advance autumn 08

D N EThe official magazine of Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

Servicing, Repairs, W

elding, Recovery, M

OT

for cars, motor-hom

es & com

mercials

JOHN F. BLACK

6B Catherinefield Ind Est Heathhall Dumfries DG1 3PQ Tel: 01387 267473

St. Michael’s ServicesSt. Michael ’s Street

DumfriesDG1 2QD

Tel: 01387 254304

~ BP ultimate fuels

~ BP Autogas

~ Car wash

~ Jet wash

~ MACE convenience store

~ Special offers for Dumfries Group members

more per formance , less po l lu t ion

© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists1

What’s on? - check out the Events Section at www.iamdumfries.org.uk

8 September – POLICE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM

7 October (Tuesday) – PREPARING FOR WINTER - THE AA

15 October (Wednesday) - TEN PIN BOWLING V CARLISLE GROUP. Helpus regain the cup - please let Helen Cameron know if you can come so carsharing arrangements and the necessary bookings can be made.

10 November – VISIT TO SCOTSPEED MOTORCYCLES, Nith Place, Dumfries(show your IAM card & you can get 10% discount on the night (non sale items only))

8 December – TABLE TOP RALLY courtesy of Jim Hunter

All Meetings will be held at Dalston House Hotel, Dumfries unless otherwise stated.(Sometimes last minute changes occur but we endeavour to update the web site)

Group Committee Members for 2008/09Group President: Tommy Jardine

To e-mail any member of the committee, please inthe first instance, use the group contact e-mail

address: [email protected]

This magazine was publishedby the Dumfries & Galloway

Group ofAdvanced Motorists &

Motorcyclists.For more details of our activities

see our web site at:

www.iamdumfries.org.ukContact the

Group Secretary:[email protected]

Magazine comments andcontributions to:

[email protected]:

The views expressed in thismagazine are those of the con-tributors and not necessarilythose of the Editor, Group or theInstitute of Advanced Motorists,to which the Group is affiliated.Reg Charity No. SC 023511

Chair,Chief m/c Obs

Graeme McColm 01387 720425

Vice Chair Jamie Wood 01683 300347Secretary Helen Cameron 07707 035518Treasurer Russell Wears 01387 263893Minute Sec Anne Lind 07877 291715Assoc Coordntr Peter Dodds 01387 261523M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird 01387 259500News Dist. Christine Donaldson 01576 202805Events pro-gramme

Stewart CameronScott Anderson

01387 26400501387 257826

Committee Charlie AllmanAndy CampbellNeil Martynink

01387 26375007717 79810907725 941180

Our work including this magazine issupported by Dumfries & GallowayCouncil. For a full list of our many spon-sors please visit the Sponsors Wall at:www.iamdumfries.org.uk

Supported by:


The Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm

Welcome to the Autumn Edition of our Advance Magazine. I would like to takethis opportunity to thank Alan for all his effort and hard work over the last fewyears and wish him all the best for the future. Alan is continuing his good workwith us by carrying on as a Senior Car Observer, therefore, very muchinvolved in the day-to-day work.

I would also like to thank the Committee and Observers for all their hard workand support they have shown me both before and since I took over this role inMay 2008. I am also looking forward to working alongside Tommy Jardine(President) and I am sure we will continue to broaden our working relationship.

I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little about my life. I have beenmarried for 26 years to a very patient and understanding wife and have twogrown up children. I am very much into road safety and as a family; the four ofus have all passed our Advanced Driving Test. My son is currently sitting hisBike training and hopes to pass soon.

I am Chief Observer (Motorbike Section) and also a Car Observer. I hope touse my vast experience to help expand our membership of Dumfries &Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists and to improve roadsafety in and around Dumfries & Galloway.

So enough about me, on with the business in hand. The first part of the newsyllabus is on the previous page, I hope you take the time to read it and notedown some dates for your diary. If non-members would like more informationplease contact any of the committee members or visit our web site.

As we have had such appalling weather lately with much water on our roadsperhaps now is a good time to continue your training or come back for arefresher. Finally just as we are going to press I have heard that Arla Foodshave given us £250, this is fantastic news - thank you, we are very grateful.

