The Cover photo was taken by Ian Leedham looking across Llyn Mywngil, Wales, from the B4405. Mike Roberts also did the digital editing. Please send in pictures of your bike for the cover for our 2021 magazines
David Rudland receiving his presentation from Paul Ballard. The SAM Observer August 2021
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your Committee No Calls After 21:00 Please Officers Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Martin Drury Richard Ockelton Eric Aldridge Bryan Duncan
07595 277831 07872 925532 07984 022646 07879 654122
Committee Members Chief Observer Paul Ballard Membership Secretary Dave Franklin Caring SAM Brian Ellis Charity Co-ordinator Brian Ellis Events Publicity Co-ordinator Glyn Hill Publicity Trevor Read Associate Co-ordinator Geoff Scott Continuous Training Coordinator Geoff Scott Social Ride Coordinator Richard Ockelton Communications Les Smith Magazine Editor Felix Oliver
07986 319163 07525 724002 07983 939998 07983 939998 07872 925532 07792 273334 07712 649860
Committee Support Members Buddy Co-ordinator Vicky Smith Webmaster Mike Roberts
01255 830352 01473 718915
National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Kevin Brendish 07854 494041 Geoff Scott 07983 939998 Paul Newman 01473 620450 Paul Ballard 07850 715063
Richard Ockelton Matthew Barker André Castle Derek Barker Tony Chyc
07872 925532 07931 700725 07730 526674 01473 327555 01206 231782
07850 715063 07801 688639 07740 564097 07740 564097
Local Observers Steve Gocher Dean Harris Phil Sayer Terry Fellowes Ian Bishop Steve Bingham Dave Franklin Ian Leedham
01473 430643 07956 339112 07990 565451 07870 764187 07775 920661 07971 075424 07801 688639 07747 792992
John Rudland Rob Baker Glyn Hill Graham Parker Nick Braley Andrew Robotham Karl Grimwade
07740 874300 07710 537844 07986 319163 07905 468995 07990 734581 07816 128591 07885 717771
I.A.M. Examiner Ian Maxwell
07974 941545
Neale McConnell
07899 714136
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Contents David Rudland Presentation Committee Chairman’s Chat New Associates IAM Test passes Master Passes Certificate Presentation SAM Theory Evening Certificate Presentation Certificate Presentation 2021 SAM Challenge Ride Leaders Certificate Presentation How good is your….. Editorial Advertise Here SAM Events for your Diary Members Information Social Rides Hardknott Pass Our New Venue
by Paul Ballard by Martin Drury
by Paul Ballard by Paul Ballard by Paul Ballard by Paul Ballard by Nigel Chittock by Richard Ockelton by Paul Ballard by Les Smith by Editor by Committee by Mike Roberts by Les Smith
2 3 5 6 6 6 8 9 10 13 14 18 19 20 27 29 29 28 34 36 36
next Issue Closing date for copy – Monday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB memory stick (which will be returned) 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, Eric Aldridge. The SAM Observer August 2021
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Chairman’s Chat Hi all, Well, we managed to get the AGM done just two days after the lockdown restrictions ended and before time ran out under our constitutional rules in August. It was good to see some well-established members again and also many new members with many of them picking up their advanced test pass certificates – congratulations to them! It was particularly good to see Beverley and David Rudland attending for David’s retirement presentation from fellow observers. I hope you all got to read David's moving article in the June /July magazine. Off the back of that SAM will be organising a 'David Rudland Testimonial Ride' on Sunday 3rd October, with all proceeds going to an MND charity of Davids choosing. Look out for further details coming in September. Although many national lockdown restrictions have ended, and 'hectic' seems to be taking over as the new normal (at least in my house), isolations and the so called pingdemic are now causing supply problems again. This was very noticeable at petrol stations when we were on our southern leg of the SAM Calendar Challenge in mid-July. Forecourts had frequently run out of the four star grade petrol due to delivery problems, and of course that has provided a great opportunity for price rises! However, the high price per litre of petrol was offset by the (theoretical at least) economy of having to ride for most of the time at 50 mph! I thought the scourge of 50 mph restricted roads was bad in Suffolk but it was horrendous in Somerset and particularly Wiltshire. After we left Cheddar Gorge (not a location on the Calendar Challenge but a nice detour) our route took us onto a virtually empty dual carriageway in open countryside - and yes, you’ve guessed it, it had a 50mph speed limit. When we turned off, our A and B road route still provided miles and miles - and some more miles - of 50mph purgatory. A good ride ruined for no obvious reason in my opinion by some faceless bureaucrats. One of our group informed us that many of these limits are not applied just for supposed safety reasons, but have financial implications as well. Apparently, if a The SAM Observer August 2021
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road can be restricted down from the national speed limit to 50mph, then the maintenance budget for that road can also be reduced under government rules. I don't know how true that is, but it would explain why so many of these 50mph restrictions are popping up all over the place for no other apparent reason. That’s it, rant over. I have to go for a lie down now. Hopefully I will see you at group night on the 18th.
