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The IAM Aims To improve the standard of driving (and riding) on the UK roads. The Advancement of Road Safety.
sam SOLENT ADVANCED M OTO R C Y C L I S T S
The Administration of an Advanced Test.
MAKING
progress
May 0 5
INSIDE p4 Bon Jour
p5
Daytona Beach BIKE WEEK
estimated 500,000 bikes covering 25sq miles - report p10
Improve your corner entry
p7 Brief Encounter
p8 Amy with Karl Harris
p10 What am I?
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
Ouch!
May 2005
SAM DIARY OF EVENTS 2005 APRIL
17 19 24
Sun Tue Sun
MAY
1 1-2 8
Sun Sat-Sun Sun
10 Tue 15 Sun 17 Tue 21-22 Sat-Sun 22 Sun 24 Tue 29 Sun
SAM Training Day at Swaythling Bike Show South West - Shepton Mallet SAM Social Ride - Ower - 09.30 - Nigel Grace Dorset & Coastal Roads SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 SAM Social Ride - Meon Hut - Dave Cross SAM Committee Meeting BMF Show Peterborough SAM Social Ride - Winchester - Hilary Thompson SAM Evening Ride SAM Social Ride - Wickham - Martin Hanby
JUNE
5 Sun 12 Sun 14 Tue 18-19 Sat-Sun 21 Tue 26 Sun 28 Tue
SAM Training Day IAM Motorcycle Day at Sammy Millers SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 Motorcycle World at Beaulieu SAM Committee Meeting SAM Social Ride - John Pickering - Meon Hut SAM Evening Ride
JULY
3 8-11 12 17
SAM Training Day French Tour to Picardy - Mark Bowley SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 Basingstoke Big Wheel Charity Event
Severe Ouch!
Member ship I
d in ne who is intereste f you know someo them get ; list cyc tor Mo becoming an Advanced gel ership Secretary - Ni to contact the Memb on: at, ch a or k pac n tio Grace for an informa 2211 74 80 3 02 e: Daytim 7 2021 54 42 01 : ing en Ev 0 476 Mobile: 07810 48 btinternet.com @ ace .gr gel Ni Email:
SAM Social Ride - Winchester - Mike West SAM Committee Meeting SAM Social Ride - Wickham - Gerry Gooch
Sun Fri-Mon Tue Sun
Q u a l i t y M o t o rc y c l e A c c e s s o r i e s Our objective is very simple to provide the best products at the best prices with unrivalled customer service
A d v a n c e d M o t o rc y c l e I n s t r u c t i o n “As good as training gets”
www.GOBYBIKE.com PA G E 2
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May 2005
EVENTS 2005
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
SAM DIARY OF EVENTS 2005 AUGUST
19 24 26 31
Tue Sun Tue Sun
SAM SAM SAM SAM
Committee Meeting Social Ride - Wickham Square - Colin Hitchcock Evening Ride Social Ride - Winchester - Mark Holbrook
7 9 14 16 21 23 28
Sun Tue Sun Tue Sun Tue Sun
SAM Training Day at Swaythling SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 SAM Social Ride - Roger Coe - Nat M/Cycle Museum B’ham SAM Committee Meeting SAM Social Ride - Ower - Mark Smith - Calne Motor Museum SAM Evening Ride SAM Social Ride - Ower - Yeovil Air Museum
SEPTEMBER
4 Sun 11 Sun 13 Tue 16-18 Fri-Sun 17-18 Sat-Sun 20 Tue 25 Sun
SAM Training Day at Swaythling SAM Social Ride - Wickham SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 Trip to Wales - Ed Sargent BMF Tail End Show SAM Committee Meeting SAM Social Ride - Ower - John Goodson
OCTOBER
1-2 2 9 11 16 16 23
Sat-Sun Sun Sun Tue Sun Sun Sun
Weston Super-Mare Beach Race SAM Training Day at Swaythling SAM Social Ride - Meon Hut - David Charlton SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 SAM Social Ride - Winchester - Simon Fairburn Weymouth Beach Race SAM Social Ride - Wickham
NOVEMBER
3-13 8 15
Thu-Sun Tue Tue
NEC Motorcycle and Scooter Show SAM Club Night at Swaythling 20.00 SAM Committee Meeting
DECEMBER
13
Tue
SAM Club Night at Swaythling
• All Social Runs are conducted in line with the Club Guidelines Doc 10 and Doc 11 • Full details are announced on SAM Announce shortly before the run • Full details are also available from the Run Leader or Gerry Gooch • We cannot guarantee that the details of the run will not be changed before the event, but every effort will be made to adhere to them • Please check if in doubt with Gerry Gooch - Social Runs Co-ordinator 01329 832 416 gerrygooch@tiscali.com
COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHER CONTACTS Chairman:
Gerry Gooch
01329 832416
Vice Chairman
Colin Backhouse
023 8087 1642
Secretary:
Rex Brittian
01489 784398
Treasurer:
Godwin Calafato
02380 253109
Chief Observer:
John Goodson
02380 692959
Membership:
Nigel Grace
01425 472021
Press Officer/Web Master:
Kevin Parsons
01329 280902
Events:
Mark Bowley
02380 675979
Skills Development
Chris Robinson
02380 282366
Merchandising
Hilary Thompson
01962 869442
Committee Member
Roger Coe
02392 528086
Regional Organiser:
Paul Gillett
020 8530 5928
IAM Headquarters Chiswick
020 89969600
www.solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk pub21.ezboard.com
It’s been a pleasure!
