Web tug june 2013

PROMOTING MOTORCYCLING EXCELLANCE SINCE 1982 Registered Charity Number 1107703

2 PROMOTING MOTORCYCLING EXCELLANCE SINCE 1982

The Committee

Chairman &

Group Contact

Secretary/ Vice

Chairman

Treasurer &

Membership

Secretary

Observer

Co-ordinator

Webmaster

Magazine Editor

Events Manager

General

Committee &

Regalia

General

Committee

General

Committee &

Twitter

Moderator

Nigel Barton

Roger Wardley

Teri Olley

John Tullett

Graham Simpkins

Laura Windram

Paul Scott

Jill Winn

Keith Boyles

Anthony Greenwood

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]


Chairman’s Piece 4

John Tullett 10

Ride Report 18

Diary (Pull Out) 24

Membership Form

(Pull Out) 26

The Rospa Test 32

Slow Riding 44

Details on Full

member training 48

Welcome!

What’s happening next?

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

And follow us on Twitter.

The deadline for

the August TUG is

the 26th July

Dear Members

Just got back from a rather pleasant bimble

which involved a visit to Tollesbury marina and

Paper mill lock, the sun was shining , the coun-

tryside is filling out with greenery and the

leathers were on for the first time this year :)

Had to get back and finish this little book in the

afternoon though and sadly its looking a bit thin

this month, where is everybody? Surely some of

you have been out and about and could write

some sort of ride report or are you all to busy

tweeting and poking each other!

Actually there has been that little content you

could write about anything , I’ll take mechanical

tips, washing instructions, directions to nice

roads, cooking tips and recipes, honestly any-

thing will do JUST SEND ME SOMETHING …. I

am the editor not the author, you guys are the

authors !!!!

Argh glad I let that out…

Be careful out there and ride safe

Laura


Well at last the weather seems to have brightened up a bit, although the temperatures are

below average for this time of year at present. We have been very lucky with the weather

over the last two bank holidays and I hope you have all made good use of your bikes dur-

ing the lovely weather. Unfortunately for us (Laura and myself) we are sitting indoors at

the PC’s Laura editing TUG and me writing a couple of ditty’s for her to use as unfortu-

nately we have not had any content from the members for this edition other than from

John Tullett ( thanks John :) )

So here we go Chairman’s rant:

The committee and observers give up a lot of their free time to provide the fan-

tastic training organisation we are all members of, they also try to make the social side of

the group as interesting as possible, but remember without the members input and ideas,

without the odd article for TUG the social side falls flat on its arse!

With around 160 members and 6 editions of TUG a year, if we all wrote one article and

our editor put two articles in each edition of TUG we would have enough material for 13

years!!! Is it much of an ask for you all too get writing? Don’t worry if your spelling or

grammar is crap just look at mine its awful but so what. Just a short report on a good bit

of kit you have bought, a ride out, a trip abroad anything!!

On a lighter note please all join me in congratulating Alan Burke on passing his observer

test recently. Well done Alan, having completed the test myself I know just how much

time, effort and hard work is required to achieve the standard we at EAMG require of our

observers. Jim Moore has just passed his assessment for training as an observer and I

look forward to presenting him with his certificate when he passes his test.


It is with regret that I have to announce Roger Wardley is standing down as the group

secretary as of this July. Firstly may I thank you Roger on behalf of the group for all of the

hard work over the years. This of course leaves us in a muddle, so if you have some spare

time and could attend committee meetings on the last Thursday in the month and would

like to give something back to the group then please contact either myself or Roger.

I am sure Roger is willing to have a chat with anybody that would like to know what is

involved before coming forward. I do have someone in mind but he is being a little shy

currently and very bashful considering he is intelligent, witty and would fit in well on the

committee. I was not going to mention his name because I would not want any members

lobbying him or just giving him some gentle words of encouragement but BUGGER IT

Mike Hamilton would be a great secretary wouldn’t he?

Safe Riding

Nigel Barton


Membership Report

Membership Number

Full 120

Associate 34

Social 2

Total 168

Life 12

Dear Members,

Current numbers are good considering the grey start

we have had to this year but there are still some of

you that haven’t renewed, come on pull your socks

up the sun will come out eventually….

The Membership fees have not been increased for

2013.

Membership forms are downloadable from the clubs

website or are in the centre of the TUG.

Fees for 2013

• New Associate Members £55.00

• Associate Member Renewal £45.00

• Full Member Renewal £25.00

• Socials Member £25.00

• FMT £20.00 (For more information on Full

Member Training see page 54)


Member - Alan Burke

Date - 17th April 2013

Test Passed - EAMG Observer

Senior Observer - John Tullett

Examiner - Richard Parker


When filling in your

membership form please

don’t forget to fill in the

gift aid form too, it is an

extremely important

source of income which

all helps towards train-

ing associates and full

members :)

Regalia is now

available to order -

please see Jill Winn

for more details

A lot of people can't understand how we came to have an oil shortage in this country.

