June's cover photo is of the classic Honda CX500 was taken by Mike Roberts at the recent CCMC charity Run. Please send in Pictures for our 2022 magazines
Dexterity & Control day Sunday 19th June Taken by Richard Ockelton The SAM Observer July 2022
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your Committee No Calls After 21:00 Please Officers Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Richard Ockelton Glyn Hill Eric Aldridge Bryan Duncan
07872 925532 07986 319163 07984 022646 07879 654122
Committee Members Chief Observer Membership Secretary Caring SAM Charity Co-ordinator Publicity Co-ordinator Committee member Associate Co-ordinator Continuous Training Coordinator Events Webmaster Communications Magazine Editor
Paul Ballard Dave Franklin Brian Ellis Brian Ellis Dean Harris Trevor Read Geoff Scott Geoff Scott Steve Bingham Les Smith Les Smith Felix Oliver
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National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Tony Chyc 01206 231782 Geoff Scott 07983 939998 Paul Newman 01473 620450
Derek Barker Richard Ockelton André Castle Paul Ballard
01473 327555 07872 925532 07730 526674 07850 715063
Local Observers Ian Leedham Dean Harris Phil Sayer Terry Fellowes Ian Bishop Steve Bingham Dave Franklin
07747 792992 07956 339112 07990 565451 07870 764187 07775 920661 07971 075424 07801 688639
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
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Neale McConnell
07899 714136
The SAM Observer July 2022
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Contents Dexterity & Control day Committee Chairman’s Chat Test Passes Master Passes SAM Theory Evening SAM Welcome Copdock Fun Runs Our Second Marshalling The 2022 Great SAM Challenge CCMC FunRun Great Day Out Ride Leaders Hints & Tips Where are we going? LEJOG 2022 Long Ride Advertise Here SAM Events for your Diary Members Information Editorial Somersham Wheely Fun Day Promotion Team Our Venue
by Richard Ockelton by Richard Ockelton
by Paul Ballard by Committee by Eric Aldridge by Eric Aldridge by Nigel Chittock by Jeremy Duszynski by Dave Roxburgh by Trevor Read by Sonnie Westley by Vini Evans by Paul & Ben Sharpe by Committee by Mike Roberts by Editor by Sonnie Westley by Sonnie Westley
2 3 5 7 7 8 9 10 12 14 17 20 21 22 24 25 31 31 35 37 39 40 40
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 July 2022
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Chairman’s Chat A very warm welcome to the July edition of the SAM Observer. Well I hope this chat finds you all enjoying the good summer weather and that you have managed to get out on your bikes, and have some interesting tales to tell. As you are all aware the club is run by the help of volunteers in many various roles and positions within the club. This in turn allows the club to run and function smoothly. Now that we appear to be finally coming out of COVID, it is now time to ask for volunteers for the committee to ensure the smooth running of the club for now and the future. By asking now we are aiming to ensure that we have in built resilience within the club and within the various positions. We had started the process before COVID however circumstances have delayed us moving forward on this particular point. Currently we are looking for a deputy to assist our editor Felix, assisting Felix in delivering an award winning magazine for the club, and also is developing the future communications strategy for the magazine with Felix. As most of you are aware we are always asking for members to submit a short piece about their adventures or events that they think will appeal to the wider membership. It is important that we as a club continue to write and submit these articles so that we are able to deliver a magazine each month. Those members that write articles please continue to do so and for those who are thinking about it please give it a go. Recently the club held a Hints and Tips day starting at the George in Hintlesham and the turnout was very impressive. So for those members who attended I hope you all enjoyed the day. For one I certainly did. So if you have five minutes and would like to write about your experience of the day please submit your article to Felix. I would like to offer my thanks to Geoff who organised the day very well, and to all of the Observers and Ride Leaders who made the day a big success, without their continued support we would not be able to hold these events. So thank you very much indeed for your continued support. The publicity team have been very busy and they assisted with an open event with Orwell Motorcycle. The day on a whole was a great success for all those involved. Again I must show my appreciation to all those who volunteered ably organised by Dean (Wing Commander Harris). Thank you all. The publicity team The SAM Observer July 2022