New Chairman for Dumfries GroupThe May AGM saw Graeme McColm (picturedright) elected as Chairman for the next year.

He is shown here presenting Alan Jones, theoutgoing Chairman, with a quaiche in recognitionof his five years of service to the group; at thesame time Alan congratulates Graeme on hisnew position.

The AGM also saw Jamie Wood elected to posi-tion of Vice Chairman.


Membership renewalMembership renewal forms will be sent out soon, by the Treasurer. From thisyear we will be giving you the option to renew your membership by standingorder. The growing size of our Group means that administration of the group'saccounts, including membership matters is becoming a more time-consuming task for our Treasurer.

In order to increase efficiency and minimise the difficulties of administration weask all members to consider payment by standing order using the form that willbe sent out along with the renewal form. The fee for full group membershipfor next year will remain at £10.

Those of you who have not received a membership renewal invitation from thegroup before may find the following explanation of membership issues useful.

There are two tiers to membership, national and local.

The national organisation (IAM), provides Examiners, administration, overallsupport, oversees tests and produces ‘Advanced Driving’ magazine.

Local, affiliated groups, such as our Group, organise observed drives, testpreparation and social nights - you will be presented with your pass certificateat one of these social nights.

The fee that you paid with your original application covered three elements:1. Fee paid to IAM, covered the Examiner’s fee and the course book etc.2. Membership of IAM for one year commencing when you passed your test.3. Associate membership of Dumfries & Galloway Group for one year datingfrom receipt of your application. This covered the costs of local administration.

On passing your test you become eligible for Full Group Membership, due inthe Autumn each year. When you receive this group membership renewalinvitation it is because this third element has been reached.

We hope that Associates will continue as Full Group Members after they havepassed the test, attending the meetings, maybe joining the admin team,becoming Observers or just supporting the group through their membership.

Photo Driving licence - 10 year renewalA reminder that if you have a UK photo driving licence, the photo on it needsto be renewed every 10 years - the first such licences were issued in 1998 andso are about to expire. ‘Field 4b’ on the licence shows the photo expiry date.Section 11 on the reverse indicates the expiry of the licence entitlement.


Drive Check - Stewartry Young Drivers SchemeOur group are working with the Police and the Procurator Fiscal's Office on ayear long pilot scheme aimed at young drivers whose driving has brought themto the adverse notice of the Police. The scheme acts as a potential alternativeto prosecution and involves referrals to us by the Police or via the Procuratorwith a request to perform an IAM Drive Check on the young person concerned.The Community Safety Forum has provided £1000 of funding to finance 40Drive Checks, which are carried out free of charge to the young driversconcerned. Our Observers conduct the Drive Check - a 40 minute assessmentdrive followed by a 20 minute de-brief and a report is given to the driverindicating where their driving safety or behaviour may be improved.

A report on the driver's attitude and driving abilityis also given to the Procurator. The results of theDrive Check are taken into consideration whenconsidering whether there is a need to proceedwith a formal prosecution. The scheme is work-ing well with 17 referrals and 8 Drive Checks tofar. A number of referrals have not gone forwardand some have resulted in prosecution.

There is interest in expanding the scheme across our region and maybe rightacross Scotland. The photo shows discussions about the scheme betweenKenny MacAskill (Scotland's Justice Minister), our Alan Jones, LyndsayHunter (Principal Procurator Fiscal Depute) and Iain Howie (Police).

The DVLA say failure to surrender a photocard licence when the photo hasexpired is a criminal offence and the driver may face a fine of up to £1000 ifthe photo is not renewed. Approximately two months before a licence needsto be renewed the DVLA will send a reminder but if you have changedaddress, without informing the authorities, you may miss the requirement torenew. Of course failure to notify a change of address is also an offence.

The fee for renewing the photo is currently £17.50. Old-style paper licenceholders are not affected.Death of Group’s former oldest member.We are sad to hear of the death of Dick Bruce, the group’s former oldestmember, who passed away on 2nd June 2008 at the age of 89. Dick came toadvanced driving late in life only signing up and starting on the advanceddriving course in 2002 and passed his test in 2003. He proved that it is nevertoo late to improve your driving skills and with a bit of determination and anopen mind it is possible to reach the advanced standard at any age.

