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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
January 2010
INSIDE p4 Chief Observer’s Report
p5 Wild, wet, windy week
p7 Ready, Steady, Go?
The highly acclaimed SLOW RIDING COURSE, look out for dates in 2010.
p9 Gearing up for Winter
p11 Scotland is Twisty
Registered Charity No. 1097558
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January 2010
! " ! ! !
#$%$& '&()')
PA G E 2
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January 2010
VICE-CHAIRMAN’S chat Greetings! Well, the EGM to appoint a Chairman came and went. Actually it just went because, as there were no candidates, we were unable to appoint, so you’re stuck with me now until the AGM! To be honest, I don’t mind too much because the Committee is doing a fantastic job and, without wishing to make you feel too smug, you’re a great bunch of people to work for. SAM is also an extraordinary organisation. I’ve been involved with a number of voluntary groups and chaired not a few. Not one of them can hold a candle to SAM for sheer committee job satisfaction. SAM Member, as is Tom, but he is not doing many Group Rides at the moment! The Merchandising role has been placed under the wing of Peter Curtis of Club Night fame and he has the assistance of Joanne Moody, a SAM Friend, to work at the point of sale. Nigel Grace has stepped in to the Membership Secretary’s role pro tem and there will be a SAM Announce offering this job up, in the near future. We are very grateful to both Joanne and Nigel for stepping up to the plate.
Plaudits over - down to business. To correct an inaccuracy in October’s “Chat”, Lilian has asked me to point out that the motion she placed before the 2008 IAM AGM on behalf of SAM was to permit the admission of Associates to that AGM and I am happy to make that clear. Sadly I have to pass on our thanks to 2 Committee Members who have relinquished their posts since October. Tom Weise has gone back to sea and Wendy, having completed over 2 years as Membership Secretary, has decided it is time to move on. I hasten to add that she is still very much an active
The last three months have been notable for a number of reasons.
Firstly, for the number of Associates who have passed the Test. For the time of year it’s a lot and that should encourage any who may be test-ready but reluctant to risk a less than perfect ride in winter weather. I took both my tests in appalling weather, at this time of the year and my failure was nothing at all to do with the weather – buy me a coke and I’ll tell you! It’s only weather and the bike can handle it probably better than you (Alec will kill me). Secondly, we have 6 new Observers under training. This is a measure of your commitment to SAM and underpins our main reason for existing. Thirdly, the number of new Associates joining is well past our 2008 total. As I write this summary, we have just had our Christmas Club Night. Some ninety members and partners attended and the encyclopaedic knowledge of horse racing and the Tote indicated more than a few with a
seriously mis-spent youth (and that was the partners). Another excellent night – thank you Peter, Jane and the press-ganged bookies! The food wasn’t half bad either. It’s the time of year customarily for saying “thank you”. There’s not the space to mention everyone who has given time and effort for SAM. I am, however, going to mention just a few non-Committee Members without whom SAM would be the poorer. Jack Laverick, who tows the MDU just about everywhere (with and without the keys!), Becci & James who not only run the drinks bar but also ensure that SAM Sundays run smoothly, Kim Formhalls who patiently waits for people like me to use up all her contingency and still gets the Newsletter out on time and Anne Spicer, who with Lucy, delivers the best bacon butties East and West of the Hamble. Happy New Year and ride safe,
David
YOUR COMMITTEE Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Vice Chairman & PR
Chief Observer
Membership Secretary protem
Club Night Organiser
VACANT
Paul Nol
John Parvin
David Forster
Alec Gore
Nigel Grace
Peter Curtis
Group Rides Co-ordinator & Website
Skills Manager
Rui de Castro
VACANT
Further Skills Administrator
MDU Manager
Gerry Gooch
Tim Bennett
Merchandising
Magazine Editor
Joanne Moody & Peter Curtis
Carey Wall
Officers, Committee Members and Helpers OFFICERS Chairman:
VACANT
Magazine Editor in Situ:
Carey Wall
Secretary:
Paul Nol
Website:
Rui de Castro
Treasurer:
John Parvin HELPERS SAM Sunday Co-ordinator
Becci Lunn
David Forster
SAM Sunday Co-ordinator
James Norman
Public Relations:
David Forster
SAM Sunday Breakfast
Anne Spicer
Chief Observer:
Alec Gore
Club Night Refreshments:
James Norman
Membership Secretary pro tem: Nigel Grace
Club Night Refreshments:
Becci Lunn
Club Night Organiser
Peter Curtis
Slow Riding:
Alec Gore
Group Rides Co-ordinator:
Rui de Castro
Magazine Publishing:
Kim Formhalls
Skills Manager:
VACANT
MDU Towing
Jack Laverick
Further Skills Administrator:
Gerry Gooch
Social Events:
James Norman
MDU Manager: Merchandising:
Tim Bennett Peter Curtis and Joanne Moody
Raffle Seller
Jen Hargreaves
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Vice Chairman
PA G E 3
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From the Editor The articles this quarter reflect the weather we expect to ride through over the next few months and how to prepare both biker and bike to handle it. As an associate who still hasn’t got a green badge I am determined to slog on through the wind and rain to improve my riding. I am quite surprised at just how much I am enjoying myself. I am finding that the enormous challenge when thought about in a warm, comfy armchair is much less frightening and much more exhilarating when out there and actually riding through it. A problem I am struggling to overcome is how to stop visor and glasses misting up. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
