The cover photo was submitted by Mike Roberts and was taken at 'Classics on the Green', Friston. Mike also did the digital editing.
A picture of Rob Day and Andrew Goodey enjoying their 3rd and 4th prize from this year’s Chief’s Challenge. An all-expenses paid breakfast at Posh Pigs in Beccles
Derek Barker
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your Committee No Calls After 21:00 Please Officers Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Richard Ockelton Martin Drury Les Steggles Bryan Duncan
07872 925532 07595 277831 01359 245898 07879 654122
Committee Members Chief Observer Caring SAM Charity Co-ordinator Events Publicity Co-ordinator Publicity Publicity Chief Ride Leader Webmaster Communications Magazine Editor
Derek Barker Brian Ellis Brian Ellis Rob Baker Glyn Hill Dean Harris Trevor Read Dean Harris Mike Roberts Les Smith Felix Oliver
01473 327555 07740 564097 07740 564097 07710 537844 07986 319163 07956 339112 07525 724002 07956 339112 01473 718915 07792 273334 07712 649860
Committee Support Members Membership Secretary Linda Barker Associate Co-ordinator Susan Smith Admin Support Sara Hale Buddy Co-ordinator Vicky Smith
01473 327555 07791 595048 01359 241552 01255 830352
National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Richard Toll 07855 838347 Geoff Scott 07983 939998 Paul Newman 01473 620450 Paul Ballard 07850 715063 Richard Ockelton 07872 925532
David Rudland Kevin Brendish AndrĂŠ Castle Ruth Acworth Tony Chyc Matthew Barker
01473 401362 07854 494041 07730 526674 07783 007100 01206 231782 07931 700725
Local Observers Steve Gocher Dean Harris Phil Sayer Terry Fellowes Ian Bishop Steve Bingham
01473 430643 07956 339112 07990 565451 07870 764187 07775 920661 07971 075424
John Rudland Rob Baker Glyn Hill Graham Parker Nick Braley
07740 874300 07710 537844 07986 319163 07905 468995 07990 734581
I.A.M. Examiner Ian Maxwell
07974 941545
Neale McConnell
07899 714136
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Contents 3rd and 4th prize winners Committee Chairman’s Chat Latest Associates IAM Test Passes IAM’s F1rst Quiz night SAM Theory Evening I learnt about bikes Copdock in the rain SAM’s Breakfast Run Ride Co-Ordinator and leaders Saturday Jaunt Winter Associate only Ride Tea Stops Oversea Trip EAAA Base Visit Sam Shop Update Editorial Advertise Here Members Information SAM Dates for you Diary Pictures from Group night Our Venue
by Derek Barker by Richard Ockelton
by Rob Walters by Les Steggles by Derek Barker by Alan Moreton by Michele Szpak by Sara Hale by Sara Hale by Mike Roberts by Bryan Duncan by Rob & Pam Day by Mike Roberts by Editor by Committee by Mike Roberts
2 3 5 6 6 8 11 12 14 17 18 20 21 22 22 24 28 31 32 33 34 35 39 40
next Issue Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem. The Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or omit as he feels fit.
WEBSITE ADDRESS http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com SAM is a registered Charity ~ No. 1067800 All Official Correspondence to:
The Secretary, Les Steggles, 1 Apple Grove, Wetherden, Suffolk, IP14 3RB The SAM Observer October 2019
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Chairman's Chat A very warm welcome to the November’s edition of the SAM Observer, so far the group has had a very busy few months. Whether signing up new members, assisting Copdock Motorcycle Club and helping Orwell Motorcycle running the ride outs for them. We now have well over three hundred members in the group, and we are continuing to see the numbers increase each month. So a big thank you to everyone involved in the process. As you are or maybe not aware, we moved to a new venue for the October group night, this was held at Stowmarket Rugby Club, the night was well attend. The feedback so far has been really positive. We shall be holding our monthly group night meetings there from now own. “However please remember that for December only we will be at Kesgrave Community Centre, NOTE just for December”. Then there after back to Stowmarket Rugby Club. For further information please visit the SAM calendar and forum. Theory sessions held every third Thursday of the month this is open to all associates and members, everyone is more than welcome. For further information on these nights, please refer to either the group magazine or the SAM Calendar. For all new and existing associates whether you have been allocated an observer or not, you may or may are not aware. You are more than welcome to joins us at any of the ride outs, we carry out each month. These are aimed at assisting you to further develop and practice what your observer has been instructing you. So please do not feel that you will be pressured in any way. Information regarding the rides can be found in the SAM calendar, the SAM Forum and the SAM Magazine. If you are not sure then please feel free to speak to anyone on the committee. Our editor Felix is always looking for new photographs and adventures that you may have been on recently for the magazine, thank you. Cheers
Richard The SAM Observer October 2019
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New Associate Members A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:
Stephen Burns Andy Cletheroe Jake Beckford Richard Jacobs Kevin Bolton Alan Whitered Paul Osborne Andy Andrews Kevin Farrow Steven Laws. If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and he will put your name in the next Issue
IAM Test Passes Congratulations to the members who have passed their Advanced test this month.