W
hen Nigel asked me if I would like to say a few words in this quarter’s club magazine as outgoing Chairman my mind then imme diately went to the phrase “it’s been a pleasure”, and it certainly has been a pleasure to represent SAM at the highest level. Unlike most of you who have been aroun d bikes for many years, my biking interests started in 1999 with a brand new VFR 800; in earlier years they tell me you had to curse and kick your bike to make it start, see it’s always best to be a laggard! Anyway, being just the wrong side of 40 (but still devilishly hand some) I had this brand new bike and a young friend, who must be shamed (Steve Pashley) trying to show me how to die young (ish) by riding far too quickly on every road type possible. So a phone call later I met Pope John Goodson (sorry if you’re religious), my observer. It is fair to say the skills John taught me saved me in the intervening years from the odd spill or two, I owe a lot to John and SAM. It was for this reason that I joined the Committee as newsletter edito r and went on to become Chairman (albeit because no one else wanted the job!). Another benefit of joining SAM, which I hadn’t counted on, was the friend s I would make. Most of my social life now revol ves around reprobates from SAM - sad! Finally, for a club to survive and a Chair man to do his job adequately there has to be a stron g Committee and over my tenure I’ve been fortunate to have such a team, but never more so than with those on the committee today - my sincere thanks. I’m only retiring from the Committee and not the club, so you will still see me at club night s etc. so I still expect you to bow and curtsey; my thank s to you all for all of your support.
A FEW WORDS FROM OUR NEW CHAIRMAN
Gar y Harrison
hen I was approached several months ago and asked if I would consider accepting a nomination for the Chairman's post, I must say that I felt very flattered. After a few weeks thought on the matter and knowing that the three previous Chairmen had really placed SAM in a very stable and happy position, I thought well yes, I would be happy to have my name put forward. Of course, the committee, doing their job so well, did not put all their `eggs into one basket` and Colin Backhouse was also asked the same question.
W
So here we are, with me as Chairman and Colin, just a whisker behind me on votes cast, as Vice Chairman. I must say, knowing that Colin, with his vast experience as a very senior Police Officer, will be there to help me is of great comfort and together we will be able to devote considerable time to SAM. I have great admiration for each of the committee members, knowing that they, who unlike me have full time jobs, still find time to carry out their SAM roles. I hope that Colin and I can continue with the good work done by Gary, who has brought SAM to where it is today. SAM has an important role to play in rider training and safety, and there is no reason why we should not enjoy ourselves whilst doing it. I look forward to the coming year with great enthusiasm. Ride safely and have fun at the same time.
Gerry Gooch PA G E 3
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May 2005
IAM MEMBERS DAY SAMMY MILLER’S MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM 12 JUNE The big IAM event in June is a visit to Sammy Miller’s Motorcycle Museum and Farm Trust at New Milton, Hampshire, close to the New Forest and surrounded by some wonderful riding and driving roads. ammy himself is a motorcycling legend, and is still competing 50 years after his first victory. Readers who share his enthusiasm for the Goodwood Revival meeting will have seen Sammy competing there on his exworks MV Agusta and other exotic bikes from the Miller stable. The collection includes over 300 rare and classic motorcycles, on display in four galleries. Norton enthusiasts in particular will enjoy the show, for the collection of these classic machines is nothing short of fabulous.
BON JOUR – MON AMEE
S
The facilities include tea rooms, a craft shop and a children’s play area, all close to the courtyard that houses the collection. On Sunday 12th June, IAM Members will have exclusive parking and will be provided with lunch. Tickets a mere £5, including the cost of a light lunch. The IAM has details of local bed and breakfast accommodation and camping facilities, and will enclose a list, together with directions to the Museum, when sending out tickets. As ever, you should book early to be on the safe side. Call IAM Head Office of 0220 8996 9600, and ask for the General Office. You will be asked to confirm your Membership Number and to make payment by credit card over the phone or by cheque. If last autumn’s IAM Members Day at the Haynes Motor Museum is anything to go by, this should be another cracking event. We hope to see a record-breaking number of IAM Bikers there, whether arranging on two wheels of four. Note: SAM may be providing some of the Marshalls for this Event – so keep an eye on SAM Announce for further information. As I read this: the event is for Members only and not Associate Members.