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is very busy over the coming months so please watch out for emails and notifications of up and coming events. Eric Aldridge will be looking for volunteers for the Copdock Motorcycle show. If you are able to help park the bikes on Sunday 4th September please contact Eric by email at ealdridge49@gmail.com . Thank you To all associates if you are not aware the club has organised dexterity days. These courses are run over the year. Look out for email invites, website and speak to your Observer. Then all you have to do is book onto the course. Please note all associates and members that the club hold regular SAM theory evenings every fourth Wednesday of the month. You are more than welcome to come along and join in. As we have had several new Associates join the club recently they should be aware that they are more than welcome to join any of the organised ride outs the club has arranged. You should receive an email invite for each event. So why not come along to see another social side of the club. If you have not had chance to register for this year’s challenge, there is still time. So please take the opportunity to take up this year’s challenge. The 2022 Great SAM Challenge. 20 locations spread across 4 counties all beginning with the word "Great". 3 prizes to be won; £200, £100 and £50 to be redeemed against purchases from our advertisers plus Reiten Motorrad and Hideout. Free to enter for all members. Please email nigel.chittock@btinternet.com to register. I would like to thank June’s guest speaker John Jenkins, for his exciting talk on Magistrate Court and Law. I personally enjoyed the presentation and the facts that came from this talk. Our editor Felix is always looking for new photographs and adventures that you may have been on recently for the magazine, thank you. Cheers
Richard
The SAM Observer July 2022
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New Associate Members A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:
Peter Selwood Malcolm Perrins Tony Shearman Murray Dellow Howard Large Steve Cox 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.
Samantha Andrews F1rst, Steve Keay
her Observer was his Observer was
John Rudland Ian Bishop
When you pass your advanced test please let Paul Ballard or Geoff Scott know
The SAM Observer July 2022
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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 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. Next theory night meeting will be July 27th 2022
Paul Ballard
SAM Chief Observer
CCMC June 2022 Fun Run to Shotley Gate, by Eric Aldridge The SAM Observer July 2022
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THE SAM “WELCOME” It is always difficult when you first join what is potentially a large and seemingly complex club. On the first group night you attend it can be a bit overwhelming, entering a large room of total strangers, with riders ranging in age from youngsters, to some who look too old to even ride a bike! The bikes parked outside can vary from small commuters to the latest hyper sports bikes, with a sprinkling of tourers, retro bikes, off roaders and adventure bikes as well.
Whatever type of rider you are, whatever type of bike you ride, and regardless of your level of experience, your first time at a SAM Group Night can daunting. So when you first attend a SAM Group Night you will be introduced to our “Welcome Table” where you will find our friendly established, group members. They will run through who the SAM officials are, what's going on, and most importantly where the bar and coffee facilities are! You will also meet our Chief Observer who will run through what you can expect from the training that you will receive.
You may be nervous to ride with a group of complete strangers for the first time, so our "Welcome" system can ensure that YOU do not feel like a stranger.
Just because we are ruftie tuftie bikers doesn’t mean that we don’t suffer from nerves when entering a room of strangers. If you feel that as a member you could help out with this worthwhile scheme then please get in contact with our membership secretary, let him have your contact details and whereabouts’ you are based so that any potential members could be paired up so that you could accompany them to a club night or bike ride.