Debbie Nutt Paul Skinner Sam Small
1
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her Observer was his Observer was his Observer was
Dean Harris Phil Sayer Graham Parker
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Susannah Taylor her Observer was st Steve Cook 1 his Observer was Ariyathilaka Manitha 1st his Observer was On our young rider scheme
Derek Barker Geoff Scott Terry Fellowes
When you pass your advanced test please let Derek Baker or Susan Smith know.
Congratulations Congratulations to Steve Bingham for qualifying as a SAM Local Observer. Also Congratulations to Mark Hird for passing his Masters,with Distinction, with the IAM Regional Quality Manager. His mentor was Derek Barker
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IT’S AN IAM F1RST FOR ROB
Rob Walters has put his riding skills to the test by doing his IAM RoadSmart advanced motorcycle test with the help of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM). Not only did he pass but he did so with a top-grade F1RST which recognises excellence‌ an even bigger achievement as it rained on his test. Orwell Motorcycles director Rob has been riding motorcycles for 44 years, 35 of them on the road, but still found his advanced motorcycle training a valuable learning experience. The SAM Observer October 2019
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Rob did a Safe Rider course, an introduction to advanced riding last year, with Suffolk police and decided to take his motorcycle training to the next level with IAM. “I did it out of curiosity to find out what it was all about and because we work closely with, and support, SAM and they support us at our demo days. “Anything that makes riding a bike safer has to be supported.” Rob had half a dozen accompanied assessments rides with his designated IAM observer, Mike Roberts, and a cross check with another observer before his test. He chose a Kawasaki Versys 1000, for its all-round abilities, to take his test on but also appreciated how different styles of bike have an impact on your riding style, taking into account engine braking and handling. “A friend of mine - Kev Brendish, whom I have ridden with for years since we were youths - is now a national observer. He told me how valuable the IAM advanced rider training is and how you can develop your riding skills with different elements from what you learn,” said Rob who will be using his experience to promote the IAM training to other bikers. So what was the best thing he took away from his training? “I didn’t really appreciate what you learn from vanishing points as you approach and leave bends,” he said. Find out more about SAM and IAM advanced motorcycle training at www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Rob Walters
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SAM Theory Evenings As most of you know, on the Thursday evening, directly after Group Nights, SAM holds its monthly Theory Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of important rider skills these nights are an informal evening of facts and lively banter all aimed at improving your ride based on the information in the Advanced Rider Course Logbook. Each session covers one of the four main topic areas; Overtaking Cornering
Planning & Positioning Gears & Acceleration
Mainly aimed at Associates going through the course, these evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on their theory and add their experiences and questions to the session. The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to discuss any issues you may have generally on your Advanced Rider Course.
