Issuu

www.eamg.org.uk

IT’S NOT TUG as we know it but welcome back to TUG I had hesitated to call this publication TUG when changing format but everyone has continued to ask “When is the next edition of TUG out?” so I asked a number of EAMG members what this publication should be called. The unanimous answer was to that we should keep the name that we all recognise so here we are. It’s a revised format but still called T.U.G. If you have anything to contribute to future editions, please send to me at webmaster@eamg.org.uk If you haven’t already found us on Instagram, please have a look at @eamb_bikers. It would be great if you follow us and like our posts.

You will see some of our Instagram posts are from the Slow Riding day at North Weald. I was primarily there to film the event as we have plans to make a few videos for our social media channels but I did also get a few still shots like the one below. Airfields are often cold and windy places being so flat and exposed but fortunately we had a very nice day. Graham

www.eamg.org.uk

CHAIRMAN’S PIECE Hello everyone . I write this from my sickbed, wanting maximum sympathy with manflu that has lasted a month, so I might not make November groupnight. I would just like to say a big THANKYOU to all of our volunteers who put in so much, and without we could not operate. The volunteers really do put in a lot of hours that cuts into our weekends and we do have to eat the occasional Sunday lunch that has been left in the oven for us while we are out. We had a great turnout at the September AGT of both full and associate members, as well as a lot of observers required to cover the numbers. It was lovely to see a full car(bike?) park. We had a great attendance from our newest members who gave great feedback on the day. I would really encourage you to make the most of AGTs, it’s a great opportunity for full members to get a little refresher observed ride, or go out for a social ride with members too. We should try and make the most of both training and social opportunities, this crosses over in both. Then we had a lovely day at North Weald for our long awaited slow riding machine skills day, which had been so interrupted with lockdowns etc. Nearly the perfect day , all that was missing was a locksmith to open someone’s top box!!!. The new venue worked very well at North Weald, and we had a very good turnout, it seems that everyone had a great time and benefited very much judging by the great feedback. We are looking at doing more EAMG group organised rides next year, with the distinct possibility of a chairman’s ride to France, a picnic ride and we haven’t been to the Super Sausage for ages. November sees us start group night in our new home at Little Channels. I am sure that for many of you who have got so used to going to The Barn this is a bit troubling, but we are secure at Little Channels, we have used it several times before and it has always worked very well. We must remember that Channels is a business, and they do need us to keep up the attendance in numbers making it beneficial to both Channels and EAMG. So I say do feel free to bring along a guest who might be interested in us, could be an avenue for new members which we always need too. Also if you know ex members who have not rejoined maybe just give them a prod or bring them along. It is a group effort. Coming back to volunteers, I am delighted to announce that Nigel White has joined the committee. He came along to our last meeting, thinking it would be very regimented and formal. As it was the complete opposite Nigel immediately felt at home, so much so he wanted to chip in, well done Nigel and welcome aboard, if anyone wants to pop along to any committee meeting you are always welcome, we even provide tea and biscuits. Finally, please do send in any items for our new TUG format, we don’t want to have me trying to fill space all the time, it would be a turnoff, I think! Best Michel.

