jan_2009

P A G E 12

p4ChiefObserver’sReport

p5EnduroAfrica

p8HardknottPass

p11SlowRiding

p12NEC Birmingham

I N S I D E

MAKINGprogress

Registered Charity No. 1097558

T h e I A M A i m sTo improve the standard of driving (and riding)on the UK roads.

The Advancement of Road Safety.

The Administration of an Advanced Test.

Help us make progress with a contribution towards the next issue. Pics in jpeg format please.Newsletter email address is [email protected]

SOLENT ADVANCEDM OTO R C Y C L I S T S

J a n 0 9

samS A M S O L E N T A D V A N C E D M O T O R C Y C L I S T S J a n 2 0 0 9

Answers via email to:[email protected]

CAPTION COMPETITION:

DISCLAIMERMost of the viewsexpressed in this SAMNewsletter are personalto the author andpublication does notimply endorsement ofany article, any authoror any organisation.Views expressed arethose of the authors,and are not necessarilyin accordance with thepolicies or the views ofthe IAM or SAM.Where articles arereproduced from otherpublications or authors,unreservedacknowledgement isgiven to the source. Noresponsibility isaccepted by the Editoror SAM for any damageto intelligence or ridingabilities, howsoevercaused, which mightresult from reading thispublication.

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SAM Polo-shirtsBlack long or short sleeve shirtsembroidered with the Club name- always available to buy at ClubNights. Sizes XXL to Small.Long Sleeves £18.50 ShortSleeves £15.00

Books and VideosThe Assessment of Advanced Motorcycling £4.50

Know your Traffic Signs £3.00

How to be an Advanced Motorcyclist £7.99

Motorcycle Roadcraft (Blue Book) £11.99

Mike Waites Video £14.99

Top Rider Video £14.99

Availablefor sale at ClubNight.

NEC Bike Show

bike jan cov 09.qxd:bike jan cov 09.qxd 6/1/09 17:29 Page 1

S A M S O L E N T A D V A N C E D M O T O R C Y C L I S T S J a n 2 0 0 9S A M S O L E N T A D V A N C E D M O T O R C Y C L I S T S J a n 2 0 0 9

P A G E 2

5%discountfor SAM

group was split into two. Thisexercise was my favourite andinvolved following Alec or Samaround cones placed in a circle withanother 2 cones in the middle forthe dreaded figure eight. Initially wesimply went around the outside ofthe cones in circles and after a fewlaps it was up to second and thenclutch hand off, only using thethrottle hand to control direction. Inthe mean time Alec would be tellingus to stay as close as possible to him,not easy at all. We also had to makeour way in and out of the cones andthrough the figure eight. We thentook a break and the next riders ofour group had to do their bit.

When they were done we were backin action and now things became alittle more complicated. Look, lean,roll was the instruction, Alecexplained and then demonstrated,and once again we had to keep up tohim. Simply put on the circle at the 2and 8 o’clock marks, you look whereyou want to go to, lean the bike overand then roll on the throttle untilyou get to the next mark where youbrake before repeating the exerciseagain. At the end of the exercise thesmile on my face was from ear to ear,it was really interesting to see just

Iarrived at HMS Collingwoodand after being “checked in”

by staff was directed to a carpark where the days’ activitieswould be taking place. Alec andsome of his assistants werebusy setting out the trafficcones for the six differentexercises that we would betackling on the day. After a nicecup of coffee and some biscuitsAlec proceeded to explain anddisplay what was expectedfrom each of us at the differentstations. We would spendaround 20 minutes at eachstation and then move on tothe next with a coffee breakhalfway through the morning.

Essentially the six exercises areas follows.

The first station was split into 2exercises. The first is simply comingto a controlled stop next four trafficcones spaced in a straight line 3mapart, then for the last cone spaced6m further down its up to second,down to first and a nice controlledstop.

The second exercise involved doingthe same, coming to a controlledstop but in a circle, ie. stoppingwhile turning.

Alec had some interestinginformation for us on this station,firstly the three phases of braking,being as follows. Firstly an initialtake up of a little brake, this phase isused to ascertain what is under thetyre, ie do you have a good surfaceto brake on. Secondly a phasewhere most of the braking isachieved, then the final third phasewhere the pressure on the brakes isreleased somewhat so as to avoidthe front of the bike diving. Alec alsoinformed us then when coming to astop, you should strike the groundwith the heel first and then roll thefront of the foot down as you finallystop. No tap dancing with the foot

as you come to a stop and also thefoot is not to be used as ahandbrake for the stop!

The second station was again splitinto 2 parts. The first exercise wasslalom. The cones on this exerciseare spaced in a straight line 3m apartthen a nice u turn into a secondslalom spaced 2m apart. Now I haveto tell you this was loads of fun. Atfirst you approach this exercise verytentatively then as you gainexperience and skill you start tohave some fun. At one stage I didmanage to drag a cone e few metersdown the track only to have Nigelreplace it to its correct position. Thesecond exercise was a tunnel ofcones with a start and finish linespaced 20m apart, the idea behindthis was to get to the other end asslow as possible. I managed a measlythirtyish seconds, one chap with aR6 did in about 1 second, I think hemisunderstood the slow bit. Therecord for the day was 46 secondsand to top it off, with a pillion!

The third station involved making a90 degree left turn and then comingto a controlled stop. Then making aU-turn and coming to a controlledstop. Although this soundsdeceptively simple a lot of seriousfaces were to be found on thisstation.