Derek Barker The SAM Observer October 2019
SAM Chief Observer
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I learnt about biking from that As a poor over worked RAF techie (ask Steve Gocher for confirmation on this one), one of the few highlights that we had to look forward to was the monthly edition of “Air Clues” a glossy publication issued by the RAF Inspectorate of Flight Safety. As well as publishing factual and official accident reports, they included more light hearted but equally grisly stories of daring does to titillate and educate serving members under the banner “I learnt about Flying / Servicing / cooking / logistics etc.. from that”. Others stories were simple anecdotes and observations, but all had some sort of a safety message. These stories often came in the form of “confessions” from past and present air and ground crews wherein they confessed their (usually) near death experiences or embarrassing mistakes and offered excuses and reasons as to why they committed such madcap feats. They all seemed mainly to do with bad luck, bad weather, excess pressure, downright stupidity or a combination of all of the above! Apart from the entertainment value – they were all designed to make people aware of the human factors involved in accidents in the hope that readers might not make the same errors! I think that aviation and motorcycling have a number of similarities. Both can be very exciting. Both are expensive – and both can go terribly wrong - terribly quickly! I was wondering if there was any mileage in asking SAM members for their anecdotes under the heading “I learnt about Biking from that?” To start the ball rolling I have a couple that may be of interest. Like the time I was following my mate on his Honda CB250. I became increasingly alarmed as he started to weave about the road. Then the movements became even more erratic including much waving of his right leg in the air. At first I thought it was some sort of Masonic greeting, being extended to oncoming bikers. But no. He screeched to a halt and tore off his right boot. I think the wasp had only stung him about 7 times. What a wimp! On a more serious note – I learnt the easy way about the effects of booze. I was always very careful about drinking and driving even way back in the 70’s. I had assumed that drinking what should have been a pint of shandy wouldn’t be a problem. My mate got me a full fat pint by mistake. One pint spread over a couple of hours wouldn’t hurt would it? Sure enough, I felt fine and when the The SAM Observer October 2019
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time came to make my way home, I jumped on my trusty little Suzuki A100L and headed home down a familiar road. Having been reminded to raise the side-stand at the first left hand bend (which definitely concentrated the mind somewhat when it dug in and lifted the rear wheel), I got into the flow. By the time I got home, I was well impressed that I had negotiated a particular gratifying corner at a speed far in excess of anything I had managed before. Probably faster than Barry Sheene could have managed!! Next day I tried the same corner again and succeeded in scaring the living daylights out of myself, chickening out way before the fixed pegs got anywhere near the road. It was then that it dawned on me that one pint of bitter had given me a sense of confidence that far outweighed my skill levels! I have never touched a drink before driving since! Winter 1975 and particularly cold one from memory. I had to travel back to base on my New Suzuki GT380 from my parents’ home. Picture the scene - 40 miles left to go, very dark, somewhere near Banbury. Freezing fog, icy roads and poor riding gear. What could possibly go wrong? Gortex was a twinkle in the eye of Mrs Gortex! I had an open face helmet (Couldn’t afford a new fangled full face jobby) with a bubble visor (remember them). Dodgy ex military leather gauntlets that kept the heat out and the cold in. An ancient battle scarred leather bomber jacket stuffed with newspapers to (unsuccessfully) stave off the sub zero temperatures! On what bliss! First the visor fogged and then iced up, so that was pushed up out if the way. Next in line was my glasses. I was having to use my frozen fingers to scrape the ice that formed on them. I then realised that my stubby icy finger had pushed one of the lens out of the frame. Compared to me – a naked mole rat has better vision that I have sans specs! What a nightmare. Down to 10 mph, freezing cold, almost blind and still 40 miles to go. Did I stop and take shelter? Did I heck! Pressonitis the military call it. I did eventually make it back to camp in one piece- but only just. So what did I earn from this dreadful experience? Nothing I suppose, eighteen years old and completely bullet proof……….! Should I have even considered using my bike to do an 80 mile journey at night in those conditions? Could I / should I have left during daylight hours perhaps? To date this is the worst experience I have ever had on a bike (and walked away from). It convinced me that it was time to move to the dark side and get a car. The SAM Observer October 2019