www.eamg.org.uk

AN INTRODUCTION TO NEW EAMG MEMBER AND NOW MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, NIGEL WHITE. We have recently been told by our hard working and ever dedicated Chairman that the Group has a fairly fundamental need for new input, new impetus and some fresh ideas both for and from the Group. Michel added “ I invest a considerable time and energy into canvassing our Members for help, ideas and I am always on the look out for new members of the Committee without which the Group may not move forward or continue to grow” Unbeknown to Michel, early in proceedings at the last Group night there was a new attendee sat on a table – he was very wet, on his new bike and had already spent an hour or so in the wrong place! Having been welcomed by Andy Parnham and his table this new person ( still not a member even yet) was formally introduced to “the Chair” and a new member emerged immediately (Nigel White). I have been a keen motorcyclist from a very young age but we won’t dwell on my naughty bits at 14! I am not inexperienced having had a few bikes from the sublime FS1EDX to the armchair like GoldWing 1800gl x 2 (and two pans!) In 2002 I completed a BikeSafe Course with Glos Police and was instructed by the IAM and SAM (Severn Advanced – Glos version) passing in mid 2002. The bikes went south after a new love affair with Motorhomes but before leaving the Bristol area I had to buy another Pan! I’m now 63 and enjoying retired life in the Dengie near Southminster and recently fell into Cannon BMW by accident coming out with a baby GS! I can be a little impulsive at times and once came out of a Suzuki dealer in Cheltenham without the intended battery charger but with a 1400GSX instead! I have joined EAMG to invest some training time into being a better rider. I must confess that the baby GS is SO different it phased me a little and whilst it is probably also an age thing I have lost some bottle. Rides with my Observer (Andy of course!) and the recent skills days are helping me a lot, particularly the excellent Slow Riding Skills Day recently attended. My new baby BMW may not be the best GS model on the market but it is very impressive and with the help and support of the best training team in the UK it will get even better. To get to the point, I went from newbie to here in a very few steps after I heard the call to action from Michel and thought good call but I really am not any kind of committee type person so probably not for me at all. Regardless, I attended a Committee Meeting at Writtle and realised that none of the Committee are “committee types” either. I decided the time had come to stop simply enjoying the Group benefits as a “backbencher” – perhaps I should give something back and actually JOIN IN! So I have quickly agreed to join the small bunch of dedicated people who make Essex Advanced the success it has been and hopefully in my new role as Membership Secretary I can assist them (and the rest of you readers who will have a lot to offer!) in ensuring the continued growth and development of the Group. I have a number of skills and experience including the running a two Motor Trade based training organisations over a 40 plus year career in the Business so I guess a bit of hard work gaining even more help from a number of equally dedicated members and persuading both original and newbie people to join us will be a bit of a challenge for the

www.eamg.org.uk

new Membership Secretary – not sure how it happened perhaps the committee are more persuasive than I first thought or perhaps it’s the hypnotic environment in Writtle by the pond and it’s quaintness?” “Perhaps I need the help of you ALL?” “Why not come and join me ?”….

Nige

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE OF EAMG FROM NIGEL’S PARTNER LYNNE. After several years and several thousand miles sitting behind my very competent biker other half, we had a short gap in our biking life, that is until fairly recently when he decided the time was right to get back on two wheels again. It’s in his blood so I can’t say I wasn’t surprised when a beautiful shiny new bike once again took pride of place in our garage. It is a very different bike to those we have ridden in the past and as he left the driveway for the first time grinning like a Cheshire Cat, I couldn’t help feeling a little apprehensive about his return to biking, knowing that he may be a little rusty (and a little older). He has now however completed several courses and observed rides thanks to the club and I am confident that his skills are back to the level we enjoyed in the past (and probably even better as a result of the events he attended) So as a ‘retired’ pillion passenger I would like to thank all of those members he now constantly talks about that have shared their knowledge and experience and given me some peace of mind too!! Lynne

ROSPA TEST PASS Well done to Mark Bass who was awarded a ROSPA Gold by examiner Mick Jones recently. Mark is already a full member so won’t be receiving another certificate but it is great to see riding standards being maintained. Thanks also to Mark’s Observer, Danny Rutter for his guidance.

www.eamg.org.uk

A LOOKBACK AT SEPTEMBER GROUP NIGHT.

Wayne Middleton receiving his full membership certificate having been awarded a ROSPA gold pass by Mick Jones. Well done also to Wayne’s Observer, Andy Parnham. Guest speaker: Ian Davey of Essex Community First Aid Volunteers Events and Training. We were delighted to welcome Ian to our September meeting to tell us about the work of his not for profit charity that provides first aid cover for community events in Essex. Small community events cannot afford commercial rates for first aid cover so Essex Community First Aid Volunteers Events and Training is providing a lifeline to these small events by offering affordable first aid cover by using volunteers and only charging for their expenses. This is a fantastic service that makes a huge difference to small events that would otherwise not cover the cost of the event let alone make any profit for community causes. They also provide first aid training. Ian his an expert in defibrillator training so he gave us a demonstration with the device he uses for training purposes. It is functional in every respect except that it does not deliver any shocks so it can be practiced with safely. Contact Ian if you are interested in training as a first aid volunteer or would like to use the services of his team for an event.

