I recently upgraded my 15-year-old leathers with D3O armour which is a huge improvement for protection and probably for comfort but I can’t comment on that much just yet. On most occasions when I might have worn my leathers it has been so hot I’ve opted for my textile jacket which is better vented. I’m not complaining about the weather though as we’ve enjoyed some nice social rides including one to the coast and of course it was perfect for our BBQ last month.
The weather was also good for the Slow Riding Day which is always a bonus, especially for the training team who are running around. This year Ford has generously allowed us to use the test track at Dunton for training. The committee decided it would be nice to share our good fortune by making a charity donation so we selected one that is supported by both EAMG and Ford.
Michel Couque, Mark Bass and myself had the pleasure of presenting a donation of £200 pounds to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust. We also enjoyed a very interesting tour of the helicopter and a chat with the pilots, one of whom had his KTM parked outside.
Don’t forget, if you have something to share with the group, send it to me at the address below. Graham Simpkins, Editor tug@eamg.org.uk
You can find all of our social media and the EAMG membership form when you need via our Linktree using the QR code below.
https://linktr.ee/eamg_bikers
COVER PHOTO
A brief stop by Lake Tegid during the EAMG trip to Wales.
Hello everyone.
Already a month has passed since we had our lovely BBQ. Seemed to be a winning formula with about double the attendance of the last few BBQs, and June is QUIZ night, sure to be another great evening, especially if I am on the winning table for the 3rd year in a row.
All these evenings do not happen on their own. This can only happen with the effort put in by YOUR committee. The committee work tirelessly to ensure not only that all our activities do actually take place, but also have to plan for the future of Eamg and its best interests. We now have a growing membership of 218, our growing membership needs more volunteers to look after it. This is very rewarding and please do remember we are all volunteers on both the committee and training team.
The reason I am writing this is quite simply we need more of YOU volunteering, on both the committee and training teams otherwise we simply CANNOT maintain what we do. We are looking for someone to join as membership secretary, a key position, which would require a good working knowledge of google based EXCEL and to have been a member for over 12 months by Feb 2026. Please DO ask me anything you want regarding joining either the committee or training team by emailing chair@eamg.org.uk
We are currently working on our EAMG Xmas dinner, and we have listened to feedback, so this year we have it on a Friday night with DJ too. This will be on the evening of Friday 12th December. It will be at Russells Restaurant, Great Baddow. The dinner will be £49.95 per person and you are welcome to invite friends and family too, the more the merrier. We will have at the least, an exclusive area in the gallery of the restaurant but if we can get about 60 people we can have exclusive use of the whole venue. We would encourage early bookings as we need to commit by early September. Book by emailing xmas@eamg.org.uk with names of guests, with payments made to:
The heart of Russells Restaurant is a magnificent timbered tithe barn originally built in 1372.
Robert Kubiaczyk receiving his EAMG Full Member certificate From Michel.
Michel congratulates Jacques DeKlerk for his recent RoSPA test pass after a glowing report from examiner Mick Jones.
A Look Back at June Group Night.
I was in the middle of editing TUG when I received the sad news that our June guest speaker, Robert Bensley, the founder of Rider Perfection trackdays passed away this week in the comfort of his own home and with his family by his side after a long battle with Cancer.
There will be no funeral arrangements issued as Robert requested close family only at his funeral. His son Richard has advised that sometime in the future there will be a celebration of Robert's life.
Robert full flow in the middle of an anecdote, of which he had plenty to tell.
Robert’s appearance at June group night drew a good crowd including former members we hadn’t seen in ages but many of whom had known Robert for years. I’m not sure they necessarily came to hear about Rider Perfection trackdays, more likely they came to be entertained, knowing Robert could tell a good yarn. As Robert said himself, he has done just about everything it is possible to do on a motorcycle so had plenty of stories to share.
A Look Back at July Group Night
For a change, we had our annual BBQ on a group night which was a popular decision judging by the number of members who turned up, many with friends or partners and even a few pets.
It had been a hot day so everyone was happy to spend the evening outside and as always, staff at Notleys looked after us very well and we enjoyed delicious food.
Other Recent EAMG Activity.
The mid-week social rides are always an event to look forward to. Bob and more recently, Tony have devised some fantastic routes, taking in great roads and most importantly some good cafes. We are there for the riding but as you see from our photos, socialising with our fellow riders is an important part of the day. They are called social rides for a reason.
Left and below, scenes from the June midweek ride.
It was busy at the Coddenham Community Shop and Café after we arrived!
The July mid-week ride was a slightly longer one than usual as our destination was Aldborough for fish and chips on the sea front.
EAMG Slow Riding Day
The ever-popular Slow Riding Day was fully booked with 20 riders benefitting from the expert guidance of our training team and a safe, closed environment in which to practice.
EAMG Christmas Dinner and Dance.
This year the EAMG Christmas Dinner will be on the evening of Friday 12th December at Russells Restaurant, Great Baddow which is a beautiful venue with part of it built in 1372, so is one of the oldest buildings in Chelmsford.
We have booked a “Party Night” to include a meal, music and dancing at a cost of £49.95 per person, not including drinks.
If we are able to confirm enough people, we will be able to book the entire venue. If there are fewer of us, we will dine in an exclusive area but share all other facilities.
Whatever the numbers, the event will go ahead. It is just a question of whether we have to share the venue or not.
In order to secure a Friday night, we have to book early for what promises to be a fabulous evening.
Bookings should be emailed to xmas@eamg.org.uk with number of guests by the 1st September.
Payments of £49.95 per person made to:
Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Limited
Account no; 00791646
Sort code; 30 96 94
VIP: Please reference your name with payment.
Closer to the time we will ask for menu choices and any dietary requirements.
See overleaf for the menu.
EAMG Christmas Dinner Menu.
Roasted Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup, Hit of Nutmeg, Croutons [This is Vegan/Vegetarian]
Or
Caramelised Red Onion, French Brie Tart Fine, Light Salad, Balsamic Reduction [Gluten/Vegan free alternatives available]
Duo of Roast Norfolk Turkey and Honey Baked Gammon Ham Chipolata Sausage, Christmas Stuffing, Roast Potatoes & Turkey Jus
Or
Braised Steak with Ale Pie topped with Puff Pastry, Roasted Carrots, Creamy Mash
Or
Pan Seared Haddock fillet Sat on Crushed Potato Cake with Grain Mustard and Fresh Coriander, Sauté Spinach, Creamy Velouté
Or
Mushroom Wellington
Large Flat Mushroom, Kale, Cauliflower, Sweet Chilli Peppers, Pine Nuts, Goats Cheese Wrapped in Puff Pastry & baked, Vierge Dressing served with Roast Potatoes [Gluten free and Vegan Version Available]
All the above will be served with a Selection of Seasonal Vegetables
Traditional Christmas Pudding, Forest Berry Compote, Sweet Sherry Sauce