Well, there's a very simple answer. ~~~ Nobody bothered to check the oil. ~~~ We just didn't know we were getting low. ~~~ The reason for that is purely geographical. ~~~ Our OIL is located in the North Sea

Our DIPSTICKS are located in Westminster !

Thanks to Ian Hunter


Responses to

[email protected] or

get in to the forum at

www.eamg.org.uk

Please ask for my address

if you’d rather post me

your article

The next

deadline

for TUG is the

26th July 2013

T hi s hum bl e l i t t l e m a g a z i ne co st s qui t e a l o t t o pro duce a nd po st , so

w o ul d a l l m e m be rs ca re f ul l y co nsi de r w he t he r t he y re a l l y ne e d t o re ce i ve a co py i n t he po st . I f yo u co l l e ct T U G a t

g ro up ni g ht pl e a se m a ke sure t ha t yo u ha ve t i cke d t he f o rm a t t he do o r so w e kno w yo u’ve ha d o ne . I f yo u

use t he o nl i ne ve rsi o ns a g a i n pl e a se m a ke i t kno w n o n yo ur m e m be rshi p f o rm . I t ’s a l so w o rt h co nsi de ri ng g e t -

t i ng a f ri e nd t o co l l e ct yo ur co py f ro m g ro up ni g ht a nd pa ssi ng i t o n. A ny

sa vi ng s w e ca n m a ke w i l l be a hug e he l p t o t he g ro up, t ha nk yo u.

A lot of people can't understand how we came to have an oil


Observer News – Congratulations to Alan Burke who recently passed his Observer test and Jim Moore who passed his initial assessment to become a Trainee Observer.

Observer Seminar – A successful Observer Seminar was held on 21st April, with 17 Observers in attendance and a wide range of topics covered. Particular thanks are due to Phil Jones who organised the event, provided us with access to a superb venue and supplied the tea & biscuits.

Associate Group Training (AGT) – Things are definitely looking up on the training front with 7 Associates attending the April AGT and 13 plus 1 guest in May. If you are a new Associate please try to attend the June AGT where you will be able to complete the New Associate Training Process (NATP) – compris-ing of a presentation followed by an introductory observed ride – which is a prerequisite to being allocated to your own 1-to-1 observer.

Associate Social Rides – Richard Parker and Jill Winn organised some very popular social rides for Associates in 2012. Two more rides are presently planned for 2013 on 22nd June and 20th July. These are both Saturday afternoon rides of around 100-120 miles to start at 14:00. Full details will be posted nearer the time, so keep the dates free and check the Message Board for more informa-tion.


Slow Riding Day – Our first slow riding event will take place at the Ford Dunton Research Centre on Sunday 16th June. The Committee has agreed an increase in the attendance fee to £5 for this year, to help us cover our costs on the day. In my view this still represents very good value, especially when compared to the fees charged by other groups. If you are interested in attending please let me know, to help ensure we have sufficient numbers of Observers on the day (not least because we will also be covering the Boys Toys event at Hylands House).

Promoting EAMG – We are now booked to attend the Boys Toys event at Hylands House on 16th June and the Museum of Power’s Bikemeet on 4th Au-gust. If you are able to assist on either or both of these dates please ensure you register your interest with any Committee member. It would be great if we could get at least 6 bikes at our stand for both days to help attract visitors.

Bikesafe-London – To celebrate their 10th anniversary Bikesafe-London are reducing the cost of the Rider Skills Day courses from £45 to the 2003 rate of £25. To take advantage of this limited offer you need to book via www.bikesafe-london.co.uk or call on 08444 151 206 by 6th September. Those who register before this date will also be given the chance to enter a competition to win a BMW off-road skills course.

Should any members have any training related queries then please contact me via e-mail [email protected] or send me a PM via the Message Board.

John Tullett


WWW.PROSPEEDPERFORMANCE.CO.UK

BURNHAM MOTORCYCLE CENTRE UNIT 5 BURNHAM BUSINESS PARK SPRINGFIELD ROAD BURNHAM ON CROUCH CM0 8TE

01621 782 742

[email protected]

A NEW MOTORCYCLE SERVICE CENTRE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE ‘BURNHAM BENDS’.

WE CARRY OUT SERVICING AND REPAIRS TO ALL TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

ALL MAKES OF TYRES SUPPLIED AND FITTED. WE SPECIALISE IN ‘RIDE IN RIDE OUT’

SINGLE SIDED, NO PROBLEM!