Cheers for now
Martin
New Associate Members A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:
Antonia Feacey Stuart Agnew 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.
Tim Forman Iain Grant Phillip Smith
a F1rst,
his Observer was his Observer was his Observer was
Graham Parker Ian Bishop Nick Braley
When you pass your advanced test please let Paul Ballard or Geoff Scott know.
IAM Master Passes Richard Ockleton Matthew Barker The SAM Observer August 2021
IAM Masters IAM Masters (Distinction)
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IAM passes over the past year
Andrew Knappett
David Roxburgh
Dave Munnings The SAM Observer August 2021
Carolina Cullington www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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SAM Theory Evenings Theory nights will resume on August 19th 2021, starting with ‘Overtaking’ As most of you know, on the 3rd Thursday 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 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.
Paul Ballard The SAM Observer August 2021
SAM Chief Observer www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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Iain Grant Andrew Salisbury
Graham Woolard The SAM Observer August 2021
Jonathon Marriott www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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Andrew Jackson Kevin Farrow
Beverley &David Rudland The SAM Observer August 2021
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2021 SAM Calendar Challenge sponsored by Mototechniks I am pleased to announce that Simon and Luke from Mototechniks in Stowmarket have kindly offered to hold a presentation evening at their premises for us to have the prize draw for the Calendar Challenge. This will be on Tuesday 21st September from 6.30pm onwards. The shop will be open and there will be a selection of demo bikes for us to try out so please bring along your national insurance number and drivers licence. Refreshments will be supplied by Ma Hubbards catering van. Commemorative glasses will be presented to those members that visited at least 6 locations on the calendar. Please try and attend if you have entered the Challenge so we can hand over the prizes in person. Your photos are arriving thick and fast now and I would like to have received all of them by the end of August. Don’t forget to pop into Mototechniks and get a photo there as well. Some of you may have wondered what inspired me to choose the locations on the calendar. Allow me to explain; Rosedale Chimney Bank, North Yorkshire Judy and I were staying at Goathland in Yorkshire, wondering where to ride out to next. On the map I saw a village called Rosedale Abbey. Being a blues music fan I recognised Rosedale from the lyrics of an old 1930’s Robert Johnson song, although I presume he was referring to the place in Mississippi and not the one up the road from us. We found it easy enough and on the way out I spotted a road that said “unsuitable for caravans” so off we went, soon to find a hill that is allegedly the joint steepest in England. At the top we found the remains of the ironstone mining works and some stunning views across the valley. We returned a few years later and stayed at the White Horse Inn with our long suffering travelling companions Chris and Susan, with Judy and I riding our Street Triples. The SAM Observer August 2021
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Hardknott Pass This road always seemed to get included in any holiday to the Lake District, whether in my parents Austin 1100, our Mk2 Escort or two up on a 650 V-Strom. Probably one of the most challenging roads in Britain with its steep inclines, tight bends and far from perfect surface. Westbury White Horse, Salisbury Plain We fancied an off road day riding on Salisbury Plain. This was Judy’s first experience of standing on the pegs and riding on tracks, in ruts and through deep water left by the tanks that train in the area. We were on AJP 200 enduro bikes and I think it was one of the most enjoyable days riding that I’ve ever had, although I’m not sure Judy would agree. We took a picture of the White Horse on the way to the venue. Runswick Bay, Yorkshire The last overnight stop on the way home from an epic trip around Scotland with Chris and Susan. They had visited the Bay before so knew of its delightful setting on the coast. A perfect end to a great holiday. Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk One of our favourite places to visit on a Sunday when a couple of our friends are playing a lunchtime music session at the cafe there. You’ll find a collection of quirky shops set off the coast road and a petrol station along with a path that leads towards the sea. Not being the biggest fans of the busy A149 we approach from an inland direction, only travelling on the coast road at the last moment. Bourton on the Water, Cotswolds This was the destination of our first holiday with a group made up of SAM members. We enjoyed it so much we vowed to return and explore more of the area. We decided that it would make an excellent last night stay on a trip from back Cornwall with Chris and Susan. Unfortunately it will always be remembered for an unfortunate incident with Judy and a dodgy meal, the consequences of which are far too disturbing for this magazine. A nice place to visit though. Long Mynd, Shropshire
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Nearby Church Stretton always seemed to be a place that we would visit on our travels and as it looked quite a picturesque area we decided to stay there and explore the Shropshire Hills on foot. Some well marked paths led us up to this road where we were met with some stunning views. Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Located about halfway along one of our favourite roads that links Hawes with Ingleton. A magnificent structure which is worth walking the short distance to investigate. If you can catch the road right without any traffic and stupid sheeps to hinder your progress then you will know why you ride a motorbike. Holy Island, Northumberland Just a unique location to visit, assuming you’ve checked the tide times. Obviously a busy tourist place but well worth the effort to get there. St Ives, Cambridgeshire A relatively local one for those that don’t want to travel too far. A picturesque riverside setting for having a cuppa, once you’ve found somewhere to park. We visited this place when completing the Davey Bros East Coast Challenge a few years ago. Rutland Water Once Judy had got her full licence, nearby Oakham was the location for our first overnight stay away on two bikes. A memorable trip home followed as we had to contend gale force side winds as we came back across the Fens. The sight of Judy leaning at 45 degrees on her BMW 650 just to keep straight has stayed with me ever since. Humber Bridge We always find ourselves going over the bridge on our scenic route trips up north. There is a place to stop for a break on the other side and spectacular views of the bridge if you find the right spot. No tolls for bikes either, which is good. Nigel Chittock
nigel.chittock@btinternet.com
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Ride Leaders
Ride Leader Richard Ockelton Ride Leaders Eric Aldridge Ken Beckinsale Kevin Bolt Chris Bond Martin Drury Brian Ellis Vini Evans Dave Frankin Karl Grimwade Glyn Hill Alex Jones Trevor Read Mike Roberts Fred Sparrow Adrian Tadman David Wood 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.
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Terry Buckle Mike Stokes
Jeremy Duszynski The SAM Observer August 2021
Steven Laws www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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How Good is your Breakdown Cover? Do you actually know what’s available should you need to call them? While we all trust our machines are going to be reliable and get us where we want to go without any trouble, there is always going to be the odd (we hope) occasion when things don’t go to plan, and you end up stranded. This a cautionary tale to double check what you have available. Consider if you will the last place in England that you would like to break down, I think somewhere close to the top of Hard Knott pass must be on that list somewhere (probably at the top), which is exactly where we came to a grinding halt at around 11.00 a.m., just before the last hairpin, and ended up in a rather ungainly heap on the side of the road as the bike stopped going forwards and gravity took over. As many of you will know a fully loaded BMW 1200RT with full luggage and 2 passengers is not going to be easy to keep upright once it passes the point of no return, especially with a steep camber to the left, so over we went, fortunately no damage to the people, apart from a couple of bruises, and a large dent in my pride, the bike was a little scratched but the crash bars took the brunt of the fall. We managed to heave the bike back onto its wheels on the side of the road but