We offer condolences to his family and friends.

Photo Courtesy of Galloway News


Motorcycle Chief Observer’s diary - Graeme McColm

Hello again, some tests have gone through and more going through as we goto press. It’s been quite a mixed year of things going on in the club. With newassociates being trained up, shows to attend and the Skye trip, more on thatlater, courtesy of Phil Sayers.

Part of our ongoing training includes slow manoeuvrability; this helps you copewith slow moving traffic and poor road conditions as well as awkward junc-tions. Jamie Wood has kindly donated some small soft cones to be carried byObservers to allow further training opportunities.

At the end of July, Graham Abrines, PhilSayers, Jamie Woods and myself got to-gether with associates for a very difficult butrewarding training session. We met in aquiet car park, set down some cones andpractised clockwise and anti-clockwise ma-noeuvres round them. This taught us all newskills and by the end of the evening every-body had gained in confidence. It’s some-

thing that not many bikers try to master but everybody should have a go, witha little encouragement most people will manage - remember it is all done atwalking pace or less.

Everyone had a great time so go ongive it a go. I’ve included a couple ofpictures here so you can get a feel forthe event.

I will finish off by saying thanks again toall Observers as well as reminding eve-ryone that BIKESAFE is on twice a yearat Cornwall Mount so please attendand I hope to see you there.

New rules concerning penalty points - from the Chief Examiner

Until now it has not been possible for someone with nine or more points ontheir driving licence to take the IAM advanced test. Similarly there has been arestriction on people who have been disqualified from driving taking the test,until a period equal to the length of their disqualification period has elapsed.

With immediate effect I am pleased to announce that these two restrictions areboth removed, thus allowing those who it may be argued are most in need ofour help to undertake preparation for the test, and the test itself.


Group accounts 2007/2008

Over the page are the Group accounts for the period 1 May 2007 to the 31March 2008. They have been approved by John Love, an IndependentExaminer acceptable to the Trustees of the Charity.

You may notice that they are presented in a different format from previousyears but now reflect the latest required format set out by the Office of theScottish Charities Regulator (OSCR).

In summary, the Group is spending what it receives and utilising its balancesto fund one-off purchases of required assets and is in sound financial shape.The full accounts, Independent Examiner’s report and detailed Treasurer’sreport is available on the Group web site.

There is a restriction currently applied which prevents anyone who has a courtcase for a driving matter pending (including the issue of a Fixed PenaltyNotice) taking the test until the court case is completed. This restriction willcontinue to apply, to avoid the IAM being used as a ploy by some who aresimply seeking to manipulate their position, and who may be expelled from theIAM by being disqualified from driving almost immediately after their test.

Any case where a court requires a driver to undertake the test should bereferred to the Chief Examiner as a specific matter – but the intention will beto facilitate this wherever that is reasonable.Dumfries Show - Helen Cameron

Thanks to the volunteers who helped by manning our stand at the recentDumfries Show. There wasquite a bit of interest from thepublic with three people sign-ing up on the day and severalothers taking away forms tocomplete at home. Luckilythe weather was in our favour... most of the time. The prizedraw for a Car Safety Kit waswon by Craig Kerr.

We will have the new IAMMobile Display Unit at theMoffat Show on Saturday 30August and I’m looking forvolunteer members (drivers and bikers) to assist manning the unit. Please letme know if you can spare a couple of hours so that I can arrange a rota.