WE USE THE INDUSTRY STANDARD ‘HAWEKA PRO BIKE II’ BALANCING SYSTEM

ALSO, INNOVATIVE BALANCING BY ‘DYNA BEADS’ SUPPLIED AND FITTED

Follow us on

Collection and delivery available

Our cafe will be opening in the spring and our location would make an ideal ‘meet up’ venue for ride outs etc.

Come and enjoy a coffee and a bacon sandwich whilst we work on your bike!

No parking restrictions and a large designated block paved motorcycle parking area.

We are a Biker 2 Biker company and treat every bike as if it is our own

01621 782 742

[email protected]

We look forward to seeing you soon!!!

OPENING HOURS

MONDAY-SAT 08.00—17.30

SUNDAYS 10.00—15.00

LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS TO 19.30

CLOSED TUESDAYS

Early drop off—late collection No problem!

SERVICING

REPAIRS

PAINTWORK

PARTS

NUMBER

PLATES

(all types)


“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


Andy Pawsey pictured here is our new associate representative,

he will be the voice of the associates.

So if you would like to voice an opinion, ask some questions or

give us some feedback good or bad then Andy is there for you.

You can always speak to an observer or committee member but

we appreciate that when you are new to the group its difficult

to work out who’s who, hopefully Andy will be someone you

will already recognise or if not will come to soon. If you don’t

see him at group night or out on a ride his email is

[email protected]


As John mentioned earlier Mays AGT was well attended as you can

see by the row of bikes pictured, the most I have seen for a while,

thanks to Andrew James for the snap.

Jill Winn’s first on scene presentation was very informative and a

good reminder of how helpful the talks at AGT’s are for all

members. Also seeing Jill strap CPR doll Annie to the pillion seat of

her tiger and take her on an observed ride was well worth the visit !


EAMG Members are you looking to renew your bike, car

or household insurance? If so why not try Carole Nash, you

maybe able to earn the group a donation. Please use the

number below and quote the reference number

0800 083 4422 Quote Ref 1460

Motorcycle Courier

Rapid collection and delivery of urgent packages and

documents to anywhere in the UK

• Professional, bespoke service available 24/7

• Immediate, no obligation quote

If you can’t afford a helicopter 2b Transport is the next best thing!!

www.2btransport.com

ALL MAJOR CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED


MOTORCYCLE TYRES AND TUBES

RIDE IN RIDE OUT FITTED FREE

Car and Van Tyres

All Makes — All Sizes

Vintage Classic Modern

Road OffRoad Race

AUTOSAFE GROUP 1ST CALL TYRESAVE—BIKERS MOTORCYCLES –ASG

Tel: 01621 856 888 Email: [email protected]

Autosafe Group—MOT Classes 1-2-3-4- 5-7


Graham & Lynn Child’s Bude Trip 2013

Well at last our first weekend away on the bikes, the long winter has made the waiting for

our trip seem to go on forever but eventually the morning had arrived. We loaded up the

bikes and set off to meet the others at the Dartford crossing services, we were the last to

arrive at the allotted meeting place to find six cheery faces waiting, Graham & Lynn, Jim

& Lesley Tyler, Phillip Hawkes and Phillip Cousins (PJ). Laura filled up with fuel and af-

ter a chat we set off Graham leading and myself tail ending. There were two other mem-

bers of the group meeting us in Bude, they had travelled by a longer route and had left the

day before, they were doing a Jaque’s whistle stop tour of every town and place of interest

between Essex and Cornwall, viewed from the hill that is just outside of all towns, pictures

taken they jump on the bikes and move on with another tick in the ‘Visited’ box. A sight

for sore eyes Kermit the lime green Millennium Falcon followed up by the little BMW

twin ridden by Speedo Dave AKA ‘Scampi Dave’ like Batman and Robin they charge

around the countryside sharing a plate of food and a coke with two straws as they go.


As the journey was in the order of 260 miles we used the M25 and M3 to get some miles

under our belt before our first stop, then the roads became more interesting. After a few

comfort breaks, fuel and lunch we arrived in Bude around about five that evening. The

weather had been very pleasant all of the way. The Surf Haven guest house is nicely situ-

ated within an easy walk of the town and beach and was very comfortable and great value

for money.

PJ was staying a couple of doors up at another guest house which was very interesting, the

patron being the local faith healer offering the laying on of hands at a very reasonable

cost, we never did find out if PJ partook of any ‘extra’s’ but he did arrive for breakfast at

Surf Haven every morning with a lovely glowing complexion and a cheeky little grin.

We were all so glad Phil Hawkes had joined us, a gentleman with some brilliant ideas on

travelling light whilst motorcycling! A small plastic tube with screw top is used to keep

spare bike keys and change in. A good idea but were does one put the room key when we

go out for the day on the bikes? The answer is we do not know, but I will say it was a

bloody safe place because it was never found!

