Tug web june 2016

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Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group

June 2016

Welcome to TUG Dear Members, After a bit of a hiatus, TUG is back, under the uncertain control of a new and reluctant Editor.

There is supposed to be a tendency for new brooms to sweep clean and impress their own individual stamp on a publication. Rest assured that this is not going to be the case. Owing to my unfamiliarity with desktop publishing (and a general distaste for any software issued later than about 1997) this will strongly resemble the previous TUG. In fact it will be the old TUG with a bit of cut and pasting to replace some content! It is all going to be very, VERY amateur since Colin, the previous editor, seemed to be a whiz at this sort of thing and included lots of natty features which elude me completely. You have been warned.

Chairman’s Piece

2

Test Passes

4

Membership Info

7

Observer Coordinator

8

Events Report

17

Dates for the Diary

22

Membership Form

24

Picture Gallery

28

Steam Tug Article 5

30

Mike Remembered

34

Poets Corner

41

Further Training

42

Chris

Trainee 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

Page 4

CHAIRMAN’S PIECE June 2016 June seems to have come around very quickly! As I get older the years seem to get shorter and pass faster ! Must be an age thing..... I'd like to thank Chris Johnson for taking on the role of TUG Newsletter editor at short notice and also to thank Colin Childs for the sterling work he previously did as editor.

Unfortunately for me, 2016 has not been great so far. The tragic loss of Mike Hamilton in March brought home the reality of the negatives of motorcycling and how, no matter how good you are, it can still go wrong. I have also been unable to take as active part in the Group so far this year due to illness. A severe attack of Psoriasis has meant that I have been unable to use my hands and feet and due to the sheer number of lesions over my skin I am unable to wear protective riding gear. Hopefully now that I have begun treatment I may be in a position to ride again in 3 months or so. As a result I will postpone the Super Sausage run until later in the year and find a suitable gap in the Group Diary to slot it in to.

Thank you to everyone that manned the stand at North Weald for the Herts Air Ambulance event. your help is very much appreciated and for the shot time that I was able to be there the stand was pretty busy. It is a shame though that the event has diminished in size due to a lack of trade exhibitors who see little financial benefit in attending and sadly this will attract fewer and fewer visitors over time.

June also sees the first of two Slow Riding Days at the Ford Dunton

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development site. Come along and improve your machine control at low speed and your emergency braking technique and try your hand at the collision avoidance manoeuvre that every new rider taking their DVSA riding test now has to pass. I guarantee that you will leave the event a far more confident rider. Thanks due to Graham Simpkins for organising the use of the Dunton testing site. If you are unable to attend in June then why not set aside a couple of hours for the second date in September.

I look forward to riding with you all throughout the second half of the year.

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

Steve Williams 8th May 2016 RoSPA Re-Test (Silver) Examiner Mark Anderson Observer Peter Richbell

Alan Mcdowell 16th March 2016 RoSPA Test (Gold) Examiner Paul Roberts Observer Alan Burke

Paul Reynolds 21st May 2015 EAMG Observer Test Assessor Richard Parker Observer Phil Jones

Tony Coleby 5th May 2016 IAM Examiner Clive Fry Observer Phil Jones

www.emg.org.uk

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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.”

Page 9

Membership Information Dear Members & Prospective Members, The membership form is on the website or page 24 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

85

Associate

22

Social

2

Observer

17

Life

12

Total

138

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

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OBSERVER COORDINATOR John Tullett I would like to start by welcoming Chris Johnson to his first issue of TUG as Editor. Having occupied this position in the past I know how important it is for other Group members to regularly provide a good selection of articles for publication.

So if you want to continue to receive an informative and interesting newsletter please ensure that you support Chris by getting writing...

Training EAMG has always sought to promote motorcycling excellence by offering the most extensive range of training options to Associate and Full members of the Group, which are provided by the most comprehensively trained and rigorously tested team of Observers.

As an independent Group we are not constrained by the potentially restrictive demands of a central organisation. For example, we do not force Associate members to take one particular advanced test. In fact, it is your decision whether you opt to take a test at all (but most Group members do).

We also provide additional training options to Full members who have passed an advanced test and wish to develop their skills further.

Bearing in mind that we have had a good number of new members join the Group in 2016 I thought it would be helpful for me to outline the various training options available, particularly when it is not always clear what the related three or four letter acronyms mean.

