The cover picture is of the new Triumph Scrambler from Lings Ipswich. The picture was submitted by Derek Barker. It may be a place on the Chief's Challenge. The digital editing was done by Mike Roberts
Photos from the SAM Dexterity Day Taken by
Derek Barker
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 2
your Committee No Calls After 21:00 Please Officers Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Richard Ockelton Martin Drury Les Steggles Bryan Duncan
07872 925532 07595 277831 01359 245898 07879 654122
Committee Members Chief Observer Caring SAM Charity Co-ordinator Events Publicity Co-ordinator Publicity Publicity Chief Ride Leader Webmaster Communications Magazine Editor
Derek Barker Brian Ellis Brian Ellis Rob Baker Glyn Hill Dean Harris Trevor Read Dean Harris Mike Roberts Les Smith Felix Oliver
01473 327555 07740 564097 07740 564097 07710 537844 07986 319163 07956 339112 07525 724002 07956 339112 01473 718915 07792 273334 07712 649860
Committee Support Members Membership Secretary Linda Barker Associate Co-ordinator Susan Smith Admin Support Sara Hale Buddy Co-ordinator Vicky Smith
01473 327555 01206 251946 01359 241552 01255 830352
National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Richard Toll 01473 401363 Geoff Scott 07983 939998 Paul Newman 01473 620450 Paul Ballard 07850 715063 Kevin Brendish 07854 494041
David Rudland Ross Mckinlay AndrĂŠ Castle Ruth Acworth Tony Chyc
01473 401362 07986 838028 07730 526674 07783 007100 01206 231782
Observers Steve Gocher Dean Harris John Rudland Phil Sayer Terry Fellowes
Richard Ockelton Rob Baker Matthew Barker Glyn Hill
07872 925532 07710 537844 07931 700725 07986 319163
01473 430643 07956 339112 07740 874300 07990 565451 07870 764187
I.A.M. Examiner Ian Maxwell 07974 941545
The SAM Observer April 2019
Neale McConnell 07899 714136
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 3
Contents SAM Dexterity day Committee Chairmans Chat Latest Associates IAM Test Passes Motorcycle Dexterity Days 2019 Thank you Peru Chateau De Madam Pompadour SAM Theory Evening Hints and Tips SAM’s Breakfast Run Ride Co-Ordinator and leaders Thursday Chip ride Chiefs Challenge Roadgraft SAM Promotion dates Editorial Advertise Here Members Information SAM Dates for you Diary SAM Dexterity day Our Venue
by Derek Barker by Richard Ockelton
by Derek Barker by Steve Gocher by Nick Braley by Bryan Duncan by Derek Barker
by Sara Hale by Derek Barker by Andrew Goodey By Glyn Hill by Editor by Committee by Mike Roberts by Derek Barker
2 3 5 7 7 8 9 9 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 23 25 27 28 29 30 35 36
next Issue Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem. The Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or omit as he feels fit.
WEBSITE ADDRESS http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com SAM is a registered Charity ~ No. 1067800 All Official Correspondence to:
The Secretary, Les Steggles, 1 Apple Grove, Wetherden, Suffolk, IP14 3RB
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 4
Chairman's Chat A very warm welcome to the April edition of the SAM Observer. As most of you are now aware, we are beginning to settle into Gresham’s. Yes there have been a few minor teething issues, these are now being resolved, and things are improving on each club night we hold there. So thank you all for your patience during this transitional period of time. At last month’s guest speaker slot, comments were passed that various members in the main area, where talking during the presentation of the talk by the guest speaker. Please may I ask that we may refrain from this out of courtesy of the guest speaker? I myself was guilty of whispering to a colleague during the guest speaker slot and was in no certain terms asked to stop, by a member because they themselves could not hear thank you. We are holding the Hints and Tips day on 27th April 2019, if you have not booked a place, please email Sara Hale at karlsarahale@btinternet.com. To book a place. For further details, see the forum and calendar. This year’s chief challenge has been announced. To enter is free; all you need to do is email karlsarahale@btinternet.com. Our editor Felix is always looking for new photographs and adventures that you may have been on recently for the magazine, thank you.
