The SAM Observer May 2023

The Cover photo was taken by Graham Parker and is of his 1980 BMW R100T. They were only made for 2 years, 1979-80 and they were the fastest air cooled BMW ever made

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

Mike Roberts

Gavin Marshall receiving his Certificate from Paul Ballard

And Graham Clements who got a F1rst

Not the Chairman’s Chat.

One of the problems of not attending the Committee Meetings is that you cannot defend yourself and if nobody else volunteers you find out you have been nominated for the ‘odd job’. So, when I was told I have been ‘selected’ to write the Chairman’s Chat this month I was in Peru, South America.

No problem I thought I must be able to come up with something to say. Unfortunately, I wasn’t riding my bike (logistically difficult with a large expanse of water between Peru and the UK) or even riding a hired bike. (As it happens, I was on a paddle board for the first time but that is for next month’s Yachting Weekly not the SAM Observer).

Not a problem, I thought, there are thousands if not millions of bikes in Peru to see and write about. However, it is not a place where I recognised many makes apart from Honda -the most popular, Yamaha, Suzuki and KTM. I only saw one BMW tourer, one Honda Goldwing that was travelling with a trike and a few other tourers during the 3 and a bit weeks we travelled around. Most bikes were 150-350cc cheap (about £3000 new) and cheerful. Generally, in the town’s most were in good condition but as we travelled into the poorer areas some of the bikes were held together by dust and prayers. However, having just returned to a comparatively cold UK I thought I could rattle off a few photos to show the more knowledgeable a selection of bikes and fill a few pages in the magazine.

I didn’t allow for a small hiccup. I arrived back after a slightly ‘disrupted and delayed’ route home to be without my luggage together with all the various charging cables and the ability to download or charge anything. Hopefully a temporary setback.

Whist I’ve been away things are clearly heading towards summer (albeit not very quickly in temperature). I see we have continued with our social ride programme. We’ve had our first 2023 Thursday night chip run to the Codfather in Sudbury. We have marshalled the first of 2 CCMC Fun Runs this year to Sudbury (TTT). Looking at the photos it was a big show with 200 Fun Run riders and clashing nicely with the events at the adjacent Sudbury FC and Sunday market. Well done to all those SAM Marshalls. Typical that I was away with two events on my doorstep. Don’t forget to keep yourself available for the next Fun Run on 18th June and of course the Copdock Show on 3rd September. Our Publicity Team are up and running so look out for them at a show near you. We have new Observers undergoing training as are the Ride Leaders next month. Here comes summer!!

Eric Aldridge

New Associate Members

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

Sean Stapleton

Thomas Abbott

Duncan Jones

John Rumsey

John Tyler

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.

Frances Lark her Observer was Paul Ballard

When you pass your advanced test please let Paul Ballard or Geoff Scott know.

That was a busy Weekend

Lings Triumph Demo Day Saturday 14th April

With a Lings

Triumph Demo Day on the way it was arranged for SAM Publicity Team to attend and assist with the ride outs. So it was a nice early start on a chilly, dull Saturday morning after a pretty wet cold night. I didn't take the bike this time, and fortunately the weather did improve throughout the day. I arrived on time to find Dean already there, the SAM gazebo already up and the information sheets laid out.

Our job was to book out the various bikes with the observers needed to take the riders on the pre-set route and to answer any questions relating to SAM or advanced riding to any interested parties.

There was a nice selection of Triumphs ranging from the Trident 660 to the big 1200cc adventure bikes.

At the 10 am start there were a good number of riders already booked in wishing to sample the range of bikes. We were kept busy pretty much all day. The number and continuous flow of punters kept the observers on their toes too. I’m sure it’s hard work but someone has got to do it.

With dryish road and the sun finally coming out a fun time was had by all and hopefully a rewarding day for Lings and ourselves. By 4 pm the day was pretty much winding down, gazebo dismantled and all the SAM stuff stowed in Dean's Vehicle it was time for a coffee and a chat inside the shop before heading home.

Many thanks:

To Lings for their hospitality and the complimentary refreshments,

To Dean for his company and organising the day and transporting all the kit,

To Trevor for popping in after the "Saturday jaunt" and to the Observers, Mike, Derek, Les and Alex for all the "efforts" covering the ride outs, the company and the "craic".

