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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group
December 2015
Welcome to TUG Chairman’s Piece
2
Test Passes
4
Membership Info
7
Observer Coordinator
8
Euro Tunnel Info
12
It’s been a fantastic year for riding with some great member rides & for me - two great rides to Germany, the Eifel Mountains & the Harzs Mountains - its going to be a long Winter!
A Day with Ron
14
ABS Yes or No
17
Channels Golf Comp
19
Dates for the Diary
20
The time has now come to hang up my keyboard and as such I must bid you farewell as editor of TUG, this is my last issue.
Membership Form
22
Picture Gallery
28
Steam Tug Article 4
30
Ride safe. Adios Amigos.
Events Report
33
Destination Rated
41
Further Training
42
Dear Members, Well, the weather’s finally turned and salt is now back on the road, looks like I’ll be doing a lot more cleaning, as due to my daily commute the crud really builds up fast in the winter.
Colin
Editor
What’s happening next?
Log into www.eamg.org.uk, then
Runs and Rides Forum
And follow us on Twitter.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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CHAIRMAN’S PIECE December 2015 I don't know about you but I was seriously disappointed by the last few races of the Moto GP season. The argument over what Rossi said about Marquez that ultimately led to them clashing in the race will rage on for a long time. What I think is beyond doubt is that Marquez interfered with the result of the championship and possibly prevented Rossi taking his tenth world title, that in my mind is totally unacceptable and un-professional. I think he may live to regret his actions, as of course will Rossi. I'm sure you all have your own views and some probably don't agree, we shall have to wait until next year to see if this rumbles on. It’s that time of the year when membership renewal is due, to help with the administration and make processing as seamless as possible please try and pay your renewals by bank transfer, ensuring you put your full name as reference. If you can't do this, the membership renewal form is in the centre of this Tug to accompany your cash or cheque. A fairly comprehensive list of dates for the diary are included for the forthcoming year so have a good look at these, there are lots of full member rides, peer to peer observer rides, FMT training & associate only rides which I hope will be well supported. I would like to say a big thank you to all the observers who have given up valuable personal time in the last year to help train their associates, the skills they pass on are invaluable. I would also like to
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say a big thanks to Chris Johnson who's continued contribution of photos and the events report were a big help in producing Tug, also to John Tullett who continually provides group information and rallies around for content contributions. On behalf of Chris Reed who is a bit busy at the moment, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Colin on behalf of Chris. Remember, it's not how fast you ride but how you ride fast!
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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CONGRATULATIONS Recent Test Passes
Alec Coleman 4th October RoSPA Test (Silver) Examiner Mark Anderson Observer Michel Couque
Graham Cooper 3rd September 2015 RoSPA Re-Test (Gold) Examiner Mick Jones
Graham Cooper 20th October 2015 EAMG Observer Re-Test Assessor Richard Parker
Steve Enright 14th November RoSPA Test (Silver) Examiner Mick Jones Observer Phil Jones
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MOTORCYCLE TYRES AND TUBES RIDE IN RIDE OUT FITTED FREE
Car and Van Tyres
All Makes — All Sizes Vintage Classic Modern Road Off Road Race
AUTOSAFE GROUP 1ST CALL TYRESAVE—BIKERS MOTORCYCLES –ASG
Tel: 01621 856 888 Email: autosafegroup@btconnect.com
Autosafe Group—MOT Classes 1-2-3-4- 5-7
RIDEMASTER PO BOX 859 Aylesbury Bucks. HP22 9FJ T: 0844 888 0999 F: 0844 888 4190
www.ridemaster.co.uk “If you have a crash and it wasn’t your fault we can manage your claim free of charge. That means we will represent you and communicate with your insurance company, the at -fault insurance company, your repairer and, most importantly, YOU to resolve liability in your favour and manage your claim until your bike is back with you, fully repaired. In the unfortunate event that a bike is damaged, bikers may not be aware that once their insurer is notified, the insurer will arrange for their approved repairer to collect their bike. This may not be ideal for a number of reasons, that’s why Ridemaster will work with your chosen local repairer where they know you and know your bikes’ history. Call Ridemaster first and we’ll take the pain out of a bad day.”
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Membership Information Dear Members & Prospective Members, The membership form is on the website or page 22 if you wish to join or if you are renewing. If you have paid up and haven’t received your membership card please let a committee member know. Also please remember to spread the word about EAMG, recommendation is such a valuable tool and current members are always the best advocates for what a good group this is.