This month's guest speakers are Phil and Dee. There talk is going to be “Further Tales of their exploits whilst touring”. Cheers
Richard
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 5
Going on a trip? Don’t forget to send in your travels so other members can be inspired to also send in their stories The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 6
New Associate Members A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:
Steven Jacobs Matthew Ireland Mark Dean If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and he will put your name in the next Issue
IAM Test Passes Congratulations to the members who have passed their Advanced test this month.
Nigel Smith Carl Brooks Steve Winlow
his Observer was his Observer was his Observer was
Mike Roberts AndrĂŠ Castle Mike Roberts
When you pass your advanced test please let Derek Baker or Susan Smith know.
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 7
Motorcycle Dexterity & Control 2019 Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days (a.k.a. Slow Riding Days) The Observer team in 2019 will again be running Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days just for associates (plus a training event for Observers). For every motorcycle spill that makes the local papers, there are many more which never get much publicity. How many of you in your time riding have never struggled to keep your bike upright while manoeuvring in a parking area, or had to take a big dab with either foot while negotiating queues of commuter traffic? Not many (if any). Very often in these situations the rider grabs a handful of front brake, shortly followed by the resulting sound of expensive plastic and metal making contact with the ground. Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days give you the opportunity to practice the art of riding a motorcycle slowly, and to learn the techniques that will help you do it. This year the dates are: Sunday Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday
28th April 18th May 23rd June 20th July 18th August 14th September 27th October
Associates Only Associates Only Associates Only Associates Only Associates and Full Members Associates Only Associates Only
All events start at 09:00 SHARP and the venue will be the playground of Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. IP4 4JD It is strongly recommended before you attend one of SAM's Dexterity days, you inform your Insurance Company that you intend to practise slow speed machine control in a school playground off road on tarmac, ask them to confirm that you will have full cover for this activity. Numbers are limited to these events to 10 per session so please book early by Email to karlsarahale@btinternet.com to guarantee a space. NB. Please bring a drink/snack with you as there are no refreshment facilities on site. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 8
Former Chairman Thanks I’d like to thank the group for the very generous £120 whip-round, presented to me after February’s AGM, by way of thanks for my time as Chairman. I’ve put the funds towards a flight in a Dragon Rapide which includes the privilege of being joined by and flying in formation with a Spitfire. I’ve booked the midday flight on Saturday 8th June taking off from the Imperial War Museum airfield at Duxford. I extend an invite to join me in a cross country ride on the day to ‘see me off’ and enjoy the aircraft museum attractions. I shall put further details and a route on the forum closer to the time. https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford Cheers
Steve Gocher
Peru So you find yourself trapped on a hippy bus, being driven along some amazing twisty roads in Peru with only one thought: These roads are wasted on a bus when I really should be on 2 wheels.' But what can you do? You can hardly sign off the bus for a few weeks, find a local bike hire company and go play, can you? Well you can, if you stumble across a local bike hire company in Cusco with an owner happy to do a deal for a 3 1/2 week hire. So it was that the deal was done and I ended up with a 300cc off road Honda that looks like a baby GS / Africa twin. Negotiating with the owner was far from easy with no common language, but Google translate did the basics and a deal was struck. Now it's fair to say the guy wasn't exactly of the Hertz standard regarding the hire. I had no contract, insurance cover was 'vague' and the helmet, gloves and mx style protectors were far from top notch, but beggars can't be choosers and I got the keys so what was to worry about? The bike was as new with just 350km on the clock which ticked off that box, and I rode away confident she wouldn’t let me down mechanically. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 9
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 10
