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Page 1
April 2009
The IAM Aims
CAPTION COMPETITION:
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. April 09
MAKING
progress
Nigels swan song caption comp pic to see if anyone is out there!!! Answers via email to:
sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
Naomi House continued from cover Naomi House is the only children’s hospice covering Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, West Sussex and Surrey. It caters for the needs of over 250 families and a major expansion is underway to enable Naomi House to carry its care forward to cater for 18-23 year olds, as medical science and expert care continue to improve the quality of life and the life expectancy of children who would otherwise have had very short lives.
SAM Polo-shirts Black long or short sleeve shirts embroidered with the Club name - always available to buy at Club Nights. Sizes XXL to Small. Long Sleeves £18.50 Short Sleeves £15.00
Naomi House Pictured is David Forster, SAM’s PR Officer presenting a cheque for £100.25 (the 25p is important for book-keeping purposes) to Ray Kipling, the Chief Executive of Naomi House,
Books and Videos £3.00
How to be an Advanced Motorcyclist
£7.99
Motorcycle Roadcraft (Blue Book)
£11.99
Mike Waites Video
£14.99
Top Rider Video
£14.99
Available for sale at Club Night.
p5
Help us make progress with a contribution towards the next issue. Pics in jpeg format please.
Design & artwork by KF:D LTD Fordingbridge, 01425 654557
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.
Newsletter email address is sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
continued on back cover
New test disaster
DISCLAIMER
P A G E 12
Chief Observer’s Report
p4
The Assessment of Advanced Motorcycling £4.50 Know your Traffic Signs
the children’s hospice at Sutton Scotney that benefited from the Bring & Buy sale at SAM club night on 10 February.
INSIDE p4
Beginners Guide
p9 Wales Trip
p 11 BIKE New Zealand
Registered Charity No. 1097558
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April 2009
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
April 2009
BIKE NEW ZEALAND by Lilian Hobbs f you are looking for biking heaven, then take a trip to New Zealand's South Island. There you will find twisties that go on for hours, hairpin bends and although little traffic, there will be some good overtaking opportunities.
I
Lilian & Wendy have just spent the last 18 days touring the South Island.We rented some motorcycles in Christchurch from Enduro NZ and headed off through Arthur's Pass in the rain, despite it being their summer. This was our introduction to the wonderful roads we were going to ride. Once through the pass we stopped for fish & chips, warning the portions are huge, and headed to see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. These two glaciers are easily accessible from the main road and at our overnight stop we were introduced to the NZ sand fly, which bites. Wendy said that we were left looking like we had chicken pox.
5% discount for SAM members
From there we headed off to Queenstown for a few days where we did some non biking activities which included riding quad bikes off road and chartering a light aircraft for a flight over a glacier and landing on a remote beach, where once again the sand flies attacked us. Wendy is still talking about the memorable twisty ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy. From Queenstown we headed south to NZ Land's End and we also rode through a tropical cyclone, and yes it is their summer! As we took shelter in a McDonalds, we were so wet that they had to put out the wet floor sign and come behind us with a mop. My Alpinestars El Nino suit kept me dry, but Wendy was not so lucky. Good job McDonalds had powerful hand driers and a large disabled loo! After riding through floods, Wendy was at last in front as it was ideal for her BMW 650GS, Lilian was more cautious on her Suzuki. Along the way there was fantastic scenery, we saw seal colony's at the side of the road and stopped at some delightful local places for lunch. The two lady bikers wearing matching BMW blue jackets often
PA G E 2
attracted some attention and comments. Now heading north, the scenery changed a little and Lilian actually managed to get sun burnt at the thermal spring in Hamner. There were lots of bikers on the roads who usually waved and we had to keep an eye on fuel as it was not uncommon to go 80km between fuel and food stops. At the top of the South Island there is an incredible road from Nelson to Picton that is just up and down the mountain with twisties all the way. Then there is a fantastic coastal drive where you can really practice your bends, although watch out for the idiots coming the other way on your side as they cut the corner or overtake on the hairpin bends. In Blenheim, Lilian experienced carrying a pillion passenger for the first time so that Wendy could enjoy tasting the wines at the local wineries. Then it was time to take the coastal road back to Christchurch, but not before we stopped to take in a Whale Watch, but this one was by plane, not boat! We got to see 2 whales dive from the plane, which is an amazing sight. Returning to Christchurch, the rain once again returned and wet weather gear was required. We covered some 3500km on our bikes and Enduro NZ were a great rental company and are highly recommended. Our bikes came with panniers, locks and even chain lube. Wendy had a top box, which was useful for going to the local supermarket and Lilian took her
trusty autocom and zumo and wired it into the bike because there are free Garmin maps available for New Zealand. Whilst you can book an organized tour, its very easy to tour NZ on your own. Lilian planned the trip using trusty Garmin and used Google to find accommodation along the way. Therefore, we had a pre-planned route and tour. Of
course, you can just go and see what you find and everywhere we visited did have spare accommodation, but that may have been due to the credit crunch. Although I haven't biked many places around the world, NZ is currently at the top of my list and I want to go back. Next time though, I am going to investigate shipping my own bike down instead of renting.
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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
Hi each
April 2009
CHAIRMAN’S
By the time you read this editorial we shall be just 4 weeks away from the Annual General Meeting (AGM). I am not going to bang on about the importance of the AGM but I would encourage you all to attend. As you know I will be standing down as Editor and the Committee from the date of the AGM. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have contributed articles and photos over the previous years. I would especially like to mention Kim Formhalls and thank her for all her hard work in getting the Newsletter designed and printed each quarter, and for putting up with some very short deadlines..... I will now take my leave of this scribbling and urge you to support the incoming Editor and I wish him all the best....