Membership Fees for 2016
New Associate Members
...£55.00 (Includes AGT Training)
Associate Member Renewal
...£40.00 (Includes AGT Training)
Full Member Renewal
...£25.00
Social Member
...£25.00
Full Member Training
...£20.00
(For more information on Full Member Training see page 42)
Membership
Number
Full
119
Associate
43
Social
1
Total
163
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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OBSERVER COORDINATOR John Tullett Committee If EAMG is to continue offering our current extensive range of training and social activities for the benefit of all members, in keeping with our objective of 'promoting motorcycling excellence', it is vital that sufficient numbers of individuals are prepared to volunteer to carry out and assist with the organisational activities that make this possible. Accordingly, I would urge any individuals who feel that they have benefited from being a Group member and care sufficiently about EAMG's future to give something back to the Group, by being prepared to stand to join the Committee at the AGM in February 2016. If you are unsure of what this entails then why not have a word with an existing member of the Committee? Copdock Show EAMG had a promotional stand at the Copdock Show held on Sunday, 4th October and the nine Group members (Audrey, John, Geoff, Ian, Eddy, Kevin, Anthony, Graham & I) on hand for all or part of the day enjoyed a very pleasant day in the sun with the
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opportunity to meet a steady stream of current, previous and, hopefully, future members. The show was well attended with a very good atmosphere and broad range of displays, exhibitors & traders. I certainly hope that this will become a regular event for us to attend. Hugger Challenge Mick Jones provided a very well presented and informative talk on the RoSPA test, from both the examiner's and candidate's points of view, at October's Group Night meeting. Included amongst many useful snippets of information, Mick outlined details of the 'Essex Hugger' challenge. Essex Hugger is the Safer Essex Road Partnership’s motorcycle safety campaign, designed to promote motorcycle safety across the county and encourage motorcyclists to undertake further/ advanced rider training. The ‘Hugger Challenge’ is a skills challenge designed to prove how good a rider you are….to yourself! By rising to the Hugger Challenge the idea is that you will undertake rider training to improve your skills and your safety. During 2015 if you took the challenge by signing up to and successfully completing either (a) an Essex Police Bike safe course; or (b) an Essex FireBike Better Biking course; you would then be entitled to undertake (at a heavily subsidised rate) either: * An Essex FireBike Advanced Machine Skills Course OR * A full days training with an Advanced Motorcycle Instructor Just how much this subsidy was worth was re-emphasised when I happened to bump into Mick at the Boreham McDonalds one Saturday morning shortly after the talk when he was about to take someone out for a day's training for the princely sum of £10.00!
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Details of arrangements for 2016 have yet to be confirmed but it would certainly appear to be worth keeping an eye on the related web site: https://saferessexroads.org/road-users/motorcycling/essex-hugger/ Associate Group Training (AGT) There were good attendance levels at the October AGT with 5 Associates, 3 Guests and 1 Full member signed up for FTFM (Further Training for Full Members) attending Observed rides. Mysteriously this did not also extend to the accompanying Full Member social ride organised by Phil Reader - as only 2 attended! I know a lot of time and effort goes into organising these social rides, so it is very important for members to support these events when someone is good enough to volunteer to lead a ride out. November's AGT was also pretty well attended with 6 Associates and 1 Full member signed up for FTFM (Further Training for Full Members) participating in Observed rides. Colin Snow led a group of 6 Full Members on a social ride to the Comfort Cafe. Hopefully the good weather will hold for our final 2015 AGT on Sunday, 6th December, @ Moulsham High School, Brian Close, off Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, post code CM2 9ES. Anyone wishing to participate in an Observed ride at the AGT should:

ensure that they arrive by 09:15, to get signed in before the Roadcraft talk commences at 09:30.

remember to bring along their valid and current driving license; certificate of insurance; and MOT (if your bike needs one); and ensure their bike has a full tank of fuel. Finally, please remember we do not hold an AGT in January.
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Associate Social Rides The next Associate Social Ride, to be led by Mick Hewitt will be on Sunday, December 20th from Sainsburys, Springfield, CM2 5PA. Time: 09:00. Depart: 09:15. Full tank of fuel. Marker system.