At the fourth and final station our

Alec briefing riders on the days events

SLOW RIDING TRAININGBy Rui De Castro

how far over you can lean yourbike. Also an important note is torealise that if and when you are indifficulty during a corner and youfelt you will not make it, applyingthis exercise will help in thissituation. If you get it wrong theworst case scenario would be thatyou slide off the road, certainlybetter that hitting road furniturehead on.

On behalf of all the people whoattended I have to say a huge Thankyou to Alec for his time andexpertise, I feel we all learnt a lotand feel a more confident aboutslow riding, to Colin for once againproviding us with the facilities,drinks and snacks to whoeverordered the weather because wecould not have asked for any betterand to all the people who assistedin the slow riding days.

My advice to anyone who has notdone the slow riding is to makesure your name is on the listbecause it is invaluable and willmake a great difference to yourconfidence and skills. The nextcourse is scheduled for the spring.Lilian will provide details when thetime comes.


P A G E 3

2009 is here so Happy New Yeareveryone! SAM has had anothervery successful year, whichwouldn't happen without thegenerous gift of time and effort bymany of our members and associates. There have beennumerous ride outs, some more eventful than othersand if you are a green badge holder and would like tolead a ride, please contact Gerry who organisestraining and is always looking for new volunteers.

2008 saw the introduction of the evening theory classes whichproved popular and will be back in 2009, along with Alec'sfamous Slow Riding course.

There was even a weekend away trip which will be repeated in2009, although hopefully this time, one of our members won'tride along with another IAM group.

Howard has booked some interesting speakers for the clubnights this year and I look forward to seeing you all at some ofthe upcoming events.

Safe Riding,

Lilian

CHAIRMAN’Schat

HieachWell, 2008 wasa busy year formost of us.New memberson theCommittee, newObservers, lots of new Associates. Plenty of socialrides, interesting presenters at Club Nights andloads other activities and still trying to come toterms with another 11 more months tillChristmas!!For those of you that put your bikes into hibernation for thewinter - your are missing out on some lovely riding days - it’snot all ice, snow and rain: honest. I am not sure that Ipersonally could face not riding my bike for months on end....

Mind you having had a look and the report in MCN on 10December (now featured in this Newsletter on p9) I amwondering if I am being wise!! Not much of a study thoughonly 234 bikers questioned and they only ride for “around 3hours every weekend”... I am not sure that I agree with theirfindings either - I certainly don’t suffer from the twoproblems they are talking about and I ride about 16,000 milesa year - they must have interviewed Sports Bike riders - orriders who wear tight leathers!!

Ah well - suppose you had better keep an eye on things guys -test it often.... Add it to your POWER acronym.....Suggestions please to [email protected]

Nigel Grace

S A M S O L E N T A D V A N C E D M O T O R C Y C L I S T S J a n 2 0 0 9

COMMITTEE MEMBERSChairman: Dr Lilian Hobbs

Vice Chairman: Colin Backhouse

Group Secretary: Paul Nol

Treasurer: John Parvin

Chief Observer: David Spicer

Membership Secretary: Dr Wendy Peters

Club Night Organiser: Howard King

Public Relations: David Forster

Group Rides Co-ordinator: Gerry Gooch

Skills Co-ord: Dr Lilian Hobbs

Regalia: Vacant

SAM Sunday Co-Ord Becci Lunn

Newsletter: Nigel Grace

MDU Manager: Ian Cooper

Committee Member: James Norman

Dear EditorWhy is it that when some SAMmembers go to collect theirbike in the car park at SGCC,that they first start theengine, then sort out theirhelmet fastening and glovesetc and finally get on the bikeand ride away.

For some 2 or 3 mins everyoneelse, and this includes theresidents that live adjacent to thecar park, are subjected to the lowfrequency rumble of their engine.

Music to the owners ears it may be,but it is just an unpleasant noise tome and everyone else no doubt.

Why dont they sort themselves outfirst, then get the bike off thestand, start it, and then ridequietly away!

(Name withheld)

Replies [email protected] ifyou want....

bike txt Jan 09.qxd:bike txt Jan 09.qxd 6/1/09 13:17 Page 2


P A G E 4

For a change, I’ll start with areport - which is what thisis supposed to be after all.

It’s been a year of highs and lows.Our training program has been

expanded and everyone should nowknow how successful the slow-ridingdays have been. Many thanks to AlecGore and all others involved in that.

For many, slow-riding doesn’t hold animmediate appeal and with carefulplanning, it’s an activity we can usuallyavoid during normal riding. At theback of our minds is the question ofwhy should I run the risk of damagingmy bike unnecessarily? However, wecan all admire the skill involved incompetent slow-riding and I urgeeveryone to have a go on one ofthese days.

Also our classroom sessions haveproved to be popular, particularlywith new Associates, and we plan tocontinue with those in the new year.The course covers Roadcraft and theHighway Code. Yeah, I know thatsounds dreary, but we hope we canbring it to life and have a bit of fun. It’salso an opportunity to meet otherAssociates and ‘compare notes’. AgainI urge you to attend. Many thanks toLilian for organising those evenings.

We have recently taken on twonew Observers - Alec Gore andChris Ford. Also John Parvin joinedour ranks in the summer and wewelcome them all aboard.

Well, those were some of the‘highs’, and now for a bit of a ‘low’.Despite maintaining a very healthyinput of new members, I remaindisappointed at how manyAssociates ‘drop-out’ and how fewtake and pass their Advanced Test.With a bit of effort, everyoneshould be capable of achieving therequired standard. I knowcircumstances may change, but ifthere is any way we can help, pleasedon’t hesitate to ask. I hate thethought of people just giving up.

I know that learning AdvancedRiding Skills can at times seemconfusing and pedantic, but believeme when I say that not only willyou be safer on the road but you’llenjoy your biking much more.