Once packed up, it was back home for dinner.

Sonnie Westley

Pictures by Mike Roberts

SAM Theory Evenings

As most of you know, on the 4th Wednesday evening every month, SAM holds its monthly Theory Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of important rider skills these nights are an informal evening of facts and lively banter all aimed at improving your ride based on the information in the Advanced Rider Course Logbook. Each session covers one of the four main topic areas;

Overtaking Planning & Positioning Cornering Gears & Acceleration

Mainly aimed at Associates going through the course, these evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on their theory and add their experiences and questions to the session.

The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to discuss any issues you may have generally on your Advanced Rider Course.

Next theory night meeting will be June 28th 2023. 19:30 ~ 22:00.

Subject for the theory night is Cornering

Paul Ballard

SAM Chief Observer

Remember you can register for this event on the SAM website

A Modern Horror Story

I hope that you are sitting comfortably because I want to tell you a chilling tale;

Anybody who knows me well will know that every year since 2008 I have travelled to Ireland during the second week in May.

Why Ireland, you ask? Well Ireland – both North and South is unique in that they hold many motorcycle races on public roads. Yes they do have the odd bespoke circuit, but they are better known for such road-races as the Ulster Grand Prix, (still the fastest motorcycle race in the world!), the Cookstown 100, Tandragee, Skerries, Armoy, etc., etc., with the most famous being the NorthWest 200. Taking place on a nine-mile triangular course between Port Stewart, Portrush and Coleraine, the NorthWest200 attracts riders from all over the world and is the biggest single outdoor event in all of Ireland and brings in an estimated £13 million pounds to the Northern Irish economy.

And that’s why I’m here.

Apart from COVID, nothing has prevented the NW200 taking place since I’ve been attending. True, occasionally the racing has had to be shortened for various reasons such as not enough sun, or too much sun, or too much rain, or not enough time, or an oil-slick along the entire coastal road. Or once when we had to evacuate the Start/Finish area and Grandstands because of a bomb scare in the Pits!

But nothing threatened to stop the meeting altogether – UNTIL NOW!

Yes I accept that every year, the Devil sends one of his disciples (Also known as The Health & Safety Executive), whose sole job it is to ban everything more dangerous than knitting and every year the safety barriers are pushed back that little bit further and other “minor adjustments” are made to appease this son of Satan. But the racing still went ahead!

This year, however, Beelzebub has played his trump card and unleashed the Ultimate Weapon of Mass Disappointment – INSURANCE.

Previously, Third Party Insurance had cost the organisers, The Motor Cycle Union (Ireland), just shy of £200,000 to cover all motorcycle events in Ireland. But for 2023 the premium had increased to a whopping £400,000 PLUS an

additional £300,000 “refundable excess” which has to be lodged with the insurer prior to the meeting commencing.

Not surprisingly, this extra £500,000 has not been easy to come by as, by definition, public events cannot be ticket-only and there is only so much you can raise from programme sales, sponsors, advertisers, donations, etc.

We initially thought that because of the importance to the economy to both Northern Ireland and the Republic, the Stormont Government would step in with a solution. But currently the Stormont Government is not sitting – apparently yet another little problem over Brexit that nobody saw coming (Oops! I mentioned the “B” word, but I don’t think anyone noticed?)

So without any help from on high, it looked like the end of road racing in Ireland altogether.

However, a last-minute re-negotiating of the insurance premium plus an unbelievable amount raised through voluntary donations from us members in the Supporters Club and a “White Knight” in the form of an additional new sponsor appearing meant that the event was saved. But next year and in the future - who knows? As it is, Tandragee at least will not take place in 2023.

Whilst I wrote this before any racing actually took place, I can still report that the racing will be truly awesome – because it always is at the North West!

But all good stories should have a moral, and here it is; Ride your bike! - Ride it often! - Ride it far!

Because if legislation or Health & Safety doesn’t eventually get bikes banned, then Insurance will make it too expensive for you to want to continue.

Maybe not next year, but it will come one day. Remember, you heard it here first……!