www.eamg.org.uk

EAMG and Shows Supported in 2022. Wheels and Paws Show – Sunday 10th July Burham-on-Crouch. Clues in the title – wheels and dogs show, although we were in a different field to the dogs. Lovely hot day, too hot as we remember the heat wave. One of our members alerted me about this show a week before it took place. Contacted the organiser and she was appreciative of another stand on the day. This was a relatively new show which was evident in the turnout of trade stands and vehicles, although as the field was very big it would need a large turnout to fill it. Speaking to the organisers, the show was set-up to help with the restoration of Althorne, Creeksea and Steeple churches, which are in a poor state of repair. There’s no entry fee for stands or visitors just donation boxes – the fields are made available free by Elmwood Equestrian Centre and volunteers run it.

There was a large display of tractors and commercial vehicles, plus the classic cars and a couple of bike groups – one was the local scramblers and a classic group plus individual bikes on the day (see pics).

www.eamg.org.uk

If you zoom in on our EAMG gazebo pic, just parked behind it is a gunmetal Golf belonging to our member John Herring. I mention this because at the end of the day, when we was breaking down the gazebo, we had just remove the stay pins when a lady came up and asked about any lady riders we know who she could ride with as she had no confidence and wanted some help. As the day was very hot and calm we all got involved in the conversation when suddenly a gust of wind took the gazebo up in the air and over the fence to the parking lot where John’s car (luckily – not for John) stopped it’s progress! It landed square on the windscreen and bonnet. After retrieving the gazebo (it’s a heavy duty frame), we inspected the damage to the Golf – cracked windscreen top to bottom, small dent in the bonnet and some scuffs front fender! EAMG payed for the damage – screen was the excess and the paint shop advised John to get the dent man in, which he duly did and an invisible repair was completed. Thanks John and apologies – was a downer on the day. We did have interest from about four people on the day but they haven’t joined. Alan Burke had a stroppy old boy, who had a blade at the show, that was arguing about ignoring the highway code safety laws as he knows better! We walked away and left them arguing! Alan’s a sucker for not giving up. We had four enquiries on the day – completing our contact card – don’t believe any joined EAMG! A big thanks to John Herring, Dave Crossley and Alan Burke for turning out all day to set-up and pack-up. Without them we couldn’t support any shows – they’re always there to help. Thanks guys. EAMG donated £50 towards the church restoration fund. Note: We (NOW) never leave our positions holding the uprights until the gazebo is collapsed and John always parks a mile away from it! Dengie Emergency Services Show – Saturday 13th and 14thAugust. During Wheels and Paws show, the Burham fire service gave us info on their weekend show at Dengie. This is a new show over two days organised by the services - I opted to attend on the Saturday because of training on the Sunday. Again, a really hot day and I arrived with the gazebo and parked in our spot. The field was huge and part of a farm with large farm vehicles already on display. Turnout wasn’t great although a number of commercials/buses helped, but classic car turnout was poor and we were the only bikes! I must say the emergency service turned out lots of fire appliances (classic and new) and the police had an emergency armed pursuit SUV vehicle on show, which they opened their gun cabinet in the back showing machine guns etc. No firing though! www.eamg.org.uk

I made the mistake of parking next to a stage where they ended up playing lots of old numbers - made it a bit strained to talk to people – Allan did suggest to set-up on a different spot but I didn’t think it would be too bad – will listen to him next time. Saturday turnout was not that good, maybe Sunday was busier? As a new show a few things could be better for the future – advertising on South Woodham etc., roundabouts/roads and some directions near the event would help. Next year will have more organisation I’m sure. We had one enquiry on the day who did join EAMG – Result. Big thanks to Allan Burke, John Herring (parked his car far away from Gazebo!), Dave Crossley for helping set-up the gazebo. Also, Rob Spinks and Graham Lowe for helping out on the day.

