The SAM Observer April 2023

The Cover photo was submitted by David Porch and is if his brand new Ducati Multistrada when it crept indoors to access the WiFi for a software update.

Please send in Pictures for our 2023 magazines covers Do not to crop them too tight. I need the full size files from their phone/camera. Only 2 files per member! My email can't cope with folders full, thanks.

Steve Laws presented with his IAM Masters Distinction Certificate. His mentor, Derek Barker, presented the certificate at the March Group Night

Mike Roberts

Chairman’s Chat

What a day. I’m sitting here looking out on a snowstorm. We’ve just had the coldest temperature recorded in March since 2010 and I receive a photo from a mate from a very warm Maldives. How the other half live! I did send him a picture of the snow to show him what he was missing.

I took the Harley in for its MOT at 8am today. It wasn’t raining when I left home but it did rain on way back home. The garage is only a stones throw from home so it wasn’t too bad. It was a bit of a shock for the Harley as it’s only allowed out in the sun normally. It passed with an advisory on tyres-more expense.

Now for a bad luck/good luck tale. I decided to go on the breakfast run to Grumpys and to take the 1250 as it hasn’t been out for a while and needed a run. I got going and needed fuel so arriving at Beacon Hill, pulled up at the pump and filled up. I went to start the bike and it was ‘dead’. ‘Oh dear!’ I said to myself. I pushed the bike over towards the SAM group who were going on the run. David and Bob gave me a push to try getting it started but with no luck, That’s the ‘bad’ luck. I was just thinking of calling for help, when a ‘knight in a yellow van’ came into the car park. Trevor immediately recognised the man at the wheel and after a quick chat he had the battery pack out and the bike was started. (Note to self-use Optimate!). That’s the ‘good luck.’

What a turn out for the March group night! It was the best we’ve had for quite a while. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. We got through the usual ‘stuff’ quickly so we could get onto the main event.

Ethan from Reiten BMW at Glemsford had brought along three bikes for us to look at. The rebuilt, redesigned, R100 was the feature bike. He explained about the project from rebuilding the engine to modifying the frame. Ethan did an amazing presentation with a flowing and interesting talk which included slides of the rebuild. This was his first ever presentation in front of an audience, but it didn’t show. It was excellent. Hopefully Ethan will come back and tell us about his next project.

The weather should be getting warmer and with the clocks going forward we should be getting a lot more biking in, I hope to see you all out and about soon.

Glyn Hill

Ethan’s rebuilt BMW R100

New Associate Members

A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate and new members:

Russell Anderson Robert Burgoyne Garry Cullum

Gavin Hughes Richard Wilding Paul Spalding

Matt Lunn Jackson berry

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 IAM Advanced test this month:

David Porch his Observer was Mike Roberts

Tim Crookall his Observer was Paul Ballard

Martin Kelleway his Observer was André Castle

Graham Clements F1rst his observer was John Rudland

When you have passed your test please let Paul Ballard or Geoff Scott know.

Observer Corps

It gives me great pleasure to inform you about our new Observers who have completed the course and are now fully fledged Local Observers. They will shortly be going on to do their National Observers. A huge congratulations to

Alex Jones Johnathan Marriott

Observers Stepping Down

I would also like to express my thanks to the following Observers who have decided to step back from ‘observing’ for the meantime for various reasons. All of whom have given up their time to help others, as well as promoting the club in other areas too, I thank them all for their dedicated service and wish them all best wishes for the future. They will have, no doubt, improved a lot of Associates riding skill and may even have saved lives. Thanks to All

Richard Ockelton (National Observer)

Kevin Brendish (National Observer)

Dave Franklin (Local Observer)

Paul Newman (National Observer)

Manitha Ariyathilaka (Local Observer)

Paul Ballard

SAM Theory Evenings

As most of you know, on the 4th Wednesday evening every month, 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

Planning & Positioning Cornering 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.

Next theory night meeting will be May 24th 2023. 19:30 ~ 22:00.

