June's cover photo was submitted by Geoff Scott and is of his BMW RT while taking part in this year's SAM Great Challenge. Please send in Pictures for our 2022 magazines
Pictures of the Copdock fun run, Eric Aldridge The SAM Observer June 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
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
07872 925532 07986 319163 07984 022646 07879 654122
Paul Ballard Dave Franklin Brian Ellis Brian Ellis Dean Harris Trevor Read Geoff Scott Geoff Scott Steve Bingham Les Smith Les Smith Felix Oliver
07850 715063 07801 688639 07740 564097 07740 564097 07956 339112 07525 724002 07983 939998 07983 939998
Richard Ockelton Matthew Barker André Castle Derek Barker
07872 925532 07931 700725 07730 526674 01473 327555
07792 273334 07792 273334 07712 649860
Committee Support Members Buddy Co-ordinator National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Tony Chyc 01206 231782 Geoff Scott 07983 939998 Paul Newman 01473 620450 Paul Ballard 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
07974 941545
Neale McConnell
07899 714136
The SAM Observer June 2022
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Contents Copdock Fun Run Committee Chairman’s Chat Test Passes Master Passes SAM Theory Evening Copdock Fun Runs Fun Run to Flixton Pictures at Flixton The 2022 Great SAM Challenge This Month Ride Leaders Promotion Team are back Where are we going? Advertise Here SAM Events for your Diary Members Information Editorial Hints & Tips Pictures Promotion Team Our Venue
by Eric Aldridge by Richard Ockelton
by Paul Ballard by Eric Aldridge by Eric Aldridge by Mike Roberts by Nigel Chittock by Eric Aldridge by Trevor Read by Sonnie Westley by Vini Evans by Committee by Mike Roberts by Editor by Geoff Scott by Sonnie Westley
2 3 5 6 6 7 8 10 12 13 15 20 21 23 26 26 30 32 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 June 2022
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Chairman’s Chat A very warm welcome to the June edition of the SAM Observer, well I hope this chat finds you all well and hoping you have managed to get out on your bikes in this fine weather. 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 an uptake in new associates, if you are not aware you 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. Eric is looking for some more volunteers for the upcoming CMCC, ride out. Then please email Eric at: ealdridge49@gmail.com . Thank you I would like to thank May’s guest speaker, Andre Castle, for his exciting talk on off road riding in Rwanda. I personally enjoyed the talk and the facts that came from this talk. For June’s guest speaker, John Jenkins on Road Law. 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
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New Associate Members A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members: 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.
Martin Chandler Mark Needham
his Observer was his Observer was
F1rst
Ian Leedham Andre Castle
When you pass your advanced test please let Paul Ballard or Geoff Scott know
Master’s test pass Derek Barker Andy Robotham
distinction. distinction.
his mentor was his mentor was
Ian Maxwell Ian Maxwell
Photos taken by Geoff Scott
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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 June 22nd 2022
Paul Ballard The SAM Observer June 2022
SAM Chief Observer www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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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). There are 2 rides: 12th June, 24th July,
Shotley Rose 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 June 2022
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The SAM Observer June 2022
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CCMC May 2022 Fun Run to Flixton Aviation Museum As you know (because you are totally bored with me asking for yet more volunteers) we are involved with Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club and their various charity fun runs and the Copdock Show again this year. We helped with the first fun run to Flixton on 22nd May. Our intrepid group of 17 volunteers met outside the Brook Inn in Washbrook to line up as marshals for the route. I should say that they are ‘your volunteers’ because they are doing this for SAM and your club. We were planning to park in the Inn car park but with 100 bikes expected we had anticipated a slight congestion problem. CCMC had issued the route and Marshal Points to SAM but Mike Roberts led our marshals to ensure they were in the correct locations. He set off at 10am. The weather on the day was bright and sunny and that must have encouraged a few more riders than usual as by 10.30 when I took the photo there were 180+ bikes squeezed into the car park by CCMC and more continuing to look for space. The Brook Inn was busy offering refreshments to the riders in their very pleasant patio area. To reduce the congestion and the overspill onto local roads CCMC decided to start earlier than the 11.00 advertised start time. They headed out in groups of 30 to be directed by our marshals at the junctions. The early start surprised one or two who were basking in the sunshine, or finding shade next to their bikes. I followed the last rider collecting the Hi-vis vests and arrows (in my wife’s hairdresser convertible-thanks Dave). I noted one or two breakdowns along the route but CCMC were following to assist as necessary. At Flixton CCMC had managed to arrange an ‘overspill field’ to park the bikes and some of our marshals took the welcome opportunity to try out the café whilst one marshal went off to find a CX500 he had seen pass him (a bike similar to one he had owned previously). In the end he found several. CCMC expressed their thanks to SAM for their help, echoed by me and our Chairman. It was a great success and a pleasant day in the sun. The next Fun Run is on 12th June to Shotley followed by the last one on 24th July to Leiston. We anticipate that the start point may be different for these so extra marshals are now needed (you would have been disappointed if I hadn’t asked). The SAM Observer June 2022
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Please contact me if you are able to help ealdridge49@gmail.com or mobile 07984022646 Finally, please keep 4th September free to help with the Copdock Show although I will not be collecting volunteer names until June.