Note: In the event of bad weather a Group e-mail will be circulated by Saturday to cancel. For more information, please see the 'Runs, Rides & Routes' section of the EAMG Forum - http://www.eamg.org.uk/forum Should any members have any training related queries then please contact me on 01277 623860 (before 21:30 please), text 07570 992801, e-mail jtullett@eamg.org.uk or send me a PM via the Message Board. John Tullett
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Eurotunnel Advice for The Holidays John Tipper from Eurotunnel Dear Customer, As we approach the busy pre-Christmas period it is important to update you on progress made to reduce the disruption to crossChannel operations linked to migrants based in the Calais region. It is now widely publicised that the migrant camp in Calais, locally known as the “jungle�, has grown significantly over the summer. The total number of migrants is now estimated at 6,000. At the same time migrant camps have also started to grow around other, less busy Channel ports like Dunkirk and Dieppe as more and more security measures have been put in place at the Port of Calais and the Channel Tunnel. Eurotunnel has been working extremely hard to protect the fluidity of our service, since the beginning of this crisis. Nevertheless the Channel Tunnel, has suffered from targeted and organised attacks by increasingly aggressive migrant groups intent on forcing their way illegally into the UK. Our focus has been on a combination of passive and active protection measures. In terms of passive protection we are in the process of completing a new 28km perimeter fence to encircle the entire 650 hectare terminal in Coquelles as well as barrier fences directly alongside our shuttle loading platforms. The final stages of fence erection are due to be completed in the next few weeks. This fencing is 4m high, topped with razor wire and conforms to the latest NATO standards. It is reinforced with infra-red detectors, over 400 CCTV cameras and several thermic detection devices which all feed into a central security control centre. Alongside SNCF, we have also de-forested and cleared nearly 100 hectares of scrub and woodland, on and around the terminal, to improve surveillance lines and to reduce hiding places. Last week the French government confirmed that a helicopter and a drone have also been deployed, full time, to support the ground security teams. These extensive fences and intruder detection systems should significantly reduce the opportunities for migrants to access our terminal and disrupt our shuttle and rail freight operations. Of course, fences, cameras and secure queuing/parking areas cannot be effective in isolation. Everything depends on the active protection of our infrastructure by police and security forces working in a synchronised way to prevent migrant attacks on the fences, rail track access points and on motorway approach roads.
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The level of active protection has been substantially improved following the official visit of Bernard Cazeneuve, French Home Office Minister on Wednesday 21 October. The police (´Gendarmerie mobile') are now present on our terminal and on the adjacent SNCF rail yard 24/7, with 16 vehicles and 120 policemen. This is a major improvement, since until last week there were just 12 to 14 vehicles during the night and only 3 to 6 during the day. Importantly, the additional police personnel are now being managed by a single chain of command, led by a Colonel de Gendarmerie who will be present on site 24/7 (on a shift basis). This resource is 100% dedicated to the protection of the Channel Tunnel and Eurotunnel operations. Since the start of this new regime on Friday 23rd, there has been a marked reduction in material disruptions to our terminal infrastructure or to our planned shuttle timetable, with no cancellations or delays due to intrusions over the weekend. This week the police will be further reinforced by the Cavalerie de la Garde Republicaine who will commence horse patrols around the terminal perimeter. All of the above measures are in line with the requests we have been making to the UK and French governments since June and we believe that the combination of increased fencing, improved intruder detection and coordinated security teams on the ground will ensure the future integrity of the Channel Tunnel infrastructure and the quality of our service to customers. Of course the risks remain. With so many migrants still based in Calais, all continuing to seek passage to the UK, we cannot expect that the situation will remain calm all the time. We at Eurotunnel, our competitors at the Port of Calais and you, our customers, must remain vigilant. For our part, we continue to work actively at all political levels both in the UK and France, nationally and locally, to ensure that the importance of cross-Channel trade and the role of the Channel Tunnel, as part of the critical supply chain to and from the UK, is fully recognised and protected in a sustainable way. I appreciate that the last few months have been very difficult for you, and your customers. I hope, very sincerely, that we have now entered a period of relative calm and that we can all look forward to a sustainable end to the year. Yours sincerely,
Jo Willacy Commercial Director
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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A Day with Ron Ian Brady
