The cover photo was submitted by Steve Gocher and is of his new Honda CBR650R by the Orwell Bridge.. Mike Roberts did the digital editing.
Am really bad with photos, but think one if half decent, of me during my Peruvian adventure earlier this year :-)
Nick Braley
Congratulations Following his successful IMI assessments as a Local Observer I am pleased to welcome Nick Braley to the Observer team Derek Barker
Chief Observer
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your Committee No Calls After 21:00 Please Officers Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Richard Ockelton Martin Drury Les Steggles Bryan Duncan
07872 925532 07595 277831 01359 245898 07879 654122
Committee Members Chief Observer Caring SAM Charity Co-ordinator Events Publicity Co-ordinator Publicity Publicity Chief Ride Leader Webmaster Communications Magazine Editor
Derek Barker Brian Ellis Brian Ellis Rob Baker Glyn Hill Dean Harris Trevor Read Dean Harris Mike Roberts Les Smith Felix Oliver
01473 327555 07740 564097 07740 564097 07710 537844 07986 319163 07956 339112 07525 724002 07956 339112 01473 718915 07792 273334 07712 649860
Committee Support Members Membership Secretary Linda Barker Associate Co-ordinator Susan Smith Admin Support Sara Hale Buddy Co-ordinator Vicky Smith
01473 327555 07791 595048 01359 241552 01255 830352
National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Richard Toll 07855 838347 Geoff Scott 07983 939998 Paul Newman 01473 620450 Paul Ballard 07850 715063
David Rudland Kevin Brendish AndrĂŠ Castle Ruth Acworth Tony Chyc
01473 401362 07854 494041 07730 526674 07783 007100 01206 231782
Local Observers Steve Gocher Dean Harris John Rudland Phil Sayer Terry Fellowes Ian Bishop
01473 430643 07956 339112 07740 874300 07990 565451 07870 764187 07775 920661
Richard Ockelton Rob Baker Matthew Barker Glyn Hill Graham Parker Nick Braley
07872 925532 07710 537844 07931 700725 07986 319163 07905 468995 07990 734581
I.A.M. Examiner Ian Maxwell
07974 941545
Neale McConnell
07899 714136
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Contents Peruvian Adventure Committee Chairman’s Chat Latest Associates IAM Test Passes SAM Promotion dates Motorcycle Dexterity & Control EAAA Letter SAM Theory Evening Electrical Resistance Chief’s Challenge 2019 Wheels in the Park Membership Secretary SAM’s Breakfast Run Ride Co-Ordinator and leaders Saturday Jaunt Who’s most at Fault Sam Shop Update Food, Drink and Racing Editorial Advertise Here Members Information SAM Dates for you Diary New Crash Helmet Our Venue
by Nick Braley by Richard Ockelton
by Glyn Hill by Derek Barker by Mark Wilson by Derek Barker by Mike Roberts by Sonnie Westley by Sonnie Westley by Derek Barker by Sara Hale by Martin Drury by Mike Roberts by Tom Coomber by Editor by Committee by Mike Roberts by Mike Roberts
2 3 5 7 7 7 9 11 12 14 17 19 20 21 23 24 26 29 30 31 31 34 35 39 40
next Issue Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem. 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, Les Steggles, 1 Apple Grove, Wetherden, Suffolk, IP14 3RB The SAM Observer September 2019
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Chairman's Chat A very warm welcome to the September’s edition of the SAM Observer, Hope you are all making the best of the reaming summer months riding out and enjoying your summer holidays. All of us as associates would have come into contact with Susan Smith as one of our first points of contact, along our journey in becoming an advance rider with the club. Susan has held the positon of associate coordinator for many, many years at the club. Susan has carried out this role with very good skills and patience over this time. Susan has now decided that it is time to step aside, and let someone new take over the role as associate co-ordinator. I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU. On behalf of the club for the brilliant job you done for so many years. Susan has decided to step down at the next Annual General Meeting in February 2020. So if you interested in helping the club in filling this position, you need to have an understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word. You can contact either myself or Susan for further details about the role. Susan has kindly offered to assist in training the new member, who wishes to take over the role. Good news. The annual ride coordinator/ride leader training is now completed. We now have some 20 members, some old hands and some very new hands, so a BIG THANK YOU for all of you volunteering to take this role on. It is an integral part of the clubs social runs, without you we would not be able to continue with the social runs. I would like to also thank Dean and Mike for organising the training for this year. THANK YOU. The new Observer Assessment day will be held on the 28th September, if you are interested in becoming an Observer. Please contact Derek Barker for further details. The publicity team are at Orwell Motorcycle Demo Day 14th September carrying out demos, with a wide range of motorcycles. Please see SAM Calendar for more details. Volunteers are requested to assist at the Copdock Motorcycle Show on the 6th October. If you can assist in any way please contact Rob Baker and see the SAM calendar for more details. If you able to help on either the 4th and 5th October to mark out the parking rows could you also please let Rob know. Thank you. The SAM Observer September 2019
