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A Warm Welcome
Sally Warren Editor and Membership Secretary
… to our joint Summer and Autumn Edition of the SAMM Newsletter – another SAMM first. When I first started collating articles ready for the Summer edition in July, I had nothing except the View for the Chair from Dave Lowe and the ‘Talk the Torque’ article from Nigel Gibbon to show you. I was in despair, so I delayed publication for a while and suddenly, especially after the recent Committee meetings and the need for advanced communication of the AGM and Christmas Dinner, I was inundated with possibilities, so I decided to make a bumper double issue for you.
So, sit back with a coffee or tea and enjoy the items from our members including:
• The Views from the Chairs – outgoing and incoming
• The SAMM Interim Committee information
• The formal notification of the SAMM AGM in November
• Invitation to, and the details of, the 2024 AGM and Christmas Dinner
• ‘An IAMRS Skills Day’ from John Lugg and Holly Steel
• The Inaugural SAMM Car Driveout – ‘The Welsh Border Run and Sunday Lunch’
• Bike4Life account from Paul Collyer
• Results of the Social Secretary’s ‘Survey of Members’ from Dave & Sarah Duggan
• Talk the Torque from Nigel Gibbon
• Region 6 Conference report by Paul Collyer
• Fiona and Sally’s Social Ride – July 2024
Adding Paul’s excellent article on B4L in September, I’d like to thank DecoStitch of Shrewsbury for providing quality products for us to distribute to anyone who signed up to an Advanced course on the day. The promotional t-shirt, baseball cap, both in a jute bag, were of superior quality and we were proud to use them to promote SAMM. The bags were augmented by mugs, pens, pucks and stickers from the MDU stock, which were all attractive to potential clients and proved very attractive.
The Winter issue of the SAMM newsletter will be coming out in the New Year, so if you have any articles, comments, correction, complaints or queries arising from this circular, please contact me on sallywarrentr7@aol.com.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all our members who contributed items for publication – every item is sincerely appreciated. Hopefully, I anticipate meeting many of you either at the AGM in November or at the Fox & Hounds Dinner and, as much as it grieves me to do so in September, wish you all a joyful Christmas/winter season and a healthy and happy 2025.
Safe driving and riding.
Sally Warren
SAMM Newsletter Editor and Membership Secretary (& temporary – I hopeTreasurer!)
Sally Warren
A View from our outgoing Chair
Dave Lowe SAMM’s Chair
Welcome to all our readers –both existing members and the many new faces we have recently signed up! As I write this article – I am still awaiting the start of summer – it surely feels it has been a mighty long wait this year!!!!
YOUR CLUB – YOUR WAY –A PLEA TO OUR MEMBERSHIP
Firstly – thank you to all our members who have taken the time to fill in the survey on proposed social events sent by e mail. We are analysing the data very closely and attempting to give you the type of club you have asked for.
SAMM – Committee reshuffle
The leadership team have made the decision to have a mid-term reshuffle of the existing SAMM committee which has been brought about due to a key member sadly stepping down midterm.
On a personal level, I have enjoyed being SAMM chair and wish Paul Warren the very best in retaking the role.
The committee firmly believe these changes will benefit SAMM both in the short and long term – and I wish all our members the very best for the future.
Dave Lowe
Outgoing SAMM Chair
Dave Lowe
A View from the Chair Incoming and SAMM Interim Committee information
Paul Warren
SAMM’s Chair
Due to some resignations from the SAMM committee over the summer, there had to be a reorganisation of the roles. The full interim committee is outlined below.
These roles will be open to election at the AGM to which all SAMM member are invited. The AGM is on Friday, November 8th at 7pm at Radbrook Community Centre. All are welcome, but only paid up IAMRS & SAMM members are eligible to vote. Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided after the event when you will have a chance to chat and catch up.
Meanwhile, I am delighted to take up the Chair baton from Dave Lowe as he moves into the role of Deputy Bike Observer, whilst remaining his role as Associate coordinator. I’d like to congratulate Dave on the excellent job he has made as Chair inthe last few years.
After excellent work by our Social Secretary, where members were polled to find out what people want from SAMM, we recently tried a new idea for the car group in the form of a planned drive out and Sunday lunch – see the article to find out all about it.