We had returned to our lodgings that evening for Phil to realise he had misplaced his

room key and as an extra bit of bad luck our land lady was out for the evening, so while we

were all having a shower and dressing up for the evening out on the town, poor old Phil

sat


around in his leathers. And yes he had to spend the evening in his leathers! A very inter-

esting time was had that evening and upon returning to our digs Graham, Jim and I spent

30 minutes or so trying to beat the security measures on Phil’s room door to no avail and

the sofa in the lounge was his bed for the night and yes still in his leathers. Just by luck he

heard the dog barking at around 2 in the morning and he was duly issued with another

room key.

More on Phil’s good ideas later.

Over the weekend we visited some lovely places one that was very interesting was

Boscastle, a beautiful village and a must to visit if you are ever in Cornwall. The floods

that we all watched on our TV’s are depicted in the tourists centre and the footage on

video is amazing. To stand in the street next to this tiny little river and to imagine this

torrent of water running down the valley while you look up at the high water mark on the

buildings is truly amazing and brings on a strange emotional feeling. It is some years after

the flood and you would not know it had ever happened, other than a very modern foot-

bridge crossing the river where the original had once been before being swept away by the

water. The river can also be recommended for testing motorcycle boots for water tight-

ness as demonstrated by Graham and myself. (see pics)

To summarise what a great weekend with great roads, some not to PJ’s liking, mind you

they where tiny with a good brazillion of grass up the middle, some very tight turns on

steep hills off camber with gravel to boot not ideal for 157 BHP R1!!!! PJ is looking into

doing the Paris Dakar now on the R1. All joking aside PJ you did very well I would not

have wanted to ride down those little roads on your bike at least where I was sat I could

see over some of the hedges.

Oh back to the weekend, beautiful places visited, great food, lots of beer and of course the

best of company what more can you ask for?

So sadly on the Tuesday morning we all loaded up for the ride home Batman and Robin

left a little before the main group as they had missed one major town on the way down…

Portsmouth! Jaque said it would only take half an hour to see the sights so off they went.

The rest of us took a leisurely ride home, a reciprocal course of the ride down 5 days ear-

lier. Now this is where the natty little key / change pot comes in to play...... A planned

stop for lunch we all sat in glorious sunshine eating, drinking and chatting as usual when

out came the change pot it was placed in the middle of the table for all to see. By magic it

must have become invisible and have not been picked up on our departure because at our

fuel stop a few miles up the road Phil was without said container and had to retrace his

footsteps to find the illusive little pot. Phil did catch the group up again later in the day,

the Fireblade must have been given a little stick I think.


To finish I would like to thank Graham and Lynn for organising the trip and the rest of

the group for making the weekend so enjoyable I have not laughed so much in years!

Phil I think a ball of string would be beneficial, you could tie everything together and put

it in your pocket then tie the other end around your neck forming a tracing mechanism to

your belongings, just feel around your neck and follow the string to the relevant pocket or

pockets easy...... (PS Thank you for the very kind letter, it is our pleasure)

Safe Riding

Nigel Barton




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2013

Jan 8 Group Night (natter night) 27 EAMG Full Member Ride

Feb 5 Group Night EAMG AGM & Reveiller Rides

10 Associate Group Training

24 EAMG Full Member Ride

Mar 5 Group Night ( Race Night, guests welcome ) 10 Associate Group Training 17 EAMG Full Member Ride 24 Observer Peer 2 Peer 30 Super Sausage

April 2 Group Night 7 Associate Group Training 14 Full Member Training 27-30 Reveiller Rides (Green) 4 day TBA 28 EAMG Full Member Ride

May 5 EAMG Full Member Ride 6 Graham Childs Cornwall run details TBA 7 Group Night 12 Associate Group Training 19 Observer Peer 2 Peer 25/05-04/06 Reveiller Rides (blue) 11 day Scotland 26 Geoff Prestons day trip to France

June 2 Full Member Training 4 Group Night 9 Associate Group Training 16 Slow Riding Day at Ford Dunton 16 Boyz Toyz, Hylands House, Chelmsford 22-25 Reveiller Rides (Red) 4 day TBA 23 EAMG Full Member Ride 30 Observer Peer 2 Peer

July 2 Group Night 7 Associate Group Training 7 Battlesbridge Classic Bike Show 12-15 Bikers Retreat Wales 14 EAMG Full Member Ride 21 Full Member Training 27-31 Reveiller Rides (Green) 5 day TBA 28 Geoff Prestons run to the Norwich Aero Musuem

August 4 EAMG Full Member Ride 4 Museum of Power Bikemeet


& Reveiller Rides





August 6 Group Night 11 Associate Group Training 12 Associate Social Ride 18 John & Audrey’s Boys & Girls ride Cotswolds 24/08-03/09 Reveiller Rides (Blue) 11 day TBA