Gloster Javelin fighter jet at Flixton
Eric Aldridge
The SAM Observer June 2022
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Arrival to Flixton Air Museum Pictures provided by Mike Roberts The SAM Observer June 2022
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The 2022 Great SAM Challenge *** Do you feel like taking on a Challenge this summer? *** 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 June 2022
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The SAM Observer June 2022
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This Month: When the Secretary Takes on a SAM Challenge This month I was kindly invited to join two SAM members (Vini and Martin) on their trip to the Norfolk villages as part of the SAM Challenge 2022. This is my first year of actually entering a ‘Challenge’ for reasons somebody else may explain. I appreciate that the long serving riders in the club may have thought this year was a bit ‘tame’ compared with last year where I understand people were having a bit of trouble traversing a bit of a slope and the undulating surface of Hard Knott Pass. Well some of the following mishaps may have been selfinflicted but overall our day in the ‘dark side’ of Norfolk left me feeling more than a little challenged. It started with the invite suggesting the weather for the following week looked very promising. I checked the weather, then the diary and suggested the Wednesday suited me best. My bike was being serviced the day before. The other two agreed on the Wednesday. On the Tuesday I checked the weather forecast and it had changed dramatically for the Wednesday. When a suggested a rethink the helpful response was, “that it is only water and it would generally wash off”. Anyway, we had had so little rain for months it was probably an over excited weather forecaster having one of those dreams. So on the chosen day we met as arranged, SatNavs fully loaded with just the sprinkle of dampness in the air. I had a ‘new’ top box to add to my BMW panniers and was asked if The SAM Observer June 2022
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I had my overnight bag too! I had more in my pockets than in the Kawasaki’s tank bag. We set off and managed the first part of the ride towards Norfolk fairly well but the rain was becoming heavy. We reached the first village and our mapping expert had even found the location of the village signs on the village green’s The day before Mike Roberts had circumnavigated Norfolk and just by coincidence this sign had been removed. Sabotage?? Moving on to the next two villages things were going well and despite the dampening conditions we were making good time. A small detour was necessary when we came upon a bit of an accident and a closed road. Undeterred a small deviation and we were back on track moving towards the furthest point from home. My BMW has all these fascinating bits of information displayed on the 10” plasma screen like changing the braking system for riding conditions like Rain and constantly advising you that a service is overdue etc. It also gives you your tyre pressures. So we found, what probably constitutes an ‘A’ road in Norfolk, a narrow track not wide enough for Clarkson’s Lamborghini tractor. We carried on with the rain getting heavier. Suddenly the headlines on my screen first indicated low tyre pressure, followed quickly by a warning triangle and a large ‘stop immediately’ sign. The tyre pressure figure was sitting initially at 42psi dropped quicker than Wim Hof’s body temperature when he jumped into icy water. Martin from behind pulled alongside and heard me say puncture. He thought I meant he had one because he was concerned he had a problem too. I had managed to land the bike on what Norfolk considers a layby but was actually a flattened piece of soiled soggy verge. With the three of us of us now off the road, but only just, we started to examine our tyres. Mine was completely deflated and I located a piece of flint like a small arrowhead embedded in the tyre. Probably a left by a local Iceni villager. First lesson: always carry a pair of pliers or flatheaded screw driver. Alternatively, use a boy scout with one of those knives with a tool to remove stones from a horses hoof. Martin was liberally throwing water from a nearby reservoir (or dirty puddle) over his tyre, looking for bubbles, as he inflated it using his pump attached to the battery. The SAM Observer June 2022
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Meanwhile I had found my puncture repair kit from the pannier it was brand new although Vini wondered during which war was it brand new. Under his guidance (the instruction sheet having been instantly soaked and unreadable) I opened the new tube of glue and spread it over the plug and inserted it into the reamed hole and pulled it back and left it to ‘dry’. Job done. From the other pannier I removed my equally brand new digital pump, in Aldridge tradition still in its box. The BMW has a ‘hela’ connector for which I bought an adapter for a cigarette lighter/pump fitting. Unfortunately, I knew (from an earlier test) that for some reason it didn’t power the pump for more than a few seconds. So all we wanted was a car to stop for us. I began to scale the horizon looking in vain hope for a passing tractor. Meanwhile Martin was still washing and pumping his tyre to no avail. Vini had already established our grid points to call a recovery vehicle. I thought I could use my ‘3 word app’. Suddenly we saw an approaching car and the passenger slightly lowered their window to ask if we had a problem. (I