Following a recent meeting with our partners at ‘Shropshire Fire and Rescue’, I am looking forward to expanding the Young Driver / Rider Scheme which is set to renew for next year. This scheme is open to anybody living or studying in Shropshire. SAMM will refund £100 of the course fee as soon as the young Driver / Rider takes their test, regardless of result. Let us know if you have a youngster in the family who would like to participate. It’s an excellent opportunity for them and is proven to save lives.
The SAMM website is continually updating so please keep checking for changes and new events. It is a great source of information. See www.advancedmotorists.org
Winter is fast approaching, and many of us will be putting our bike and classic cars away for the winter. However, we have a hardy bunch of Bike Observers ready to continue observing through the winter months. Let us know if you want to continue through the winter.
As many of you know, I am a petrol head and have several MG’s of different types. I am wondering if anyone would like to introduce a ‘classic car/car of interest’ run next summer. Drop me an email if you would be interested.
That’s all for now, See you at the SAMM AGM.
Paul Warren
Paul Warren
The 2024 Autumn Interim Committee:
The committee would like to offer thanks for the work and support for the group to Dave Johnson (Chair) and Simon Knight (Deputy CoB) as they stand down from the committee. Our sincere thanks also go to Mike Jones for all his input and hard work as our first Equality and Disability Representative, who has also resigned.
Official AGM 2024 Notification
Dear Member,
The committee of the Shropshire Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists would like to invite you to the Annual General Meeting on 8th November at the Radbrook Community Centre, SY3 6DU
Below is included the AGM notification and nomination forms to support the meeting. These will also be found in the forthcoming Autumn newsletter.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by order of the Group Committee that the Annual General Meeting of Shropshire Advanced Motorist & Motorcyclist (SAMM) will be held at 19:00 at:
The Radbrook Community Centre Calverton Way Shrewsbury SY3 6DU England,
To enable the Trustees of the Group (Registered Charity No: 701494) to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 2024 for approval by the Group Full Members and to conduct an election.
Secretary’s Name David Duggan Date 20th September 2024
Address 1 Crawstone Close St Georges Telford. TF29DG
Group Number 3012
All Group Full Members, Associates and Friends are invited to attend but only Group Full Members may vote.
A Member entitled to vote at the General Meeting may appoint a proxy to vote in his stead. A proxy need not be a Group Full Member.
CURRENT OFFICERS
All Officers retire annually and may offer themselves for re-election
Chair David Lowe Will NOT stand
Secretary David Johnson Will NOT stand
CURRENT OFFICERS
All Officers retire annually and may offer themselves for re-election
Chair David Lowe Will NOT stand
Secretary David Johnson Will NOT stand
Vice Chair Paul Warren Will NOT stand
Treasurer Paul Warren Will NOT stand
Committee Members
One third of the Committee must retire annually and may offer themselves for re-election
Retiring by Rotation and NOT Standing for Re-Election to post
• Simon Knight - Deputy Chief Observer Bikes
• Mike Jones - Disability & Diversity Champion
• Dave Johnson - Secretary
Retiring and Standing for Re-Election to post
• Sally Warren – (Treasurer)
• Sally Warren - (Membership secretary)
• Sally Warren - (Newsletter Editor)
• Ian Biddle - (IT and website administrator)
• Philip Ryan - (Young Driver & Rider Liaison)
• Daz Coombs - (Training coordinator)
Committee Members NOT Retiring and time remaining
• Ian Rutherford - (Chief Observer Cars) - 1 years
• Dave Lowe - (Associate coordinator) - 1 years
• Ian Biddle - Social Media Coordinator – 3 years
• Paul Collyer – Chief Observer Bikes – 3 years
• Sarah Duggan - Social Secretary (group friend)
Committee Nomination Form
Nominations are invited from Group Full Members to stand for committee. The Nominee must be willing to stand for the Committee and sign the Nomination Form. By signing the Nomination Form the Nominee is affirming his/her ability and intention, if elected, to attend committee meetings regularly.
NOTE
You may not stand for the Committee if the law debars you from being a Charity Trustee. Only Group Full Members may nominate Committee Members or be nominated as Committee Members. This Nomination Paper must be returned to the Group Secretary, by post or email, at least seven days before the election; by 3rd November 2024 All Officers and one third of all other Committee Members must retire annually by rotation and may offer themselves for re-election by Group Full Members. Those elected become Charity Trustees of the Group.
