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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
NEC Bike Show
Jan 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.
MAKING
progress
Answers via email to:
sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
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
INSIDE p4 Chief Observer’s Report
Books and Videos
p5
The Assessment of Advanced Motorcycling £4.50 Know your Traffic Signs
£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.
Enduro Africa
p8
Most of the views expressed in this SAM Newsletter are personal to the author and publication does not imply endorsement of any article, any author or any organisation. Views expressed are those of the authors, and are not necessarily in accordance with the policies or the views of the IAM or SAM. Where articles are reproduced from other publications or authors, unreserved acknowledgement is given to the source. No responsibility is accepted by the Editor or SAM for any damage to intelligence or riding abilities, howsoever caused, which might result from reading this publication.
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Newsletter email address is sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
Design & artwork by KF:D LTD Fordingbridge, 01425 654557
DISCLAIMER
P A G E 12
Jan 09
Hardknott Pass
p11 Slow Riding
p 12 NEC Birmingham
Registered Charity No. 1097558
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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
Jan 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
Jan 2009
SLOW RIDING TRAINING By Rui De Castro arrived at HMS Collingwood and after being “checked in” by staff was directed to a car park where the days’ activities would be taking place. Alec and some of his assistants were busy setting out the traffic cones for the six different exercises that we would be tackling on the day. After a nice cup of coffee and some biscuits Alec proceeded to explain and display what was expected from each of us at the different stations. We would spend around 20 minutes at each station and then move on to the next with a coffee break halfway through the morning.
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Essentially the six exercises are as follows. The first station was split into 2 exercises. The first is simply coming to a controlled stop next four traffic cones spaced in a straight line 3m apart, then for the last cone spaced 6m further down its up to second, down to first and a nice controlled stop. The second exercise involved doing the same, coming to a controlled stop but in a circle, ie. stopping while turning.
5% discount for SAM
PA G E 2
Alec had some interesting information for us on this station, firstly the three phases of braking, being as follows. Firstly an initial take up of a little brake, this phase is used to ascertain what is under the tyre, ie do you have a good surface to brake on. Secondly a phase where most of the braking is achieved, then the final third phase where the pressure on the brakes is released somewhat so as to avoid the front of the bike diving. Alec also informed us then when coming to a stop, you should strike the ground with the heel first and then roll the front of the foot down as you finally stop. No tap dancing with the foot
Alec briefing riders on the days events
as you come to a stop and also the foot is not to be used as a handbrake for the stop! The second station was again split into 2 parts. The first exercise was slalom. The cones on this exercise are spaced in a straight line 3m apart then a nice u turn into a second slalom spaced 2m apart. Now I have to tell you this was loads of fun. At first you approach this exercise very tentatively then as you gain experience and skill you start to have some fun. At one stage I did manage to drag a cone e few meters down the track only to have Nigel replace it to its correct position. The second exercise was a tunnel of cones with a start and finish line spaced 20m apart, the idea behind this was to get to the other end as slow as possible. I managed a measly thirtyish seconds, one chap with a R6 did in about 1 second, I think he misunderstood the slow bit. The record for the day was 46 seconds and to top it off, with a pillion! The third station involved making a 90 degree left turn and then coming to a controlled stop. Then making a U-turn and coming to a controlled stop. Although this sounds deceptively simple a lot of serious faces were to be found on this station. At the fourth and final station our
group was split into two. This exercise was my favourite and involved following Alec or Sam around cones placed in a circle with another 2 cones in the middle for the dreaded figure eight. Initially we simply went around the outside of the cones in circles and after a few laps it was up to second and then clutch hand off, only using the throttle hand to control direction. In the mean time Alec would be telling us to stay as close as possible to him, not easy at all. We also had to make our way in and out of the cones and through the figure eight. We then took a break and the next riders of our group had to do their bit. When they were done we were back in action and now things became a little more complicated. Look, lean, roll was the instruction, Alec explained and then demonstrated, and once again we had to keep up to him. Simply put on the circle at the 2 and 8 o’clock marks, you look where you want to go to, lean the bike over and then roll on the throttle until you get to the next mark where you brake before repeating the exercise again. At the end of the exercise the smile on my face was from ear to ear, it was really interesting to see just
how far over you can lean your bike. Also an important note is to realise that if and when you are in difficulty during a corner and you felt you will not make it, applying this exercise will help in this situation. If you get it wrong the worst case scenario would be that you slide off the road, certainly better that hitting road furniture head on. On behalf of all the people who attended I have to say a huge Thank you to Alec for his time and expertise, I feel we all learnt a lot and feel a more confident about slow riding, to Colin for once again providing us with the facilities, drinks and snacks to whoever ordered the weather because we could not have asked for any better and to all the people who assisted in the slow riding days. My advice to anyone who has not done the slow riding is to make sure your name is on the list because it is invaluable and will make a great difference to your confidence and skills. The next course is scheduled for the spring. Lilian will provide details when the time comes.