1-to-1 Observed Rides One to one observed rides form the core of Associate training within EAMG, with an assigned Observer focussing on addressing your personal training

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needs and aspirations. Associates are requested to make a ÂŁ10 contribution towards Observer expenses on 1-to-1 training rides.

Before you can participate in rides with a 1-to-1 Observer EAMG requires you to complete a New Associate Training Process (NATP), which covers the prerequisites for safe participation in training. This will either be carried out by your 1-to-1 Observer or at a Group Night meeting or an AGT. Associate Group Training (AGT)

AGTs provide Associates with the opportunity to attend a short Roadcraft presentation followed by an observed ride with different Observers and are held at 09:15 on the Sunday after the Group Night meeting, which is always held on the first Tuesday of the month. Our venue is Moulsham School, Chelmsford, post code CM2 9ES. Associates may attend AGTs for free as the related costs are covered by your standard membership fee. All Associates are eligible to attend as many AGTs as they wish, regardless of whether or not they are also allocated to a 1-to-1 Observer.

Flexible Observed Rides Flexible Observed Rides provide Associates wishing to progress their 1-to-1 training more quickly with the opportunity to arrange additional observed rides with an Observer who has spare capacity. Flexible Observed rides are intended to complement and not replace rides with your allocated 1-to-1 Observer.

If you are interested in Flexible Observed Rides please let me know when you will be available (e.g. weekends, weekdays or anytime) and I will endeavour to match you with a suitable Observer. Associates participating in Flexible Observed Rides will be requested to make the standard ÂŁ10 contribution towards Observer expenses for each ride.

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

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Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) FTFM provides Full members with an opportunity to attend training with a personal 1-to-1 Observer, in a similar fashion to the training provided to Associates. We request Full members to make a ÂŁ10 contribution for each ride to help offset observer expenses. Your Observer will be at least RoSPA Gold level.

The majority of Full members sign up for FTFM to help prepare to take a RoSPA retest or additional test but FTFM can also be used to help address specific issues or to develop your riding skills. Your Observer will be seeking to train you to a standard where you can achieve a good level RoSPA pass.

FTFM is designed to be flexible and you can sign up when completing your membership form or pay your additional ÂŁ20 at any time during the year, whenever it is most convenient for you.

If there is sufficient Observer capacity at AGTs Full members signed up for FTFM will be able to attend an observed ride, but priority will be given to Associate members (as Full members also have the option of attending a social ride at the AGT).

Full Member Training (FMT) John Tipper has been successfully running FMT days for many years and these offer a great opportunity to allow Full members to identify and address any bad habits whilst developing their riding skills. Two new routes are being introduced for 2016 and details on remaining dates can be found elsewhere in this issue of TUG. You will be riding with a RoSPA Gold (or higher) level Observer and, usually, one other Full member over a predefined route of around 200 miles. This will give you an opportunity to ride on some unfamiliar roads and periodically 'take a break' while the second rider is being observed. You will be

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debriefed during the ride and given a comprehensive ride report. Several refreshment stops are incorporated into each route. The cost to attend a FMT day is ÂŁ45.

Great care is taken to ensure that each 'pair' of riders is matched in terms of their experience levels, ability and aspirations. Many Full members have attended FMTs prior to taking a RoSPA test or re-test; to check their riding skills; or to prepare for Observer training.

Slow Riding Days We run slow riding days for the benefit of all members twice a year and charge a modest entry fee of ÂŁ5 to cover the provision of biscuits & water and help offset our expenses.

We always endeavour to offer as wide a range of activities as possible, including emergency braking; manoeuvring exercises; and the slowest rider race - to win the much coveted 'snail' t-shirt. We will also provide 1-to-1 assistance to address specific issues as required.

Our next Slow Riding Day will be held at the Ford Dunton Test Track on Sunday, 19th June. If you wish to attend please let me know beforehand, to help ensure we have sufficient numbers of Observers (and biscuits) available.

Promoting EAMG EAMG had a successful day at the Essex Motorcycle Show held at North Weald on 1st May, with a lot of potential members visiting our promotional stand.

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

Page 14

Our next promotional event will be the Maldon Motor Show, to be held in Promenade Park, Maldon on Sunday, 3rd July. The show will include a display of classic cars & bikes, an auto jumble, auto trade stands and vintage & craft fairs. There is no admission fee for visitors so any Group members who are able to assist on the EAMG stand or just fancy dropping in for a chat will be very welcome.