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I would like to thank all of you who joined in in the Chairs ride out. I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the farm house café, and enjoyed the refreshments on offer there. Thank you to Sara for organising the Rider Leaders and to those Rider leaders who kindly volunteered. To Mike for sorting out the route. BIG THANK YOU. I would like to Thank Augusts guest speaker Phil Paxton, on the topic of, “Sorry didn’t see you”. 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:
Thomas Baker John Lee Mo Akhaei Rosanna Sneyd who is taking part in the Young Rider 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. Mark Kenny Dean Buttery Andrew Robotham Steve Durrent Steven Jacobs Adam Weaver
his Observer was his Observer was 1st, his Observer was his Observer was his Observer was his Observer was
Rob Baker AndrĂŠ Castle Matthew Barker Graham Parker David Rudland Kevin Brendish
When you pass your advanced test please let Derek Baker or Susan Smith know.
SUFFOLK ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS PROMO DATES 2019 These are the dates your promotions team are attending this year, if you would like to help at any of these events contact Glyn Hill 07986319163. Come and join us for a day to see how we get people to sign up to SAM, it’s a good day out and great fun. I look forward to hearing from you. October October
5th 6th
Safe Rider Police Headquarters Copdock Bike Show
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The SAM Observer September 2019
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Motorcycle Dexterity & Control 2019 Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days (a.k.a. Slow Riding Days) The Observer team in 2019 will again be running Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days just for associates (plus a training event for Observers). For every motorcycle spill that makes the local papers, there are many more which never get much publicity. How many of you in your time riding have never struggled to keep your bike upright while manoeuvring in a parking area, or had to take a big dab with either foot while negotiating queues of commuter traffic? Not many (if any). Very often in these situations the rider grabs a handful of front brake, shortly followed by the resulting sound of expensive plastic and metal making contact with the ground. 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. The remaining dates this year are: Sunday
27th October
Associates Only
All events start at 09:00 SHARP and the venue will be the playground of Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. IP4 4JD It is strongly recommended before you attend one of SAM's Dexterity days, you inform your Insurance Company that you intend to practise slow speed machine control in a school playground off road on tarmac, ask them to confirm that you will have full cover for this activity. Numbers are limited to these events to 10 per session so please book early by Email to karlsarahale@btinternet.com to guarantee a space. NB. Please bring a drink/snack with you as there are no refreshment facilities on site. The SAM Observer September 2019
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The SAM Observer September 2019
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EAAA Thank You Letter Dear Les and all members of the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists, On behalf of everyone at East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) it is my pleasure to thank you for your recent and very generous donation of ÂŁ400.53 raised at your recent Charity Ball. Please pass on my sincerest thanks to everyone at Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists who has contributed to this amazing total. Please accept this letter as your receipt. Your donation helps people like Steve. In June 2018 Steve Jones was riding his motorcycle in Norfolk when he overtook a car and it turned into his path, catapulting him from his motorbike, through a brick wall and into a watery ditch. When the Anglia One crew arrived 21 minutes later Steve was still unconscious. Doctor Peter Temesvari and Critical Care Paramedics Simeon Tomlinson and Sam Sweeney knew they had to get him out quickly. Steve had suffered such a traumatic head injury that no one thought he would survive. Steve was sedated and intubated so that the crew could take control of his breathing and flown to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where he remained for 10 weeks. Three months after the accident Steve visited the Norwich base to thank the EAAA team and the EEAST paramedics who were also at the scene. Steve had no lasting effects from his injuries and went on to make a full recovery. Our helicopters are able to reach anywhere in the region within 25 minutes. Our pilots fly a highly skilled doctor and critical care paramedic team along with A&E level medical equipment, to patients who have suffered life-threatening accidents and medical emergencies. We rely on the generous support of the community, without whom we could not continue to provide our life-saving service. If you would like to find out about other ways of supporting EAAA please get in touch with our fundraising team. Together we really can save lives. Yours sincerely
Mark Wilson mark.wilson@eaaa.org.uk Community Fundraiser Suffolk
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SAM Theory Evenings As most of you know, on the Thursday evening, directly after Group Nights, 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.