Okay, enough of that - now for thefestive bit...

Season’s greetings to you all.

And now I’m struggling... I wastrying to think of some bike relatedtopic with a Christmas theme, andI was thinking of twinkling lightswhen I suddenly decided to talk

about signals. Okay, poor link Iknow, but they are an act of givingafter all.

When it comes to using signals Iconfess to being a bit of an anorak.I love the challenge of turningsignalling into a craft. I find thatmaking the perfect signal is verysatisfying. Does that make me sad?Naturally, I don’t think so - it’s justan extension of making everythingwe do on the bike safer and morefun.

Nothing demonstrates the averagedriver’s arrogance and selfishnessmore than the lack of using signals.How often have we sat at theroundabout waiting for a car, onlyto see it disappear up the previousexit? He’s okay, but we’ve wastedtime.

Having said that, I hate the use ofunnecessary signals. Nothing wedo should be by rote andeverything must be considered onthe circumstances. You should be athinking rider and not signallingautomatically.

If there’s no time to signal and it’ssafe, why signal for every overtake?And it’s rarely necessary to signalour return to the nearside. Theassumption must be that you will

return to the left after themanoeuvre.

And why signal to pass anobstruction that is clearly visible toall other road users? We are clearlynot intending to plough into theback of a parked car.

Signals must always be signals ofintention, not of achievement, andit’s at what point a signal should begiven that’s important. Rarely is itthe distance away from themanoeuvre that’s important, it’show long it will take you to getthere. And they must always beunambiguous.

One of my pet games is to alwayscancel my signal the absoluteinstant the manoeuvre iscompleted. For instance, whenleaving a motorway I wait for theexact point when I’ve just crossedthe broken line at the start of theslip road and then I hit that cancelbutton. I then breathe a sigh ofsatisfaction at a job well done.Perhaps I am a bit sad after all.

Anyway, there’s a mountain of stuffon signalling I could talk about. Myadvice is to turn it into an art - notjust an activity.

And a Happy New Year to you all.

David Spicer

C H I E F O B S E RV E R ’ SR E P O RT D e c 0 8

Biking for all.....


P A G E 5


Of the 89 riders that

started the ride only 3

were unable to cross the

line on a bike. What ever

happened, I had to ride

on the last day.

THE TRIP. I will try to compactthis part into something readableinstead of a list of events thathappened over the full 12 days.__The event started very well atHeathrow with all 89 riders meetingand trying to book in baggage withhaving to pay for “excess weight” at£35 per kilo !! The suggested airlinesolution appeared to be carry yourboots onto the plane as hand-luggage !! I still fail to see whatdifference it makes if the weight is inthe hold or the cabin - the plane willstill weighs the same - won’t it ??Without further ado we were off toDurban via Johannesburg. Thechange over at Johannesburg wasuneventful other than it was the lasttime I was to see my bag containingall my personally clothing - smellydays were to follow.

After arrival in Durban wetransferred to Port Edward a fewmiles South of Durban where wereceived an amazing reception froma tribe of Zulu Warriors completewith spears and war paint - it was at

this time I could have done with thechoir from the South Wales BorderRegiment, as I was sure that a verseor two from Men of Harlick wouldhave sent them packing !

That evening was full of briefings,issuing of riding colours, meetingfellow team members, ride leaders,the reps from the 3 charities andlocal dignitaries Also getting to seethe bikes for the first time - a veryimpressive sight over 100 HondaCRF230F lined up in once place.This was for most people the firsttime that Prince William and Harrymade a appearance, very relaxed,and obviously enjoying the evening(note: the Press were notinvited)__The send off nextmorning was a bustling and brilliantaffair, very colourful, lots of pressreporters, photographers, over 100riders with a police escort, the twoPrincess with their minders andfriends and of course the Zulusagain. Suddenly we were off - 100riders off on a very exciting butvery exhausting “Ride for Life”.

Every ride day followed the samepattern - breakfast at 7am - ride offat 8am - various stops for extrawater - stop for lunch - arrive atdestination about 6pm - meal at7pm - briefing at 8.30pm ...... Inbetween all this was some very hardriding along a mixture of tarmac,dusty tracks with huge pot holesand ruts, extreme “off-road” pathswith very steep down hills, evensteeper climbs, endless rivercrossings and places that youwouldn’t even consider going onfoot let alone on a 230cc bike.

The bikes were brilliant and thesuspension was amazing takingalmost evening you could throw atit. Most novice off-road riders, likemyself, could not believe that after avery short time they were taking itall in their stride. The more ableriders were, as expected, werecracking on and setting a very quickpace on the dirt tracks between“events”. - most times too quick.

For me, the first Sunday was a continued on page 6

ENDURO AFRICA 2008by Nigel Grace

I have been back fromEnduro Africa 2008 for aboutfour weeks now, so I thoughtit was about time I put bothmy “thanks” and experiencesinto print before I forget theformer and start to embellishthe latter.The Thanks. I can not possible list allthe people and Companies thatsupported and sponsored my for thisevent, but I would very much like tothank you all for your kindness; in totalEnduro Africa 2008 raised over£300,000 for the three charitiesconcerned. My personal total raised was£8500.