---ooo0ooo--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.

www.emg.org.uk

Page 15

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

Page 16

www.emg.org.uk

Page 17

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

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Page 19

Events Report Chris Johnson TUG has been dormant for a couple of issues, and so I should in principle have a lot of rides I can report. However unlike earlier, simpler, times when the limit would have been how far my memory, or my Muse, would take me I now know that I have to produce exactly five pages. Less than that and there will be a gaping hole in TUG, and more means an extra four pages have to be added, and filled. Let us reach back in time .......

On 6th December last year we had a post-AGT run. I must have been on it because I took pictures, which seemed to indicate that there were half-a-dozen of us, but I remember nothing. Fortunately I had made a post-run report on the BBS so I can confidently assert that there were six riders, and we went out via Finchingfield, Haverhill, and Wickhambrook to Red Lodge, where we wined and dined before returning via Clare. We used the Buddy, rather than Marker, system, nobody got lost and there were no U-turns. The best part of it was that the roads were dry, the temperature a very atypical 13C for December, and there was even a little weak sun on occasions. It was a bit breezy but there were few nasty gusts. Distance was about 90 miles. By contrast a week later, on the 13th December, the Fates gifted us with truly foul weather. It was cold, it was wet, the lead for my heated jacket had absconded, and Richard had a run to St Ives. It was surprisingly enjoyable for the ten of us.

Richard kept up quite a smart pace for the conditions but it must have been very nicely judged, because I experienced no slithers or slides except for the one occasion when I deliberately leant the bike further over than was necessary to see how much grip there was, and was rewarded by a gentle minor glide outwards. Traction control can't help you with that one! Geoff Preston was acting as back marker, and he is not one to be shy about pointing out bad riding, but on this occasion he was full of praise for the riding standard. The pictures at the Local Cafe (one of my favourite ride destinations since the food is both good and good value) show everyone looking as if they were enjoying themselves and in truth I think they were. There's nowt as queer as folks! The bikes got absolutely filthy. Inevitably when I got back I found the missing power lead for the heated jacket. I reasoned that I must have put it in full view over some part of the Fireblade, but could not see it. I advanced the search to Defcon One, broke open the envelope containing the access codes and

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

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released from its secure home my best torch, a 60w LED monster nicknamed 'Nagasaki' because of the effect it has if you turn it on without bracing yourself, and took it out to the bike shed. That did the trick. I had draped the lead over the Blade seat but it had slid forward to lodge in the crack between seat and tank.

I have no information about Mick Hewitt's Associate Ride to the Silver Ball Cafe on 20th December, but it did take place and there were people on it.

2016 started with Richard's 120 mile ride to the Rushbrooke Arms at Bury St Edmunds on 10th January. I regretfully cried off from it since on the Friday my dentist had decided to perform two root extractions, and I was still feeling distinctly fragile, but for once there is a fair amount of detail on the BBS. There were 21 bikes and hazy sun forced the temperature up to a tropical 8C. The lunch venue was generally appreciated although back marker Geoff paid a fiver for two bits of bread with a halved tomato on them (subsequently upgraded to two and a half tomatoes). Spider learned a valuable life lesson when he was re-acquainted with the fact that, if you locate the little sticky-out thingy on your wheel rim and connect an air line to it, then the tyre plumps up and the bike stops handling like a pregnant hippo. The planned Associate ride the following week was cancelled due to freezing conditions, so we had to wait until Valentines Day for Richard's next outing to Capel St Mary. It was only a degree above freezing when I set out, but the cloud and damp kept the frost away. We had sixteen bikes, whose riders had presumably left gifts of cards and long-stem roses to placate their significant others. There was an interesting route out which involved pretending to go to Harwich and then doubling back to surprise the Harvest Moon Cafe from the rear. The return journey was more conventional through Sudbury & Finchingfield, but the sun was out, the roads were drier, and the temperature rose to an impressive six degrees! Total distance about 120 miles again and Mick acted as back marker.

The following week Mick Hewitt opened up his Associate ride to Full Members who could accept a more relaxed pace. He had the good fortune to pick the only

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warm day in a cold fortnight (a low of ten and a high of sixteen degrees) and a dozen bikes went off to the Rushbrooke Arms. I was quite content with the slower pace, and thought the Associates rode very well (their road positioning was generally better than mine). The only thing which irked slightly was failure to take advantage of a bike's small size and acceleration at roundabouts, but that is because I have a bit of a thing about making progress through roundabouts.

