SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
The IAM Aims To Improve the Standard of Driving and Riding The Advancement of Road Safety The Administration of an Advanced Test
MAKING
sam FEBRUARY 2013
SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS February 2013
progress INSIDE P7-8 Keep on the right side of the Law.
P6 The legalities of filtering.
P4 The road to a full bike license.
Remember the summer?, Page 9. Page 1
Registered Charity 1097558
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
FEBRUARY 2013
Chairman’s chat, February 2013 Greetings and a very Happy New Year! I guess it’s customary at this time to review the old year and look towards what the new one might hold. However, because I can, I’m going to ignore the first bit and concentrate on the second. But before that, I must offer a huge “thank you” to your Committee, the Observers and the other committed helpers who kept the wheels of SAM well oiled and running smoothly through 2012. I could not have wished for a better team. You will, of course, recall that I have been banging on about needing a PR Officer since last May: well, you can all raise your heads above the parapet again because Steve Morton has got the job! Thank you Steve, may you win the lottery and have several new bikes! Mark Rowe has also had to stand down from the Club Night team, but we welcome Trevor Thorogood on board alongside a much relieved Martin Thomas. Thank you for all you have done Mark, I know you will be back as soon as you can manage. While on the Club Night theme, the organisers have had a torrid time recently. They were let down by presenters for both November and January and had to pull out all the stops to keep the show on the road. However, “it’s an ill wind ……” and November gave us the opportunity to hold a long overdue open forum which turned into a lively and very useful event. You made a number of suggestions you felt would improve the Group and all were considered at the next Committee meeting. Some were easy to deal with – like Committee Members wearing name badges. Some will take more time and effort to achieve and may even prove “too difficult”, like laying on Club Nights at alternative venues thereby perhaps involving a ride out. The only one we turned down was the suggestion that we have a month without a Club Night (sorry Dave!). In January, the organisers had only 3 working days to reorganise their programme and they produced an excellent evening in front of one of our largest turn-outs (I read somewhere that “hanging concentrates the mind”!). Nigel Tailyour’s account of his “challenging” ride South through Morocco and West over the High Atlas to Marrakech was delivered impeccably and smacked of a great deal of preparation. Alec and his Senior Observer team – including Master Rider Keiron Parsons -
then briefed and answered questions on “Common Confusions” – a very useful set of test guidelines and explanations edited by Jon Taylor. You can read the full document on the Forum and the Web Site (and you should read it). So what are your biking aims and aspirations for 2013? I suggested at Club Night that your Green Badge represents the start, not the end of your biking achievements. Our primary task is, and will always be, to prepare our Associates for the Advanced Test. However, two-thirds of you are already Green Badge holders and especially for you, we provide a route to Advanced Plus and now, through IAM provision, a new qualification of Master Rider – replacing the Special Assessment. So what are you waiting for? Finally, and especially for those who have just raised their heads above the parapet, SAM needs a Deputy Web-Master. You don’t need me to tell you, that if Rui goes on holiday (and he’s allowed to do so) or is away for any other reason, we are without a Web-Master. You also so know full well, how much we depend upon Rui and the Web-Site to run SAM effectively and efficiently. I know there are some of you who run your own, quite sophisticated web-sites. I am asking therefore that if you feel you can give a small amount of your time to come alongside Rui and share the load when needed, please get in touch with him: webmaster@solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk . Thank you. By the way, may you also win the lottery Trevor – just don’t use it to buy that new yacht and sail off into the sunset – we need you! Stay safe and keep the rubber on the road. David
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Chief Observer’s Report – Feb 2013 truly, with both of us getting favourable comment from the Staff Examiner, Jon Taylor.
It's a new year and as I write this, motorcycle riding is temporarily interrupted by snow and ice. Hopefully, it will all clear and we can carry on with all the good stuff that's happening for us in SAM's world of advanced motorcycling.
There's no reason we should be shy of pushing standards of riding and training ever higher. Everyone benefits! Observers achieve new levels of confidence in their ability to communicate and ride; Members have something to aim for after test; Associates enter into something special that transforms their riding with better support than ever.