Derek Barker The SAM Observer September 2019
SAM Chief Observer www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE (IS FUTILE) Back in the August 2018 edition of ‘The SAM Observer’ magazine, I wrote about the group’s visit to the English Electric Motor Company (http://englishelectricmotorco.com/) near Redgrave, Norfolk, to try out the range of electric motorcycles. At the time I was suitably impressed, with a few reservations. So when an event popped up on Facebook inviting me to test the new range, I was keen to have another go. (You can read old editions of the magazine online here https://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/samobserver-mags-archive-2018.html Just alter the year for other years.) So on a sunny morning, a few riding buddies and I, headed to Redgrave to see what was on offer. Included in the group was fellow Observer and vocal electric vehicle critic, Graham Parker. When we arrived they were still setting up, so we adjourned to the new nearby cafe for a coffee, while the bikes charged. The bikes we tested last time are still available, but there were two new models to try out. The first was from Zero, called the SRF, and another from Italian maker Energica, called the EVA. Both these bikes have much improved mechanicals and electronics, the most noticeable of these being that they have much more ‘engine braking’ built in to generate more charge back to the battery, and the addition of traction control. The SRF has belt drive, whereas the EVA has chain and Bembo brakes. Initially, Graham and I, went out on the earlier models, the SR and DSR, one of which was in learner legal trim, complete with L plates. Graham made his usual ‘milk float’ comments and off we headed to do a short loop around Redgrave, Wortham and back, where we swapped bikes and went round again. The SAM Observer September 2019
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Me, ‘encouraging’ Graham to have a go!
Two short laps, and Mr Parker was sold on the performance! We compared notes and both of us had the same conclusions as on my previous visit. One, they need traction control, as even on this dry day we could easily start the rear tyre to spin at modest lean angles. Two, how is the learner legal one, learner legal?! Next, we took out the SRF and EVA. Wow! These bikes are a massive step change. Just getting on them and pulling away, they have a feel of quality, the SRF more so than the EVA, even though the EVA has higher quality components. Of course, there’s a significant price increase for both bikes over the other bikes in the dealer’s range. Out on the road the bigger motors (yes, even more power/torque!) and the ‘engine braking’, make these much nicer to ride. You can truly control the bike, most of the time, just with the throttle. In fact, we all thought on a closed throttle, that the EVA had too much engine braking! Back home, and reading about the bikes, the specifications says that it has a coasting feature/setting which we didn’t
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experience. All modern bikes are now having so much in the way of customisation, a test ride is meaningless unless you spend some time with the manual, and set them up to what you want. Both bikes had fancy displays, but the EVA is a bit garish, with lots of flashing lights, and even illuminated logos built into the top of the tank! These flashed and changed colour when you gave it the berries, which I found distracting.
Of the two, I loved the Zero SRF; TFT screen, heated grips, belt drive and fastish charging, and the feeling of a quality built machine. It just needs a bit more of a screen. The EVA’s trick of a 20 minute super fast DC charge was not enough to sway me, and it was let down by the chain drive. Even the dealer wasn’t happy with it. The swinging arm has no rubber slider and the chain continually slams into it making an awful noise. I’d fear serious damage over a short space of time. Again, range and charge times are going to feature heavily in your purchasing decision, as when looked at just from a riding perspective they are fantastic. Graham and I, are going to return and take a couple of bikes out for a proper ride to assess true ranges, ridden as we normally ride. I suspect we may be pleasantly surprised, as our normal riding style is likely to produce plenty of re-generated battery charge, unlike these short test rides where everyone is wowed by the acceleration, and use it at every opportunity!
