Tales From The Riverbank - June 2018

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June 2018

Ed Quarters Welcome to June's issue of the magazine.

Let's start off with a very important message to all of the Chapter. Happy 20th Birthday! The Chapter was "born" in June 1998.

Here's looking to the next twenty and beyond.

This month, whilst the boss is away on his annual vacation I beleive, according to tradition, that some kind of coup is in order. So, I have the pleasure of hosting this very special Clubnight. I promise I will try and not break anything.

This month's issue of the magazine is a bit of a monster. The Chapter has been so active and to be honest, it has been a tad taxing to get everything in. This is why, this particular issue is a massive (wait for it....) 36 pages. Once again, a real pleaseure to put together.

Recently on a holiday in Italy, we took the opportunity to ride some vintage Vespas through the streets on Florence and into the Tuscan hills. I used to own an old 1984 Vespa PX150E many years ago when a "proper" motorcycle didn't fit the family aspect. Riding this reminded me of that simple joy that we share.It doesn't matter what you ride, it's the fact you ride. If you haven't ridden anything from your "roots" recently, I would recommend doing it. It puts it all in perspective and make you appreciate your current ride all the more.

For those of you that don't currently ride, check it out. It's an amazing feeling.

Saying all that, for that brief vacation, I only packed Reading HD t-shirts. I would like to confirm that these were admired by the locals, seen as a interesting target by the Kenyan wristband seller and still too cool for school even when worn whilst riding that classic vintage Vespa.

Things are getting a little busier as I have taken on the Assistant Director role, and so I am looking for some help with this fine magazine. It really doesn’t need to be a chore, but you do get out of it what you put in. Full information, hardware and software support is available (if required) if you are interested in being part of this fine publication. If you would like to find out to: k more about what you could do in the role of Assistant Editor, please let ns sio .org.u s i m g uk me know. sub lleyho mag. ur Ride safe and have fun!

Andy

va og yo nd ames w.tvh Se h w t @ at w tor edi pload u Or

Inside this issue Front cover

Cover Guy, Mike C at Holyport Fair

Page 2

Ed Quarters

Page 4 - 6

Westie Writes

Page 7

Prom Ride

Page 8 - 9

Ladies of Harley

Page 10-11

Summer Fete for Alexander Devine

Page 12 - 15

Webmaster Update

Page 16 - 17

At the Dealership

Page 18

TV Times

Page 19

Committee and Supporting Officers

Page 20 - 21

3 or 4 Cuppas?

Page 22

Fort Nelson

Page 23

Clubnight

Page 24 - 27

Chill Out Weekend

Page 28 - 29

Holyport Fair

Page 30- 31

Lady Learners

Page 32 - 33

Safety Officer Update

Page 34

Sportster Launch

Page 35

Readers Rides

Back cover

The Valley Rally

Thank you!

Thank you to one and all that came to Mick’s birthday party, thanks for all the gifts.

Also, a huge thank you to everyone who put likes and loves on FaceBook, to mark a year since our son Daniel passed away.

They are all very much appreciated. we love you all. xx Mick and Linda

"Shero" 1st Solo Female Iron HOG Jo Green

Huge thanks to all who have sent copy in for this month's magazine: Linda, Nick, Cilla, John G, Mac, Jamie, Simon, Robin, & Mike J. :-)

Hi All, I am truly sorry that I cannot share the celebration of our 20th birthday with you at the June Clubnight. I feel sure that with the invitation of our sister chapter Hogsback that you will have a fun filled and busy chapter night.

At the May Chapter night, we took a few moments to celebrate the successful appointment of John Green and Hayley West to our Road Captain Team. Both attended the same course as Mark Peck and have recently completed their qualifying rides for the chapter in great style and both completing two qualifying rides each (one shorter run and another lengthy ride out). Well done to both and welcome to our team.

For those who were not previously aware, a dear friend and past officer, Sylvia Pritchett has been very unwell recently. During her illness, Sylvia remains positive and still tries to get to some of our chapter events. I would like to offer my support and that of the chapter in any way which we are able to both Sylvia and Don Pritchett who will continue to be a much-loved part of our group through these difficult times.