Ride safe, Bryan

Duncan

The 2023 SAM Ton-Up Challenge

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

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

1st Prize £200

2nd Prize £100

3rd Prize £50

The Challenge is completely free to enter as if you are a paid-up member of SAM. As a special prize each completed entry will receive a 2024 SAM Calendar

The closing date for entries is August 31st 2023.

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Nigel Chittock

That was a busy Weekend

TTT Sudbury open day and CCMC Ride Out Sunday 15th April

Ah well another early start, but at least it is ‘dry’ and the sun is trying to come out. I decided to take the bike this time. A chilly but pleasant ride over to Sudbury and I found TTT without any hiccups (personal pat on the back).

I am early this time, but Dean is even earlier. Once the SAM Gazebo is up and ready to go for another 10 am start. There were several stalls and customers already there plus a considerable number expected when CCMC Fun Run riders turn up.

A bit of a wander around, a complimentary coffee and we are ready to go. The weather had improved to a balmy sunny and warm day which really brought the bikers out in their droves well before the 200 plus CCMC riders were due to arrive. So, in the nicest possible way it turned pretty chaotic with machines everywhere. The chaos was ably assisted by the nearby Sudbury AFC football ground had two matches booked so that added to the problems. Nevertheless, I think the day went well with considerable interest in SAM being shown. We

could have certainly enrolled at least two associates if we could have got a blessed internet signal. There were a heck of a lot of people helping to make it a successful day all round.

Many thanks to TTT for the invite. It must have been a successful day for them too as they even ran out of food.

All was finished by around 4 pm with the gazebo etc dismantled and stowed in Dean's vehicle, all ready for a nice ride home. Again, many thanks to Dean, Trevor, Tom and Michelle for helping me ‘man’ the SAM stand. A shout out too for all those involved in the CCMC ride out with 200 plus making the ride. Well done lads didn't see many of you but I guess maybe you couldn't get a parking space.

On with the kit on and a lovely spring evening ride home. The roads were a lot quieter when I left. A busy but satisfying weekend.

Sonnie Westley.

Our April Group Night speakers were Simon Huntingford together with his son Charlie aged 14 sponsored by Mototechniks. Because of his age he is not permitted on track days so he only uses the track on race days when he is racing against older teenagers.

Ride Leaders

Social Ride Coordinator

Trevor Read

Ride Leaders

Eric Aldridge Ken Beckinsale Kevin Bolt Chris Bond

Jeremy Duszynski Brian Ellis Vini Evans Mike Roberts

Steve Hart Jon Marriott Alex JonesFred Sparrow

Andrew Robotham Les Smith David Wood

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

SAM Thermos Flask

Final Offer-last few in stock

Are you fed up with paying extortionate prices for beverages?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

Peru Trip 2023

Part 1

I've just spent a few weeks touring parts of Peru in South America, a country I have wanted to visit for many years.

The trip was initially in jeopardy due to the political unrest and civil disturbances that closed a lot of Peruvian cities and Machu Picchu. But in March we were told the situation had improved. Unfortunately, for various reasons, we would not be hiking the renowned Inca trail.

Civilisation in Peru can be traced back to at least 2000BC if not 4000BC. The Incas appeared around 1200AD. Their architectural detail is spectacular built to withstand the numerous earthquakes and natural disasters surviving the newer buildings that have been destroyed .

Following several wars the Spanish invaders ruled in various forms from1500 until Peru's independence 1821. The main language is Spanish but around the Andes and Amazon 41 more dialects prevail. With the Spanish influence 80% of the population is Catholic having destroyed much of the Inca temples and idols.

In Peru's modern politics presidents have changed annually since 2017, mainly due to corruption, the cause of the recent trouble

Peru has a population of 31million. The country land mass is divided by the desert lowlands(10%), the Andes highlands(30%) and Amazon jungle (60%) but the majority of the population is in the larger towns.

Our transport was a 16 seater mini bus with a few internal flights. Therefore, I have little to say about motorbikes. However, as to be expected, there are thousands of various forms of 2- wheeled transport. Predominately they were Hondas and Nexus. Some were adapted to pickups and cargo

carrying machines or tuk -tuks as family transport , taxis etc. Seeing 4 people on a bike was often the norm around school time.