Nigel Grace Outgoing Editor If I may add to this.... Nigel has thanked me, but the credit is due to him for all the work he has done and the quick turn around he does on the newsletter proofs when tight print deadlines seem impossible... so thanks Nigel, you have been great to work with, Kim.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chairman:
Dr Lilian Hobbs
Vice Chairman:
Colin Backhouse
Group Secretary:
Paul Nol
Treasurer:
John Parvin
Chief Observer:
David Spicer
Membership Secretary:
Dr Wendy Peters
Club Night Organiser:
Howard King
Public Relations:
David Forster
Group Rides Co-ordinator:
Gerry Gooch
Skills Co-ord:
Dr Lilian Hobbs
Regalia:
Vacant
SAM Sunday Co-Ord
Becci Lunn
Newsletter:
Nigel Grace
MDU Manager:
Tim Bennett
Committee Member:
James Norman
chat
I am writing this whilst returning from a memorable touring adventure. Instead of throwing a party for a significant birthday, I decided to head south to motorbiking heaven, New Zealand. With miles, upon miles of twisty roads, yes I have left biking heaven, but SAM has so much to offer this year. Some of you packed your bikes away for the winter, or haven't been out much due to the very cold weather, but during this time, the committee has been working tirelessly to plan exciting events for the coming year and hopefully you will agree that there is something for everyone. Members can now enrol in the new SAM Advanced Plus course, which provides training and an examination with a Police Class 1 examiner, scored out of 100. Congratulations to Alec Gore on the his pass, scoring 97. Alec's Slow Riding courses are back, dates and the evening theory classes for associates have already started running, booking from the SAM web site, which is now being regularly updated by Rui. It may have been cold and wet, but that hasn't usually stopped the Sunday runs going out, although I did cancel my run when it was -2C and two riders still turned up! As summer approaches there will be evening rides as well and once you have your green badge, if you would like to lead a ride then contact Gerry Gouch who will be happy to provide training. With regards to runs, which are now classified by skill, not pace, please can I remind everyone that for the enjoyment of those on the ride to make sure that you have the appropriate skills for the ride. Our goal is to ensure that there is always at least one run a month, usually after SAM Sunday, which is suitable for all riders. SAM has also been asked to help marshall several events this year and of course we will be looking for volunteers. Howard has been working on an interesting programme of speakers for the upcoming club nights, so hopefully we will see you there as well. To all associates, I hope that that those of you who have parked your bikes up for the winter will start training again. Some of you who have been Associates for a long time may have already been contacted by the Chief Observer to see if you want to pass your test. This is because we had to keep quite a few people waiting last year to start training, because we have a shortage of Observers. As I say every time, SAM only thrives as a club because of all your contributions for which I say a big thank you. As I finish writing this on the aeroplane I now yearn to get on my own bike and not the rental I was riding for over two weeks. Safe Riding and hope to see you at a SAM event soon. Lilian Hobbs
PA G E 3
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April 2009
NEW TEST DISASTER
A return to the 'bad old days' when L-riders shunned training and testing is feared when controversial changes to the motorcycle exam are made on 27 April. iding instructors, the BMF and motorcycle manufacturers believe that there is a very real danger that riders of small capacity commuter bikes may take their training no further that the CBT stage and that others may opt out completely and take to the roads without even a provisional licence.
R
Chris Hodder, the BMF's government relations executive, said: "The test process will make gaining a motorcycle licence a long, complicated and expensive business, which will in turn encourage people to shun training and ride illegally". "Couple this with the imminent imposition of a third driving licence directive in 2013 that brings in more complexity to the motorcycle licence process and it will be a miracle if anyone in 2013 will bother at all". A big increase in test fees, a shortage of centres where the new off-road part of the riding exam can be taken and a minimum of 10-day wait between failing and retaking the second part of the now two-part exam are top of the list of criticisms.
Plans to introduce the changes in a single test last September had to be scrapped because too few of the proposed new £7 million network of just 66 test centres would be ready in time. The decision to split the new exam into two separate modules with a new launch date of 27 April was announced by the Driving Standards Agency at the end of January, but Mr Hodder has slammed the consultation as a farce. He said: "The Government has made a dog's breakfast of the whole issue." Test fees were increased to £80 last September and are now due to rise to £90.50 in October. Steve Kenward, Chief Executive of the Motorcycle Industry Association warned that the rises "could encourage a 'permanent learner' culture among learner riders with all the safety issues that this implies." Module 1 of the new exam will cover machine control, 'swerve' and braking tests. Module 2 will include an eyesight test and least 30 minutes on road riding. The DSA aims to have 65 Module 1 and 104 Module 2 test centres some of them temporary - in operation when the changes are introduced.
Motorcycle Monthly - March 2009
C H I E F O B S E RV E R ’ S REPORT M a rc h 0 9 It's a funny old thing this Advanced Riding. I've always seen the difference between a 'rider' and an 'Advanced rider' as something quite subtle, which I suppose is true, but these subtle differences can have a profound effect on our ride. Not only do we become safer, but we probably enjoy biking more and we certainly look more stylish. These subtle differences have become much more obvious to me since I started training people to ride bikes from scratch. The average 16 year old comes to me to do their CBT and they've never ridden a motorcycle before in their lives. I feel like an artist with a blank canvas. Any wrong move now can have an amazing effect on the student and my work can either end up as a poor, boring reproduction of an average rider or the early strokes of a masterpiece. What an opportunity! At this stage of a biker's career, the difference between good and bad is immense. Some struggle with simply mastering the control of a motorcycle and the good ones
PA G E 4
almost look like they were born with a natural affinity. All of them struggle initially with road craft which is hardly surprising. The most amazing thing I've discovered is that I can very quickly bring the 'bad' rider into a 'good' rider by employing some Advanced Riding techniques. Admittedly, they are on the very first rung of a very tall learning ladder, but often they are very keen to look good on their bike. A CBT student may achieve the required standard when they come to a halt on their machine, but sometimes I know they are barely in control and it all looks slightly scruffy.