I arranged for the first 10 days to shadow the hippy bus, thus not worrying about luggage other than a day pack. Thereafter I'd be independent for 2 weeks but that gave me plenty of time to sort out the luggage issues. Luckily I'd packed a roll bag so all I needed was a way to attaching it to the bike and I'd be set. Of course riding in wet season also brings challenges, and Cusco is 3500m high and next to a rain forest. But apart from that, there was no reason to think I might get wet. In fact I got pretty lucky and aside from a couple of wet half hours, never really copped it. I did have to battle cold, wind, sand storms, but hey, we bikers are made of stern stuff. Having an open helmet (Mx style) made for some challenges when it did rain but also made for a lovely breeze on the hot days Anyhow, to the riding. Fair to say Peru has some awesome roads. Best of all is the lack of traffic once you get out of the towns. Lorries are super slow so there are loads of chances to use your 3 stage over takes. Look, get in position, bang it...or something like that. The lack of power (am used to 1000cc) meant I had to work hard for them, though the slowness of the Lorries did help. The vision on the passes was way more than I was used to on most Alpine passes and this definitely helped too. Outside of the passes and I spent a few Km on the Pan American highway. This varied from 1 to 3 lanes as you got closer to Lima. They also had a few tolls with no signage for bikes. Had a few issues there with a couple of jobs worth’s insisting I turn round and take the correct (unsignposted) lane for bikes. Others were a bit more forgiving once I made plain I has no idea what they were on about. Probably the most lethal hazard was the overtaking Lorries who didn’t seem to give a toss for motorbikes coming the other way. I think one issue in the developing world is the perception of bikes as all 125cc ridden by the poor. If you are making progress, the guy coming the other way sometimes assumes you are on a 125, from the single headlight. Oa number of occasions I was forced off the road to avoid a head-on with an overtaking lorry. Not nice and too frequent for my liking Lima itself was a whole new level of craziness. I've lived, and ridden in Lagos, Nigeria, so have had some preparation but that was a few years back. The cabbies really are utter loons and the locals got a free show when I had words with 1 particular arsehole who seemed determined to assert his position over mine. Being generous, I think he was confused at my not filtering like every other biker, but that's hardly an excuse for his driving. One other non IAM compliant riding to add to the list was my misinterpreting the 'Solo autos' sign leading onto the highway. I figured it translated as 'no lorries' but it was literally 'only cars'. The copper who pulled me over gave up after his The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 11
6th attempt was met with "Ingles?" when you are dumb, and foreign.
Playing the dumb foreigner is quite easy
It was in Lima that I went in search of a bike shop for an oil change, chain spray and to sort out some bungees. Eventually I found a small garage but no luck with the bungees until a young biker I asked suggested a Peruvian alternative, using an inner tube. I looked at him in bewilderment which he saw as a challenge, asking the garage owner for an old inner tube. He then cut it into a long strip and showed he how it could be used to tie down your luggage. Got to say it worked a treat and I'll be adopting this when I get home. So 3000 Km, done before the biggest challenge, crossing the Andes to drop the bike back to Cusco, from the coast. Turns out the Andes are quite wide and have a big flat bit in the middle. I peeked around 4500m, which I'd done before, but the 50 mile plateau made for a different ride altogether. This was open, windy, freezing and genuinely one of the most unpleasant 2 hours I've ever spent on 2 wheels. It was so cold I swear I was hallucinating with visions of towns (and the welcoming hot drink I needed) in the distance that never materialised. When I eventually hit a restaurant it was the most welcome cuppa I've ever had. Anyhow, make it I did and the hotel /meal was devoured before a well-deserved rest. We have heard from many adventure bikers at SAM so it was good to have a go myself at a mini adventure. The Honda did all it was asked to. Would have been nice to have maybe 600cc but then the extra weight would make the slower stuff harder imho. I certainly wouldn't go anywhere near some of these places on 1000+ adventure bike (but that’s me and my small legs) I'll save the adventure biking for adventures and look forward to a summer on tarmac :-)
Nick Braley
Chateau de Madam Pompadour Gary Moss and me parked in front of the Chateau de Madam Pompadour (mistress of Louis XV) near Limoges. Also, one of me parked in front of the Chateau d’Estaing. This second chateau was voted as the best fortified chateau in France by the then French president Giscard d’Estaing (now there’s a coincidence - perhaps the clue’s in the name? The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 12
Bryan Duncan The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 13
SAM Theory Evenings As most of you know, on the Thursday evening, directly after Group Nights, SAM holds its monthly Theory Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of important rider skills these nights are an informal evening of facts and lively banter all aimed at improving your ride based on the information in the Advanced Rider Course Logbook. Each session covers one of the four main topic areas; Overtaking Cornering
Planning & Positioning Gears & Acceleration
Mainly aimed at Associates going through the course, these evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on their theory and add their experiences and questions to the session. The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to discuss any issues you may have generally on your Advanced Rider Course.