was going to ask if they had a picnic table as we were concerned our tablecloth would get dirty on the verge during our picnic). But they happily blocked the road while I used their cigarette lighter to pump my tyres. Just like buses within a few minutes another car arrived. That driver began to get agitated by the delay (probably had some cows to milk) so our driver gave me back the plug and moved away. I thought that was the end and the 15 psi I had was all I would get. But no the driver returned and we continued to pump until I had sufficient air in the tyre. He also gave us the postcode for a tyre depot in Fakenham. It turned out he was an ex-biker and meets regularly with a club at Whitewell Station. He had been out of the car trying to help Martin too and wasn’t dressed for the occasion or weather. I am indebted to the man and his patient wife. By this time Martin had given up trying to look for bubbles and removed the pump only to find the air was exiting rapidly from the faulty valve. Deciding to take a chance that the valve cap would hold the pressure until we reached a garage he struggled to retrieve it from his pocket, where he had safely stored it, before the tyre had lost the pressure again. So re-pumping with valve cap in hand he managed to get the bike roadworthy again. We set off to the garage, me constantly monitoring the tyre pressure gauge and I guess Martin feeling every bump and wobble on the road. We didn’t stop for photos at the ‘Great …..’ village we passed through. We reached the garage where the helpful mechanic hadn’t the equipment to handle bikes but he was able to remove the muck causing the sticking valve on Martins tyre and reinflate it. The SAM Observer June 2022
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Lesson 2: carry a valve key with you. Don’t tell us you have 3 in your garage (Vini). Enough was enough so we decided to abandon the remaining photo session at 2 villages and head for home but not before we had some lunch. Sitting there with puddles under our chairs we watch as the heavens opened and yet more rain ran down the windows. Vini was checking his phone when he found he had a winning ticket on the lottery! So we sat a little longer. Vini dreaming of a new bike or two whilst Martin and I thought of a complete set of new tyres (and a valve key). Eventually, we couldn’t wait any longer as I was the only one with an overnight bag and we made a dash for it. Only as far as the bikes to attach the pump on Martins bike again and stand in the rain watching the faulty pump gauge move slowly to increase the pressure. We had started to dry out during lunch. Soon we were off again with me monitoring the tyre gauge and Martin feeling and worrying over every wobble. We had about 60 miles to travel home and we only needed to stop to check/reinflate Martin’s tyre once, whilst I was chuffed that I and my new found friend had fixed a puncture in the middle of a Norfolk cart track and the gauge indicated no loss of pressure. One of these days we will laugh about this trip but not this week/month. Finally, before you approach the Bank of Vini for a loan, his winnings didn’t even come close to matching our successful day. So don’t scoff at this year’s SAM challenge. Give it a go.
Eric Aldridge
SAM at this year’s Hadleigh Show The SAM Observer June 2022
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The SAM Observer June 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 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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PROMOTIONS ARE BACK Sunday May 8th Stonham Barns Bike Show A nice gentle little ride with Jean to Stonham Barns, weather was pleasant and sunny. Arrived to find Dean already there with wife Jo and daughter Deanne already setting up the Gazebo beside the Orwell Motorcycles stand and exchanged the usual greetings etc. Gates opened at 10 o'clock and a decent crowd turned up helped of course by the good weather. Throughout the day a lot of interest in SAM and of course the IAM was shown with Dean and myself ably assisted by Jean, Jo and Deanne were approached numerous times. We even found time to get some food and have a little look round. The day drew to an end Gazebo dismantled and a nice little ride home. Fast forward a week and it's time for the Orwell Motorcycles Demo Day, arrived early (on my own this time), Gazebo set up again alongside the Orwell one with several KTM, Kawasaki and Suzuki demo motorcycles neatly parked up for registered riders to try out, Dean myself and Deanne charged with the necessary administration and promotion work and a considerable contingent of SAM Observers and ride leaders to take out the groups on the preset route to try out the bikes. Again a considerable interest was shown in SAM and the IAM and (here is the link with Stonham) several riders that we had already seen approached us
again and went out on observed taster rides with some of our observers, some of which will hopefully become members. Once again with the superb weather there was a really good turnout making it hopefully a really successful day for all concerned. Many thanks to Dean and Deanne for helping to make it such a great day and a special thanks to the Observers and ride leaders (can't name you all but you know who you are) for all your sterling efforts and "really" hard work, I reckon you had a lovely time helping make the day a success. The SAM Observer June 2022
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By the time our intrepid readers read this it will be over but next stop Hadliegh Show.