I'm telling them to adopt some Advanced Riding principles. Unsurprisingly to me, it's the realisation that they can ride with style which seems to have the most effect. And, to me, it's this magic ingredient of style that epitomises the Advanced Rider. I've always been amazed it's not talked about more within our ranks, but I guess it's slightly nebulous and difficult to define. I know I've told this story before, to all the poor souls who have endured my SAM evening classes, but here goes again...
Tell them to plan further ahead so that they don't rush anything and it all becomes smoother.
Many years ago I was with my family and we had stopped to buy fish & chips in Winchester (yes, they do sell them there, but you need to know where to look). Just up the road, a motorcycle was parked and its rider was at a nearby ATM machine. Having completed his transaction, he approached the machine, got on, and rode no more than 50 metres up the road, turned left and was gone.
Tell them to try and anticipate more and often they look like they are more in control of the situation.
'That man is an Advanced Rider.' I declared to my uninterested offspring.
Tell them to do it with style and try and look 'cool' and they can immediately relate to that. They want to look stylish in front of their peers.
Sadly, they had no desire to know how I knew, but I informed them regardless. 'He did that with amazing style,' I explained as they impatiently urged me into the chip shop. And that was it. He personified coolness. He rushed nothing. He was style-on-a-bike. From that day on I have always added an extra 'S' to the four often referred to in Advanced Riding circles. My list now reads, Safety Speed - Smoothness - System Style. So which comes first, technique or style? Well, I think either drives the other. Seeking to be stylish demands that our observation, anticipation and planning skills are in place. The beauty of style is that it extends further. It dictates how we walk up to our machine from the ATM, how we get on and even how we start her up. So let's all go for style - big time.
David Spicer
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April 2009
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLING
Counter Steering, Push Steering the Easy way.
whole push-steering job easier on yourself! You will always go where you look (or look at), so why not look into the turn rather than stare at the ground or a few feet ahead? Why make it more difficult on yourself!
One of the most important new skills a rider learns is how to Counter Steer or Push Steer correctly with confidence. Some have problems with the technique, some are timid and others just were never taught properly. I like using the work "Push Steering" rather than "Counter Steering" because it is easier to visualize and imagine. Push Steering is when you want to turn (lean) the bike at speeds over 20km/h. While you can do all sorts of things to turn the motorcycle rather than push steer, push steering works the best of all. It should be practiced until done with confidence and correctly because it is very important skill to have. Once you have read this article I believe it will bring your confidence right up!
Counter/Push Steering the Easy Way Learning to Ride It is best to practice in a parking lot or in an area without other cars and on clean pavement. Setting up cans or cones to make a turn is a good idea that will help you out. If you have any questions, just write me. The MOST IMPORTANT THING about building confidence in counter-steering (push steering) is... Motorcycles always want and are the happiest being straight up from the ground when the front tyre is rotating (when you are moving).This is true because of the gyroscopic effect of the front wheel spinning around. Remember playing with a gyroscope when you were little and how hard it was to upset its balance from spinning straight up? Well that is same with a motorcycle as well! (Technical: How a gyroscope works) Basic Explanation: As the gyroscope
spins, the force of the spinning causes the gyroscope to want to stay upright and be stable. As with the motorcycle tyre : As the front motorcycle tire spins, the force of the spinning causes the motorcycle body to want to stay upright and be stable. What happens when you push steer (counter-steer) is you only temporarily (as long as you are pushing on the bar) leaning the motorcycle to the left or right while looking where you want to go. It requires MORE force to lean the motorcycle to the left or right than it does to bring it straight back up because of the gyroscopic effect. Thus the motorcycle always wants to be stable and will bring itself back up right and therefore the motorcycle won't fall down. By looking as far into the turn (where you want to go) as you can, you assure yourself of making the
So will the motorcycle ever fall completely over push steering? If by "fall" you are meaning skidding it sideways (off the tires) so you do not have any tire grip anymore than yes. BUT it would require quite an extreme lean angle that you would have to do this on purpose before it would happen. And thanks to other things getting in the way (pegs, exhaust, side/canter stand) that these things would touch the ground long before you ran out of tire traction! Even if these things scrape the ground you still have good control and it is a breeze to bring the back back straight up! These are turns motorcycle racers do around track corners and if you are starting to scope things on the ground in a turn, then you mastered push steering beyond the scope of this article!
Now, that is an Extreme lean and the motorcycle still has not fallen over! Note that they are looking into the turn, not directly in front of them. So let's Review: • Motorcycles are extremely stable machines that highly prefer to travel straight up from the ground thanks to the rotating front wheel causes a highly stable gyroscopic effect. • To push steer, push on the bar the way to want to turn. Push right to go right, push left to go left. • It requires more force to temporarily lean (turn) the motorcycle than it does to bring
it back up. In fact, the motorcycle will do it almost 100% on its own! • To push steer you need to be going 20km/h or greater. • It is extremely difficult (0.001% chance) to have the bike fall down without doing it on purpose. • Always Look as far down the turn where you want to go to make push steering easier on yourself. Steering - Rake and Trail What makes one motorcycle turn better than another one? What is heavy steering? What is rake and trail any ways? Rake is the angle between the headset tube and a vertical line.