Officers
Treasurer
Committee Members
Young Driver & Rider Liaison
Address for postal nomination forms: David Duggan
1 Crawstone Close
St Georges
Telford TF2 9DG
Shropshire Advanced Motorists / Motorcyclists
Annual General Meeting Proposed Agenda:
(8th November 2024)
Apologies for absence * Minutes from the previous year *
Resolution: That the Minutes of the 2023 AGM be approved as a true record. Matters arising from the Minutes * Amendments or adjustments to this Agenda Chair’s Report *
Treasurers Report *
Chief Observer Bikes Report
Chief Observer Cars Report Resolutions *
Election of Group Officers *
Election of Committee *
Address by New Chair
Presentation of the Roy Steventon Award for outstanding commitment Any Other Business
1. Guest speaker: Martin Doran - IAM ROADSMART
2. IAM Examiner Panel Interview & Q&A Session
* Indicates a mandatory agenda item
Best regards
David Duggan
Group Secretary
Email: secretary@advancedmotorists.org
Website: www.advancedmotorists.org
Invitation and details – AGM and Christmas Dinner
SAMM Christmas dinner will be held at the Fox & Hounds, Shawbury, SY4 4JG on:
Friday 6th December 2024
7.30 for 8pm prompt
2 or 3 courses available
Full payment and food choices needed by end of November please. Contact xxxx to reserve your place
This year’s AGM for SAMM will be held: On Friday, November 8th at 7pm At Radbrook Community Centre, SY3 6DJ
All are welcome, but only paid up IAMRS & SAMM members are eligible to vote.
Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided.
An IAMRS Skills Day
John Lugg
Holly Steel
We last wrote an article in 2023 on our return from Nordkapp in north Norway. We returned to Norway again this summer, this time for 2 weeks of riding the mountain passes in southern Norway.
From this you will guess that we enjoy touring and long-distance riding, not knee down exploits. Other than the social rideouts, we’ve not really progressed our biking education since our Advanced tests.
We had heard about the IAM motorcycle skills days held at race circuits but, as we’ve never done any track days, we were a little apprehensive. However, we grasped the nettle and signed up for this year’s final session at Mallory Park.
With registration starting at 07:45, we left home in Shropshire in the dark with a 4C rolling mist for the length of the journey. By the time we got to Mallory, mist was still shrouding much of the circuit, but a welcome sun was rising as bikes started to arrive. The apprehension deepened as we stood by our GS and RT and watched
riders in leathers on BMW RR 1000’s, Fireblades and R1s arrive - gulp! Thankfully, more bikes soon arrived and once all 65 riders had registered, there was a full spectrum of machines in the holding area - sports bikes, nakeds, tourers and a host of adventure bikes. Also, there was a proper cross section of age, gender and experience, in a mixture of leather race suits, touring textile suits and biking jeans. In short, just what you see on the road.
The Lakeside Cafe was open, so whilst the instructors got their own briefing at the race control building, us bikers did what they always do - grab hot drinks, mingle and talk bikes.
At 08:45 we were all called in for our introduction to the day and a circuit/ safety brief. This is where they reinforce that this is not a ‘track day’, that safety is paramount, you ride to your competence, on road legal bikes (no messing with tyre pressures, taping up lenses etc.) and wearing the riding kit that you rode to the circuit in.
I won’t go through the actual instruction, that’s best left to the experts, but it was no surprise that the day is based wholly around IPSGA, but with the opportunity to exploit the bikes performance and the rider’s confidence in a controlled, traffic free environment. The day is divided into 6 x 1-hour sessions with a 1-hour lunch break. Each session is made up of a 20-minute pre-brief on the next discipline, 20 minutes circuit time, and 20 minute debrief /admin period.
The whole session is with an instructor and allocated to a skill; the first within Information, next session Position, next session Speed, etc. The sixth and final period is solo, stitching all the lessons together.
Back outside the sun was now shining, blue sky and a drying track. We split into groups. This is self-assessment and honesty. You line up from left to right. On the right those that were confident track riders that had done several skill’s days, down to the left the ‘novice’ who felt least confident. The line was then divided up into 3 groups - A, B and C, who would use the track in group rotation. Each group was then split up into teams of 4 or 5 riders,
and we were allocated an instructor and a coloured bib for the day. As novices Holly and I opted for Group C which worked out great for us, proving progressive and confidence building.