Derek Barker The SAM Observer April 2019
SAM Chief Observer www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 14
Hints & Tips Saturday 27th April 2019 Start & Finish: The George Public House The George George Street Hintlesham Ipswich Suffolk IP8 3NH. Arrival time 08:45 for 09:00 briefing (you must be at the briefing). All the usual things you expect from a 'Hints & Tips Run', getting up early, riding lovely roads, chat with like-minded people and of course a chance for food at the end. You will also have your riding looked at and be given general feedback in the group. This is informal and a relaxed way of keeping up or gaining knowledge of advanced riding. General information Ride will last approximately 2 hours and cover 50 miles. Refreshments can be purchased before and after ride at the pub. Plenty of parking. Open to all associates, full members, pillions, non members. There are limited spaces so you will need to book on a first come first served basis closing date Wednesday 17th April 2019. Contact karlsarahale@btinternet.com
The SAM Observer April 2019
Sara Hale
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 15
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 16
BREAKFAST RUN 5th May 2019 The Hippodrome (Wetherspoons), Dartford Road, March PE15 8AQ Meet at Stowmarket Tescos IP14 5BE in good time for a 9:00 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing. Ride Co-ordinator: Vini Evans Leave the car park and turn left at each of the three roundabouts to join the A14 westbound. Peel off at the slip road near Elmswell (J47) to join the A1088 past Ixworth to Thetford. Turn right at the second roundabout onto the A1075 to Watton. Turn left at the traffic lights taking the B1108 to meet the A1065 at Bodney. Cross over onto the narrow lane going over another crossroad and bear left at the ‘T’. Cross over the A134 into the forest and turn right at the second crossroads then a quick left/right into Feltwell. Turn right at the island and follow to Southery, turning right at the ‘T’ junction which brings you to the A10. Turn right and three quarters of a mile up the road turn left into Modney Bridge Road. Pass the Welney Wildlife Centre turn right at the bridge and into Welney city centre. Turn left into New Road round the twiddles and over the bumps to the ‘T’ at Sixteen Foot Bank. Left for almost two miles down the road then turn right over a bridge onto the B1099 into March. Turn right at the traffic lights and on to the dualled market area. At the traffic lights and pergola turn left then first right into Darthill Road and park in the car park on the right. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 17
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 18
Ride Co-ordinators and Ride Leaders
Ride Co-ordinator and Ride Leader Chief Ride Leader Dean Harris David Wood Vini Evans Richard Ockelton
Brian Ellis Robert Baker Karl Grimwade
Glyn Hill Nick Braley
Ride Leaders Ken Beckinsale Mike Roberts Eric Aldridge Adrian Tadman
Tim Wash Trevor Read Alex Jones
Martin Drury Fred Sparrow Nigel Pye
Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination, so you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 19
chip ride 30th May 2019 To a choice of chippies in Aldeburgh High Street IP15 5DB http://www.aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk Meet at Beacon Hill services IP6 8LP in good time for 18:15 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing. Ride Co-ordinator is Dean Harris. Join the A140 and down the bottom of the dip take the right turn on the B1078 to Coddenham. Just past the church go straight on where the road turns sharp right into School Lane. Carry on respectfully through the classy area of Crowfield to Pettaugh. Turn right onto the A1120 going through Earl Soham and then Turn right at Saxtead Greeb onto the B1119 into Framlingham. Go straight over at the mini roundabout past the market place, rejoining the B1119 past the castle. Stay on the B1119, crossing the A12 into Saxmundham and on to Leiston. At the traffic lights do a staggered straight across into Main Street, rounding into High Street and keeping on the B1122 to Aldringham. Turn left at the triangle green opposite pub onto the B1353 through Thorpeness to Aldeburgh High Street. There's a choice of venues on the left and right of the High Street. You can walk through to the seafront and sit on the sea wall to eat your chips. Just don’t feed the seagulls‌. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 20