I mentioned in last month’s mag that Jo Green was on her “First Female Solo Iron HOG” ride. Most of you will know by now that Jo completed this successfully and is now awaiting verification from the Iron Hog Association. As soon as that comes in we will be sure to celebrate with Jo! Great job and a great first for Thames Valley Chapter!

John Green completed his qualifying run just before the last Clubnight and was awarded his road captain badge by our Head Road Captain, Jamie McLaughlin.

Also, just prior to Clubnight last month and too late to make the write up for the May Mag was the Prom ride for Tom and the 3 cuppas ride. Both events had a “better than expected” turnout. The weather helped and both rides provided much needed relief from some recent wet weather.

Hopefully most of you made it along to Reading Harley Davidson’s 3rd birthday party where the weather helped deliver a fabulous day for riders and shoppers alike.

The following day some of us were treated to a ride to the National Armoury near Portsmouth. The poppy display was impressive and there was plenty to see and do. Check the SmugMug Gallery for some great photos of the day.

The May Reading HD Bike Night really got us in the mood for the Chill out weekend, which an increased number of members had booked in for this year.

Jamie led the ride via Southampton HD and the Jurassic Coastline route to Newquay for a long weekend in the SW peninsula. I am told that cider consumption in the county was up during May … surely nothing to do with us?

Our support for Alexander Devine opened up an opportunity for our members to show off their shiny bits (and their bikes too) at a couple of local events. The Holyport fair had their annual visit from the Chapter to help boost the fundraising efforts.

For Ride Sunday, we managed to get sixteen bikes out on the road for a jaunt to the seaside. This time to Weymouth where fish and chips and ice cream were definitely high on the agenda during such a fine day. Most bikes managed to clock up over 250 miles for the day which was not bad for a day on country roads in this part of the world.

Looking forward our next big event will be the Valley Rally.

The rally organising team have worked hard to get everything ready and we are now looking forward to a great weekend. We are around 180 tickets sold and still some last-minute bookings coming through.

If you are able to offer a few hours over the weekend to help keep things running smoothly please let one of the rally team know or drop an email to any committee member saying when you could help and what you would like to help with.

Before we get to the Rally, some of our group will be away at the Welsh weekend and a small group are taking part in the Coast to Coast run.

Straight after the rally a good number of lads will be preparing for this years “Lads weekend away”. This year to France via the channel tunnel with a record number of attendees for this event.

Later, in August we have the Convergence Rally out in Cirencester where we will be hooking up with Hogsback and Rolling Hills for a weekend at the National Agricultural College.

Our Webmaster Robin is getting married in August and so some of you will likely be involved in that event and for those who are not going up to Thunder in the Glens this year, we have a surprise ride out on the Sunday (destination a secret with a nice surprise at the end). As long as you can manage 80 miles to get there you will have a great day!

As always, details can be found in the Chapter Calendar.

Keep the shiny side up folks ….

Nick

Tom's Prom Ride.

A wonderful turn out of fifteen bikes for Thomas from Twyford's prom night entrance at Sonning Golf Club. He rode to the club with Malcolm Poulter, and at the club they were joined by Nick and Jamie for the group photo. Every one there was clapping taking lots of photos.

Hi Ladies, It’s been another fun packed month for the chapter!

In last month’s article, I started by saying that whilst I was writing, I was watching Jo Green’s progress online as she undertook her solo Iron Hog and that I was looking forward to celebrating with her on her return on International Female Ride Day. Well, what a day that was! Beautifully warm, perfect for setting up the gazebo outside with refreshments laid on by ‘Men of Harley’. A shout out to the guys who did a great job at keeping us fed and watered and in particular Mark who received many compliments on his sausage rolls!