Subject for the theory night is Overtaking.

Paul Ballard SAM Chief Observer

Remember you can register for this event on the SAM website.

My Advanced Rider Training Experience

Mike Roberts asked me to write a few words about my experiences going through the advanced training with SAM.

My journey back into motorcycling started after joining the amazing charity SERVSC (Service by Emergency Volunteer (Blood Bikers)) and after a few years of delivering blood, other blood related products, samples, milk etc. in my car, I decided I would like to start riding a motorcycle again, (mainly because the organisation is full of bikers) and I felt inspired to get back on the (metal) horse.

My first experience back on the bike was an extremely cautious one. – I knew my skills level were set back at zero, so my first ride out was a very short and extremely reserved ‘wobble’ up the old A12 Copdock dual carriageway and it was dreadful. However, I managed to get home safely and I did achieve the selection of 4th gear for a brief moment, so it was a net success. A few more cautious rides later and it was time to fill in the paperwork and wait for a Suffolk Advanced Motorists (SAM) observer to become available.

Soon after joining SAM my observer contacted me, we booked my first initial assessment ride and off we went into the wilds Suffolk. To my surprise the feedback was ‘You’re not as bad as you think you are’. I took that as a win! But there is always work to do and if you come into this thinking ‘It’s just a token certificate’ then you are simply not trying hard enough or are genuinely a very capable rider.

The first few ride outs were exhausting with lots of feedback to absorb, adjustments to my riding and lots of midweek practice. Large strides of progress were being made in a short period of time and the format of ‘feedback chats’ at a plethora of coffee/burger vans was constructive and simple to follow. The written feedback sheets being essential to review before heading out on a practice ride.

So, I head out on an easy route, a head full of notes and a couple of targets to fully nail down. The wet, cold, wintery conditions help keep my focus and I managed to conquer a couple of bad habits – riding too close to the back of tractors and vans so I can’t see round them to overtake, making sure I’m at ‘the right speed for the right gear’ when approaching corners and working out what that red button is on the side of my instrument cluster.

Lots of practice rides punctuated by observed rides (+ cake and the occasional sausage roll) and I’m booked for the pre-test cross-check with a SAM observer which also goes well. My confidence is high, However, as my observer rightfully points out ‘’My confidence needs to be checked-in’ as overconfidence leads to complacency closely followed by a ditch.

I’m now rocketing towards my test date and I have butterflies/indigestion/the shits (*delete as required). For me the pressure is on as I really want to pass my test with a 1st. I’ve practiced, read the book cover to cover, reread my feedback sheets, watched videos on YouTube, attended the SAM theory session, attended the dexterity slow riding course and …….I made it through successfully with a good pass… but not a first and I blame the 40MPH speed limits on the A12 near Colchester…don’t get me started…

A couple of weeks on and I’m very proud of my achievement. I had a new, slightly smug sense of ‘road user superiority’ wash over me, which I immediately checked in, thanks to the constant voice of my riding conscience (Which unsurprisingly has the same voice as my Observer!) I store that voice at home for when I’m in the comments section of YouTube!

A month has passed and I’m now proudly making blood deliveries on the charities own blood bikes (Yamaha FJR 1300 with terrible front brakes or the BMW 1250RT) Plus a couple of deliveries of donated human milk to Stansted, and a handfull of SERVSC charity events and I feel the whole process was very much worth it.

One thing I have noted a year on of solid riding is that the training, together with the system, has changed my riding culture, rather than just making a handful improvements here and there and I can highly recommend the program to anyone who rides a bike or wants to get back into motorcycling after a break.

Will Burl

The 2023 SAM Ton-Up Challenge

Sponsored by Orwell Motorcycles

If you would like to explore some of East Anglia’s highways and byways in search of locations, you may not be familiar with then this year’s Challenge could be just what you are looking for.