Chief's Challenge 2019
Sponsored by Once again the 2019 Chief’s Challenge gives you the opportunity to discover some of the great biking roads that Suffolk and Norfolk have to offer and if you successfully complete this challenge you will receive a free specially commissioned ‘Chief’s Challenge' buff for your efforts and entered into a prize draw for a First Prize of £200, a second prize of £100 worth of gift vouchers for Lings Motorcycles in Ipswich, and separate consolation prizes. Rules and Conditions This challenge is to be completed by 1st September 2019. Presentation and prize draw will be held on September's club night at Greshams, Tuddenham Road. If you cannot make club night on 17th September ask someone to collect your prize who is going. The challenge is called ‘The chief’s cultural challenge’. The idea is for you to solve the simple Anagram of the word which is the village location, visit the village and take a picture at the specified locations within Suffolk and Norfolk. To complete the challenge you need to visit Lings on Foxhall Road in Ipswich and take a selfie with a member of the Lings team. (This is clue 26) You can do this on your own, in groups or mix and match, the choice is yours. You have all summer to do so. You have the names of the village locations you need to visit as an Anagram; your challenge is to locate these locations and have your picture taken there. You need to prove you’ve been there. We will accept village signs, pub signs, churches, schools etc. As proof of your visit you need to get a photograph of you, or you and your bike together. There are some locations where it is either not possible (you’ll have to get off and walk a bit), impractical, illegal or un-safe to get your bike in the picture so please use common sense. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 21
Once you have photos of all locations show them to any member of SAM committee who will verify your claim. (Do not get me the Chief Observer to verify your claim.) I will be verifying any committee member who wishes to take up the challenge which will be enough work in itself. To have your evidence verified can be as simple as showing a committee member all your pictures on your phone or camera. Print them out either individually, grouped on fewer pages or send a link via a cloud such as Drop Box. You may even want to get creative like some members have done in the past and be featured in the Observer Magazine. DO NOT SEND ALL INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS TO AN EMAIL ACCOUNT AS THIS WILL BE TOO LARGE FOR IT TO HANDLE AND BLOCK THE ACCOUNT! Please make sure you number the picture and evidence to correspond with the clue number to make checking easier. There are no special prizes for doing it in a day or how quickly you can do it or even do it at night - I want you to take your time and enjoy the experience over a number of days (take as many as you want) as there are 26 locations spread all over Suffolk and Norfolk, we are after all a road safety organisation and putting pressure on people when riding on the roads is not what we are about. Everyone that successfully completes this challenge gets a FREE commemorative buff especially commissioned for this event (you could own a piece of SAM history) To enter it is FREE All you need to do is email karlsarahale@btinternet.com to register and you with be sent the clues, rules and conditions So get out there and ride your bike and most of all have fun!