The ladies also went on a lovely ride to mark IFRD led

by Elaine. It was wonderfully scenic and took in a variety of roads and traffic conditions in and around Henley. The weather proved to be a bit too warm whilst we were stuck in a long queue but we soon got through it and out into open roads to cool off in the breeze! And last but not least, the icing on the cake was welcoming Jo back, who can proudly say that she is the first lady to complete a Solo Iron Hog. HUGE congratulations Jo and we were all so happy to be able to celebrate your success with you.

Many thanks to all of you that participated and helped arrange this special day.

In an effort to not be the rider newbie in the chapter for too much longer, I’ve been working on some new recruits!

Four of our chapter ladies recently went on a 125cc induction session to satisfy their curiosity and try riding for themselves and what can I say, it was a huge success - second lessons have been booked and bikes have been bought! I won’t say too much more here as I have put together a separate article but be sure to have a read. If any of you, your friends or family (male or female) would like to giving riding a go, please do get in touch and I will talk you through the options.

Rehearsals will be starting for our talent show entry for Blazin’ Big Top at July’s club night, so dust off your dancing shoes. This year, we are lucky to have choreography from Sarah again and I’m sure that she’ll whip us into shape!

As always, if you spot anything that’s been organized that you think the ladies would enjoy or have any ideas for events, please do drop me a line and I’ll be happy to assist - I want us ladies to get the most out of our membership.

Well, that’s all folks for another month, see you soon!

Cilla P Thames Valley Ladies of Harley Officer loh@9746.co.uk 07525 462186

The Highway Code: rule change for motorways From Monday 4 June 2018, you'll start to see learner drivers on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.

Rule 253 of The Highway Code has been updated to make it clear that learner drivers can now drive on the motorway with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.

Co-operative Childcare Unit - Summer Fete in aid of Alexander Divine Hospice

Webmaster Update Hello fellow-riders! Our refreshed website has been running for three months and the feedback received from members has been very useful in tailoring the site to your requirements.

Keep your comments coming in by email me at webmaster@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk This month’s article is about features available on the website that you may not be aware of – some have been recently added as a result of feedback and others (such as the calendar) have been available for a while.

SMS Opt In You can register for SMS Alerts by using the SMS registration form; it’s quick and easy.

Click the SMS Alerts link or menu option and the registration form will open: For security reasons we never display your phone number.

Select an option and click Submit and it will only apply your preferences to the number for you we have on file; send an email to the webmaster if you think it needs updating. If you’re part of a family membership, partners will either need to use this form or send an email to the webmaster.

You can opt-out of receiving SMS alerts at any time by using this form or by using the link at the bottom of each SMS message that is sent out.

We use SMS alerts for late breaking updates to ride-outs or social events and from memory has only been used twice since last year – cancellation of the Toy Run due to the snow and the change to the venue of our monthly meetings.

Changing your Website Password Click the menu option or icon Your Account – from here you can change

your registered email address and password:

E-Shot Mailing Lists The Chapter has two mailing lists, a general all member list and one dedicated to Ladies of Harley.

Click the Join Mailing List menu option or link and complete the relevant form: Your details are automatically added to the mailing list for Chapter emails. Use the link at the bottom of each email if you wish to unsubscribe/opt out of receiving email alerts.

Calendar The Calendar is the number one visited page on the Thames Valley Website and is a combined view of multiple Google calendars.

Google does a handsome job of resizing the calendar to your screen and offers the same features regardless of the device you’re viewing it on.

For those on mobile and tablet devices, rotating/ flipping your phone to landscape as shown here: The below diagram shows the same calendar in landscape and portrait:

In landscape view you now have more menu options available to you at the top of the screen: View Options

Date Options

First we’ll look at is changing the view – select an option from this part of the screen and watch the view change: Pressing, Week, Month and Agenda will change the view as shown here:

Week View

Month View

Agenda View

I hope you’ve found these tips useful and as always do let me know of suggestions for the website.

Happy viewing!

