Aug 2012

SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

sam August 2012

The IAM Aims To Improve the Standard of Driving and Riding The Advancement of Road Safety The Administration of an Advanced Test

MAKING

SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS August 2012

progress INSIDE P8 New MDU at Beaulieu.

P7 Simon goes loopy in the Lakes.

The new SAM MDU is on the road. Page 6.

P9 Treasure in the South of France.

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Registered Charity 1097558

SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

Chairman’s chat, August 2012 To say that this has been an eventful three months is probably an understatement. We began with an AGM that passed without a single drop of blood being shed – that’s a first! We bade farewell to Kevin who had steered the Committee, with skill and patience, through some interesting waters and you entrusted me with custody of the Chair, for which I thank you sincerely. Far more importantly, I have inherited a Committee that is close knit and very highly motivated and for that we should all be grateful. Please take the trouble to look at the list and see who is doing what and how they can be contacted. There are still vacancies, we lack a Vice-Chairman and PR Officer – the jobs I held before you sat me in the Chair. I think you all know that we do not, in principle, double-hat Committee members just to keep the show on the road and I am not about to change that rule. So if there are any Members, or Associates out there, who feel they would like to put something back into SAM, please get in touch and I’ll be more than happy to let you know what’s involved. I don’t need to tell you how important PR is to an organisation like SAM. At Regional Level, our Representative, Geoff Pretty, moved to a new IAM role in the Ride to Survive programme and our new Representative is Mark Trimmer, who joined us at the AGM. There are significant changes afoot at Regional and National level, particularly for the Observer Cadre and a Region 2 Forum is being established at which SAM will be represented. I sense that there is something of an awakening in Chiswick!

Back to the home front and you can hardly have failed to follow the progress of the new Mobile Display Unit (MDU). Once you authorised us to go ahead with the project at last year’s AGM, we began immediately to seek sponsors and a Project Plan was approved. The sto-

ry is told in more detail on page 6 and the bottom line is that the MDU is now on the road – you can’t miss it! It has already deployed twice and, all being well, we plan an official launch at Thruxton later in the year.

In the public eye, SAM has provided direct support at a number of charity events including The Big Wheel in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. I have to express some disappointment at the lack of response to the SAM Announces asking for support for these events. It may be that the absence of a PR Officer has affected the coordination effort, but that is not a reason for apathy and you all know that without the volunteer supporters like ourselves, these events cannot take place. So please give serious consideration to giving up some of your time when the publicity goes out: I know once out there, you will enjoy it and our efforts are always greatly appreciated. More to the point, it raises our profile.

The next 3 months promise no let up and we would not have it any other way. The Bike Safe programme resumes after the Olympics and we shall again be working with our colleagues in “The Force” to provide follow on support for their “students”. The Club Night team has a great programme planned and the variety now available within the Group Ride programme is fantastic Remember, SAM belongs to you, the Membership. The Committee is there to try to ensure that you get what you want and we can’t make bricks without straw. Display your Green Badge with pride and wear your Group Badge to be a member of the SAM PR force. Of course you have to buy it first!

I’m going to wrap up now, or there won’t be enough space for my photo!

David

In the News: From Motorcycle News: There's no denying most bikes sounds fairly poor with their restrictive standard exhaust systems and aftermarket exhausts help make them sound much better. But are some exhausts too loud, and should the be banned from sale? Have your say with this online vote: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/ newsresults/General-news/2012/August/aug1512-poll-should-race -exhausts-bebanned-from-sale/ Motorcyclists are being offered the chance to try off-road riding for free with tuition from a former world motocross champion. Offroad beginners will get free goes on bikes from Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, AJP and Husqvarna in an event staged by the Motorcycle Industry Association. Top instructors including threetime former world 500cc champion Dave Thorpe will be on hand at an off-road training centre in Adstone, Northamptonshire. (read the full article at: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/ newsresults/Generalnews/2012/August/aug0612-try-off-roadingfor-free/) Page 2

SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

Chief Observer’s Report – Aug 2012 sheet called, "Eco Riding" and what it means? Was it just put on there to be politically correct? Is it significant that people who go for the IAM FIRST register don't have to get a "1" in this one?