Increasing the rake will move the front tire farther from the bike. Rake is measured in degrees, and is a frame specification. To visualize trail, draw an imaginary line along the path of the headset tube to the ground. Measure from this point to the centre of the tire patch. This is trail, and is measured in inches. The amount of rake is significant in determining a motorcycle's handling characteristics. In general, more rake provides greater straight line stability, less rake makes the bike more responsive. Larger values of trail also create more straight line stability. This is why the forks on a sportbike are more vertical than those of a cruiser. continued on page 6
PA G E 5
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SAM DIARY OF EVENTS FOR 2009
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
APR
MAY
Sun 19 SAM Group Ride - Wantage for Lunch Winchester Ian Cooper Le Mans 24 hours France Tue 21 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm Sat 25 International Classic Bike Show - Stafford County Show Ground until 26th April Cookstown Irish Road Race Tyrone Sun 26 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham Jill Kenrick MotoGP Japan, WSB Round 4 Assen Fri 1 Sun 3
Mon 4 Sat 9 Sun 10
Tue 12 Sat 16 Sun 17 Tue 19 Wed 29 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Sat 30 Sun 31
Paignton Bike Festival Devon SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon SAM Sunday MotoGP Spain BSB Oulton Park Slow Riding Course HMS Collingwood 10am SAM Group Ride - Swanage for Fish & Chips Ower 10am Lillian Hobbs WSB Round 5 Italy, Thundersprint Northwich Cheshire SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm North West 200 Starts Coleraine NI North West 200 Ends Coleraine NI BMF Show Peterborough SAM Group Ride - South Downs Special Loomies 0930 Nick Bubb WSB Round 6 South Africa, MotoGP Le Mans France SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 7.30pm London International Custom Show - Earls Court until 24th May SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester BSB Donington Park SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 7.30pm Garden of England Motor Show Detling Kent SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham MotoGP Italy, BSB Thruxton, WSB Round 7 USA
continued from page 5
Jan 2009
JUNE Sun 7 Sat 13 Sun 14 Tue Sun Tue Sat Tue Sat Sun
10 21 17 21 23 27 28
JULY Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5
Fri Sat Sun Tue Sun
10 11 12 14 19
Tue 21 Thu 22 Sun 26 Tue 28 AUG Sun 2
SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon James Norman SAM Sunday Southern 100 Road Races Isle of Man SAM Group Ride - Calne Wiltshire Ower 10am Mark Smith MotoGP Spain SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - Cotswold Tour Loomies John Goodson SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm WSB Round 8 San Marino, BSB Snetterton SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm MotoGP Assen Netherlands SAM Group Ride - Avesbury Rings/Devizes Winchester 10am Nigel Grace WSB Round 9 Donington Park Goodwood Festival of Speed Slow Riding Course HMS Collingwood 10am SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon SAM Sunday MotoGP Leguna Seca USA Festival of 1000 bikes Mallory Park Cock o’ the North Road Races Scarborough SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - Woolacombe N Devon, Ower - Early, Lou Lucas MotoGP Sachsenring GE SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm Riders for Health Day of Champions Donington Park SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies MotoGP Donington Park, WSB Round 10 Czech Republic SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon Alan Culshaw SAM Sunday
Cut Accidents .... Stay home on Tuesdays
Typical Cruiser Dimensions (2003 Honda VTX1800)
Rake 24.0 degrees
Rake 32.0 degrees
Wheelbase 54.7 inches
Trail 152.0mm (6.0 inches)
Therefore:With a rake of 24 degrees and a trail of 95mm (3.7 inches) this motorcycle will turn much quicker and sharper than the Cruiser, but will not be as good or as stable in a straight line. The short wheelbase of 54.7 inches also assists this motorcycle again in cornering but hinders straight line stability. So this motorcycle has been properly designed for it's intended purpose (going in and out of corners at high speeds and taking twisty roads).
Tuesdays is the most dangerous day of the week for motorcyclists, according to insurer Bennetts.
Visualize the wheels of a shopping cart for an illustration of a machine with zero rake and a lot of trail. Exciting handling, but zero straight line stability.
Meanwhile the most dangerous day of the year was October 10th.
Wheelbase 67.5 inches Therefore: With a rake of 32 degrees and a trail of 152mm (6 inches) this motorcycle will be better and more stable in a straight line than turning a tight corner. The long wheelbase of 67.5 inches also assists this motorcycle again in straight line performance but will hinder it in cornering. So this motorcycle has been properly designed for it's intended purpose (touring, cruising, and highway use). Typical Sport Bike Dimensions (2003 Honda CBR600RR)
Trail 95.0mm (3.7 inches)
http://www.totalmotorcycl e.com/school-SectionFive B.htm is the web site for more information. Reprinted with the kind permission of Mike Le Pard of Total Motorcycle. PA G E 6
The firm's annual report looked at claims in the year to Jul 2008 and found bike accidents would drop by nearly a quarter if we all spent Tuesdays in bed. The weekend was when fewest accidents occurred. The investigation also found the Ford Focus to be the most dangerous car to motorcyclists for the second year running, involved in 14% of bike crashes.