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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
Jan 2009
CHAIRMAN’S
Well, 2008 was a busy year for most of us. New members on the Committee, new Observers, lots of new Associates. Plenty of social rides, interesting presenters at Club Nights and loads other activities and still trying to come to terms with another 11 more months till Christmas!! For those of you that put your bikes into hibernation for the winter - your are missing out on some lovely riding days - it’s not all ice, snow and rain: honest. I am not sure that I personally could face not riding my bike for months on end.... Mind you having had a look and the report in MCN on 10 December (now featured in this Newsletter on p9) I am wondering if I am being wise!! Not much of a study though only 234 bikers questioned and they only ride for “around 3 hours every weekend”... I am not sure that I agree with their findings either - I certainly don’t suffer from the two problems they are talking about and I ride about 16,000 miles a year - they must have interviewed Sports Bike riders - or riders who wear tight leathers!! Ah well - suppose you had better keep an eye on things guys test it often.... Add it to your POWER acronym..... Suggestions please to sam.newsletter@btinternet.com
Nigel Grace
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chairman:
Dr Lilian Hobbs
Vice Chairman:
Colin Backhouse
Group Secretary:
Paul Nol
chat
2009 is here so Happy New Year everyone! SAM has had another very successful year, which wouldn't happen without the generous gift of time and effort by many of our members and associates. There have been numerous ride outs, some more eventful than others and if you are a green badge holder and would like to lead a ride, please contact Gerry who organises training and is always looking for new volunteers. 2008 saw the introduction of the evening theory classes which proved popular and will be back in 2009, along with Alec's famous Slow Riding course. There was even a weekend away trip which will be repeated in 2009, although hopefully this time, one of our members won't ride along with another IAM group. Howard has booked some interesting speakers for the club nights this year and I look forward to seeing you all at some of the upcoming events. Safe Riding,
Lilian
Dear Editor Why is it that when some SAM members go to collect their bike in the car park at SGCC, that they first start the engine, then sort out their helmet fastening and gloves etc and finally get on the bike and ride away. For some 2 or 3 mins everyone else, and this includes the residents that live adjacent to the car park, are subjected to the low frequency rumble of their engine.
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
Why dont they sort themselves out first, then get the bike off the stand, start it, and then ride quietly away!
SAM Sunday Co-Ord
Becci Lunn
(Name withheld)
Newsletter:
Nigel Grace
MDU Manager:
Ian Cooper
Committee Member:
James Norman
Music to the owners ears it may be, but it is just an unpleasant noise to me and everyone else no doubt.
Replies to sam.newsletter@btinternet.com if you want....
PA G E 3
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Jan 2009
Biking for all.....
C H I E F O B S E RV E R ’ S REPORT D e c 0 8 For a change, I’ll start with a report - which is what this is supposed to be after all. t’s been a year of highs and lows. Our training program has been expanded and everyone should now know how successful the slow-riding days have been. Many thanks to Alec Gore and all others involved in that.
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For many, slow-riding doesn’t hold an immediate appeal and with careful planning, it’s an activity we can usually avoid during normal riding. At the back of our minds is the question of why should I run the risk of damaging my bike unnecessarily? However, we can all admire the skill involved in competent slow-riding and I urge everyone to have a go on one of these days. Also our classroom sessions have proved to be popular, particularly with new Associates, and we plan to continue with those in the new year. The course covers Roadcraft and the Highway Code. Yeah, I know that sounds dreary, but we hope we can bring it to life and have a bit of fun. It’s also an opportunity to meet other Associates and ‘compare notes’. Again I urge you to attend. Many thanks to Lilian for organising those evenings.
PA G E 4
We have recently taken on two new Observers - Alec Gore and Chris Ford. Also John Parvin joined our ranks in the summer and we welcome them all aboard. Well, those were some of the ‘highs’, and now for a bit of a ‘low’. Despite maintaining a very healthy input of new members, I remain disappointed at how many Associates ‘drop-out’ and how few take and pass their Advanced Test. With a bit of effort, everyone should be capable of achieving the required standard. I know circumstances may change, but if there is any way we can help, please don’t hesitate to ask. I hate the thought of people just giving up. I know that learning Advanced Riding Skills can at times seem confusing and pedantic, but believe me when I say that not only will you be safer on the road but you’ll enjoy your biking much more.
about signals. Okay, poor link I know, but they are an act of giving after all. When it comes to using signals I confess to being a bit of an anorak. I love the challenge of turning signalling into a craft. I find that making the perfect signal is very satisfying. Does that make me sad? Naturally, I don’t think so - it’s just an extension of making everything we do on the bike safer and more fun. Nothing demonstrates the average driver’s arrogance and selfishness more than the lack of using signals. How often have we sat at the roundabout waiting for a car, only to see it disappear up the previous exit? He’s okay, but we’ve wasted time.