Relaxing the engine Three years ago a limited number of Observers were working really hard to put all of SAM's Associates through their Skill for Life training, preparing them for their IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test. Each Observer was running near their personal "red line" in terms of capacity, some even hit the rev limiter and had to call it a day!

How different things are today. With the latest successful Observer Training School, held at a wonderful training facility, courtesy of the Hants Fire & Rescue Service, Winchester Road Safety Centre at Winnall, we have another six SAM members as Observers/Trainee Observers. We are almost at 40 in the Observer Cadre altogether, which means training 60-70 Associates at any one time is no longer so frantic. We've moved up to a higher gear and can "relax the engine" yet still make progress.

Congratulations to all 15 Associates who passed their IAM test since April this year and their Observers. This included our first ever IAM pass - James Davies - granted F1RST status by the examiner. More details of F1RST can be found in the IAM website, but it means getting a top mark (1 out of 1-5) in all but three of the 20-or-so categories examined. Full Members can also book to take their test again if they want to go for a F1RST. If you want to have a go at this or our own SAM Advanced Plus, let me know.

Very well done also to the four members who have achieved passes in the SAM Advanced Plus, all of them with 1st class passes: Andy Anderson, Mark Sabin, Ian Johnston and Charlie Hill. This is testament to the tremendous effort they and their Senior Observers have put in. And fortunately it is not stopping there as all are either Observers or Trainee Observers. You see, it's an infectious bug once you get into the next level. Success breeds success and you want to pass it on.

Eco-driving and Advanced Riding - How do they fit together?

Having alluded to the analogy of what gear to be in above, I thought I'd offer a few thoughts here. I'm grateful to Observer Andy King for provoking this line of thought a few weeks ago in an e-mail.

Here's what it means to me, which is a change in emphasis over what was probably taught on police driving courses 30 years ago: cars and bikes mostly have additional high gears available now. If you look at the ratios the top two gears can be overdrives, i.e. less than 1:1 ratio. My new toy, a BMW RT1200, is the first bike I've had where this applies to gear 5 and 6.

You've heard the expression, "Gears to go; brakes to slow!" and you know that "Making Progress" is part of what advanced riding is all about. So, if gears are a "tool for acceleration" why do we bother with the overdrive gears? Since my RT (sorry to mention again ... but, you know how it is with a new toy with new gadgets!) also has real-time monitoring of the fuel consumption (mpg) rate, I've been experimenting with what happens to the rate when you take the opportunity to "relax the engine" by putting it into the highest appropriate gear when you can. The results are remarkable. Staying in 4th where response is more flexible produces 48 mpg; however, putting it into 5th or 6th pushed mpg up to 53. When I deliberately stayed in the very highest gear (6th at times) even to the point where I would have thought I was "lugging" the engine, the mpg rose to 64.

Now, there's no way I'm going to ride in the highest possible gear all the time because of the loss of flexibility and ability to react to circumstances. Besides, acceleration is fun and for bend work ‘Roadcraft’ advocates using 50% of redline rpms.

But can you see where I'm coming from with this? There are a lot of Associates who are too afraid of losing control of their bikes when in a higher gear, such that they stay in a lower gear and rely on the comfort afforded by engine braking when they let go of the throttle, especially in the wet. I've noticed it in one or two Check Test Rides I've conducted recently. It was also picked up by an examiner in a test on a day with one of this Summer's seemingly endless downpours occurred; and their Observer commented later that the Associate didn't normally do it.

So yes, use the gears for acceleration not braking, be willing to make progress but, when you can, e.g. on a straight stretch, show your knowledge and feel for your bike by relaxing the engine and knocking it up into a higher gear for a while. You’ll gain in confidence and save fuel too!.