Bennetts Director Paul Galligan said: "Our report reiterates how careful bikers need to be and reminds them to give the worst offending cars a wide berth." Unsurprisingly, the most dangerous place to ride in the UK is consistent, according to Bennetts' reports it's London.... MCN Feb 2009 Any thoughts on Club night and Committee meetings...... !!!
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SAM DIARY OF EVENTS FOR 2009 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
Thu Sun Tue Sun Tue Sun Tue Sat Sun
6 9 11 16
Bulldog Bash Shakespeare County Raceway SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham MotoGP Brno Czech SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm BSB Cadwell Park SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies MotoGP Indianapolis
SAM MANICOM, 18 23 25 29 30
Motorcycle Traveller
SEPT Sun 6
Tue 8 Wed 9 Sat 12 Sun 13 Tue 15 Wed 16 Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20 Tue 22 Sun 27
SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon SAM Sunday MotoGP Misano Spain, WSB Round 11 Germany SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Evening Theory Class - SGCC 7.30pm Slow Riding Course HMS Collingwood 10am SAM Group Ride - see web site for details, Winchester SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Evening Theory Class - SGCC 7.30pm Goodwood Revival BMF Tail-end Show Peterborough SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham MotoGP Hungary SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower WSB Round 12 Italy
OCT Sun 4
SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon SAM Sunday MotoGP Portugal, BSB France Sun 11 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies BSB TBA
SAM Club Night Admission Fee Please can I remind everyone that there is an Admission Fee of £2 to attend the SAM Club Nights and in return you get a raffle ticket for those wonderful prizes we have every month. ou are probably wondering why we have an admission fee to the club night when you already pay an annual subscription to SAM, doesn't that cover it? Well unfortunately only partially! You see the IAM have very strict rules on how we can spend your money, which is good news for you, so no big bonuses for the committee I am afraid!
Y
We are only allowed to spend your money on activities related to road safety and improving your riding skills. So although we can use the funds to pay for the room hire and run slow riding courses we are not allowed to use it to provide you with speakers like Lois Price and the food provided at certain events, this is where the money from the admission fee is used. It is placed in a social fund and in a few months time Sam Manicom will be visiting us and these speakers don't come cheap, so we will need the proceeds from probably 2 or 3 club nights to pay for his expenses. Hopefully this clarifies why we are asking for an admission fee on the door and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
Lilian Hobbs SAM Chairman
Tue 13 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm Sun 18 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester MotoGP Australia Tue 20 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm Sun 25 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham WSB Portugal, MotoGP Malaysia
NOV Sun 1 Sun 8
DEC
Jan 2009
Tue Sun Tue Sun Thu Sun
10 15 17 22 26 29
SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies MotoGP Spain SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower NEC Motorcycle Show 26 Nov - 6 Dec SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies
Sun Tue Sun Tue Sun Sun
6 9 13 17 20 27
SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies
Winchester Loomies Ower
King Alfred’s Statue West Meon Hut McDonalds Car Park
SGCC Wickham Fareham
Sarisbury Green Community Centre The Wickham Square Sainsbury’s Car Park
See web site for latest details www.solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
CLUB NIGHTS Tuesday 12th May :It's that time of renewal in the year when Spring is sprung and the Club is holding the Annual General Meeting at the SGCC. Come and have your say about what you like or dislike about the Committee's efforts over the year, or preferably what you think could improve SAM. If you feel strongly enough you may even offer to serve as an officer for the coming year. An interesting evening in store with time for a natter afterward. Tuesday 9th June :The must have products you need to stay dry and smart as a motocyclist will be in the Nikwax range. This evening Harry Kirk is coming to the SGCC giving us the the opportunity to hear at first hand the qualities of Nikwax that are available, and purchase from the selection he brings with him. He will convince you, if you're not already aware, that there is no better product on the market for cleaning and waterproofing your riding gear.
REMINDER - IAM Membership Please can I remind everyone that in order to be a member of SAM you must maintain your membership with the IAM. If you have joined recently then your IAM membership renewal will coincide with your SAM renewal. For those of us who have been members for a while, your IAM membership will be the month in which you passed your test. So that you don't forget these renewals, the IAM can be paid by direct debit and SAM via a standing order. It is important that you maintain both memberships because otherwise SAM will not be covered under its insurance for any activities in which you may participate. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. Lilian Hobbs SAM Chairman PA G E 7
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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
April 2009
Ace Cafe London Celebrates Triumph Motorcycles, 50 Years of Jack Lilley and 50th Anniversary of the Triumph Bonneville. Ace Cafe London are delighted to announce that they have teamed up with Triumph Motorcycles and Triumph dealer Jack Lilley Motorcycles, who are celebrating their 50th year in the business in 2009!
Wednesday 13th May
Related websites:
Wednesday 10th June
www.triumph.co.uk
Sunday 14th June - Triumph Day
www.jacklilley.com
ach month, from Wednesday 8th April to Wednesday 9th September on the cafe's regular Triumph Night (2nd Wednesday of each month from 6pm), to include Brit Bike Day (Sunday 12th April) and Triumph Day (Sunday 14th June), a 'Best Bike' will be nominated, with the winners being invited to take part in the 'Grand Final', to be judged for 'Bike of the Year' on Wednesday 14th October, when an overall winner will be chosen to claim the 'Grand Prize' of Triumph clothing or accessories to the value of ÂŁ250.
Wednesday 12th August
E
The winner on each Triumph Night for the best bike in the car park,
with judging taking place at 8.30pm, and 3pm on Brit Bike Day and Triumph Day, will be presented with prizes from a range of items supplied by Triumph, together with seven pairs of tickets to attend the Triumph Bonneville 50th Anniversary celebration event to be held at The Motor Heritage Centre, Gaydon, over the weekend of 22nd & 23rd August 2009.
