o2w issue 38

Registered Charity No. 1111635

Affiliated to Group No: 7251

Chelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists

Affiliated to Group No: 7251 Registered Charity No. 1111635

38• July/August 2014

ON TWO WHEELS – CHELMSFORD & DISTRICT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

ON TWO WHEELS – CHELMSFORD & DISTRICT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

CHAIRMAN’S LIP

IT’S TRAINING AGAIN!

THE BIT ON THE SIDE with Inky Ann

TRAINING NEWS WITH JS Dunton Training Day Photos

www.cadam.org

Chairman Jonathan Harman [email protected]

Vice Chairman Craig Stone [email protected]

Treasurer Chris McEvoy [email protected]

Group Secretary Tony Metcalf [email protected]

Membership Secretary Dean Scrivener [email protected]

Chief Observer Dennis Kitteridge [email protected]

Training Co-Ordinator John Stevens [email protected]

O2W Editor Mark Anstey [email protected]

Webmaster Craig Stone [email protected]

Committee Member Phil Draper

Committee Member Mick Gowlett

Committee Member Nipper

The CADAM Committee

OUR AIMSChelmsford and District Advanced Motorcyclists (CADAM) is one of many groups across the country whose aim is to improve motorcycling road safety by helping people prepare for, and pass, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Advanced Motorcycling Test.Our group is affiliated to, but not subservient to, the IAM. However, because we share the same aims, we often seem to speak with one voice.CADAM is run by volunteers and serves the districts of Essex in and around Chelmsford. As well as helping people to pass the Advanced Test, we run the group as a club, so that once you have passed, you will still want to stay on and take part in our other activities. We provide:Structured instruction to prepare for the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test. You can choose a course that runs on Saturdays or one that runs on Sundays. These courses are designed to take even relatively inexperienced riders and raise their riding to IAM test standards.

Machine control days to increase your machine handling skills. These sessions are held off the public road, so we can explore your capabilities and those of your machine in safety.Social runs over challenging routes (no motor-ways, thanks!) to interesting places. Weekends away to ride some new roads, normally out of Essex.Monthly group meetings, often with a talk from a speaker on an interesting topic to do with motorcycling.On 2 Wheels – This newsletter, keeping you up to date with what’s happening.Want to know more? Call our general enquiries number 07790 656 687 – or just turn up at a meeting and introduce yourself to a committee member!Future Events – listings and directions can be found on the back cover.

When on a club run, be it an evening or a weekend event, speed limits must be observed. We have no exemption and advanced riding does not need to involve higher speeds. When approaching hazards appropriate care must be taken. On clubs runs you are running as CADAM and under the IAM banner.

Do not bring this into disrepute. Also the Marker system will be used. Anyone not familiar with this system please speak to one of the run organisers who will run through this for you.

Thanks and safe riding.

Jonathan Harman, Chairman, CADAM

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Issue 38 • July/August 2014

Welcome to the latest edition of O2W - it’s summer and the rain is tapping on the windows and lightning waltzing across a charcoal sky to the accompaniment of a thunderous band. The heat is on!

Hot off the presses, deep in the cellars of the IAM, comes news that our regions average test pass rate is 83%. Cadam’s test pass rate is 89%. So credit where much credit is due and a personal thank you to your Cadam Training Sub User Group led by Dennis Kitteridge, John Stevens & Mick Gowlett - for their sweat and hard graft has got us here. I also extend the same hand of thanks and gratitude to our Observers, particularly Phil Richardson, Mark Anstey and Chris L for making this happen - and Tony Metcalf for his undiluted enthusiasm and support for all things training; including his own progression. Particularly as Tony has now reached the next level by becoming one of our Group Observers. Congratulations Tony and well done!

Whilst some of you may have witnessed a certain cycle race rolling through our county this month, here at Cadam we have been on a roll of our own. Seven new Associates have joined our ranks, not only in search of ’that’ yellow jersey, but the toolbox of greater knowledge & skills to becoming a better rider. So a very warm welcome to the

wheels of Cadam: Sam Clark, Russell Harris, Ian Jacobs, Brian Howlett, Stuart Whyte, Shaun Ward and Anthony Price. As I have said many times before, please engage with your Training Team and Observers at every possible opportunity as your life (may quite literally) depend on it. Don’t hold back – seek answers to as many questions as possible. The more you ask - the more you will learn. Also, very well done to our latest passes: Richard England and Sam Fleming. Congratulations guys!