I have just received my Christmas card from Ron Haslam. It reminded me of the day in that my daughter and I went to his race school, have-not been a fan of track days, I thought I would just do one and that would be it. How wrong could I be I only did the one section on the track, but I must admit it was great. A bit weird at first having no mirrors or speedo but once I got used to it I was okay. My daughter really like`s all that track days stuff, but had never been before and really enjoyed it as well The main bit for me was the section, which was like a slow ride day but with a difference that we were taught to ride the bike with out the use of your hands before you got to the bend and on though it before accelerating out again at the end we had to lay as far back on the seat and still ride again around the bend. The next bit was the usual slalom, but then they got use to do the slalom but this time we had to alternate your legs from one
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side to the other and back again. The last part was to stand up on your pegs and then do the slalom again, one of the guys then sat on the tank and did the slalom, but I sat that one out. Our day had come to an end. One thing that I had learnt from the day was I really like the track day bits, And I am going to definitely do more track day`s, so when I go to the London bike show, again I will book some more track day`s and hopefully they will give us deal as they did before to make it a better day. Included in the deal was ÂŹ the track day, Helmet, Leathers, gloves, so you just need to turn up and have great fun!!! Ian
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Page 19
ABS to Have or Have Not? John Tullet & Rapid Training When Gary Baldwin of Rapid Training spoke at our May Group Night meeting he was very enthusiastic about the benefits of ABS, particularly in an emergency situation. Given his day job of Police accident investigator he is better placed than most to express such an opinion. For anyone who missed the talk below is a copy of Gary's related article on this subject from the latest Rapid Training online newsletter (see http://rapidtraining.co.uk/ docs/2015Newsletter.pdf). Chris Reed also identified an additional benefit of having ABS when he gave the roadcraft talk at the May AGT, namely that it gives you the opportunity to practise braking up to the point just before the ABS cuts in (i.e. to the safe limit). John Tullett Anti Lock brakes have been a standard fitment on cars since around 2005 and most of us don’t give them a second thought. Nice to have and they definitely stop you quicker than old fashioned skidding. Skidding never was much of a problem in a car as you can’t fall off it, provided you’re happy with the direction you’re heading in skidding works well as a method of stopping. Okay it’s nice to have anti lock as it does allow you the luxury of steering your way out of trouble if you have the presence of mind to do so. Oddly this is a thing that many car drivers forget to do, or take their foot off the brake pedal as they don’t like the pulsing they feel! On a single track vehicle like a bike however, skidding isn’t so good. It is particularly not good when the skidding tyre is the front. Our tests indicate that you have around half a second of locked front wheel before you head for the tarmac. Rear wheel lock up isn’t that bad, in fact it’s more of an irritation, but it makes controlling a bike unnecessarily complicated when you
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are trying to shed speed as quickly as possible. So ABS where are you? Well thankfully coming to a new bike near you soon and to my mind not soon enough. ABS is still specified as an extra on many bikes instead of an essential. If it’s an option take it and hope that you never need it. The problem with emergencies on the road is that they are by their nature sudden and unexpected, however good you think you are on the brakes if you don’t get past the first half second it’s all over and you are sliding along the floor to an uncertain fate. I think I’m pretty good on the brakes as I hurtle up towards Druids, Paddock Hill or Mallory Park hairpin and I probably am, but these are planned in advance and well practiced. A few years ago it was a different story when I was confronted with a car U turning from a lay by on my nearside. With a blink of an eye to react, it didn’t go so well. This is when ABS will save you by preventing that initial catastrophic lock up and let you get on with the job of shedding speed effectively rather than sliding down the road on your arse. In years to come we will look back and laugh that we allowed bikes to be sold without. Gary Baldwin Rapid Training
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Channels Annual Golf Competition Jill Winn On 1st November Chris Reed and I attended the Annual golf competition held at Channels that the EAMG sponsors. We were handed this photo of an Ariel bike that the Golf Captain's father had owned. His father had recently passed away and he had seen the photo for the first time having not known his Dad had ever been involved in biking! The sponsorship is a long standing relationship which secures our discounted price at Channels for Group Night.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
All Full Member Rides will leave Sainsburys Springfield, Chelmsford, at 9.30am
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December 6th 13th 20th
AGT & Full Member Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Member Ride
5th 10th 17th
Group Night - Natter Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
2nd 7th 14th 21st
Group Night - AGM Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard’s Valentines Day Full Member Ride ♥ Associate Ride
1st 6th 13th 13th 20th 26th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride Super Sausage Run
3rd 5th 10th 17th 24th
Full Member Training (FMT) Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Associate Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride
1st 3rd 8th 15th 15th 22nd 22nd 29th
North Weald Motorcycle Show Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Geoff’s France Day Ride Observer Peer to Peer Ride Associate Ride Full Member Training (FMT) Richard’s Full Member Ride
7th 12th 19th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Slow Riding Day (tbc)