SC023511

Section A Statement of receipts and paymentsUnrestricted

fundsRestricted

fundsExpendableendowment

funds

Permanentendowment

funds

Total fundscurrentperiod

Total fundslast period

A1 ReceiptsDonations 1,094 1,995 3,089 4,790Legacies -Grants - 6,500Receipts from fundraising activities 265 265 550Gross trading receipts 1,927 1,927 2,252Inc from investments not land & buildings 56 66 122 86Rents from land & buildings -Receipts ex other charitable activities 1,969 1,969 1,763-

A1 Sub total 5,311 2,061 - - 7,372 15,941

investment salesProceeds from sale of fixed assets -Proceeds from sale of investments -

A2 Sub total - - - - - -

Total receipts 5,311 2,061 - - 7,372 15,941

A3 PaymentsExpenses for fundraising activities 1,002 1,002 1,197Gross trading payments 1,618 1,618 3,044Investment management costs -Payments relating directly to charitableactivities

1,373 4,880 6,253 5,416Grants and donations 80 80 135Governance costs: -

Audit / independent examination -Preparation of annual accounts -

Legal costs -Other 53 53 52

-A3 Sub total 4,125 4,880 - - 9,005 9,844error

A4 Payments relating to asset andinvestment movementsPurchases of fixed assets 792 792 386Purchase of investments -

A4 Sub total 792 - - - 792 386

Total payments 4,917 4,880 - - 9,797 10,230

Net receipts / (payments) 394 2,819)( - - 2,425)( 5,711

A5 Transfers to / (from) funds -

Surplus / (deficit) for year 394 2,819)( - - 2,425)( 5,711

to nearest £

Dumfries & Galloway Grp of Adv Motorists & MotorcyclistsReceipts and payments accounts

For theperiodfrom

Period start dateto

Period end date

1 2007Day Year Day Month

31 MarMay 2008YearMonth


Sliding around at Knockhill

Saturday 28 June a dry but overcast daysaw members of the Dumfries Grouphead to Knockhill race circuit in Fife for ahalf day skid pan session.

The event started with an introductionand briefing then the members weretreated to demonstrations, in groups ofthree, with an instructor. They were shown techniques of skid control andlearnt about braking and steering both with ABS enabled and disabled, in thelatter case using a cadence braking technique.

After the demonstrations each member got a 7/8 minutes practising thetechniques while driving the car round the skid pan under instruction. Two cars

were used, aVauxhall Vectrawith ABS and aFord Sierra with-out ABS.

This was followedby a competitionbetween all themembers eachdriving five lapsround a figure ofeight course. The

top three places were taken by:

1st. Nick Riley (time -117.61 )2nd. John Minto (time - 117.81)3rd. Jim Hunter (time - 119.10)

It was a cracking day out, all en-joyed it and would go again, if theyget the chance. The cost was £50.

If you fancy having a go yourselfwe will consider re-running theevent next year, or something sim-ilar, if there is enough interest. Itsyour group so just let Helen Cam-eron know of your ideas.

Members and skid pan instructors at Knockhill

Nick Riley takes the top spot

Driving hard for the fastest time


St Michael’s Services, Dumfries is offering Group Members and Associates a freebasic car wash, or two jet wash tokens, when you fill up. All you need to do, whenyou’re low on fuel, is fill it up and let the staff know you would like a free bike/car washbefore you pay for your fuel. You will need to take along your membership card or,for Associates, the letter you get from the IAM once you have signed up. There is nominimum purchase but please play fair and don’t expect to be eligible for a free washif you just ‘top up’ your tank - the offer may be withdrawn at any time.Another member offer (aimed primarily at bikers on cold Sunday mornings but opento all members) is hot drinks priced at 50p for IAM members instead of 85p.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTSRegistered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511

We advocate using the ‘Planned System of Driving or Riding’. Just because you don’tuse our System doesn’t necessarily make you an unsafe driver or rider.

What our method gives you is a means of driving or riding in a consistently safe andsystematic way which leaves nothing to chance. Our method will not help you driveor ride through a hazard, say a bend, at the fastest possible physical speed butwhen perfected it should help you progress through it at the fastest speedconsistent with maintaining stability and maximising safety.

If you’re interested in improving your skills we can help you, why not find outmore? E-mail or call the Secretary (07707 035518), or visit our web site - it’s a‘Skill for Life’

ADVANCED DRIVING OR RIDING - what’s different about it?