A reminder that, thanks to a lot of hard work and planning in the IAM and in SAM, the opportunities we offer to improve your riding and observing have never been greater. The IAM now offers the Masters qualification - an examination of your ride over 90 minutes on demanding roads that won't be familiar to you. You need 70% for a pass and 80% gets you a distinction. Senior Observer Keiron Parsons recently took the test and got a distinction with 81%. Well done, indeed! The IAM also lets you re-take the Advanced Motorcycle Test with the aim of achieving a F1RST register entry. To get a F1RST, you have to score mostly "1s" on your test sheet in each category, no easy feat given that on a scale of 1 to 5, a "3" is all you need to pass. Within SAM, the Advanced Plus Test is as popular as ever and attracts members and Observers each year who wish to hone their riding skills to a new level. I'm grateful to the Senior Observers who guide candidates to this level and to our local examiner, Phil Pentelow for carrying out the tests for us. And don't forget the Member's Refresher Ride - an observed ride with a Senior or experienced Observer to see if your skills are still up to IAM test level. In the last edition of Making Progress I described the new National Observer's test and how this is available to all Observers. Over the next three years, as their qualifications come up for renewal, I will be encouraging as many Observers as feel comfortable in doing so to take the NO test. I'm happy to say that the last SAM Committee Meeting endorsed by aim of having 90% of Observers qualified at this level by the end of 2015. Sam Davis was the first through in SAM, closely followed yours
It doesn't matter that we are "only volunteers" or whether we are from a "professional" riding background or not. When he addressed the Observers' Meeting last November Jon Taylor neatly knocked back both these familiar refrains. Just because you volunteered to join a charity that promotes advanced motorcycling doesn't mean that you can settle for riding at less than the very best you are capable of. There is still room for the concept of "professionalism" within a volunteer organisation. It may not be a paid occupation, but that doesn't mean standards cannot be set, achieved and maintained. This is what you volunteer for, whether as an Associate who is preparing for test, or an Observer helping them prepare. Finally, the IAM has recently published a list of Common Confusions, which helps clarify those issues that regularly come up for discussion on what's expected on test or in our everyday riding. I was so pleased with the good turnout at January's Club Night when a panel of Senior Observers were able to talk through these with you. So from that, remember that advanced riding is not about hard and fast rules; it's about a thinking ride that incorporates all the elements of Roadcraft. The application of rules to any situation will always depend on what is going on, how you've thought it through and what riding plan you have put in place to quietly and efficiently deliver a ride that is safe, systematic, smooth and progressive. With thanks to former Observer Chris Palmer, "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men." Regards Alec
Common Confusions
The IAM have released guidance for associates, observers and examiners when assessing riding, which will provide essential reading for anyone preparing to take their green badge or those involved in the process of preparing or assessing the rider.
The following is an extract and the full document can be found at http://www.solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk/articles/ commonconfusions.pdf
There has been a call for some central guidance in relation to ‘Common Confusions’ on the subject of both Observing and Examining within the IAM. In order to alleviate this, the following has been produced in consultation with Staff Examiners across the country and will be added to as further ‘confusions’ are identified. What to expect in the way of a briefing from the Examiner? The Examiner, having completed introductions, will:• Wish to check documentation for the Candidate and machine, carrying out an eyesight check and make a visual check of your machine both for its legality and suitability for use in the test.
•Outline what it is they will expect from the Candidate. In essence this will be a ride incorporating the advice set out in How to be a Better Rider (HTBABR), in particular the sections titled ‘Examiner Checklist’. This amounts to providing a safe, systematic, smooth and progressive ride that complies with the law in all respects. • Explain how they intend to guide you, either by means of signalling or via use of radios. They will explain their positioning in relation to you and that you should ignore their positioning for the purposes of your own positioning. • Explain how they intend to stop you should that become necessary and what to do in the event of separation, or your missing one of their directions. They will explain that missing one of their ...