P A G E 6


JAN Sun 18 SAM Group Ride - Dorset Ower 10am Hilary HardmanTue 20 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sun 25 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies Mark SabinTue 17 SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 7.30pm

Fri 30 Alley Palley Motorcycle Show until Sun 1 Mar

Sat 31 London Motorcycle Show Excel until Sun 1 Feb

FEB Sun 1 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WinchesterTue 4 SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 1930

Sun 8 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham Cliff JonesTue 10 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm

Sat 14 29th Bristol Classis Motorcycle Show - Bath & West Show Ground

until 15th Feb

Sun 15 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamTue 17 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sun 22 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Ower 10am Colin Backhouse

MAR Sun 1 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon

SAM Sunday

WSB Round 1 Australia

Sun 8 SAM Group Ride - Thames Valley Loomies Alec GoreTue 10 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm

Sat 14 WSB Round 2 Qatar

Sun 15 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Winchester John ParvinTue 17 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sun 22 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamSun 29 SAM Group Ride - Four Counties Ower 10am Dave Charlton

APR Sun 5 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon James NormanSAM Sunday

WSB Round 3 Spain

Sun 12 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details LoomiesMotoGP Doha

Tue 14 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm

Sun 19 SAM Group Ride - Wantage for Lunch Winchester Ian CooperLe Mans 24 hours France

Tue 21 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sat 25 International Classic Bike Show - Stafford County Show Ground

until 26th April

Cookstown Irish Road Race Tyrone

Sun 26 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Wickham Jill KenrickMotoGP Japan, WSB Round 4 Assen

brilliant day, lots of sunshine, Imanaged the river crossings, theswamp, a very steep and twistytrack through woodland and manymore events besides. We had agreat lunch at an extremelypicturesque site under “ExecutionRock” - so named as enemies werethrown from the top to a verycertain death below. We refuelledand off we went onto more fastdusty tracks. Then at about 2.30pmit all went wrong for me -approaching a blind crest at a bit ofa lick, suddenly to discover that thetrack went more left than I thought- I tried to brush off some speedbuy stamping down a gear or twoand a bit of heavy breaking, but allto little effect - I half rounded thebend, riding into a field of rocks, Imanage to get the bike almostpointing in the right direction when

I saw a rock about the size of alarge suitcase, no time to doanything really and WHACK I hit ithead on.

According to the rider behind; thebike and I took off and did a fullloop before crashing to the ground,flat on my back and sliding downthe hill some 20 metres, with mestill hanging onto the left handlebar. I remember coming aroundand seeing a bright light !! so Ireached over and switched off the

bike engine and headlight. A quickwiggle of toes and fingers provedpainless, as did the moving of myhead - I had survived a spectacularcrash, and the bike had too. Thepack on my back had been rippedoff and the rocks had torn holes inthe back of my trousers, and lots ofskin was missing !! ouch. After ashort rest and assuring everyonethat I was OK, I got back on thebike and rode the next section. Weeven stopped at a fabulous bar onthe coast for a beer - at this stage Iwas feeling a little knackered. Werode on until we reached ourdestination for the night - The Holein the Wall resort.

Later that evening I felt decidedlyunwell and there were now pains inmy chest and I was having problemscatching my breath. I visited theregular evening clinic, which wasstaffed by two South Africa doctors

who were riding with us. They guysdon’t hang about - out with the bigneedles to take away the pain inwhat was a fractured rib and adressing placed on the sore andbleeding grazes to my backside andlegs. The injected sedative workedwell and I was out for the count butthe next morning, I was in greatdifficulties, the pain in my ribs wasunbearable and I was unable tobreath more than a cupful of air ata time. The long and short wasthat I was stuffed into theambulance and was eventuallyswapped to another privateambulance for the final trip to StDominic’s Hospital at East London.X-Rays were taken and I waswhipped off to a ward to start a 3-day stay. It was a good job that Ihad remembered to put my walletin my pocket as this was a privatehospital and part of the initial

continued from page 5

MAY Fri 1 Paignton Bike Festival Devon

Sun 3 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon

SAM Sunday

MotoGP Spain

Mon 4 BSB Oulton Park

Sat 9 Slow Riding Course HMS Collingwood 10am

Sun 10 SAM Group Ride - Swanage for Fish & Chips Ower 10am

Lillian HobbsWSB Round 5 Italy, Thundersprint Northwich Cheshire


North West 200 Starts Coleraine NI

Sat 16 North West 200 Ends Coleraine NI

BMF Show Peterborough

Sun 17 SAM Group Ride - South Downs Special Loomies 0930 Nick BubbWSB Round 6 South Africa, MotoGP Le Mans France


Wed 29 SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 7.30pm

Sat 23 London International Custom Show - Earls Court until 24th May

Sun 24 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WinchesterMon 25 BSB Donington Park

Tue 26 SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm

Wed 27 SAM Evening Theory Class SGCC 7.30pm

Sat 30 Garden of England Motor Show Detling Kent

Sun 31 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamMotoGP Italy, BSB Thruxton, WSB Round 7 USA

JUNE Sun 7 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon James NormanSAM Sunday

Sat 13 Southern 100 Road Races Isle of Man

Sun 14 SAM Group Ride - Calne Wiltshire Ower 10am Mark SmithMotoGP Spain


Sun 21 SAM Group Ride - Cotswold Tour Loomies John GoodsonTue 17 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sat 21 WSB Round 8 San Marino, BSB Snetterton


Sat 27 MotoGP Assen Netherlands

Sun 28 SAM Group Ride - Avesbury Rings/Devizes Winchester 10am

Nigel GraceWSB Round 9 Donington Park

SAM DIARY OF EVENTS FOR 2009


P A G E 7


SAM MANICOM,Motorcycle Traveller

examination was to include a swipeof your best Credit Card. By theend of my stay the pain in my ribswas manageable, the chest infectionwas clearing up and the terrible boutof the “Trots” was over - so much sothat I could almost trust a fart again.Many thanks for the Doctor and thecharming staff for their help.