Season’s greetings to you all.
Having said that, I hate the use of unnecessary signals. Nothing we do should be by rote and everything must be considered on the circumstances. You should be a thinking rider and not signalling automatically.
And now I’m struggling... I was trying to think of some bike related topic with a Christmas theme, and I was thinking of twinkling lights when I suddenly decided to talk
If there’s no time to signal and it’s safe, why signal for every overtake? And it’s rarely necessary to signal our return to the nearside. The assumption must be that you will
Okay, enough of that - now for the festive bit...
return to the left after the manoeuvre. And why signal to pass an obstruction that is clearly visible to all other road users? We are clearly not intending to plough into the back of a parked car. Signals must always be signals of intention, not of achievement, and it’s at what point a signal should be given that’s important. Rarely is it the distance away from the manoeuvre that’s important, it’s how long it will take you to get there. And they must always be unambiguous. One of my pet games is to always cancel my signal the absolute instant the manoeuvre is completed. For instance, when leaving a motorway I wait for the exact point when I’ve just crossed the broken line at the start of the slip road and then I hit that cancel button. I then breathe a sigh of satisfaction at a job well done. Perhaps I am a bit sad after all. Anyway, there’s a mountain of stuff on signalling I could talk about. My advice is to turn it into an art - not just an activity. And a Happy New Year to you all.
David Spicer
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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
Jan 2009
ENDURO AFRICA 2008
by Nigel Grace I have been back from Enduro Africa 2008 for about four weeks now, so I thought it was about time I put both my “thanks” and experiences into print before I forget the former and start to embellish the latter. The Thanks. I can not possible list all the people and Companies that supported and sponsored my for this event, but I would very much like to thank you all for your kindness; in total Enduro Africa 2008 raised over £300,000 for the three charities concerned. My personal total raised was £8500.
Of the 89 riders that started the ride only 3 were unable to cross the line on a bike. What ever happened, I had to ride on the last day.
THE TRIP. I will try to compact this part into something readable instead of a list of events that happened over the full 12 days. __The event started very well at Heathrow with all 89 riders meeting and trying to book in baggage with having to pay for “excess weight” at £35 per kilo !! The suggested airline solution appeared to be carry your boots onto the plane as handluggage !! I still fail to see what difference it makes if the weight is in the hold or the cabin - the plane will still weighs the same - won’t it ?? Without further ado we were off to Durban via Johannesburg. The change over at Johannesburg was uneventful other than it was the last time I was to see my bag containing all my personally clothing - smelly days were to follow. After arrival in Durban we transferred to Port Edward a few miles South of Durban where we received an amazing reception from a tribe of Zulu Warriors complete with spears and war paint - it was at
this time I could have done with the choir from the South Wales Border Regiment, as I was sure that a verse or two from Men of Harlick would have sent them packing ! That evening was full of briefings, issuing of riding colours, meeting fellow team members, ride leaders, the reps from the 3 charities and local dignitaries Also getting to see the bikes for the first time - a very impressive sight over 100 Honda CRF230F lined up in once place. This was for most people the first time that Prince William and Harry made a appearance, very relaxed, and obviously enjoying the evening (note: the Press were not invited)__The send off next morning was a bustling and brilliant affair, very colourful, lots of press reporters, photographers, over 100 riders with a police escort, the two Princess with their minders and friends and of course the Zulus again. Suddenly we were off - 100 riders off on a very exciting but very exhausting “Ride for Life”.