Our very own Honorary member and IAM/RoSPA examiner, Clive Fry returned to the shores of Cadam for June’s Group night. Clive gave an informative presentation on his role as an examiner and stirred the audience into many a discussion.

July’s Group night witnessed the welcome return of Anne Garnish, fondly known as Inky Anne. From the feed back on the forum you were all captivated by her enthusiasm and passion for hanging out of a side car whilst being flung around

Chairman’s Lip…

Inky Anne enthrawls the group with tales of racing at the TT

Dunton Skills Day was one of the best attended!

www.cadam.org

the Isle of Man TT.

The first Sunday of July witnessed a damp start to the Jane Wilson Memorial Ride. Thanks to my predecessor John Warren for again organising and leading this years event. Whilst supported by members from Cadam, it was a shame that there were so few bikes from EAMG and RoSPA.

This years Dunton Skills Day was one of the best attended and organised. Even if it did rain a little, there was no lack of Cadam spirit, so well done to all those that attended, formatted the day and a big thank you to Ford for the use of their facilities.

Don’t forget Sunday August 17th - Cadam’s sizzling summer BBQ. A big thank you to both Jen and Mick for organising another annual feast for the taking. They and the quality of food does not get any better than this; so if you fancy a BBQ this year - this is the only one to be seen at. For those unfamiliar with navigating to Jen & Mick’s, don’t forget that there will be a Group social ride on this day which will finish at Jen & Mick’s just in time for the first round of sausages and burgers.

Staying with Mick, Mick will be leading Cadam on a scenic meander to Luxembourg over the last weekend of August. Ideally suited for couples and partners, I

believe there are still spaces - so what are you waiting for?

Not only will Mick be leading the Luxembourg weekend away, he will also be found manning the Cadam ‘shop’ on The Green at Harwich on Sept 7th; as part of this years 15th Essex Air Ambulance Run. Hopefully by now most of you would have read my ‘Essex Air Ambulance Run’ post on the forum - and understand why this is such a worthwhile event. By now you will also have read that Mick Gowlett does an enormous

amount for our Group, so it is only fair that we reciprocate by offering to help him on the day. So if you can spare a couple of hours and help Mick at Harwich, then please either let Mick know directly, or myself.

Fast forwarding to dark December nights, December 9th is our Christmas dinner. John Stevens has again kindly bartered with his life to get us seated in festive tradition at The Lodge at Rettendon - for much eating, drinking and frolicking.

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Changing gear to that of our outside speakers, some of our guests travel considerable distances to deliver their respective presentations. The majority of our guests visit us at no cost, because they want to share with us their passion and experiences of their chosen field. Following on from a complaint (or two, or three...) it is only fit and proper that we show them respect. So those seated at the back, please refrain from talking and all switch phones to ‘silent’ running. Thanks.

Whilst the hot weather is with us and our fellow road users, this is no time to become complacent in how we ride. So remain hydrated, concentrated and always wear protection. The Govt is doing its bit, we need to do and maintain ours:

A THINK! radio campaign has been launched to encourage drivers to take longer to look for motorcyclists after figures revealed that 30 bikers are killed or injured every day at junctions, Road Safety Minister Robert Goodwill has announced.

Launching today (21 July 2014), the ‘Didn’t See’ campaign will run for 4 weeks on national radio with the aim of reducing the number of motorcyclist and driver collisions on our roads.

Research for THINK! has shown that drivers believe the majority of motorcycle accidents happen because of bikers breaking the speed limit – but statistics actually show around half of motorcyclist accidents, where the rider is killed or seriously hurt, occur at junctions, with drivers failing to look properly being the most common cause.

Robert Goodwill said: Every day more than 30 motorcycle riders die or are injured in accidents at road junctions. Often, though not always, this is because a driver has pulled out in front of a rider.

More than 2 people lose their lives every week in this way and this is something we are determined to change – if all drivers and riders took a bit more

care at junctions we could bring this figure down significantly.

Motorcyclists make up just 1% of traffic on the roads but 19% of all fatalities. They are 55 times more likely than car drivers to be killed or seriously hurt in an accident.

Motorcyclist Priscila Currie is supporting the campaign after an accident in central London changed her life. She said:My accident happened because a car pulled out in front of me. I wasn’t riding fast, only at 30 mph, but the accident had a profound impact on my life – physically and mentally.

I was hospitalised for 12 days with severe fractures and underwent 18 months of physiotherapy. It took more than 3 years for me to find the confidence to get back on a bike and I now live with pain every day, which has affected my mobility.