The guys from Enduro Africa hadarranged for driver from HondaSouth Africa to transport me back tojoin the riders, and I was back on theride. I located my bike and had abrief ride around to ensure that Icould ride it without too much pain.I managed to find most of the kit Ileft behind although some items gotlost on the way - including my ridingtrousers and my blue riding shirt - soblue jeans and windproof topdonated by Urban Glow werepressed into service - with theessential body armour and leg

protectors of course. It was goodto be back even though I had missedsome very exciting and testing daysand the rest day where all the ridershelped to decorate a local crècheand played a football match againstthe local side (and lost).

Now the last day was here - a longride to Port Elizabeth and a paradetype trip through the city - policecars and ambulance with sirensgoing and 100 knackered bikestravelling through the streets inconvoy. Very emotional and greatfun. We all arrived at the Hotel andwe welcomed again by drums anddancing warriors as we parked upthe bikes for the last time. Thatnight saw a great party at the Hotelbut yours truly was totallyknackered and the effects of 3 or 4drinks and the painkillers was toomuch and I took myself off to bed.The next morning we lounged

JULY Fri 3 Goodwood Festival of Speed


Sun 5 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon

SAM Sunday

MotoGP Leguna Seca USA

Fri 10 Festival of 1000 bikes Mallory Park

Sat 11 Cock o’ the North Road Races Scarborough

Sun 12 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamTue 14 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm

Sun 19 SAM Group Ride - Woolacombe N Devon, Ower - Early, Lou LucasMotoGP Sachsenring GE


Thu 22 Riders for Health Day of Champions Donington Park

Sun 26 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details LoomiesMotoGP Donington Park, WSB Round 10 Czech Republic


AUG Sun 2 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon Alan CulshawSAM Sunday

Thu 6 Bulldog Bash Shakespeare County Raceway

Sun 9 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WinchesterTue 11 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm

Sun 16 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamMotoGP Brno Czech


Sun 23 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details OwerTue 25 SAM Evening Group Ride Winchester/Fareham 7pm

Sat 29 BSB Cadwell Park

Sun 30 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details LoomiesMotoGP Indianapolis

SEPT Sun 6 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon

SAM Sunday

MotoGP Misano Spain, WSB Round 11 Germany


Wed 9 SAM Evening Theory Class - SGCC 7.30pm


Sun 13 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details, WinchesterTue 15 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Wed 16 SAM Evening Theory Class - SGCC 7.30pm

Fri 18 Goodwood Revival

Sat 19 BMF Tail-end Show Peterborough

Sun 20 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamMotoGP Hungary


Sun 27 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details OwerWSB Round 12 Italy

OCT Sun 4 SAM Group Ride Leisurely Run SGCC 12 noon

SAM Sunday

MotoGP Portugal, BSB France

Sun 11 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details LoomiesBSB TBA


Sun 18 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WinchesterMotoGP Australia


Sun 25 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamWSB Portugal, MotoGP Malaysia

NOV Sun 1 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details OwerSun 8 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies

MotoGP Spain


Sun 15 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WinchesterTue 17 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sun 22 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details OwerThu 26 NEC Motorcycle Show 26 Nov - 6 Dec

Sun 29 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies

DEC Sun 6 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WinchesterTue 9 SAM Club Night - SGCC 8pm

Sun 13 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details WickhamTue 17 SAM Committee Meeting - SGCC 7.30pm

Sun 20 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details OwerSun 27 SAM Group Ride - see web site for details Loomies

Winchester King Alfred’s Statue SGCC Sarisbury Green Community CentreLoomies West Meon Hut Wickham The Wickham SquareOwer McDonalds Car Park Fareham Sainsbury’s Car Park

See web site for latest details www.solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk

around in the sun until the coachesarrived to take us to the Airportand our onward trip toJohannesburg and Home.

Of the 89 riders that started theride only 3 were unable to cross theline on a bike - I felt that what everhappened, I had to ride on the lastday - and was very thankful that Iwas able to do so - it was the icingon the cake and finished off abrilliant adventure. The lost bag wasnever found but those wonderfulpeople at South Africa Airwaysrefunded the cost of the lost bagand contents in full... the ribs stillhurt after 5 weeks but it’s gettingbetter - except for when I sneeze -that’s not so funny... I am still tryingto get my hospital expenses backfrom the Travel Insurance Companyand I would very much like to ridethe coast road of South Africa butmaybe not go off-road....

SAM DIARY OF EVENTS FOR 2009



P A G E 8

HARDKNOTT PASS Survivors

inclines, pot holes everywhere,broken tarmac and the additionalhazard of 4WD’s coming down thepass who wanted to occupy theentire single track road.

Each of us had the odd heartstopping moment, but we made it tothe top, admired the view and thenrealised that we now had to godown the pass! At the bottom wemet the farmer on his quad bikewith his sheep dogs moving all hissheep across the river. Then werealised that we now had tonegotiate the Wryose Pass , but thisonly had a 25% incline warning so itwas a bit easier.

The profile from the Garmin gives

Wendy, Lilian & Janet decidedto tour the Lake District

where the scenery is spectacularand there are some fantastic bikingroads, but even they couldn’tbelieve the Hardknott Pass. We hadstopped for afternoon tea atMuncaster Castle where some ofthe locals told us they had turnedback. Janet found a local pastor tobless her crossing so that she wassafe and we made for spectacularWasdale Head, before we headedoff to the pass, which is a shortcutto get us back to Lake Windermere.

Although the 30% sign at thebottom of the pass is a clue, as weheaded along the narrow roads, itreminded us of one of ChrisPalmer’s Sunday rides along theback roads of Hampshire, but thistime there was stunning scenery.

