The weather has noticeably improved recently, just in time for the excellent Chairman’s Charity Ride which I am always keen to participate in.
I had recently found that pushing my bikes starter button occasionally produced absolutely no response. I was convinced it must be the starter solenoid and determined that my bike should be running in time for the Chairman’s Charity Ride I hastily ordered a replacement.
The solenoid is easily changed except that it is hidden behind bodywork the removal of which necessitates removal of top box and rack first so takes a little time. Once off, I saw that I could have changed the solenoid by feel without removing anything else if I had known exactly what was under the panel. Everything was off by this time and it was an easy matter to swap the starter solenoid for the new one which I did. I reconnected the battery, pressed the starter and again, nothing! This time I started my investigation with the switch, first treating it with contact cleaner which turned out to be all it ever needed. There is a lesson here but at least I have a spare solenoid now.
I’ve subsequently enjoyed a couple of long rides during which it performed beautifully and it also passed an MOT without issues a couple of weeks ago so for a 27 year old bike it is doing fine.
Don’t forget, if you have something to share with the group, send it to me at the address below.
Graham Simpkins, Editor tug@eamg.org.uk
You can find all of our social media and the EAMG membership form when you need via our Linktree using the QR code below.
https://linktr.ee/eamg_bikers
COVER PHOTO
EAMG members assembled for the Chairman’s Charity Ride.
CHAIRMAN’S PIECE
Hello everyone.
I write this as a tired but happy member on easter Sunday as yesterday we had the chairmans ride. Last year this became a charity ride and I am thrilled to say that this year we have more than doubled last years already superb fund raising . As I write we have collected nearly £700, I think introducing donations via the justgiving page has had excellent results, with nearly everyone donating via this easy method. The ride was in aid of Little Havens Childrens Hospice and I know they will be thrilled with our efforts. We ourselves are a charity, and one of the ideals of being a charity is to support other charities if we are able to. We most certainly are able to, which is why we are now organising fund raising to be tied to some of our existing events. Please remember our Slow Riding Skills Days will be focussed on supporting Addenbrooks Hospital. One of the very best hospitals in the country, and very focussed on specialist services that some of us have had to be involved with.
These rides not only allow us all to contribute to great causes, but from the feedback I get, it is also a great way for members to socialise and meet members not met before. So I am considering adding a second Chairmans charity ride for maybe September time? Please do let me know what you think, email me at chair@eamg.co.uk.
Talking of socialising I am delighted to say that all the rooms have been taken for the Wales trip. However I fully appreciate this ride is quite a commitment both in time, cost and energy. And so dear members I would love to do a one night away which would not be more than say 150 miles, nice place to stay with good food and bar, with a nice return the next day. Your thought would really be most welcome by emailing me at the address above.
Now I feel the riding season is well and truly underway. We have ever increasing membership, some lovely members have volunteered to look at becoming observers, we have worked hard at making group nights more interesting, so please do help us in return by attending our excellent group nights and feel free to bring family and friends along too please.
Happy and safe riding everyone, and thank you all for making EAMG such a wonderful entity, I am always amazed at the professionalism of our amazing volunteers, I really do thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Best to you all,
Michel Couque EAMG Chairman.
EAMG is a charity whose primary focus is to improve road safety by training Associate Members to a level where they are able to pass an Advanced Motorcycle Test. The Group also aims to further support the development of individuals who have already passed the test and are now Full Members. Improving skills comes with practice and
Full Member Training Days - £60 per session (a day of 200+ miles with an experienced Observer. Flexible
Group Training Sunday monthly - £20 per session towards Observer costs. A session with an Observer on a
three or four sessions will be enough. Available to those with a RoSPA retest due within 12 months or where they
A Look Back at February Group Night
As always, February Group Night was dedicated to our AGM. We heard reports from our Chairman and from our Treasurer which both reassured us that EAMG coninues to thrive with rising membership, plenty of training and ride oppertunities and a healthy bank balance.
All of the previous committee members were happy to stand for reelection and were voted in so proceedings drew to a close fairly quickly and we enjoyed a socialable evening chatting and making plans for future trips and rides.
And In Other February News
The mild weather in February was great for EAMG social rides.
These photos are from Mick’s ride to The Hungry Stag. The Curvy Riders and Dengie Bikers chose the same venue that day so it was quite busy. It’s just as well it was so mild we could enjoy al fresco dining.
Treasurer Clive reporting on EAMG finances
Our chairman opening proceedings
A Look Back at March Group Night
In March we enjoyed a talk by Chris Pennell of icanvalet.com.
Chris showed us a range of cleaning and protection products that he has made to his specification by a UK manufacturer. He explained what we should be looking for in products, whether his own or others and in particular what to avoid.
Whilst doing litmus tests on a few popular products, Chris spoke of the many misconceptions around the use of household cleaners. Some will be perfectly safe to use, but others can be extremely acid or alkaline, either of which can be damaging to our motorcycle’s finish.
After the talk, Michel had the pleasure of presenting Mick Hewitt with life membership of EAMG in recognition of his significant contribution to the group which includes many years on both the training team and committee.
Mick continues to lead regular social rides which are always popular for good reason.
The Chairmans Charity Ride
A few of us visited Little Havens Children’s Hospice earlier this year to hand over donations collected from the last Slow Riding event. Having been given a tour of the facilities and seen what they can do to support both the children and their families our chairman and committee agreed we would like to donate the proceeds of this year’s charity ride to the hospice.
people turned up for the ride which was split into two groups, primarily because the garden centre restaurant seems unable to cope with us arriving en masse!
The …
The Chairmans Charity Ride
continued
It was about 4pm by the time we completed the ride at McDonalds, Springfield so a longer day than some are used to but certainly all those who made it to the end found it thoroughly enjoyable.
One rider dropped out due to cramp and as usual some departed before the end as the route took them close to home.