The SAM Observer July 2022
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Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club Charity Fun Runs 2022 As you know CCMC operates as a motorcycle charity to raise money for various clubs and other good causes predominantly in East Anglia. In the past SAM has received monies from CCMC to assist with our young riders training. To reciprocate this SAM supports the Fun Runs and the Copdock Show by providing marshals for the fun runs and at the motorcycle parking area for the show. CCMC are planning their rides for 2022 and given us early warning of their proposed dates for the Fun Run. (The Copdock Motorcycle Show is Sunday 4th September so that needs to be in your diary). 24th July,
Leiston Football Club
The rides will start from Copdock and we normally meet at around 9.30 leaving around 10am riding the route dropping off marshals at agreed junction locations along the route. The marshals remain in place to guide the following Fun Run groups with an arrow (SAM provides) to direct them. The Fun Run will last about an hour to 1.5 hrs leaving Copdock at 11.00. (These times are general and CCMC will confirm times later). Once the Fun Run has passed you are welcome to continue the route and join in the ‘entertainment’ at the venue. Details will be confirmed and you will be fully briefed before we leave Copdock. If you are able to volunteer for any of the above dates please let Eric Aldridge know. We need around 20+ volunteers/marshals for each event. Email: ealdridge49@gmail.com Mobile:07984022646
The SAM Observer July 2022
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CCMC Fun Run to Shotley Rose The SAM Observer July 2022
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Our second marshalling event for CCMC Took place in June. Amazingly (as Eric The Rain God was there) it was another sunny day. Your 13 SAM volunteers parked outside The Brook Inn at Washbrook ready to enjoy an exciting morning holding their arrow directing the fun runners along the route. I would like to thank the intrepid volunteers who willing gave up their time to help the Club on this event and to Mike who produced the map (in the right direction). We arranged ourselves in Marshalling order ready to drop off at our relevant junction. Mike Roberts had checked the route the previous week with Kevin Bolt (CCMC but working undercover for SAM). Nothing of note about our ride was reported to me and within an hour the Marshalls were in position. CCMC had sent a helpful google print of the Marshall location and the Marshalls also did some investigation to make sure they knew where to park their bikes safely. Meanwhile the car park behind the Inn was, as the previous fun run in May, beginning to be a squeeze as more and more fun runners arrived. This time CCMC were more prepared with more parking Marshalls. (Literally, as I saw several bikes moved by the Marshalls themselves to lose as little asphalt as possible for each bike). As before there was a small over spill but more than 200 bikes were parked there this time with the Brook making plenty of drinks and refreshments. The photographs may look the same as the May run but if you count the bikes you will see there are at least 20 more than last time.
At 11.00 the first group of 20 riders set off and with brief interludes between groups the car park was soon emptied. The SAM Observer July 2022
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I have the enviable job of driving behind the last fun runner’s bike collecting arrows and vests. Yes Dave I was in the hairdresser’s convertible again. I’m afraid the SAM Marshalls are beginning to enjoy the frivolity and fun a little too much now. Basking in the sunshine is becoming more than a little pleasure on the side of the road waiting for the riders to pass. One of our guys was using the back of his estate car to sit in and direct the riders, for others a comfy chair on the verge is standard practice, the lid of a top box also holds an arrow neatly if your arms are tired and if you have to leave your car a little distance away then bring the electric scooter rather than walk. I’m pleased to report that that it was another successful day for SAM and I’m sure the fun riders had a great day too. There are those of you who now realise what an opportunity you have missed. Well I have more good news!! CCMC are running another fun day on Sunday 24th July possibly to Leiston. We have no route yet and therefore I’m not sure how many Marshalls I will need. However, I already have several volunteers so book early to avoid disappointment. If you cannot make that date then I am now taking names for the Marshalls for bike parking at the CCMC Copdock Bike Show on Sunday 4th September. We are not ‘marking out’ on Saturday so you only have one opportunity to help this year. Please note if you think you have already told me you are available please tell me again (use mobile 07984022646 or email ealdridge49@gmail.com). We are hoping for sufficient number to have 3 teams this year to be able to use all three parking areas simultaneously. Remember last year we parked circa 15000 bikes in about 3 hours. You will be fully briefed before and on the day. It will be extremely busy (unless the Rain God strikes) so be prepared to lose a few pounds (lbs). But the good news is that you can save a few pounds (£) with Free entry to the show afterwards (if you have any energy left) and have a look at the SAM publicity tent and have a chat with the team besides looking at the rest of the show.