Sonnie Westley
The SAM Observer June 2022
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Where are we going and how are we getting there? SAM Social Rides in July Sunday July 3rd sees the next in the series of our Summer Brunch Runs. We were off to North Northamptonshire to sample the wares of the New Lodge Farm Shop just outside the village of Bulwick and over the A43. We’ve had Rides there a couple of times in the past. They served up a grand all-day breakfast. It would appear that there is a lot more money to be made in dishing up Sunday Lunches rather than Breakfasts as the cut-off time for serving has now been moved forward to 10:30!!! Even worse………. if you do want to settle for the Lunch then it MUST be pre-booked. This seems to be a gradually expanding trend with venues doing this and some even wanting exact seating requirements AND your choice off the menu settled before the day. Thankfully I’ve only known of one instance where a card deposit was required in advance. Anyone involved with our events would recoil from such an action with a terrified shudder. Needless to say, we didn’t go there. We really need your feedback as to what to provide Ride-wise for the membership in the future. What could the options be? Revert to continuous short Breakfast Runs to get to a large (Garden Centre type) venue in plenty of time. Keep the longer Runs going in summer but depart as the cock crows. Keep the longer Runs in Summer but everyone has to fend for themselves regarding food by taking whatever is on offer and under the venues’ terms. This could even involve going to a picturesque setting and taking a picnic. Any other suitable and practical suggestion that you could come up with? Perhaps the June Group Night could spare half an hour or so for membership deliberation. Well, that went off at a tangent. Where ARE we going? The SAM Observer June 2022
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If you recall the June Brunch Run had been originally scheduled for Horncastle on the 5th, but not enough Ride Leaders were available to run it. It was rescheduled for the 12th until it was realized that this clashed with a Charity Run by the CCMC that SAM actively supports. All this means is that that this venue can be resurrected and slotted in as our July outing. On the 3rd remember. I won’t repeat my waffle on the route as you can easily look back at the May issue on page 19. 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 6o/c 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.
Vini Evens
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The SAM Observer June 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
June 2022 Sunday 12th Copdock Fun Run, SAM marshals, these fun runs for CCMCC. If you can help out, please contact: Eric Aldridge Wednesday 15th SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by Guest speaker 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, The SAM Observer June 2022
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Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. 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 Saturday 18th
Saturday Jaunt to Suffolk Punch Trust meet at
Tesco, Stowmarket. 12:00 (As Beacon Hill is currently closed). Sunday, 19th Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD, For more details please contact Observer: Matthew Barker Wednesday 22nd 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: Planning and Positioning. Contact: Paul Ballard. Meet in The Board Room Thursday 23rd Fish and Chip Run to Reggies Clacton, meet at 18:00 Copdock behind B&M
July 2022 Saturday 1st 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 Sunday 3rd Breakfast long Run to New Lodge Farm Shop Laxton Road, Bulwick, departure at 08:30 Tesco, Bury St Edmunds (NOT by the recycling bins!) Wednesday 6th SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Saturday, 16th Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD, 09:00~13:00, For more details please contact Observer: Matthew Barker The SAM Observer June 2022
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Saturday 16th 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 Wednesday 20th SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by Guest speaker is John Jenkins on Road Law, 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 Saturday, 21st Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD, For more details please contact Observer: Matthew Barker 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.
Articles and write up’s pictures are desperately needed
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The SAM Observer June 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. 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 M ud
The SAM Observer June 2022
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The SAM Observer June 2022
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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Editorial 2022 Another month has flown by, Since my return from the breakfast ride last month I haven’t been out. Browsing the internet on one of those auction sites I came across a wooden Norfolk Broads sailing cruiser which had been abandoned and unloved for a few years, having stood in the boatyard slowly rotting away, well I couldn’t leave it there and was only a few pennies, Long and short we won it and so it’s now at my workshop being taken to bits so I can put it back together. Only due to the actions on the other side of Europe, the timber I need to use for the replacement planking has suddenly shot up because it’s now unobtainable In Aprils magazine we had an article from Paul and his son Ben Sharpe who were cycling from Lands’ End to John O’Groats. They have now completed the trip and managed it in 13 days and I expect we look forward to a full write up about the trip, don’t we Paul, . Reminds me of a school boy joke… “Why are cyclists and stream trains alike??... Because they both have a tender behind “ A great turn out at the Hints and Tips ride this year, with an article to follow, Unfortunately I could not make it as things just don’t go to plan as expected. So if you are off out for a ride, ping me an email on the return with a few pictures and have you’re 5 minutes of fame. We the committee think it would be a great idea for you, the members to get to know your committee and what they get up to, so over the next few months we’ll be posting pictures and an appraisal of what they get up to. So watch this space 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…. The SAM Observer June 2022
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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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
The SAM Observer June 2022
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Few pictures of the Hints and tips, Article to follow
The SAM Observer June 2022
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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The SAM Observer June 2022
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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The SAM Observer June 2022
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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