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try as we may it simply would not start again, so there we were stranded in one of the most remote places in England, not to mention on a hairpin in a pretty dangerous position. Time to dig out the breakdown card and call up some help, from the Carole Nash breakdown team. The call went through very quickly, and then we had the joy of trying to explain where we were and what the problem was, to a young man who did not really seem to know what he was doing. He kept asking us for a post code, not really available at the top of Hard Knott, we finally got the message through, and were promised a call from a local garage withing 90 minutes, not great, but considering where we were, not awful. While we were waiting for that, a couple of fellow bikers stopped and checked if we were OK, rather than assuming we had stopped in the most awkward place on Hard Knott to take pictures (sure some people thought that if the looks we were getting are anything to go by). Between three of us we managed to get the bike turned round and one of them rolled it down the hill to the parking area for the fort, so we were at least in a safe place to wait, and the sun came out, so it was not too unpleasant. Two hours later and no call, but we did have a text telling us that a local company was on the case. We decided to phone for an update but got no reply from any of the numbers we had for Carole Nash, just a continuous ringing tone, for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Finally, we decided to Google the company that were supposed to be on their way and gave them a call. They were very nice but said that the info that had from the breakdown service was mostly blank, no registration number, no details of the problem or our location. We gave them all of that, to be told we were not in their area and that they would have to refer back to the breakdown service. We asked them to request that the breakdown people gave us a call to update us on progress as we could not get any response from them, getting quite grumpy by this point. Another 45 minutes, and no call back, so back on the phones to both the breakdown service (still no answer) and the company we previously spoke to, to see if they could chase them for us and get a call back. Finally, we get a call from a very apologetic and efficient sounding lady from the breakdown service, to tell us they were working on it, and we would get contacted soon. The SAM Observer August 2021
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Several calls later we finally got a call from the local company which was coming to rescue us at just before 3.00 p.m. some 4 hours after we broke down and made the first call. Only “slight” issue was that they could not get to us for a couple of hours due to where we were, so 4 wasted hours down and a few more to go. Just before 6.00 p.m. we finally got a call from the guy in the breakdown van to say he could not find us, seems he had been given the wrong location, so we went through the whole explanation again, and 40 minutes later a breakdown van finally appeared, although to add insult to injury it had started raining at around 5.00, even with our waterproofs on we were pretty damp and miserable by this time. 40 minutes later, trying to achieve what we had failed to do (start the bike), he finally gave in and agreed that we needed to be recovered, so yet another discussion with the breakdown company needed, who offered the option of recovery to home, or to a local garage. The obvious answer was home, not wanting to be stuck in Cumbria, so that’s what we said. We loaded up the bike and finally got going, to be told by the recovery guy that he thought he was taking the bike to “storage” at their depot, rather than getting us home. Back on the phone to the breakdown people, who informed us that they were trying to arrange transport home, from Lancaster services on the M6, so it was arranged that the van would take us there to meet the truck to (as we thought) take us home. En route to Lancaster we get another call, no one available to take us home because it’s now 10.00 p.m. and we are over 200 miles from home. They kindly suggested we stay at the Travelodge in the Lancaster Service, although did not actually reserve us a room, we had to sort that out ourselves. Next call is to let us know that our next transport won’t get to us until around 09.30 next morning., so that was that, finally got to the hotel at 11.30 for a few much-needed hours sleep. 09.45 next morning a truck duly arrived, and we get the bike loaded up, at which time it finally gets mentioned that this is a Relay service, not a single vehicle to take us home, really not happy. The SAM Observer August 2021
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Net result was 5 transfers on the way home, unloading and reloading the bike at every stop, with sometimes 30 to 40 minutes to wait for the next vehicle to arrive, finally getting home at 8.00 p.m.