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ed sed
First of all let me wish you all a very happy new year, let us hope that 2013 is kinder to us by giving us drier roads than in 2012. I also hope that Santa was kind to you and brought you some nice gear to keep out the rain and cold and allow you to enjoy the bike all year round. After all the driest days last year were at the beginning - remember those threats of a drought back in February, March and April, just before the deluge? Contributions from the membership for this edition has been very thin, so I have taken the opportunity to fill some gaps in understanding that there may exist regarding regulations and rule changes in-place or proposed by our government. As David Forster explained in ‘Chairman’s Chat’, the November club night was a ‘meet the committee’ session, and although I was not asked many questions during the session, I was cornered by a few when togging up to go home.
• Government bending to pressure from the insurance companies may put your compensation at risk should you have an accident. • Compulsory motor insurance laws.
• Have an accident while filtering? It can be a legal nightmare, make sure you understand your position. While I am on a roll, the UK government has been busy making life “more interesting” for motorists and in particular us, motorcyclists. I was discussing such a change when I had to MOT one of my bikes recently. Removing the compulsory requirement for an MOT on vehicles produced before 1960 and making it an optional choice of the owner, has the potential to prove disastrous for owners of classic vehicles and dangerous for road users in general. How the insurance companies will react to this change is yet to be seen, will they give discounts to owners that have a current MOT, will they refuse to insure pre-1960 vehicles? I can see the reasoning, as most owners of classic vehicles do look after their vehicles, but there is a small minority of motorists, that will declare their vehicles as roadworthy when they are not (so when you see that rusty Morris Traveller coming in the other direction, beware because his steering might fail, making you just another statistic!).
It was suggested that, if there was room in the newsletter, I could include an article or two explaining various laws that have recently come into force that affect motorists and therefore motorcyclists. As space was certainly not an issue for this edition, I have trawled the net (did you see what I did there? Do you like it?) and have included changes that affect bikers, and in particular those new to motorcycling. The aim of the government may be to reduce the carnage on our roads, especially to the young and inexperienced, but, despite their possibly noble intentions, the consensus of opinion in the motorcycling publications I have read is that the rule changes may have no real effect on the accident rate and will only serve to deter those thinking of taking up motorcycling (all of this at a time when local authorities are increasing congestion charges and the media keeps banging on about global warming, etc). If the government was really serious about reducing the road accident rate they would force all car drivers to achieve their cycling proficiency first and ensure that they use a bicycle for at least 6 months before they can get a license to drive a car. There is nothing better than riding a bicycle to find out how bad our drivers really are. Ok rants over I promise.
On a lighter note, I have shared some of the pictures from my summer holidays in 2012, escaping the rain and enjoying the wonderful roads that parts of Europe have to offer. The pictures from Italy, Belgium, France and Switzerland show you can go touring on any bike of any age. So enjoy the pictures and see if they whet your appetite for the great outdoors. As for this year: I am preparing myself and my bikes for a range of exhibitions and tours. As an avid fan of Italian Bikes (I am both a member of the Ducatisti and the Guzzisti) many of my tours, exhibitions and rallies are based around those two marques. Should any of you also enjoy Italian metal, the first local event is the Horsham Italian weekend starting on Good Friday, then in April (see calendar) there is the Bristol Auto Italia. My only quandary is which bike to take to which. Well I hope you enjoy this edition, get clued up on the rules and regulations, and until the next edition have lots of good motorcycling. If you do, let me know about it so that I can share.
So some of the topics tackled in this edition include: • The paths to a full licence for young and new riders.
Ciao ed
• What are the implications of declaring a SORN for your bike over the winter.
Do you know someone who is thinking about taking up the motorcycle or scooter as a means of transport and as a pastime? Maybe it is your son or daughter, whoever it is, they need to be advised that the path to a full motorcycle license has changed. New rules being brought in by the government are aimed at reducing the accident rate of young riders, only time will tell if they will work. The following extract is backed by a visual depiction of the path to a full motorcycle license. ed gram (0.2kw/kg). Riders starting at 19 can also get an A2 license but must take a theory and a practical test. Once they’ve had an A2 license for two years they can take yet another practical test to finally get an A license, for a bike unlimited in power. This makes the minimum age for an unlimited bike 21. Alternatively, riders can wait until they are 24 can take one theory and practical test for an A license.
