June TUG

PROMOTING MOTORCYCLING EXCELLANCE SINCE 1982

June 2012

JJJ O U R N A LO U R N A LO U R N A L O FO FO F T H ET H ET H E E E E S S E XS S E XS S E X A A A D V A N C E DD V A N C E DD V A N C E D

MMM O T O R C Y C L I S T SO T O R C Y C L I S T SO T O R C Y C L I S T S G G G R O U PR O U PR O U P

Registered Charity Number 1107703

2 PROMOTING MOTORCYCLING EXCELLANCE SINCE 1982

Chairman &

Group Contact

Nigel Barton

[email protected]

or 0845 2261237

Vice Chairman John Tipper [email protected]

Secretary Roger Wardley [email protected]

Website Graham Simpkins [email protected]

Observer Co-

ordinator John Tullett [email protected]

Membership Sec-

retary &

Associate Co-

Lyn Childs

[email protected]

Associate Rep TBE

Promotions Graham Childs [email protected]

Treasurer Teri Olley [email protected]

Full Members Rep Geoff Preston [email protected]

TUG (Newsletter)

Editor Laura Windram

[email protected]

[email protected]

Events Co-ordinator Paul Scott [email protected]

BMF/MAG Liason Bill Peck [email protected]

Committee Member Keith Boyles [email protected]

Committee Member Jill Winn [email protected]

Committee Member Paul McKelvey [email protected]

The Committee


Chairman’s Piece 4

Membership Secretary

Report 6

Notice Board 8

Post Hibernation 10

Geoff’s Day trip to

France 12

Random Photo’s 18

Diary (Pull Out) 24

Membership Form

(Pull Out) 26

Observer Coordinator

from John Tullet 32

This and That 35

Ride Report 40

Full Member Training 44

Puzzle 49

Welcome!

Dear Members,

Finally the sun came out and some great

rides followed, a big thanks to Geoff

Preston and Jaques de Klerk for organising

some fantastic rides, we really appreciate

the effort that you and many others put

into these days out.

I was glad to receive a short letter from Ian

Brady (its on page 18). Also a ride report

from (Mark Gilder on page 36). Thanks to

both of you.

If only some more members would be so

kind as to send stuff on, it can be photos,

letters, ride reports just use your

imagination. I have even included my

address on page 7 so there is no excuse.

I know the membership is down slightly as

Lynn explains on page 4 , but I feel that

makes it all the more important that we

keep this magazine topped up with as

much info as possible about the great

things EAMG do so future members get a

feel for what the group is all about.

Laura

Editor


Chairman’s

Report May 2012

Well it only seems like a few days since

Laura last insisted I sat down and wrote the

chairman’s report for the April edition of TUG, it probably seems such a short

while because I have been very busy putting almost five thousand miles on my

new Versys 1000, most of these miles ridden in the wet, lets hope the weather

turns for the better soon.

I was rather disappointed to hear that the May FMT was cancelled due to no one

taking the opportunity to have their ride critiqued by an observer whilst riding

on some of the best roads reachable on a day ride out ,it is such a shame as a lot

of work goes into organizing and pre–riding the routes. Also cancelled was the

first Essex Bike Safe event of the year due to bad weather (now named the Essex

Motorcycle Show) this event is always a good platform for us as a group to at-

tract new associate members, the event is being planned for later in the year on

the 22nd of July and help on the stand would be appreciated by Graham and

Lynn.

Next I must report on the end of an era John, Margaret Kidman and Vivian are

running their last raffle at the June club night and on behalf of all members past

and present a big thank you for all of your time and effort over the years support-

ing the group and let’s hope we can find your successors to take over the raffle

quickly. That leads me on nicely volunteers please to run the raffle...


You may have noticed the banner on the front cover of the last TUG ‘Promoting

Motorcycle Excellence for Thirty Years’ in celebration the group is having a BBQ

on the 29th of September in West Hanningfield. The detail is being worked on as

I type but it promises to be a great afternoon and evening for all of the family

with games for all and hopefully a firework display to finish, more news soon

keep a look out on the forum. Please support the group and those that are organ-

ising all of the events for you.

Ride well ride safe.

Nigel


Membership Secretary Report

Membership Number

Full 133

Associate 27

Social 3

Total 175

Life 12

Dear Members,

Please remember that your membership needs renewing for 2012. Membership Forms are down load able from the EAMG Sight or I will have copy’s on group night.

Fees for 2012

New Associates Members £55.00

Associates member’s Renewal is £45.00

Full member’s Renewal is £25.00

Socials Member’s are £25.00

FMT £20.00

If you want to take of Extra full member training (FMT) with you own regular observer there is an extra payment of £20.00. Please tick box on membership form and enclose the Fee.

There is no increase in

membership fees for 2012 .

Ride well, ride safe

Lynn Childs


Test Passes

Congratulations

On the 26th of April 2012 Mick Hewitt passed his assessment and is now a trainee observer. I’ m sure we will all wish him well with his training.

Unfortunately our membership is not as good as it could be, compared to last year when we had so many associates that they were waiting for observers.

Why, is it the Economic climate ? or is it something as a group that we are not delivering?.

A committee’s job is very hard . How do we judge what our members expect or want from their Group,

The committee are supposed to be the voice of the members . Without your in-put we cannot achieve this , we really need your feedback good or bad.

Is there something as a member that you think your Group is not achieving or is there something that you would like it to achieve .

