Probably like many of you, being busy with family and friends over Christmas and the New Year I found no time to ride so Mick and Alan’s Social Ride in January was especially welcome. Obviously, others were eager to get out too as the ride was well attended. It was whilst enjoying a post ride chat and cuppa at McDonalds that my wife messaged to say she had driven carefully home with the ABS light flashing in her car. On turning into my driveway, I could see her car had a severe list, no doubt a broken spring! Typically, this was two days before the MOT I had booked and it took longer than that to get the replacement parts. The following Sunday I had hoped to join Colin’s ride but instead I was laying on the wet ground routing a new cable under Debbie’s car, having found the ABS fault was due to the cable being severed by the broken spring in its bid for freedom.
That same evening our youngest daughter came over for dinner but arrived complaining that her car was misfiring on the way over and reminded me that her heater didn’t work. A failing coil pack and stuck heater valve were not difficult to diagnose or replace but why do these things always happen in January?
We have my dad’s 90th birthday and eldest daughters house move in February so I fear social rides won’t be a priority for me this month either.
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
EAMG members at the Scottish border during a tour of the north.
Hello to you all
Delighted to say that EAMG is blossoming and doing well. Quite an achievement in these testing times. It is due to the forward planning that starts maybe a year ago or more, and now we see the fruits. I say a huge thankyou to all those who donate their time and energy on the committee and the observers, without them there is simply no EAMG, it really is a most extraordinary and dedicated team, a privilege to work alongside.
I can happily say that our membership continues to grow. At the end of 2025 we had 226 members, up from 217 the year before. Many more members are taking advantage of the various training programs we offer too. This is great news, however one figure that has decreased is observers, so I once again ask for you to come and have a chat with us if you would like to know more about becoming an observer, it really is a very rewarding experience.
Of note is the excellent and increasing attendance on our social rides, this must be due to the excellent organisation from the very kind volunteers who run these, plus the magical mystery tour aspect too! Seriously a huge thanks to all who run these rides for YOU.
We had to find a new home for our monthly meetings and Notleys Golf Club has been a brilliant move. We are now targeting new guest speakers, and the attendance has increased because of this. I am looking forward to our next BBQ already!
I can also say that our finances are very stable. This now enables us to work with a couple of selected charities more closely on a longer term basis, they are Little Havens Childrens Hospice and Addenbrookes Hospital. Addenbrookes although near Cambridge is very relevant as it is a National Centre of excellence with many of the countries leading departments in specialised cases. They are currently treating one of our members which really brings these incredible services to our thoughts. We shall use the Chairmans ride and Slow Riding Day as events to raise donations, and then EAMG will make a nice donation on top too. You may not be aware but as we are a charity we are expected to help other charities if possible.
Last year saw us have a fantastic trip to Wales which we are repeating this year. We are also looking at doing one night away trips, we would value your input as to where you might like to go? Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Rutland maybe?
As chairman I would like to thanks you all for your continued support, we really do have a most excellent group with a super reputation.
So, all is well and it is time for me to stop typing…..EXCEPT A LAST CALL for anyone interested in becoming an observer. This is a real call to arms, a growing membership needs a bigger training team.
Best to you all,
Michel Couque EAMG Chairman.
Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group (EAMG) Full Members
EAMG is a charity whose primary focus is to improve road safety by training Associate Members to a level where they are able to pass an Advanced Motorcycle Test. The Group also aims to further support the development of individuals who have already passed the test and are now Full Members. Improving skills comes with practice and mileage, social rides should be a Full Member’s initial focus.