As we started to climb the pass, itgot steeper, and steeper. The hairpinbends became extremely tight, withnasty adverse cambers, steep

you some idea of why this isdefinitely not a road for novices,but to all you GS riders out there,you will love it. Would we do itagain, yes, but not on my HondaDeauville.

We can highly recommend theLake District for biking and wefound a really nice B&B in Kendalwhich was an ideal base for touringthe area. Don’t forget yourwaterproofs; this area is very greenfor a reason. The next time you arelooking for some interesting biking,don’t head across the channel, andgo north instead.

Lilian Hobbs

Summer at HaslemereFire stationBecause of the ever increasing motorbike accidentstatistics Haslemere fire station held its Second “Ride itRight” roadshow on probably the nicest Sunday of theyear. The firestation was transformed into a bikers worldof local dealers and events.

forms, we certainly wouldnt havemissed the opportunity.

They also gave a talk on “thesystem” and yours truly gave a talkon “first on scene” together withBruce Armstrong a biking nursewho has worked at BasingtokeA&E for 22 years.

Walking into the maze createdinside where usually big red

shiny machines sleep there was avery poorly red Ducati which hadtried to go through a mini metro,the resulting wreckage was a direwarning to all.

Next came a most unusual quadbike then the obligatoryEwan/Charlie look alike Beemerand then even a Magic show.

The local Triumph dealer wasdisplaying a dozen classic machinesand Shoei were providing a helmet

re-vamp service, (only if you had aShoei).

A local mechanic was giving lectureson spannerless maintenance under apacked gazebo whilst half a dozenhunky firemen were busy cookingbiker fare (burgers and dogs),donated by Tesco and then GIVINGTHEM AWAY FREE.

Wey valley were ther gving freeassessed rides and hosting a verytight slow riding course, (as Janet willattest). They were not howeverrecruiting and had no membership

As the Sun was sinking bikersdeparted having sated themselveson bikes and burgers.

A memorable day, next years eventis planned for 20th September, seeyou there.

Wendy Peters

DEARDENMOTORCYCLES LTD

207-209 Long Lane. HolburySouthampton SO45 2PD

For SAM Members, on production of a SAM Membership card

10% Discount on Clothing, Helmets, Parts and Accessories

023 8089 1110www.deardenmotorcycles.co.uk

If you have never tackled the Hardknott Pass in the LakeDistrict then don’t even consider it unless you have aGreen Badge or have been blessed by one of Godsrepresentatives.


P A G E 9


IAM BikerDiscrimination .....Grumpy Old Biker forced totake extra ace inhibitors

Gordon Brown, text language, creditdefault swaps, bad grammar, inflatedfuel prices, computer viruses,George Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, DickCheney, Apple Macs, 4 x 4s on theschool run, overcrowded trains, potholes Chris Moyles, over-paidfootballers, magpies, squirrels, KarenMathews, Welsh traffic signs, badmanners, chardonnay, slowbroadband, political correctness,“child in car” signs, politicians notanswering the question, call centres,Alan Greenspan, prejudice, badspelling, credit crunch, Jeremy Vine,

racism, motorway lane hogs, Kias, discrimination, bad punctuation,Alistair Darling, chavs, mobile phones going off in the theatre, chewinggum on pavements, Norton Anti-Virus, baseball hats at the table, loudmusic from passing cars, political spin, fly tipping, privatisation of dentaltreatment, means-testing pensions, X-Factor, Big Brother, Hollyoaks,East Enders, little Englanders, Scottish football supporters.

All of these things all raise my blood pressure a bit - but not in a good way - unlikethe lovely Carla Bruni, but that’s enough of that. Where was I? Nurse? Oh yes,it’s all coming back now.

The IAM. Them in the Chiswick ivory tower. The people whom we employ viaour subscriptions. The people who are accountable to their members. OKComrades, I’m getting to the point and will now explain why I have been forcedto take extra ace inhibitors.

The Skills for Life Package is £10 more expensive for motorcyclists (£109) than itis for car drivers (£99). It has recently changed and this differential is out and outdiscrimination. We need to do something about it. It’s not just the extra tenner,it’s going through a pricing point - into a three figure sum. Psychologically this isa big price hike.

With no disrespect to the “ten-to-two” red badge brigade (and as a matter of factthe Grumpy Old Biker has a red badge), we punch way above our weight due tothe extra vulnerability of bikers. I discussed this point with Peter Roger, the IAMChief Examiner who explained that the costs for bikers are higher. With mycustomary diplomatic flair I enquired whether the lunatics had really taken overthe asylum and whether they should have carried on with the cross-subsidy.

To be fair to Peter, he was not responsible for this atrocious decision and couldnot immediately recall who was, although he assured me that it was debatedextensively. I proposed that as head Santa, he might take the matter up with theother Scrooges at Chiswick. Peter was a good sport and suggested that perhapsit might be appropriate to re-visit the decision. No promises were expressed orimplied, nor in fairness could they have been.

I think that it is time to start ruffling a few feathers on this one.

Well that’s enough exertion for one day. Time for my nap and then perhaps a visitfrom Carla - in my dreams of course.

The Grumpy Old Biker.Disclaimer: Grumpy Old Biker is a periodic column written for the SAM newsletter. Itis highly unlikely that the views expressed here are in any way representative of the IAMor SAM.

Hardened ridersfacing stiffypenaltiesMale riders are at risk ofimpotence and urinary problems,a new survey has found.The research, based on 234 motorcyclists who ridetheir bikes for around three hours every weekend,looked at the relationship between motorcyclingand erectile dysfunction.