Would you like to have more family orientated events, or would you like to see something different .

Do you have an idea for a Group night’s talk then please let us know .

Chris Reed Bill Mcphail 16/11/2011 IAM Mark Ander-

son

Member Test Date Test Passed Examiner Observer


Have you experienced any

problems accessing the

EAMG forum? If so please

contact Graham Simpkins

[email protected] so

that we can help everybody

keep in touch and up to date

with events and rides.

Do you find yourself at a lose end at the weekends? Or

maybe you would like to give something back to the

group?

If so why not help out at the various promotional

events that Graham and Lynn Childs attend

throughout the year.

Contact them at [email protected] for more details

More content

please

This is your newsletter

so please share your

thoughts/ideas/ ride re-

ports/ photos / tips etc

etc


Don’t forget to pencil the slow

riding days into your diaries

Ford Dunton on the 17th of June

and the 30th of September

These days provide

an excellent opportunity to

practice slow riding skills that

many of us don’t take the

time to perfect.

Its great fun and you never

know Spider might even provide

sandwiches and jelly!

Essex Motorcycle Show

2012 (Bike Safe)

9am—4pm

Sunday 22nd July

Weston Homes

Community Stadium,

Colchester.

Responses to

[email protected] or

get in to the forum at

www.eamg.org.uk

The next deadline

for TUG is the

27th July

If you don’t have

access to email why

not post me your

letter or article

Please ask for my

address


Post Hibernation Oh!!!! Shit Moments

After a long winter with lots to do and not enough time to get out on the bike as

much as we would like to or need to, we venture out on our first ride.

Oh!!! Shit things don’t seem to be as smooth or controlled as before. Bends; well I

got round them but not a pretty sight and really not good for the nerves.

Time to consider some extra training.

A Full Member Training Day with John Tipper , really good and have been on them

in the past , but unable to attend Johns FMT Day due to lack of confidence in my

personal strengths and capabilities, it was decided a more personal based training

would be a better option.

So a day was booked with Rider Art Training aka Chris Reed. Very apprehensive of

what the day would bring and how I would cope with a full day of one to one training

( no one there to take the pressure of) and the fact that Chris can ride all day with-

out showing any signs of fatigue.

I received a very in-depth e mail from Chris explaining what to expect from the

training day and an itinerary of how the day would run.

The day arrived, after meeting Chris over a cup of coffee we discussed what I wanted

to achieve from of my day. Hum, I felt that there were so many things that needed

improving it would be difficult to choose the main ones so I gave Chris a list as long

my arm and left the rest to his wisdom.

With radio’s set up we set off.

A initial commentary from Chris went something like this, “Coming towards you is a

silver Ford Mondeo, a red Clio and a small van” ( I’m looking everywhere, I can’t see

any of the stated vehicles anywhere). A few seconds or more later as he had stated

the vehicles appeared . “Lift your vision“ I thought, I was but when again he gave me

a similar commentary on vehicles that were coming towards me. I looked up (no sign

of any of the vehicles stated), Then I looked further up oh my god I did not think I

had to lift my vision that far, what a revelation. I could see the road layout, the vehi-

cles and so much more.


I was still having problems with my approach and exit to bends (I seem to cut in too

early and not get the right position when exiting). With Chris’s guidance on where I

should be on each bend (all being different) and holding the position through the

bend I could actually feel and see the benefits of being in the right position and the

meaning of the bend opening up.

Without having the radio contact I would have found it really hard to grasp what

was actually meant and where I should have been.

Chris was full of praise and confidence building from off set and made me feel that

perhaps my riding was not as bad as I thought and I had been too self critical. I even

got praise for my first over take.

We covered a full day training with several breaks; I felt that everything on my initial

long list that I had given Chris had been covered in one way or another.

Ride end debrief. Chris “What an improvement today, that overtake you took this

morning was not as good or as progressive as it could have been. But that last over

take was fantastic, position was good and it was well executed, just quick and easy.”

At no point did Chris give any negative feedback, which helped boosted my confi-

dence and self belief (although he did correct me if things were not right)

I had a great day and found it really informative and worthwhile. I would recom-

mend it to anybody, no matter how incapable you think you are.

Since then, on my bends a little voice creeps into my head “Hold the line, stay out,

stay out till the bend opens now accelerate through. I might not always get it right,

but I have a better understanding of what it means and where I should be on the

road,

Hopefully now there will be a lot less Oh!!! Shit Moments.

Lynn, Ride Well Ride Safe


It’s Saturday afternoon, I’m on the bike and the sun is shining and I am comfortably

warm, not what I’ve been used to of late. Now, could the weather man have got it

wrong? Could the lousy forecast for tomorrow turn out to be half decent for the day

trip to France?

Sunday morning, 5.30am, I can see the sky is quite bright but what about the tempera-

ture, if it’s going to get up to yesterday’s levels I won’t need the heated vest. Step out

the front door to get a feel for the air temperature; yep I reckon the heated gear can

stay home.

Down to Thurrock to meet up with whoever is joining me on the trip, ten hardy souls,

about half the number there has been over the previous years, figure it must be that

dodgy forecast and I guess the 6.10 departure had a sobering affect. After some fifteen

minutes or so of riding I realise the decision to leave the heated vest and gloves off was

a major tactical error, I am kinda cold and getting colder by the minute, damn!