Tips for keeping to the limitSpeeding is the most common motoring offence and we all know it It is easy,in a modern vehicle, to exceed the speed limit. If you hit a pedestrian at 30mph


Barabara gets a gauntlet thrown down - Barbara Simpson

My initial reason for undertaking the IAM Skills for Life was not so noble as adesire to improve my driving but as a Christmas gift from my husband, whowas understandably concerned about my reaction to the implications of sucha gift, it was a throwing down of the gauntlet.

I was understandably apprehensive about my first observed drive but once myobserver completed his drive it was obvious there were lots of areas in whichI needed to improve. Stevie, my observer, was not critical of my efforts butprovided support, encouragement and instilled confidence.

Using the IPSGA system to recognise and plan for actual and potentialhazards by giving a running commentary of what you see and what you aredoing takes quite a bit of getting used to. I was tongue tied and didn't know myleft from right! Gradually it got easier and I found myself doing it in my headwhenever I was driving.

Changing the way I was driving was equally challenging - ‘block gearchanges’, ‘brake/gear over-lap’ and ‘sustained-rev gear changes’ - I had nevereven heard of such things. Getting excited at mastering brakes and gears,with no over-lap, on the approach to roundabouts was proof that I wasenjoying the whole thing. Going out for a drive and concentrating solely onhow you are driving, rather than just the task of getting to your destination, wasunexpectedly enjoyable.

I would recommend this course to everyone, as safer driving will be toeveryone’s benefit. The next person who should undertake the Skill for Lifecourse is my husband since there is now no argument as to who is the betterdriver - I have the certificate to prove it!

20% will die whereas a similar impact at 35mph and 40mph will result in thedeath rates of 50% and 85% respectively, irrespective of whether it was thedriver or pedestrian’s fault that the collision occurred. Just keeping to the limitwill not by itself make you a safer driver - you still need to use all the otherattributes of advanced driving to maximise safety. There are things that youcan do to help yourself, protect your licence and stay within the law:

1. Check your speedo frequently, build speed checks into your commentary.2. Know what the limit is – observe and react to signs.3. Assume lamp posts mean a 30 mph limit, until signs say otherwise.4. 3rd gear in a 30 mph limit often helps you better control your speed.5. Concentrate, don’t get distracted. A commentary will help.6. Take the pressure off yourself - allow yourself enough time for the journey.

B R A I D W O O D SS O L I C I T O R S, E S T A T E A G E N T S &

I N D E P E N D E N T F I N A N C I A L A D V I S E R S

Property and Estate Agency

Wills and Estates

Independent FinancialAdvice

Commercial Practice

Family Law

www.braidwoods.com49 Newal l Terrace, Dumfr ies DG1 1LL

Telephone: (01387) 257272E-mai l : in [email protected]


The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron

As a new season starts for our group meetings I would like to encourageeveryone to try to attend some of these events. We have a varied syllabuswhich has been prepared by Scott Anderson and Stewart Cameron and itwould be good to see new and old faces at the Dalston House Hotel (or at oneof the garage visits) for these events .

I can report that we won the inter-group quiz in April in Carlisle and we will hostthe quiz next year in the Spring so please let me know if you wish to take part.

The 10 pin bowling match against Carlisle group has been set for Wednesday15 October at 8 pm, please let me know if you want to come along, we needlots of support as we have to try to regain the trophy this year.

Once again our Observers have been very busy over the Spring and Summerperiod. Congratulations go to all our new members who have recently passed.If you have not received your certificate and tee shirt then please come alongto the September meeting and it will be presented to you.

Associate Observer

March 2008

Andrew Black Callum Ruddick

John Drysdale Stuart Murray

Robert Sloan Peter Dodds

April 2008

Vicki McMinn Anne Lind

Alan Sproat Charlie Allman

Andrew Hunter Graeme W

Gareth Coates Charlie Allman

Richard Ross Graeme W

May 2008

Russell Allison Stephen McCormack

Philip Solomon Stuart Murray

Kevin Andrews Stewart Cameron

Simon Purdoe Neil Whitelaw

Associate Observer

May 2008 contd

Nicky Riley Graeme McColm

David Pennycook Peter Dodds

June 2008

Jennifer McClelland Stephen McCormack

Jackie Minaudo Charlie Allman

Donna McCloskey Helen Cameron

Barbara Simpson Stephen Craighead

Kenneth Dunlop Stuart Murray

July 2008

Alex Dunlop Stuart Murray

James McGarrity Stuart Murray

Pamela Grossick Mark Ranshaw

James Millward Motorcycle Team

Vikki Halliday Motorcycle Team


Testing time for LawrenceIn the last issue we told of Lawrence Smith’s experiences undergoing coach-ing in the Skill for Life course. Here he tells of his experience on the mosttesting part of all - the practical test.