.... rom me.... f it r a e h You didn’t
nce and ing his defe rt prepar po re result. g st in la ar our aiting the he Further to hty boy aw ug na a ly en "Who's be ving narrow Although ha of t ur co !" then ince a failed to conv a ga ng di sa oi s e’ av at d ci e an Asso his innocenc Our speeding r n ou he , w penalty st month more severe continued la ed as en w ht lig al w en e rene ate is both the insuranc the ked Associ by rers were as su in chastened e Th d e. an du be 00 to £1 t d no e SPD an ence - one what effect th xt experi ne on ve ha ated!. fine would so if repe ium, and al l the year’s prem e to thank al p might offset He would lik hi rs gave be em m ho IAM The SAM members w increase. ring du t likel y or pp a se was nil advice and su on sp re ng si surpri a those months! ts, which was on both coun of s th on after m relief he said PA G E 4
by Nigel Grace aving recently returned from a trip to Paris – not on the bike fortunately – I had promised to take my wife to Paris for her birthday and now I’ve done it; mind you there was five years between the request and the actual event, but one does not want to rush these things.
H
Having arrived in Paris and seen the sights: you know the sort of stuff – Moaning Lisa in the Lav, a copy of the Blackpool Tower, Marble Arch replica, Sacred Cur and Mont Martra, I then discovered a very entertaining way to pass an afternoon in the Paris sunshine: •
Position yourself at any junction along the Avenue des Champs Elysees, or
•
Stand anywhere within the safety of the confines of the Arc de Triomphe and
WATCH THE TRAFFIC – it is both horrifying and spectacularly funny, but remember to watch with the eyes of a Motorcyclist… our French two wheeled comrades are fast and furious and they do not know the meaning of the word Fear (or Sanity come to that), they literally hurtle from junction to junction, in and out of the lanes, over wet cobble stones, even at times travelling at 90 degrees to the rest of the traffic. They filter through to the front of the traffic at junctions with alarming speed and panache and then launch themselves forward rather like the WSB start at every set of lights. BUT they do it with style – most giving up the leathers and boots for the more refined suits by La Croix and Gucci loafers – but, ever aware of their safety they do wear helmets – mostly the open faced type with full face visors – this enables them to switch the mobile phone to autoanswer and stuff it under the helmet until it is positioned over the ear – instant communications on the move – no Autocom required there – it also leaves the left hand free to hold the cigarette.
The machines are a 50 / 50 split between motorcycles and scooters, and I did wonder where all the BMW C1’s went – yes to Paris – and guess what – they don’t have to wear skid-lids when riding them. I did try to get photos of all this but I was either too horrified to look or laughing too much. Ah well laughing over with – a nudge in the ribs and it was off to see the sacred shop de la Versace, Place de la Concorde (not a plane in sight), Notre Dame (no Hunchback nor Esmeralda), but my wife did give some of my hard earnt cash to a wandering Bosnian that had seven sisters, four brothers, two dogs and a budgerigar… c’est la vie – it’s Rome in 2010….
PARIS PLANS BIKE BAN The Mayor of Paris is going to ban all bikes and cars from the City Centre next year. Only residents, emergency vehicles and taxis will be allowed in the city's historic centre. The ban is expected to be introduced by stages over the next seven years. MCN March 2005
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IMPROVE YOUR CORNER ENTRY by Andy Ibbott / Keith Code
Entry, the most exciting part of any corner and the key to the rest of it. etting your corner entry speed right is one of the most satisfying things you can do on your bike, Once you have the entry to the turn sorted out the rest of it goes very well indeed. You have the right speed, you come out of the turn quickly, you are in just the right place in the corner, at the apex, nothing seems to be a drama, nothing overwhelms you and nothing feels frantic, rushed or hurried.
G
Now the twist to this is none of us wants to ride at 70% at the entry to the turn, we all have a desire to push ourselves from time to time. The key to this is to move on from 70% one small step at a time.
The entry of the corner can be defined as the approach and the first third of the turn. Namely, before the apex. Of course the entry of the corner is also the busiest, most complicated part of any corner and here’s why: 1. You are running out of space, the road turns left or right and your eyes see less space to ride into 2. This gives you the impression you are going faster than you actually are, which makes you feel hurried, or rushed - you may even panic 3. You have to select the right gear for the corner
21. Assess the rear traction levels
4. You have to brake to set your Speed
22. Assess the stability of the bike
5. You have to see where the corner is going and try and assess what type of corner it is
24. Think
6. You have to decide what line you will take through the turn 7. You have to let off the brakes 8. You have to start to apply the throttle, set your body position 9. You have to decide when you are going to turn into the corner 10. You have to decide how much to steer the bike 11. How quickly or slowly to steer the bike 12. Assess the surface conditions 13. Assess the speed all the time as you do all these other things 14. Assess your required lean angle 15. Continuously assess the level of grip you have 16. Assess the levels of grip you think you will have in the next 10th of a second - all the way through the turn 17. Assess the bike’s reaction as you turn in 18. Assess the bike’s reaction as you let off the brakes 19. Assess the feel of the bike 20. Assess the front traction levels
and sort the reaction out. The reason is at 70% you have more of your attention free, or spare to be able to do this. At 90% the spare attention capacity you have is not enough.