People make mistakes but drivers should remember that mistakes can cost lives. Behind the motorcycle helmet is a person. We have families, friends, careers

and a life, just like other road users, so I would urge drivers to please take longer, especially at junctions, to look out for motorcyclists.

THINK! will also be launching a new campaign this summer encouraging

motorcyclists to undertake further training and to ride defensively to help improve their safety on the roads.

Finally, on the home front, clocked up 1500 miles on a short jaunt to Lake

“...the accident had a profound impact on my life – physically

and mentally”

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t: 01268 573486

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WHEN ONLYTHE VERY BEST WILL DO...

CALL THE PRINT & DESIGN COMPANY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS!

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Issue 38 • July/August 2014print the way it should be...

t: 01268 573486

www.i-print-4u.com

WHEN ONLYTHE VERY BEST WILL DO...

CALL THE PRINT & DESIGN COMPANY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS!

Annecy. First up our usual ‘Allo ‘Allo hotel at Reims. The city’s partisan life never fails me, with pink trams and her carpeted squares of grass street decco.

I was determined to save some Euros by avoiding the (very well kept & surfaced) Peage. However, vacating Remis on the 2nd day, the hands on the clock started to get faster and faster due to a cocktail of agricultural vehicles, lumbering lorries, solid white lines and oncoming traffic. After a fuel stop at Saint Dizier, where we nearly lost our heads to a pair Dassault Rafale’s coming into land behind just behind us; we had no option but to jump on said Peage and swallow the £25 to Annecy.

Of Annecy itself, both the lake and town are really lovely places to relax and chill. The waters on the lake and through the town are very turquoise and equally crystal clear, with the stunning background of ancient architecture in various flavours of colour, footbridges decorated in flower boxes and the French Alps behind.

Of note was one of the smallest churches in the world on an (equally small) roundabout, and an amazing mountain pass on the Aix les Bains side and of course stunning lake views.

Climbing up the mountain on

the Aix les Bains side, with the magnificent backdrop of Lac du Bourget simmering in the orange rays of the days fading sun accompanied by a shear drop; we threaded our way up the narrow pass. Upon reaching the summit I was expecting an equally dazzling decent down the other side, however the world around us completely changed from the hard ragged face of a mountain to riding along the top of a lush rich green valley speckled with rickety old farm buildings and sheds.

Thankfully the only mishap was on home turf during the cleaning routine. I removed my seat with wet hands, only to drop it - shredding the electrical connection between bike and seat. £25 for a replacement. Small fry for a couple of great days away...

Safe riding. JH

www.cadam.org

Mick was already there in his big truck and we put up the gazebo together with a little home made awning to stop everybody getting wet. The rain had stopped but it was still worryingly cloudy.

The Observers arrived first and Dennis handed out instructions for setting up the track. We strategically placed different coloured cones in the relevant places under Dennis’ guidance as to colour and placement.

The Observers then had a briefing and the members, associates and guests started to turn up. Thank you for braving the weather, you could easily have stayed in bed. Mick rewarded them with tea and coffee and Ron took up his position in the kitchen, now with two gas burners to work with.

The first exercise was slow riding in a straight line. Firstly using only the clutch, with feet off the pegs and not using anything else. Secondly using clutch and rear brake and finally using

clutch, rear brake and throttle. Then came the race. The prize was for the person to be last across the line. A bit like England thought was the idea in the recent World Cup. Two sports bikes were neck and neck, and then a wobble a foot down, and the winner was decided. After a small presentation it was time for the next exercise.

The slalom. Participants were asked to approach at 30 to 35 miles an hour and complete the wiggle through the cones. On the third and fourth runs through they were asked to increase speed and without realigning they may well have crossed over to a spot of counter steering.

U turns were next. The secret is to look where you want to go early. Chris demonstrated on a big Harley and did a good job on strange machinery. This was done well, some tighter than others, but everyone had got the technique before they finished. The machines characteristics

can make this easy or difficult. If you have the turning circle of an oil tanker you won’t be as tight as a jet ski.

Next were the emergency stops. Craig was watching for early brakers. Mark was watching for early clutch activation. Chris was watching for correct rear brake. Tony was just running around and looking like he knew what he was doing. A bit like being at work really. Dennis was keeping a watch for everything. At one point we were all watching the nearest exit when someone was over zealous with the rear brake and produced a fair amount of smoke. Braking was at 30mph, 40mph and 60 mph. It was noticeable that people had improved their braking during this exercise. In an ideal world it should be progressive application of the front brake (no snatching), then the back brake (no locking up the back wheel) and finally pulling in the clutch (maximises engine braking). The cones were set at the stopping distances per the Highway Code ignoring thinking distances.