Eric Aldridge The SAM Observer July 2022
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The 2022 Great SAM Challenge *** There’s still time, it’s not too late to sign up. *** This year I would like you to find 20 locations spread across East Anglia that all have the word “Great” in their name. There are 5 in each of the following counties; Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Firstly, to enter the Challenge please email me and I will send you the place names in the form of an anagram along with a clue as where to find them. Then simply provide me with photographic evidence of your visit with a picture of you and/or your bike alongside anything in the town or village with the name of the location on e.g village sign, notice board, church sign, road sign, war memorial etc. If you successfully visit all 20 places your name will be entered into a draw to stand a chance to win; 1st Prize of £200 2nd Prize of £100 3rd Prize of £50 The winners will have the value of their prize redeemed against a purchase, i.e clothing, servicing, parts or repairs, from any of the companies that currently advertise in the SAM Observer magazine plus Reiten Motorrad and Hideout leather. The Challenge is free to enter and is open to all fully paid up members of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists, whether full, associate or joint. Closing date for entries is August 31st 2022. Everyone who completes the Challenge will also receive a stainless thermos type flask as a reward for your efforts. So if you fancy riding your way around East Anglia in pursuit of some well known and not so well known towns and villages please email me at nigel.chittock@btinternet.com and I will register you for the Challenge and send you the clues along with some terms and conditions.
Nigel Chittock The SAM Observer July 2022
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The SAM Observer July 2022
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CCMC JUNE 2022 FUN RUN TO SHOTLEY GATE This was the second CCMC Fun Run for 2022. At the first run in May a Honda CX500 was on the run and then at Flixton a further two turned up, one a US import CX500 Custom local to the museum and the other a CX500 Eurosport on a VJMC run. I mentioned to Eric that I still had a US import CX500 Custom which he mentioned (sort of on his write up, ha). So, I wanted to prove that mine was still running and hopefully use it on the next run, this one in June. The problem was that when I turned on the fuel tap, the needle valves didn’t stop the flow of fuel so that needed to be sorted out before I could go anywhere. Carbs off, the needle valves looked OK but they still didn’t stop the flow of fuel. A trip to Derek Silver at Leiston saw the purchase of two new needle valves. The new items were installed, carbs refitted and fuel tap turned on, result no more incontinence. Sunday dawned, the bike was rolled out and started. Approaching the Brook Inn in Washbrook, the CCMC marshals wanted to direct me into the pub car park thinking I was an early entrant rather that a SAM Marshal. I rode past and parked up with the other Marshals. Mike Roberts (also previously the owner of a CX500) led out the group. Just after the start at the Beagle Pub roundabout, where we turned left onto the A1071 towards Hadleigh, we managed to get separated by two slow cars and an HGV. Fortunately, we all regrouped before the next turn off onto the A134. My marshalling point was 5A at the triangle in Holton St Mary. I quickly set up my station, mini chair assembled, positioned to catch the sun and be able to see down the road, coffee made, snack eaten all before the first bikes started to turn up but the first three pulled over, stopped and dismounted about 100m before me, turns out they were not on the ride. Then came the sounds of multiple bikes, together with numerous cyclists going in both directions. I think the oldest bike may have been a Heinkel scooter, no CX on this ride apart from mine. It was also nice to see that there were some L-platers out on the ride. One cyclist, who turned out to live locally, stopped for a chat and to ask what was happening. He seemed pleased that the ride was to raise funds for local charities. The SAM Observer July 2022
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After Eric drove by (in his hairdresser’s car) to collect the arrows, closely followed by the CCMC closing bike, I rode over to the finish where Trevor was still present. Wasn’t he the lucky one, as when he got to his marshalling position at the finish, the pub offered him a coffee on-the-house. At the finish there was a tent offering hamburgers, hot dogs, teas and coffees. Everyone appeared to have a good time. Suitably refreshed I made my way home, the CX having had one of its longest rides in several years and not misbehaving one bit. Maybe I should take it out more often.