Mike Roberts The SAM Observer September 2019
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POSTSCRIPT BY GRAHAM My thoughts: If I still commuted from Twickenham to the City five days a week I would buy one. If I still had an office in Hadleigh and commuted from Felixstowe, then maybe not. Now I’m retired and using my bike for touring and weekly 200 mile bimbles, definitely not. But for Observing, can I have a SAM company bike please? ď Š
CHIEF'S CHALLENGE 2019 Saw the Chief's Challenge advertised in the SAM magazine and was shortly after informed by Steve that we had been registered, after a brief discussion with Jean (all of 30 seconds) it was agreed yes we were up for it bring it on! Visits to Steve to sort out the anagrams must say he was better at it than me and checking the locations it was agreed we would do them in 4 blocks 2 in Suffolk, 1 in Norfolk and 1 in Norfolk / Suffolk, routes logged into Steve's SatNav and written routes made of course we were ready to go.
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Routes 1 and 2 (Suffolk) were dispatched quite easily although some of the roads where quite challenging, we even found the Red Barn in Polstead. Routes 3 and 4 were somewhat different, much more challenging covering a considerably higher mileage on some busy and some little used road in a variety of conditions all of which were very interesting. We visited some lovely villages some of which we had never heard of, the weather was kind to us, a good time was had by all and after 600+ miles and trip to Lings Ipswich for a photo the challenge was completed. Pictures were made, submitted and verified (thanks Bryan) and another challenge was done.
Many thanks to Derek and his team for devising a brilliantly interesting challenge, special thanks to Jean for patiently sitting behind me and also to Steve and his trusty SatNav for his company and time spent in his home drinking his coffee while devising the routes.
Sonnie Westley The SAM Observer September 2019
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Pictures from Wheels in the Park By Sonnie Westley
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membership secretary Dear Member, time to get involved! As you may all know Linda decided to step down as Membership Secretary at the end of this year. She has been in post for around seven years and in that time the role has changed a great deal. She did wonder when she started if she would cope with the computing side of things but with Derek’s help it’s worked well. She has really enjoyed the role meeting the new members and putting something back into the club. So if you are sitting there wondering why we’ve written this it’s because Linda wants to make sure this role is handed over to someone in good time before she retires. So what are the skills you need? You need a few hours a week and are happy talking to new and prospective members of the club, either on the phone or by email. Reasonable computing skills, updating the IAM database DTE, for the club and we maintain our own Excel spreadsheet of members and the magazine distribution. Linda currently manage the membership renewals but we are going to move that potentially to the treasurer role when she retires If you feel you may be able to help with this please talk to Linda at club night or give her a call, her numbers in the magazine. Susan Smith, Associate Co-ordinator has also decided to step down. Having done it for over 12 years, its time for someone else to have a go. Susan has given a lot into this role and loved doing it, she would very much like to hand over to someone that feels the same way. It’s a very important part of SAM, making sure associates are teamed up with a suitable observer as soon as we can. Computing skills are necessary and knowledge of Excel will certainly help.Susan would very happy to spend some time with anyone that’s interested to make sure the handover is as seamless as it can be. Her mobile number is in the magazine.
Derek Barker The SAM Observer September 2019
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BREAKFAST RUN 13th October 2019 Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Woodham Road Battlesbridge, SS11 7QU Meet at Beacon Hill Services Lorry Park IP6 8LP in good time for a 09:00 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing. Ride Co-ordinator: TBA Take the third exit from the roundabout to Needham Market. Turn left immediately after the railway bridge and a ‘staggered straight over’ at the Lion pub. Join Barking Road -B1078- to the left and carry on to Bildeston. Turn left then first right, through Chelsworth and join the A1141 to the right at Monks Eleigh. Just after exiting the village turn left on the B1115 through Little Waldingfield turning left at the T-Junction and through Great Waldingfield. Bear right at the mini roundabout and on to Sudbury. Turn left at the Ring Road and follow the A131 through the centre, on through Halstead to the Braintree By-Pass. At the shopping village roundabout take the second exit – B1018 – through Witham towards Maldon. Take the A141 Maldon By-Pass then rejoin the B1018 and then the B1010. Go straight over (ish) at the double mini roundabout at Palepit Corner towards South Woodham Ferrers. Turn right at the T-Junction on a bend and on to Saltcoats roundabout. Take the third exit, signposted Wickford. Over two more roundabouts but on the exit of the second keep to the outside lane and take an immediate right hand turn into Wickford Road. Meadow Croft Garden Centre is about three quarters of a mile on the right hand side. The SAM Observer September 2019
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Ride Co-ordinators and Ride Leaders
Ride Co-ordinator and Ride Leader Chief Ride Leader Dean Harris David Wood Vini Evans Richard Ockelton
Brian Ellis Robert Baker Karl Grimwade
Glyn Hill Nick Braley
Ride Leaders Ken Beckinsale Mike Roberts Eric Aldridge Adrian Tadman
Tim Wash Trevor Read Alex Jones
Martin Drury Fred Sparrow Nigel Pye
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. The SAM Observer September 2019