The roads on the outward leg were a bit greasy, but we even had a hazy sun on the return journey. Mick did a grand job (even throwing in a U-turn for my benefit) and the only quibble I have with him is that we stopped for petrol at Barton Mills at 105.9p per litre, when we had earlier passed a Tesco which offered 97.9p/litre. In addition to roundabouts I also have a bit of a thing about getting petrol at the lowest possible price! Total distance was a little over 100 miles and, as usual on Mick's runs, Alan Burke acted as back marker.

On 13th March Mick held another Associates ride, and Richard had one for Full Members to St Ives on a fine day with seventeen bikes. Tragically this was the ride where Mike Hamilton had his fatal accident, so I hope you will excuse me if I do not give any more detailed account of it. I think many of us are still in shock about what happened.

On 10th April Colin suggested, at very short notice, a ride to the South Downs. I have no information about that, and unfortunately the same is true for Mick's Associate Ride to the Le Hague Farm Shop, near Newmarket, on 17th April.

The first ride that month which came to the awareness of your unworthy scribe was Richard's ride to Grafham Water on 24th April. South of the Thames the day started cold and wet for me, but at Sainsbury's it was just cold. We had a credita-

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ble 25 bikes setting out. We lost a couple short of Finchingfield; one unlucky rider lost a bolt from his front brake assembly and the bodge with a cable-tie did not inspire confidence in a successful outcome in the case of an emergency stop. He left to go back home with a friend riding shotgun. We stopped for coffee at the Whittlesford McDonalds. After that it was a Magic Journey through Potton to reach our destination. The cafe we normally go to was closed (look it up on TripAdvisor and you will see that this was probably a good thing) so we went to the activity centre instead, which was much better. The temperature by now was 9C. The return journey was via St Neots, and there were ome excellent bendy bits on both legs of the journey. Jill marked on the way out, and Mick H. on the return journey. 170 miles in total. Apart from the lost bolt there were no known problems. After the AGT on 8th May I had sort of planned a visit to the Blue Egg, because the cafe there is new to me, but it was such a brilliant day that something a little longer seemed called for. The run to Tesco's at Milton, just outside Cambridge, was dusted off yet again. There were 11 of us and, with Neil as back marker, we set off along the A414 to Ongar, B184 (obviously) to Saffron Walden, and then B1052 to Linton and Brinkley.

We then took one of the many unclassifieds to Six Mile Bottom and the A14. I avoided the one with the really savage concealed bump, but our choice still had one very jolly little bump which, since it was a road which encouraged brisk riding, seemed to impress the group. By the time we reached the cafe planned attrition had reduced us to 8. Two more left on the ride back along the same route until the ride ended at Dunmow after 110 miles. For the first time this year it was almost too warm, which made a very pleasant change.

On Sunday May 15th Geoff held his annual run to the Pas de Calais. As usual this meant getting up horribly early, and to gain a few more minutes in bed I elected to meet up with the others at the terminal. I saw them passing through the barrier as I joined the queue and, after the usual struggle with the machine, went through the car park to see if they were there. Perhaps I should have been more thorough, but for some reason I was convinced they had gone to the departure gates. When I arrived there I was at the head of the queue, and became even more convinced they

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had just departed for the shuttle. When I did get onto the 'next' shuttle I phoned Geoff (no answer) and texted him to say I would meet them either at Calais or Cassel. Shortly after that Geoff phoned to enquire, politely, what I was wibbling about since they were near the rear of the shuttle awaiting departure. I had simply missed them in the car park. Walk back to make contact with the five of them (those 'press, wait, and push hard' doors are very tiresome after the first dozen) and then forward to my bike again. I joined up with them as they left the shuttle, we tanked up and then proceeded to Cassel for the inevitable coffee and Croque Monsieur. We all seemed to have memorised Croque Monsieur, a sort of French Welsh Rarebit, after the language struggles last year, but in fact it was the only food the cafe offered. It was delightfully sunny, but actually rather colder than in the UK. The route to Le Touqet started out as usual but then seemed to involve rather more skipping up little side roads than I remember. There were a couple of navigational irregularities which were soon corrected by smoothly executed U-turns. By the time we reached Le Touquet the sun had gone in and there was a brisk and rather chilly breeze. At the beachside seafood restaurant there was no seating inside and we were eventually plonked on the terrace to get the full advantage of the wind.