There are 20 places to find, spread over Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Simply take a photo in each location to prove that you’ve been there. A final requirement is that you take a selfie or photo inside Orwells showroom. Once I have received all your photos, I will add your name into the prize draw. You have a chance to win one of three prizes which can be redeemed against purchases from our sponsor, Orwell Motorcycles. The draw will take place during the Group Night on 20th September at Orwells, Ipswich

1st Prize £200

2nd Prize £100

3rd Prize £50

The Challenge is completely free to enter if you are a paid-up member of SAM.

As a special prize each completed entry will receive a 2024 SAM Calendar

The closing date for entries is August 31st 2023.

If you would like to register then please email me at nigel.chittock@btinternet.com and I will send you the clues in anagram form along with the T’s and C’s. I look forward to hearing from you.

Nigel Chittock

SAM Thermos Flask Special Offer

Are you fed up with paying extortionate prices for beverages?

Do you find yourself being disappointed to find your chosen cafe closed after a long ride out?

Don’t despair, I have the answer to these problems. What you need is a very special, limited edition, SAM Thermos flask.

Beautifully crafted in a brushed stainless finish, your flask will withstand many years and thousands of miles travelling with you in your top box. It has the SAM logo skilfully etched into it so you will have no fear of it being damaged or erased.

Holding almost half a litre of your favourite beverage you can be assured that you won’t run dry during a long day in the saddle.

This amazing flask also comes complete with its own drinking cup that simply screws to the top and a push button stopper that ensures your drink stays piping hot and doesn’t leak all over your luggage.

Now the best bit... These flasks were obtained as a one-off special order which will never be repeated. They are not available to purchase in any store or on-line and as such are much sought after as they can only increase in value, a sound investment if ever I saw one.

Understandably, remaining stocks are very limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

A flask could be yours for as little as a £5 donation to the SAM charity for 2023, Somersham Ward at Ipswich Hospital. They are available for collection only at a SAM Group Night, please ask for Nigel.

To avoid any disappointment please arrive early to avoid the queues.

Thank you.

Ride Leaders

Social Ride Coordinator

Trevor Read

Ride Leaders

Eric Aldridge Ken Beckinsale Kevin Bolt Chris Bond

Jeremy Duszynski Brian Ellis Vini Evans Mike Roberts

Steve Hart Jon Marriott Alex JonesFred Sparrow

Andrew Robotham Les Smith David Wood

Please check the SAM Calendar online for last minute changes/cancellations –this also includes a link to the registration page with more details..

Saturday Jaunt March

This was a picture (by Mike Roberts) at Beacon Hill when we met for the Saturday Jaunt to Goodies at Long Stratton in March

Having ridden to Beacon Hill in the rain the main debate was would the inclement weather continue.

The result was a dry ride (at least it didn’t rain) but as always at this time of the year keeping a look out for those rather large puddles, debris, muddy tracks from the fields and the odd pothole or three.

We had a good ride and afternoon tea at Goodies was well worth the damp start. When are we going to stop Vini’s subscription to Farmer’s Weekly? He keeps finding these tracks from somewhere.

Eric Aldridge

Bus Lanes

Did you know that the IAM has been calling for local authorities to let Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) use with-flow bus lanes on safety grounds for seven years now!?

The trials were done many years ago and Transport for London concluded that bikes should be allowed in bus lanes. The government agreed. The IAM also agrees. But the decision was left to Local Transport Authorities... across the UK,

48% of bus lanes have been opened to motorcycles by their local authorities... but Suffolk? 0%. Nowt. Zilch. Not a bean.

Of course some motorcyclists might already ride in bus lanes... but despite the array of authorities saying that the lanes should be open to bikes on safety grounds, if someone does ride in them in Suffolk (during the lane's operating hours) and has an accident they'll get the book thrown at them, even if the accident was someone else's fault because it's currently illegal so the rider is automatically in the wrong.

I've recently been working with MAG, SAM and the IAM to ask the Local Transport Authority to do the right thing and allow PTWs into the with-flow bus lanes... and the chap we wrote to is up for re-election in May! So if you ever wanted to support this campaign, now would be a good time!! Please send him a friendly, polite, persuasive email at: stuart.lawson@suffolk.gov.uk And please share this message with all bikers in Suffolk!