January 2010 One thing that sets bikers above most other groups is how a biker is a friend, wherever you meet them. Lyndsey and Gerry both struck up friendships with bikers in hospital. Go to any biker event and people will talk to you as a friend, even if you’ve never met them before. This is constant theme through the travel books that Nigel reads. This week I stopped at a pub in the New Forest to ask the way somewhere and got talking to an old boy who had a bike older than himself. When I set off again my battery was flat. This friendly fellow put his pipe in his mouth and pushed me down the hill to bump-start the bike. I daren’t stop the engine to say thank you so a quick wave and off I went straight home. This kindness does warm the heart, even in the cold weather!
Happy biking. Carey Wall
C H I E F O B S E RV E R ’ S REPORT D E C E M B E R 0 9 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE In the last edition of Making Progress, under the theme of Mutual Support, I wrote how we in SAM offer support to each other. We support Associates under the "Buddy" system through making mentors available to Associates who wish them. Observers receive support and encouragement in their efforts through being members of local groups of Observers - the Cells. Having put those support structures in place, I believe SAM is now stronger as a Group and ready to face a greater challenge. "Challenge?" I hear you ask, "What challenge?" Well, at a time when you will have made, and possibly already broken, New Year's resolutions. I'm suggesting that we accept a resolution for ourselves as a Group to raise our standards at every level of Advanced riding and training. I had an Associate, Alan, who is a retired police car driver, a Class 1 holder, who also happens to be an IAM Examiner for car drivers. He'd taken up motorcycling and, as you might expect from someone with such a comprehensive understanding of Roadcraft and the System, rides very well. We had a tremendous first ride out together, using 70-odd miles of various types of challenging road that I often use when conducting
Check Tests. Was it perfect? No, no one, however experienced ever is. In particular, Alan had a little wobble over some loose material in some tight bends. I thought initially that he'd missed a gear, but he said during the debrief that he had momentarily allowed his vision to drop through apprehension about the debris in the road. Car drivers are not as used as bike riders to the odd skip of the back wheel. Our second ride out was a pre-test run. The weather was horrendous, high winds and sheets of rain, with deep puddles and running surface water. There was debris in the roads, including bits of trees and a dead deer! Remembering our first ride, I offered Alan the chance to ride behind me as I demonstrated a typical test route and, as an IAM Examiner, comment on my riding. Now, you may think that was an odd thing to do considering he was the Associate. Well no, because I can still see in my mirrors.What it did do was give Alan something else to think about other than the conditions and not have to worry about setting a particular pace. I was doing that and not making any concessions. I thought I was back in Hong Kong riding a post-typhoon patrol! My bonus was that I got some useful feedback on my riding, particularly an idiosyncrasy in my right-hand bends, that will help when I next do a Senior Observer's test. During coffee and a chat at the end of the ride, Alan and I agreed that one of the things we enjoyed in our respective times in the police was the freedom, even expectation, to give
constructive criticism and advice on each other's rides or drives. There was an on-going aspiration to attain and maintain the highest possible standard. Not to the point of being obsessed by it, just a matter of pride in doing what you do well. It became a peer-to-peer enterprise in promoting higher standards and acted as a filter for those who had possibly slipped into an acceptance of second-best. What's Alan's motivation now for doing the IAM bike test? He would like some of his riding mates to come with him into SAM and benefit from all being an Advanced Rider has to offer. It's an ethos I wish I could have captured, bottled and sold. I would have made a fortune! I would, however, like to offer it to all members of SAM for their consideration and consumption during 2010. What might it mean at each level? (1) Associates can know they can achieve the test standard, that there is a real sense of pride and achievement to be found in riding well; that riding at an advanced level makes riding a pleasure and doubles the fun! (2) Full Members aim higher than test-standard and see the test as only a step along their continued development; that riding always requires 100% concentration and there is no such thing as a "leisurely" ride; that there is a SAM Advanced Plus training and test to challenge them further. (3) Observers realise that a riding
to a standard far higher than test-standard is required and with that an enthusiasm to pass it on to others when working with their Associates and during free-assessed-rides on SAM Sundays. (4) Senior Observers recognise that the Senior Observer test pass is an acknowledgement of their virtual 'professional' status - recognised by DSA, equated to a RoSPA Diploma-level Instructor, not just a right of passage for time-served. If we can move everyone up a level in their thinking, this will make a huge difference to SAM. And finally, I wish to express my gratitude for the support we are receiving from IAM HQ in this respect. You may probably be reading your copy of Making Progress at the January Club Night. On this evening, at quite short notice, Jon Taylor - the Motorcycle Staff Examiner and coauthor of How To Be A Better Rider - will be talking with us, hopefully inspiring us. He will be supported by our local IAM Examiners and our Regional Manager, Geoff Pretty. It's up to all of us to respond to the challenge. Are you up for it??