Below is an overview of what is offered by the Group for Full Members (£30 Annual Membership)
• Group Nights, monthly @ The Notleys Golf Club, various speakers
• Full Member social rides monthly
• Associate/ Full Member social rides monthly
• Mid-week social rides monthly
• Additional ad hoc social rides
• Organised ad hoc social trips away
• Slow Riding Skills Day twice yearly - £10 per session
• Full Member Training Days - £60 per session (a day of 200+ miles with an experienced Observer. Flexible timing weekdays or weekends)
For £20 Additional Annual Membership the Group offers Further Training for Full Members (FTFM), specifically designed for individuals who are scheduled for a RoSPA retest within 12 months, or who intend to renew an expired RoSPA or IAM qualification within 12 months of their membership renewal. The £20 Additional Annual Membership gives access to the following:
• Group Training Sunday monthly - £20 per session towards Observer costs. A session with an Observer on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis dependent upon Associate demand.
• Observed Rides with an allocated Observer - £20 per session towards Observer costs. It is expected that three or four sessions will be enough. Available to those with a RoSPA retest due within 12 months or where they wish to renew a lapsed RoSPA or IAM qualification within 12 months of their membership renewal.
A Look Back at December Group Night
Chris Johnson and family members returned once again for the greatly anticipated christmas quiz.
As always it was well attended with plenty of members and a few guests keen to battle for a box of chocolates.
Fair as always, Chris had a prize for the highest aggregate score. i.e. A high score achieved by a small team. Of course we have to shame the lowest score as well but a least there is a prize for that.
December Group Night continued
December GN was a busy evening. The usual raffle was followed by plenty of presentations.to new EAMG full members, congratulating them on achieving a RoSPA test pass.
Michel also had the pleasure of thanking Mick Hewitt for his many years of service to EAMG. Mick recently gave up his position as SOA but has in the past spent many years on the committee and promoted EAMG at numerous events.
Mick continues to lead social rides which he does monthly with the aid of Alan and Dave as his regular back markers.
Mark Smith
John Groves
Steve Duncan
Chris Ward
A Look Back at January Group Night
In January we welcomed Jennifer Duffee whos company Full Throttle is a Human Performance Coaching service that specialises in mindset training and massage therapy for racers.
Jennifer is currently contracted as Human Performance Coach for AMERICAN RACING Moto2 Team so had plenty of insights and annectdotes from the hectic life of motorcycle racing where each seasons events are held in 19 different countries.
Jen is a confident and annimated speaker so kept us all thourougly entertained as evident by the long Q&A at the end of her presentation.
It was particularly interesting to hear how Jen identified a need for human performance coaching in motorcycle racing through her own observations of the sport whilst still at school. This led to her starting her business on completing her degree and creating a niche for herself through insight and determination.
The Scottish Border Tour
The Scottish Borders picture featured on this issues cover – Colin Chennery, John Marsters, Phil Reader, Terry Sullivan, Tony Pammen and Mick Hewitt.
Note: I think this was the year that Richard Parker felt unwell on the morning of leaving so missed out on the trip – we sent him a picture of us in the bar at the Black Swan to make him feel better!
Like any bike trip the excitement of planning and getting the bike ready adds to the trip. The meet and back roads up there, cafe stops, crossing the Humber Bridge are a big part of the enjoyment looking forward to riding in the next few days. You’re on your bike with your mates so what could be better, plus in the bar end of each day for food, drink and a laugh!
We’ve been going to Yorkshire for many years mostly using a base of the Black Swan, Fearby - Phil Reader discovered it way back in 2005/6 and it’s been a favourite ever since as a good central point to
ride the Dales, Lake District, North York Moors, Northumberland etc. Can’t remember the year at the Scottish Borders but 2020 possible. We typically stay for about 3 nights.
The roads and scenery are fantastic with great cafes and friendly people. Only bad experience is that most years Colin takes us to Wensleydale Creamery Cheese factory - myself and John hate cheese so we wait outside and miss the tour and tasting – yeuch! The Buttertub and Hardknot pass are all on the list for bikers to tick off.
Over the years we’ve done the NC500 both ways, the Cairngorms, Dumfries and Galloway 300 and never tire of great roads and fantastic scenery in this country. Mick.