More info:

https://www.mag-uk.org/new-mag-campaign-for-default-bus-laneaccess/

Dave Roxburgh

Where are we going and how are we getting there?

Social Rides in May

Breakfast Run

Sunday 7th

Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping, PE6 8EB 01778 309929

https://ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk/

Tescos at Stowmarket (IP14 5BE) is the departure point for this. Please be there in good time so that we can get the last group away by 09:00. An exhilarating ride out on the A14 to Bury Sugar roundabout starts us off (how sweet) where we branch off to Lackford. We then cut across country – that means even smaller roads – to pick up the B1102 at Worlington and on to Fordham. Here we join the A142 to Chatteris. A bit of Fen riding follows as we trundle up to Whittlesey and then skirt around Peterborough to hook up with the A15 for the last run into Market Deeping. Hopefully the way in to the diners rear car park will have been opened for us.

Jaunt Saturday 20th

The Blue Egg, Great Bardfield, CM7 4PY 01371 811801

https://kneadfood.com/

Please be fully readied so that we can all be off by 1o/c from Beacon Hill Services (IP6 8LP). Starting off with Needham market we head out to Bildeston then turn off opposite the Peacock pub in Chelsworth. Then it’s down to join the A1071 at Boxford via Lindsey. Across to Bures next and then we go on to Halstead. We just kiss the top of Braintree before heading up towards Great Bardfield. If you actually get in to Great Bardfield then you’ve missed the Blue Egg and gone too far.

th

Chip Run Thursday 25

Chip Inn, Long Stratton, NR15 2XG 01508530758 no website but F/B

https://www.facebook.com/longstrattonfishchips/?locale=en_GB

Let’s get the last group off by 6o/c from Beacon Hill (IP6 8LP) with your help. It’s a short hop along the A14 to Tot Hill where we turn off to Wetherden and Elmswell. Now we pop up to Walsham le Willows and cross the A143 to Barningham. Cross the A1066 with care and head off to, but around, Banham. Before reaching Bunwell it’s across on a wiggly section to Long Stratton. The Chip Inn is on the main A140 and there is a car park immediately behind.

Vini Evans

Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club 2023 Fun Runs

Once again CCMC have asked for our help to marshal their fun runs this year. The first is to TTT at Sudbury on Sunday 16th April and the second is on Sunday 18th June.

We need about 20 marshals for each event starting at about 9.30 from The Brook Inn at Washbrook.

For our efforts on for these rides and the Copdock Show (3rd September) SAM receives a generous and essential donation from CCMC,

Please contact Glyn Hill to volunteer as marshal. email: glynhill93@gmail.com or by phone: 07986 319163

SAM Events for your Diary 2023

Please see website and magazine for updates

April 2023

Saturday 15th Saturday Jaunt to Urban Jungle Cafe, Beccles. NR34

8TT Meet at Beacon Hill Services IP6 8LP at 12:00 for a 12:30 departure.

Also Meet our Promo Team at Lings Demo Day in Ipswich starting at 9:30 until 16:30, Register with Lings beforehand to ride their selection of new bikes.

Sunday 16th Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club Fun Run to Sudbury

TTT - Marshalls Needed 08:30 ~ 13:00 Contact Glyn Hill

Wednesday 19th SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by our Guest Speaker Simon from Mototechniks 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Card Only.

Thursday 20th Fish and Chip Run to Cod Father, Sudbury Please meet behind B&M Home Store, IP8 3TT, at 17:30 in time for 18:00 start.

Saturday 22nd Dexterity & Control 09:00 ~ 14:00 Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4 2QT 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.

Wednesday 26th Theory Evening 19:00 ~ 22:00. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic Gears & Acceleration. Available to Full Members. Meet in the Board Room. Contact: Paul Ballard.

Saturday 29th Associates Only Social Ride Meet at Beacon Hill at 08:30 in time for a 09:00 departure to The Two Magpies at Darsham You should Register for this ride.