September 1 Geoff Preston’s Beachy Head run

3 Group Night


13-16 Bikers Retreat Wales

22 Observer Peer 2 Peer

29 Slow Riding Day at Ford Dunton

29 EAMG Full Member Ride

29 Battlesbridge Motorbilia Day

October 1 Group Night 4-8 Reveiller Rides (Red) 5 day TBA 6 Associate Group Training 13 EAMG Full Member Ride 20 Full Member Training

November 3 EAMG Full Member Ride

5 Group Night


December 1 EAMG Full Member Training

3 Group Night


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30 PROMOTING MOTORCYCLING EXCELLANCE SINCE 1982 PROMOTING MOTORCYCLING EXCELLANCE SINCE 1982

C J BARDWELL Contractors

Flagstaff Farm, Green Lane, Althorne,

Essex, CM3 6BQ

Telephone: Office 01621 828276; Mobile 07836 277223;

Fax 01621 828113

BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE

EXTENSIONS - GARAGES - LOFT CONVERSIONS

BLOCKPAVING DRIVEWAYS - PATIOS

ROOFING (ALL TYPES)

CARPENTRY - BRICKWORK

WATER MAIN AND SEWER REPAIRS AND RENEWAL

FENCING - REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

(upvc, hardwood, aluminium)

UPVC CLADDING, FASCIAS, SOFFITS

UNDERPINNING - LANDSCAPING

PAINTING AND DECORATING

FULLY INSURED (BUT NOT YET NEEDED)

For free no-obligation quote, phone Clint on

01621 828276 (office)

07836 277223 (mobile)

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

INSURANCE WORK WELCOME

Member of

The Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors



RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test 1. Preparation

Examiners will do their best to set you at your ease. They will expect your vehicle to ap-

pear roadworthy and the view through your helmet to be clear. Before starting you

should be prepared, if asked, to carry out or describe the daily or weekly checks that you

do on your vehicle. Shortly after moving off you should carry out a moving brake test if

conditions permit. The examiner will consider the skills you demonstrate in the following

areas:

1.1. Use of controls

You will be expected to use all controls smoothly and with finesse.

1.1.1. Steering

This should be smooth and controlled. The examiner will watch to ensure that you can

manoeuvre at low speeds, and at higher speeds in line with safety and speed limits.

1.1.2. Clutch

Your use of the clutch should show smoothness, delicacy and timing with the gear

change lever.

1.1.3. Gears

The way you use the gearbox will tell the examiner a lot about your ability. He or she will

consider the way you make the change, your ability to match engine revolutions to road

speed and how you use the gearbox when slowing to a stop.

1.1.4. Brakes

Your use of the brakes will play a big part in the examiner’s final assessment. S/he will

look for smoothness, early braking at the right place in the system, a careful balance of

front and rear brakes to avoid pitching and skidding. The examiner will look for the pro-

gressiveness of the brake pressure used to bring the motorcycle smoothly to a stop.

1.1.5. Throttle

The throttle mechanism is spring loaded to its closed position. You must accustom your-

self to this to achieve smoothness. The examiner will want to see you displaying accel-

eration sense and, most important on a motorcycle, varying the power transmitted ac-

cording to changes in road surfaces.

1.1.6. Rear Observations

Rear observations play a big part in the system. It is important that the rider is aware of

conditions to the rear as well as to the front to enable the early formulation of a riding

plan. The examiner will note the timing of rear observation as you use mirror and shoul-


der checks. These should be made only when the act of looking away from the front is

not in itself a hazard.

1.1.7. Horn

The examiner will note audible warnings. The horn should be sounded only when neces-

sary, when all other safety features have been implemented.

1.1.8. Visibility

It is essential to have clean mirrors, windscreen and helmet visor. It is important that the

visor is clear of scratches and heavy tints. You must also use demisting fluids and pol-

ishes to keep a clear view in the rain.

1.2. Riding Performance

1.2.1. Smoothness

Moving off and stopping must be smooth and safe. You must give good shoulder checks

before moving off. You should be able to control the machine at low speeds. The exam-

iner will expect a careful balance of throttle and brakes. He or she will note which foot

you put down when stopping. The thinking rider will be able either to place both feet on

the ground or to balance with one foot while the other works a control. To prevent the

machine from rolling when stationary one of the brakes should be kept applied where

appropriate.

1.2.2. System

The examiner will expect to see you demonstrate your understanding of the system as

outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft, and the correct sequence of your riding actions. He will

observe your hand and foot actions for balance and the timing of your signals. To do this

the examiner may not be in the position behind you that you may expect. Do not be dis-

concerted. S/he may be checking that your rear observations are really to seek informa-

tion and not just habitual or reflex actions. Do not treat the examiner as ‘following traffic’

when considering whether or not to give a signal.