Does anyone actually talk about the item on the examiner's

SAM Welcomes New Members: Mark David Allan Michael William Asher Andy Brown Guy Canovan Lisa Karen Carr Paul David Charlton Kevin Coleman Matt Cornford

Richard Game Neale Gordon Peter Halswell Nick Harper Colin Mark Harris Stuart Hills Jennifer C Holt Steve Kay

Paul Leslie Leadbitter John Lee Paul Marshall Graham C Martin Raymond Montgomerie Kim Patrick Moody Glenn Ryan Moores Ian Morrison Page 3

David Hugh Morton Kev Pittaway Carrie Rawlinson Colin Reed Michael Timothy Rees Stephen Rowe Richard Wagon Andrew Michael Watts

SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

An interview with Nikki Davey Following on from the 'Celebrating Success' feature in the last issue of Making Progress Nikki Davey was questioned as to what motivates her as a motorcyclist. Read the interview:

• More low bikes...Honda Hornet, Suzuki Bandit & Gladius, Ducati Monster.

• A wider range of gear that fits... Top marks to Halvarrsons for lovely warm size 5 winter gloves!

How long you have been motorcycling?

Three and a half years.

Riding is amazing NOW! I have a smile on my face as I breeze along the Morestead Road – or winding along the A339 but it wasn’t always that way... so here are some of the things that had me pretty spooked at first...animals (big ones, small ones, alive and already dead), tight bends, damp roads, white paint, gritty junctions, high winds, driving rain, and parking up.

What motivated you to take it up in the first place?

Riding pillion on your partner’s sports bike is a poor substitute for riding beside them!

How long did you wait between passing your bike test to joining SAM and deciding to take your advanced bike test?

Over the winter and long enough to realise that passing the test is just the first step in learning to ride a motorbike.

Do you enjoy your motorcycling more now?

Yes - having overcome fear, I am now really loving it.

What are your biking ambitions?

Riding abroad with my partner and friends and some more track days.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

Since starting to ride, a few people have asked me how biking can attract more women riders. So here’s my wish list:

Although it took me a while (and a long time some will think) it really doesn’t matter when you get your badge!

A change in observer was a chance for fresh eyes and a different experience. Buddies are great – they make practicing more fun, and honest assessment and feedback from observers with realistic goals and training programmes will win every time.

I am massively grateful for the support that I have received from everyone: my partner Steve, Mandy & Pete, Debbie, Janine and their hubbies, my observers Lilian and Mike, the SAM members who teach slow riding and theory, and all who have made me welcome on group rides. You have made my transformation from beginner to green badge possible. A massive THANKS to you all, I am going to have a great summer!

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

So much has happened since the last issue it is often difficult to know where to start. Following the changes to the committee at the last AGM, we finalised the acquisition of the new MDU, and have had a large influx of new members.

done it, you must, it is fantastic. No, for the road to the Stelvio from the east between Ponte de Legno and Bormio, the SS300. Not for the faint hearted, about the width of a UK C class road with shear drops and no barriers. The descent towards 'Santa Caterina' was so steep that my back brake decided to go on strike until I stopped and let it cool down enough. Don't believe me? Then go for a virtual ride using Google maps.

ed sed

All that said, the summer is almost over, for me at least. And what a summer I have had: two European motorcycling trips. The first in May to Northern Spain to take part in the MC Piston's "Rallye de Cantabria". And the second, a three week trip to and from Italy and all parts in-between. Not that we, (myself and partner in crime Julian 'Labou') spent the whole of the 3 weeks 'moto-camping'. The first day was a matter of trying to out-run the torrential rain, a feat we sorely failed at, with the help of EuroTunnel ensuring that we arrived in France 2 hours later than we expected. So instead of camping we had to book into a motel, after first leaving two man sized puddles on their lobby floor (from the rain running off our clothing, Ok..). The middle week was spent being all cultural and sophisticated, something that comes hard to me, but Labou seemed to take to it in his stride, his most memorable statement, when viewing an art exhibition in Poligny in the Jura mountains, was “When it comes to art, I know what I like, and that is not it!” You cannot say fairer than that, I suppose. Most memorable day on the bike: probably the Wednesday of the third week, that is the day we took on the Stelvio pass, one of our ‘must do's’. Not so much for the Stelvio itself, although, if you have not