Some had mussels, and I had a rustic omelette which turned out to be very similar to a tortilla. When it came to paying the bill it turned out there was a 10% surcharge for the privilege of freezing your nuts off outside. The return journey is traditionally along the coast road, but this time the first part was slightly inland. I suspect the baleful influence of a Satnav set to 'shortest route'. The run efectively finished at Calais, because we got separated in the queues to get through French passport control, which for the first time I can remember were active on both sides of the Channel. I suspect they have instructions to let us know what Brexit would involve, but it might just be the run-up to the summer football.

There is no space to report Micks Associate Ride to Royston on May 22nd, but that gives you something to look forward to in the August 2016 TUG!

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

All Full Member Rides will leave Sainsburys Springfield, Chelmsford, at 9.30am

Page 24

January

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 26th 26th

Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Slow Riding Day (tbc) Richard’s Full Member Ride Associate Ride

February

March

April

May

Diary 2016

June

July

www.emg.org.uk

Building, Civil Engineering and Maintenance 

Extensions - Garages - Loft Conversions



Block paving Driveways - Patios



All Types of Roofing

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Carpentry - Brickwork

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Water Main and Sewer Repairs and Renewal

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Fencing - Replacement Windows (uPVC, Hardwood, Aluminium)

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uPVC Cladding, Fascias, Soffits

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Underpinning - Landscaping

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Painting and Decorating Fully Insured (But not yet Needed!)

For free no-obligation quote, phone Clint on

01621 828276 (Office) 07836 277223 (Mobile) Domestic and Commercial Work Undertaken Insurance Work also Welcome Member of The Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors Flagstaff Farm, Green Lane, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BQ

Page 29

Group Night Associate Group Training (AGT) Observer Peer to Peer Richard’s Full Member Ride Summer Barbecue 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 18th

Richard’s Full Member Ride Group Night (Xmas Quiz) Associate Group Training (AGT) Associate Ride

August

Group Nights @ 19:30, AGTs @ 9:15 am

5th 10th 17th 24th 30th 31st 31st

September

October

November

Diary 2016

December

Essex Advanced Motorcyclist Group Promoting Excellence in Motorcycling Since 1982

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Picture Gallery ■ Picture Gallery ■ Picture

www.emg.org.uk

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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 No5 One of 182 tugs constructed of the same design between1942-46

Tony Seaman

In the last article we were about to remove the auxiliary generator from the tug and I was away on a long weekend on the bike to Reims in France.

Prior to setting off our leader John had planned all the routes and had emailed them to everyone, this allowed us load our Sat/Nav units The weekend away proved to be a very pleasant affair even if it was a slow affair at first after an early start on Friday morning. The train we were due to board broke down in the tunnel and delaying us by nearly two hours. Fortunately most of us had not boarded at that point and the weather was being kind as well so we just stood around and chatted etc. I can recommend the eatery by the loading lanes as it is good and cheap. Having cleared the train we all met up at the first service station after that we headed out as a group but soon started to separate into smaller groups. Last year we tried the marking system similar to that which we use on a Sunday but it proved to be very wearing on the leader and tail-end charlie over the course of a whole day that also include some auto routes that proved not be a particularly safe for that sort of system.

As it always seems to be the case with me I was overtaking a line of lorries when I spotted the slip to Reims with all the others disappearing into the distance but there was nothing I could do about it, by the time I had sorted myself out and re-joined the correct route by a cross country diversion that in itself was a nice ride I was way behind the others which was not helped by me being unable to work the payment end of a toll road I must have been there at least 15 minutes but would any of the vehicle drivers behind me offer any help, not a hope in hell, all they did was to back out an use another lane. My request for help resulted in a woman squawking over the

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tannoy in French and as I do not speak French it was of no help whatsoever. At least at the old Dartford crossing method they had staff on hand to help at the booths.

By now I was really pissed off so I pushed the bike out of the terminal and into the next one. The driver of a white van there seem to know how to operate the system and so as he went through the barrier I was right on his back quarter and made my exit stopping only to put on my gloves before heading out to re-join some of the other riders at the agreed rest stop in the town of Dullen. From there we headed out and made the hotel in Reims more or less together.