The use of the system as described in Motorcycle Roadcraft is the cornerstone of ad-

vanced riding and inconsistencies in using it will affect any grade awarded. To achieve a

gold or silver grade you should apply the system consistently throughout the test. A

bronze grade may be typified by inconsistencies in its use.

1.2.3. Positioning

The examiner will note how you position your machine for safety, stability and view on

the approach to hazards both on the open road and in urban areas. S/he will also note

your use of lanes.

You should be able to position the machine in order to obtain the best view that is avail-

able all the time. You should also understand that at times a position for view or speed


will have to be sacrificed for the sake of safety.

When you are riding round bends and corners, and not overtaking, you should not cross

marked centre lines and you should not cut corners when entering marked junctions.

RoADAR believes that to do so is potentially dangerous. Such actions may be the result

of entering the hazard too fast and may confuse oncoming and following traffic. This

view is supported by The Highway Code. If anything untoward happened during such a

manoeuvre the rider might be seen to be at fault and might then blame RoADAR for

teaching or condoning this action. If there are no centre markings then some movement

over the centre of the road may be acceptable.

We emphasise again that the mark of an advanced rider is always to be able to place the

machine precisely where it belongs under all conditions and that it should be in the right

place, travelling at the right speed and with the correct gear engaged.

1.2.4. Cornering

The examiner will watch how you ride around corners and bends in both urban and rural

areas. He will look at the line you take to ensure that it gives the best view and safety

margins. You will need to demonstrate that you are correctly applying the principles and

safety features of cornering.

1.2.5. Signals

You should always remember that signals are the language of the road. You will need to

consider using signals to warn other road users of your presence and intentions. They

should therefore be given clearly and in good time. Arm signals should be given when

appropriate to reinforce any mechanical signal. The examiner will note all these points

and will also be observing your reactions to traffic signs.

1.2.6. Speed

Advanced riders must be capable of controlling their machines at speeds up to the maxi-

mum speed limit where it is safe to do so. While the use of speed must at all times be

safe and legal, the examiner will want to see a brisk ride with good progress being made

where possible.

A riding plan that relies on exceeding the speed limit to complete a manoeuvre is unac-

ceptable. If you consistently exceed the speed limit the examiner will stop the test and

you will fail.

1.2.7. Overtaking

While overtaking manoeuvres are inherently dangerous they are a necessary element of

the concept of good progress. However, they must be conducted safely and within the

speed limit.

Examiners will expect you to overtake if it is appropriate but remaining in the overtaking

position for long periods may indicate that you are not looking far enough ahead or may


be interpreted as being aggressive. They will look for evidence that the many safety fea-

tures have been applied, the main one being your ability to regain your correct position

on the road before any approaching vehicles - seen or unseen - could come into conflict

with you. Exceeding the speed limit in order to complete an overtake is unacceptable.

1.3. General Ability

1.3.1. Deportment

Rider and machine must blend harmoniously at all times. The controls should be ad-

justed so as almost to become extensions of the rider’s limbs. Posture should be natural

and comfortable. Lying flat on the tank or hanging off the seat when cornering should be

treated as unnecessary for the road rider. Quiet efficiency is the hallmark of the good

rider. Your consideration for other road users and your self discipline will reveal itself, as

will your temperament, which, at least when riding, should be calm and relaxed but alert

and decisive.

1.3.2. Vehicle sympathy

We expect association members to respect their machines and develop motorcycle sym-

pathy to the benefit of the current and future rider.

1.3.3. Observations

One of the principal differences between the novice and the advanced rider is the huge

amount which the latter sees and applies when developing a riding plan. You will be ex-

pected to actively seek information about changes in the short, medium and distant

views. It is not enough merely to acknowledge a change as the examiner will wish to see

evidence of observation links and how you cope with what you have seen.

1.3.4. Judging distance

The examiner will note your ability to judge distance and the way you relate this to the

speed of your own and other vehicle's, together with the way you link this ability with

your braking and acceleration.

1.3.5. Motorways and dual carriageways

Joining the motorway can be from either lane of the slip road and will depend on traffic

conditions and which lane gives the best view of the motorway. You should use accelera-

tion sense to achieve an appropriate merge speed. Speed and following distances should

be appropriate for the conditions. When leaving the motorway you should be in lane 1

before the 300 yards marker and, if necessary, signalling that intention.

1.3.6. Knowledge

At the end of the ride you will be asked several questions on The Highway Code, Motor-


cycle Roadcraft and basic motorcycle mechanics. You must be familiar with these two

publications. There are a few things about how motorcycles work that every rider must

know. Your motorcycle handbook should provide sufficient data for this part of the test.