I was nervous when it came to the test on 2 levels. I manage the Coachmanpub in Moffat as well as working in the Buccleuch so my time is valuable. Allthe preparation and reorganising of lives was quite tough so the last thing youwant to do is fail and let the side down. Having said that I couldn’t have askedfor a better Observer in Charles Allman who was flexible and helped me out.

Secondly there is quite a lot to think about and fit in especially with thecommentary and you realise one too many slip ups could result in failure.

I had the impression that all Examiners were stern and almost unapproacha-ble however I found Robin Bell was quite the opposite. We struck up a bit ofbanter which put me at ease, so then all I had to do was worry about my drive.

My test ran smoothly with no major incidents to mention. It helped having amock test drive about three weeks before the real one and the Senior Observ-er who took me through the ropes noticed my weakness with my parallel

© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

parking and gave me a few fantastic pointers. I went home and practisedrelentlessly, even dragging my girlfriend out with a couple of cones. Eventuallyit just clicked and I did ten, without a hitch, just to make sure.

Near the end of my final test I was coming to the end of the drive, when theExaminer asked me to turn into a narrow side road. The road was absolutelychoc-o-block with cars on both sides leaving enough room for one lane. Justas I thought I was going to get away with it we came to a space about threequarters of the way down between a BMW and Mercedes. Just my luck! Mypractice session hadn’t let me down and I inched smoothly into place.

I am actually over the moon that I have theconfidence to park anywhere, anytime and forthat I have big thanks to go out to all whohelped me. If I hadn’t done this course I wouldstill be parking on mountain tops and walkingfor miles using the excuse ‘I just like the exercise’.

At the end of the test when Robin Bell, theExaminer, asked me to pull into an IndustrialPark, close to the place we had started from,I thought “Oh no, either another last minute manoeuvre to correct an earliermistake or some sort of discussion to chastise me”. My heart was in my throat!He lent over and started writing my card out and said “well Mr Smith, congrat-ulations, you have passed, well done”. I could have hugged the man right thenand there. There is no doubt the course does take time, commitment and utterconcentration and to get a good result was just such a relief.

The whole period of my course was during an interesting time of year, thechange of season between summer and winter. As usual with autumn youhave strong gusty winds and dead leaves everywhere. This was exactly whatI experienced during the test. As a result of the course I was able to anticipateand plan for the poor surface conditions and I was commended for approach-ing leafy patches of road safely and at the right speed.

14

Lawrence Smith at the Buccleuch

Skye’s the limit - Phil Sayers

Saturday 14 June, after what must have been months (minutes) of planning12, of our planned 13 motorcycles headed North, out of Dumfries towards theIsle of Skye.

The Dumfries and Galloway IAM Bike Group arranges ride-outs on the firstSunday of every month, but this was our first full weekend run.

With the route planned, ferries and hotel rooms booked, the group consistedof 1 Associate, 7 Members, 3 Observers, 1 Senior Observer plus Chief Observer.


The weather was good to us as we headed up the A75 towards Gourock andour first ferry crossing to Hunters Quay. Waiting for us at Gourock Ferry wasJake, he had missed the start and ridden “progressively” and ironically passedus whilst we fuelled up. Now in one group spirits were high as we crossed theshort ferry ride.