I took my 750 Ducati, and Labou was on his favourite hack the Mk4 Le Mans, proving that you do not need to have a big GS to tour Europe. Considering that the bikes had to carry us and all the camping equipment, they did alright. Whereas it was obvious that the GS riders were using hotels and guest houses. Just goes to show you that GS's are not serious touring hacks, either that or they have too much money to rough it. The other reason to use those particular bikes was to take them on a trip back to the factories. Anyway enough about that, I will savour it for a winter edition when I can reminisce at leisure.

Back to this edition, two articles about the MDU and how well it has been received, Simon Gardiner goes loopy in the Lakes - seriously Simon try the Alps. David Hughes tells us about a special little gem of a museum he finds in the South of France, and the usual serious and not so serious contributions.

Rod

Brake burning descents.

Eye watering ascents, whoa, stay away from the edge.

Monday 16th of July - Samaritans Ride Although it was a rainy Monday afternoon, several SAM members turned out to welcome David Exley who is riding around the country visiting all 201 branches of The Samaritans to raise money for them after his younger brother Tim took his own life, as did his son James four years ago.

SAM were represented by myself, Nigel Tailyour, Michael Asher and Alan Culshaw along with ex-SAM member Joy Davis and (not yet in SAM, but maybe soon) Karen Middleton.

We also had a visit from the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Frank Jonas, who, surprisingly but pleasingly, turned out to be a biker himself (he rides a Triumph Bonneville Thruxton) and so there was a fair amount of bike chat and a couple of anecdotes about him having visited the Manx GP and the TT. The Portsmouth Samaritans kindly laid on tea and biscuits which were much appreciated and if you wish to make a donation to David's campaign you can do it via http://tinyurl.com/davidexley (don't forget to tick the Gift Aid box!)

We then headed out to escort him on the next part of his ride, although myself and another rider had to leave at the A3M turn-off as we had to do work, but we wish him all the best for a successful ride.

by Graham Marsden Page 5

SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

THE NEW MOBILE DISPLAY UNIT HITS THE ROAD We’ve done it! The new Mobile Display Unit has been commissioned and, as I write, has already been out on the road twice.

There are still things to be done, the new generator has arrived so we now will have bags of power for the kettle and a new TV/ DVD player has been authorised and will be purchased within days. As far as the unit itself is concerned, it arrived without the nose-cone we ordered and that will be retro-fitted at the end of August on current planning. There is only one other Motorcycle Group with such a facility and that’s in Northern Ireland: just like SAM, they have been running one of the former IAM nationally owned units that were pensioned off by the IAM some years ago.

Our sponsors are: • Adelaide Insurance Services

• • • • • •

Hampshire County Council The Cooperative Community Fund Keith Madeley Financial Services BLD RDPE (Rural Development Programme for England) HSBC

We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors and our Champions, without whom the project would not have got off the How did this all come about? Well, as many of you know, our old ground. As it is, we have raised the money we need and the only cost to the SAM budget has been an advance of cash that MDU was nearing the end of its useful life and we were faced matches the money we would have had to put into the budget anyway to keep the old MDU on the road.

Speaking of which, it is certainly worth mentioning that the old MDU has been purchased by the Royal British Legion Riders and they intend giving it a major overhaul and re-fit because they have the facilities to do so. We wish them luck and maybe we’ll meet up “on the road” in the future.