Arrive, frozen to the core at the terminal, check in and around to the cafe for a much

needed hot beverage, Richard is there ahead of us. Bruce informs us that the last call

has been made and we get a shuffle on, Ian joins us on the platform whilst waiting to

board and finally we’re signalled on to the train. Park the bikes according to the strict

directions of the Marshall, oh! It’s this way this time is it?


Once settled and on the move I go through the procedure for the day, marker system,

back markers, Mike, Dave and Bruce willingly volunteer to cover a section each. Arrive

in Calais after once again setting the world to rights and disembark and rendezvous in

the gas station along the road. All present and correct and off we set, Mike tailing, in

the rain, oh joy. We hadn’t gone many miles, so few it barely counted as miles, before I

had that uncomfortable feeling that I was headed in the wrong direction, about 360

degrees wrong in fact, it was probably the fact that the direction signs were reading

Calais. What’s that, oh yes I do have one of those dastardly GPS whatsits but what do

they know. No, not a U turn, as the driving examiner instructed me all those years ago,

“I would like you to do a turn around in the road Sir”

A pleasant ride (not a term that springs easily into the consciousness for me when rid-

ing in the wet stuff) over to Cassell for elevenses. During the past several years that I

have lead this ride I have, without exception enjoyed lovely weather conditions and

when arriving in the town we park the bikes and make for one of the many delightful

cafe/bars which the town offers and avail ourselves of the on-pavement seating. This

was the first time that all the bars, without exception had their exterior tables and

chairs stacked forlornly in the relentless downpour and consequently we scurried, like

the proverbial vermin into the sanctuary of the nearest open bar. Once inside the spir-

its were raised, not the liquid type you understand, the Patron greeted us in the cus-

tomary French fashion and took our orders and once again everything was right with

the world. After much convivial discourse and with great enthusiasm we were ready to


resume our journey, as I

stepped onto the street I

was minded of Sacha Dis-

tell and that prophetic

song, ‘Raindrops keep fal-

ling on my head’

All assembled, Dave tail-

ing, off we set Westward

Ho for the Atlantic coast

and the debonair resort of

Le Touquet. I kept telling

myself “ you’re enjoying

this, this is fun, it’s charac-

ter building, it improves

you’re bike handling skills”

let me tell you, as my old

granddad used to say, “it’s

all a load of codswallop

son” and he was a man

who knew a thing or two!

Hallelujah! I do believe, yes I do believe I see that lucky ol sun up there in the heavens.

As we approach Le Touquet the clouds dissipate and reveal the Azure ceiling and the

burning light of mother Sun, that’s more to my liking brother. We weave through the

narrow streets of Le Touquet down to the promenade car park and alight from the

trusty steeds. We make our way across to the biker’s restaurant where, not for the first

time, the Patron manoeuvres people to other tables to enable us all to sit at one table,

well almost. We all place our orders and await with eager anticipation the serving of

our individual French dishes. I enjoyed the Mussels with garlic butter, mmm...

Having replenished our gastronomic needs it’s back to the machines to enjoy the last

leg of the trip. Richard told me, on the train, that he had devised an alternative route

back for this leg which avoided Boulogne, which can be a little crowded. I asked him if

he would lead us on this mini adventure which he graciously agreed to. We called in at

a service station so that those who needed to could replenish their tanks, having done

so we set off, with Bruce tail ending this leg, following Richard into the unknown still

with the old currant bun blessing us with its glorious rays. The journey was interesting

and uneventful until upon reaching a T junction and turning right I was aware of sev-


The riders in the lead pulled over further up the road and we all followed suit, you

won’t be surprised to learn that none of us volunteered to go back to investigate, the

British appeared to have lost their Bulldog spirit. We speculated as to why Richard and

Peter had been pulled. It was some time before Peter was seen coming towards us and

we waited eagerly to be regaled of the circumstances of their falling foul of the law, it

would appear that they had both ignored the stop sign at the T junction. Peter was

released with a dressing down whilst Richard fared rather more harshly and was re-

lieved of ninety Euros for his oversight, sacrebleu!

Having regrouped we set off once again for Calais and without further excitement

made our way back to the terminal where we partook of refreshments whilst waiting

for our train back to Blighty. A cold, wet, Sunny day which could have been just an-

other average one but, as so often with EAMG rides, in spite of that damned rain, the

company turned it into a great day out, thanks one and all.

PS to self. Must do better with the weather next time, or go by car!

Geoff Preston. AKA the rain man-not!


Group Night Speakers

Bridgestone have confirmed that they will be coming to group night on

July 3rd , so if any members have any questions can you please send

them to Paul Scott in advance [email protected]

For Augusts group night we will be welcoming Pan American Adventures,

Norman and Maggie are travelling quite a way to come and talk to us ,

the trips they do are in aid of cancer research so we will be looking for

donations on the night.

Hello guys and girls. The fun charity

ride is on. This is the plan so far. We

meet up on Sunday at a sunny spot

in Sainsbury's at Chelmsford. Time to

be arranged. You pay me for a smil-

ing bike tax token. That I stick on

your bike. After much debating that

will be £3 £4 or £5 its up to you. No

change given back. The money for

the charity I want to give it to is the

one for battered birds with bruises.

The fun run is open to all members in the club. Full or otherwise. Put your other

half son daughter m other in law on the back. My friend the vicker will open his

pie and mash shop just for us on a private sitting for our Sunday dinner. A prize

for who eats the most pies. We are going to Clacton On Sea. the famous Richard

Parker will be leading us. So you know it will be a good ride. I have it in writing

that the council will let us have free use of the car park near the vicker's shop as

long as its a charity ride which it is. Best fake black eye wins a prize. There will

also be a free raffle on the day. If time permits a competition on route as well.