23. Relax Then there is the order of the things you do to consider. Now whilst there isn’t a definite “cast in stone” order to follow there are certainly some ground rules. If we just dealt with your vision then the order of things can be very important. For example if you looked into the corner after you had turned the bike then it would feel very very rushed, indeed as you would have to try and get on a line while you were still trying to decide where the line was. If you looked for a place to turn after you have already turned the bike then you would be looking behind you! It’s the same for the physical interactions you have with the bike. Trying to get your body position right once the bike was leant over just makes it unstable. If you set your position well before the corner then the effect of stability is good because the bike remains balanced as you turn in.
If you set your position well before the corner then the effect of stability is good because the bike remains balanced as you turn in. survival reactions, the things we do without conscious thought that lead us into more trouble. The best example is suddenly feeling there is less space at the apex than you first thought and slamming the throttle closed, grabbing the brake and discovering that the bike sits up and heads off in a very unfavorable direction indeed. Of course, how near you are riding to your personal limit will have a great bearing on how soon, and how demanding your survival reactions will be. If you go into a turn at 70% of your ability and something grabs at your attention the chances are you will be able to cope with it with ease
Use a road or series of turns you know well. Set an entry speed you feel happy with, in control, it may be a speed or revs but set a measurable amount. Get comfortable with that entry speed. Once comfortable raise it very slightly, says 3 or 4 KPH. No more. You will discover that even this small increase drains a lot of your thinking and reaction time and therefore moves you closer to your survival reaction threshold. Again keep working it until it feels comfortable and then increase the entry speed a little more. Now there will always come a time when it will feel a little too much and it’s the same for every single rider in the world. This is your current limit, now you will need to change something to make it feel comfortable. It maybe when you look into the turn; it maybe the place you turn, when you get back on the throttle, in fact any of the 24 things we looked at earlier. And now the key. To change that one thing you are going to need some free attention to be able to do it. So, you are going to have to back off your entry speed a little to allow this to happen. Nice twist eh? As ever the old adage of in slow, out fast is true. Ed. Or as Steve Clothier of SAM would say: Slow In Fast Out and not Fast In Sh*t Out.
There will be slight variations to the order of events but get one of them too far out of sequence (that’s your defined sequence) and you will suddenly feel like the corner has gone to rat shit and then you will face the onslaught of PA G E 5
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SOCIAL RIDE - 23RD JANUARY 2005
Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties and local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman. Many females use a date rape drug on the market called “Beer” to target unsuspecting men. The drug is generally found in liquid form and is now available almost anywhere. It comes in bottles, cans, from taps, and in large “kegs”. Beer is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and have sex with them. Typically, a woman needs only to persuade a guy to consume a few units of Beer and then simply ask him home for no strings attached sex. Men are rendered helpless against this approach. After several beers, men will often succumb to desires to perform sexual acts on horrific looking women to whom they would never normally be attracted. After drinking Beer men often awaken with only hazy memories of exactly what happened to them the night before and often with just a vague feeling that “something bad” occurred. At other times these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life savings, in a familiar scam known as “A Relationship”. It has been reported that in extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer-term form of servitude and punishment referred to as “Marriage”. Apparently, men are much more susceptible to this scam after beer is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females. Please forward this warning to every male you know (and women with a sense of humour!). If you fall victim to this insidious Beer and the predatory women administering it, there are male support groups with venues in every town where you can discuss the details of your shocking encounter in an open and frank manner with similarly affected, like-minded guys. For the support group nearest you, look up “Golf Courses” in the Yellow Pages.
CHIEF OBSERVER’S REPORT APRIL 2005 I apologise for those of you who did attend the AGM, because most of what I am about to say is a repetition of my report at the AGM. or those who didn’t attend the meeting I reported that this time last year we were about to embark on our training weekends, for the duration of the summer.
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These proved very successful, with this in mind we are proposing further training weekends this year. As I reported in the January edition we have had very good results regarding test passes, bearing in mind that these figures are for an eleven month period May 2004 to end March 2005. Unfortunately we have only had a further three pass their test since December, but hopefully things will pick up again now the spring is with us. PA G E 6
The three passes are Paul Nol, Tony Prince & Andy Osman, once again well done to you all, so our total passes for the period is 31. At the AGM all successful test applicants for the last year were invited along to be presented with their badge, a new move proposed by the general committee. I also thanked all my fellow observers for their dedicated efforts throughout the last year. It is with regret that we have lost Godwin Calafato as a senior observer who has resigned, also Steve Pashley who has left the group and Gary Lark who has moved away, both of whom were qualified observers. So the current position regarding observers is Senior 5, Qualified 15 and 2 trainee, so all we can hope for is new recruits to observe. Take care and safe riding to you all.
John Goodson
Hilary’s Winter Warmer
by Nigel Grace R1100RT
n a very cool January morning 13 riders gathered at Winchester to take part in Hilary’s Winter Warmer - the rumour was that this was to be a brisk, not for Virgins type of a ride. Despite the overwhelming number of BMWs the conversation was lively and good natured, what we did not know was that low Sun, the Farmers and Jack Frost and the number 13 all had other plans for us today. Hilary led the way and Nigel brought up the rear as Tail End Charlie...