Every ride day followed the same pattern - breakfast at 7am - ride off at 8am - various stops for extra water - stop for lunch - arrive at destination about 6pm - meal at 7pm - briefing at 8.30pm ...... In between all this was some very hard riding along a mixture of tarmac, dusty tracks with huge pot holes and ruts, extreme “off-road” paths with very steep down hills, even steeper climbs, endless river crossings and places that you wouldn’t even consider going on foot let alone on a 230cc bike. The bikes were brilliant and the suspension was amazing taking almost evening you could throw at it. Most novice off-road riders, like myself, could not believe that after a very short time they were taking it all in their stride. The more able riders were, as expected, were cracking on and setting a very quick pace on the dirt tracks between “events”. - most times too quick. For me, the first Sunday was a
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
JAN
FEB
Sun Tue Sun Tue Fri Sat
18 20 25 17 30 31
Sun Tue Sun Tue Sat
1 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester 4 SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 1930 8 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham Cliff Jones 10 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm 14 29th Bristol Classis Motorcycle Show - Bath & West Show Ground until 15th Feb Sun 15 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham Tue 17 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm Sun 22 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower 10am Colin Backhouse
MAR Sun 1
Sun Tue Sat Sun Tue Sun Sun APR
SAM Group Ride - Dorset Ower 10am Hilary Hardman SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies Mark Sabin SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 7.30pm Alley Palley Motorcycle Show until Sun 1 Mar London Motorcycle Show Excel until Sun 1 Feb
8 10 14 15 17 22 29
Sun 5
Sun 12 Tue 14 Sun 19 Tue 21 Sat 25
Sun 26
SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon SAM Sunday WSB Round 1 Australia SAM Group Ride - Thames Valley Loomies Alec Gore SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm WSB Round 2 Qatar SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester John Parvin SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham SAM Group Ride - Four Counties Ower 10am Dave Charlton SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon James Norman SAM Sunday WSB Round 3 Spain SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies MotoGP Doha SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - Wantage for Lunch Winchester Ian Cooper Le Mans 24 hours France SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm International Classic Bike Show - Stafford County Show Ground until 26th April Cookstown Irish Road Race Tyrone SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham Jill Kenrick MotoGP Japan, WSB Round 4 Assen
continued from page 5
brilliant day, lots of sunshine, I managed the river crossings, the swamp, a very steep and twisty track through woodland and many more events besides. We had a great lunch at an extremely picturesque site under “Execution Rock” - so named as enemies were thrown from the top to a very certain death below. We refuelled and off we went onto more fast dusty tracks. Then at about 2.30pm it all went wrong for me approaching a blind crest at a bit of a lick, suddenly to discover that the track went more left than I thought - I tried to brush off some speed buy stamping down a gear or two and a bit of heavy breaking, but all to little effect - I half rounded the bend, riding into a field of rocks, I manage to get the bike almost pointing in the right direction when PA G E 6
I saw a rock about the size of a large suitcase, no time to do anything really and WHACK I hit it head on. According to the rider behind; the bike and I took off and did a full loop before crashing to the ground, flat on my back and sliding down the hill some 20 metres, with me still hanging onto the left handle bar. I remember coming around and seeing a bright light !! so I reached over and switched off the
Jan 2009
MAY
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
JUNE Sun 7 Sat 13 Sun 14 Tue Sun Tue Sat Tue Sat Sun
10 21 17 21 23 27 28
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 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
bike engine and headlight. A quick wiggle of toes and fingers proved painless, as did the moving of my head - I had survived a spectacular crash, and the bike had too. The pack on my back had been ripped off and the rocks had torn holes in the back of my trousers, and lots of skin was missing !! ouch. After a short rest and assuring everyone that I was OK, I got back on the bike and rode the next section. We even stopped at a fabulous bar on the coast for a beer - at this stage I was feeling a little knackered. We rode on until we reached our destination for the night - The Hole in the Wall resort. Later that evening I felt decidedly unwell and there were now pains in my chest and I was having problems catching my breath. I visited the regular evening clinic, which was staffed by two South Africa doctors
who were riding with us. They guys don’t hang about - out with the big needles to take away the pain in what was a fractured rib and a dressing placed on the sore and bleeding grazes to my backside and legs. The injected sedative worked well and I was out for the count but the next morning, I was in great difficulties, the pain in my ribs was unbearable and I was unable to breath more than a cupful of air at a time. The long and short was that I was stuffed into the ambulance and was eventually swapped to another private ambulance for the final trip to St Dominic’s Hospital at East London. X-Rays were taken and I was whipped off to a ward to start a 3day stay. It was a good job that I had remembered to put my wallet in my pocket as this was a private hospital and part of the initial
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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
JULY Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5
Fri Sat Sun Tue Sun
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 MANICOM, 10 11 12 14 19
Motorcycle Traveller
Tue 21 Thu 22 Sun 26 Tue 28 AUG Sun 2 Thu Sun Tue Sun
6 9 11 16
Tue Sun Tue Sat Sun
18 23 25 29 30
SEPT Sun 6
Tue 8 Wed 9 Sat 12 Sun 13 Tue 15 Wed 16 Fri 18 Sat 19
SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon Alan Culshaw SAM Sunday 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 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
examination was to include a swipe of your best Credit Card. By the end of my stay the pain in my ribs was manageable, the chest infection was clearing up and the terrible bout of the “Trots” was over - so much so that I could almost trust a fart again. Many thanks for the Doctor and the charming staff for their help. The guys from Enduro Africa had arranged for driver from Honda South Africa to transport me back to join the riders, and I was back on the ride. I located my bike and had a brief ride around to ensure that I could ride it without too much pain. I managed to find most of the kit I left behind although some items got lost on the way - including my riding trousers and my blue riding shirt - so blue jeans and windproof top donated by Urban Glow were pressed into service - with the essential body armour and leg
Sun 20 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham MotoGP Hungary Tue 22 SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm Sun 27 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower WSB Round 12 Italy
OCT Sun 4
Sun 11 Tue 13 Sun 18 Tue 20 Sun 25
NOV Sun 1 Sun 8
DEC
Jan 2009
SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon SAM Sunday MotoGP Portugal, BSB France SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies BSB TBA SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester MotoGP Australia SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham WSB Portugal, MotoGP Malaysia
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
protectors of course. It was good to be back even though I had missed some very exciting and testing days and the rest day where all the riders helped to decorate a local crèche and played a football match against the local side (and lost). Now the last day was here - a long ride to Port Elizabeth and a parade type trip through the city - police cars and ambulance with sirens going and 100 knackered bikes travelling through the streets in convoy. Very emotional and great fun. We all arrived at the Hotel and we welcomed again by drums and dancing warriors as we parked up the bikes for the last time. That night saw a great party at the Hotel but yours truly was totally knackered and the effects of 3 or 4 drinks and the painkillers was too much and I took myself off to bed. The next morning we lounged
around in the sun until the coaches arrived to take us to the Airport and our onward trip to Johannesburg and Home. Of the 89 riders that started the ride only 3 were unable to cross the line on a bike - I felt that what ever happened, I had to ride on the last day - and was very thankful that I was able to do so - it was the icing on the cake and finished off a brilliant adventure. The lost bag was never found but those wonderful people at South Africa Airways refunded the cost of the lost bag and contents in full... the ribs still hurt after 5 weeks but it’s getting better - except for when I sneeze that’s not so funny... I am still trying to get my hospital expenses back from the Travel Insurance Company and I would very much like to ride the coast road of South Africa but maybe not go off-road.... 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
Jan 2009
HARDKNOTT PASS Survivors If you have never tackled the Hardknott Pass in the Lake District then don’t even consider it unless you have a Green Badge or have been blessed by one of Gods representatives. endy, Lilian & Janet decided to tour the Lake District where the scenery is spectacular and there are some fantastic biking roads, but even they couldn’t believe the Hardknott Pass. We had stopped for afternoon tea at Muncaster Castle where some of the locals told us they had turned back. Janet found a local pastor to bless her crossing so that she was safe and we made for spectacular Wasdale Head, before we headed off to the pass, which is a shortcut to get us back to Lake Windermere.
W
Although the 30% sign at the bottom of the pass is a clue, as we headed along the narrow roads, it reminded us of one of Chris Palmer’s Sunday rides along the back roads of Hampshire, but this time there was stunning scenery. As we started to climb the pass, it got steeper, and steeper.The hairpin bends became extremely tight, with nasty adverse cambers, steep
Summer at Haslemere Fire station Because of the ever increasing motorbike accident statistics Haslemere fire station held its Second “Ride it Right” roadshow on probably the nicest Sunday of the year. The firestation was transformed into a bikers world of local dealers and events. alking into the maze created inside where usually big red shiny machines sleep there was a very poorly red Ducati which had tried to go through a mini metro, the resulting wreckage was a dire warning to all.
W
Next came a most unusual quad bike then the obligatory Ewan/Charlie look alike Beemer and then even a Magic show. The local Triumph dealer was displaying a dozen classic machines and Shoei were providing a helmet
re-vamp service, (only if you had a Shoei). A local mechanic was giving lectures on spannerless maintenance under a packed gazebo whilst half a dozen hunky firemen were busy cooking biker fare (burgers and dogs), donated by Tesco and then GIVING THEM AWAY FREE. Wey valley were ther gving free assessed rides and hosting a very tight slow riding course, (as Janet will attest). They were not however recruiting and had no membership
inclines, pot holes everywhere, broken tarmac and the additional hazard of 4WD’s coming down the pass who wanted to occupy the entire single track road. Each of us had the odd heart stopping moment, but we made it to the top, admired the view and then realised that we now had to go down the pass! At the bottom we met the farmer on his quad bike with his sheep dogs moving all his sheep across the river. Then we realised that we now had to negotiate the Wryose Pass , but this only had a 25% incline warning so it was a bit easier.
you some idea of why this is definitely not a road for novices, but to all you GS riders out there, you will love it. Would we do it again, yes, but not on my Honda Deauville. We can highly recommend the Lake District for biking and we found a really nice B&B in Kendal which was an ideal base for touring the area. Don’t forget your waterproofs; this area is very green for a reason. The next time you are looking for some interesting biking, don’t head across the channel, and go north instead.