Robin, Webmaster, Thames Valley HOG

Poker Night

At the Dealership - 3rd Birthday

Open Bike Night

Wednesday, 20 June Club Night (Closed Event) Friday, 22 June Ride to Lowestoft Saturday, 23 June Dawn to Dusk ride

Sunday, 15 July Midlands Museum Tuesday, 17 July Poole Bike Night Wednesday, 18 July Club Night (Closed Event)

Saturday, 23 June – Monday, 25 June Flanders Fields Chapter - Open Ride Out Sunday, 24 June Petrol Head Rally

The Valley Rally Beaconsfield Town FC 29th June - 1st July 2018 www.thamesvalleyrally.com

The Convergence Rally Thursday, 28 June Reading Harley Davidson Bike Night Ace cafe Harley Night (open event) Friday, 29 June – Sunday, 1 July Valley Rally “The Voyage Home” Thames Valley Chapter - Valley Rally 2018 Sunday, 1 July Ride to Brooklands motorcycle day Friday, 6 July – Monday, 9 July Boys weekend away in France (Closed Event) Wednesday, 11 July Poker Night – The Shoulder of Mutton, Hazeley Heath.

Royal Agricultural University Cirencester 10th August - 12th August 2018 Please check the website for the latest on all rides.

CLUB NIGHTS July 18th August 15th September 19th October 17th November 21st

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES July 5th August 2nd September 6th October 4th November 8th

2018 Officers & Committee

PRIMARY OFFICERS

Nick West Director

Andy Tunley Assistant Director

Sue Moyler Secretary

COMMITTEE & SUPPORTING OFFICERS CLUB VENUE Burnham Cricket Club Memorial Ground, Taplow Common Road, Burnham, Slough, Berks, SL1 8LP

Priscilla Peck Ladies of Harley

Andy Tunley Editor

Mike Wilson Jason Compagno Dealer Principal Dealer Rep

https://www.facebook.com/ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

Lesley Lederer Treasurer

John Green Safety Officer

Chris Smith Membership

Malcolm Poulter Activities

Robin Sasson Third Wednesday of every month 7:00pm Webmaster

Fred Cotsford Activities

Nick Ekendahl Activities

Jamie McLaughlin Mark Peck Hayley West Head Road Captain Social Media Officer Charities Officer

Linda Friend Photographer

Alex MacDonald Jamie McLaughlin Photographer Photographer

Email any committee member at (position held)@9746.co.uk

3 Cuppas + 1 Ride …..4th Cuppa?

Once again the ever Popular “ 3 Cuppas Ride” organised by Mike Connelly took place. Tail Mike J, Marshalled Ralph W, good turn out and weather. Started at W/dad. through Windsor (busy due to some Wedding preps) to 1st at Runnymede, Sat on “Magna Carta” chairs.

Then to 2nd Newlands Corner, where there were some lovely old British

bikes, before heading for 3rd at Rykas. Swamped with bikes of all kinds as big Triumph stand there, Café Hectic.

Then Mike suggested “4th Cuppa” (as if we hadn’t had enough tea ;-) ) BP garage A3 via a trip through ‘Hindhead Tunnel’ to hear our pipes.

Weather great … why not So 7 of the Chapter and Ralph’s mate ‘Chris’ from Warrs headed off.

Nice ride, then through lovely ‘Albury’ Village, (where the winter had seriously taken its toll on

the roads, the government really need to sort something on all we ride !!!!! ) then onto the A3. Tunnel loomed opened bikes up, great sound as we headed ‘at a pace’ through Over ‘4thCuppa’ and box of Do-Nuts. Gary suggested filming on his head cam on return trip. Once Camera mentioned a plan made, we all pass Gary then he passes us. Think adrenalin starts to flow once ‘Sound’ hits … all opened up . ‘Gobby John’ did a ‘close’ Undertaking manoeuvre past me and we all sped through.

Not sure what footage was got but Gary mentioned TV at new Club venue so ‘maybe a Chapter view?

Nice ride home and cheers to all after great fun day out in the sun.

Mike J

Fort Nelson

Clubnight

Chapter Chill out Weekend Newquay

May 25th saw the start of the long weekend chapter chill-out weekend in Newquay.