O
The first part of the run was fine. Winchester to New Alresford, Four Marks, Bentworth and on to Basingstoke, the radio conversation being mainly about the low temperatures and the amount of SNOW on the cars going the other way!!! Isn’t it funny how one sees something and it just doesn’t fully register immediately.... After Basingstoke the roads disappeared and we were cruising at about 5 mph through some very muddy, slippy and yes, you guessed it, ICY country lanes, and now noticed the amount of snow still on the cars parked in the driveways of houses we were passing . . . More and more I found myself wishing for the long, straight, dry Motorways and Dual carriageways..... On and on across these bloody awful single width cart tracks more mud, cow muck, ice and snow..... The radio conversation now turned to whether or not it is wise to give advanced warning over the radio and if yes - what should you warn of:- pedestrians, mud, snow, ice etc etc Note: Radio traffic tends to reduce when the concentration goes up. It was during one of these periods of radio silence that we all passed around a small round-about, on a slope with lots of ice... I say “we all passed around”, what I meant was “they all passed around” the round-about, and it was I that approached it very slowly but... (and I have re-lived this moment over and over again in my mind) I do believe I may have been slightly over zealous with the rear brake and hey presto the rear wheel slipped left under me and BMW R1100RT fell to the floor with an
almighty thump just as if it had been poleaxed. In fact it was so quick that I was still in the saddle and did not even get to put a foot down.... Having almost recovered my composure I then managed to pick up the bike whilst still standing on the very ice sheet that dumped me so unceremoniously on the deck this is no mean feat with a bike that weighs in at over 600lbs. Once upright and seated on the machine we eventually managed to get the engine started and with vast amounts of white smoke pouring from the exhaust for the next 8 miles all was OK again. Thank you to all the other bikers that stopped to assist me in my hour of need - well done. Advice: If you are going to fall off a bike at low speed - you can’t do better than a big BMW... We all then moved off to the destination pub in Highclere for lunch, coffee and a much need P stop... and very good it was too the lunch I mean. The return trip was on more normal roads and the pace was a little brisker, although by this time the low sun was making life a little difficult. Hurstbourne Tarrent, St Mary Bourne and Barton Stacey all past by as we made our way to Stockbridge, Romsey and finally into Ower - although we did manage to lose a marker at Romsey but he was very good natured about it and Hilary did apologise ..... so after a much needed coffee we departed for home - some very dirty bikes for to clean..... roll on the summer.....
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May 2005
SAM Sunday Training 2005
SOCIAL RIDE - 20TH MARCH 2005
by Chris Robinson - SAM Skills Development unday training went very well in 2004 and the dates for 2005 are listed below.A special thanks to the Observers who gave up their Sundays and to all the Associates and Members who came along. Many people assisted in the background and a big thank you to the people who promoted Sunday Training to the public.
S
Now we have proven the concept of Sunday Training, we would like to use it to expand the club in 2005. In order to do this we need more volunteers to distribute leaflets at motorcycle dealers and sites such a Meon Hut (please God, it re-opens soon!).We also need someone who could write to all the big organisations in the SO and PO postcode areas, promoting corporate training.
A BRIEF ENCOUNTER at Alresford
If you would like to help SAM and Sunday Training, please contact Chris Robinson on 023 8028 2366 or email chris@communicating.co.uk. If you would like to help but not sure what to do, call Chris and please be assured you will get all the help, support and training you need. Safe riding in 2005, MAY 1ST Manhandling Your Motorcycle Chris Robinson
(Run Leader Roger Coe with Paul Whyte and Garmin as Backmarker)
JUNE 5TH The Police System of M/C Control - 1 Peter Johnson
21 bikes and three passengers left King Alfred sharp at 10.00hrs on a clear day and not too cold.
JULY 3RD The Police System of M/C Control - 2 Peter Johnson
3 members were out for the first time and very welcome they were made too. Without loss or mishap we reached Jewry Street all of 1000 yards from the start, only to be stopped by a very nice man with a shiny tin plate on his pointed hat.Who took that moment to close the road to allow an Easter March to proceed from the castle and through the City. Be about 20 minutes said the kindly plod, now having a lighter bike I opted for a U turn (if its good enough for Tony its okay for me) the 20 behind were no doubt thinking, "what a cock up already", but the nice police man in the pointed hat stopped the traffic to let us wobble round with some demonstrating their slow speed skills whilst others, well enough said. Without fuss onto Alresford Watercress line Station where a nice cup of tea was taken
accompanied by black smoke and steam. Reminiscent of a day out as a child (at least for some of us), a new experience for others. Leaving Alresford via the Candovers Basingstoke loomed from the mist. A Quick trip round doughnut city and out on the B road to Andover, well that was the plan, in the event I missed the turn and ended up on the 303 down to The Wallops. Having forgotten the name of the pub I was glad to find it where it should be, and even more pleased they could accommodate us at short notice (well done The Pheasant). Food was quickly ordered and quickly delivered most plates were cleaned before we set off for the short ride back via Stockbridge and back in the Alfred's arms by 1430. Courtesy of Paul's Garmin I am told we did 81 miles, were on the road for 2-11 and averaged 37mph. So that was it, my first run as Run Leader was over.A very satisfying experience that must be repeated one day. I hope everyone enjoyed it as I did. See you all again soon I hope.