We started the trip in Lima, the largest city with many historical, architectural buildings together with expensive apartments and inevitably the poorest shanty towns populated on the hillside.

As you would expect the climate varies throughout the regions. Lima was a very pleasant 28+ and at sea level.

Leaving Lima and heading south we travelled through a vast desert, sand dunned area (used for buggy drives for the tourists) on the Pacific Highway for about 650miles stopping to take a boat to see numerous pelicans, sea lions and penguins besides the many species of seabirds. The world's highest dune is there, Cerro Blanco, it takes 4 minutes to sand board down, apparently. There are also the Nazca lines, geoglyphs, dispersed over the desert plain. They are shapes of human figures, animals and 10000 lines. They were first noticed from the air in 1927. They are a mystery but believed to have been etched into the plains between 500BC and AD500 by the Nazca people.

There is very little alternative but to transport everything by road. The minerals from the mines in the Andes are partly transported by rail. They are rich in minerals, including gold, copper and silver.

The Pan Americana coast road is generally in good condition but is congested on steep hills and in towns by trucks and buses, many past their sell by date. The

Pacific coastline is very dramatic dominated by high sandy cliffs I saw one lone BMW tourer on this section of the trip. The traffic was further complicated by the busy Easter weekend.

The houses are rarely completed as this results in paying taxes. Consequently the towns look like half built brick shanty towns except in the tourist or richer areas. In the desert it is possible to fence a piece of land for free and after 10 years it becomes yours for building. In the interim some plots have temporary shacks erected. The idea is for people to adopt a plot and make use of the desert region.

Eventually, we turned inland to Arequipa another city full of interesting architectural buildings. So far, apart from the odd oasis near rivers where irrigation systems were in place, little crop farming had been seen. Soon green fields full of fruit and vegetables were covering the landscape. They grow just about everything imaginable including 4000 varieties of potato.

We then started to climb towards Colca Canyon and started to get altitude sickness, loss of breath etc. The temperature also dropped significantly to 13°c. A bit more touring bike action here with a Honda Goldwing and a trike. There were several others parked at 5000m the highest point on the route. Unfortunately I'd fallen asleep at this point and we were in a hailstorm, our first rain on the trip. We tried a short hike and the uphill sections were extremely difficult, stopping frequently to 'catch your breath'

We were being monitored by our guide to check and record our health/wellness our blood/oxygen level twice a day. Nobody completely escaped the effects of the rising altitude typically headaches, nausea, diarrhea etc . Walking upstairs makes you breathless so we needed a couple of days to acclimatise.

Eric Aldridge

and so do you. Part 2 will follow another month.

Editor’s note if you prefer a bike related article I’ll let you borrow a pen

Where

Social Rides in June

Brunch Run Brunch Run Sunday 7 Sunday 7th

International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln. LN4 2HQ 01522 514755. https://internationalbcc.co.uk/

This is one of our longer Runs and we’re using a bit of psychology by meeting at Sainsburys in Bury (to leave at 9:00hrs) to make you think it’s not quite as far. You should also note that it’s described as a Brunch Run. The first group to arrive may well be in time to still order a breakfast but please don’t get grumpy if you’re too late and fall into the time slot for Sunday Lunch (although you could make do with a hot sausage roll if you’d rather). It’s the A14 for the first five miles or so, then turn off at Risby, up to Mildenhall and across to Littleport. Wisbech and Spalding are next to be crossed off then up to Sleaford by way of Donington. Rather than blast up the A15 instead we’ll use the B1188 up through Metheringham. I’ve allowed for a fuel stop if you need it at around the hundred mile mark for those bikes with small tanks. If you can make it though, there is a Tesco just a mile towards Lincoln from the Bomber Command Centre.

If you have time then a wander around the museum and grounds is a nice way to work off the meal before heading back.

Jaunt, Saturday 17

Jaunt, Saturday 17

Jaunt, Saturday 17

Jaunt, Saturday 17th thth th

The Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley, IP12 3JR 01394 411327

https://www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk/

Right! It’s summer, and the roads ought to be clean and dry by now and I haven’t taken you down any of my little lanes with grass down the middle for a long time. Let’s see if I can find you one.

are we going and how are we getting there?