Phil and Graham had devised a route from Hunter Quay taking in Oban, FortWilliam, Invergarry, Kyle of Lochalsh to our hotel in Kyleakin. The lack of trafficand gentle pace meant we could relax and enjoy the staggering scenery of theOban coastline. Bikes and bellies fuelled up in Oban we set off to Fort William,Invergarry and finally the A87 to the Kyle of Lochalsh, anyone who has beenup this way will know it is a biker’s paradise. The sun shone and with plenty ofphoto stops our group happily wound its way to Kyleakin. As we approachedthe Skye Bridge, Graham got up onto the bridge first, dismounted and filmedthe group crossing, quite how some people managed to cross several timesescapes me.

As we arrived at the hotel the weatherclosed in and the midges came out toplay, ho hum off to the bar then. Wewere treated to the sight of our ChiefObserver “helping himself” (it was anhonesty bar!) to the beer pumps, allwithout a glass in sight. The food andcraic was excellent. Brian had ar-ranged a bike quiz in the bar after-wards, the best team won, but out ofmodesty they shall remain nameless.

A long day, 10 hours, on the bike, the flowing beer and whisky had an effecton some and we were treated to the mysterious appearance of a “slightly”inebriated mouth organ player at about 11 pm which had the desired effect andsent everyone off to bed.

We woke, well most of us woke, on Sunday morning to drizzle but after ahearty breakfast and several wakenings of the mouth organist we set off downSkye to the Armadale Ferry. Skye is the most beautiful place and I regret notspending another night on the island so we could explore properly. The rundown to Armadale was quick and whilst waiting for the ferry we were joined byanother group of 6 or 7 bikes looking to get on the same ferry - it always paysto plan and book ahead as they were unfortunately turned away.

Another calm crossing and we arrived in Mallaig, setting off down one of thebest stretches of road imaginable, the A380 to Fort William. They are in theprocess of resurfacing the road so the first 10 miles out of Mallaig was a little

All 13 bikes heading across the water

rough but the scenery is just superb, the rain had stopped the roads hadcleared and this is biking heaven. From Fort William we headed via Glenach-ulish to Glencoe. And that’s when it happened, 10 miles or so out of Glencoethe words none of us wanted to hear came over the radio … “Rider Down”

Tom, one of our experienced members, was following traffic when a car in frontdecided to stop in a lay-by with very little warning, Tom locked the front wheeland laid the bike down hitting the road at 30mph or so. Tom was obviously inpain so a 999 call was made.

Whilst the ambulance crew dealt with Tom, we secured his bike. It was nothealthy for everyone to be standing around so the group headed for the GreenWelly, leaving Graeme McC, Graham A and Donna McC with Tom.

We regrouped at the Green Welly and a decision was taken to head directlyback to Dumfries. Tom had broken several ribs and punctured his lungs andwas in Hospital in Glencoe. Part of the planning had included an “ICE” numberfor all the riders, so we were able to swiftly let Tom’s wife know what hadhappened. The run back was a little sombre with everyone concerned forTom’s well being but the trip had been very enjoyable, with good weather andexcellent company. Tom was moved to Dumfries and is now out of hospitaland still deciding what to do about his riding career, but then he is 73.

Riding a bike is an exhilaratingpastime and one with obviousdangers, advanced training isvery important but even ValentinoRossi has the odd spill. In hind-sight and without stating the obvi-ous, the weekend was a greatsuccess, everyone enjoyed therun, the food, the craic and at theend of the day what better way tospend a weekend than with like-minded friends in one of the mostbeautiful parts of Scotland.

DA Autoparts offers all IAM members and Associates 10% discount on purchasesmade from its New Parts stores in Dumfries and Stranraer. Take along your member-ship card or this voucher (no need to cut it out) to take full advantage of this offer. Thisdiscount offer will continue until otherwise stated. Please ensure you mention to staff,prior to purchasing, that you are from the IAM.

Taking in the view at Eilean Donan Castle


O B S E R V E R’ S C O R N E R

This section is intended to help when considering the best course ofaction. It is up to every driver to actively assess each scenario.

Feedback from the ExaminerLast year the car Examiner, Robin Bell visited the group and gave us sometips on what he is looking for from a candidate on test.

Acceleration: Smooth and efficient at all times (not clog and anchor).