Derek Barker Chief Observer
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 22
Roadgraft Like most riders I'd passed my test, gained a full licence and thought that was the end of it, apart of course from the dubious advice received from my peers, which normally involved what you could get away with without ending up in hospital or points on your licence. I first became aware that advanced techniques for riding existed a little while after passing my test in 1990 when I came across a curious book with the picture of an old fashioned Police motorcycle helmet on it published by the Home Office and with the subtitle 'The Police Riders' Manual'. The text and diagrams confirmed the dated looking cover and brought to mind an era when the Police rode around on Triumphs, stopping Austin 1100 owners who seemed pleased to be told they were exceeding the speed limit or had a malfunctioning brake light. But more than a decade after it's original publication date, roads had amazingly retained lines, junctions, bends and roundabouts so it seemed to still have some relevance. If it helped me from putting myself in danger or anyone else then I could forgive it's dated presentation. On reading it I expected some kind of mystical process to take place that'd magically convert me into a safe, systematic and smooth rider. My little C90 even had a white screen and topbox reminiscent of a patrol bike so I was half way there wasn't I ? The ironic stickers on the legshields from 'Superbike' magazine dispelled this impression slightly though. It made me aware there was more to this motorcycle riding business than met the eye and I had a great deal to learn. Like most stuff I took an intial interest then it gradually got read less and pushed out of sight. I tried to retain some of what I'd read (fresh mud on the road may mean there's a tractor ahead etc..) but I never got round to joining the I.A.M. I didn't feel the right age or have enough motivation and I definitely couldn't afford or handle a BMW R80RT or Pan European which also seemed to be a requirement at the time. At 26 I passed my I.A.M. test, but in a car, my Capri being an incongruous site amongst the more contemporary middle management Rovers and B.M.W's. Another 20 years and 2 editions of Roadcraft would be published before undertaking my present motorcycle instruction. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 23
That anonymous, sober book in combination with a visit to the National Bikesafe event at Rockingham in 2017, where I stopped by the Northamptonshire section stand and joined after taking a quiz in which I correctly recognised 2 out of 6 road signs made me realise that I had to do something more proactive and now it's going to take some real roadgraft to get there.
Andrew Goodey
Social Rides Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT certificate (if applicable). Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committee’s guidelines as follows: You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of the route If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine. Be responsible for your own safety Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time. Have a FULL tank of fuel No more than 5 in a group. Please watch our light hearted video with a serious message explaining all of the above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRMd-dQHzWg
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 24
SUFFOLK ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS PROMO DATES 2019 These are the dates your promotions team are attending this year, if you would like to help at any of these events contact Glyn Hill 07986319163. Come and join us for a day to see how we get people to sign up to SAM, it’s a good day out and great fun. I look forward to hearing from you. April
13th
Orwells Demo Day
April
20th
Kesgrave Bell Bike Show
May
11th
Safe Rider / Lings T Fest Demo Day
May
12th
Stonham Barns Bike Show
May
18th
Hadleigh Show
June
1st
Safe Rider Police Headquarters
July
6th
Safe Rider Police Headquarters
August
3rd
Wheels Event Trinity Park
August
3rd
Safe Rider
August
4th
Wheels Event Trinity Par
September 7th
Safe Rider
September 14th
Orwells Demo Day
October
5th
Safe Rider Police Headquarters
October
6th
Copdock Bike Show
Possible dates Orwells 24th 25th April or May 15th 16th evening with Bradley Ray & Jamie Whitham.
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 25
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 26
Editorial Yes, I dragged the bike out of the shed and been on a little ride up to Norfolk. Nice to get out and about, I had to collect my eBay winnings so silly to take the van or car… Bit of a long way home as well, first time that I have manage to test the brake calipers, all worked well so hopefully the binding will not be an issue this year. Although last year I didn’t get a chance to even go to the nearest clue I have signed up to the Chief’s Challenge. A Lot of hard work goes into arranging and testing the routes, with the help of copious amounts of cake…. So seems a great way of getting out on the bike and using the skills that we have learnt with the IAM course. Now the clocks have sprung forward the calendar is filling up with lots of events, so if you can spare a day or even a few hours please contact our publicity team. Safe Riding
Felix...
Editor
Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH. Tel: 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com Thank you To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. But….. what about the rest of you….