Know your subject well and you will not go far wrong.

It is worth mentioning that through membership of RoADAR local groups you are likely to

have many questions answered by the members who have already taken a test. It is

unusual for a rider without some form of advanced rider training to obtain a high grade.

Local group tutors can help and their advice and support is free.

1.4. Grading

"Advanced driving is the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely,

systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to progress unobtrusively

with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a

high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all round observa-

tion, anticipation, and planning. This must be coordinated with good handling skills. The

vehicle should be at the right place on the road at the right time, travelling at the right

speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely on its own side of

the road in the distance that can be seen to be clear.." (DSA RoADA IAM 1997).

It is difficult to lay down precise specifications for the Association's three gradings, as it

is very much a matter for the expertise and overall judgement of the examiner. It is im-

portant, however, to provide guidelines on how the various grades are determined to

ensure consistency, understanding, and above all, confidence in the grading system.

The grade decided by the examiner will not be changed although any appeal will be re-

viewed by the Chief Examiner, who may offer a retest or comment in writing on any

points raised.

Examiners operate under strict national guidelines to ensure that the Association's very

high standards are maintained. The following guidelines about the requirements for each

grade are intended to help you understand better the criteria applied when awarding a

grade.

Gold - This grade is recognised as the highest riding award available to the public. It will

be awarded only to the polished systematic rider, who displays a complete understanding

and appropriate application of the principles outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft. The candi-

date will display a confidence and ability throughout the whole test which leads the ex-

aminer to consider that, if afforded the opportunity, the candidate has the potential with

the basics already in place to do well on a police advanced course. The candidate's per-

formance must be consistent throughout the whole of the test and so any lapses may

result in a lower grade. Awards of this grade will therefore be reserved for the very best

riders.

Silver - This grade will be awarded to riders who are well above the average. These


riders will produce consistently safe and systematic rides but perhaps without the final

polish, flair and smoothness of the Gold riders. They will demonstrate a thorough knowl-

edge of the system of motorcycle control. Candidates must be able to ride up to the per-

mitted speed limit where it is safe to do so but vary speed according to circumstances

and conditions. It must be emphasised that silver is an extremely high grade and a com-

mendable achievement.

Bronze - This grade will be awarded to riders whose performance is significantly above

the standard required to pass the 'L' riding test. These riders will show a basic knowledge

of Motorcycle Roadcraft but lack the ability to apply the system consistently throughout

the test. The ride should be entirely safe, observing traffic signs, responding correctly to

hazards and should display advanced riding techniques.

Candidates who fall below the minimum pass will be classified as 'fail'.

Once you have passed your test, you will be required to maintain your standard of riding

by taking a re-test every three years – this is free to Members. When your retest is due

we will send you a reminder and booking form. You must take your retest within a rea-

sonable time of the due date in order to keep your Membership.

Possible reasons for not passing the test or for a lower grade

Riders will fail if they display potentially dangerous faults, persistently infringe speed

limits, commit violations of Road Traffic Law or the rules contained in The Highway Code.

If the candidate fails to reach the pass standard, the examiner will offer advice on im-

provement and encourage further training or guidance from a local group.

Occasional minor infringements with a perceived acceptable reason should not result in

failure on their own, but may be a reason for a lower grade. As a general rule, the exam-

iner will consider whether the candidate is a rider worthy of displaying the badge of an

advanced rider, i.e. someone who will consistently drive according to the principles of

Roadcraft.

What to do if you fail?

If you fail your initial test you may take a re-test between three and six months later for

which you will be expected to pay a fee. The cost for a re-test is £25 for car, £35 for a

motorcycle and £40 for LGV.

If you wish to improve your standard we do suggest that you join a Local Group. You will

then be in touch with other members who will advise and perhaps offer tuition.

Examiners' decisions on test results are final.


[email protected]

www.baconsmotorcycles.co.uk

Open 9am-6pm Mon to Sat


SUNDAY 4th

AUGUST 2013 10am–5pm All motorcycles welcome: Veteran,

vintage, classics, Racing, cruisers,

scooters etc.

(Free entry to exhibitors)

CLASS TROPHIES

Bike equipment and jumble stalls

welcome

(pitches £22)

Trials riding demonstrations, live

band, beer tent, food, stalls & bouncy castle. Museum and tearoom open with working

historic machinery and mini steam train rides.

The bar will be open on Saturday night to stallholders & clubs camping overnight.

£5 pitch fee booked in advance.