The new MDU was collected from the supplier at Rowlands Castle on the 9th June by Tim Bennett. On the short journey to its new home, Tim reported that he was passed by 6 bikers, all of whom spotted the graphics and gave the thumbs up. The graphics are stunning and they have been produced and applied

by GRS Signs – a company run by our very own Graeme Smith Our IAM Regional representative has been following our progress with interest and has asked if we can make the MDU available for other Groups In the Region. We have said “yes” to this and have published a scale of charges. The MDU will, however, always be on first call to SAM. It will also always be towed and set up by SAM Members (who get their expenses with making a decision: do we replace it, or run it into the ground and then manage without? Gazebo options were consid- paid). Speaking of which, if you are fitted for towing and can ered and rejected (we’ve got one as an emergency stand by, but give of your time to support SAM in this aspect of its recruiting it does not compare with the MDU and is awful in bad weather). work, please contact Tim Bennett at mdu@solentadvancedmotorcyclists. co.uk we can never have too many “on In fact, you, the members, made the decision for us. Having the books” and, of course, the more we have, the fewer times been lobbied for ideas on how to spend the money which we won for being the IAM top group, you told us, and subsequently you are called upon: so please step up to the plate - we need you. We have also recently arranged for SAM Observers to atvoted at the 2011 AGM, in favour of a new MDU. The IAM prize was £1000, the MDU bill was forecast at around £15,000. So if it tend, when the MDU is deployed, to provide free Assessed Rides for members of the public and this is a real “win-win” situation. was not going to cost the members and SAM’s bank account an arm and a leg, your Committee had a major fund-raising effort on its hands. We started to sound out sponsors and pretty soon We plan to have a formal “launch” of the new MDU and we think it became apparent that if we really got stuck in, we could raise it would be fitting to hold this in conjunction with our friends and chosen charity, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance at the funds. We needed, perhaps above all, a Project Plan and a Business Case to put in front of potential sponsors and we need- Thruxton. This means we can combine the event with the presentation of a cheque to HIOWAA for the money you have ed a few champions to tell them how vital our work is for the raised during the last year. So watch this space for the SAM road-using-public and the community as a whole. Fortunately, Announce and let’s make sure we achieve a great turn-out at within the Committee we have the expertise in Project Planning to generate a convincing plan and the contacts to bring champi- Thruxton for this event. ons on board.

Once again, this is a first for SAM. We know the MDU has always been a good recruiter and now we have assured continued sucA number of our sponsors wanted to scrutinise the Plan and cess through a magnificent fund raising effort and a good deal of Business Case and they all found it acceptable. Our champions hard graft by your Committee. It still, however, depends on your were, and indeed still are: support to man it and tow it, so when you get those SAM An• the Hampshire Constabulary, nounces telling you where it will be and asking for Members and • the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Associates to provide the crew, please respond and do your bit.

• the previous Mayor of Winchester.

It’s always great fun and you get to ride your bike!

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

Looping the Lakes

passes each with their own character, challenges, and views. The Kirkstone pass has a pub at the top where bikers can be found sipping soft drinks, and the Honister pass is famous for the slate quarries. But even the ordinary roads Hard Knott pass offer superb rides and varied scenery, though small villages and remote communities.

By Simon Gardiner

For boating folk used to the Solent, Windermere’s marinas and yachting scene seems distinctly touristy and twee, but for inland sailing and generally mucking around on boats, the lakes do offer a great way to get afloat. Our seagoing was limited to the cross-Windermere ferry which must be the longest (length) chain or cable ferry crossing ever as these ferries tend to span very narrow stretches.

Central lakeland

Wedged between Langdale Fell and The Old Man of Coniston is a single track of tarmac almost 10k long which offers the ride of all rides. Known as the Hard Knott pass it is closed in poor weather and over winter, as it snakes and twists its way up improbable inclines and narrow hairpin bends from Wastwater lake to the pretty shore of Windermere at Ambleside.

Of course no tour is complete without cream tea stops and ice creams, but beware the country house private tea rooms where a slice of take-away teacake costs £3... and not a very big slice either!

Wherever you go bikes get a warm welcome, and of course you don’t ever pay for parking. We fitted in a few Lakeside walks having packed the fell boots, and that’s an equally good way to get into the scenery as riding is. How many lakes are there?

Only one – Bassenthwaite – the rest are meres, tarns and waters.