AUGUST 7TH Advanced Cornering Chris Robinson & Kevin Parsons SEPTEMBER 4TH Making Progress Safely Steve Clothier OCTOBER 2ND Observer Training Chris Robinson
Advanced Plus Test
Reminder to Mem bers with post Te st experience of 1 ye ar
The Advanced Plu
s Test awaits! Test your skills by achieving a Mark and a Grade. Local Examiner Ph il Pentelow reques ts the pleasure of your co m pa ny . Speak to either Stev e Clothier, or the ca ndidates who have already taken the Test, (Hilary Thompson , Chris Robinson or Gerry Gooch to name bu t a few) or apply directly to Godwin Calafato fo r an Application Form. PA G E 7
Thanks Tris for the pics.
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MOTORCYCLE CIRCUS (A true story) - Gerry Gooch y Motorcycle Display Team has had to perform in many different venues, including a concreted banked cycle track, a horse race course, a cinder surfaced Stock car circuit, a Moto Cross circuit to name just a few. But the enquiry that I received this time really had me thinking.`Could you give a 15 minute performance in a circus ring for a TV show at the Wembley TV Studios`?
M
Well a circus ring was just 36 feet diameter and I had a 500cc BSA, a 350 and two 250`s as well as the little Riley Elf car that I used in my act. My reply was to give me 7 days to let them know. Over the practice field we marked out the 36 ft circle and thought what an earth could we do in that size ! Well, I must say that we even surprised ourselves. The two 250cc BSA were ridden side by side with the pillion rider standing astride on the seat. I rode our 98cc Corgi the opposite way around the ring ducking under each time I met the bikes. I then turned around, caught them up and the pillion rider then dropped off onto my shoulders. One trick done. We set the car going around the ring with the idle speed set to about 12 mph and with the steering tied firmly onto full lock. The four of us then climbed out of the passenger door onto the
Ebay and me By Julian Isaac ork is as busy as usual but in between the jobs that need doing and those that can wait a little longer is the new found access to the internet and more specifically ebay. Rather than educating myself further or getting out and doing some exercise over the lunch hour, like I should, the call to check those bids on e-bay are for ever calling and an hour later I’m no wiser, no fitter, just nearer to being skint.
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Being relatively new to biking, when compared to some folk anyway, I find this website a great asset and can’t imagine what the old days were like without it! For instance the Winter roads are an issue with me at the moment. I casually asked a senior observer whether I should ride in the ‘wet but worn tracks of cars’ during the dry but wet salty road days or stay on the relatively dry part between the tracks where there appears to PA G E 8
be more grip. “Appears” is the operative word I discovered when I added a little throttle and the bike danced it’s rear wheel around before dumping me unceremoniously on the deck. The bike only had minor damage after the 100 meters of travel on it’s side and still looked mint if viewed from the left. I got it checked out by a freelance mechanic (Kev from Pompey) who provided me with a list of parts required to get it back on the road and a cost of these parts from the official dealer..... bugger, you don’t need that kind of bill just before Christmas. On to ebay for some serious browsing and whilst it’s partly luck that a specific part is on auction there are quite a surprising number of bits to make it a viable method of getting your bike sorted. Unfortunately some of my broken bits are pretty much the usual
May 2005
roof of the car and performed two side by side wheel barrows. Then, as we lowered down we instigated a total collapse and all fell off into the centre of the ring. The car was left running around by itself. We had dispensed with our motorcycle boots by this time and were wearing plimsolls. We positioned ourselves at four points around the ring facing the car and as it approached we jumped onto the front bumper with one foot the wing with the second step and the roof with the third step and so on off the rear of the car, 2nd trick done! Our entry had to be spectacular, so we set up a very short jump ramp outside the ring so that I could jump into it but still stopping within the 36 feet. The plan was to make a large rectangular frame, fill it with polystyrene ceiling tiles and for me to jump through it into the ring. So that was the plan and I sent my proposal off to ITV and much to my delight they went for it. A fee was agreed and the date set. We arrived at Wembley with our white plimsolls, blue trousers, gold shirts with blue ties, very smart indeed. The dress rehearsal for the Hippodrome Show as it was called went very well. Two rather nice young ladies held the frame in front of the ramp and in I jumped covered from head to toe with broken polystyrene tiles ! The car did snick one of the perimeter blocks but no harm was done.What we did not realise was the chaos that was going on behind the scenes as our bikes roared around the circus ring. The three elephants also booked for the show were going berserk! One of us had to go, for the two acts just did not mix and yes, you have guessed right, it was us who had to go. After all that work, special clothing, special equipment, practicing until everything was slick and to time and we were booted out at the last moment. Of course, we got our fee just the same, but we did not do what we wanted to and that was to perform on a TV show.
suspects post spill and are pretty hard to find and so I resort to a breakers 300miles away. The remainder are however found on the e-bay and I have now honed the technique to winning. Set the top whack you’re willing to pay and wait until there’s seconds to go and put in your max bid, this reduces the chance of someone else out bidding you, unless they’ve done the same thing but with deeper pockets!