Alec Gore Chief Observer, SAM PS Congratulations to Alan Ware who passed his IAM Advanced Motorcycle on 28th November 2009 and to Alec Gore who passed his Senior Observer Test on 7th December 2009. Editor
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January 2010
A WET, WILD, WINDY WEEK, SPONSORED UK TOUR FOR THE SARCOMA TRUST By Lyndsey Pratt water that engulfed us - way over our heads. When we stopped at the next lights we were in fits of laughter about it - what else could you do - all except David and Colin up front who had escaped and were completely baffled at the very loud noise we were making. We struggled on as far as the Scottish border before we decided that the wind was too dangerous, that we should call off Glasgow and carefully head back down to Cumbria where we were expected for the night.
e set out on the journey in the last week of November. During the previous week the news had been full of the floods in Cumbria etc. …the weather had to improve didn‘t it?… how wrong we were!
W
On 23rd November we were setting off from London on a 5 day journey covering 1,200 miles and visiting 10 hospitals in the UK that specialize in treating the rare cancer Sarcoma. The trip came about through meeting a fellow Sarcoma patient at the Royal Marsden Hospital. Colin was on a drug trial like me. As you can imagine, not many patients arrive by motorbike, so we got chatting and quickly became friends. He’s a really interesting guy - a motorcycle taxi chauffeur in London (I never knew there was such a job) and he is, of course, an advanced rider. He was arranging a sponsored ride with two friends. David and I were invited to join the team to raise funds for the Marsden Cancer Campaign and the Sarcoma Trust. We set out from home on the Monday 23rd November to meet at the Marsden. There the 5 bikes were waved off by staff there who know us well! We did Cambridge and Birmingham hospitals that day too. The weather was wet and
At the time of writing we have raised over £2,000 for each charity, but more would be gratefully received! windy, but bearable. Alas there was worse to come. On Tuesday 24th we did Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle, with an interesting detour via Scarborough to meet up with a young man the
others knew who had journeyed back from Sydney on an Aussie postman’s moped which he has named Dot www.thepostman.org.uk - he’s also in December’s Top Gear magazine. He supplied tea and biscuits and then rode a few miles down the road with us on the very well travelled Dot. The journey on to Newcastle that day was terrifying being blown across the carriageway, hanging on for grim death. On Wednesday 25th we were planning on getting as far as Glasgow. The Northumbrian moors were awesome - extremely wild and seen at very strange angles in an attempt to keep the bike ‘shiny side up’. There was water everywhere and many temporary traffic lights to get traffic through floods. We did have some fun through one that wasn’t lighted. We arrived at the bottom of a dip at the same time as a large articulated truck going the other way - you can imagine the wall of
Thursday 26th was fun, making bow waves through some of the flooded lanes of the Lake District. On we went to Christie’s Manchester and from there to South Wales. Colin took the mick out of the others that night as he and I kept leaving the others way behind through the winding Welsh hills in the dark. The last day – Friday 27th. The sun was trying it’s best as we headed for Cardiff and Bristol hospitals and finally back to the Royal Marsden by evening to complete the trip. The ride itself? Great fun, great company and a good welcome from staff at many of the hospitals, and a great riding experience. At the time of writing we have raised over £2,000 for each charity, but more would received gratefully! My riding skills? :- I was greatly encouraged when we had yet another advanced rider join us for a few days up North. He was following me for a good many miles and made some great comments on my riding style. My head did swell a little, but I was keen to get back and report his comments to my observer Steve Carter. I felt the compliments were due as much to Steve as to me. I know my riding style has changed beyond all recognition since taking my observed rides with Steve. I had a break earlier this year when I had some chemo, but I hope to be able to take my test very soon.
www.justgiving.com/SarcomaHitsTheSaddle PA G E 5
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introducing...