While we were in the briefing, marshallers had checked over the bikes for safety. We had all removed top boxes, panniers etc., but a final check was conducted for loose items, bike chains, tyre state etc. Next, we lined up for an exhaust noise test with a compliance sticker added to the bike and we were ready for the day.
Before going out on track, we had a braking session, conducted between sets of cones to allow us to understand how the bike behaved under heavy braking - first rear brake only, then front brake only, finally combined. This proved to be time well spent, as out on track we would be braking heavier as the day’s tempo increased.
Although IPSGA was the training system, much of the actual learning was about tyre grip and weight transfer; understanding what happens to the contact patch under braking, steering and acceleration, learning to isolate activity so that only one force is in play i.e. before entering a corner or hazard, plan to get all the braking and gear selection complete, allowing the tyre to deal with cornering effort only. There was repeated discussion on how important the big discs up front were for shedding speed.
So how was it? Our apprehension, based around the words ‘race circuit’ were unfounded and we spent our time on the track grinning from ear to ear.
I would consider the day to be no different to an ‘Observed Ride’. The grouping system was just right, sharing the track with riders of similar experience. The instructor was excellent and the track smooth and confidence inspiring.
The first circuits were ridden at a reasonable speed, learning the track and the lines (marked by cones) needed for smooth entry and exits. Then, over the day, there were controlled increases in speed, steering and braking effort and, importantly, confidence. By the end of the day, we were both using bike performance that we’d not explored before, certainly without a tap on the shoulder from a traffic officer! Session 6 was great - free running and stitching the lessons together. By now the bike was feeling smooth and stable, but so much quicker than the start of the day.
As apprehensive ‘novices’ we had a great day and learnt loads. We would recommend the skills day to other IAM riders. The proof of the pudding was that at least a third of the attendees were ‘repeat attenders’ and we can see why. We will be signing up again next year, albeit a different venue to ride different bends (hazards)
It’s a good way to annually revise skills that may well save your life…….
The inaugural SAMM Car Driveout
We last wrote an article in 2023 on our return from Nordkapp in north Norway. We returned to Norway again this summer, this time for 2 weeks of riding the mountain passes in southern Norway.
From this you will guess that we enjoy touring and long-distance riding, not knee down exploits. Other than the social rideouts, we’ve not really progressed our biking education since our Advanced tests.
Following a successful drive-out that was developed for the Shropshire MG
Club, we decided to offer the drive to the SAMM car group to see if it was an event that would attract members to meet up.
A recent poll of members, recently conducted by our new Social Secretary duo, suggested that car members would welcome drives to a pre-determined venue. As the MG run had finished at The Lion for lunch after a scenic 2-hour meander along the English/Welsh Border, it seemed an ideal event to use for the SAMM trial inaugural car run.
The event started on a soggy Sunday morning in Dobbies car park, where the nine participants met up and signed in. The route was available to members as a gpx. file for satnavs or as hard copy, PowerPoint presentation for the navigators to follow. (Please contact Paul Warren if you would like a copy of either on chair@advancedmotorists.org).
The five cars set off and were soon bowling along the Shropshire roads, turning off at Westbury for Vennington.
Now, when this route was developed, the views up and over the hills down into Kingswood were spectacular. Today these were sadly nowhere to be seen due to the mist, rain and fog. However, ably navigated by the Walker’s in their 1970’s Triumph Vitesse, everyone stuck with it and eventually returning to a less rural area, we followed the route to Montgomery, turning right through Sarn. Just after the garage in Glanmule, we turned left and started to climb up into the Forest of Ceri.
This is a beautiful alpine style road and had initially been mapped in glorious sunshine! The twists and
turns on the narrow roads led to engaging driving.
Turning sharply downhill at Anchor, the forest D-road eventually joined the B4355 at Beguildy, where we stopped for a quick comfort break at the lovely Post Office and Café.
The lady here was beginning to become used to groups of random people dropping in in random vehicles for a quick tea or coffee in the pretty back garden. The spectacular hanging basket displays were sadly a memory of the summer, but the sojourn in the garden was a welcome, if damp, break.
After a brief stop, we followed the road (and the Border) closely to Knighton and then to Brampton Bryan and Leintwardine for lunch at the Lion.