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Once home, we cast our minds back to something the first recovery guy said not long before he dropped us off, which was that they would usually take the bike into storage and arrange delivery back to our house separately from us, and that we would usually get sent home in a taxi or by car, interestingly this option was never suggested by the breakdown service, otherwise we may have had a much more pleasant experience. So the moral of this story is firstly ensure you break down in a nice convenient place, don’t do it somewhere out of the way, and secondly (and much more importantly) check what your breakdown cover provides, and make sure you know what your options are at the start of the process, rather than finding out hours after you breakdown, if in doubt ask plenty of questions of the people on the other end of the phone and make sure you know your options. Hopefully none of you will ever need to use your breakdown cover but be warned it can be an “unforgettable” experience for all the wrong reasons. Les Smith
Note from Editor The world has been divided up in to 3meter squares and they each have 3 words associated to each square If you have a smart phone download “ what3words ” Looks like where Les broke down was… “ Custodian. Sweetened. Cuts “ All emergencies services are using it and when I had a misfortune of blowing a tyre Mr AA found me a lot quicker, From your Smartie Pants Editor…
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Editorial Hurrah, Bikes been up the road and MOTed, Passed. Well I say passed, it did fail as I had a leak on the front brake callipers. In 2018 changed the brake pistons and seals, but the pistons were of so poor quality and they had rusted, steel with a very thin layer of chrome which had fallen off, apparently they were meant to be original Kawasaki parts Mr Google came to the rescue and I found some stainless steel pistons, changed them over and it passed. Taxed so as a famous actor said, “I’m Back” Not much to say, my life has been work work followed by work…. So now we are allowed out and about I would expect to get a few more write ups and story’s for our magazine.#
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….
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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.
Closing date for copy Monday 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
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Advertise in our magazine Annual Advertising Rates: Advertise on the SAM website for an additional £25. Contact Felix for more details 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.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,
Rob Chandler, Alex Mason,
01493 730409 01603 716735
SAM Events for your Diary
2021 Please see website and magazine for updates
August 2021 Wednesday 18th SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30~22:00 followed Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30. Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Thursday 19th Theory Evening Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Overtaking Contact: Paul Ballard. Meet in The Board Room The SAM Observer August 2021
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Saturday, 21st Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163 Sunday, 22nd M/C Dexterity & Control All events start at 09:00 SHARP and the venue will be the playground of Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4, UK, Observers: Paul Ballard Thursday 26th Tescos
Chip Run to Waterbeach, meet 18.15 at Stowmarket
Saturday, 28th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163
September 2021 Wednesday 1st SAM Committee meeting 19:30~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Sunday 5th Beakfast Run to Small Sticks Happisburgh, meet 09:00 at Stowmarket Tescos – Wednesday 15th SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30~22:00 followed Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30. Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Thursday 16th Theory Evening Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Overtaking Contact: Paul Ballard. Meet in The Board Room Saturday, 18th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163 Saturday 18th Copdock show marking the parking area SAM needs volunteers to help marking the motorcycle parking a day before the show. Contact Eric Aldridge The SAM Observer August 2021
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Sunday 19th Copdock Bike Show. We will be asking for SAM members to help run the motorcycle parking on the day nearer the event. If you would like to help please contact Eric Aldridge on ealdridge49@gmail.com Thursday 23rd
Chip Run to Aldeburgh, meet 18.15 -
Saturday, 25th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163 Sunday, 25th M/C Dexterity & Control All events start at 09:00 SHARP and the venue will be the playground of Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4, UK, Observers: Paul Ballard Saturday, 25th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163
October 2021 Sunday 3rd Stowmarket Tescos
Breakfast Run to Stamford Garden Centre, meet 09.00
Wednesday 6th SAM Committee meeting 19:30~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Saturday, 9th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163 Saturday 16th
Saturday Jaunt to Scotts Date Great Shelford
Wednesday 20th SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30~22:00 followed Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30. Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Thursday 21st Theory Evening Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Planning and Positioning Contact: Paul Ballard. Meet in The Board Room The SAM Observer August 2021
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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 August 2021
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Social Rides Policy NOTICE OF NEW POLICY, RIDING & NAVIGATION GUIDELINES AND RULES. Please note that we have updated and modified all previous information and instruction documents into a single SAM Social Rides Policy which is available to view and/or download on the SAM website forum under the Events section
Part of the changes are that all participants on a social ride will be required to sign the run sheet to acknowledge that they have read and agree to abide by the Riding & Navigation Guidelines and Rules. These are also separately available to view and/or download from the SAM website as above.
You will notice some other changes and we will be providing further briefings in the magazine and at Group Nights to explain and expand on these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRMd-dQHzWg
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M ud
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