January
February
March
April
Diary 2015
May
June
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Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
5th 10th 17th 24th 31st 31st
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Observer Peer to Peer Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride Full Member Training (FMT)
2nd 7th 14th 28th 28th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Audrey & John’s Cotswolds Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
4th 6th 11th 11th 18th 25th 25th
Geoff’s Beachy Head Ride Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Air Ambulance Run Slow Riding Day (tbc) Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride
4th 9th 16th 24rd 23rd 30th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Observer Peer to Peer Ride Full Member Training (FMT) Associate Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride
1st 6th 13th 27th
Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Associate Ride Richard’s Full Member Ride
4th 6th 11th
Richard’s Full Member Ride Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT)
July
August
Group Nights @ 19:30, AGTs @ 9:15 am
26th 26th
September
October
November
Diary 2015
December
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Mind Safety Steve Enright finds an Interesting Site & Video MindSafety was conceived after some major failures in safety pointed to human behaviours as the cause behind the outcomes. It was realised then that safety was a combination of two elements: Systems and People. People create the culture within any work environment, and despite having all the systems available in place, it is the workplace culture which drives behaviours. Our training programme is a unique and original system of changing beliefs and perceptions about safety, influencing the very culture of the organisation. We aim to build a pro-active safety 'cushion' to 'stack the odds' in everyone's favour by changing their beliefs and perceptions about safety, using interactive sessions, inspirational events & specialist safety coaching. See the Video at: http://www.mindsafety.net/about
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture
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Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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Steam Tug Brent TID No 159 Article 4 One of 182 tugs constructed of the same design between 1942-46
Tony Seaman
January 15th it was my turn to help Janet man “Steam Tug Brent” stand at the boat show held at the XL centre in London. I went by bike as there was free parking, but it was a cold bleak day and I was glad of my heated seat and grips something I seldom use. The stand had been very well put together by various other volunteer members that certainly helped to raise the profile of the tug, with one visitor later proving to be the Harbourmaster of Port of London. The stool that I took home last year was by now refurbished as well as other jobs for myself were underway. The first of this year’s assessment ride with Graham was undertaken on the 24th February and have continued on a regular basis since then. I have been out on several other non-club rides as well. Early April I had a pre-test run with Graham that proved to be a total disaster as I was just so tired. In fact perhaps I should not have been on the bike at all. After that we headed out towards Burnham during which I gradually got my act together and after stopping for a meal we had a good run home. 15th April the Tug was open to the public for the first time this year. We had a good number of people come on board with nearly all wanting to have a look at the engine/ boiler room with James being the main guide while the rest of us just mucked in as best we could, but very little work was under-
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taken due to safety concerns, but some donations were received. Maldon mud race day Sunday 26th April and a number of volunteers were in attendance to greet the steady flow of people coming on board to have a look around and by the end of the day we had collected over £90. After we had closed to the public we were given a talk by Richard who produced a list of jobs that could be started together with guidance on confined spaces. I have attended a number of these courses over the years to CP3 level (the use of full breathing sets) during the late 80’ to mid noughties while employed and later under contract to a consulting engineering partnerships that specialized in Potable (drinking water) projects in connection with the analysing of the distribution systems for various water companies throughout the country as part of the building of computer models. These models were first build using data supplied from the records of the water company. The system was then subjected to a series of onsite testing using flow and pressure monitoring equipment. It was during this period that I came to understand how pressure and flow monitoring equipment worked and how to program the data loggers using a computer. The data recording loggers were then attached to various points along the system being tested for a period of about seven days, this data was then post processed at a later date and used to fine tune the original computer model. These models, with the aid of telemetry are now used to control and monitor the performance of distribution systems from a central control centre. We also had a talk on asbestos handling etc. basically you do not touch. Again this is another course that I have been required to take in the past. As a result behind the boiler and adjacent pipe work is out of bounds at this present time. During the follow week I made adjustments to a step for the on-board end of the public gangplank. On another front I have designed and make a metal support frame for the cricket clubs new electronic scoreboard.