Arrangements were made by Jamie and Lesley to meet at Bushe CafĂŠ, at Blackbushe airport. The weather conditions were fair and with the windsock pointing west, the bikes set off for a stop at Southampton H-D to collect further passengers.

We left Southampton, having collected the Hungerford four, Andrew, Dan, Dick and David (Prospect). It should have been five, but they left Stuart behind to take their luggage as his Sportster had decided to leave its belt on his driveway as they were on the runway preparing to take off.

We now had fifteen bikes and twenty-two people travelling west. Pricilla was out on her first long ride, filtering her way through bank holiday traffic, followed by Mark Peck, who thought the ride was a short commute to work! Fred and Yvonne tailed us to a lunch stop at a country pub in Portesham outside Weymouth.

After a short break, the ride took us along the Jurassic Coast line, through Lyme Regis towards Exeter, some fantastic riding roads and views. The sun was out and we were confident no wet weather gear would be needed.

After a short fuel stop at Exeter, we set off on the final ride to Newquay. We must have been late for Jamie’s cider as the A30 was a flying dash, only stopping for the rain of Bodmin Moor to halt our progress. We arrived at Newquay at Porth

Lodge our home for three nights. With the bikes still ticking and cooling down Cider was ordered and Stuart already waiting in the reclaimed luggage department!

Our host and hotel owner Carol had prepared a fantastic evening meal and afterwards, we all spent the evening in the bar, playing pool, ten pin bowling and drinking anything and everything Jack our bar man served up.

Saturday, brought the prospect of rain which never materialised. Most waited for the cider to subside before a short ride into Newquay, or a walk along the coast. Some had taken the kind option of Stuart’s car for a ride into town. Later Jamie took a small group in the afternoon to Healey’s cider farm to taste some more exotic cider flavours.

As it was Champions league final, I took a group up to the local pub in the evening to watch the game, through a housing estate and footpaths, making use of the second man drop off. Rain arrived late at night enough for us to get soaked walking home.

The night was still young, the Hungerford five were now in full swing. Snoring was as loud as Vance & Hines ‘double barrelled nostrils’ pipes.

Nobody seemed able to sleep, so a walk by Dan and others at 4am to the the 24 hour garage, only to find it closed appeared to be a wasted journey, but on the upside the beach was empty.

I managed to get a rude awaking at 2.30am when Mandy screamed the hotel down as somebody or something had got into our room, through an open window. Woken and half asleep, bouncing off wardrobes and walls I managed to push a black and white collie dog back out of the window into the thunder and lightning, he was desperate initially to get away from, but probably more desperate to get away from the loud scream. We later found out the dog belonged to Carol’s son and was probably confused, but not as confused as me.

On Sunday everyone decided to have a ride out and Stuart had secured a pillion ride with Dick as his pilot. A ride went east to Padstow & Port Isaac, with Malcolm & Sue, Chris & Jan, Trevor & Gobby John. All managed to park in the School used in the ‘Doc Martin’ series, as long as you buy a cream tea, worth knowing if you’re down that way.

A ride went west initially led by our Chapter Director Nick with Debs, having given a full briefing he did manage to lose eight bikes within the first twenty miles. Knowing that all roads to Lands’ End went west, we were soon back together.

Eight bikes eventually peeled off and went to St Ives for an interesting park and walk to the town, for a beer and pasties and a climb back up the hill for the adventurous.

We left Ron & Pat behind and seven bikes headed further towards the sun set at Lands’ End. A coastal back road

took us to Lands End where the obligatory photographs were taken. We were now 279 miles from the TV Hog club house.

Nick Debs, Pricilla and Mark continued south towards St Michaels Mount for food and a ride back to Newquay.

A Sunday roast prepared by Carol and her team was waiting for all the flights (I mean bikes) to return. Sunday spent back at the hotel a catch upon the weekend rides and more cider.

Monday morning photographs were taken with the locals, a hearty breakfast and luggage packed, before all bikes set off east for the journey home.

Plans had been put in place for different routes and stop offs along the way, I understand the traffic was heavy and newly learned filtering skills were put to good use.