Taken at a steady pace, there’s no question of stopping on some sections, and on less steep parts passing places allow other cars and bikes to take the descent, or complete a difficult ascent first. There’s a decent-speed run of several kilometres approaching the challenging top section, then an initial heart-stopping descent (meant for mountain goats not bikes), followed by the most glorious sweeping gradual descent over a couple of miles leading seamlessly though Wrynoss pass. As we agreed when we met at the end, this is more fun than a man is meant to have with his trousers on.

From our base at Crosthwaite near Windermere, 4 days of superb weather in late May gave us the chance to discover the Lake district, and it was not found wanting. Good clear roads, Cream teas, of course. the best scenery and lakeside stops aplenWe covered about 850 miles over 5 days, and stayed at Crosty. thwaite House B&B at £35pp / night.

Credit to SAM – this is the latest in a series of articles about our We made good time Riding the passes little adventures around the UK and France, including with tents. on the 290-mile trip Having joined SAM in 2005, the riding skills and confidence up mainly on the A34 and M6, leaving at 08:30 and arriving at gained have given me and many others the impetus to get out 15:00 after two coffee stops. This was much more manageable there whenever and wherever we can. Whether it’s a day trip or than I thought and we made even better time on the trip back, international adventure, what’s not to like? Do it your way. Solo, with an alternative southern route section through Marlborough.

2 up, in a group. I would never have known or tried without the SAM experience. Tell your friends! SG In company with Neil Stocker (BMW 1200RT) and on my Triumph Sprint GT, we sought out the sights, finding two more

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

Our new MDU had its first outing on the 15th July at the Motorcycle Ride in Day held at Beaulieu. I had wondered if it would be cancelled due to the awful weather during the week, I was assured by the organisers that it was Ok. But this still did not stop me getting stuck in the mud!! But with the aid of the 8 helpers that came along they managed to push the van & MDU to our final position.

New MDU at Beaulieu,

by Tim Bennett

With the full graphics wrapped around the MDU, we now certainly attract interest.

The weather stayed dry throughout the day and we signed up four new members for SAM and one for the Cheshire group.

The new MDU is much easier to set up than the old one and within 15 minutes we were ready to meet the public.

The IAM Region representative, Mark Trimmer, turned up to see us “in action� and will help promote us to other groups.

I am in discussions With Chichester Honda who have their open day on the 25th August, this will be a joint operation with the West Sussex Group.

Our plan is to hire out the MDU to other groups to enable them to support their local dealers in the same way we do with ours, this will also be offered to car groups as well. Gener- Crescent Suzuki ating a valuable income for the club. are having two open days at Burlsedon & Verwood. Green badge holders and observers will be required for both events as we will be accompanying the demo bike ride outs. If you would like to support the MDU at any future event please contact me or reply to the SAM Announce. I also need more volunteers to tow the MDU to the venues. Tim. Nigel Unsworth, Ian Kennard, Russ Clark, Roger Nunn, Charlie Hill, Mike Carter and Ian Cooper.

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

Le Musée de la Moto

August 2012

by

David Hughes Should any members get down to the south of France - on their bikes or otherwise - a visit worth making is to Entrevaux on the D4202 road from Digne-les-Bains to Nice. This 16th century village, with its dramatic entrance across a drawbridge was, in its day, one of the strongest military sites on the Franco-Savoy border. Even the 17th century cathedral, well worth a visit in itself, was skilfully incorporated into the turreted ramparts. However, the first challenge is to climb up to the citadel after, of course, paying 3 Euros for a 'jeton' to enable you to get through the turnstile entrance.

This can be bought at the Tourist Office just as you have passed through the gated entrance into the old town. The climb takes you 440 feet above the village and provides some breath taking views.

On the way down you will see a sign directing you to 'Le Musée de la Moto'. The last thing I expected to see was a motorbike museum but this one, tucked away in a tiny back street, was well worth a visit. It boasts 75 motorbikes of all shapes and sizes and all in full working order, displayed on two floors. The proprietor, Michel Lucani, clearly very proud of his bikes, told me that he had been a motor cycle racing circuit mechanic and hence he knew all about Sammy Miller and his museum even though he has never been to the UK. Despite one or two little grumbles from 'she who must be obeyed' when I saw the sign and headed off in that direction, even she was fascinated by all the bikes and we both enjoyed talking to Michel. So, if ever you get down that way, don't miss the chance to stop off at Entrevaux. It's well worth it.