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Such journeys were a pleasure in my Austin 1800 Land Crab. Although I did flick a fag end out the window which promptly came back into the back seat through an open rear window. That led to a few moments of excitement on the old A45 – and lots of smoke too! Talking of smoke that reminds me of a story that you could put in the “I learnt about Servicing” genre. Those of you may be old enough to remember the comic strip star of “Bike” magazine OGRI. You may also recall some of his fellow cartoon characters. Who could forget “Mitzi” Ogri’s stocking and Basque clad girlfriend? (I think Paul Sample enjoyed drawing her far too much). I think we all know someone amongst our friends and acquaintances who would match Ogri’s side kick (no not Sprocket the dog) –I talking about the hapless, unfortunate and not a little stupid “Malcolm”. My “Malcolm” rode a tired old Triumph 500 Twin of indeterminate origins. We had him ride mid pack so that we knew he had got lost or broken down, or at best retrieve whatever part of his bike had fallen off this time out! We had planned a few days camping in Wales, and in expectation of mechanical woes with his bike, myself and other members of our happy band offered to check his bike over before we left. He proudly declared that he had done the oil change before we arrived. Surely even Malcolm could manage an oil change couldn’t he? So we finished off the rest of the servicing with him. Next day we set off. Thirty miles into the 120 mile trip along the A5, I had taken up my traditional “parts catcher” position behind Malcolm. Just as he was attempting an overtaking move I noticed sparks coming out of one of his exhausts. They got worse as he pulled alongside the car. I held back – this could only end in tears! I could hear the death rattle of this poor old Triumph from 50 feet behind. I could smell the tortured metal, and steaming oil. Bang!! The rear wheel locked momentarily but luckily, “Malcolm” with the reactions honed over the many seizures suffered on his previous bikes managed to snatch in the clutch and in a cloud of black smoke a little flame and a lot of spilled oil slithered to a stop. One of the Con Rods had parted company with the crank and made a break for freedom through the engine cases bending the frame in the process. Once back home – I asked him about the oil change. “Was there anything unusual with the oil” “Not really” said Malcolm. Then, as an afterthought he added “There was a piece of metal that came out of the drain hole but I didn’t think it would matter.” he presented said piece of metal for inspection. The SAM Observer October 2019
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I was a bit of piston ring!!! Ouch. Malcolm went on to be infamous amongst our group for his ability to extract defeat from the jaws of victory and so contributed to many other epic failures. Did I mention he had tunnel vision? Having lost sight of our group, he locked onto the tail of a completely different group of bikes and ended up 40 miles away from our original destination before he noticed. Legend!! That is my small contribution of a couple of stories (that can be repeated in polite circles). I hope you found them of interest? Alan Moreton
Copdock Bike show in the rain
Picture sent in by
Michele Szpak The SAM Observer October 2019
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BREAKFAST RUN 1st December 2019 Jack's Cafe 4 Hadleigh Rd Ipswich, IP2 0EB Tel: 01473 253388 Meet in car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT in good time for 09:30 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing. Ride Co-ordinator: David Wood Leave the services and take the A12 towards Colchester. At Capel St Mary turn off and go through Capel (The Street). Stay on the road to T Junction. Turn right and then 1st left. Turn left at T Junction. Turn right onto B1070. Continue through Hadleigh. Turn left on to A1071. Turn right onto A1141/B1115 to Bildeston. In Bildeston turn right onto B1078. Stay on B1078 to Needham Market. Turn right on to Grinstead Hill. At staggered junction turn right then immediate left onto Lion Lane. Follow road and turn right under the bridge. Stay on the B1078 and at the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto A14 slip road. Take the left turn off the slip road. Turn right heading for Claydon. Go through Claydon and at roundabout take 3rd exit to Bramford B1113. Keep on the B1113 to mini roundabout. Turn left then left at the traffic lights onto Hadleigh Road. Turn left into Sainsburys car park. Parking for Jack's Cafe is on the right. The SAM Observer October 2019
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Ride Co-ordinators and Ride Leaders
Ride Co-ordinator and Ride Leader Chief Ride Leader, Dean Harris Robert Baker Dave Frankin David Wood
Brian Ellis Glyn Hill
Vini Evans Karl Grimwade Richard Ockelton Trevor Read
Ride Leaders Eric Aldridge Martin Drury Mike Roberts
Ken Beckinsale Chris Bond Roy Cribb Mark Hird Alex Jones Nigel Pye Fred Sparrow Adrian Tadman Tim Wash
Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination, so you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day. The SAM Observer October 2019