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 27
Closing date for copy Friday after club night If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or send me an email. I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have another great magazine to read Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page
Advertise in our magazine Annual Advertising Rates: Advertise on the SAM website for an additional £25. Contact Felix for more details 07712649860 Sam.editor@btinternet.com £50 for ½ page
£75 for full page
Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists 3rd Monday of the month, 19:30, at Dunston Hall, A140, Norwich, NR14 8PQ Chairman, Secretary,
The SAM Observer April 2019
Rob Chandler, Alex Mason,
01493 730409 01603 716735
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 28
MEMBER INFORMATION A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our website. Below are some key links members will find useful. CONTACTS Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs so you can recognise everyone. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs CALENDAR Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your smartphone. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM motorcycle test. Contact: Derek Baker http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart CARING SAM Our customer service & complaints procedures. Contact: Brian Ellis http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care DISCOUNT SCHEME Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these retailers who give a discount to SAM members. Contact: Dean Harris http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc ADVERTS Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our online adverts section. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads SHOPS T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop FORUM All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related. Have a read, and then register to join in. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 29
SAM Events for your Diary
2019 April 2019 Saturday 13th Orwells Demo Day The SAM publicity team will be at this event. If you would like to help please contact: Dean Harris or Glyn Hill. Tuesday 16th SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by, Guest Speaker , Phil Acton, with another presentation on his motorcycle travel. Greshams, 312 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich IP4 3QJ Bar serving all types of drinks including teas and coffees. Thursday 18th Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Planning & Positioning Saturday 20th Kesgrave Bell Bike Show. The SAM publicity team will be at this event. Times to be confirmed. If you would like to help please contact: Dean Harris or Glyn Hill. Wednesday 24th Observer COT, Classroom session for Continuous Observer Training. Contact: Ruth Acworth Thursday 25th Chip ride Chip Inn NR15 2XG Meet at Tesco Car Park, Stowmarket IP14 5BE at 18:15 for Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing Saturday 27th Hints & Tips Run, Our annual training run open to all. For more details see the write up on page 16. All riders must attend Briefing Sunday 28th M/C Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD. For more details see page 8
May 2019 Wednesday 1st SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 30
Breakfast Run, The Hippodrome. PE15 8AQ Meet at Sunday, 5th Stowmarket Tescos IP14 5BE in good time for a 09:00. Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing. Friday 10th ~ Saturday 11th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163 Saturday 11th Lings Triumph Demo Day The SAM publicity team will be at this event. If you would like to help please contact: Dean Harris or Glyn Hill. Saturday 11th Observer Team Ride 10:00 ~ 13:00. Team building ride to Deepest Darkest Essex. Contact: Paul Ballard and Geoff Scott. Sunday 12th Stonham Barns Bike Show. The SAM publicity team will be at this event. If you would like to help please contact: Dean Harris or Glyn Hill. Saturday 18th Hadleigh Show. The SAM publicity team will be at this event. If you would like to help please contact: Dean Harris or Glyn Hill. Saturday 18th M/C Dexterity & Control Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD. For more details see page 8 Tuesday 21st SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by, Guest Speaker, Derek Brooker from Suzuki UK giving a technical talk, and demo, on the GSX-R1000.Greshams, 312 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich IP4 3QJ Bar serving all types of drinks including teas and coffees. Thursday 23rd Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Cornering Thursday 30th Chip ride To a choice of chippies in Aldeburgh High Street IP15 5DB. Meet at Beacon Hill services IP6 8LP in good time for 18:15 Briefing and subsequent departure All riders must attend Briefing Friday 31st ~ Saturday 1st Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 31
June 2019 Wednesday 5th SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Sunday, 9th
Breakfast Run, TBA All riders must attend Briefing.
Tuesday 18th SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by, Guest Speaker, Dave Halsall from Reiten BMW. Greshams, 312 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich IP4 3QJ Bar serving all types of drinks including teas and coffees. Thursday 20th Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Gears & Acceleration Sunday 23rd M/C Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD. For more details see page 8 Thursday 27th Chip ride TBA All riders must attend Briefing Saturday 29th M/C Dexterity & Control Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD. For more details see page 8
Note from Editor Please check the SAM Calendar, Forum & Facebook page for further details and for any changes after going to press. Especially in winter months when the weather can be unpredictable
Disclaimer The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interests. Any comments please email the editor. The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 32
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 33
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 34
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 35
The SAM Observer April 2019
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Page 36