What more cud you ask for. Hopefully there will be at least 20 people or the

vicker will be loosing money to open up and cook for us. So nearer the time. Try

and let me know if you wana go go go.


T i ck et s o n s a

l e at gr o up

ni g h t s

t i me s a

n d f u l l l oc at i o

n d e t ai l s

T B A

BBQ

Games

Fireworks

Members guests

welcome

Adults £5

Children £1

Please bring your own

drinks and seating.

S AT 2 9 th

S E PT 2 0 1 2


There must be

some sun some-

where !


Umm chair-

man today….

No Jaques

blow!


A Pat on the back.

I have just put down a book called Pass your test and be a better rider.

It’s a good book ,but as you read the introduction on the two guys who wrote the book ,they talk about their riding experience and there lies one of the reason for this letter.

One of the two guys said about a student learning to ride and that she had a severe acci-dent while learning and had lost her leg. The instructors comment was that “SHE could-n’t ride could she”. There are some other peoples comments in the book , as one of the guys writes for Bike magazine and they did a survey.

Anyway this got me thinking about my return to biking after about 5-10 years. I had some back to biking lessons and most of the instructors where great , but one was right up his own back side he made me feel like an idiot, he also liked to shout down the mike into your ears. In fact he made me feel so bad that I nearly stopped riding altogether.

The thing is that I am not the only one that had this guy shouted at, some were just starting in biking, which is certainly not good for new bikers. My point is that since joining this group it has been really good and positive, all the Ob-servers are great and nothing seems to much trouble, all of them say it will take time to get into the system that’s very true with me. Considering that most of the Observers work, they all go the extra mile, like my Ob-server John Tullett. He was the one who suggested the book to help my daughter , who has passed her test and has ridden for about a year, but felt in no man’s land and was wishing to be a better rider. A lot of the riding trainers just get you through the test and that’s it. The book is really helpful to my daughter .

Also you have people like John Tipper who at a AGT, spoke about cold weather riding and the clothing to be wearing, to be honest it was news to me, I was from the era of blue jeans and white t-shirt, so you just got cold. When I came back to biking I still thought the same. so the AGT was a Revelation.

Also when you have your chairman Nigel Barton saying he needs to practice , it is a really good thing to hear, ,as I have not been an associate that long and it puts you at ease.

Why I said “a pat on the back” is that from the chairman down everyone has a passion for the group and motorcycling and so the observers and all those who help out in the group deserve a Pat on the back, and I think some of the professional rider trainers could do with some of the passion in this group.

Ian Brady


A Pat on the back.


I t has come to light that not all of the abbreviations and acronyms used by the

group are immediately understood by new associates and potential members,

so in no particular order I shall try to illuminate the secret code.

AGT ( Associate group training)

Moulsham school, Chelmsford. The first Sunday following group night

(9.15 am)

This is monthly training open to all associates. You need to bring your licence,

insurance and M.O.T certificate. It is usually held on the first Sunday after group

night but there is not one in January. When you arrive you need to register your

presence and then there is a presentation on an aspect of motorcycle roadcraft.

You will be assigned an observer for the day either on a one to one or two to

one basis. Generally the ride will be 50-60 miles with several stops for debriefs

in the same way as a normal observed ride. The aim of an AGT is to expose you

to different observers and give additional opportunities to go on a structured ride.

There is no charge for these rides and they are an important source of further

training. Dates and time are listed in TUG and on the group website.

NATP (New associate training presentation)

Moulsham School, Chelmsford. (now held along side AGT’s)

A presentation for all new associates. These are now monthly along side AGT’s

see John Tullets article.. During the presentation you will be given an insight into

advanced training and how the group is structured. Once you have attended an

NATP your name is put forward to be assigned an individual observer.

FMT (Full member training)

Various locations, several times a year.

For full members that want to refresh their skills, whether you are due a retest or

just need to get rid of some bad habits. The ride is tailored to suit you, if you

need to improve your overtakes then that will be the focus of the day. If you want

to ride like Chris Reed then you will spend you day touring cafés ! These are the

main chances full members get for further training.


Slow riding day

Fords testing ground, Dunton. Twice a year, all day Sunday.

Training on all aspects of low speed bike control on a closed road environment,

usually Fords Dunton facility. You will have the opportunity to improve your brak-

ing, low speed manoeuvring in various ways and the only competitive part of the

day, a “race” over a very short distance. The aim is to cover the distance in the

most time possible. Open to all members.

Social rides

All year long, numerous locations

These are individual rides mostly open to any member of the group, some are

for full members only but if this is the case then it is made very clear.

I hope this sheds some light on the events of the group. If any member has a

doubt or query then please do not hesitate to contact a committee member by

email or phone. If you do not get a prompt answer then try somebody else,

emails get blocked by spam and phones are not manned 24/7. We would rather

answer simple questions than have disappointed members.

Guy

Belsteads Farm Lane

Little Waltham

Chelmsford

Essex

For those with sat nav.:

Longitude 000'29'49"

Latitude 051°46'19"

Group Social Evenings

Channels Golf Club

Usually on the first Tuesday evening of each month at 7.30 p.m .

See TUG or Website for details.