Lilian Hobbs
The profile from the Garmin gives
forms, we certainly wouldnt have missed the opportunity. They also gave a talk on “the system” and yours truly gave a talk on “first on scene” together with Bruce Armstrong a biking nurse who has worked at Basingtoke A&E for 22 years.
As the Sun was sinking bikers departed having sated themselves on bikes and burgers. A memorable day, next years event is planned for 20th September, see you there.
Wendy Peters
DEARDEN MOTORCYCLES LTD 207-209 Long Lane. Holbury Southampton SO45 2PD
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PA G E 8
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IAM Biker Discrimination ..... Grumpy Old Biker forced to take extra ace inhibitors Gordon Brown, text language, credit default swaps, bad grammar, inflated fuel prices, computer viruses, George Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Apple Macs, 4 x 4s on the school run, overcrowded trains, pot holes Chris Moyles, over-paid footballers, magpies, squirrels, Karen Mathews, Welsh traffic signs, bad manners, chardonnay, slow broadband, political correctness, “child in car” signs, politicians not answering the question, call centres, Alan Greenspan, prejudice, bad spelling, credit crunch, Jeremy Vine, racism, motorway lane hogs, Kias, discrimination, bad punctuation, Alistair Darling, chavs, mobile phones going off in the theatre, chewing gum on pavements, Norton Anti-Virus, baseball hats at the table, loud music from passing cars, political spin, fly tipping, privatisation of dental treatment, means-testing pensions, X-Factor, Big Brother, Hollyoaks, East Enders, little Englanders, Scottish football supporters. All of these things all raise my blood pressure a bit - but not in a good way - unlike the lovely Carla Bruni, but that’s enough of that. Where was I? Nurse? Oh yes, it’s all coming back now. The IAM. Them in the Chiswick ivory tower. The people whom we employ via our subscriptions. The people who are accountable to their members. OK Comrades, I’m getting to the point and will now explain why I have been forced to take extra ace inhibitors.
Jan 2009
Hardened riders facing stiffy penalties Male riders are at risk of impotence and urinary problems, a new survey has found. The research, based on 234 motorcyclists who ride their bikes for around three hours every weekend, looked at the relationship between motorcycling and erectile dysfunction. he problems are thought to be due to the seats on most motorcycles putting pressure on the perineum - the area between the scrotum and the anus. Vibrations from the engines are thought to damage nerves in the penis and decrease two growth hormones in the bladder and prostate which are related to relaxing the bladder.
T
Of those riders questioned 69% were diagnosed with problems. There was found to be a significant difference between the motorcycle group and non-riders in the numbers affected by the condition in all age groups. Those complaining of problems reported difficulties getting as erection and urinating. The survey has been compiled by doctors in Japan and the results published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.
MCN 10 December 2008 Your comments should be sent to sam.newsletter@btinternet.com (please keep it clean )
The Skills for Life Package is £10 more expensive for motorcyclists (£109) than it is for car drivers (£99). It has recently changed and this differential is out and out discrimination. We need to do something about it. It’s not just the extra tenner, it’s going through a pricing point - into a three figure sum. Psychologically this is a big price hike. With no disrespect to the “ten-to-two” red badge brigade (and as a matter of fact the Grumpy Old Biker has a red badge), we punch way above our weight due to the extra vulnerability of bikers. I discussed this point with Peter Roger, the IAM Chief Examiner who explained that the costs for bikers are higher. With my customary diplomatic flair I enquired whether the lunatics had really taken over the asylum and whether they should have carried on with the cross-subsidy. To be fair to Peter, he was not responsible for this atrocious decision and could not immediately recall who was, although he assured me that it was debated extensively. I proposed that as head Santa, he might take the matter up with the other Scrooges at Chiswick. Peter was a good sport and suggested that perhaps it might be appropriate to re-visit the decision. No promises were expressed or implied, nor in fairness could they have been. I think that it is time to start ruffling a few feathers on this one. Well that’s enough exertion for one day. Time for my nap and then perhaps a visit from Carla - in my dreams of course.