The food and the welcome at the venue were both exemplary and everyone enjoyed the meal and the company.
Although seven of the nine of us were known to each other via SAMM previously, it was really good to meet the 3 new members who had joined this very successful and enjoyable inaugural Car Social Ride.
AND NOBODY GOT LOST!!
Many thanks to all involved and Post Office at Beguildy and The Lion is highly recommended – SY7 0JZ 01547540203.
The run could easily be extended, and the Ludlow Food Hall would be an excellent alternative breakfast/lunch tea stop with plenty of parking for bigger groups.
Please look out for future Car Social Events as all Members and family/ friends are welcome!
(The photos are a mix of the sunny MG run and the SAMM Inaugural Car Run)
The Bike4Life 2024 Experience
Paul Collyer
SAMM Chief of Bikes
SAMM proudly attended the annual Bike4Life festival on 1st September, which was held for the first time at Weston Park after it was delayed from the regular April date due to bad weather.
Bike4Life started as a small event in Shrewsbury, 14 years ago. It was founded by SAMM, RoSPA, and PC Mick Sturland in association with the Safer Roads Partnership and it has now grown into one of the largest and most celebrated motorbike
events in the UK. This year’s festival was nothing short of spectacular with SAMM’s presence being more impressive than ever.
For 2024, SAMM pulled out all the stops to make our display the best we’ve ever done. At the heart of it all was our fully liveried Mobile Display Unit (MDU), an eye-catching centrepiece that drew in riders and visitors alike. This marked our largest and most interactive display to date, showcasing SAMM’s commitment to road safety and rider engagement.
Bike Faults competition
A standout feature of our exhibit was the Bike Faults competition, housed in its own dedicated gazebo. With a motorbike kindly donated and meticulously prepared by our member and trainee observer, Alan Fowles, and supported by Simon Knight, the competition was a huge hit. Enthusiasts from across the festival had the chance to test their knowledge, identifying the faults on the bike, which led to an impressive 45 entries throughout the day. The competition sparked curiosity and conversation, helping to educate riders on the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks.
True North Bikers - A Special Visit:
In addition to our displays, SAMM had a separate hospitality gazebo that proved to be a popular spot throughout the day. We were especially honoured to host the True North Bikers—a newly formed group based in Telford. Their visit was a highlight, as SAMM has recently begun working closely with this vibrant and passionate group of riders. The partnership between SAMM and
True North Bikers promises exciting collaboration and mutual support in the future.
Record Funds Raised and StarStudded Attendance:
This year’s Bike4Life festival not only saw record attendance but also raised a staggering £135,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity—a cause close to the hearts of all involved. The event was graced by biking legends such as ex-World Champion Carl Fogarty, Jamie Whitham, and ex-World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall. Their presence added even more excitement to an already electric atmosphere, making the event a truly unforgettable experience.
Support from the SAMM Team:
A huge thank you goes out to the 10 SAMM observers who supported us throughout the day, as well as Dave Cox, our Area Service Delivery Manager, and two observers from the Wolverhampton group.
Dave Cox was particularly impressed by the success of the day, revealing that he plans to propose elevating Bike4Life to a nationally supported event within IAM RoadSmart—fantastic news for our future involvement.
Special Thanks to:
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Your time and effort were invaluable in making this event a success. A special thanks also goes to Barrie Walters of Premier Motorcycle
Care for the loan of his van, which helped us transport the donor bike and stand to the event.
With the support of everyone involved and the overwhelming success of this year’s festival, SAMM is already looking forward to next year’s Bike4Life, which promises to be even bigger and better!!
Paul Collyer
Paul Collyer
Survey of Members results
Social Secretary team
‘Survey of SAMM Members’ poll, run by the SAMM Social Team, was conducted with the aim of discovering what activities people want from their membership of SAMM. The results are summarised here.
The survey was:
• Sent to 276 members
• Received by 275
• Opened by 135
• Link was followed by 74
• Total of 48 responses (17.39%)
• Total of 2 members unsubscribed from the questionnaire
Summary of main results:
1. Organised motorbike rides continue to be important to the group members.
2. Social car drives are viable with 28 people interested in these.
3. There is an overwhelming response that the newsletter should remain quarterly.
4. Christmas dinner remains the most requested and therefore the most viable event.
Interpretation:
There is a broad interest in the social events suggested in the survey, with sufficient to make some of these viable for 2025 season. Other suggestions will
be considered and input from members will be needed. There is an opportunity to collaborate and share the load between the Bike & Car Teams.