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2012 March 18 Peer to Peer

25 Full Member Training 1

April 1 Eamg Full Member Ride

3 Group Night with Michelin and custom ear plugs

8 Associate Group Training

22 Annual day tour to France. Eurotunnel 7.20 departure from Folkestone. Return 17.50 from Calais. Currently £28 return. Watch the Forum for further details.

21-25 Reveiller Ride 1: 4 Day Scenic ‘D’ Tour

29 Peer to Peer

29 Essex Motorcycle Show (Bike Safe) Cancelled

May 1 Group Night with Tony Gabb (Herts Examiner)

5-9 Reveiller Ride 2: 4Day Cote d’Or


13 Eamg Full Member Ride


June 3 Eamg Full Member Ride

5 Group Night *at Regiment Way*


17 Slow Riding day at Ford Dunton

23-02 Reveiller Ride 3: Schwarzwald & Bavaria

July 1 Eamg Full Member Ride

3 Group Night *at Regiment Way*

With Bridgestone

7-11 Reveiller Ride 4: 5 Day Scenic Cote d’Or


15 Peer to Peer





Here is a great opportunity to help promote

the group with our bumper regalia sale. For

upcoming group nights I will set up our regalia

table for you to see what we have. Make me an

offer (sensible of course) and it could be yours.

We need to turn this stock into cash for the

group.

Gents Hoodies, Ladies Polo shirts, various

colours and sizes, Gents Fleeces, Beanie Hats,

Baseball caps, Gents Polo shirts new and old

styles, Gents Short sleeve shirts, Ladies short

sleeve shirts, Gents and Ladies Tee shirts,

Ladies V neck Tee Shirts, Key Rings and

stickers.

LOOK FOR US AT GROUP NIGHTS

Regalia

Grand

Sale

Roger Wardley,

Group Secretary


22 Essex Motorcycle Show (BikeSafe)

August 5 Full Member Training 3

5 Museum of Power, bike meet at Langford near Maldon 10am - 5pm

7 Group Night with Pan American Adventures


19 Boys & Girls Ride, Cotswolds


September 4 Group Night

8-19 Reveiller Ride 5: 11 Day Austrian Alps


16 Sunday 16th September. Beachy Head run. Watch Forum for further details.

16 Essex Air Ambulance run


29 EAMG BBQ (watch out for further details)

30 Slow Riding day at Ford Dunton

October 2 Group Night

5-10 Reveiller Ride 6: 5 day Massif Central


14 Peer to Peer



November 4 Eamg Full Member Ride

6 Group Night


December 2 Eamg Full Member Ride

4 Group Night

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“If you have a crash and it wasn’t your fault we can manage your claim free of charge. That means we will represent you and communicate with your insurance company, the at-fault insurance company, your repairer and, most importantly, YOU to resolve liability in your favour and manage

your claim until your bike is back with you, fully repaired.

In the unfortunate event that a bike is damaged, bikers may not be aware that once their insurer is notified, the insurer will arrange for their ap-proved repairer to collect their bike. This may not be ideal for a number of reasons, that’s why Ridemaster will work with your chosen local repairer

where they know you and know your bikes’ history.

Call Ridemaster first and we’ll take the pain out of a bad day.”

RIDEMASTER PO BOX 859 Aylesbury

Bucks.

HP22 9FJ

T: 0844 888 0999 F: 0844 888 4190

www.ridemaster.co.uk


Bucks.


OBSERVER

COORDINATOR

Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) - In

the April issue of TUG I mentioned the success

of the FTFM scheme. I would like to confirm the

Committee’s decision that Full Members can

attend Associate Group Training days (AGTs) in

a training capacity, subject to the understand-

ing that priority will be given to Associates.

Paid up FTFM participants will not need to

make any additional contribution to Observer expenses at AGTs. Any other Full

members who want a one-off observed ride at an AGT will be charged £10 when

they sign-on.

New Associate Training Presentation (NATP) – New Associates are required to at-

tend a NATP before being allocated to a personal 1-to-1 Observer. Thanks mainly to

the efforts of John Tipper and Geoff Preston the contents of the NATP have been

updated and streamlined, allowing successful presentations to be held in conjunc-

tion with the March, April and May AGTs. This has not only enabled the Group to

hold NATPs more frequently, but has also allowed attendees to participate in an

observed ride immediately after the talk.

Observer News –Congratulations to Martin Silk and Mick Hewitt, who have both

recently passed their initial assessments to become Trainee Observers.

Slow Riding Days – Good machine handling skills are invaluable, but the reality is

that many of us probably do not practise activities such as emergency braking or

slow manoeuvring quite as often as we should. The good news is that our first Slow

Riding Day is booked at Dunton for Sunday, 17th June and it is our intention to in-

clude some extra activities this year. While the exact content will not be finalised

until an Observer meeting later in May, there is a good chance of the infamous DSA

‘Swerve Test’ making an appearance, for those who fancy a go!


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ALL MAJOR CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Associate Training Days – ATDs were organised for a number of years by Steve

Shortis and, typically, offered a full day’s training over a route of around 150 miles

(following a broadly similar format and charging structure to the Full Member

Training days organised by John Tipper). In early 2011 we reluctantly took the de-

cision to discontinue ATDs, due to limited demand. I was recently asked if the

Group had any plans to reintroduce ATDs in 2012. At the moment no such events

are scheduled but, subject to sufficient interest and the Training Team’s agreement,

it might be possible for them to be reinstated. Please will any Associates who would

wish to attend an ATD speak to me at any Group Night / AGT, e-mail jtul-

[email protected] to help establish the potential level of demand.