And on a sad note: stolen from Mike Rendal’s garage on the 18th June, Mike asks all members to keep an eye out for his bikes and if you see or hear of anything please contact him on 07723 474075.

For more details including registration and other distinguishing features see http:// www.solentadvancedmotorcyclists.co.uk/images/articles/ rendal.pdf

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

SAM ASSOCIATE CHARTER (Revised) Purpose This Charter sets out the basis of the relationship between Observers and Associates.

Observers Observers give their time freely to Associates. They also invest considerable time, energy and personal expense in their personal training so that they can provide Associates with a “Skill for Life”.

Associates In exchange for Observers’ time and commitment, a reciprocal commitment is required from Associates:

•

Regular practice between Observed rides in order to put into practice what they have been shown and to apply `The System of Motorcycle Control`.

•

A commitment to study the Highway Code, How to be a Better Motorcyclist, Know Your Signs and, preferably, Roadcraft, in-between observed rides.

•

A voluntary contribution towards the Observer’s motorcycle running costs, as set down by the Group and varied from time to time. This is currently £10 for rides up to 40 miles and £15 for rides in excess of 40 miles.

•

To keep in contact with their Observer at reasonable intervals to arrange subsequent rides.

The Process

1.

The Observer allocated to an Associate will make contact to arrange the first observed ride.

2.

When an Observer feels that an Associate is test-ready, he/she will recommend a Check Test with a Senior Observer to verify the Associate’s progress.

3.

Any Associate who wishes a second opinion on their progress is welcome to come along to a SAM Sunday and request an observed ride with an Observer, other than their own.

4.

Some riders achieve the necessary skills with 6 runs, while others require more. Every rider is different: If, after 10 runs, the Observer or Associate feel they are unable to make further progress, the Associate may be handed back to the Chief Observer for advice or re allocation to another Observer.

5.

Associates are normally expected to pass the IAM Advanced Test within 2 years.

6.

Associates are encouraged to ride in bad weather, as this is an essential skill for life. Cancellation of an observed run due to bad weather will be a joint decision by the Observer and the Associate.

7.

If the Observer feels that insufficient progress is being achieved by an Associate over a three month period due to a lack of practice, lack of studying or the Associate not keeping in contact, the Associate will be "pooled" and await reallocation to another Observer.

8.

In the event that an Associate feels that, for whatever reason, e.g. a clash of personality, difference in style etc. he/she is not making the progress with their Observer that they had hoped for, they should firstly talk this through with their Observer and agree a plan and, if this is not satisfactory, contact the Chief Observer to request reallocation to another Observer, at the Chief Observer's discretion.

PORTANT This is IM

Ready for your Test …….

"The IAM has told all examiners that candidates’ driving licence photo cards must be valid, otherwise the test will not take place. Previously the test would have gone ahead and the candidate would have been advised to get it sorted."

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

Events Calendar September 2012– November 2012 SAM Events

Other Events September

Sam Sunday(2nd) Group ride to Middle Wallop, Andy Anderson (RL), SGCC (SM) 12:00, Loomies (EA) 15:30

BSB Donington 7th – 9th WSB Nürburing 7th – 9th MAG Motorbike show 9th, The Cricketers, Chestnut Ave, Eastleigh.