The format for these jaunts are that we ride out on Saturday and Sunday on different circular routes and finish the day in the hotel bar before making our way into town for a meal in smaller groups.

Again based upon the experience of last year and trying the use the marker system within a large strange town on foreign soil. The start and finish of this year’s Saturday and Sunday runs were located outside of Reims with us all made our own way to this start point and was the one I had suggested after having consulted Google Earth after having received the routes from John prior to leaving, as the original one was just a point alongside what appeared to be a busy main road.

Having all arrived we split into two groups as there were 22 bikes in all and started to use the marker system that generally worked very well. However while the weather in the morning was very nice it became showery later on so progress was somewhat slower than planned as a lot of the route was of a very twisty, uphill and down dale nature with a lot of rough surfaces. Our group did get as far as the site of the First World War armistice but for some reason our leader did not stop which was a pity. We did stop a short while later and decided to return to Perriefound to get some food as by now it was well into the afternoon and we had only covered about 80 of the planned 150mile route. After having refreshed we headed back to the hotel

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in mixed weather arriving at approximately 5 o’clock, after freshening up we were in the bar when the other group arrived back at about 7pm. They had ridden the whole route although it had not been all plain sailing as they had come across a town closed off due to a carnival taking place and ended up going around in circles and as a result they somehow ended up behind us.

But they did spend some time at the armistice centre. We then headed into town for a meal to finish of what had been an interesting day if not as planned.

Sunday proved to be a far better day as it was just one group of about 12 bikes due to a number of the riders having to return home as they were working on Monday. The ride was over good fast smoother roads of a more open bendy nature. We all stopped as planned ate well and returned in one group for more beer and another good night in town.

Monday we started for home at 10am in several smaller groups. The group of five I was in soon split up as unbeknown to me two had decided to go shopping first and the leader wanted fuel and headed for the nearest auto route service station that was not on the planned route so it all proved to be a bit messy at that point. After leaving the shopping pair I had visions of making my way home on my own. As it was, I later caught up with the leader in a village where they had stopped for a meal, having bumped into one of the earlier groups. After that the three of us headed for the tunnel where we met up with most of the others, with the two shopper’s having arrived before us. The run down the M20 was a normal difficult one as it was a staring into the low sun type of ride until relief arrived in the form of the M25 / A12. I arrived home at 8pm having ridden 957m in total since setting out on Friday morning. Similar to last year, we had our own camera crew in the group in the form of Steve and Emma who recorded the whole weekend.

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Back on the Tug and while I was away the work has progressed with a welded up hatch entry to the fore cabin having been opened up and a temporary set of steps in the form of a ladder put in place. Later in the week I was down there just in time to help, after several failed attempts to get the generator out of the boiler room, it finally came out via the engine room hatch but to do so it required the removal of the entry stairs and the use of an A frame, a double block and tackle and the pulling power of two men plus an anchor man (me) using the Sampson post as the locking mechanism. The generator is now ashore and will be sold to raise more funds. This was followed by Tony K and me (Tony S) attempting to remove the bolts holding down the access cover to the boiler (potable) water storage tank towards the rear of the tug so that it could be readied for inspection once it has been vented.

23- 9/16”dia BSW bolts sheared with the 24th unscrewing like they all should have done. “Sods law” I think they call it.

More next time. Tony

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A summary of Mike Hamilton by Andy Hems I was deeply saddened and shocked to have been notified of the death of my good friend and EAMG secretary Mike Hamilton, I had been riding in front of him for many miles on the day of his accident on the EAMG full member ride. However, when we stopped for a tea break I said my goodbyes and rode back home to Chelmsford by myself. .

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That was the last time I saw and spoke to Mike As most of us within the group will know, Mike was a big man with an even bigger personality and just loved riding his bike (unless of course it was wet).

I had the pleasure of riding thousands of enjoyable miles with him in England, Wales and France and I will miss him immensely.

He was a man who always enjoyed an intelligent conversation (this was sometimes very difficult because of the friends he kept company with), but also was willing to join in on an unintelligent conversation providing that he could use his wit to turn it around, He cared and worked hard for the EAMG and had talked to me regarding his proposed plans for the future by following Richard Parkers footsteps by starting to lead club rides on a regular basis.