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Early May we were down on the tug for a working day this time the decks were jet washed down. At lunchtime we discussed what jobs could now be started be started together with a discussion and agreement on a more flexible working day roster. Due to my lack of boat language Paul kindly took me around the tug and explained the various terms and what they referred too. James started work on the racking at the stern and in doing so uncovered a lot more rust. Tony K and Mark worked at cleaning the tools in the engine room and jetting the decks while Paul and I started to trace and remove all the redundant 240v electrical cabling. The latter has now been halted for the time being. There is also the problem of how to remove an auxiliary diesel power generator from the boiler room as it is not part of the original equipment. The following Friday some of us were on board again and started to clear out the engine room of various unwanted items (these are now stored on shore), this has to be done before any real inspection or repair work can really get underway. There will be work taking place on Saturday, when James will start the opening up of the original access hatchway into the fore cabin ((Fo’c’s’le) originally Fore Castle, a short raised deck at the bow (front) of a ship)) and by doing so allow the existing entrance via the galley floor to be closed, the galley will then be turned into a tool and equipment store for the duration of the restoration project after which it will be returned to its original intended use. While this is taking place I am away for a long weekend in France with another group of bikers that I ride out with on Sundays once a month. More next time Tony
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EAMG Events Report! Chris Johnson This is my fiftieth Events Report and I should really be celebrating the half-century with a parade number. Unfortunately for nearly a month of the reporting period I was abroad and missed some runs. Richard had a run booked for 4th October, but had got tickets to see Arsenal play Man U, and scouted around to find a replacement leader. Eventually Colin agreed to lead a run to the Angel Cafe in Diss. After the AGT on 11th October Phil Reader led a group of two (himself and Neil) on a blast out to Finchingfield. I had hoped to get more information about these runs at Group Night but an apparent oil leak onto an exhaust pipe led to my turning back almost immediately. It turned out to be a rear chain which had been over-oiled by torchlight after my previous run. This has never happened to me before, and I felt stupid and relieved in equal measure. On November 1st Richard led a ride to Rushden. He has done this on previous occasions but I have never been able to attend. On paper it is a small town in the middle of nowhere with nothing much to recommend it, and I was glad that I was finally going to find out why on earth Richard would go there. It was a foggy morning, and at 07:45 distinctly chilly, so the heated jacket was resurrected after the summer and the heated grips activated. In fact the damp air was so effective at Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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permeating my gloves that I ended up with the grips at maximum; a setting which I have rarely used before. There were a dozen bikes and we bravely set forth, wiping our visors every few hundred yards to restore some semblance of forward vision. Fortunately by the time we reached Thaxted the fog began to lift, and the day started to transform itself into a warm, sunny one. The coffee break was at the Extra services just outside Baldock. Although EAMG runs have stopped there often enough this was the first time I had been inside. Good selection of coffee and snack outlets and plenty of seating. Unfortunately the fog decided to descend again but it cleared before we reached Bedford. When we arrived at Rushden it seemed at first a place of little character. Parking was on what passed for a main drag, and a bunch of the guys ended up on the pavement outside a shuttered Chinese takeaway. Richard let them get settled there before mischievously remarking that he wasn't sure if it is was that, or the establishment next door, which was due to open at midday (in fact both remained closed during our visit). We were then led into the Blue Corner Cafe, and the reason for choosing Rushden as a destination was revealed. This was a little gem of a cafe. Astonishingly low prices, varied menu, absolutely enormous portions, good quality, and a proprietress who was vivacious and rather attractive. I ordered a steak pie with roasties and vegetables. Normally a steak pie turns out to be a stodgy crust filled with a bland gravy in which are floating some small pieces of what tastes like textured vegetable protein. In this case what was served seemed to be a very large piece of prime casserole steak in puff pastry. Tender and delicious. The roast potatoes were perfectly
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done, and very numerous. Only the vegetables seemed to be a bit fashionably al dente; I like my vegetables well boiled to kill off any nasty vitamins. The portion size floored everybody, and the only person I saw who came close to clearing his plate was Ian Morton. I am happy about this, because he was due to have an afternoon when he would need all the sustenance he could get. We emerged from the cafe to start our ride back in beautiful weather. It all seemed to go very well on the ride back through St Neots and my first intimation of any problem was when I was dropped as a marker at the B1046/1040 stagger. I waited, and waited, and then waited some more. Apparently it was the hottest November day on record and I gradually had to remove more and more clothing. After about 40 minutes a lone rider appeared to tell me that Ian had suffered a puncture, but it was being fixed and they would be along presently. I waited some more. Eventually a few bikes appeared, and then along came Geoff the back marker. I hastily got myself in order and chased after him, but it took a while to catch up. We then encountered the 'puncture support party' at the junction with the A1198. Ian's puncture repair was not proving effective, and the white goo which had been injected as an extra sealant was leaking out. I have never seen a more wounded-looking rear tyre. We decided to head along the A1198 towards Royston to find a gaEssex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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rage with an air hose. This was where the run actually went wrong, because there should have been a marker at that junction to indicate that we were to make a staggered crossing over the A1198, but he had apparently given up and gone home. We reached a garage after a few miles, and Operation 'Repair the Tyre Properly This Time' sprang into life. Ian's tyre plugs were examined and provoked a certain amount of lip-curling, and Stuart and I raced to see who could get our mushroom plug repair kits deployed first. Stuart won. He had the more compact, hex key operated, version of the tyre plugger and I was