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Saturday Jaunt 21st December 2019 Alder Carr Farm Shop St Marys Road Creeting St. Mary IP6 8LX Tel: 01449 723359 Meet at Martlesham Tescos IP5 3RU in good time for a 13:00 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing. Ride Co-ordinator Dean Harris. Exit Tescos to the right and join the A12 northbound. Take the second exit at the Seckford roundabout, through Woodbridge and turn right at the Melton traffic lights. Turn left at the Wilford Bridge roundabout and then fork left onto the A1152 through Rendlesham to Tunstall. Fork left on Snape Road to – surprise, surprise – Snape, over the staggered crossroads, through Sternfield to turn right at ‘Peggs’ into Saxmundham. Turn left at the traffic lights – Chantry Road – to cross the A12, through Rendham into Framlingham. Turn right at the bottom of Fore Street, left at the mini roundabout then fork left into Mount Pleasant – signposted Earl Soham. Turn left onto the A1120 at Saxstead Mill, remembering to turn left at Earl Soham to stay on the A1120 until the dip after the S bend at Framsden. Turn left onto the B1077 past Helmingham Hall to the crossroads at Ashbocking. Turn right onto the B1078 to Coddenham. Fork left immediately after the bridge – Sandy Lane – and turn right at the Tjunction into Old Norwich Road which will filter into the Beacon Hill roundabout at the bottom of the A140. Take the second exit onto Kettle Lane and turn right onto Flordon Road. Turn left into St Marys Gardens then left into St Marys Road and Alder Carr Farm entrance is a quarter of a mile on the left. The SAM Observer October 2019
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Winter Associate Only Ride This year an 'Associates Only' ride has been planned for Saturday 7th December 2019 meeting at Beacon hill services for a 9.30am briefing. There will be an in depth briefing on how to mark junctions and ride within a group just in case you have not done this before so please be there in good time. The ride is for breakfast and will be heading to The Red Poll café in Darsham, Suffolk. Groups will change for the return journey which will be via a different route. You will be escorted back to Beacon Hill for about 2pm for a coffee and feedback. This ride is to encourage both new and old associates to join in a group ride which will run at a leisurely pace. There will be no pressure to keep up and no one will be watching your riding. The route will consist of A and B roads, nothing too complicated but it will give you an opportunity to practice your skills learnt during your observed rides and the chance to meet other associates. The ride will be guided by members of the ride leader team so no need to worry about how to get there and back. You will need to book your place before the event so we can ensure we have enough ride leaders to escort you round. The deadline is Sunday 1st December 2019 email Sara Hale karlsarahale@btinternet.com to confirm.
Tea Stops & CafÉs Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambs Every motorcyclist has their favourite tea stops. Over on the SAM Forum I am collating a list of the recommended cafés, greasy spoons, tea shops, etc. with maps and pictures so we can all benefit from the collective knowledge of SAM. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/tea If you have favourite stopping place in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex or Cambridgeshire then why not pop over to the SAM Forum and let other members know of your recommendations, or drop me an email with enough details so that I can find the place on Google Maps / Streetview. Mike Roberts mike.j.roberts@btinternet.com The SAM Observer October 2019
Website Administrator
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Social Rides Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT certificate (if applicable). Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committee’s guidelines as follows: You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of the route If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine. Be responsible for your own safety Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time. Have a FULL tank of fuel No more than 5 in a group.
Please watch our light hearted video with a serious message explaining all of the above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRMd-dQHzWg
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2020 overseas trips
A group of us went to Ypres earlier this year and based on the fantastic success of this trip we are planning two further trips for 2020. We propose to travel to Berchtesgaden in Bavaria on the night of the 24th May for ten nights until 3rd June inclusive We then intend to visit the area around the 1916 Somme Battlefield, Northern France from the 24th April to 3rd May.
BAVARIA Friday - take the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland
The outline plan is: The SAM Observer October 2019
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Skirt the Ardennes. Through the Vosges Mountains to Lake Constance. Take the Alpine Road to Berchtesgaden. Spend 48 hours in/around Berchtesgaden – site of Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest’. Weather permitting, ride the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Take the B500 to Baden-Baden. Travel back through the Ardennes to Calais for a Sunday train back to “Blighty”. Circa 1800 miles on the continent of which only 200 will be Motorway Indicative costs excluding food, drink, etc., but including ferry/tunnel are; £1100 for a couple (i.e. £550 per person), £650pp for solo travellers sharing (because of the extra bike & petrol). Solo travellers not sharing a room will cost around the same as that for a couple (rarely are hotel rooms discounted for single occupancy, but single rooms will be sourced when possible).