The problems are thought to be due to the seats on mostmotorcycles putting pressure on the perineum - the area between

the scrotum and the anus. Vibrations from the engines are thought todamage nerves in the penis and decrease two growth hormones in thebladder and prostate which are related to relaxing the bladder.

Of those riders questioned 69% were diagnosed with problems.

There was found to be a significant difference between the motorcyclegroup and non-riders in the numbers affected by the condition in all agegroups.

Those complaining of problems reported difficulties getting as erectionand urinating.

The survey has been compiled by doctors in Japan and the resultspublished in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

MCN 10 December 2008Your comments should be sent to [email protected](please keep it clean )


P A G E 10


Are you Mocking me?Having joined SAM as an Observer in 2002, I have taken out, either for aMock Test, or as an associate, no less than 97 SAM members during thattime. Yes, thatʼs right, I do keep a record of each one. Sad isnʼt it.

Ihad been a Senior Observer formy previous group, the Wey Valley

Advanced Motorcyclists, nearGuildford, for some 11 years beforeretiring down to Hampshire when Ihad a triple heart by pass operation.I was off a bike for 6 months until aPoliceman friend of mine took meout on the pillion of my own bike.What joy I can tell you after sittingin an armchair for 6 months.

One of my duties as one of theSAM Senior Observer is to conductMock Tests for our members whohave been deemed ready to taketheir IAM Advanced Test by theirpersonal Observer.

So I frequently get the call to meetthe candidate and take them out fora Mock test.

So what does this entail?

The test is a non-stop ride of anhour and a bit taking in all types ofroads from Motorways to singletrack lanes. The candidate isexpected to show a safe, smoothand progressive ride throughout. Afew Highway Code and Roadcraftquestions will be asked and notforgetting a slow ride test of afigure of eight or so.

So what have I found to be theweaknesses shown by some ofthese candidates?

Scruffy Junctions

Ignoring SLOW signs in the road.

Passing Junctions on your left inCar track1

Not moving to their left foroncoming traffic.

Not using their gearbox enough.

Not getting on the throttle as youcommence your turn in a bend.

Not wearing one element ofbright clothing.

Not working hard enough tocreate an overtake opportunity

Too few revs during their SlowRide.

• So what do I mean by, ScruffyJunctions. As many ridersapproach a `T` junction, I oftensees them looking too soon, first

one way and then the other. Onerider did this no less than sixtimes. The bike will often waverfrom side to side as they look.They are trying so hard not tostop, that when they find thatthey have to, they are notprepared and will often suddenlystop with both feet on theground with the bike in thewrong position. Very Scruffy.What riders should do is, plan tostop, decide where they are goingto stop and then have a goodlook just before the junction. If itis clear you smoothly pull out.No problem. Another junctionproblem that I see is taking aright turn off your road. Ridersdo often take the turn too lateand this can bring them almostinto the kerb whilst they aredoing an almost full lock turn.Whereas if they were tocommence the turn a littleearlier they could take a muchsmoother line and also get onthe throttle much sooner.

• My pet hate is riders who don’t

use their gearbox enough. Bikesthrive on revs and perform somuch better when the revs areup. You have better speedcontrol, particularly in 30`s and40`s and bikes really do needrevs going into a bend so thatyou can drive the bike aroundthe bend. I also like to see riderschange down a gear or so whenapproaching a hazard, if you arein too high a gear, the bike willnot be happy and neither willyou, that’s for sure. It is not amatter of torque, as some ridersseem to think, and some bikeshave loads of that, but revs arewhat are wanted.

• One element of bright clothing isanother favourite of mine. I oftensay to a rider, to put themselvesin a car on a dark wet night withtheir wipers going away. Whatchance would you have of seeinga biker in such conditionswithout one element of brightclothing? Take that chance atyour own peril I say.

Finally, what about overtakes.Probably about the most dangerousmanoeuvre that we do, but also themost rewarding when it is donecorrectly. We riders need to workhard to create an overtakeopportunity and not just wait untilwe get a half mile stretch of clearroad. We must use the three phasesof overtaking and to commencethem at the first safe opportunity.Never take a chance whenovertaking and each move must beplanned. Change your mind ifnecessary for that is the right thingto do, don’t do what so many ridersdo by committing themselves to anovertake and seeing it throughwhatever the circumstance.

Carrying out a Mock Test is not adifficult job, I find it very enjoyableto see a rider getting it right mostof the time. But I also feel sad whenthey don’t.

Gerry Gooch

The Mock test is a non-

stop ride of an hour and a

bit taking in all types of

roads from Motorways to

single track lanes.

When following vehicles we can look tosee whether we can see the face of thedriver in his rear-view mirror. Presentingyourself to him will be an advantage toyou. If he knows you are behind him he can react toyou; never ever assume that he has seen you. Does heknow that you are there? Do not expect him to give youany consideration if he cannot see you. Look formovements of the vehicle as lots of drivers do give wayfor motorcyclists. Always acknowledge this courtesywith an acknowledgment. It makes both the driver andrider feel good.

Do not just look at the vehicle; it is the driver who is theimportant factor as he controls the vehicle. We have tomake judgements to assess how the driver will react. Wewant to see the whites of his eyes to make sure that hehas seen us and we must anticipate what he will do. Thesame goes for vehicles leaving junctions, overtaking orfiltering, etc. We want to know what they have had forbreakfast.

On the approach to a right-hand bend observe that if aline of vehicles are approaching from the oppositedirection you will invariably find that each vehicle willblock the view of each driver. The classic case is whereyou have a large vehicle leading a group of smallervehicles. The large vehicle will block the line of site tothe drivers behind him. In these circumstances it wouldbe wise to hold your position even if you have sited thenext bend as a lefthander, until you have contact witheach and every driver, which were hidden. You cannotreact to situations if you have no view of them.Consequently the drivers out of your view cannot reactto you if you are unsighted. It is certainly in your owninterest to present your self to each and every driver.The one you do not present to is the one that ispotentially dangerous.