Nigel Grace
Carey Wall
SAM Membership Secretary pro tem
SAM Editor
Married with two Daughters
Four children, one bike
Spent 24 years in the Army and learnt to ride a motorbike in 1991 after getting a parking ticket whilst being interviewed for a job in a Police Control Room.
Late to biking and still working hard to make up for lost time, and loving it – dreams seem so much more achievable with a bike! Working in front of a computer screen all day, I love riding a bike the long way home and usually walk in through the door with a huge grin! I was a full time mother until I went to university in my 30s. I am working hard to make up for lost time here too – story of my life. When others talk about preparing to retire I panic as I still have so very much left to do.
From the time left from all that I am interested in gardening and digital photography. I am also one of the few who thinks that Leonard Cohen is funny.
Gerry Gooch SAM Senior Observer and Further Skills Coordinator Married with two children and four grandchildren. Gerry has bikes in his blood since he first rode a 500cc Calthorpe in 1951 at the age of 14. He later went scrambling for 5 years, Motorcycle Display riding for 30 years around the world, Trail Riding for 8 years, two Race Schools, 22 continental
tours with his wife on pillion and then in 2009 his most adventurous ride of all to Peru in the Andes. Gerry has been an Observer for the IAM for 20 years and 114 SAM members have passed through Gerry`s hands during his 7 years with SAM, as Associates or Mock Test candidates. His ambition is to ride a bike on his 90th Birthday! Not long now!
Paul Nol SAM Secretary Retired 7 years ago but always busy with a list of things to do that exceeds the available time. Been riding since I was 16 with a 30 year gap to get the children out of the way, “born again biker” 9 years ago. An IAM Observer and ex RoSPA Instructor (not enough time and too much cost) with 2 bikes, a BMW K1200GT and a Suzuki GSF600. A member of the “BMW Old Gits Club” (90% GS riders but they tolerate my GT). Did 17,000 biking miles this last year, really like touring in Europe, can’t wait for my usual 2 foreign bike trips next year.
PA G E 6
January 2010
I still got the job and spent the next 5 years telling Police Officers "where to go"! The Police Officer that sat next to me taught me to ride. I have ridden almost every day since. I cover about 16,000 miles a year. I like Adventure Motorcycling and following last year's Enduro Africa and a solo ride to Andorra, I am now planning to ride to Lithuania in 2010 and further in 2011 (possible Enduro India or Himalayas). One day it will be much much further.........
Tim Bennett SAM MDU Coordinator For those of you that don't know me, I'm Tim Bennett and I'm the MDU Coordinator. I have been looking after the MDU for about a year now. I ride a VFR800 and also have a XR250 for green laning, if you have never tried it put it on your "to do" list. Believe me it's great fun. Green laning is riding on "BOATS", which are Byways Open To all Traffic. They are legal roads so bikes or cars must still have MOTs and insurance. Most are nothing more than muddy tracks only wide enough to get a bike down!!
That’s where we just emerged from. There is a group called the Trail Riders Federation who look after the rights of off-roaders and help keep the old byways open. Mostly I go around Clanfield, Langrish and Butser.
Can you spot the entrance!!!!!!
Tim
Interesting Ride Report
- sent to an
anonymous Ride Leader “Just to say a big thank you I had a fantastic day today. Really enjoyed it. Excellent company and great food. Thank you for allowing me to back mark for you. What a very kind thought of the run leader at the end of the run too. Some were saying that your Sat Nav had failed you but to take in a level crossing for the benefit of British Transport Police Officers was a stroke of pure thoughtfulness.