John Tullett


[email protected]

www.baconsmotorcycles.co.uk

Open 9am-6pm Mon to Sat


LAST YEAR :- I was pleased to see

Stephen Green on his new BMW 1200

RT last year. It amused me even more

when on two occasions he ran out of

petrol. It wasn’t his misfortune that

tickled me, it was the thought that

Stephen considered that his Beemer

was that good it would go around the

world without the need for the odd

visit to the filling station.

Richard Parker has got away with no punctures for many years but over

the last few months he, or more rightly his bikes, have become puncture

magnets attracting all the stray nails in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Bad

news for him but good news for us as he clears up as he goes. The Crafty

Plugger puncture repair kit has been put to good use but I’m sure it came

with a curse because he never had any punctures until he bought it.

As my little CB 500 passes to another (a possible new member) Steve

Shortis discovers the virtues of these little rockets and buys a CBF 500.

Steve says, “everyone should have one” quite right, nearly everyone did

have one but they don’t seem quite so evident in the group at the moment.

Are they parked up in the garage gathering dust or like mine sold on, fallen

out of favour. Likewise Triumph Tiger 1050s. Last year there was a ’flurry’

to buy them but now their popularity seems to have waned and I know of

four in the group which have been sold or are for sale. You’re a fickle lot! I

still like mine and due to Stuart Daniels selling his I was able to purchase

the Ohlin shock absorber he no longer wanted.


Teri Olley got a bit knocked about a bit last year when she rode over a diesel spill.

She suffered bruising and a damaged helmet and the bike wasn’t too badly damaged.

A frustrating type of accident because you can’t point a finger at the perpetrator.

More importantly we need Teri’s head to be in full working order as she is our new

group treasurer. While on the subject of the ladies Nicki got into a predicament

where she needed longer legs and fell over with her Suzuki (I‘m sure we‘ve all done

it). Not wishing just to drop it on the road she eased it to the point she had to let it

go but the bar end landed on her finger. For the next week it went from black to

different shades of blue/purple and was a sight to behold.

Ken Saunders was another victim of a slippery road which left him with shoulder

damage. Sue was surprised that it was Ken lying in the road this time as she has

done it herself on occasions.

The brotherhood of bikers is unshakable - - until you knock their bikes over.

An acquaintance of Nicki’s was at a Goldwing rally somewhere abroad. He passed on

foot between some parked Wings and as he did one fell over, this knocked over an-

other three. As you can imagine fully dressed Goldwings falling over is going to be

expensive. The owners were very upset and said he must have nudged the bike over

causing the domino effect. Because he was on foot they couldn’t claim on his insur-

ance so over the following weeks they started a private action against him. This all

subsided when another party produced some photos of the said Wing perched dan-

gerously upright on its side stand and that it only needed a puff of wind to do the

deed. I bet he sighed with relief, four damaged Goldwings are going to cost a lot of

pocket money. Wasn’t you was it Roger ?

I’m no stranger to bikes falling over. September last year Nicki and I were at the

top of the Stelvio Pass in Austria (Revellier Ride, much recommended). I parked

the Tiger slightly away from the other bikes just in case one fell over, it wouldn’t

hit mine. When I returned to the bike that had all changed and there were bikes

parked up close. We were putting our helmets on when a German lad with an R6

parked right beside me dropped his bike. It fell on to the Tiger tipping it off its

side stand. Nicki and I both lunged to catch it but were not near enough. To our

delight it didn’t rock over centre and came back on to its stand but the R6 crashed

to the floor and seemed to fall to pieces, bits of plastic everywhere. Luckily the

Triumph only lost a bit paint of the crankcase. The German fella was full of apolo-

gies possibly thinking I was about to react adversely but I was just so relieved to

have gotten away with it. Anglo/German relations remain intact.


While up on the Stelvio Derek Turton’s ageing Honda Pan displayed symptoms of over

heating and chucked out most of its coolant which readily ran down the road. The

poor old Pan showing 83,000 miles on the clock had been ailing for several days when

the cooling fan blew fuses. The arduous climb up the Stelvio was all a bit ‘too much’

for the old girl (the bike, not Derek) but with regular top ups of water both made it

home to England. Derek has now updated to a more modern 1300 Pan and I’m sure

he’ll be on more continental crusades this year without the worry of mechanical

problems.

I’m no longer a committee member largely because of time restraint, but I want to

tell you that the committee then and now have a real task to keep this group opera-

tional and functioning. The group is run just as any successful business would be and

with neglect it would go broke. I’m not going to go into details of the work done by

the individuals on the committee but I’ve got to stress that they are doing a sterling

job and giving up an awful lot of spare time to do it. The ordinary member can do

their bit by supporting the group in our activities. Training, social rides, group nights

and of course suggest things that you might consider of interest to the group.

Above all we need a constant supply of new members and you can all do a bit of re-

cruiting.

Marital bliss was tested a couple of years back when John Tipper ‘hankered ‘for an-

other bike. Assessing the bikes in the garage that might be sold off to make room

and money for his new wheels. He decided to include one of Audrey’s Kawasaki 636.

Audrey ‘had’ two of these one for track, one for the road. John thought he might

sell one for his own gain, a brave plan indeed. I’m not sure that Audrey forgave him

but I like to mention it to her from time to time just to see the reaction, it’s worth

it, try it for your self.