It was noticeable that the machine and the effectiveness

It’s Training Again!I got up to be greeted by torrential rain, checked the forum a dozen times too see if Dennis had called the whole thing off. A big voice inside my head said go back to bed, but I ignored and drove thought the rain to Dunton.

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I got upto be greetedby torrential rain”

“

www.cadam.org

of the brakes affected stopping distances and it’s a case of knowing the limitations of your machine.

Then a welcome stop for sandwiches, crisps, wraps tea and water. Chris M was up all night making sandwiches or he

went to Costco and bought a selection. Either way they were very tasty. Craig was especially pleased with the wraps because he came dressed as a Gangsta Rapper innit yo!

After lunch it was back on the track for counter steering.

Down the track at 30 to 35 mph, a swerve to the right and then to the left. Whether you like or not you were counter steering. Then the right hand swerve was moved to make the swerve more acute finally the left hand swerve was made more acute. As usual the

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observers were on hand to offer advice and assistance.

Then my favourite bit. John stands in the middle with two paths marked in cones either side of him. The combatants, sorry, participants approach John at speed, I tried to encourage

them to go faster but they all stuck to the recommended speed. As they approach John waits until they get close and points to the path he wants them to go down. Firstly I tried offering them £20 each if they would just clip him a little. No takers. Then I said if he scratches

his nose as you approach you can legitimately run him over. Still no takers. One participator said “John’s brave he leaves it right to the last minute.” I said “he’s actually very short sighted and I hid his contact lenses. He doesn’t see you until you get very close.”

Then Mick came round with ice creams. No that was me just fantasising because of heat exhaustion. No ice creams just little plastic ones to be run over. And on that matter brilliant sunshine in the afternoon. I looked like a tomato when I got home.

Then, the business of the day done, everybody was invited to drive around the test track, which most people did sticking exactly to the speed limit and then we all went home.

I always reckon on any training day it has been a good day if you can say “it has been great fun and I’ve learnt at least one thing”. From what I heard the Observers achieved that result.

Tony Metcalf

More photos of the day can be found in JS’s Training column, further on in this issue.

www.cadam.org

Th

e b

it o

n th

e Si

de

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with InkyAnn

I’d better start this column with an apology: I was asked to write a piece just before I left for the TT and unfortunately time and logistics overtook me. Mea culpa.

I had a very busy start to the season: after the test weekend in France with François I needed

to concentrate on short-circuit racing with Simon Smith.

We started with a test day at Mallory in early March

– it’s very good for all motorsport that the circuit has been saved and reopened, apparently in a viable condition. Over the winter Simon had switched from Maxton to Nitron suspension all round and tuned the engine. We raced that Sunday, getting a best result of 4th and a personal best fastest lap for Simon at 1:01.538. His aim is to get a sub-1 minute lap.

More track time together and a signature required for the TT Mountain Course Licence saw Francois over here in mid-March to race at Cadwell with me. Only a one-day meeting which just isn’t enough track time to learn the circuit, and with the weather playing silly devils we managed to have both wet, dry and intermediate sessions!

www.cadam.org

Another 4th place – setting a pattern? – but a very useful and enjoyable day. All my physical fitness training has been paying off as I didn’t get arm pump at all, which is unusual at Cadwell.

Having sent off my MCL application with all the signatures, Simon and I headed to Anglesey and then Brands Hatch in quick succession. Simon knows Anglesey well but I’d only visited once before, four years previously, so we spent a couple of laps with me finding my way round. Simon’s hopes of a trophy were dashed when we saw the opposition: TT winners Dave Molyneux and John Holden for starters!

We had a number of minor mechanical issues involving handling and suspension set-up which hampered us, but on the bright side we improved lap times all weekend and had an opportunity to try some new lines and techniques. I think our best result was 6th.

Brands Hatch was a three day meeting, with testing on the Friday then racing over the weekend on the Indy circuit. As the meeting was heavily oversubscribed we were 6th reserve, but guaranteed track time with the British F2 races if necessary. Fuelling issues blighted our test day and it was only the welding genius of

Matt Maclaurin of AMR Racing (an F1 team) which saved our weekend: he opened the tank, found the pipe which had come astray, fixed it and re-welded the tank overnight. Superstar, especially given we didn’t even know about that the errant pipe existed inside the tank and anticipated all sorts of internal weld failure horrors.