New Rules Explained Motorcycle News 28/11/2012
Sweeping changes to motorcycle licensing rules take effect on January 19 next year. All under-19s will be limited to 125cc and under21s to 47bhp. Learners aged 17-19 can sit a theory and practical test for a full license, enabling them to ditch their L plates and ride on Qualifying in steps is known as ‘staged access’. Riders who start at 19 or 24 and leapfrog a stage take the ‘direct the motorway. But it will only be an A1 license limiting them to 125cc and 15bhp – the same power and capacity access’ route. The current equivalent to an A2 license carries a 33bhp limit, limits they faced as learners. At 19, if they’ve had their A1 license for two years, they can take a further practical test to qualify for an A2 license. This will limit them to 47bhp (35kw) and no more than 0.26bhp per kilo-
not 47bhp, and riders can qualify for it at 17. After two years, they can ride an unlimited bike with no further tests. A direct access test to immediately ride unlimited bikes can be taken at 21.
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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
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Several months ago whilst returning to work at lunchtime I was stopped by a traffic patrol (car) after I had filtered past him and several other vehicles that were moving slowly after being stopped by a red light. I was told by the policeman (a special) that filtering was illegal. I asked him since when, and his response was that it has always been illegal. As he was not booking me I decided not to argue the toss and agreed that I would ride carefully (not that I had been doing anything but). So this little encounter inspired me to check what the law of this country actually says about ‘filtering’ in moving traffic, and to be honest it appears to be down to the interpretation of the officer in attendance as to whether the actual manoeuvre could be deemed a ‘dangerous overtake’ - a situation that is both vague and open to interpretation. The following extract (forwarded by Mike Barringer) should remove some of that ambiguity . ed.
Filter Tips Written by Andrew Prendergast of “White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors”:
Filtering and/or overtaking and the Criminal law Is it legal to filter or overtake slow moving/stationary traffic? In a nutshell, yes. Filtering is a legal manoeuvre that can be made on a motorcycle but the key point is only if it is safe to do so. It is always a surprise to a lot of bikers that the Highway Code itself is not actually ‘law’. However, while not ‘Law’ it is often referred to by judges and is a good place for guidance of what bikers should do. Among other things it advises that motorcyclists (or any other vehicle for that matter) should not overtake or filter where they might come into conflict with other road users.
biker does this on a blind bend and hits a car head-on (even if travelling at half the permitted speed limit i.e. 30mph in a 60mph limit), they could be successfully prosecuted for dangerous driving. This can happen if the found the biker’s riding fell so far below the standard expected of the “competent and careful rider” and it was obvious riding in that manner was dangerous. If convicted for dangerous driving a biker would get a minimum of 12 months disqualification from riding/driving and at worse two years in prison. This is in addition to a fine and/or court costs.
Filtering and/or overtaking and claiming for injuries Even though a biker might not be criminally liable for filtering and having a collision, it is a long established legal principle that a biker who is out of the ordinary flow of traffic by overtaking or filtering places themselves at potential risk and therefore has to take extra care. If they do not and a collision happens they may not get 100% of their claim for damages. Every case turns on its own facts and if need be judges will hear evidence and make decisions and apportion liability accordingly. A classic Court of Appeal case involved a van driver who was waiting to pull out from a driveway when a lorry stopped and flashed his lights. The van pulled out slowly but a biker overtook the lorry and collided with the van. So even though the motorcyclist was on the main road and the van relied on the lorry flashing him out, the court decided the van and the biker were equally to blame i.e. a 50/50 split. Why? The court found the biker failed to see the van until the very moment of the collision and failed to keep a look out. As for the van driver, because the flash of the lights from the lorry was only permission for him to come out of the driveway it did not mean that it was safe for him to do so. The court found the van driver was still under a duty to keep a look out and failed to do this. Reference: Motorcycle Monthly (edition witheld).