impressed that it only took about 20 seconds longer to inject the plug than my much larger injection gun would have taken. Since I have the same compact version under the seat of the Fireblade, which I have not had occasion to use yet since the Blade is now largely neglected, this was reassuring. The tyre was pumped up to 42 psi using very expensive garage air, and no air leakage was observed. During this procedure Richard had phoned to say that he and four others had been waiting over an hour for us. All seemed set fair to continue, and then Ian broke off his ignition key in the bike seat lock. He had a spare .... at home! I texted Richard to say that the game was over, and that the rump would make its own way home. Ian phoned his wife to ask her to drive out with his spare key, Geoff undertook to use his Satnav to get the rest back, I tagged along with them for a bit until striking off for a shorter route home, and the last we saw of Ian was a forlorn figure standing by his bike. I had visions of him waiting there forever, but apparently his wife found him and he got back home at about 18:30. Geoff's route back was via the M11 (Satnavs
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love motorways), which suited me since I could just continue on down it to London, but the fog returned, the motorway traffic backed up, and there was a lot of rather miserable filtering with a visor which only stayed clear for a few seconds. Despite these minor disasters it was actually a very enjoyable run. The roads were good and the cafe was excellent. The moral to be drawn is that a marker must hold his position, however tedious it may be. Apparently we also lost Ibrahim (spelling?), who had been dropped as a marker in St Neots, but I am not sure if he was bypassed or if he gave up too soon. Advance a week to the AGT on 8th November. John Tipper gave a good talk about clothing. Frankly, by the end of it his gear, including the Merino wool vest and long johns, sounded so comfortable and attractive that I am surprised he ever gets out of bike kit. I had not had an opportunity to research a run, but fortunately chatted with Colin Snow and skilfully steered the conversation until he found that he had 'volunteered' to lead a ride to the Comfort Cafe. There were initially four of us but two more tagged on at the last minute. Snowie is known for his eclectic road choice and when, early in the run, he turned in the opposite direction to the one I would have used I knew that today would be no exception. The roads were a bit damp with fallen leaves. Snowie's very unclassified roads had other brown enhancements, and Alan complained vigorously that Spider had sprayed him liberally with horse shit. Spider was unrepentant. The pace of the run suited the conditions, and we had one stop past Haverhill until a Remembrance Sunday parade had finished. At the cafe Snowie, who has been with Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
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EAMG pretty much since its inception over thirty years ago, was persuaded to reminisce about the early days, when men were Men and bikes were Bikes and social rides went to serious, grown-up destinations rather than being bimbles out to a cafe and back. It was fascinating stuff, but things like taking a wrong turning and finding oneself on the fringes of the West Country at 10pm were probably more amusing when one was younger and wives were less liberated. We took the same roads back as far as Finchingfield, but then continued to Chelmsford by a conventional route. An enjoyable run of about 75 miles. I am afraid that is about it for this report, but since it has been a short one I am tempted to ramble on a bit about punctures. There seem to be two repair kits which are generally acknowledged to be effective; mushroom plugs and sticky string. They come with various brand names and. in my experience, give a more reliable repair than rubber butterflies, wedges etc. etc. I favour the mushroom plug approach because, for all normal punctures, it gives a repair which seals and holds very well. Obviously if you plug a puncture you should get it professionally inspected and repaired with a vulcanised plug as soon as possible, so longevity should not be an issue, but I once fixed a puncture in the tyre of a BMW car which a stepdaughter's then boyfriend owned. He completely ignored the instruction to have it properly repaired, and the mushroom plug held the pressure until he sold the car two years later. I suppose a blow-out on a car tyre is less disastrous than on a bike but even so he could have killed himself; although, in the case of that particular boyfriend, I doubt he would have been any great loss to humanity. Sticky string does seem to be better than a mushroom plug if you have the misfortune to get a
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puncture which is a slit rather than a hole, since the mushroom head will not cover an aperture of more than a centimetre, but you can always double up on your string plugs. I guess the solution is to carry both. Repairing the puncture is only half the story; you then need to reinflate the tyre. Some like gunge, some like CO2 cylinders, some with voluminous panniers carry an electric pump or a foot pump. and some have compact hand pumps. If you are restricted to what can be fitted in a tail pack then CO2 cylinders or a stubby hand pump are the viable options. I tried gunge in the old days when I ran with tubed tyres, and found it spectacularly ineffective except as a way of wasting money (of which there was a chronic shortage then). CO2 cylinders are small and easy, but the volume of gas required for a rear tyre is considerable and you will use quite a few of them; it can take 3 or 4 to get up to half pressure. In addition, if you forget to wear gloves, the frost-bitten fingers can be an irritation. A hand pump will do the whole job. but after the pressure gets up to about 8 psi it becomes increasingly hard work, and you need more than 500 strokes to get close to full pressure on a rear tyre. This is a calculated value. My arms have always given out long before that. If you have the space to carry it then an electric or robust metal-frame foot pump is the best solution. I carry a mushroom plugger, a hand pump, a pressure gauge and a few CO2 cylinders; a combination which seems to get me to the nearest garage air line. In truth puncture repair is like politics, religion, bike model, or method of stacking a dishwasher; there are considerable variations of firmly-held opinion about it and I apologise if I have offended against anyone's beliefs. Chris
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DESTINATION RATED Wallys Cafe - Sudbury
Unit 2 Acton Place Industrial Estate, Melford Road, Sudbury, CO10 0BB 7am to 2.30pm Monday - Friday, Sunday, 7am to 12.15pm Saturday Situated on an industrial site in a shabby shed type building. Though shabby it is clean inside and offers very cheap home cooked food. It’s been around for a long time & is popular with the locals as well as bikers. Food
3/5
Service
3/5
Price
5/5
Capacity
4/5
Parking
5/5
The food is good old home cooked grub nothing fancy, not huge plates though.