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January 2010
Ready, Steady, Go? Most of us get our bike checked out by a professional from time to time, either during its annual service, or for those of us with a plus 3 year old machine, at the MOT. When it comes back home we feel that all is well, at least for a while anyway. We usually see that our riding gear is up to scratch and perhaps treat ourselves to a new suit, gloves or boots and if that helmet is getting a bit scruffy we may even invest in a new one. Tyres are a never ending cost for us Bikers and we each need to keep a close eye on our tread depth and when it gets a bit low towards the 1mm figure off we go with our £200 or so to get a new set fitted. So we are now all set for the road. Or are we? There we are, sitting on our freshly serviced bike, wearing some new biking gear and flashy new helmet with nice new tyres, but is there not something that we have perhaps forgotten? How are our skills? Are they up to scratch, or have we let things slip a bit since we last had a riding assessment. We are all guilty of criticizing other rider’s weaknesses but not so good at recognizing our own. I would suggest that many of us have let our skills slip a bit since passing our IAM Test. So what should we do? SAM provides a Further Training course that culminates with the SAM Advanced Plus test. The course is designed to be informative, challenging but also fun. Some 18 SAM members have already taken the course that can take your skills up just that bit higher than perhaps you achieved before. Candidates are given a mark out of 100 at the end of the test, so you will know just what level of skill you have achieved. A 1st Class pass is above 85% and is difficult to achieve. There have been quite a few `competitions` between friends in
SAM to see who can get the best mark! SAM has three Senior Observers who provide the Observed rides to prepare you for the test that is conducted by a Police Class 1 rider and lasts for some 3 hours. The first part is an instructional ride with help and advice being given to the candidate. The 2nd part is the test itself when the moment of truth arrives. The cost of this course is £30.00 plus of course the normal voluntary contribution towards your Observers motorcycle costs. Full details can be found on www.solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk under `Useful Documents` then Doc 034GG `Further Training and the SAM Advanced Plus Motorcycle Test`.
Alec's hugely popular slow riding course - more please Alec
So what is stopping you?
Gerry Gooch. SAM Senior Observer and Administrator of the Further Training courses.
Once a Biker, always a Biker
The breakfast was being wheeled in to that ward and I noticed that Ro y, opposite me, sti ll had his drip connected to one hand and a pulse monitor to the other.
As he finished textin g his daughter abou t some spare pyjamas I opened his butter and sprea d it onto his roll. He turned off his mobile phone and was I called over, "Wou ex plaining to me how ld he used to avoid pu carton and cut your you like me to open your butter his Levis ddles on motorcycle at all co roll"? sts as the drive be would slip and all Roy beamed a huge, lt power would be los homely smile, "Tha t as soon as t would be very water got on nice of you Gerry". to the belt. Roy had earlier be Roy had previously en telling me all ab told me about his tw out he had ridden ma o telegrams ny years ago, so we the bikes that from the Queen. Yes, Roy is 101 years were now firm friends. of age and still talks about his biking days.
PA G E 7
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January 2010
ead - Nigel Grace R d oo G y od lo B er h ot n Yet a days Annual a Monday – I had one C Motorcycle Show on It was
visit the NE 5.30am (!) This year I decided to home very early about to bloody enjoy it. I left ng 4 is not great in goi A3 s e wa Th I es! and lov left er Holiday d – just what a bik col y ver and ck bla “interesting” !! ch say e was, shall we raining, high winds, pit ected visit to the 2nd lan exp un l ona asi occ the high winds and appeared and was Author Dave Gurman the and ar cle s wa the sky for me – what a nice By the time I arrived kind enough to sign it is d tol am I ich wh – t and away I went. the sun nearly came out chap, we had brief cha show the at ys nda Mo . nds usual for the Midla and having given up and a gentle amble I got the book home are quieter than usual l “Zen and the Ar t of without the nor ma (again) on reading about was possible, ” , I decided to read or nce me it ena has to do – is Motorcycle Maint traffic dodging that one – “The Carin’ Sharin’ ng the other direction? the book I had purchased is everyone always goi and Regurgitated) Chronicles (Digested about worried as I is g is tin Th get s . wa est I r Dig s hou er’ a After about article from the Rid e Oil and a set of I thought - but it is so had only bought som Dispatch Riding or so h wit at wh – all at me Well what can I say – spanners – not like much more than that…… stopped by I en Th all. ll written and very and we t, ing ren Christmas com it is brilliant, irreve Sam nd frie get for my nd fou This is the book to the Traveldri stand and very funny. l get wil I ow kn I . res e. wa tim Manicom selling his Christmas and in fact any torcycle travel – but yet another book on mo s dryer, darker and so s on the stand – bar PS – The ride home wa alas I had read all the one ther brilliant day on ano the – I have it anyway very much colder - yes one. Ah well I though for Christmas as a a bike cat can buy me that ther rat/mouse ano yet g tin ous ronicles - ISBN 978-0 for reward The Carin’ Sharin’ Ch in and t ugh .uk .co bro zon has ma she w.a t m ww from the house tha 9560863-0-3 - £6.00 fro kitchen…. Just then then abandoned in the
one liners...one liners...one liners... 1.