So filtering/overtaking is not illegal. However, if for example a
Two years ago an article was featured in these very pages (Filter Tips by Juan Player (making Progress August 2010)) that was full of very good advice regarding how to read what the drivers around you; may or may not do. I advise you to read it again and when adding this advice it should help you keep yourself, your love of biking and your bank account safe and healthy. Remember it is a jungle out there on the roads, we are the ones that are likely to end up in the hospital bed should a collision occur. Use the best tool you have available to you to avoid that situation. And if you do not know what that is, give up the bike and buy an SUV. ed. Page 6
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
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New Compulsory Car Insurance Laws: How to Stay Legal by Hannah from money.co.uk Motor insurance laws have changed & you need to be careful that you're not caught out. Here's what you need to know. Any vehicle that's driven on Britain's road's needs to be covered by third party insurance as a minimum. Until recently motor vehicles that weren't being used could sit uninsured without issue. However, new legislation means this is no longer be the case. What's changed? Any vehicle registered for use on the road now needs to be insured. This applies to all cars, vans, motorbikes, motorhomes and trucks, even if they aren't in use. Responsibility for insuring a vehicle registered as roadworthy (and taxed accordingly) will sit with its registered keeper so even if you're not a vehicle's main driver you'll need to make sure it's insured.
ficed previously this will no longer be the case. The only way to get around insuring a vehicle you're not using is to officially declare it off-road by registering it as SORN. Doing so will exempt it from the compulsory insurance requirement. The only exception to this is if your vehicle has not been taxed, insured or driven since before 31st January 1998. How do I declare a vehicle SORN? Declaring an unused vehicle SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is relatively straightforward, and it can be done free of charge. You simply need to notify the DVLA by completing a form on their website - you will need to be the registered owner to do this. You'll be asked for a reference number which you'll find in your vehicle's logbook, or on a tax disc or SORN renewal reminder form (V11) that you'll have been sent by the DVLA.
Fail to do this and you'll face a fixed penalty of £100 at the very minimum, fines of up to £1,000 and court prosecution will be used in a worst case scenario. Notifications are now being sent out with tax disc renewal reminders and the DVLA will also be writing to registered owners whose vehicles are neither insured or declared SORN with warnings from now on. Will I need to insure my vehicle? If you are the registered keeper of a motor vehicle - albeit one that's sitting in a garage unused - you need to make sure it's insured. This applies equally to classic cars (even those that have a nil value tax disc), motorhomes and motorbikes that are only used a couple of times a year. Even if temporary insurance has suf-
Once you've completed the SORN declaration form you'll receive confirmation that your vehicle is officially classed as unused (and therefore exempt from the insurance requirement) within 4 weeks. This declaration will last for 12 months after which you'll be asked to renew the SORN. What if I want to use the vehicle again? Driving a vehicle that's been declared SORN is illegal. However, reinstating its roadworthy status is simple. All you need to do is tax and insure it and you'll be entitled to drive it on public roads. If you only want to use the vehicle temporarily you'll need to ensure it's roadworthy, tax it, get temporary insurance and then declare it SORN once you stop using it again. reference: http://www.money.co.uk/article/1006498-newcompulsory-car-insurance-laws-how-to-stay-legal.htm
Whiplash clampdown ‘bad for motorcyclists’ Published in Motorcycle News 02/01/2013
Government plans to combat the ‘compensation culture’ could prevent injured motorcyclists getting the pay-outs they deserve, according to specialist bike solicitor Andrew Dalton. Personal injury claims up to £25,000 are to be settled through a fast track scheme without court proceeding, limiting the fee lawyers can earn from each case. The aim is to reduce the cost of settling injury claims to the insurance industry and pass the saving onto consumers through reduced premiums. The scheme is for claims where the liability is admitted by the other party. Currently only claims up to £10,000 are eligible but the limit is set to rise from April next year. Motorcycle personal injury solicitor Andrew Dalton said it would limit the quality of representation available to riders in thousands of cases, because lawyers will only be able to spend four or five hours on their claim. Dalton said: “The insurance industry has no such restrictions placed on the amount of work it can do
to defend claims. “This affects motorcyclists more than any other group as we are vulnerable road users. What started off as a sensible but very tough response to dishonest whiplash claims, now impacts on motorcyclists with serious injuries and long periods of lost earnings.” The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers is seeking a judicial review of the proposals. But the Association of British Insurers said the changes will save consumers money on premiums by eliminating “disproportionate legal costs” of personal injury claims. A spokesman said: “It can’t be right that for every £1 in compensation, insurers also pay out 86 pence in legal costs.”