Jeremy Duszynski
The SAM Observer July 2022
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The SAM Observer July 2022
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A *Great* Day Out! I've gotta give a shout out to Nigel Chittock... in past years I've read about the SAM Challenge but didn't really 'get it'. But a few weeks back I thought to myself 'it would be good to get about on the bike a bit more' and as I pondered on my options the penny dropped! Yes, I can be a bit slow on the uptake sometimes... So last week I ticked off a couple of locations in Suffolk, not far from where I live - plotted some roads that I know to be fun, headed off one evening, enjoyed the ride and then stopped off at the requisite villages for a quick photo of the bike beside the village name sign. So far so good. On mileage alone, the Norfolk set presented a bit more of a challenge though, warranting making a full day of it. Now, I've been riding for... erm... many, many years, but I have to say that today was something new, something different and a bit of a challenge. But better than that, I don't know if Nigel is a genius or just lucky but I can honestly say that the 180 miles we did today was some of the best biking miles I've ever had the privilege to enjoy. We were lucky with the weather - it was perfect. Perhaps we were lucky with the traffic - that was perfect too, just enough to play with but not so much as to get in the way much. And, once we'd got off the A14, many of the roads were just fantastic biking roads! Not just that but really quite beautiful countryside and villages too - even the 30mph sections are bearable when the places you're passing through are so attractive. We set off mid-morning and reached our second 'secret' location at midday and so paid a visit to the village pub (named after a splashing avian...) for some lunch. Suitably refreshed, we set off and ticked off a couple more locations before stopping at a community garden cafe for a cream tea before heading home. Between leaving the A14 at Woolpit to head north into the wilds of Norfolk at around 10:30 to hitting the A12 just north of Yoxford around 3:30, we enjoyed 130 miles of superb biking roads. Obviously, I can't reveal the route we took but what I can say is that we figured out the locations from the Challenge clues, found that they made a ring, more or less, and just plugged them into the Waze Sat Nav app, one after the other, going round the ring clockwise. So, in short, thanks again Nigel! And if it's too late to sign up for the challenge by the time this is published then I would at least encourage you to give it a go The SAM Observer July 2022
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next year. Actually, I'd say sign up just for the Norfolk section this year anyway we may well do it again later this year just for the fun of it! Photo: Unbeknown to me, the other half was taking a photo of me taking a photo for Nigel, just round the corner from the splashing avian!
Dave Roxburgh
The SAM Observer July 2022
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Ride Leaders
Social Ride Coordinator Trevor Read Ride Leaders Eric Aldridge Ken Beckinsale Kevin Bolt Chris Bond Martin Drury Brian Ellis Vini Evans Dave Frankin Karl Grimwade Glyn Hill Alex Jones Mike Roberts Fred Sparrow Adrian Tadman 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..
The SAM Observer July 2022
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Hints & Tips May 2022 After an absence of 3 years Hint & Tips was back, Left home around 7-45 a short ride to Hintlesham to find several riders already at the George Pub. After a brief chat with other club members and after a bit of confusion got booked in for the ride, (I had registered using my christened name Arthur not the one most know me by). Sorted into groups of 4 or 5 riders we were the fifth one on the clockwise route. Paired up with Ride Leader Ken, Observer Karl and one other rider Tony, we set off enjoying kind weather and experienced a mixture of roads some of which were quite challenging. First stop Stoke-By-Nayland for a short briefing which was encouraging. We waited a while and chatted while another group set off then off we went again via some "interesting" roads through to Lavenham for another briefing which again was quite positive. Off again the ride through to Hadleigh via Monks Eleigh, Chelsworth and Bildeston was excellent with good progress being made, a final briefing and back to the Hintlesham George and a last chat, a light lunch and a drink. Many thanks to the SAM organizers from myself and I am sure the other participants on the ride out for a well set up and interesting experience, a special thanks to our patrons at the George and the warm welcome we received and many thanks Ken, Karl and Tony, enjoyed the ride, the experience, chats, banter company and the positive feedback. I think a good time was had by all. Goodbyes made and a pleasant ride home.