Dave Iszard


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Hi Everyone, Thank you for a great ride out on Saturday. Being the newbie, you all made me feel welcome,

thank you for that. Although the weather wasn't great at least it was dry. I did hear riders mention

heated grips. Most of us had thick gloves that kept the worst of the wind-chill off. I had heard that

there were less riders this year, but we’ll put that down to the weather. 20% chance of rain or how

I prefer it, 80% chance it may not rain. OH the optimism!

Would like to thank Nigel for the organisation and Dave group leader of the plod along group.

Sorry I didn’t meet the other 2 ride leaders. Although I must admit, being a newbie to EAMG I

found the pace challenging at times.

Thanks Tesco for your car park meeting place, surprised they weren’t charging us rent. Mind you

we did a lot of fill ups at the garage. So all things being equal.

Riders underway with 3 groups, we made our way through Chelmsford and onto Writtle.

(Expected more traffic). Made our way to the 507 with it’s twisty roads and that really sharp left-

hand turn, where if you miss it you end up in the farmers yard. We all stopped at the service on the

A10 (Well I think it was the A10) for a comfort break, which was really welcome as I had started

to fidget somewhat on the seat. Back on the saddle and off for the Super Sausage Cafe.

Ride Reports

Easter Super Sausage Run


A really nice part of the ride was through the woodland park at Woburn Abbey with the deer’s,

although I didn't spot any myself, (too busy looking where I was going), I was told there were one

or two roaming around. With the sun shining this may well be worth a visit in the summer for a

picnic type ride. May even take my DEER wife. (Sorry) Dear.

I was chased up by the back marker, and on turning right into the café car park I had the wrong

gear and stalled the bike and almost dropped it. I was told later I made a great recovery.

(Confidence booster) Thank you.

Great breakfast/brunch at the cafe along the A5 was well worth the ride. Good food with a great

selection on the menu. The staff were great and we were all served in no time. There was a slight

uprising when ticket number 68 was served up before ticket 65 etc. But hey, pay your money and

take your chances.

Comfortable ride back with some great country roads with minimal traffic. Stopped off at Thaxted

for a quick break, where riders departed for the final leg home. Hope you all had a great day out. See you all soon.

Mark



Hi, we thought you’d like to know that The Rider’s Digest is back as an

online magazine and that it’s free to download at

www.theridersdigest.co.uk

Following the demise of the printed version last September the com-

pany was wound up in the courts and that appeared to be that. How-

ever, the readership was still there and, having edited the magazine

from January ’06 to July ’09, I and some other die-hard Digest types

decided that through a combination of love, effort and goodwill, TRD

could be restored to its former glory - albeit online. And that's precisely

what we've done. We have produced three issues so far and are already reaching over 10,000 read-

ers a month. Most of your favourite contributors and features are back (Six in the City, In the Saddle,

Boy Biker, Rod Young etc.), plus we have a whole load of new writers from around the world.

I want to stress that the new version of TRD has nothing whatsoever to do with the company that

went bust, or any of the individuals who owned it at that time. It is an entirely new initiative starting

from scratch with nothing but the name (which was free to pick up) and the great reputation that goes

with it.

We sincerely hope you’ll start reading the Digest again as it really is as good, if not better, than it

ever was.

If you click the ‘Subscribe for Free’ button on our website, we’ll simply send you a reminder email every

time we publish a new edition.

You can also follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheRidersDigest

Best regards, Dave Gurman Editor, The Rider's Digest


Have you ever wondered if your riding skill is still as good as it was when you passed your IAM or RoSPA Test?

Is your RoSPA Retest fast approaching and you feel you’d like a refresher to check that bad habits have not crept into your riding?

We are all only as good as the day we are actually riding our bikes. How good our riding was last year or even last month may not be as good as we think it is; com-placency can be fatal.

EAMG provide two Further Training Schemes for Full Members:

Full Member Training (FMT) – One-day training courses available four times a

year

Further Training for Full Members (FTFM) – Assignment to an Observer for 1

to 1 training

These courses are provided to check riding skills haven’t deteriorated, for those wishing to take a higher grade of test such as RoSPA or for those preparing for qualification as an EAMG Observer.

Full Member Training

Four FMT Courses take place during ‘summer time’ between March and October. Participation is entirely voluntary and those taking part do not have to join each ride. Training is for your benefit and enjoyment; it is not a mandatory requirement that you go on to take a RoSPA test. To ensure the highest possible standard, Ob-servers undertaking this training will hold a current RoSPA Gold certificate.

You will not be riding in one large group. Where possible you will be riding with an Observer and one other Full Member giving you the opportunity to have a 'rest' while your partner is being observed. Every effort will be made to match your riding experience, ability and aspirations with your partner, any miss matching being ad-dressed at the first refreshment stop. The routes, approx. 200 miles, will cover a variety of roads and include several debriefing stops and two refreshment stops. Joining details will be sent by email or post a few days before the event. Events this year:

Further Training Opportunities for Full Members

Joining

Fee Sunday 25th March 2012 Sunday 20th May 2012

£45.00 Sunday 5th August 2012 Sunday 21st October 2012

Contact John Tipper, Email: [email protected]


Further Training for Full Members

You will be assigned to an Observer and rides will be arranged on a one to one basis when mutually convenient. Although not mandatory, unlike FMT, the training will be structured as preparation for a further test such as RoSPA.