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Saturday Jaunt 19th October 2019 Cherry Lane - Long Melford High Street Long Melford Suffolk CO10 9DH Tel: 01787 311889 https://www.cherry-lane.co.uk/static/store-long-melford.html Meet in the car park behind the Cock Horse in Lavenham CO10 9SA in good time for a 13:00 Briefing and subsequent departure. ** Please note that there are no nearby filling stations** **Hadleigh or Sudbury being the closest. ** All riders must attend Briefing. Ride Co-ordinator Karl Grimwade. Turn left out of the car park then just past the church turn right into Bridge Street Road. Turn left onto the A134 for about a mile then turn right int Long Melford. Fork right (twice) at the Green onto the A1092 through Cavendish and Clare to join the A1017 to the right at the T-Junction after the bridge. Turn left at the Chinese restaurant at New England into Steeple Bumpstead turning right at the fork then left at the T-Junction. Just a short way along turn right onto Helions Rd to Helions Bumpstead. Turn left at the T-Junction then right at the crossroads onto Camps Road. Turn left onto the A1307 at Linton then left again onto the B1052 signposted Hadstock and on to Saffron Walden. Over the first mini roundabout and left at the next to join Radwinter Road. Turn right at the (Hideout Leathers) crossroads on the A1053 to Finchingfield. Turn left at the Green (Fox Inn Pub), through Wethersfield to Sible Hedingham.
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Turn left at the A1017 then right into Station Road,through Castle Hedingham to join the A131 to the left at Bulmer Tye. Through Sudbury and taking the first exit at the roundabout into Long Melford city centre. Past the Green once more and Cherry Lane is on the right just after the entrance to Kentwell Hall and immediately before the Hare Inn.
Social Rides Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT certificate (if applicable). Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committee’s guidelines as follows: You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of the route If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine. Be responsible for your own safety Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time. Have a FULL tank of fuel No more than 5 in a group. Please watch our light hearted video with a serious message explaining all of the above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRMd-dQHzWg The SAM Observer September 2019
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WHO’S MOST AT FAULT WHEN EVERYONE’S AT FAULT? Hot on the heels of the ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ presentation at the August club night, this article from a firm of solicitors popped up in a legal update email at work, and I thought it might be of interest to SAM members – not least because it involves a motorcycle. By the way, you might spot an anomaly regarding the stated excess of speed, but I didn’t write it so I’ve left it unaltered. Hopefully no SAM member would be riding in the same manner as the motorcyclist in this case, but the principles will apply in any civil liability claim where both parties were at fault to some degree. The article verbatim: The High Court has provided guidance on the apportionment of liability where the Claimant's speeding motorcycle collided with the Defendant, who was attempting to complete a right turn when exiting a car park. Master Davison found that whilst both parties were to blame for the collision, liability would be properly apportioned 70/30 in favour of the Defendant. When assessing the blameworthiness and causative potency of each motorist, the Court found the Claimant's conduct by deliberately 'racing' at a "grossly excessive" speed was the most important consideration. Background The Claimant had exited a roundabout where the speed limit was 40mph. The Defendant was attempting to exit a car park by making a right turn onto the carriageway. The Defendant exited the car park, driving across the path of the Claimant, who collided with the offside rear of her vehicle. The Claimant suffered a serious injury to his right arm which removed all useful function from the limb. The Claimant issued proceedings. Evidence At trial, CCTV footage established the Defendant's car accelerated slowly out of the car park intending to complete her right turn. She did not signal a right turn using the indicator at any stage. The Claimant's motorcycle came into view from The SAM Observer September 2019
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the right. Despite applying emergency braking, the Claimant collided with the Defendant's vehicle. The parties' respective accident reconstruction experts agreed that the CCTV showed the Defendant did not stop at the give way lines; instead she slowed from 8mph to 3mph as she reached the give way lines, before accelerating and reaching a speed of 13mph at impact. The Claimant was held to be travelling at 70mph prior to emergency braking, and 55mph upon impact. The experts agreed that had the Claimant been travelling at the appropriate speed limit, he would have avoided the collision with the Defendant's vehicle. It was found that the Defendant's view was obstructed when she moved off – her view before accelerating would have been 75 metres to her right. If she had waited at the give way lines, her view would have been unimpeded, and had the Defendant looked to her right before accelerating, she would have likely seen the Claimant on his motorcycle. Outcome Master Davison found that both parties were responsible, "the Defendant for not looking properly to her right before she commenced her right turn and the Claimant for his grossly excessive speed." On considering the level of contributory negligence by assessing the blameworthiness and causative potency of each party's negligence, Master Davison concluded the Defendant "put at risk even motorists who were only slightly exceeding the speed limit." She had not looked properly; had she done so, she would have seen the Claimant, and the accident would have been avoided. However, the Claimant's speed "was (a) over double the limit, (b) grossly excessive for the circumstances and (c) calculated (in the sense that he was deliberately 'racing')." Therefore, in the particular circumstances of this case, the appropriate apportionment of liability was 70/30 in favour of the Defendant.