Practical events suggested included:
- Motorcycle skills day
- Bimonthly social Drive/Rides.
- More 1:1 rides to progress a member beyond passing a test maybe as Continuous Personal Development? (This is available in the ‘Gold, Silver & Bronze scheme for Bikes. Cars may follow soon).
- Half day rides with just one stop for brunch.
- The odd evening ride during the summer.
- Weekly ride outs
- Public recruitment events e.g. flower show (SAMM has been represented at multiple public events this year, with the MDU being used as a high-profile tool where possible).
- Once or twice a year a get together for skills day, vehicle maintenance etc.
- Refresher rides/drives
- More car orientated events
- Ride outs based on competence, Advanced rider members only ride outs.
- Mid-week and evening rides to allow for shift workers
- Can there be 2 choices of the monthly social ride?
To be considered for social events in 2025:
- Specific discussions on road safety with analysis on injury and road type
- Chippy run
- Talks and discussion with other groups on relevant SAMM and road safety themes
- Ride to a bike event i.e. the Tonfannau race meeting or bike nights
- Pub of the month so members from various locations nominate their pubs
- Events with guest speakers – this was very popular
- Quiz night *suggestion received multiple times
Recommendations:
• Continue with Christmas dinner as per previous years. The location of the Fox and Hounds at Shawbury is suggested due to its location – see details in newsletter.
• To incorporate the suggested quarterly events of Curry with Friends in 2025.
• BBQ, Drive/Ride with Picnic and a drive/ride with breakfast or brunch.
• Bike and Car teams to review members suggestions for viability.
The Social team will review & consider members suggestions and provide feedback at the AGM in November and a program for 2025. (The comments in italics are from the Membership Secretary for clarification).
Sarah & David Duggan
Sarah & David Duggan
Talk the Torque
Nigel Gibbon
Reflecting on my typical rides, be they spirited or pottering, I’m pretty sure that 80% of the pleasure is derived from my bikes ability to generate torque. Very rarely do I ride it in a manner that requires accessing the higher end of the BHP on offer, and I suspect that applies to most of us non track day bikers.
In the May issue of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure magazine, in the article called ‘Mossys’ Knowledge’, there is an excellent summary of the relevance
of torque. Indeed, journos often wax lyrical about great gobs of buttery smooth, deep well, tidal waves of the stuff. We also read that a particular motor develops high percentages of that torque at low revs, but what relevance the headline figure if it never gets above that ‘high percentage’ until circa 6000rpm when it briefly climbs to the quoted maximum before dipping down again.
It seems a good case of the benefits of torque is the new Suzuki 800 parallel twin engine. A motor which has been universally praised for the way in which it belies its’ spec sheet by generating motion inducing
torque with relative ease. So why are manufacturers and bike mags so coy about giving us the full details?
I’ve recently been considering changing my KTM 1290 SAS (hence my familiarity with torque) for something a little lighter and more manageable. I’ve been drawn to the Husqvarna Norden 901 expedition but having read about the new KTM 990 Duke has me wondering if that motor might eventually find its’ way into the Norden. If so, how much more torque does it generate across the rev range than the 890 and how do both compare to the 1290? It would have been easier to track down the Holy Grail. Typing the model and various formats of ‘torque curve/dyno chart’ etc into search engines reveals next to nothing. Those that do exist are usually from folks upgrading their end cans/removing cats/ chipping the ECU, with numbers generated on private dyno sessions. Not one official manufacturers chart. Why so? These motors have spent many hundreds of hours on their dynos before launch and to quote the esteemed Mr Moss, ‘A dyno curve is the only real way to illustrate how much power and torque are generated across the entire
rev range and how broadly they are spread’.
So why are they so noticeably absent from road tests? I did find one bike mag in the USA which regularly dynos its’ test bikes. Is the bike press in the UK prohibited from doing this? If not, then it would be good to see this information being more regularly published. I can understand that you can’t do this on some sunny Sardinian press launch but any bike on loan as a long termer should be fair game.