Promotion & Competition Dates: Wednesday 8th April Sunday 12th April - Brit Bike Day
Wednesday 8th July
Wednesday 9th September Wednesday 14th October (Grand Final)
www.bonnevillecelebration.org www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk www.ace-cafe-london.com
Rant on! Yes, I am an Observer, I put thousands of extra miles on my bike each year, go through numerous sets of tyres, extra servicing, wear and tear and depreciation for a small contribution to my costs. Why do I do it, because I want to put something back and I get a kick out of seeing people's riding improve, especially when they pass their tests. o all those who book regular Observed Runs, turn up on time, practice what you were shown on your last run, learn their highway code and learn the system, thank you and congratulations your test success is assured.
T
an, There's a Scotsm ishman Englishman and Ir e th sitting at a bar on Riviera me. r the pubs back ho
prefe Scotsman, 'I still Now the 'Y'know,' said the lled McTavish's. ca r ba tle lit a e's er th ch that w mu In Glasgo for the locals so es out of his way go you.' e er for k th in rd dr dlo lan y the fifth r drinks he will bu when you buy fou Oak, the local, the Royal glishman, 'At my buy the u yo er aft k 'Well,' said the En u your third drin yo y bu ll wi e er barman th first two!' in man. 'Back home g,' said the Irish in in th t no foo 's t at se th u , 'Ahhh e moment yo an's Bar. Now th ks Ry in dr e's e er th th , all n r, bli he Du en anot y you a drink, th take you the place they'll bu gh drinks they'll ou en d ha e u'v yo en wh en Th e.' e. us you lik All on the ho that you get laid. upstairs and see or n the immediately sc and Scotsman an m e. 'Well,' sh tru gli is En e rd Th ears every wo sw he t bu s, im Irishman's cla happen to you?' 'Did this actually n, ma sh gli En e said th did Irishman, 'But it ally, no,' said the on rs pe lf, se me ''Not me ter every time!'. happens to my sis
PA G E 8
Annoyingly there are a large number of Associates who aren't as committed, who've paid for their Skill For Life package (ÂŁ109 now) and for some unfathomable reason vanish part way through their training without a word or suddenly decide that their bike isn't waterproof or they don't like the winter, can't find the time to practice or generally mess their Observer around. When you sign up with SAM, you get assigned your own personal Observer to get you through your test. They freely give of their time and expertise are willing to go out in all weathers (safety permitting) just to help you. You will have received a copy of the Associates Charter which sets out what you can expect from your Observer and, more importantly, what is expected of you. On your initial meeting, your Observer will have gone over this again to make sure that you understand what is required - if you can't commit the time or really don't want to ride in anything other than sunshine, say so then! Advance motorcycling is about being able to read any road and safely make progress in all weathers, in fact usually the wet is where people feel most uncomfortable and need help. Even if you don't deliberately go out in the rain, sooner or later in England you are going to get caught out in it so why not learn to do it properly, I promise that the mud does wash off your bike! If for some reason you don't hit it off with your Observer, ask for a change, it happens and we can cope with it. Don't just vanish, if things aren't going right speak to somebody. If the boot was on the other foot, think how hacked off you would be if all your hard work and time is just abandoned, often with no explanation. Rant off!
Name withheld!!
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April 2009
WALES TRIP
If Gerry organises a trip to Wales this year, I can thoroughly recommend it. I went last year and I found it quite an experience.
reservation as I intended but to proceed to the end of the dual carriageway for a mile or two, where there was a roundabout. First things first I thought, better call Gerry to see if they've gone, and if not explain my predicament. To my glee they were all still waiting for me. Having told Gerry what had happened, and feeling a right twat, I proceeded to get the hell out of there. Passing my new found friends, the Abergavenny crew with a wave, I was soon onto the roundabout, knee down, whoops, a quick sorry wave at the
In the past I've been on my old Sprint a few times and later went with some mates. I was on my Tiger, whilst my mates were on sports bikes, R1s, Blades and the like. The attraction of Wales being the lovely, highly maintained, tarmaced sweeping roads they have. My mates, if the coast was clear, would overtake on double whites. As I am sure Aunty Lilian had told me you shouldn't do that, I didn't, which resulted in me being last man home every time, much to my mates amusement. Still the laugh was on them towards the end of last year as they did the same practice on the way to Box Hill, only to get caught by a copper, in an unmarked police car, who did the lot of them. Back to Gerry's trip, which was a completely different and sometimes challenging experience for me. We seemed to avoid all the sweeping fast roads and concentrated on going off the beaten track, over rough terrain and through some really fantastic beautiful scenery. At one remote point where some boulders had fallen from the hillside across our path, I thought we would turn around and go back, but that wasn't the case. I was most amazed to see Gerry point his bike in a straight line at the rocks and go over the whole lot, to which we all then duly followed. One thing I can do decide to go get booked accommodation
recommend if you is that you try and into the same as the others. I
booked too late last year and ended up by myself staying at a very nice hotel in Brecon, while all the others stayed at Talybont. The next morning, as I was running a little late, I phoned Gerry to let him know, to which he assured me that he and the others would wait for me. Having hastily packed the bike, I set off at great pace into the fresh early morning mist to meet the others. Approaching Talybont I was most dismayed to see a convoy of Advanced Motorcyclist passing me on the other side of the dual carriage way. The Fx!xing Bxx!xxds, I thought, leaving without me. I gestured to them that I would turn around. Finding a suitable gap in the central reservation I turned around and proceeded at great haste to catch them up. I eventually passed the back marker and made my way up the convoy an slotted into a convenient slot mid way along. After a mile or two we all pulled into a layby. Having dismounted I looked around and thought to myself, these faces don't seem too familiar. As the leader was making his way back to me, I thought to myself, that's not Gerry. When he got closer and I saw the Abergavenny Advanced Motorcyclist Badge on his yellow vest, which was a bit of a give away. "Are you joining us", he asked. "No I don't think so - thanks very much, I seem to have joined the wrong group" I replied. Much to my embarrassment. After they picked themselves up from rolling around with laughter, they asked where I was heading. Having explained, I was advised not to nip over the central
coppers by the roundabout. Are they following me? No, good. Head down I rode like s**t through the morning mist to get to the others as quickly as possible, wondering what sort of reception would await me. Eventually when I got to the others they greeted me with rapturous applause. What a relief. What a start to the day. Well what do you expect from an associate?