Martin Drury Original article by Mark Hemsted, Clyde & Co - with permission https://www.clydeco.com/blog/insurance-hub/article/road-traffic-liabilityapportionment-claimants-speed-was-grossly-excessive The SAM Observer September 2019
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SAM SHOP UPDATE NEW DESIGNS AND PRODUCTS The SAM shirt shop has had an overhaul with new products/designs being added matching the IAM Roadsmart colour scheme. Some have a large SAM logo, others a smaller SAM logo with the IAM RS logo below. Finally, there is the Tag Cloud design made of words from advanced riding.
Please note that all the products are now digitally printed for you and dispatched when you order, so do check the sizing charts carefully. The shirts labelled as Ladies have a close cut fit. Those marked as Mens can be considered as Unisex.
The shop’s website address is https://sam.spreadshirt.co.uk.
Mike Roberts The SAM Observer September 2019
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Food, Drink and Racing I was invited by Mark Gardiner, Manager of Lings Honda, Ipswich, to escort ten of their customers to Snetterton on Saturday 20 Jul for the BSB qualifying day. We were guests of Honda Racing and were entertained in their well equipped Hospitality Tent; free chilled soft drinks and coffee/tea being on tap all day. Prior to lunch we were given a garage tour where we could see the bikes being prepared for the afternoon's qualifying periods. During a buffet lunch we met and talked with Xavi Fores and Andrew Irwin, the riders, and the pit team support technicians which gave us a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes. One amusing item is that 24 year old Andrew Irwin who is doing rather well on his ?00mph Fireblade has still to do his CBT before being allowed on the road. A member of our party said what great blokes Xavi and Andrew are, nothing pretentious or big-headed about them just two normal biking blokes. Throughout the day, which I'm glad to say, remained dry, we were free to wander anywhere around the circuit where the public are allowed. Having said it remained dry there was one period, during one of the earlier races when it absolutely threw it down. Three of us were watching from the East end of the circuit when I commented on the threatening black clouds to the North. Suddenly my sensitive bald patch, which at that time was pointing in a Southerly direction, ricocheted to the thump of water falling from a great height. The sneaky cloud had crept up behind us and we were just able to return to the Hospitality Tent when it absolutely threw it down; no flags required to call it a wet race. The downpour only lasted a few minutes after which the Sun came out to make it a lovely warm (read 'hot') day.
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This is the fourth successive year that I've escorted ten of Lings' customers to Snetterton; as in the previous three years we all had a great day thanks to the hospitality of Honda Racing, their racers and support staff and the generous gift by Mark and his team at Lings Honda, Ipswich. With Havier Beltran, Honda Racing's Team Manager. And one of me doing my Poser routine with the said gentleman. A really nice and welcoming man who, due to a family bereavement a day before our visit, was not in attendance. Regards,
Tom Coomber
Editorial Phew, Its been warm the last couple of days. Saturday I managed to skive off and decided to get a few more points on the Chiefs Challenge, I thought I’d do the north and west point’s first. From home straight up north picking up points as I when. A few puzzled look from locals wondering what I was doing. I thought it was easier to collect pictures of village signs as I had very limited time on my hands, and most of the signs are in the middle of the village and easy to find. By the time I had got to the northern most point the sun was at its zenith and I was boiling in the bag, steam was being to come out of my boots. Whizzed across to the west point which meant a nice cooling ride, then home. Tuesday morning I have to go down to the site in Tiptree to unload a load for the current job, so I took the bike… erm long way home? Of course, and mopped up the southern points back to Woolpit, then home. Finished early Thursday, because I had finish the job I was on, so set off again, to finish the Chiefs Challenge off, Lings had gone home by the time I got there. By the time I had got to Bythburgh, light was fading and my last point was Gisleham. Found the church which was silhouetted against the fading sky in the The SAM Observer September 2019
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west. Then home via Beccles and Bungay. Which was a nice cool evening ride. Now the night are drawing in and Autumn is around the corner, the Deer are starting to think about the “Ladies” they are starting to wander into the road. So watch out.