Its pretty much this - food arrives at your table, no ones unpleasant though! It’s the cheapest breakfast I can find!
Not huge, not small either can fit a few small size groups in. No shortage of parking on both sides of the car park right alongside the café.
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Further Training Opportunities for Full Members Have you ever wondered if your riding skill is still as good as it was when you passed your IAM or RoSPA Test? Is your RoSPA Retest fast approaching and you feel you’d like a refresher to check that bad habits have not crept into your riding? We are all only as good as the day we are actually riding our bikes. How good our riding was last year or even last month may not be as good as we think it is; complacency can be fatal. EAMG provide two Further Training Schemes for Full Members: Full Member Training (FMT) – One-day training courses available four times a year Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) – Assignment to an Observer for 1 to 1 training These courses are provided to check riding skills haven’t deteriorated, for those wishing to take a higher grade of test such as RoSPA or for those preparing for qualification as an EAMG Observer. Full Member Training Four FMT Courses take place during ‘summer time’ between March and October. Participation is entirely voluntary and those taking part do not have to join each ride. Training is for your benefit and enjoyment; it is not a mandatory requirement that you go on to take a RoSPA test. To ensure the highest possible standard, Observers undertaking this training will hold a current RoSPA Gold certificate. You will not be riding in one large group. Where possible you will be riding with an Observer and one other Full Member giving you the opportunity to have a 'rest' while your partner is being observed. Every effort will be made to match your riding experience, ability and aspirations with your partner, any miss matching being addressed at the first refreshment stop. The routes, approx. 200 miles, will cover a variety of roads and include several debriefing stops and two refreshment stops. Joining details will be sent by email or post a few days before the event. Events this year:
Joining Fee
Sunday 3rd April
Sunday 22nd May
£45.00
Sunday 31st July
Sunday 23rd October
Contact John Tipper, 8 Carlton Ave, London N14 4UA. Email: jtipper@eamg.org.uk Tel : 0208 360 8590
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Further Training for Full Members You will be assigned to an Observer and rides will be arranged on a one to one basis when mutually convenient. Although not mandatory, unlike FMT, the training will be structured as preparation for a further test such as RoSPA. To apply to join this scheme: Apply to the Membership Secretary either at membership renewal or during the season. You will be asked to pay an additional Membership Fee (details below). Your Application will be passed to the Observer Co-ordinator who will assign you to the first available Observer. Where feasible, geographical location will be considered. You will be expected to pay the Observer a contribution (details below) towards fuel costs. Participation must be renewed annually.
Name: Address:
Post Code:
Tel:
Email: Riding Experience:
Aspirations:
Typical annual mileage:
Machine:
FTFM - 2016 Membership Secretary
Observer Co-ordinator
Jill Winn
John Tullett
membership@eamg.org.uk
jtullett@eamg.org.uk
Additional Membership Fee
Contribution to Observer
ÂŁ20 pa
ÂŁ10 per ride
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982
ESSEX ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS GROUP Colin Childs, Editor University of Essex Printing Services, contact Hannah 01206 872822 for more information. Please mention EAMG when replying to advertisers - it identifies you!
http://www.eamg.org.uk Affiliated to the British Motorcyclists Federation Registered Charity Number 1107703
Disclaimer and Copyright Notice: The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interest. Any spelling or grammatical errors are the responsibility of the editor and a society that pays footballers more than teachers. Inclusion of adverts is not to be construed as EAMG endorsement, although most advertisers are excellent, but seek personal recommendations.Text Š EAMG 2011. Illustrations Š EAMG 2010, except where indicated otherwise. Group material may be reproduced provided acknowledgement is given to EAMG and the original author.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Ltd, Registered Office, St Laurence House, 2 Gridiron Place, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2BE Registered in England & Wales, Registration No. 5258261
Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982