Somme Battlefield Tour Friday - catch Eurotunnel to Calais The Battlefield is only 100 miles from Calais The SAM Observer October 2019
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Friday afternoon until Monday morning a guided tour of the battlefield
The trip will comprise of; A mix of bike riding and walking Visit the actual area of fighting, not museums (unless the weather is rubbish!) We will have our own guide We will be based in central Arras, our hotel is well located There are some lovely riding roads in Northern France – honest! Total indicative costs including Euro Tunnel, but excluding food, drink, are; £450 for a couple (i.e. £225 per person) £370pp for solo travellers sharing (because of the extra bike & petrol) Solo travellers not sharing a room will cost around the same as that for a couple (rarely are hotel rooms discounted for single occupancy, but single rooms will be sourced when possible). Please Note: these are not “SAM” events. They are not promoted by SAM or run by SAM, but they are run on SAM riding rules. For further information, please contact:-
Bryan Duncan
07879 654122
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EAAA base visit 2019 Having been lucky enough to have been picked out of a draw to win a visit to the East Anglian Air Ambulance at their base at Cambridge Marshals International Airport at the July SAM group night, arrangements were made for the visit on Friday 18th October after an initial hiccup and a rearranged date. Pam and I arrived at said airport at 10.40 am to be met by Mark Wilson the EAAA Community Fundraiser and were checked in with our compulsory ID,s for security reasons. Apparently lots of military aircraft are serviced there hence the security protocols. After being issued with our security tags and high vis jackets we were escorted to the Helicopter base to meet the crew on duty for that day and to see the aircraft if it was on the ground and not on a shout. We waited for a few minutes to meet the crew as they had just returned from a shout in Cambridge and were getting themselves well earned coffees. All the while being entertained by Mark Wilson regarding the admin workings of the operation. We then were taken through to meet the crew which consisted of a Captain, Edwardo Prato an ex Venezuelan Navy helicopter pilot and co pilot Lee Kennedy and then the paramedics Dr Sophia De Maria a Military Dr and Paramedic that has seen service in some of the recent War zones across the world and also takes control of A&E at Addenbrookes on a shift basis. Sophia is also a keen motorcyclist having owned an R1 and have ridden a GS, So top girl in my book. Also 2nd paramedic Rod Wells who makes up the team of four crew. We were then taken to see the aircraft and were allowed to sit in all the seats. In the back or patient area we were shown some of the equipment used to The SAM Observer October 2019
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care for and administer top hospital quality life saving techniques to their patients. Quite often the patients would be taken to hospital by land ambulance after the helicopter has effectively taken the A & E hospital to the patient. The most urgent and critical emergencies would be taken by the helicopter to the
most appropriate hospital relative to the case. We were also allowed to sit in the pilots seats whereby Edwardo particularly was gracious enough to impart some of his extensive knowledge of flying helicopters to me. Although much more complicated than can be told here, basically there is a rotating disc that can be manipulated to make the aircraft go up, down, hover, move forward, backwards and sideways with basically 3 controls. A lever in the left hand controlling the up and down and another lever in the right hand controlling the cyclic pitches of the rota disc and foot pedals controlling turns. There were also what seemed like hundreds of switches and dials. Possibly the most strange thing to see space for on the control panel was two I Pads from which coordinates can be used to help find patient locations. Edwardo told me that it took approx 200 hrs to just learn to fly and a further 500 hrs to become proficient and thousands of hrs to achieve his current expertise. The SAM Observer October 2019
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Then back to the base building to see some graphics in the stairwell attesting to their achievements and improvements in service and equipment over the years. Future improvements include being able to fly 24/7 from their other base at Norwich airport whereas they currently only operate up until 1-30 pm in the early hrs. To achieve this further 1 million pounds needs to be found. Maybe SAM could elect the EAAA as a chosen charity for 2020. All in all a brilliant factual visit which ended all too soon. There were so many more questions to ask. The crew and Doctors were brilliant. Great at explaining their roles and the role that the helicopter plays in getting medical assistance of the highest quality to people whose days would have ended differently to the day they started.
Rob and Pam Day The SAM Observer October 2019
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SAM SHOP UPDATE NEW DESIGNS AND PRODUCTS The SAM shirt shop has had an overhaul with new products/designs being added matching the IAM Roadsmart colour scheme. Some have a large SAM logo, others a smaller SAM logo with the IAM RS logo below. Finally, there is the Tag Cloud design made of words from advanced riding.
Please note that all the products are now digitally printed for you and dispatched when you order, so do check the sizing charts carefully. The shirts labelled as Ladies have a close cut fit. Those marked as Mens can be considered as Unisex.
The shop’s website address is https://sam.spreadshirt.co.uk.