The Grumpy Old Biker. Disclaimer: Grumpy Old Biker is a periodic column written for the SAM newsletter. It is highly unlikely that the views expressed here are in any way representative of the IAM or SAM. PA G E 9
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Jan 2009
Are you Mocking me? Having joined SAM as an Observer in 2002, I have taken out, either for a Mock Test, or as an associate, no less than 97 SAM members during that time. Yes, thatʼs right, I do keep a record of each one. Sad isnʼt it. had been a Senior Observer for my previous group, the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists, near Guildford, for some 11 years before retiring down to Hampshire when I had a triple heart by pass operation. I was off a bike for 6 months until a Policeman friend of mine took me out on the pillion of my own bike. What joy I can tell you after sitting in an armchair for 6 months.
one way and then the other. One rider did this no less than six times. The bike will often waver from side to side as they look. They are trying so hard not to stop, that when they find that they have to, they are not prepared and will often suddenly stop with both feet on the ground with the bike in the wrong position. Very Scruffy. What riders should do is, plan to stop, decide where they are going to stop and then have a good look just before the junction. If it is clear you smoothly pull out. No problem. Another junction problem that I see is taking a right turn off your road. Riders do often take the turn too late and this can bring them almost into the kerb whilst they are doing an almost full lock turn. Whereas if they were to commence the turn a little earlier they could take a much smoother line and also get on the throttle much sooner.
I
One of my duties as one of the SAM Senior Observer is to conduct Mock Tests for our members who have been deemed ready to take their IAM Advanced Test by their personal Observer. So I frequently get the call to meet the candidate and take them out for a Mock test. So what does this entail? The test is a non-stop ride of an hour and a bit taking in all types of roads from Motorways to single track lanes. The candidate is expected to show a safe, smooth and progressive ride throughout. A few Highway Code and Roadcraft questions will be asked and not forgetting a slow ride test of a figure of eight or so. So what have I found to be the weaknesses shown by some of these candidates? Scruffy Junctions Ignoring SLOW signs in the road. Passing Junctions on your left in Car track1 Not moving to their left for oncoming traffic. Not using their gearbox enough. Not getting on the throttle as you commence your turn in a bend. Not wearing one element of bright clothing. Not working hard enough to create an overtake opportunity Too few revs during their Slow Ride.
•
So what do I mean by, Scruffy Junctions. As many riders approach a `T` junction, I often sees them looking too soon, first P A G E 10
•
My pet hate is riders who don’t
The Mock test is a nonstop ride of an hour and a bit taking in all types of roads from Motorways to single track lanes. use their gearbox enough. Bikes thrive on revs and perform so much better when the revs are up. You have better speed control, particularly in 30`s and 40`s and bikes really do need revs going into a bend so that you can drive the bike around the bend. I also like to see riders change down a gear or so when approaching a hazard, if you are in too high a gear, the bike will not be happy and neither will you, that’s for sure. It is not a matter of torque, as some riders seem to think, and some bikes have loads of that, but revs are what are wanted.
•
One element of bright clothing is another favourite of mine. I often say to a rider, to put themselves in a car on a dark wet night with their wipers going away. What chance would you have of seeing a biker in such conditions without one element of bright clothing? Take that chance at your own peril I say.
Finally, what about overtakes. Probably about the most dangerous manoeuvre that we do, but also the most rewarding when it is done correctly. We riders need to work hard to create an overtake opportunity and not just wait until we get a half mile stretch of clear road. We must use the three phases of overtaking and to commence them at the first safe opportunity. Never take a chance when overtaking and each move must be planned. Change your mind if necessary for that is the right thing to do, don’t do what so many riders do by committing themselves to an overtake and seeing it through whatever the circumstance. Carrying out a Mock Test is not a difficult job, I find it very enjoyable to see a rider getting it right most of the time. But I also feel sad when they don’t.
Gerry Gooch
PRESENTING ONES SELF When following vehicles we can look to see whether we can see the face of the driver in his rear-view mirror. Presenting yourself to him will be an advantage to you. If he knows you are behind him he can react to you; never ever assume that he has seen you. Does he know that you are there? Do not expect him to give you any consideration if he cannot see you. Look for movements of the vehicle as lots of drivers do give way for motorcyclists. Always acknowledge this courtesy with an acknowledgment. It makes both the driver and rider feel good. Do not just look at the vehicle; it is the driver who is the important factor as he controls the vehicle. We have to make judgements to assess how the driver will react.We want to see the whites of his eyes to make sure that he has seen us and we must anticipate what he will do. The same goes for vehicles leaving junctions, overtaking or filtering, etc. We want to know what they have had for breakfast.
