenter Suzi Perry. The appeal is continuing this year and Guy Martin has agreed to put his support behind a nationwide fundraising event called the Big Brew. We are asking motorcycle clubs, dealerships and individuals to organise a tea morning/day in aid of Ride Out and the group that raises the most money will meet Guy at a test session or race meeting and everyone that takes part can also win the same. It would be wonderful if your IAM groups would like to get involved with this event as it would be a great way to raise the profile of local groups as well as helping to raise funds for a cause close to motorcyclists hearts. The appeal will be launched at MCN’s Motorcycle Show in February. ‘
change of gloves. There are a number of inner gloves available, particularly those designed to stop the wind penetrating. The polythene gloves available free at filling stations make excellent emergency inner gloves. Normally it is better to have the jacket cuff outside the glove cuff, otherwise water seeps down your arms and quickly tops up even the most waterproof gloves. HELMETS For the visually challenged a key decision is whether to wear your spectacles or not. It is vital to weigh up the relative merits of what you can see without your spectacles with what you can see when they are either misted up or covered in rain. VISORS should be clear and scratch free. Inserts such as Fog City are recommended. There are also a number of coatings you can apply to the exterior of the visor to dispel water such as Nikwax VisorProof. These coatings deteriorate as the ride progresses and it is important to renew the coating as soon as the effect starts to wear off. When all else fails stuff a piece of towelling between the screen and the dash to grab and wipe the visor at traffic light stops etc. Consider carrying a basic change of kit, kept in a compact but lightweight waterproof bag – to have a warm, dry change of clothes – whatever they are or look like can be an extraordinary morale booster when the unexpected happens and everything looks bleak! A word on drying kit – direct heat does not help and can actually damage kit. Hot air is better but if you choose to use a hairdryer please ensure you get the owner’s permission. Hair dryers are not designed for prolonged operation and the cost of a replacement (improved-specification) model (with/without dinner) can be significant! This is an extract from an article (available on www.solent-advancedmotorcyslists.co.uk ) which covers the preparations and riding aspects
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March 2011
Rally de Colombres by Rod Griffin I had first heard of the ‘Rally de Colombres’ organised by the Moto Pistón club, during September 2009 when Julian Labuchardiere and other members of a club we belong to, were preparing for the trip. nowing that they were going to ride the roads of Asturias made me very jealous and determined to take part in 2010. Having to wait a year ensured that I obtained the right bike to take part in the ‘ruta de cinco mil curvas’ (route of 5000 curves) a 300 mile ride through the Picos de Europa. The ride is restricted to bikes built before 1980, therefore I had to prepare myself and my 1978 Ducati Darmah in the weeks preceding the trip.
K
Eleven of us set off from Portsmouth on the Santander ferry in a bit of a party atmosphere, made all the better by a little rough weather on the trip down. Arrival in Spain and the short ride from the port to the airport to pick up a hire car and then on to Colombres went without incident. The fun started at registration when members of the party ate some of the local pastries (known as ‘corbatas’) that were on offer. These pastries are notorious for absorbing all moisture and could easily be used for any type of fluid spill. The looks on their faces as they searched for a drink was a sight to behold. The Corbatas were the start of what turned out to be a 4 day eat-a-thon, including the largest paella I’ve ever seen and a ‘tapas free for all’, possibly the reason for one of my failures. Although several of the bikes within our group were eligible for the 5,000 curves, only myself and my brother Chris on his 1978 Moto Guzzi T3 California took up the challenge. There are a few things you need to know about the route of 5000 curves, if you like the idea of taking part, other than the age restriction of the bike. These are: • It is a very technical route which you should relish. • Sat navs are useless, as it is a circular route, the route map gives way point distances to
If you liked what you read and feel like taking part in the future take a look at their web site (http://www.mcpiston.com) for further details.
junctions (we were lucky, in previous years those distances were only in Km, requiring a lot of mental arithmetic for Brits), therefore you have no overall idea of the route. • There are several hundred other participants. • You have to watch out for everything, tractors, cows, horses, sheep, goats (and their contributions to road holding). • Most important of all, the other riders don’t necessarily have the required riding skill for the challenge. A very big thank you goes out to the Moto Club Piston for organising the event, how they do it at the price I cannot understand. If you liked what you read and feel like taking part in the future take a look at their web site
(http://www.mcpiston.com) for further details. Discounts are available with Brittany Ferries for participants and the club will organise cheap and cheerful hotels. It is an opportunity to ride some of the best roads in Europe. As for the Darmah, she is still running with the spark plug for the Bultaco, and we
are looking forward to completing the ‘Ruta de Cinco mil curvas’ in 2011. Ed: Please see the website, www.solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk/ to read this article in full
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March 2011
SAM MERCHANDISE
SAM Polo-Shirts Now available from £15. Various Colours and Sizes available to order.
‘The Military Police motorcyclists seemed content with their newly issued reflective boot gaiters but defence cuts meant that there would be a
Alleged exchanges between pilots and control towers:
considerable wait for their protective helmet, jacket, trousers and gloves’
Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"
Fair weather rider?
Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!" Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees." TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet.. How much noise can we make up here?" Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
Sam Welcomes
superior
• fully guided • self guided tours • motorcycle rental • Harley-Davidson, BMW, Honda & Triumph • Great selection of gear & accessories for hire • Free airport/hotel transfers to our Christchurch base • Friendly kiwi hospitality &
John Arthur Brian Bates Neill Bisiker Paul Callum David Farrar Paul Farrar Peter Heath Geoff Hoad Ross Jarvis Martyn Moore Mark Prevett
Martin Thomas Trevor Thorogood Lesley Thorogood Doug Winterborn Philip Bell Peter Gooch Ian Morrison Neil Newman Alan Robinson John Stockings
Acknowledgments: John Fox and Peter Friend – for the steady supply of jokes.
B&B accommodation • Professional tour guides & expert advice to make your motorcycle dream come true
www.motorbiketours.co.nz p 0064 3 312 0066 e office@motorbiketours.co.nz P A G E 12
DISCLAIMER Most 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 those of the authors, and 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.
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Newsletter email address is editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
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