To apply to join this scheme:

Apply to the Membership Secretary either at membership renewal or during the season. You will be asked to pay an additional Membership Fee (details below).

Your Application will be passed to the Observer Co-ordinator who will assign you to the first available Observer. Where feasible, geographical location will be considered.

You will be expected to pay the Observer a contribution (details below) towards fuel costs.

Participation must be renewed annually.

FTFM - 2012

Membership Secretary Observer Co-ordinator

Additional Membership

Fee

Contribution to Observer

Lynn Childs John Tullett

[email protected] [email protected] £20 pa £10 per ride

Name:

Address:

Post Code: Tel:

Email:

Riding Experience:

Aspirations:

Typical annual mileage: Machine:


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At last some better weather, or so I thought until

we ventured into France on Geoff’s day trip, wow

the heavens really did open for a while. Still I had a

thoroughly enjoyable day, and as it was my first

ride abroad I was very glad to be in good company

and didn’t feel phased by being on the wrong side

of the road at all. I’d recommend it to anyone a great day out, thanks Geoff.

Unfortunately the better weather doesn’t seem to bring out the better riders. Last Sun-

day Nigel and I passed a guy on a Triumph with a pillion, poised to spring off the grass

verge he was stopped on. A little further down the road he came tearing up behind me

overtaking on double white lines, he passed me, undertook Nigel and a friend that was

with us and proceeded to overtake a row of cars in a 40mph limit and go the wrong

side of a bollard. He was certainly giving bikers a bad name.

I have recently become more disgruntled then usual with insurance companies. When I

decided to add the Kawasaki Z1000SX to my collection, I thought adding it to my insur-

ance policy would be a doddle as in the past I have chopped and changed bikes with no

hassle. Anyway this time I have been proved wrong and the whole process became

rather stressful, I won’t bore you with the detail but I think it took nearly two months to

get the correct documents through.

Whilst having a moan at work about the situation I got onto the subject of pillion cover.

Now I remember years ago I was never asked whether I was going to carry a pillion,

now it seems insurance companies ask and seemingly charge extra for the pleasure. My

boss then dug out a copy of Motorcycle Mechanic from 1971 that mentions a passen-

ger insurance bill that was going through the house of commons. His understanding of

this was that pillion cover was to be included in your insurance and at that time the

prices were to go up. Now if since that bill went through pillion cover is included as long

as you have the licence to carry one, why are we being charged extra?

I did a little digging on the net and found that on the whole other people are as con-

fused as me, some remember the bill and others have never worried because their in-

surance company has always included pillion cover. Somehow though I feel some in-

surers are pulling a fast one, I mean how often do you get asked if you are going to take

passengers in your car?

I would really appreciate some feedback on this, so please send me your thoughts at

[email protected].

Laura


The Bikers Retreat

Not unlucky for some ! Friday 13th

July to Monday 16th

July

The EAMG pilgrimage to The Bikers Retreat in the Snowdon Na-

tional Park, North Wales is happening again this year. If you’ve

been before you’ll know that it’s a great place. If you’ve not been

before you really are missing out. Nigel & Tiv, the owners of “Trem Hyfryd” are some of the nic-

est people you will ever meet. They ensure that you are made more than welcome, and indeed

so much so they have difficulty in getting rid of some of us - well me anyway! They are Bike

crazy, just like most of us. You’ll experience some of the best roads the UK has to offer, without

mile upon mile of motorways to get there. The food and drink are excellent, with breakfast and

main evening meal provided. The bikes are safe, there is ample storage room for kit and if it rains

there is even a drying room to make sure you have warm dry bike gear the following day.

I will lead a group ride there, or will provide directions for those who would rather make their

own way there (and don’t know where it is). The ride there and back is all part of the fun, and is

usually split into three or four stops. So plenty of time for stretching legs etc,.

If you’re interested, just drop me a line. My phone number is in TUG along with my email address

or come and see me at Group Night. If you want to book, just call Nigel or Tiv on 01341 423 192

and they’ll take a deposit over the phone.

http://www.bikers-retreat.com

Keith Boyles

The Bikers Retreat—July 2011


What’s happening next?

Log into www.eamg.org.uk, then Runs and Rides Forum


EEE S S E XS S E XS S E X A A A D V A N C E DD V A N C E DD V A N C E D

MMM O T O R C Y C L I S T SO T O R C Y C L I S T SO T O R C Y C L I S T S G G G R O U PR O U PR O U P

Laura Windram, Editor

University of Essex Printing Services, contact Hannah 01206 872822 for more information.

Please mention EAMG when replying to advertisers - it identifies you!

http://www.eamg.org.uk

Affiliated to the

British Motorcyclists Federation

Registered Charity Number 1107703 Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group Ltd, Registered

Office, St Laurence House, 2 Gridiron Place, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2BE

Registered in England & Wales, Registration No.

5258261

Disclaimer and Copyright Notice: The articles pub-lished herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are pub-lished with a view that free expression promotes dis-cussion and interest. Any spelling or grammatical

errors are the responsibility of the editor and a society that pays footballers more than teachers. Inclusion of adverts is not to be construed as EAMG endorsement, although most advertisers are excellent, but seek

personal recommendations.Text © EAMG 2011. Illus-trations © EAMG 2010, except where indicated other-wise. Group material may be reproduced provided acknowledgement is given to EAMG and the original

author.

TAILENDER


www.allenbymotorcycles.co.uk

Tel: 01245 348100

Fax: 01245 348101

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