Now the bike is back on the road, the site is still alluring with such a range of shiny bits that one could get seriously deluded. Coloured screen, heel plates, decals, novelty mugs... I get the feeling people are taking advantage of my curiosity.... or is it my boredom. I do however maintain the link in order to stock up for my next spill with a brake lever here and a mirror there.... oh and check out that titanium can!
Amy Isaac (Julian’s daughter) with Karl Harris - 1st British Super Sport Champion.
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First on the Scene... hris Robinson & Sue Lacey attended a “First on Accident Scene” course with Hampshire Constabulary recently. The course was run by PC Mick Gear, the coordinator of BikeSafe and PC Martin Vine who many of us know and Jeff Newbold, Robin Cruse and Pete Hackett who are all Motorcycle Paramedics delivered the first aid part of the course.
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Filtering on Motorways: Legal or not here I come! By Tony Carter
Always be aware of the possibility of other vehicles changing lanes suddenly without warning.
The course covered accident scene management and First Aid, including the ABC of life saving as well as wound management. An accident scene was set up in the grounds of the Police Training centre in Netley Abbey and accident management was discussed at length. Various exercises were set and it was an excellent day. Anyone wishing to attend future courses should contact Mick Gear at Totton Police Station or visit www.bikesafe.co.uk and use the email or other contact facilities on the website. If Members would like Chris and Sue to give a summary of what they learnt at a club night, I’m sure they would oblige. Please let Mark Bowley the events co-ordinator know.
ar it You didn’t he from me........ The club has two less virgins! (Ed - I didn’t know we had any !!!) Colin Backhouse and Roger Coe have both recently very successfully organised their first SAM Social Runs. Odd really that they were both running in new bikes as well, Colin a dark blue Honda Pan European and Roger a silver K1200RS (the first to be seen in the club.) SAM have advertised in the motorcycle magazine of the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA) offering `Free Assessed Rides` to any of their members. Paul Whyte must be clocking up the miles on his FJR1300, travelling all the way down from Trowbridge in Wiltshire were he lives to almost every Social Run that SAM organises, often with his pretty young daughter on the pillion. It must be that all those months at sea have left him eager for a bit of good old solid earth beneath his wheels.
May 2005
tatistically, motorways are amongst the safest roads in the UK but learners are not allowed on them (unless they happen to be driving an HGV). So lack of education and knowledge, as well as higher speeds, are prime causes of motorway accidents.
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The big advantage we have over car drivers on a motorway is that when the queues start to form we don’t have to sit there getting sweaty and frustrated. We’re skinnier (even with the largest panniers attached) so we can filter - either slip between vehicles or quickly switch to a different lane. But over the years this ability has led to many debates over what is and what isn’t legal for bikes to do on a motorway.
Is it legal? Filtering is simply another word for overtaking, but many riders are confused over just how legitimate this is. This may be because they have been told by other people that it is illegal (it certainly is in some Countries and certain states in the USA), or perhaps because it entails carrying out a nearside overtake (passing on the left), a manoeuvre which many also consider to be verboten. There is nothing in law that prevents you from overtaking provided:
• You do not straddle or cross over solid central white lines
• You do not overtake after a No Overtaking sign
• You do not overtake the lead
vehicle within the confines of the zig-zags of a pedestrian/pelican crossing, as it may have stopped to allow pedestrians to cross
• You do not cause danger or force other vehicles to alter course or speed. So filtering on motorways isn’t illegal as such. In practice, the only real issue is how safely you do it. Certainly, the traffic police have no general problem with riders filtering. However, many only consider a maximum of 10-15 mph above the speed of the slowest moving vehicle as acceptable. Beyond this, they would think about reporting riders for driving without due care and attention. In respect of filtering down the nearside, or undertaking, how many times have you been faced with stationary traffic in the middle and offside lanes, while the nearside lane (erroneously referred to by one and all as the ‘slow lane’) sits empty? Or been confronted by a car sitting in the middle lane doing 50 mph with no other traffic in the nearside lane, but the outside lane heaving. Isn’t it natural to consider going past on the inside? Although it goes against what is written in the Highway Code, it is not illegal in itself to undertake. Again, this is providing other road users are not endangered and drivers are not forced to alter course or speed as a result. However, although the absolute offence of nearside overtaking was removed from the statute books
many years ago, the possibility of being reported for careless driving, or in the worst cases, dangerous driving, still applies. If you filter or undertake it is for the police to prove that your standard of riding fell below what would be considered acceptable. Be aware that many police cars and bikes, some of them unmarked, carry video cameras. If you weave from lane to lane, suddenly cut across the front of vehicles, or ride too aggressively between them there is a fair chance that you will not only be starring in your own video nasty, but will also end up in court. If, as a result of your undertaking or filtering, a collision occurs, the chances are you will be held liable. However, if you ride smoothly and safely, do not take risks, and do not compromise the safety of others then you shouldn’t have a problem. Before carrying out any manoeuvre always ask yourself whether it can be done safely without inconveniencing other traffic, and if your actions are really going to give you any benefit? If the answer to either question is no, then hold back until such time as a safe opportunity presents itself, but always be aware of the possibility of other vehicles changing lanes suddenly without warning. You may not be the only one on the road who wants to ‘make progress’. Tony Carter is a highly experienced road safety expert who served for many years as a police patrol motorcyclist. He is senior motorcycle examiner for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Advanced Drivers’ Association and a specialist in motorcycle protective clothing and equipment. Tony works for solicitors Boyes Turner in its claims group, specialising in personal injury claims for motorcycle accidents. PA G E 9
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God and Daytona Beach Harley Davidson BIKE WEEK (10 days actually) continued from front cover
The inventor of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Corporation, Arthur Davidson, died and went to heaven.