Admission: Adults £6.00 Seniors £5.00 Children 0-11 free

For further details contact Mick on tel. 07762 889408

Or e-mail [email protected]

Entry forms available at www.museumofpower.org.uk

Museum of Power

Hatfield Road, Langford near Maldon Essex CM9 6QA

Charity no. 1087459


News n Stuff……

The Dutch Nursery Garden Centre on West Street, Coggleshall

which is between Braintree and Colchester on the A120 welcomes

bikers to its café. They have been in touch with Nigel regarding this

so it may well be worth paying them a visit for a lunch stop or end

of ride coffee. Their number if you need details is 01376 561 287.

The Eamg stand will be at the Boys Toys event at Hylands House

on the 16th of June, support will be most welcome as this is usually

a great event to attract new members, more details of what is on

are available from http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/boystoys

E10 fuel, you may or may not have heard about it but either way it

will be good to be aware of it. The BMF are debating it and you can

join in and find out more via their facebook page; facebook.com/

bmf1960 or via twitter @bmf_chris.

E10 fuel can cause damage to vehicles, the department of transport

estimates that 8.6 million vehicles in the UK of which 750,000 are

motorcycles could be affected.

In brief E10 fuel has a higher level of ethanol (10% instead of the

current 5%) and should be labelled at the pumps Unleaded 95 E10,

you will currently have a choice of the E5 that we are used to filling

up with but in the future this maybe phased out and the only E5

available maybe the more expensive super grade versions. It will be

well worth checking with your bikes manufacturer if yours is

compatible with E10 especially if it is a pre-2000 bike.


As you may know I have fairly recently moved to a Honda dealer

(Belle Vue in Southend) so I took the opportunity to take a couple

of demo bikes out for a spin a few weeks back.

The one that for me really stood out was the new CB500F, I have

always been rather fond of the old CB500 and if you feel the same

you will love the new version. It handles really well, the suspension

is much nicer and more plush then the older bikes and the new

engine is silky smooth and has plenty of punch, it really puts a

smile on your face. It is over all a brilliant little bike and costs less

then £5,000 on the road. The R version is your sporty option and

the X version great for those that like the bigger bike feel, that one

has just arrived so I can’t wait to have a go….


Moulsham School

Brian Road

Chelmsford

CM2 9ES

Most of us know but for those

who don’t hopefully this map

will give you an idea of where

AGTs are held. Remember they

are on the first Sunday of the

month.


EAMG Group Nights

are held here

And sometimes

here

Group Nights at

Channels Golf Club are

held on the first

Tuesday of every

month


Slow Riding Day 16th June

This years first slow riding day is coming up and for those of you that haven’t

done one it would be well worth going along and having a go.

You may well think “slow riding that sounds daft”, but think about it, how

often since you passed your test have you practiced emergency stops or

U-turns ? You may well think that your machine control skills at low speed are

fine, however most people will be amazed at how much they can be

improved.

Held at Ford Dunton on part of the test track Slow Riding day lets you

practice various manoeuvres in a safe environment with observers on hand

to give helpful tips and hints. A small fee of £5 is required to cover you to take

part and for refreshments.


At some point during the session there is also a slow race which is great fun

and the winner receives a prize, and if you are a bit shy its great fun to

watch.

Ford Dunton is very easy to find just off the A127 at Laindon (postcode SS15

6EE) and you are usually asked to meet in the lay-by which is on the road

into Ford just before the gatehouse, where you will be met by an observer

who will lead you to the test track. I’m sure John Tullett will post more detail

about the event nearer the time. It is important to let John know if you are

going to attend as he will need to make sure enough observers are avail-

able.

The site is quite open so if it is a hot sunny day (you never know it might be!)

then it is advisable to bring a hat or sun cream. You will be required to wear

all of your bike gear when taking part so it can get quite hot down on the

track.


Discount for EAMG Members………

Belle Vue Honda Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea SS1 2QA

01702 464 945 are offering 10% off Labour and 5% off Parts

Help me fill this page, if you know

of any dealers in the Essex area

that will offer discount to group

members then let me know, I’ll be

at group nights or you can email

me [email protected]


Volunteers Required

Promoting our group at various events through out

the year is a really valuable tool for introducing our

group to new members, this year we need your help.

If you are available to help man the stand please

don’t be shy speak to a committee member


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 14th April 2013 Sunday 2nd June 2013

£45.00 Sunday 21st July 2013 Sunday 20th Oct 2013

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 - 2013

Membership Secretary Observer Co-ordinator

Additional Membership

Fee

Contribution to Observer

tba John Tullett

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

Name:

Address:

Post Code: Tel:

Email:

Riding Experience:

Aspirations:

Typical annual mileage: Machine:


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.


www.allenbymotorcycles.co.uk

Tel: 01245 348100

Fax: 01245 348101

Buying or Selling? phone ...

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Always 50 machines in stock — see:

Unit 2, Court Industrial Estate,

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Web tug june 2013