Two motorcylists were touring north Wales, when they stopped off for lunch at Llanfairpwgwyngyilgogerychwyrndro bwyllantysiligogoggoch.
together, barely in time before the exam ends. 3.
One guy said to the waitress, " can you please settle an argument between us, Could you pronounce very slowly where we are"
So he gets out of the medical business and enrols at a mechanic's seminar with Triumph.
He grabs his tools and sets to work, but soon he gets worried: while he is still working on the valve-covers, everybody else is already busy with removing the cylinder heads. He falls more and more behind, and as he is just starting to put it all back together, everybody else is already finished. He manages to put the engine back PA G E 8
The man counters, "Not until you tell me the difference between slowing down and coming to a complete stop." "Sir, step off the bike." As the man reluctantly gets off his bike, the officer begins beating him over the head with his nightstick and exclaims, "Now, sir, would you like me to slow down or come to a complete stop!"
"Well, it breaks down to this: You get fifty points for correctly taking the engine apart. And you get another fifty points for putting it back together perfectly." "And what did I get those additional fifty points for?"
A successful gynaecologist decides to fulfil his life's dream: give up medical practice and become a motorcycle mechanic.
After many weeks of training comes the final examination, taking apart and then reassembling a randomly chosen Triumph engine.
"Sir, I'm going to overlook that last comment. Now, if you would please show me your papers?"
Because it took him so much longer than everybody else, he goes straight to the teacher to ask how he performed. "Well," the teacher says, "out of one hundred possible points you scored 150." "But how is that possible?" the exgynaecologist asks.
The pretty little girl leaned over the counter and said " Burr....gerr.....king" 2.
"Let me guess," said the man, "all the chip shops are closed today!"
"For doing it all through the exhaust." 4.
A motorcycle cop on patrol watched as a man on a red Ducati slowed down at a stop sign, without coming to a complete stop, then sped off.
5.
A: Their jackets don't match yet! 6.
The motorcycle cop pulled the bike over and approached the man. "Sir, can I please see your papers?" The man replies, "Not until you tell me what I did wrong, Officer." The officer explain, "You didn't come to a complete stop at the stop sign back there."
Q: How can you tell that a BMW rider and his passenger are having an affair?
Q: How many BMW riders does it take to screw in an oil filter? A: Two: one laying on the ground, preferably at a campsite; one taking photos to post.
7.
Q: What's the cheapest thing on a BMW Motorcycle? A: The rider
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Gearing Up for Winter
January 2010
by Lilian Hobbs
It is surprising how many of us when winter comes, ‘put the bike away for the winter’. We are lucky living in the UK that we can ride our motorbikes all year round, some of my friends in the US really do have to store their bikes as riding on snow and ice is not fun and can be plain dangerous. So what can you do to enjoy riding all year round? ell, first of all, have confidence in yourself that you can do it, it is not that difficult. You are probably saying to yourself, I don’t want to get wet or cold. If so, then read on!