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Riders must insure or SORN bikes under new DVLA rules
Simon Jackson, commercial director at Carole Nash, also says that bikers who Published: 12:16PM Nov 19th, 2010 By: Web Editor complete a SORN declaration should also consider Riders are being warned to insure or SORN their bikes, insurance against theft. even if laying them up over winter, or they run the risk of “Nearly half of our theft having their machines seized or destroyed. claims occur between November and April, even Don’t get caught out by new rules though we actually cover Working with the Motor Insurance Database (MID) the DVLA is launching the continuous insurance scheme early next year. This fewer machines over winwill introduce new penalties for riders who have not declared ter. Most thefts are also their bike as being off the road – through a Statutory Off Road from garages, car ports or Notice (SORN) – or are uninsured. driveways so keeping a bike off the road is certainly no guarantee that it’s safe from The scheme will see letters being sent to registered keepers thieves,” he says. who, if they take no action, will then face a range of penalties. These start from a £100 fine to prosecution and fining of up to £1000, with the ultimate sanction being the seizing and destruc- Reference: http://www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk/news/riderstion of their bike. must-insure-or-sorn-bikes-under-new-dvla-rules The reason for this new scheme is that the DVLA are trying to crack down on the estimated 1.5 million uninsured riders and drivers who cost the UK more than £500m a year – and add around £30 to every motor insurance premium. Riders can check if their bikes (and their correct details) are recorded on the MID database by going to www.askMID.com. If they are not up-to-date, the relevant insurance provider must be contacted and given the correct details, as it will prevent riders being contacted in error by the DVLA or incorrectly stopped by the police.
It amazed me to read, in the MCN that a reader was asking what he could do because his bike has been damaged while parked on the road in front of his house whilst it was under a SORN declaration. He forgot that the SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notice) is a declaration that you are keeping your vehicle off the road and not just that you will not drive or ride it. If you declare a SORN for your vehicle and keep it on the road, do not be surprised if one day you find it crushed. ed
One Liners: • My father always used to say: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". Until the accident. (Jimmy Carr) • Police arrested two kids yesterday: one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other off. (Tommy Cooper)
• An ice cream seller was today found on the floor of his van covered in hundreds and thousands. Police said he topped himself. (unknown) “I tell you what makes my blood boil – crematoriums" (Tim Vine)
• • "I took my husband to the hospital yesterday to have 17 stitches out • •
– that’ll teach him to buy me a sewing kit for my birthday." (Jo Brand) A shipment of Viagra was hijacked last week. Police are looking for two hardened criminals. (unknown) A woman tells her husband that her car won’t start. ‘I think there’s water in the carburettor,’ she says. ‘How do you know that?’ asks the husband. The wife replies, ‘I drove it into the canal.’ (unknown)
SAM Welcomes New Members, welcome to: Richard John Bell Justin David Boyle Michael Cater Warren Gray Glyn Guyatt Damian Harrington
Robert James Jenks Neil Anthony Perry Binzy Reynolds Mark Rowden Kim Sheil
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Making Progress is printed by Ensign Press of Southampton. Contact info@ensignpress.co.uk
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
FEBRUARY 2013
Ahh the summer, escaping from the rain and wind, travelling somewhere warm and dry, drinking foreign beer, riding on foreign roads, speaking different languages, or trying to. Touring on a bike means that you do not have to plan everything, there will (nearly) always be room in the campsite (if like me you don’t mind roughing it a little), and you can normally park right outside the café. And just to prove you do not have to do it on a new ‘touring’ bike, here are some pictures from our summer (indirect) trip to Italy, two old men and two old Italian (as reliable as anything German) bikes, taking in nearly 4,000 miles without any trouble.