Sonnie Westley
The SAM Observer July 2022
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Where are we going and how are we getting there? SAM Social Rides in July Saturday 23rd brings us the Jaunt to the East Anglian Railway Museum. Straightaway I’ll promise not to write any silly quips about making sure our members stay on the right tracks, or an afternoon away so that they can let off a bit of steam. No, not me. It’s sited at Wakes Colne to the north west of Colchester on the way to Halstead. Obviously there is a café – Platform Two it’s called, but there is so much else to see. Check out their website:https://www.earm.co.uk/ Departing Stowmarket Tescos by midday, we’ll take the Hadleigh by-pass after trundling through Needham and Elmsett. Then down to Stoke-by-Nayland , Boxted and the Horkesleys to join the A1124 at Fordstreet. The Chip Run on the 28th is venturing across the border to Long Stratton and the Chip Inn. There is a car park behind the building and plenty of outside seating so that we can people watch and traffic watch. Be at Whitehouse Asda – by McDonalds – in good time for a 18:00 departure, cutting across to Henley Road then by Helmingham Hall. Joining the A1120 for a stretch until turning off on the B1116 at Denington and up to Harleston. Then from Starston up to Fritton Green then in to Long Stratton.
SAM Social Rides in August th
The 7 is the first Sunday of the month and we’re still into the longer Brunch Runs. This ride out is off to Lincolnshire for the third time this year. The venue is another garden centre – they just satisfy our requirements so well, with parking, refreshments with adequate seating, oh and thingies to browse for your own acres - and possibly purchase. This one is Stamford Garden Centre and guess where it is. How did you know? The SAM Observer July 2022
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Here’s their website if you’re interested – https://www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk/ Let’s meet in the car park of Tesco at Bury St Edmunds in plenty of time so that we can all be on our way by 09:00. First is a short trundle along the A14, turning off through Kentford and Newmarket to take the ‘old’ road to Cambridge. We’ll take the road up through Bluntisham to cross the A1 at Sawtry, and then it’s up through Elton and round the back of RAF Wittering to Collyweston for the final run-in to Stamford. Saturday 20th brings the Jaunt to Long Stratton which we visited for the July Chip Run. This time though we’re off to Goodies Farm Shop and Food Hall and by a different route. They also preferred us not to turn up before 14:00 so as to clear their lunches, so departure time from Stowmarket Tesco will be at 13:00. It’ll be up our old favourite B1113 to turn left onto the A143 at Rickinghall. Then, it’s up through Hepworth to Snetterton and then across to Tivetshall where we’ll turn up the A140 for a short hop before turning off and into Goodies. Already we’re at the final Chip Run of the year – where does all this time disappear to? The venue is Deep Blue at Newmarket. Meeting once more at Stowmarket Tesco being there ready for an 18:00 departure. Setting off through Rattlesden and Cockfield and crossing over the A134 then through Hawstead and Whepstead we’ll join the A143 at Chedburgh. Then it’s up the B1063 to Newmarket and parking round the back of the High Street on the old Market Place. It’s a short stroll through the shopping mall, down between The Pantry and The Bushel. There are seats inside or if you prefer people watching then it’s only a few steps to the many High Street benches.
Vini Evens
The SAM Observer July 2022
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LEJOG 2022 the long ride. Following my previous article my son Ben and I set off for Land’s End on Saturday 14th May. We drove down with my wife who would shadow us in the car for the first 4 days. This would mean that our heavy panniers would remain in the car to give us time to get used to the process of riding an average of 80 miles a day. The Cornish and Devon hills are amongst the biggest of the ride. Plus, we had the chance to find out if what we had heard was true in that we would start to get fitter after the first few days and hence when we had our first pannier ride on day 5, we would hope to have a bit more fitness and be used to riding 80 miles a day consecutively. We did feel there was some substance to the claim and we felt our bodies had become conditioned to what we expected of them. We drove to Land’s End with my wife and our other son Adam came down to see us off and spend a few days along our route. We set off for the first 20 miles to our hotel and a nice family meal. The next day was our first full mileage day. It went from the hotel to the King Harry Ferry and then on to Liskeard for our second night. The hills were somewhat challenging, constantly up and down, no flatland to recover and included about 2000 metres of climbing. This was the schedule for just about every day: Up at about 07:00, have breakfast and leave a little after 08:00 We were on our bikes typically until about 18:00 to 19:00 each day. We did stop very frequently to look at the scenery, take pictures, check our route, add or take off layers and / or add or take off water proof clothing. At the hotel, wash our clothing, have a shower, sort any bike issues, eat, update social media to support our charity, talk to family, respond to social media responses and finally send update to Parkinson’s UK. If we were lucky, we were The SAM Observer July 2022
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settling down at 22:00, sometimes 23:00 and I believe Ben was up after midnight one evening. It turned into a bit of a daily treadmill, as described above, where we basically followed this process every day. First major milestone was visiting our friend Bryen in Warrington. He has Parkinson’s and was the reason we chose this charity. We had a small tea and cake party at his house on our way, very nice. That evening we also met my cousin and her husband for a meal and social evening, a nice distraction for a short while. The second major point was reaching Kendal, this was the halfway point and a significant mental motivator.