Leaving Beacon Hill again by 12:30hrs it starts with a trundle up the A140 to the Stonham Dip (Brewery Tap) to take the A1120 just as far as the entry to Stonham Aspal where we fork left to Debenham. A zig zag takes us through to Kenton and off to Bedingfield, through the wilds of Southolt to Wilby. Cutting across to Laxfield and Heveningham we’ll rejoin the A1120 at Peasenhall. Down the A12 to Friday Street, without stopping at the Farm Shop Café, it’s off through Snape to Tunstall. The Butley Oyster sees us fork left to the water tower on the entry to Hollesley. This is where we turn left to find the entrance to the car parking area and toddle off to the café.

Chip Run, Thursday 22 Chip Run, Thursday 22 Chip Thursday 22 Chip Thursday 22nd

Deep Blue, Newmarket, CB8 8EE, 01638 662898 https://www.deepbluerestaurants.com/locations/newmarket

Ooh look! A different departure point. Let’s get away from the forecourt of Moto Techniks by 18:00hrs (6pm). Out via Great Ashfield to the Fornhams, north of Bury, and up the A1101 to Lackford. A straight run from there through Kenton to Newmarket – remember the old A45? Turn right at the clock tower – but only for a few yards – and left into Fred Archer Way. Park your bike in the old Market Square and walk (yes walk! Sorry) through the shopping complex to the chippie. You’ll find it. Follow the smell.

Vini Evans

SAM Events for your Diary 2023

Please see website and magazine for updates

May 2023

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

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

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

Saturday 20th Mototechniks Yamaha Demo Day 9:30-16:30

Saturday 20th Hadleigh Show Meet our Publicity Team

Sunday 21st Dexterity & Control 09:00 ~ 14:00 Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4 2QT Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days give you the opportunity to practice the art of riding a motorcycle slowly, and to learn the techniques that will help you do it.

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

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

June 2023

Sunday 4th Breakfast run to Bomber Command, Lincoln

LN4 2HQ Meet at Sainsburys Bury St Edmunds. Please arrive at 08:30 for departure at 09:00 latest.

Wednesday 7th SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF.

Saturday 17th Saturday Jaunt to Suffolk Punch Centre. Hollesley, IP12 3JR Meet at Beacon Hill Services IP6 8LP at 12:00 for a 12:30 departure.

Sunday 18th Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club Fun Run - Marshalls Needed 08:30 ~ 13:00 (Details to follow)

Wednesday 21st SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by our Guest Speaker Graham fields 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Card Only.

Thursday 22nd Fish and Chip Run to Deep Blue, Newmarket CB8 8EE, Meet at Mototechniks at 17:30 in time for 18:00 start.

Wednesday 28th Theory Evening 19:00 ~ 22:00. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic Cornering. Available to Full Members. Meet in the Board Room. Contact: Paul Ballard.

MEMBER INFORMATION

A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our website. Below are some key links members will find useful.

CONTACTS

Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs so you can recognise everyone.

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

CALENDAR

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

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

OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER

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

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

CARING SAM

Our customer service & complaints procedures. Contact: Brian Ellis

TBA

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

It’s me at this end of the magazine as well!!

My thanks to those who contributed articles for this month’s magazine.

As you are aware we have been asking for volunteers to join the Committee for various positions over the last few months and in particular for a new Editor to replace Felix. As a result, and you have yourselves to blame I stepped in as a temporary post last month.

Well I’m pleased to say that the ploy worked and we have had (just like buses) two members volunteer for the Editor role and hopefully we will be able to announce the new Editor soon and I am happy to hand the ‘interesting job’ to our new Editor.

Once more I thank Felix and his guiding hand/mouse to produce the finished version for the printer this month.

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.

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.

Orwells demo day bikes

As a club we would like to wish Charlie all the best luck in the current season. Just don’t dip the accelerator when changing gear 

Cannot be our Chief Observer Paul Ballard has had his bike cleaned at the Orwells demo day