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We both have a Labrador, as does Paul Reynolds another EAMG member, the dogs are all from the same litter and we would enjoy taking them on walks, once a year we would take our families and meet up with the dogs Mum, Dad and other members of their litter during a weekend away.

Mike enjoyed and was always prepared and willing to exchange banter with his friends, he often came off the looser in exchanges, mainly because the odds were normally about 8 to 1 against him.

Once at Oulton park race circuit whilst on his first ever track day, I remember him overtaking myself and a few others on the 1st sighting lap where he was told at the briefing 'there should be no overtaking on this lap', but did he listen? of course not, as the excitement

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had taken over, but at least he had a smile on his face whilst doing it.

It took a few years before we allowed him to forget that one.

When he had a Honda Blackbird and we were touring, after each fill up the first thing that I would say to him was, 'how much fuel did you put in Mike', this was because I always knew that his bill would generally be 25% more than mine. However, he then he bought a frugal Honda NC as a 2nd bike and the tables were turned as then there wasn't a day went past without him boasting about how many zillions and Trillions of miles to the gallon it returned.

We shared a canoe on a number of occasions whilst in France, and on one occasion we did not want him in our boat but we felt obliged to have our friend Spider in with us, those who know Spider will probably have a good idea why. All I remember about that trip down the river was Mike and myself constantly moaning at him for not putting enough effort into paddling.

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Mike was a very experienced rider who rode his bike on a daily basis and was very proud of what his children and family had achieved but due to an accident his life was unfairly and unexpectedly cut short.

I Will always remember Mike for his witty remarks and sense of humour, his short sight, for having to always lower the shower spray after he had used it, also for our bedtime chats (whilst sharing a room with twin beds of course) although there is photographic evidence that we did once share a double bed. I will also remember Mike for being an excellent riding companion for thousands of miles, for getting annoyed with Phil Jones because of Phil's inability to read a sat nav.

To sum it up I will remember Mike for being a genuine all round good bloke with a grin on his face and for always being a pleasure to be with, but most of all for being an excellent friend. I will miss you mike.

Andy Hems

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Observer Profile ——— Mick Hewitt When and why did you develop an interest in riding a motorcycle?

As a youngster in my local woods, riding Honda 50’s/ scooters. My first taste of a big bike was on an AJS 650 – I jumped on this massive bike, put it in first and let the clutch out like a scooter! The bike took off and with little control I jumped a mound (seemed like I took off but in reality maybe an inch off the ground) and I stayed on! I’ll never forget that feeling of power on that day.

How old were you when you first rode a bike?

I think I was about 8 for Honda 50’s &12 for the AJS. What was the bike and what were the circumstances?

A Honda 50 with leg guards removed. I would always follow my older brother who was mad about bikes (still is). We’d go down the woods where bikes (and cars) would appear (without the owners consent!) but mostly Honda’s / Vespa’s / Lambretta’s. Honda 50’s are great trail bikes.....

Of the bikes you’ve owned to date, which was the favourite, if there was one?

I loved my blue and white 02 blade.

If you were given the opportunity to own any bike on the market which would it be?

I love sports bikes but my taste has changed as I’ve got older, a strange thing called ‘comfort’ has taken over – something to do with an old body! Anyway I’ve moved from ‘foetal’ position to ‘upright’. So this question a couple (no a few) years ago , the answer would be a Ducati 1190 but today i’ve got the bike of choice; my KTM 1190.

What is your favourite motorcycle related gadget?

Chain oiler – but i get quite excited having a tyre pressure monitor on my KTM. Where is your preferred place to ride in the UK? Scotland – being half Scottish has something to do with it!

And, overseas?

Anywhere there’s great roads – so that’s all of Europe then.......would love to ride India on a Royal Enfield.

If you were offered the opportunity to go on an extended bike tour who, family members aside, who would you choose as a riding companion?

There’s too many to name......at a push, if he was still alive and asked me nicely, Steve McQueen .

How would you describe to a non-rider the attraction of riding a bike as opposed to driving a car?

Your part of the environment on a bike compared to passing by it in a car.

Submitted by Geoff Preston

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Poets Corner

When I was young I had a bike It went I dropped a bike

It bent I raced a bike and never won

But not much spent I like a bike, that’s evident!

Steve Emmett

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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 £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

Chris Johnson, 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 2016. Illustrations Š EAMG 2016, 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