Saturday 29th Orwell Motorcycles Demo Day 10:00 Supported by SAM Come along and test ride a wide range of new bikes (KTM, Kawasaki and Suzuki).

May 2023

Wednesday 3rd SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF.

Sunday 7th Breakfast run to Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping PE6 8EB Please arrive at 08:30 for departure at 09:00 latest. Meet at Tesco Stowmarket IP14 5BE.

Saturday 13th Hints & Tips Meet at The George Hintlesham IP8 3NH at 8:30 for refreshments Open to Members and Associates Contact Dean Harris or register on website.

Wednesday 17th SAM Group Night. Announcements, followed by Guest speaker, Bryan Marsh "Going like the Clappers", for reasons that will become clear in the talk, subtitled "The 1907/8 Sharpenhoe motorcycle speed hill climbs". 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Card Only.

Saturday 20th Saturday Jaunt to Blue Egg, Great Bardfield. CM7 4PY Depart from Beacon Hill Services IP6 8LP. Please arrive at 12:00 in time for 12:30 departure.

Sunday 21st Dexterity & Control 09:00 ~ 14:00 Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4 2QT 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.

Wednesday 24th Theory Evening 19:00 ~ 22:00. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Overtaking, Contact: Paul Ballard, Meet in The Board Room.

Thursday 25th Fish and Chip Run to Chip Inn, Long Stratton NR152XG Please meet at Beacon Hill Services IP6 8LP at 17:30 in time for 18:00 departure.

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.

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/contact-us/

CALENDAR

Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your smartphone. Contact: Les Smith

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-calendar/

OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER

What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM motorcycle test. Contact: Paul Ballard

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SAMMembers-Group-Social-Rides-Charter.pdf

CARING SAM

Our customer service & complaints procedures.

TBA

DISCOUNT SCHEME

Contact: Brian Ellis

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

https://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

TBA

SHOPS

T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-shops/

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

Ex-Editorial 2023

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the magazine over the years. As no-one volunteered to take over our award-winning magazine, the Committee agreed that Eric Aldridge would edit the magazine until someone offers to help out.

I trust that everyone will also play their part and submit write ups and pictures to fill the pages of our very prestigious magazine.

So last weekend saw me on an EasyJet flying to Paris for the weekend. First thing I noticed was the amount of electric vehicles of all sorts, what is more there didn’t seem to be the silliness of scooters like we have here, private and rented, whizzing around happily dodging car and pedestrians alike. There seemed to be a lot more tolerance and respect for those around you.

Back to bikes, I’ve taken a few pictures of some of the more interesting motorbikes. Very common was the Suzuki twin front wheel bike, Eric has now this email address, so nothing has changed, it makes it easier for you to send in write ups.

Note from The New

(hopefully temporary) Editor

Well, this is exciting! I hope you have enjoyed this months magazine as much as I have trying to put it together. Unless you are really observant when looking through the list of your Committee members, hopefully nothing has changed sufficiently for you to realise there is (almost) a new editor for this month’s magazine. As you will have noted, from Felix’s swan song editorial, he has decided to hang up his mouse and keyboard after 12 years or so as your Editor of the SAM Observer magazine.

Obviously, for me, there is a lot to learn so I would appreciate your patience. However, Felix will be casting his eye over the magazine before it is published just to make sure there aren’t 30 pages of gobbledygook or any blank pages.

Meanwhile on behalf of the SAM membership I would like to thank Felix for his outstanding efforts over the last 12 years producing our award winning (apparently in 2012) magazine On a personal note, I thank him for his help together with Les Smith in getting this far as ‘Editor’.

As was the constant cry from Felix –

I need your articles and or photos otherwise I’ll be filling it with my holiday snaps.

Eric Aldridge

Thank you

To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. 

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.

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.

Closing date for copy Friday Friday Friday 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.

A few of the electric bike in Paris

Pictures By Felix

An Electric D4 BMW