Safe Riding
Felix...
Editor
Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH. Tel: 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com Thank you To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. But….. what about the rest of you….
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Closing date for copy Friday after club night If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or send me an email. I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have another great magazine to read Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page
Advertise in our magazine Annual Advertising Rates: Advertise on the SAM website for an additional £25. Contact Felix for more details 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com £50 for ½ page
£75 for full page
Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists 3rd Monday of the month, 19:30, at Dunston Hall, A140, Norwich, NR14 8PQ Chairman, Secretary,
Rob Chandler, Alex Mason,
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MEMBER INFORMATION A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our website. Below are some key links members will find useful. CONTACTS Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs so you can recognise everyone. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs CALENDAR Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your smartphone. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM motorcycle test. Contact: Derek Baker http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart CARING SAM Our customer service & complaints procedures. Contact: Brian Ellis http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care DISCOUNT SCHEME Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these retailers who give a discount to SAM members. Contact: Dean Harris http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc ADVERTS Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our online adverts section. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads SHOPS T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop FORUM All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related. Have a read, and then register to join in. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum The SAM Observer September 2019
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SAM Events for your Diary September 2019 Saturday 14th Orwells Demo Day. The SAM publicity team will be at this event. If you would like to help please contact: Dean Harris or Glyn Hill. Saturday 14th M/C Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD. Team building ride for SAM Ride Leaders Team only. Sunday 15th Yaxham Waters Café & Bistro. NR19 1RF Contact: Dean Harris or Vini Evans Tuesday 17th SAM Group Night. Kindly hosted by Lings, Foxhall Road Ipswich, IP4 5TH Announcements at 19:30 followed by, Lings Chief's Challenge presentations, Light buffet. Donations to EAAA. Thursday 19th Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Cornering Saturday 21st Saturday Jaunt, Sunflower Café CB25 9JG Meet at Beacon Hill Services on the junction of the A140 and A14, IP6 8LP in good time for a 13:00 Briefing and subsequent departure All riders must attend Briefing Saturday, 28th Observer Assessment Day A day for those wishing to train to become an Observer where their suitability will be assessed. Contact: Derek Barker, Exact times to be confirmed nearer the day.
October 2019 Wednesday 2nd SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Friday 4th ~ Saturday 5th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies. If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact Glyn Hill on 07986-319163 Sunday 6th Copdock Show If you can help with motorcycle parking or on our promotion stand, please speak to a Committee member. Sunday, 13th Breakfast Run, Meadow Croft Garden Centre. SS11 7QU. Meet at Beacon Hill Services Lorry Park IP6 8LP in good time for a 09:00 Briefing and subsequent departure All riders must attend Briefing. The SAM Observer September 2019
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SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by, ???day ??th Guest Speaker, Guest Speaker, sidecar racer, Mick Wynn Date/venue to be confirmed. Please check the SAM Calendar for latest info. Thursday 17th Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Gears & Acceleration Saturday 19th Saturday Jaunt, Cherry Lane CO10 9DH Meet in the car park behind the Cock Horse in Lavenham CO10 9SA in good time for a 13:00 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing Saturday 26th Team building ride for SAM Observer Team Ride only. Contact: Steve Gocher and Phil Sayer Sunday 27th M/C Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, 292 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD. Observers: Glyn Hill, Rob Baker
November 2019 Sunday, 3th
Breakfast Run, TBA. All riders must attend Briefing
Wednesday 6th SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Saturday 16th Saturday Jaunt, TBA. All riders must attend Briefing
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.
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"The new crash helmet is certainly not as comfortable as my Schuberth! " Mike Roberts (on holiday)
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