A day or so later we were crossing the border into Scotland, another significant milestone but still a long way to go. Upon entering Scotland we started to see a bit more rain, a lot less traffic and although the hills were significant, they seemed to drag on for longer but at slightly less incline. The SAM Observer July 2022
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We travelled up past Loch Lochy, up the Great Glen, Loch Lomond and on to Loch Ness before getting to the Highlands and on to our destination at John O’Groats.
The weather on the last day was what we came to term “the full Scottish”. Within a 15-minute period it could change from superbly sunny and reasonably warm to freezing cold rain and 25 mile per hour wind. The ride in number (roughly) Miles in total: Route:
940 Land’s End, Hayle, Liskeard, Wellington, Chepstow, Shrewsbury, Chorley, Penrith, Dumfries, Kilmarnock, Crainlarish, Fort Augustus, Tain and John O’Groats
Amount of climbing: About the same as climbing Everest Number of days: 13 and 1 travelling home Number of punctures: (valve became detached) Mechanical issues:
2
both mine – one thorn and one faulty tube
6 Ben’s chain broke Stick in my front mudguard detached its stays
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Ben broke his front mudguard when doing a tight U turn and catching his foot (toe overlap) My rear wheel bearing broke up, I was lucky to get it fixed! Ben had a bottle cap seize between his mudguard and front tyre Ben’s Wahoo Element (satnav) lost its mapping due to ingress of rain Number of crashes:
2 – 1 each - nothing dramatic
Number of near misses:
2 – One tractor on a very narrow lane and one truck that didn’t see us, he was going slow fortunately.
Number of good memories:
Countless
Number of bad memories: minimal Number of annoyed drivers: Only 2 ষ Amount of tailwind: We were very lucky – probably over 75% favourable wind direction Amount of rain: Less than 10% – we were very lucky Fundraising:
At my last check we raised £3416 which is 364% of our target and we had 118 supporters
Best bits:
Riding with my son Crossing into Wales and later into Scotland Lovely small country roads throughout the whole ride
Not so good bits:
Riding through large towns and cities – too busy and slow Cycle path on Firth Bridge at Inverness being closed with no pre warning My bike rear wheel bearing failing. It could have stopped us finishing!
Lessons learnt:
Some A roads are better than others – only one was a bit scary 80 miles a day is just a little bit too far to allow time to stop and stare Travelling light is definitely the way to go The cycling world is full of very helpful people May is definitely a good month to do the ride
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Any questions: Would we do it again?
Yes, but with a lower daily mileage and therefore over more days
Were the bikes suitable?
Yes, mine was slower but comfier, Ben’s is faster but less comfortable. He could manage the comfort level better being younger
Did we need more kit?