Mike Roberts The SAM Observer October 2019
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Editorial Whats happening this month ? Bike wise, I had an AGM to go to in Wisbech with my other bike group, so I had to take the bike, a nice ish day, sun was out and not that warm so I put my thermals back in the suit, and by the time I got there I was very happy that I had. Home to Thetford then up to Munford and across the Wisbech. Few spots of rain but otherwise a dry trip. The way home was not so good, and got cought in a little rain storm in the middle. Other news I heard was Harley Davidson have now stopped making their electric bike. Let hope that the UK market isn’t going to go the same way, Hydrogen seems to be the way forward, they have the same range as petrol but produces water as an exhaust waste. Problem is getting the hydrogen in the first place. Fantastic news that we are up to 300 members, if you’re new and would like to share any motorcycling stories, here is the place, I’m always needing articles to go in the magazine. We have also be awarded best news letter by IAM’s, so with your help we might be able to repeat this prestigious aquacade Safe Riding
Felix...
Editor
Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH. Tel: 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com Thank you To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. But….. what about the rest of you….
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Closing date for copy Monday after club night If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or send me an email. I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have another great magazine to read Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page
Advertise in our magazine Annual Advertising Rates: Advertise on the SAM website for an additional £25. Contact Felix for more details 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com £50 for ½ page
£75 for full page
Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists 3rd Monday of the month, 19:30, at Dunston Hall, A140, Norwich, NR14 8PQ Chairman, Secretary,
Rob Chandler, Alex Mason,
The SAM Observer October 2019
01493 730409 01603 716735
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MEMBER INFORMATION A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our website. Below are some key links members will find useful. CONTACTS Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs so you can recognise everyone. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs CALENDAR Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your smartphone. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM motorcycle test. Contact: Derek Baker http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart CARING SAM Our customer service & complaints procedures. Contact: Brian Ellis http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care DISCOUNT SCHEME Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these retailers who give a discount to SAM members. Contact: Dean Harris http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc ADVERTS Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our online adverts section. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads SHOPS T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop FORUM All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related. Have a read, and then register to join in. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum The SAM Observer October 2019
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SAM Events for your Diary November 2019 Wednesday 20th SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by, Guest Speaker, John Southgate from Suffolk Fire Bike. Venue Stowmarket Rugby Club, Chilton Way, Stowmarket IP14 1SZ Thursday 21st Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Overtaking
December 2019 Sunday, 1st Breakfast Run, Jack's Cafe IP2 0EB Meet in car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT in good time for 09:30 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing Wednesday 4th SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Saturday 7th Associate Only Ride 09:30 ~ 14:00 This ride is for Associates only.For more details please Contact: Sara Hale to book your place Monday, 9th New Observer Training Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF 19:00 – 21:30 Classroom session for new trainee Observers. Contact: Derek Barker Monday 16th SAM Christmas Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by, Quiz run by Les Steggles. Venue Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Saturday 21st Saturday Jaunt, Alder Carr Farm Shop IP6 8LX Meet at Martlesham Tescos IP5 3RU in good time for a 13:00 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend Briefing Wednesday 25th
IT’s CHRISTMAS
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January 2020 Wednesday 1st Sunday, 5th
Happy New Year Breakfast Run, TBA All riders must attend Briefing
Monday, 6th New Observer Training Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF 19:00 – 21:30 Classroom session for new trainee Observers. Contact: Derek Barker Wednesday 8th SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed Wednesday 15th by, Guest Speaker, Pete Doherty, the IAM Roadsmart Area Service Delivery Manage. Venue Stowmarket Rugby Club, Chilton Way, Stowmarket IP14 1SZ Thursday 16th Theory Evening. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Planning & Positioning Saturday 18th Saturday Jaunt, TBA All riders must attend Briefing
Note from Editor Please check the SAM Calendar, Forum & Facebook page for further details and for any changes after going to press. Especially in winter months when the weather can be unpredictable
Disclaimer The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interests. Any comments please email the editor.
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The SAM Observer October 2019
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The SAM Observer October 2019
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The last two to collect their Chief’s Challenge Snoods with Derek.
Derek with Last month’s test passes
Richard our chairman with Nick Braley & Steve Bingham for qualifying as a SAM Local Observer The SAM Observer October 2019
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The SAM Observer October 2019
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