Simon achieved another new personal best lap-time around the circuit over the weekend. We did go out with the British F2s for part of one race (finishing 18th) however with

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miscommunications from race control to the pitlane marshals our club race was red flagged after only a few laps. He enjoyed our time with the fast boys though, so our aim is to race with the British F2s in 2015 as a good way to improve our trackcraft and lap times.

We needed a break from all the competitive stuff, so our next trip away was a midweek trip to Llandow – near Cardiff – for a full day of testing and taxi rides for aspirant passengers. This year we’ve been lucky to attract new sponsors and also

TT supporters again, so we wanted to give some of them the opportunity to have a go on the bike. Sponsor Andrew Shurmer of Anoeth had come to spend the Brands Hatch and later Oulton weekends to watch, but at Llandoe TT supporter Tony Mallichan was one of eight who rode with us. Simon was even filmed for a while, since Welsh TV show Ralio was there and their presenter borrowed leathers and a helmet from me for a go on an F2. Usually a taxi-ride is a one-off affair of a couple of laps: I think at Llandow we wore out everyone with as

many laps as they wanted during the day. We certainly destroyed a set of tyres!

After Llandow we had to get our heads back into race mode again, this time at Darley Moor. Simon’s favourite circuit and it really shows in the way he races there. He was kind enough to give me a couple of laps to find my way around, then absolutely gunned it! In timed qualifying he achieved a 1:11.18 (putting us 13th on the grid in a field headed by the multiple World Champions the Birchall brothers). In race one

Welding genius

Matt Maclaurinsaved our weekend! ”

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he improved to a 1:09.57, but a disaster on lap four dropped us four places and we clawed back only one place by the chequered flag. Result: 11th. What on earth was going on? The answer lay in the front brakes, which had bound on almost solid. Despite trying everything we could think of during the afternoon, race 2 was no improvement and we were even lapped by the Birchalls before limping over the line in 10th. We were both very concerned, but Simon hoped he could diagnose the problem at home before our next outing.

Next stop: Oulton Park with the British F2s, Post Classics and F350s. This was a real test, as I’ve raced there in the British F2s but it was Simon’s first visit to the big, technical circuit on a sidecar. For once the pre-set grid position (14th, based on previous results with the club) worked in our favour as the braking issue raised its head

again. The front brakes would lock on, solid, over the space of only 2-3 laps. No amount of bleeding the system, changing the fluid, checking the lines and cylinders or fiddling with the brake bias was having any effect. It did make for interesting rodeo moments around corners when Simon was accelerating like hard and the front was locked solid…

Sure enough, despite a great start the bucking bronco action started on lap 4 and we limped across the line with a 2:08 lap before pulling out as a DNF– not brilliant, but progress on qualifying. Race 2 brought another first: Simon’s first experience racing on full wet tyres. Before the brakes locked on (again!) we’d had some great dices with other teams and crossed the line as 5th F2 in the club race and 7th overall.

So with four test days and seven race weekends under my belt in

2014 I headed for the TT. François and I were allocated a start number of 33. This is based on previous results and simply gives the order in which we’d set off for qualifying each night, as our race start positions would be based on our qualifying times. I’ll write about the TT in my next column, but meanwhile I’d like to thank all of you who came to listen to me talking about it at your July meeting: spoiler alert! Unlike 2013, this year I didn’t crash!

I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to our sponsor Safe Response Ltd, as they ran a competition earlier in the year at which any SERV / blood bike charity could win the chance to have their logo on our fairings for both short circuit and the TT. The winners were Freewheelers EVS from Bristol, and it’s with pride that we have their roundel on our sidecars.

Notes: my training regime is with Regiment Fitness, a local military-fitness based company. I train 4-6 times per week with them. Taxi rides may be available at both Mallory Park and Brands Hatch later in the year – I will let CADAM have details as soon as I know them, if anyone is interested. Simon would be delighted to act as chauffeur.

Next time: The TT

Anne ‘InkyAnn’ Garnish.

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JOBLESS mechanic Leon Humphreys shocked magistrates by demanding the right to trial by combat under medieval law when he appeared at a Suffolk court.

Mr Humphreys, 60, made his request after being charged with failing to notify the DVLA that his motorcycle was off the road. He claimed he was entitled to ask the courtto establish his guilt or innocence by allowing him to fight to the death against a champion nominated by the DVLA.

Mr Humphreys said the fact that he had opted for trial by combat meant he did not have to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. But JPs in the town decided to log his unusual request as a not guilty plea and adjourned his case to fix a date for his trial.