On the approach to a left-hand bend the majority ofvehicle will be in view. But do not take things for granted.Never assume the driver has seen you, make sure he has.

Created and presented by Mike Waite

PRESENTING ONES SELF


S A M S O L E N T A D V A N C E D M O T O R C Y C L I S T S J a n 2 0 0 9S A M S O L E N T A D V A N C E D M O T O R C Y C L I S T S J a n 2 0 0 9

P A G E 2

5%discountfor SAM

group was split into two. Thisexercise was my favourite andinvolved following Alec or Samaround cones placed in a circle withanother 2 cones in the middle forthe dreaded figure eight. Initially wesimply went around the outside ofthe cones in circles and after a fewlaps it was up to second and thenclutch hand off, only using thethrottle hand to control direction. Inthe mean time Alec would be tellingus to stay as close as possible to him,not easy at all. We also had to makeour way in and out of the cones andthrough the figure eight. We thentook a break and the next riders ofour group had to do their bit.

When they were done we were backin action and now things became alittle more complicated. Look, lean,roll was the instruction, Alecexplained and then demonstrated,and once again we had to keep up tohim. Simply put on the circle at the 2and 8 o’clock marks, you look whereyou want to go to, lean the bike overand then roll on the throttle untilyou get to the next mark where youbrake before repeating the exerciseagain. At the end of the exercise thesmile on my face was from ear to ear,it was really interesting to see just

Iarrived at HMS Collingwoodand after being “checked in”

by staff was directed to a carpark where the days’ activitieswould be taking place. Alec andsome of his assistants werebusy setting out the trafficcones for the six differentexercises that we would betackling on the day. After a nicecup of coffee and some biscuitsAlec proceeded to explain anddisplay what was expectedfrom each of us at the differentstations. We would spendaround 20 minutes at eachstation and then move on tothe next with a coffee breakhalfway through the morning.

Essentially the six exercises areas follows.

The first station was split into 2exercises. The first is simply comingto a controlled stop next four trafficcones spaced in a straight line 3mapart, then for the last cone spaced6m further down its up to second,down to first and a nice controlledstop.

The second exercise involved doingthe same, coming to a controlledstop but in a circle, ie. stoppingwhile turning.

Alec had some interestinginformation for us on this station,firstly the three phases of braking,being as follows. Firstly an initialtake up of a little brake, this phase isused to ascertain what is under thetyre, ie do you have a good surfaceto brake on. Secondly a phasewhere most of the braking isachieved, then the final third phasewhere the pressure on the brakes isreleased somewhat so as to avoidthe front of the bike diving. Alec alsoinformed us then when coming to astop, you should strike the groundwith the heel first and then roll thefront of the foot down as you finallystop. No tap dancing with the foot

as you come to a stop and also thefoot is not to be used as ahandbrake for the stop!

The second station was again splitinto 2 parts. The first exercise wasslalom. The cones on this exerciseare spaced in a straight line 3m apartthen a nice u turn into a secondslalom spaced 2m apart. Now I haveto tell you this was loads of fun. Atfirst you approach this exercise verytentatively then as you gainexperience and skill you start tohave some fun. At one stage I didmanage to drag a cone e few metersdown the track only to have Nigelreplace it to its correct position. Thesecond exercise was a tunnel ofcones with a start and finish linespaced 20m apart, the idea behindthis was to get to the other end asslow as possible. I managed a measlythirtyish seconds, one chap with aR6 did in about 1 second, I think hemisunderstood the slow bit. Therecord for the day was 46 secondsand to top it off, with a pillion!

The third station involved making a90 degree left turn and then comingto a controlled stop. Then making aU-turn and coming to a controlledstop. Although this soundsdeceptively simple a lot of seriousfaces were to be found on thisstation.

At the fourth and final station our

Alec briefing riders on the days events

SLOW RIDING TRAININGBy Rui De Castro

how far over you can lean yourbike. Also an important note is torealise that if and when you are indifficulty during a corner and youfelt you will not make it, applyingthis exercise will help in thissituation. If you get it wrong theworst case scenario would be thatyou slide off the road, certainlybetter that hitting road furniturehead on.

On behalf of all the people whoattended I have to say a huge Thankyou to Alec for his time andexpertise, I feel we all learnt a lotand feel a more confident aboutslow riding, to Colin for once againproviding us with the facilities,drinks and snacks to whoeverordered the weather because wecould not have asked for any betterand to all the people who assistedin the slow riding days.

My advice to anyone who has notdone the slow riding is to makesure your name is on the listbecause it is invaluable and willmake a great difference to yourconfidence and skills. The nextcourse is scheduled for the spring.Lilian will provide details when thetime comes.


P A G E 12

p4ChiefObserver’sReport

p5EnduroAfrica

p8HardknottPass

p11SlowRiding

p12NEC Birmingham

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DISCLAIMERMost of the viewsexpressed in this SAMNewsletter are personalto the author andpublication does notimply endorsement ofany article, any authoror any organisation.Views expressed arethose of the authors,and are not necessarilyin accordance with thepolicies or the views ofthe IAM or SAM.Where articles arereproduced from otherpublications or authors,unreservedacknowledgement isgiven to the source. Noresponsibility isaccepted by the Editoror SAM for any damageto intelligence or ridingabilities, howsoevercaused, which mightresult from reading thispublication.

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