Name withheld - too embarrassed.
DEARDEN MOTORCYCLES LTD 207-209 Long Lane. Holbury Southampton SO45 2PD
For SAM Members, on production of a SAM Membership card 10% Discount on Clothing, Helmets, Parts and Accessories
023 8089 1110 www.deardenmotorcycles.co.uk
BIKE FOR SALE
Triumph Trophy 1200 - 1991 on a personalised plate, Blue 26,402 miles, MOT valid until June. Garaged with almost no use for 3 years. Runs ok but breaks binding - ÂŁ675 ono. Call Iain on 07795 438222
PA G E 9
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The National Road Rally 2008 The National Road Rally is an annual event which normally takes place at the beginning of July. This year's event was sponsored by Interphone and was, like previous years, supporting the MENCAP charity. Some 6 months ago Paul Young (P1), Paul Whyte (P2) and I agreed to enter as a team under the SAM banner. We've all had some experience with this event in previous years; P1 has done the rally many times (I've joined him on two occasions) and P2, a partial virgin, as his first attempt to participate in 2006 failed due to mechanical failure in the early stages of that years rally. ou plan your own route from a Matrix indicating Control points and the staged miles between them. There are rules to be followed which can tax any planning effort from the outset. Similarly there are a number of different awards to go for but in our case, we were going for the Special Gold award. This award required us to visit as many control points as possible while completing 540 stage miles in not more than 20 hours, 2 of which must be stationary at rest. 22 control points was the maximum we could visit. With the route decided and a planning meeting held we were ready to go. The day came and we all made our way to Eastleigh (our planned start point). Despite meticulous bike and personal preparation, we were set to be tested even before the rally had started. Calamity 1: Betsey (my beloved Yamaha Vmax) decided that she didn't want her temperature taken so broke the wire to the sensor...this was quickly fixed in Halfords car park on the way to the
Y
With 20 minutes to make up already, we needed an aggressive pace from the start. start. Calamity 2: P1, in his excitement to get started had left his control card at home so had to ride at an "advanced" pace to retrieve it and get back to the Eastleigh before our start window closed (he made it with 5 mins to spare but 20 minutes past our planned start time). With 20 minutes to make up already, we needed an aggressive pace from the start. As we ticked the control points off, we found we were back on track by our fifth stop so we could ease a little. We trundled on through the evening, taking our breaks at pre-
RMS Car Repairs B's Garage, Calshot Southampton, SO45 1BE
Phone 023 80891046
Bookings by phone for all your MOT needs 2, 3, & 4 wheels Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles class 3, Trikes & Reliants etc. class 4, cars and vans up to 3000kg
Motor Cycle MOTs ÂŁ25 to SAM members on production of membership card (normal price ÂŁ28)
email rmscarrepairs@tiscali.co.uk
www.rmscarrepairs.co.uk
determined points and fuelling every 100 miles (thanks to the short take rang of the Vmax). It was good to meet, quite unexpectedly, Colin Blackhouse at one of the control points, now in his 7th year of participation in the event. After a fairly uneventful night's ride across the back bone of England, we arrived at our last rest stop at Stoke on Trent at around 4.30 in the morning.We got to the A54 and part of the Cat and Fiddle run at around 2am and it was raining and pretty dank, certainly not the best conditions in which to explore these two great biking roads. The rest stop was very welcome. Keen to get something hot inside we bundled into the service station. Time slipped by and we were soon back on our machines heading off to the Cannock control point. Calamity 3: P2, in his rush to rest and restock had forgotten to get his control card stamped at Stoke on Trent. He couldn't go any further until that was rectified so back to Stoke he went. P1 and I were to proceed to Dunchurch, the penultimate control point, and wait for P2 there so that we could finish
The National Road Rally is a great event. There were 845 riders in the 2008 event starting from a variety of points all over England. There is no pressure to raise money for MENCAP. I thoroughly recommend this event to you all.....you don't have to do 20 hours or 540 stage miles. There are daytime awards too and for those more adventurous, a Platinum award which requires you to complete a small number of riding skills tests. Take a look the the web site for this years event and perhaps we'll meet at the 2009 rally. http://www.nationalroadrally.co.uk/ 2009/index.php
Dear Editor Could I take a moment of your time to introduce ourselves to your motorcycle club. We are Tim and Gloria Backhouse of The Pines Country House, a small family run guest house on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The Pines is ideally situated for motorcycle rides around the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Lancashire. We can accommodate up to 14 people (3X Twin rooms + 4Xdouble rooms) and have secure garage with space for 8-9 motorcycles. We already cater for the Suffolk advanced motorcycle club who have stayed with us for the past seven years. If you would like any other information please contact us on 015242 41252 or visit our website www.pinesingleton.com Many thanks for your time Tim and Gloria
P A G E 10
as a team. We took our time and took the opportunity to refuel on the way to reduce the wait at Dunchurch (not the best place to have to wait). P2 had made excellent time and we were only stationary for about 25 mins. Reunited, on we went to Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes for the finish.