No, we had just enough, extra = additional weight
At plans for future rides? year
Yes, probably Coast to Coast or London to Paris next And finally, the one question everyone either asks or wants to ask: Yes our butts did hurt a bit, but it was manageable with the use of Chamois crème ষ And Finally: we’d like to thank anyone reading this for their interest and to very gratefully thank all our supporters for their donations. It will greatly help Parkinson’s UK with their great work helping sufferers and their families –
Thank you ষ
Paul & Ben Sharpe Note from Editor, This was a fantastic achievement well done Why are cyclists like steam trains??? They both have a tender behind…. The SAM Observer July 2022
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The SAM Observer July 2022
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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 motorcyclists.com £50 for ½ page
editor@suffolk-advanced-
£75 for full page
Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists 3rd Monday of the month, 19:30, at The Cottage, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrew. NR7 0JD
Chairman, Secretary,
John Young, Paul Milner,
07948538036 07834 600665
SAM Events for your Diary 2022 Please see website and magazine for updates
July 2022 Wednesday 20th SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by Guest speaker TBA or see the Calendar for latest info. 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Saturday 23rd Saturday Jaunt to East Anglian Railway Museum Station Road Wakes Colne, departure at 12:00 Tesco, Stowmarket The SAM Observer July 2022
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Sunday 24th Copdock Fun Run, SAM marshals, these fun runs for CCMCC. If you can help out, please contact: Eric Aldridge Thursday 27th Theory Evening Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Acceleration, Gears & Braking Contact: Paul Ballard. Meet in The Board Room Thursday 28th Fish and Chip Run to Long Stratton Chip Inn, meet at 18:00 McDonalds, Bury Road, Ipswich.
August 2022 Wednesday 6th SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Sunday 7th Breakfast long Run to to Stamford Garden Centre, departure at 08:30 Tesco, Bury St Edmunds (NOT by the recycling bins!) Saturday 13th COT (Continuous Observer Training) Observer team training event. Times to be confirmed near the date. Contact: Paul Ballard Wednesday 15th SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by Guest speaker TBA or see the Calendar for latest info. 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Saturday 20th Saturday Jaunt to Goodies Food Hall Wood Lane Long Stratton, meet at 13:00 Tesco Stowmarket Sunday, 21st Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD, 09:00 – 13:00, For more details please contact Observer: Matthew Barker 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
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Wednesday 24th Theory Evening Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF, 19:30 – 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 Deep Blue Market Street Newmarket, meet at 18:00 Tesco Stowmarket Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Saturday 27th 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 Saturday, 21st Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD, 09:00 – 13:00, For more details please contact Observer: Matthew Barker
September 2022 Copdock Motorcycle Show. The CCMC Show with its Sunday 4th new earlier date. 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 the SAM Committee. Wednesday 6th SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Sunday 7th Breakfast long run to Garden Nursery Lyndon Road Manton Rutland, departure at 08:30 Tesco, Bury St Edmunds (NOT by the recycling bins!) Saturday, 17th Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD, 09:00 – 13:00, For more details please contact Observer: Matthew Barker
Articles and write up’s pictures are desperately needed The SAM Observer July 2022
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The SAM Observer July 2022
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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. 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 TBA CARING SAM Our customer service & complaints procedures. TBA
Contact: Brian Ellis
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 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 TBA M ud
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The SAM Observer July 2022
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Editorial 2022 Well this is a turn up for the books Bumper magazine this month, Keep it up, keeps the editor very happy. You don’t have to be a great wordsmith to put something together, after all the editor is dyslexic, once I have made the magazine with all your thrilling story’s and adventures it’s sent to the committee to proof read so all the spelling and grammar is sorted out, all computers help a great deal, Mine has to work overtime…. With my success on getting Mrs Editor on the back of my old machine we have been exploring communication devices so that we could talk to each other. Looking on-line there are so many different types and huge range in price, so I put a post on the Facebook group East Anglian bikers asking what others use and how they got on with them, Half recommended this one or that one, the other half said not to bother as it’s the only peace they get… If any-one would like to take over the magazine or help out then please get in contact The new website has been made live, and like everything new has a few teething problems so my email address editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com is currently off line until further notice. Please can you use sam.editor@btinternet.com for the time being. Safe Riding
Felix...
Editor
Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH. Tel: 07712649860 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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Photo’s I took at the Somersham Wheely Fun Day with SAM promotions team. Triumph Owners Club Stand
Morgan sports car
BSA Bantam racer 125cc 1962ish vintage,
Sonnie. Westley The SAM Observer July 2022
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The SAM Observer July 2022
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