The right to trial by combat was introduced in Britain by the Normans after the invasion of 1066. Under the law people used to fight each other to solve disputes. It was assumed the person in the right would win as God would back the victor. The law used to allow people like priests, women and the elderly to substitute champions to fight on their behalf. The practice was commonplace until the 1300s when the system of trial by jury began to be introduced instead.

Bachelor Leon said after the hearing: “I believe the right to trial by combat is still on the statute books. I can ask for it because the new Human Rights law gives ordinary people the right to use the law for their own purposes. “I am willing to fight a champion put up by the DVLA if they want to accept my challenge – but they must remember it is a fight to the death.

“The victor speaks in the name of God and justice so it is a reasonable enough way of sorting the matter out. I know I am in the right so I do not have anything to worry about. I am reasonably fit and not afraid of taking anyone on in a fight.”

Traditionally fights under the trial by combat law used to be settled

by combatants wielding swords,

lances or staves with iron heads.

Former seaman Mr Humphreys said he was unsure which party would have the right to decide on the weapons used if the DVLA accepted his challenge. But he added that he was prepared to fight with Japanese samurai swords, razor sharp Ghurka knives or even heavy blacksmith hammers.

He was taken to court after failing to pay a £25 fine for not notifying the DVLA that his Suzuki 125cc motorcycle was off the road. But he said: “It is my property and it is my right to do what I like with it..”

A spokesman for the Lord Chancellor’s department, which runs Britain’s courts, said: “I am not aware that anyone has the right to demand trial by combat these days. It has been the law for hundreds of years that people can only ask for trial by jury or by magistrates if they are accused of a lesser offence. If this man claims he has the right to trial by combat then he will have to present the court with evidence of the legislation to show he has the right to do so.” A DVLA spokeswoman said: “We have never dealt with a request for trial by combat before. We are looking into the legal issues.”

combattrial by

Magistrates to decide on

IpswichStar

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The others turned left before that. We have to carry on all thoughts of a U turn extinguished. I am told it is dangerous on a motorway. My satnav is still trying to follow Mick’s itinerary so we follow Ron’s and end up in Shrewsbury. Craig phones and I answer using my Scala rider without having to stop. We tell him not to wait.

We arrive at Shrewsbury and Mick phones to tell us they are having a cup of tea in a café in Shrewsbury but he doesn’t know where it is. I tell him Ron and I may as well continue on to the Bikers Retreat.

Ron decides he wants us to get there first and takes off like a scalded cat. Every time we see a sign to Dolgellau he points at it and gives me the thumbs. As we get near to our destination Ron starts to pull ahead and disappears into the distance.

A blue van appears at an unsatisfactory distance from

my rear mudguard and stays there. I lose him a little on the straights but he catches me at the corners. It must be supercharged I think. We do this for a number of miles. We come to a roundabout and he goes left and I go right. As we separate he gives me a double toot on his horn.

I catch Ron up…. well he slows down and lets me, and we arrive at the bikers retreat. Nigel, the owner, comes out to greet us and offers us a cup of tea. He tells me the double toot means the van driver enjoyed our game of cat and mouse. His van isn’t supercharged but he knows he doesn’t have to slow down for corners.

Nigel and Tiv own the place and they couldn’t have been more welcoming.

We are allocated our rooms and I share a twin with John Allen. The others are all paired up in other twin rooms.

RetreatWalesto

We all left McDonald at with the thought of a few miles of motorway to get under our belt. The journey was uneventful except for an overturned lorry that caught fire on the M6. Loads of filtering done and the thought that I’m glad I’m on a bike these car drivers have got a long wait. Ron and I get split up from the main pack and go towards the M6 toll.

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Three course dinner in the evening and a drink in the bar. Nigel entertaining us with various motorcycling stories.

The next day after breakfast we go on a ride out with Nigel leading and Tiv tail ending. Basically Nigel will build the ride slowly and when there is no one behind him he knows he’s going too fast and he will moderate the ride accordingly.

The roads in North Wales are brilliant. There are no potholes. All of the bends are fantastic and there are no surprises. The scenery is pretty. The cars either move aside or create a gap so that you can overtake. It was fantastic fun. Nigel took us to various places including a coast road and we had lunch in a local hostelry. I thought I would order something small as I had not long eaten an enormous breakfast. Everything was large and they brought out two bowls of extra chips.

When we got back we went through some rain but that wasn’t a problem. Shortly after we arrived back Ron knocked on mine and John’s door and then shoved it open. Hello he said we’re... but that’s a story for another day!

Another big meal in the evening and into the bar. Nigel on form again. He has a wealth of stories to tell. Lots of merriment and

everybody had a good time.