On the approach to a right-hand bend observe that if a line of vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction you will invariably find that each vehicle will block the view of each driver. The classic case is where you have a large vehicle leading a group of smaller vehicles. The large vehicle will block the line of site to the drivers behind him. In these circumstances it would be wise to hold your position even if you have sited the next bend as a lefthander, until you have contact with each and every driver, which were hidden. You cannot react to situations if you have no view of them. Consequently the drivers out of your view cannot react to you if you are unsighted. It is certainly in your own interest to present your self to each and every driver. The one you do not present to is the one that is potentially dangerous. On the approach to a left-hand bend the majority of vehicle will be in view. But do not take things for granted. Never assume the driver has seen you, make sure he has.
Created and presented by Mike Waite
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Jan 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
Jan 2009
SLOW RIDING TRAINING By Rui De Castro arrived at HMS Collingwood and after being “checked in” by staff was directed to a car park where the days’ activities would be taking place. Alec and some of his assistants were busy setting out the traffic cones for the six different exercises that we would be tackling on the day. After a nice cup of coffee and some biscuits Alec proceeded to explain and display what was expected from each of us at the different stations. We would spend around 20 minutes at each station and then move on to the next with a coffee break halfway through the morning.
I
Essentially the six exercises are as follows. The first station was split into 2 exercises. The first is simply coming to a controlled stop next four traffic cones spaced in a straight line 3m apart, then for the last cone spaced 6m further down its up to second, down to first and a nice controlled stop. The second exercise involved doing the same, coming to a controlled stop but in a circle, ie. stopping while turning.
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PA G E 2
Alec had some interesting information for us on this station, firstly the three phases of braking, being as follows. Firstly an initial take up of a little brake, this phase is used to ascertain what is under the tyre, ie do you have a good surface to brake on. Secondly a phase where most of the braking is achieved, then the final third phase where the pressure on the brakes is released somewhat so as to avoid the front of the bike diving. Alec also informed us then when coming to a stop, you should strike the ground with the heel first and then roll the front of the foot down as you finally stop. No tap dancing with the foot
Alec briefing riders on the days events
as you come to a stop and also the foot is not to be used as a handbrake for the stop! The second station was again split into 2 parts. The first exercise was slalom. The cones on this exercise are spaced in a straight line 3m apart then a nice u turn into a second slalom spaced 2m apart. Now I have to tell you this was loads of fun. At first you approach this exercise very tentatively then as you gain experience and skill you start to have some fun. At one stage I did manage to drag a cone e few meters down the track only to have Nigel replace it to its correct position. The second exercise was a tunnel of cones with a start and finish line spaced 20m apart, the idea behind this was to get to the other end as slow as possible. I managed a measly thirtyish seconds, one chap with a R6 did in about 1 second, I think he misunderstood the slow bit. The record for the day was 46 seconds and to top it off, with a pillion! The third station involved making a 90 degree left turn and then coming to a controlled stop. Then making a U-turn and coming to a controlled stop. Although this sounds deceptively simple a lot of serious faces were to be found on this station. At the fourth and final station our
group was split into two. This exercise was my favourite and involved following Alec or Sam around cones placed in a circle with another 2 cones in the middle for the dreaded figure eight. Initially we simply went around the outside of the cones in circles and after a few laps it was up to second and then clutch hand off, only using the throttle hand to control direction. In the mean time Alec would be telling us to stay as close as possible to him, not easy at all. We also had to make our way in and out of the cones and through the figure eight. We then took a break and the next riders of our group had to do their bit. When they were done we were back in action and now things became a little more complicated. Look, lean, roll was the instruction, Alec explained and then demonstrated, and once again we had to keep up to him. Simply put on the circle at the 2 and 8 o’clock marks, you look where you want to go to, lean the bike over and then roll on the throttle until you get to the next mark where you brake before repeating the exercise again. At the end of the exercise the smile on my face was from ear to ear, it was really interesting to see just
how far over you can lean your bike. Also an important note is to realise that if and when you are in difficulty during a corner and you felt you will not make it, applying this exercise will help in this situation. If you get it wrong the worst case scenario would be that you slide off the road, certainly better that hitting road furniture head on. On behalf of all the people who attended I have to say a huge Thank you to Alec for his time and expertise, I feel we all learnt a lot and feel a more confident about slow riding, to Colin for once again providing us with the facilities, drinks and snacks to whoever ordered the weather because we could not have asked for any better and to all the people who assisted in the slow riding days. My advice to anyone who has not done the slow riding is to make sure your name is on the list because it is invaluable and will make a great difference to your confidence and skills. The next course is scheduled for the spring. Lilian will provide details when the time comes.
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