Bastogne, and the heavy machinery is on view.
When in Rome...
Modelling shoulder bags can be a taxing career...
Taking the ‘little-un’ back home, a must do for a Ducati fan.
Ok so it was not dry all the time!
Tip # 12: How to stay dry in France.
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SAM ASSOCIATE CHARTER (Revised) Purpose This Charter sets out the basis of the relationship between Observers and Associates. Observers Observers give their time freely to Associates. They also invest considerable time, energy and personal expense in their personal training so that they can provide Associates with a “Skill for Life”. Associates In exchange for Observers’ time and commitment, a reciprocal commitment is required from Associates:
•
Regular practice between Observed rides in order to put into practice what they have been shown and to apply `The System of Motorcycle Control`.
•
A commitment to study the Highway Code, How to be a Better Motorcyclist, Know Your Signs and, preferably, Roadcraft, in-between observed rides.
•
A voluntary contribution towards the Observer’s motorcycle running costs, as set down by the Group and varied from time to time. This is currently £10 for rides up to 40 miles and £15 for rides in excess of 40 miles.
•
To keep in contact with their Observer at reasonable intervals to arrange subsequent rides.
The Process
1.
The Observer allocated to an Associate will make contact to arrange the first observed ride.
2.
When an Observer feels that an Associate is test-ready, he/she will recommend a Check Test with a Senior Observer to verify the Associate’s progress.
3.
Any Associate who wishes a second opinion on their progress is welcome to come along to a SAM Sunday and request an observed ride with an Observer, other than their own.
4.
Some riders achieve the necessary skills with 6 runs, while others require more. Every rider is different: If, after 10 runs, the Observer or Associate feel they are unable to make further progress, the Associate may be handed back to the Chief Observer for advice or re allocation to another Observer.
5.
Associates are normally expected to pass the IAM Advanced Test within 2 years.
6.
Associates are encouraged to ride in bad weather, as this is an essential skill for life. Cancellation of an observed run due to bad weather will be a joint decision by the Observer and the Associate.
7.
If the Observer feels that insufficient progress is being achieved by an Associate over a three month period due to a lack of practice, lack of studying or the Associate not keeping in contact, the Associate will be "pooled" and await reallocation to another Observer.
8.
In the event that an Associate feels that, for whatever reason, e.g. a clash of personality, difference in style etc. he/she is not making the progress with their Observer that they had hoped for, they should firstly talk this through with their Observer and agree a plan and, if this is not satisfactory, contact the Chief Observer to request reallocation to another Observer, at the Chief Observer's discretion. ORTANT This is IMP
Ready for your Test …….
"The IAM has told all examiners that candidates’ driving licence photo cards must be valid, otherwise the test will not take place. Previously the test would have gone ahead and the candidate would have been advised to get it sorted." Page 10
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Events Calendar February 2013—May 2013 SAM Events
Other Events February
12th Club Night
15th – 17th MCN Motorcycle Show, Excel
23rd Dartmoor Dash, (SM) Loomies, 08:00 (return 24th)
16th&17th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle show, Shepton Mallet.
24th Mark Sabin’s ride (see web for details
24th WSB Phillip Island Australia March
12th Club Night 17th P&H Motorcycles IAM Open day. Crawley.
8th – 10th, Wrinkly Riders Rally, 17th Cent Public House, Salt Lane Beauworth, Hampshire SO24 0PB 10th WSB Buddh Circuit India 16th Newtown Conservative Club, Poole BH12 3LT, Hog Roast & Live Band, all profits to Riders for Health.