The next day a cooked breakfast and it’s time for Mick’s mystery tour. It’s easy to tell when we are going to have slow riding practice. Mick slows down shows a brake light and fiddles with he satnav. If he does that twice it’s time for a U turn. Lets just say we hadn’t gone far before my slow riding had improved immeasurably. We finally get under way and Mick stops swearing at his satnav. We went up to the top of a hill down a track that was only fit for motorcycles and horses with lots of technically difficult bits. That was great fun. We stop for lunch (you can never have too much to eat apparently) and at a pub for a drink. More great roads and then back for another big dinner.

Last night in the bar, still more stories from Nigel, and Tiv joins us.

Next morning and another breakfast and finally on our way home. Nobody got lost this time.

If you get the chance the Bikers’ Retreat is a fantastic place to go. Nigel and Tiv looked after us brilliantly. The roads were fantastic. The CADAM mob were great to be with. I’d definitely go again another time. Thanks Mick for organising it. Brilliant!

Tony Metcalf

www.cadam.org

Training Newswith JS

Now during the five months between December and May, Cadam was treated to 8 new Associate Members, and we coped with that demand on our Observer resources well. It was only due to the dedication of our current Observer team that we were still able to cope with an even larger Associate intake (9) in the two month period June and July. It’s great to see them keep joining, but sometimes we have felt a bit under pressure - but I don’t think it showed and I know that our Associates never suffered.

During July, our Group Secretary, Tony Metcalf, reached the required standard in both theory and practice to qualify as a Cadam Observer. If you snapped Tony open at the waist, he has Cadam written through him like a stick of rock, and his dedication is just what our training team needs; we now have seven Observers that regularly make

training sessions, and that gives us considerable capacity to handle training days. We have other Cadams training to be Observers, but only time will tell if they have the dedication to make the grade. Tony finished his training in record time by studying and hard work - there are no substitutes. Well done Tony, really great to have you on the team.

With the arrival of the IMI awards, it has been decided that we have four Observers who should try to qualify as National Observers; this is the grade that will replace the old Senior Observer. We already have one Senior Observer, our Chief Observer, Dennis Kitteridge, but even he has to take the IMI examination to qualify, as the old grades of Observer and Senior Observer are to be replaced by Local Observer and National Observer. This IMI qualification test is very involved and

Since the last O2W we have had another two test passes, Richard England and Sam Fleming. In fact, one examiner, Dave Whitby, commented that he was extremely impressed with the standard of all test candidates from Cadam these days. Big pat on the back therefore for our Training Team members! To date this year, Cadam has a 100% pass rate. Simply outstanding.

21


“Congratulations to Richard England and Sam Fleming

on their test passes”.

comprehensive, and is carried out for us by the IAM Staff examiner, Jon Taylor (who wrote our bible “How To Be A Better Rider”). I know from personal experience, having undertaken the IAM Special Assessment, that Jon takes no prisoners, and so a lot of preparation has been undertaken by all of us. In fact we are all to take a kind of “Mock” examination in the next couple of weeks which will be carried out by one of the IAM’s Regional Training Team, Trevor Shearsmith. Watch this space for a progress report, but don’t expect me to tell you if I am not recommended to take the exam!

Since the last O2W we have had our annual day at Dunton, and what a day it was! We had around 8 Observers and trainee Observers to look after 20 or so Associates and Full Members who came along. Dennis K. had organised an interesting set of exercises for the day, all designed to improve our machine handling skills. By the end of the day, those who attended had clearly improved their ability to ride and turn tightly at very low speeds, to brake hard and efficiently from a variety of speeds between 30 and 60 mph and to swerve

with very little notice as to which way the swerve should go. This last exercise was achieved by riding straight at yours truly at around 30 mph, and then at the very last moment I would point left or right, and the rider would swerve in that direction using very positive counter steering techniques to avoid me. I know this looks quite spectacular, but it is nowhere near as death defying for me as it might appear; by this time I have had all day to mentally note who is very competent, and who is not bad, and most importantly, who is quite slow to react. By noting this I could give an appropriate amount of time for each individual to react without mowing me down, but still giving sufficiently late notice to concentrate their minds somewhat! The day finished as usual with a few laps of the steeply banked test track, and this is a weird experience. I have driven cars on banked tracks and I soon acquired the knack. I am not sure how long it would take for me to gain the same skills on a bike! It feels so strange looking dead ahead (bearing in mind this actually means looking upwards) whilst cornering. Looking across to the apex of the bend, which we are much more

Dunton: What a day

it was!

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used to, results in the bike coming down off the banking.