Acceleration sense: Should be well developed and used throughout the drive- the driver should know what his/her vehicle can do.

Braking: Efficient, smooth and tapered maintaining a good vehicle balance.

Clutch: Smooth, keeping the left foot covering the clutch pedal is not a goodattribute and he looks out for this.

Gear: Gears should be used efficiently throughout the drive, with slick chang-es. He looks for the right gear for the speed and conditions. The Examiner willmonitor how long your hand remains on the stick, it is not good to drive withone hand holding the stick for extended periods. He expects a driver’s handto leave the wheel, carry out the change and then return to the wheel.

Steering: ‘10 to 2’ is not critical. Steering should be smooth and ideally use a‘Pull-push’ technique.

Manoeuvres: These should not be rushed, take your time. There could be upto four manoeuvres.

Concentration: This is Important, guard against mistakes in the last 15/20minutes of the test, especially with speed and position elements.

Observation: The examiner looks to see if the driver sees hazards and actsupon them. Although commentary is not mandatory he can’t tell easily whatthe candidate is seeing and thinking without it.

Anticipation: Candidates should display a healthy level throughout the test -working out what may happen.

Hazard management: Is the candidate working out what to do - and doing it?


Position: Candidates should use the available road width as appropriate anddemonstrate position advantage as appropriate.

Speed limits: All limits must be strictly observed throughout the test. The bestcandidates use frequent mirror/speed checks.

Overtaking: Overtakes are often not attempted on tests but when they arethis shows the candidate is relaxed. They should be carried out as quickly aspossible (within the speed limit).

Making progress: Maintaining the right position and the right gear can getyou there more safely and quicker. If a candidate knows the road then use theknowledge as an aid to making progress.

Use of mirrors: Lots of mirror use is good.

Signals: The test here is ‘does anyone need to know and do they need toreact?’ For instance moving back into lane one on the motorway often/ usuallydoes not need a signal.

Road surfaces: These should be identified and reacted to appropriately e.g.leaves, wet conditions, hot tar etc

Overall smoothness: Drive should be smooth throughout, use the right gear.If the pads slides off his knees then you are braking too hard!

Courtesy: It costs nothing to wave and the other driver might remember yourcar in the future.

Cockpit and moving brake test: The Examiner likes candidates who carryout a cockpit drill including the moving brake test.

Overall he reminded us he is not looking for a perfect driver, there is no suchthing. He does firmly believe however that if a better way of driving other thanusing the ‘System’ it would have been found by now- so use it for a positivetest result.Make safety a priority for winter drivingIts probably not news you want to hear but winter is not far away and with thatcomes the likelihood of more difficult driving conditions.

Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government’s transport agency, maintainsmotorways and trunk roads - local councils are responsible for other roads.

From 1 October to 15 May, a 24-hour winter service operates on all ofScotland’s trunk roads and from 1 November to 31 March trunk routes, mostat risk to winter conditions, are patrolled by contractors during the night.


The service requires that when snow and ice are predicted road saltingoperations are commenced within one hour and completed within two hoursof starting.

However you should recognise that there always will be times when motor-ways and trunk roads may not be completely free of snow and ice. Rain canwash off the salt, sudden temperature drops can allow ice to form before theroad is treated and it takes time for the salt to become effective. Trunk roadsalting in our region is now more effective since the introduction of a ‘pre-wetted’ application technique.

Of course it is not just snow and ice that causes problems in winter; fog, lowwinter sun, and wet or flooded roads all are likely to be more commonproblems to be dealt with.

As with most things planning and anticipation are key, not just on the road butbefore the journey starts too.Check the forecast, look out-side well before you need tostart, if the weather is bad, butyou still have to make the jour-ney, you might be able to giveyourself more time, for exam-ple, by starting off earlier.

Anticipating the conditions youare likely to encounter will en-able you to plan, in advance,how you are going to safelydeal with them.

CrossflagsAt Crossflags we strive to create the best customer experience in the area.Please come and see us when you are considering your next vehiclepurchase.

York House, Annan Road, Dumfries DG1 3AW01387 253473 Fax: 01387 253472www.crossflags.co.uk

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