And to those who are reading this and thinking ‘if you want to know the difference test ride them’ , that’s precisely what I intend to do but I find it strange that characteristics which are often at the very centre of press hype around new models, good examples of which are the recent Africa Twin and Triumph 900 Adventure re-launches, should be illustrated with figures that apply at only one point in the entire range of engine performance, and even then, at a point in the rev range that most of us will typically visit for only small portions of our ride.
IAMRS Conference Region 6 Report
Paul Collyer
Ian Rutherford (Chief Observer Cars) and I recently attended the IAM RoadSmart Region 6 Conference in Preston. The event provided valuable updates on the charity’s progress and plans, with key challenges highlighted—such as
financial pressures which are affecting people’s disposable income.
Despite the need for recent price increases in IAM RoadSmart’s products, which were essential for the charity’s survival, the focus is still on innovation and growth. Helen Door, newly appointed as Product Development
Manager, is spearheading efforts to revamp existing courses and launch new ones, ensuring IAM RoadSmart stays aligned with changing market needs.
Exciting New Product Launches:
• Members Advanced Refresher Pack
This initiative, currently being trialled with 47 groups, aims to engage existing members by refreshing their riding skills. Over 3-4 sessions with a National Observer, members will receive a digital workbook and video resources for £95. Note: SAMM already offers a similar internal programme, free of charge to members annually (Silver and Gold Diplomas).
• Rider Development Session -
Is aimed at 17–26-year-olds. This non-membership programme offers 4 hours on the road with a National Observer, with a focus on practical training over theory. Participants receive a certificate upon completion, although it isn’t an advanced qualification.
The trial runs until the end of October and is currently available only for bikers, with ongoing discussions for car inclusion. The course was shaped by survey feedback from young riders who prioritised practical, short courses over memberships or formal tests.
Road Champion Initiative -
Is aimed at young riders, this initiative offers free online resources and quarterly emails, promoting road
safety and responsible driving habits from an early age.
Further Developments:
IAM RoadSmart is improving its online systems, including the DARTS system for associate run sheets, with trials beginning in early 2024. Support will be provided for those without electronic devices.
• A new group website template will be launched soon, though SAMM has opted out, proud of its existing website and the control it offers.
• IAM RoadSmart is ramping up its social media presence, working with ‘Firstcar’ to create hard-hitting TikTok videos aimed at young drivers—well worth checking out!
Looking Ahead:
The 2024 IAM RoadSmart AGM will take place on 14th November at their head office in Welwyn Garden City. Members can attend in person or online but must register in advance. The annual awards ceremony will be held the same day.
The conference wrapped up with group discussions on future policy ideas, with a warm vote of thanks to all volunteers. It was a vibrant event, showcasing how IAM RoadSmart is adapting to meet the evolving needs of its members and the wider road safety community.
Paul Collyer (Chief Observer Bikes)
Paul Collyer
July Social Ride
Sally Warren
I was delighted to be asked to be a ‘Tail End Charlie’ for the July Social Ride led by Fiona Parry. This was Fiona’s first time performing this role and as first-timers, we were determined to get it right.
Fiona initially calculated a route drawing on Paul Collyer’s wealth of experience in planning these events. We then both individually drove the route, making copious notes and taking into consideration unexpected road closures and non-navigable tracks that our SatNavs insisted we’d like to ride. We also decided to avoid Hereford at all costs as there is no way we could keep a group of riders together through the city.
Eventually all participants met up at Dobbies on a lovely Sunday morning in July. We were full of trepidation but excited to get going with our scenic route. We were so lucky with this weather window in what’s been such a damp summer.
After ‘Breakfast at Crossgates’ (is that a new film?) the posse of around 25 bikes had a new Tail ender - as I lost my bike key!! It had dropped off my lanyard and was eventually found in the carpark once another bike had
pulled away! I was not happy, but fortunately, Symon Knight stepped up and helped support Fiona for the rest of the ride.
Lunch was in the lovely town of Abergavenny, and the afternoon was spent exploring the back roads of Herefordshire and Powys in the sunshine – with the planned evasion of returning through Hereford being an excellent idea!
In all, it was an excellent day, and I’d like to congratulate Fiona on leading a superb first social ride. Roll on 2025… Our thanks to PaulC and Paul W for their help & advice and to Symon K for stepping into the breach.
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