It was a hot and sticky day, but I know from the comments the training team received that it was very worthwhile. And a brief resume of the day would not be complete without a mention of our Treasurer, Chris McEvoy. Chris went shopping for us once he knew the numbers present, and the food that he bought for us really was first class. Thanks Chris. Can I also thank Mick G. and Ron P. for manning the kettle! A nominal charge was made for this day, and Cadam subsidised the shortfall as always. Can I take this early opportunity to plug next years Dunton event? New Associate or Full Member, there is much to be learned from days such as these - I will be going if only for the excellent lunch!

Our once monthly Tuesday night theory sessions are gathering momentum with some very respectable numbers of Associates, Full Members and Observers attending. Can I urge all Cadams to come along to these evenings whenever you can; the theory of advanced riding is critically important, and there are few amongst us who have nothing to learn. I certainly learn each time I attend, and as most presentations are by Dennis K. they are interesting, informative and promote discussion. At the last session,

I was fascinated by a very new Associate who claimed he “Could never do this” and “never do that” because the suggestions were completely outside of his current riding knowledge; I know only too well that he won’t be too far along his training journey before he wonders why he ever did things any other way! It just goes to confirm that riding (or driving) well is not a natural skill, and it will always be reserved for those that have made the effort to learn properly.

And finally, can I once again make a suggestion to all Cadams both new and old. Please check our web site regularly, with particular reference to What’s On, Events Diary and Training Events (together with the associated sign up sheet). In any organisation, communication is critically important, and our web site and forum should be able to take care of ours. Clearly though, not a high percentage of Cadams regularly take advantage of what is available there.

That’s all for this edition; can I finish with a quote from that renowned track training day organiser, Martin Hopp:-

“Be Skilful” JS

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Briefing, followed by the Cadams being put through their paces

Right, Listen Up!

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What’d ‘e say?

The winner of the ‘slow-ride race’, Richard gets his prize – the return of his fee for the day!Not the biggest prize ever, but he seemed happy!

25


Despite being the slowest, slow rider, a foot fault less than a meter from the line gives the win to Richard (right) – Doh!

Swerving Sam

Lunch stop

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27


JS feeling brave, fronts the swerve exercise

Tony, like many, enjoys a blast around the banked test-track at the end of the day

Merging figure of eights

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How to Find Us

August

Sun 10th Training Day

Mc D’s. 09:30

Tues12th Group Night

RNLI Tim Sheppard

7.30pm EPSA

Sun 17th Social Ride

9.00am Boreham McD

End @ The Cadam BBQ

Mick G’s House

Tues 19th Theory Night

7.30pm EPSA


9.30am Boreham McD

Fri 29th - Euro Long w/end trip

Mon 1st to Luxembourg

September

Sun 7th Social Ride - TBC

9.00am Boreham McD

Tues 9th Group Night -

Ben Franklin From

Blood Runners

7.30pm EPSA


9.30am Boreham McD

Mon 15th Committee Meeting

7.30pm EPSA

Sun 21st Social Ride

9.00am Boreham McD

Tues 23rd Theory Night

7.30pm EPSA

Sat 27th Observer & Ride Leader’s

First Aid Training

10am EPSA


9.30am Boreham McD

October

Sun 5th Social Ride - TBC

9.00am Boreham McD

Sun12th Training Day

9.30am Boreham McD

Tues 14th Group Night

Club Nights

The Sports Pavilion, Chelmsford Police HQ, St. Margaret’s Road. 19:30 for 20:00 start unless otherwise stated. Please refer to CADAM events listing for dates.

Apologies, but we will need to collect £1.00 from each member present on club nights to cover the cost of hiring the room.

Guest speakers and the occasional raffle are being planned for some of the meetings. For more details or suggestions for future events, please contact a member of the committee.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Your Club Needs You!If you have any suggestions that you feel may benefit the club and its members, then we would love to hear from you. That might include suggestions (or niggles) about training, club nights, rideouts or this magazine.

We are a team of volunteers and it is important to us that the club operates to benefit all members.

If you have any suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact one of the committee at a club night, on a ride out or via the emails listed inside. Better still, why not come along to a Committee Meeting and get involved. With your help we can make riding safer and fun.

CADAM What’s On? 2014Visit the Forum and Events Calendar at www.cadam.org for more details

of all events listed. Check regularly as events are regularly added or amended. We look forward to seeing you soon.

o2w issue 38

Documents

advanced test

advanced riding

club run

iam test standards

iam banner

run organisers

motorcycling road safety

social runs