Porth Lodge was welcoming, and the food and hospitality outstanding, if you’re ever down that way call in and say Hello to Carol and the team and tell them you are part of the HOG group.

The weekend was a delight, fantastic riding roads, hospitality and company outstanding, worth a visit any time.

Thanks for all your company and your inflight steward is now signing out, as all planes, I mean bikes have returned.

Simon Howells

Holyport Fair

ady

earners

Not too long ago, I was approached by one of our lady members who said that they’d like to give riding a motorcycle a try. Having been through this experience myself recently, I knew just the place to arrange a 125cc taster session and put the feelers out on Facebook for willing participants. Before too long, all four spaces were booked by Mandy, Sam, Karen and Kerrie and plans for the day were being made.

To make an event of it and to include the guys, we met up at Blackbushe Café for some refreshments before setting off. It was a beautifully sunny day to be sat outside with a cold drink watching the planes take off and land. All the ladies seemed nervous but excited and I did all I could to try and dispel any fears (but secretly still remembering how nervous I felt at the beginning of my learning).

Once everyone was suitably refreshed we travelled the short distance to Excelerate Motorcycle School in Mytchett for our lesson.

We rolled noisily into the car park – seven bikes in total – to be greeted by our instructors for the day, Nikos and Ade. We ushered the men off, who went to Newlands Corner for a cuppa and then the lesson began!

First of all, the ladies had a briefing in the office, which is actually a converted bright green double decker bus. They still looked a little nervous, but I knew they were in safe hands.

Next, we walked over to the training area, where there were four Yamaha 125cc bikes eagerly awaiting their student riders. The ladies broke into two groups with an instructor per pair and were talked through the mechanics of riding a bike, how to brake and how to change gear for example….all important stuff! After this, they were invited to sit on the bikes and familiarize themselves with it, make sure they could reach all levers and pedals and that they were comfortable.

Then...it was ignition time. One by one the riders switched their bikes on, selected first gear and crept forward with feet still down, coming to a slow stop. Easy peasy.

So next, each of the ladies – still with feet down - rode a lap of the car park with their instructor close beside them. Mastered it – great! Same again for the next lap..or was it? All of a sudden, the instructor would shout ‘feet up!’ and just like that, the ladies were riding. I felt like a proud mum watching them all. As the laps continued, clockwise, anticlockwise, figures of eight and all four riding together the one thing that stuck out for me was all the laughter and smiling faces – they were enjoying this!

At the end of the lesson, lids and gloves came off and hands were flexed to bring relief from holding the clutch so tightly. I remember those days! Their nervousness from earlier in the day was replaced with happiness, a sense of accomplishment and happy chatter about they’d experienced.

Between them, all four decided to come back for another lesson and to then book CBTs! What a positive result from ladies who were ‘just giving it a go to see what it’s like’.

The guys returned from their ride, eager to find out how it went and were greeted by four very happy ladies, keen to further their learning. There may have been one

or two comments from them such as ‘I’ll need to make room in the garage for another bike’ and ‘I need to get saving’!

To round off a thoroughly good afternoon and to make the most of a beautifully warm Sunday evening, we headed off to a pub garden for relaxing dinner. Lesson two is booked to take place shortly and I am looking forward to seeing the ladies progress.

If any of you, your friends or family (male or female) would like to giving riding a go, please do get in touch and I will talk you through the options.

Cilla

Safety officer - Rider update Following my article in last month’s magazine a number of us have been out riding both on our own and in Chapter rides – most of it in good weather!

A number of you have asked for some clarification on the Staggered Riding Formation and as not all groups / chapters do this the same way I thought I’d include a section of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter guidelines (these are published on our website) for clarification.

Riding in Staggered Formation It is important to maintain a safe distance between you and the riders around you. Just like the Highway Code, we observe the “2 Second Rule” within our riding pack. We create two lanes of riders within a single lane on the road (where the road width allows). This helps reduce the length of the ride and still maintains a safe maneuvering distance.