MotoGP Misano 16th BSB Assen 21st – 23rd WBS Portimão 23rd

Club Night (11th) Slow Riding L1 (15th) 09:00 NATS, Whiteley Group Ride to Pirbright/Reading. Alec Gore (RL) Wickham Sq (SM) 09:30 Spring Theory session 1&2 (29th) 09:15 – 14:00, Winchester BSB Silverstone 28th – 30th MotoGP Aragon 30th Fire Station October Spring Theory session 1&2 (6th) 09:15 – 14:00, Winchester Fire Station Sam Sunday (7th) Group ride to Box Hill L2, Andy Anderson (RL), Wickham Sq (SM) 09:00 Club Night (9th) Slow Riding L1 (13th) 09:00 NATS, Whiteley Group ride to Wantage L3, Alec Gore (RL), King Alfred Winchester (SM) 10:00 MotoGP Malaysia 21st MotoGP Australia 28th November Sam Sunday (4th) Group ride to Mere L2 (11th), Alec Gore (RL), Ower Svc (SM) 10:30 Club Night (13th)

MotoGP Valencia 11th

Motorcycle Live NEC 24th – 2nd Dec. The Ace Cafe London run events every weekend, see www.acecafeevents.com for further details

Key: (SAM Events) RL (Run Leader), SM (Start Meet), EA (End At), WKA (Winchester King Alfred’s Statue), OS (Ower Services), WS (Wickham Square) (Other events) BSB—British Super Bikes, WBS –World Super Bikes Note: Check the web site for the latest SAM Events programme.

The source for the other events are varied and include some of the links mentioned below.

Not found something of interest in the list above? There are a number of useful web sites to watch depending upon your particular interest.

I have compiled the following short list:

• • • • • •

http://www.mag-uk.org/en/eventslist http://www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerrallies.html http://sump-publishing.co.uk/classic%20bike%20events.htm http://www.cernunnos-mcc.org/whatson http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/RidingEvents/ http://www.acu.org.uk/events/

If you know of an event or show that may be of interest to other members in the months November 2012 — February 2013, drop a line to editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk with dates, contact details and any other information that would be useful, and it will be added to the list.

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SAM SOLENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

August 2012

YOUR COMMITTEE Role

Member

Email Address

Chairman

David Forster

chairman@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Club Secretary

Logan Colbeck

secretary@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Public Relations Treasurer

vacant Sam Davis

public-relations@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk treasurer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Chief Observer

Alec Gore

chief-observer@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Membership Secretary

Carrie Rawlinson

membership@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

MDU Co-ordinator

Tim Bennett

mdu@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Webmaster

Rui De Castro

webmaster@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Club Night Organiser

Mark Rowe / Martin Thomas

club_night@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Associate Co-ordinator

Mike Carter

associate-coordinator@solent-advancedmotorcyclists.co.uk

Merchandise

Ian Kennard

merchandise@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

Magazine Editor

Rod Griffin

editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

More from Motorcycle News: A petition has been set up to fight the planned parking charges for bikes on the streets of Matlock Bath, Derbyshire’s motorcycling Mecca.

Sheffield Motorcycle Centre (SMC) have started the online petition, approved by Derbyshire County Council, which requires 7,500 signatures to force a rethink and keep parking free on Matlock Bath’s North and South parades.

The village is one of the most popular destinations for bikers in the country, attracting thousands every month in summer, however, the council plans to bring in on-street parking charges for all vehicles on the North and South Parades, the areas usually full of bikes.

Caption Competition.

Suggestion to editor@solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

(read the full article: http:// www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/ newsresults/General-news/2012/July/jul2712petition-against-matlock-bath-parking-plans/)

DISCLAIMER Many of the views expressed in this SAM Newsletter are personal to the author and publication does not imply endorsement of any article, any author or any organisation. Views expressed are not necessarily in accordance with the policies or the views of the IAM or SAM. Where articles are reproduced from other publications or authors, unreserved acknowledgement is given to the source. No responsibility is accepted by the Editor or SAM for any damage to intelligence or riding abilities, howsoever caused which might result from reading this publication.

“Well it’s great on the straights, but it steers like a cow…”

Sent in by Graham Marsden

Advanced notice: The following edition of ‘Making Progress’ is scheduled for November 2012, please ensure all contributions are submitted by 10th October.

Advice on submitting articles: send in your article in the form of a Microsoft Office Word document, plain text or in the body of the email. Images should be accompanied by a caption, i.e. file name - caption, if not I will apply my own. So get busy, write and send them.

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