W
Let’s look first at riding in the rain, something that we have seen an awful lot of recently. My first encounter with serious rain was the day I went to take my theory test. I went on my bike due to the parking difficulties in Southampton and the men at the test centre took pity on me when they saw my soaked jacket and didn’t make me put it in the locker. When I then got soaked to the skin literally on a SAM run I vowed to get some proper waterproof gear. Now just because it says it is waterproof, don’t believe it. I use the RIDE magazine tests and can vouch for the one piece Alpinestar’s El Nino suit. It is expensive but keeps me bone dry, even in a tropical cyclone. I like to wear it over my textiles because then when I arrive somewhere I have dry clothing on underneath. The one piece dries very quickly where jacket and trousers can take ages. Next it’s the boots. When they let in the rain it can be very cold and unpleasant so again I checked out the RIDE report. Do make sure that the label says ‘waterproof’ as many boots are for summer use. Currently I am using the Daytona Lady Star boots and they definitely keep my feet dry. Gloves are another matter and I am still searching for some waterproof gloves. So far the best pair I have had were about ten pounds in Lidl, but it does seem that in torrential rain gloves will get wet, so my solution to the problem is to carry a spare pair. Finally, it is really important to be able to see where you are going and don’t you wish that visors came
with their own windscreen wipers? Since they don’t I use the Nikwax Visor Proof and the rain just runs off. I do find that you have to apply it frequently so if you clean the helmet en-route, probably best to put some more on at the same time. Ok that’s the rain sorted but it often gets very cold and with the wind chill factor on a bike, what can you do to keep warm? Well, of course you can wear more thermal layers, or you could get yourself some heated clothing. I use the Gerbing jacket and gloves and recently these were replaced by the new distributor and all I can say about the latest range is wow! My jacket always did get warm, but this jacket is much better and I love the heat around the collar. The heated gloves connect at the sleeves and can now be controlled using a dual controller, so you can get the gloves and jacket at different temperatures. My only problem now is that often I get the gloves too hot!! Do bear in mind that these products draw on the battery so take care that you don’t take out more out of the battery than you are putting in. So that’s the rider sorted, but what about your pride and joy. Anything you can do there to make winter
more bearable? A change of screen can give you more protection, you could add heated grips or hand deflectors or put those ugly mittens over the handlebars as every little bit helps. Finally when you come home you look at your pride and joy and it is filthy and maybe covered in salt. So get the hose out and clear it off and I like to spray the Scotoiler FS365
over the bottom of my bike as it is supposed to put a protective film on the bike and all I can say is that it did wonders for my Suzuki which I rode in all weathers. This year I am trying out the ACF50 product, which they claim needs one coat for the season. So go on, you know you want to get out on the bike, what is stopping you?
Anyone from SAM visiting Istanbul mustn't miss the Rami Koch museum by the Golden Horn. 40 classic cars and 40 classic bikes on display, all of which belonged to Rami Koch during a long career creating Turkey's largest company - with 120,000 staff. Telescopes, navigation equipment, early computers, marine engines, ships, even a German submarine. By James Grazebrook
PA G E 9
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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
January 2010
Powered two wheelers and cyclists First an apology. If you were the motorcycle instructor I ranted at, then I apologise, having just had a bit of a shock then I wasn’t feeling too disposed to other road users, and cycling and ranting at the same time doesn’t always lead to rational argument. n another bike forum I frequent www.triumphtorque .com there’s an ongoing debate about cyclists. For some, cyclists are lycra clad vermin due whatever comes to them, for others cycling is a leisure past time, good for health, body and soul, an alternative to public transport, a method of just getting around, or a way of preserving the power to weight ratio of my motorcycle – think about it!
O
Where’s he going with this you may ask…? If you consider that cyclists are possibly more vulnerable than ourselves, then surely they deserve our respect on the road. We’re taught about defensive riding and ensuring our position on the road doesn’t allow cars to overtake or undertake, or force us into the drains and gulleys on the road. When I’m cycling I adopt a more dominating position on my bit of road, protecting my safety by giving
myself space, and dissuading cars from squishing me against traffic islands, or forcing me into the kerb from a poor overtake. This does annoy the less informed drivers out there, but most of them would rather not risk a head-on in the opposite lane, and when it’s safe I give up a little bit of my space and that’s a signal for those behind to overtake.
If you consider that cyclists are possibly more vulnerable than ourselves, then surely they deserve our respect on the road.
overtake a cyclist give them plenty of room, finish the manoeuvre, go past them, the piece of road next to a cyclist is not yours to sit in and plan your next overtake (you’ve not finished the last one!). And don’t forget a shove from an annoyed cyclist could see you sliding down the road. Ok, debate open - you know where to send your replies.
Steve Faulkner
Anyway, a few weeks back two riders, and an instructor were out, and the first rider overtook me so close I could have reached across and pinched his keys; the instructor took a little umbrage about me sticking my arm out and fending off the rider. Once I’d ranted enough the instructor accepted why I was where I was in the road, and his leaner could have given me a bit more space.
Rui de Castro undergoes surgery on his knee
So, my plea to all you SAM riders is that cyclists are as vulnerable as us, and deserve our respect, when you
Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back.
Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don't Wave Back
10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
9.
Leather and studs make it too hard to raise arm.
8. Shoulder too stiff from camping on the ground the night before.
8.
Refuses to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.
7.
Afraid to let go of the handlebars because they might vibrate off.
6.
Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.
5.
Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.
4.
Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by those rice-burner manufacturers.
3.
Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.
2.
Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.
1.