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April 2009
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
April 2009
BIKE NEW ZEALAND by Lilian Hobbs f you are looking for biking heaven, then take a trip to New Zealand's South Island. There you will find twisties that go on for hours, hairpin bends and although little traffic, there will be some good overtaking opportunities.
I
Lilian & Wendy have just spent the last 18 days touring the South Island.We rented some motorcycles in Christchurch from Enduro NZ and headed off through Arthur's Pass in the rain, despite it being their summer. This was our introduction to the wonderful roads we were going to ride. Once through the pass we stopped for fish & chips, warning the portions are huge, and headed to see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. These two glaciers are easily accessible from the main road and at our overnight stop we were introduced to the NZ sand fly, which bites. Wendy said that we were left looking like we had chicken pox.
5% discount for SAM members
From there we headed off to Queenstown for a few days where we did some non biking activities which included riding quad bikes off road and chartering a light aircraft for a flight over a glacier and landing on a remote beach, where once again the sand flies attacked us. Wendy is still talking about the memorable twisty ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy. From Queenstown we headed south to NZ Land's End and we also rode through a tropical cyclone, and yes it is their summer! As we took shelter in a McDonalds, we were so wet that they had to put out the wet floor sign and come behind us with a mop. My Alpinestars El Nino suit kept me dry, but Wendy was not so lucky. Good job McDonalds had powerful hand driers and a large disabled loo! After riding through floods, Wendy was at last in front as it was ideal for her BMW 650GS, Lilian was more cautious on her Suzuki. Along the way there was fantastic scenery, we saw seal colony's at the side of the road and stopped at some delightful local places for lunch. The two lady bikers wearing matching BMW blue jackets often
PA G E 2
attracted some attention and comments. Now heading north, the scenery changed a little and Lilian actually managed to get sun burnt at the thermal spring in Hamner. There were lots of bikers on the roads who usually waved and we had to keep an eye on fuel as it was not uncommon to go 80km between fuel and food stops. At the top of the South Island there is an incredible road from Nelson to Picton that is just up and down the mountain with twisties all the way. Then there is a fantastic coastal drive where you can really practice your bends, although watch out for the idiots coming the other way on your side as they cut the corner or overtake on the hairpin bends. In Blenheim, Lilian experienced carrying a pillion passenger for the first time so that Wendy could enjoy tasting the wines at the local wineries. Then it was time to take the coastal road back to Christchurch, but not before we stopped to take in a Whale Watch, but this one was by plane, not boat! We got to see 2 whales dive from the plane, which is an amazing sight. Returning to Christchurch, the rain once again returned and wet weather gear was required. We covered some 3500km on our bikes and Enduro NZ were a great rental company and are highly recommended. Our bikes came with panniers, locks and even chain lube. Wendy had a top box, which was useful for going to the local supermarket and Lilian took her
trusty autocom and zumo and wired it into the bike because there are free Garmin maps available for New Zealand. Whilst you can book an organized tour, its very easy to tour NZ on your own. Lilian planned the trip using trusty Garmin and used Google to find accommodation along the way. Therefore, we had a pre-planned route and tour. Of
course, you can just go and see what you find and everywhere we visited did have spare accommodation, but that may have been due to the credit crunch. Although I haven't biked many places around the world, NZ is currently at the top of my list and I want to go back. Next time though, I am going to investigate shipping my own bike down instead of renting.
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Page 1
April 2009
The IAM Aims
CAPTION COMPETITION:
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. April 09
MAKING
progress
Nigels swan song caption comp pic to see if anyone is out there!!! Answers via email to:
sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
Naomi House continued from cover Naomi House is the only children’s hospice covering Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, West Sussex and Surrey. It caters for the needs of over 250 families and a major expansion is underway to enable Naomi House to carry its care forward to cater for 18-23 year olds, as medical science and expert care continue to improve the quality of life and the life expectancy of children who would otherwise have had very short lives.
SAM Polo-shirts Black long or short sleeve shirts embroidered with the Club name - always available to buy at Club Nights. Sizes XXL to Small. Long Sleeves £18.50 Short Sleeves £15.00
Naomi House Pictured is David Forster, SAM’s PR Officer presenting a cheque for £100.25 (the 25p is important for book-keeping purposes) to Ray Kipling, the Chief Executive of Naomi House,
Books and Videos £3.00
How to be an Advanced Motorcyclist
£7.99
Motorcycle Roadcraft (Blue Book)
£11.99
Mike Waites Video
£14.99
Top Rider Video
£14.99
Available for sale at Club Night.
p5
Help us make progress with a contribution towards the next issue. Pics in jpeg format please.
Design & artwork by KF:D LTD Fordingbridge, 01425 654557
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.
Newsletter email address is sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
continued on back cover
New test disaster
DISCLAIMER
P A G E 12
Chief Observer’s Report
p4
The Assessment of Advanced Motorcycling £4.50 Know your Traffic Signs
the children’s hospice at Sutton Scotney that benefited from the Bring & Buy sale at SAM club night on 10 February.
INSIDE p4
Beginners Guide
p9 Wales Trip
p 11 BIKE New Zealand
Registered Charity No. 1097558