April 5th – 7th, BSB Brands Hatch , Moto GP Qatar , WSB Aragon, Spain 9th Club Night
12th–14th, Drunken Rabbit Rally, Watchfield Inn, Highfield Mark, Somerset TA9 4RD. live band, food. 12th – 14th BSB Thruxton
21st Ace Café (RL)Nigel Grace, 8:00 Winnell Tescos Winchester Ride to Mere (RL)Alec Gore, 10:00 Ower Services
20th Bristol Italian Automo Festival, Bristol Bike Safe track day, Castle Coomb London Int. Classic & Custom Show. Alexandra Palace. N22 7AY 19th – 21st, Moto GP Austin Texas 28th WSB Assen, Netherlands
May 4th – 6th BSB Oulton Park 3rd – 5th Moto GP Jerez Spain 14th Club Night
12th WSB Monza, Italy 17th – 19th Moto GP Le Mans, France 25th Southern Classic show, Kempton Pk Race course, TW16 5AQ 26th WSB Donington Park, UK
The Ace Cafe London run events every weekend, see www.acecafeevents.com for further details
Key: (SAM Events) RL (Run Leader), SM (Start Meet), EA (End At), WKA (Winchester King Alfred’s Statue), OS (Ower Services), WS (Wickham Square) (Other events) BSB—British Super Bikes, WBS –World Super Bikes Note: Check the web site for the latest SAM Events programme. The source for the other events are varied and include some of the links mentioned below. Not found something of interest in the list above? There are a number of useful web sites to watch depending upon your particular interest. I have compiled the following short list: • http://www.mag-uk.org/en/eventslist
• http://www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerrallies.html • http://sump-publishing.co.uk/classic%20bike%20events.htm • http://www.cernunnos-mcc.org/whatson • http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/RidingEvents/ • http://www.acu.org.uk/events/ If you know of an event or show that may be of interest to other members in the months May 2013 — August 2013, drop a line to editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk with dates, contact details and any other information that would be useful, and it will be added to the list. Page 11
SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
FEBRUARY 2013
YOUR COMMITTEE Role
Member
email address
Chairman
David Forster
chairman@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Secretary
Logan Colbeck
secretary@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Treasurer
Sam Davis
treasurer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Chief Observer
Alec Gore
chief-observer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Deputy Chief Observer
John Arthur
deputy-chief-observer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Training officer
John Arthur
training-officer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Membership Secretary
Carrie Rawlinson
membership@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
MDU
Tim Bennett
mdu@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Webmaster
Rui De Castro
webmaster@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Editor
Rod Griffin
editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Club night
Trevor Thorogood
club_night@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Club night
Martin Thomas
club_night_2@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Associate coordinator
Mike Carter
associate-coordinator@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Group Rides
Graham Marsden
group_rides@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Group Rides
Nigel Tailyour
group_rides_2@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Merchandise
Gary Elston
merchandise@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Public Relations
Steve Morton
public-relations@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
Public Relations
Mark Rowe
public-relations_2@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk
(continued from page 8)
• I found a way to make my wife drive more careful•
ly. I told her, if she ever got in an accident, the newspapers would print her real age. (unknown) If your wife wants to learn to drive, don’t stand in her way. (unknown) Caption Competition November 2012 “I love speed, but I think that was acid!” (name withheld)
DISCLAIMER Many 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 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.
How well do you know your Motorcycles? As a change from the usual ‘caption competition’ we present you with a word-search, embedded in the square are the 15 motorcycle model names. All but one have something in common, which is the odd one out? You get a bonus point for identifying all 15. As usual answers to editor@solent-advanced-motorcycists.co.uk. Answers will appear in the next issue, along with the name of the first to get it correct.
E S B D O N C S I S U H J A T D N O O W M L B G
V O I B A N T I D O B R
M M P L M F G A N H O A
O I L A G L R V A A N S
R T N T A T C K T A A S L R E O M M M R N E S N
S O D R K H N T O A V A
V R R J L O V T I A Z D E H O G C M D E I L M E
I S G N I N T H G I L L
F C O P A N I G A L E E
Advanced notice: The following edition of ‘Making Progress’ is scheduled for May 2013, please ensure all contributions are submitted by 10th April. Advice on submitting articles: send in your article in the form of a word document, plain text or in the body of the email. Images should be accompanied by a caption, i.e. file name - caption, if not I will apply my own. So get busy, write and send them in. Page 12