Five men, one hotel room (with a sea view) and four valid passports!
At the gates, St. Peter told Arthur, “since you’ve been such a good man and your motorcycles have changed the world, your reward is, you can hang out with anyone you want in Heaven.”
H
Arthur thought about it for a minute and then said,”I want to hang out with God.” St. Peter took Arthur to the Throne Room, and introduced him to God. God recognized Arthur and commented,“Okay, so you were the one who invented motorcycles, eh?” Arthur said,“Yes, that’s me...” God commented, “Well, what’s the big deal in inventing something that’s pretty unstable, makes noise and pollution, and can’t run without a road?” Arthur was apparently embarrassed, but finally spoke, “Excuse me but aren’t you the inventor of woman???” God said,“Ah, yes.” “Well,” said Arthur,“professional to professional, you have some major design flaws in your invention.” 1. There’s too much inconsistency in the front-end protrusion; 2 It chatters constantly at high speeds; 3. Most of the rear ends are too soft and wobble too much; 4. The intake is placed way too close to the exhaust; 5. And the maintenance costs are outrageous!! “Hmmmm, you may have some good points there,” replied God, “hold on.” God went to His Celestial supercomputer, typed in a few words and waited for the results. The computer printed out a slip of paper and God read it. “Well, it may be true that my invention is flawed,” God said to Arthur, “but according to these numbers, more men are riding my invention than yours.”
answer on page 12
What am I?
P A G E 10
aving been hauled out of the check-in queue, one of the party admitted under interrogation to gross stupidity and opted for a 2 centre break. Ist day in the beautiful English capital based at the centrally located passport office. Having parted with a pile of cash for an emergency passport, Virgin Airlines transferred his ticket and 24hrs later the four became five again. Planes fly into Orlando, so a hire car is essential for the 60 mile trip down to Daytona. Hotel of choice (cheap and bookable on the internet) the Ocean Walk is situated very centrally on the beach, close to Main Street, where bikes queue for an hour to cruise its short length. The event is on a typically huge American scale, being so vast a car is needed to stand any chance of covering all of it. No two bikes are the same, and with 90%
being trailered in these works of art are immaculate. 98% are v twins, and everything is negotiable. Surprisingly beers are reasonable and costs don’t seem to vary around the show. All the big names are in evidence and its possible to rub shoulders with the great and the good in bike custom building. Our group paid homage in the form of a beer to the god that is Arlen Ness and got a 20 minute audience for their trouble. The Daytona Speedway Circuit holds races for every form of bike during the week. And the highlight of the trip.......well it begins with b, and there were plenty of them! With so much to see the plane tickets for next year are being booked, passports checked and large presents for wives and partners bought.
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May 2005
Super charged artwork Largest working bike
Gas Turbine engine out of a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter
The Ocean Walk Hotel situated centrally on the beach with the bikes and displays spread out 15 miles on either side. Latest models
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May 2005
CAPTION COMPETITION:
FOR SALE...
Answers via email to:
sam.newsletter@btinternet.com Answer - what am I from p10? Buell Chopper.
Honda X11 (CB1100sf) Blue! 2001! Powerful, Rare, Imaculate,Tax 12/05! 10,000mile service! Imobiliser! DataTag! SmartWater! Recent tyres! Free all-weather cover! Locks! £4000! call Alan 077 86 252 679
HOLIDAY COTTAGE
for rent
IN DEVON VILLAGE ON THE NORTH EDGE OF DARTMOOR
Kawasaki zx12r Black/Gold! 2003 Tax 12/05! 12,000mile service included! DataTag! Recent rear tyre! Alarm/imobiliser! chain-oiler! Free all-weather cover! luggage rack! Locks! £5500! call Alan 077 86 252 679
AMBER COTTAGE is located between TAVISTOCK & OKEHAMPTON Family owned for over 40 Years SLEEPS 9 in 4 bedrooms
‘98 Buell chopper, 3,500k. Hand-built frame stage 3 engine goes and handles £7100. Phone Nic for a full spec 07712063210
Prices start from £250 per week rising to £365 high season from 26th MARCH to 29th OCTOBER THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR £ 205 pw WEEKENDS AVAILABLE not around popular dates
FOR ENQUIRIES CALL 01276 509550 DISCLAIMER
FREE BIKE TENT FRAME I have a new frame from the Motrax Bike Cover - add you own canvas Free if you can collect Please contact Tony Saunders: tsaunders@btdigitaltv.com P A G E 12
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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