Each rider maintains a minimum of two seconds between the front of his/her bike and the back of the bike directly in front. There is a rider in the other column who maybe closer but because he/she is in the other lane we created, he/she should not interfere with you in the event that you have to pull up sharply. Whilst you are moving there should NEVER be any overlap between you and ANY other rider in the pack. Only when you come to a complete stop should you pull up directly alongside another rider.

Remember, these are MINIMUM suggested distances. Road conditions, weather, visibility and a number of other human factors should be taken into account when making the decision on how much room you need. As always you are responsible for your own safety and ensuring that you do not endanger your fellow riders.

Occasionally, the road conditions prevent us from operating the staggered file formation. Where this happens, or where riders deem it necessary, they will create a larger gap between themselves and the rider next in the formation and form into single file themselves. This is more common in cities and towns, on narrow roads and when filtering. Once again, if you do not feel safe in the staggered file because of one of these factors, take the decision yourself (don’t wait for a signal from the front). Your safety and comfort is paramount, maintain that two second gap!

It is important that you try and keep your position, either to the nearside or offside of the lane when in staggered formation so that you do not enter the

following rider’s braking space. If the rider in front of you does move across to your side of the lane then please drop back to give a two second gap but do not switch position in the stagger to the other side of the lane as this has a knock on effect.

Buddy System In last month’s article I talked about the Buddy System for group riding, which is suitable for relatively small groups of around six bikes.

With this system the lead Road Captain will not carry out any drop offs and each rider must keep the rider behind them in their view, using their mirrors at any junction where it is not obvious that the ride has gone straight on.

If the rider behind is not clearly able to see which direction you are going you must drop yourself and wait until the are close enough to see the direction to take. You then pull away and continue the ride.

On a recent ride we had a perfect example of how this can go wrong with three of us coming to a major junction and having no sight of the front part of the group – we managed to get ahead of the main pack somehow and after taking a break to play with a toll booth barrier continued to the destination in one group. I mention this purely as a reminder to keep using your mirrors at every junction to ensure your ‘buddy’ can see which way you have gone.

One More Thing …

Don’t be surprised if the motorways seem a bit more crowded (and risky) than they used to be as the Highway Code section about motorways changed with effect from 4th June 2018.

This is because the law has been changed to allow learner drivers to have motorway lessons with an approved driving instructor. This will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.

The change is to rule 253 of the Highway Code, which covers who can use motorways. The rule will have this wording added to it: 'From 4 June 2018 provisional licence holders may drive on the motorway if they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor and are driving a car displaying red L plates (D plates in Wales), that’s fitted with dual controls.'

John Green

New Sportster Models Launch

Andy Tunley What year & Model?

2016 Dyna Wide Glide Have you named your bike?

She is known to her friends as Greta.

Her full name is Mistress Greta Scape.

How long have you had her?

Since March 2016.

What made you buy it?

The Wide Glide is probably one (in my opinion) one of the sweetest looking rides, straight out of the box. Despite this, you don’t see that many.

When I stumbled across Jo Green’s Wide Glide at Oxford and then test rode a trade-in courtesy of Neville, I was sold.

What Mods has she got?

Okay…Stage one consisting of Vance and Hines Big shots, Screamin’ Eagle Tuner and Heavy breather. Mini ape bars stacked on top of the Wide Glide risers.

Drag Specialities Seat, and horn cover, 2” tank lift, a few trims here and there. Oh, and a Chopper Kits 14 degree and 6” over fork and triple tree kit.

What Mods do you plan for the future?

Nothing immediately as Greta is pretty much as I would want her. A little further out, Some progressive springs on the back, a hand custom skirt blower exhaust and custom sissy bar.

What do you especially like about her?

That’s simple. Everything. If you are good to Greta, she is very good to you (note to self… that may sound a little creepy).

Favourite Ride Out you’ve had on her Each ride is a real pleasure form the commute to work, the ride out with the Chapter and the mini tour of Wales. Now that she is pretty much as the 14-yearold me envisioned, I am really looking forward to riding with Ann down to the south west this August and terrorising the locals over a mini tour and veggie pasty or two.