They're jealous that after spending $20,000, they still don't own a Gold Wing.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat. 6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, or talking on the cell phone. 5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!. 4. Wires from Gerbings is too short. 3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW. 2. You haven't been properly introduced. And the number one reason... 1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture. P A G E 10
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SAM DIARY OF EVENTS FOR 2010 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
DATE Sun 17 Jan Sun 24 Jan Sun 31 Jan Sun 7 Feb Tues 9 Feb Sun 14 Feb Sun 21 Feb Sun 28 Feb Sun 7 Mar Tues 9 Mar Sun 14 Mar Sun 21 Mar Sun 28 Mar Sun 4 Apr Sun 11 Apr Tues 13 April Sun 18 Apr Sun 25 Apr Sun 2 May Sun 9 May Tues 11 May Sun 16 May Sun 23 May Sun 30 May Sun 6 Jun Tues 8 Jun Sun 13 Jun Sun 20 Jun Sun 27 Jun 16-18 July Sun 10 Oct
RUN LEADER Vince Hall Jill Kernick Peter Kynvin Hilary Hardman Club night John Parvin Mike West Marc Sabin SAM Sunday Nigel Grace Nick Bub Ian Cooper SAM Sunday Alec Gore
MEETING/ TIME Winchester Loomies 10:30 Wickham Ower Sarisbury Green 7.30 for 8pm Winchester Loomies Green badge holders only Wickham Sarisbury Green Club night Ower Winchester Loomies Sarisbury Green Winchester Club night
SAM Sunday Alec Gore
SAM Sunday
Sarisbury Green
January 2010
DESTINATION TBA TBA TBA Dorset Run TBA TBA 3 TBA Free Assessment , followed by rideout Sarisbury Green Pizza @ Capozzolis Italian in Ilchester SAM buddies run
GRADE 2
1
2 1-2
Free Assessment , followed by rideout Pirbright Twisties, lunch at the Cunning Man PH, Sheffield Bottom Sarisbury Green
1 3
1 3
Club night
Free Assessment, followed by rideout Thames Valley 200, lunch @ The Pheasant PH, Brill Sarisbury Green
Sarisbury Green Club night
Free Assessment , followed by rideout Sarisbury Green
1
Nigel Grace Nigel Grace
SAM camping weekend in Exmoor - all welcome Weymouth beach race
2
ON OUR DOORSTEP - Scotland is Twisty by Colin Hitch
It’s August, I’m on leave and all I can hear is my Tiger 1050 saying “Ride me, 2000 ish miles should do it”. So tent etc packed, please see my website for details: http://web.me.com/colinhitchcock/I_h ave _ n o _ p l a n _ 1 / We l c o m e . h t m l Now all I need is a destination, already in the South, so North it is. M6 provides a fast way to Gretna Green and 6 hours later I’m in a foreign land, now what? I look at the clock, it’s midday, therefore my plan is to go clockwise around Scotland......genius. So it is I follow the coast road and 250 grinning miles later I decide that reluctantly I had better call a halt due to darkness, as it’s Scotland you can camp most anywhere...hurrah. Day 1 complete with 550 easy-peasy miles completed. The West Coast - Day 2 299 miles today following the coast to
Fort Augustus, which I have to say is biker heaven, with empty and scenic twisty roads pulling you ever North, although the coast is so twisty you will actually go South, East and West! Isle of Skye - Day 3 308 miles including a circumnavigation of Skye, unplanned, but it appeared out of the mist and seeing as how I was in the area....... The North Coast and Home Day 4 and 5
Keep Your Eyes on the Road?
272 etc!; you are spoilt by all that has gone before. Mileage for Day 5 was 640. The overall statistics are as follows: a) MPG = 52.2 b) Mileage = 2126.8 c) Riding Time = 42.24 hours d) Average MPH = 50 In summary I would wholeheartedly recommend Scotland to you, if you like camping. I’m going again next Easter leave.
Just keep the engine running
Eilean Donan Castle
The last bit of the West Coast followed by skimming along the North Coast. I made camp just past John O’ Groats after 329 miles. Day 5 was all about getting home really, the A9 whilst far superior to anything we have and I include the A P A G E 11
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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
January 2010
Sam Welcomes New members Adam Hayter Alan Ware Amanda Spur Andrew Piper Ben Walker Beverley Brown
Dominic Forres Elisa Hunt Ian Colgrave Ian Croft John Burton Jonathan Dowd
Joy Davies Julian Labouchardiere Mark Bleach Mike Cater Mike Kneller Mike Walker
CAPTION COMPETITION:
Paul Bergamas Peter Finch Russell Donaldson Simon Carson-Jones Vincent Hall
A £5 voucher to the winner. Suggestions by email to editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
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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.
P A G E 12
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