East Anglian Copdock Bike Show – Sunday 4th September. EAMG have always attended Copdock as it’s a full on bike show. We had a lovely hot day (again) with high attendance from Suffolk and Essex. The show really is the premier of shows regarding anything relating to bikes. There’s the ‘Wall of Death, stunt riders, trials riding over cars and obstacles – great to see the youngsters displaying theirs skills over the obstacles. Every special bike you could imagine was there and sheds full of classics. We didn’t have our double pitch as normal this year, was put into a single pitch with a tree in front of us! As John and Audrey Tipper were intending to come in their large Mercedes Sprinter with his SP1 - I was worried about fitting him on the pitch. Turned out that he came in his Mercedes C class so we were just able to squeeze him on alongside my car – he forgot to bring the SP1 though! Will make sure I double check the pitch next year. Fortunately we had enough volunteers on the day to talk to potential members and still go and look around. A few EAMG members dropped in on their way round, always good to see you guys. A really good day for us all, and so rewarding, as a really happy atmosphere and buzz about the place. One thing you need to check is where people are from before you get their details – as one of the organisers told me – we know where you’re from as you’ve got the dodgy accent from down ‘south’! Don’t want to be signing up a Suffolk/borders local as the meet-up would be a ride in itself! We signed-up eight ‘southerners’ on the day and I believe at least three have joined EAMG – so a good day. Again, a big thank you to Dave Crossley, Alan Burke, John Herring and Audrey and John for helping set-up. Also, big thanks to Terry Sullivan and Colin Chenery for helping out meeting the public and promoting EAMG. Mick Hewitt

www.eamg.org.uk

EAMG ACTIVITIES FOR OCTOBER Tuesday 4th Oct - Big Bob's Midweek Ride Meet at Sandon Park and Ride fully Fuelled please ( go in and we will be on the right hand side near the cycle racks ) Chelmsford 9:15 for a prompt start at 9:30 The route will be a loop to the Balsham Old Butchers shop circa 55 miles for a drink and cake if you wish. We will then cut across to Baldock ( 93 miles by then ) and park in the square there are a few cafes etc and depending on numbers may have to split up. Heading home via Buntingford, Newport, Thaxted (Fuel stop if required at 127 miles) and the ride will end at McDonald’s at Channels, Chelmsford circa 142 miles total ( Fuel available ) We may do 2 groups if there are sufficient numbers (relaxed member/associate and more brisk!) Please let me know at bigbobcowl@yahoo.com if you are planning to attend. Good to know expected numbers for the groups and venues. A GPX file can be sent out near to the date The ride is weather dependant and will be postponed and rerun if its horrible conditions not if we have patchy rain. Tuesday 4th October - Group Night We are meeting at Little Channels, CM3 3PR. Start time 1930hrs. For this Group Night we have Drop Your Gear coming along to talk about looking after your leathers. Sunday 9th October - Associate & Further Training for Members We are operating a booking-in system for Associates and FTFM (Further Training Full Members. Can all those wishing to attend please email: mickhewitt39@hotmail.com / or text 07762 889408 confirming name and attendance – if circumstances change after booking then just advise. No problem. AGT's give you the opportunity to experience a different Observer for the day and meet with others in the group. There will be a short Roadcraft talk prior to allocations. Address: Beryl Platt Centre (formerly Longmeads House), 12-14 Redwood Drive, Writtle, Chelmsford. CM1 3LY. Ride round the back to the left of the old building. Time: Arrive 09:00 - Start: 09:30. Contact: Mick Hewitt 07762 889408 Charge: £10

www.eamg.org.uk

Sunday 16th October - Mick & Alan's Associate/Member Ride October's social ride is to Waresley Park garden centre cafe, Potton. Destination: Wareley Park. SG19 3DB. Meet: Sainsbury's Springfield (CM2 5PA). Time: 09:00 for 09:30 prompt departure. Full tank of fuel. Distance: About 110 miles total. Finish at MacD Regiment Way for coffee - about 14:30. Note: Toilets are at the BP garage Boreham interchange. Please check your machine is fully checked using POWERSBEST. Looking forward to it. Mick and Alan 07762 889408 / 07760 452993 Sunday 23rd October - Associate/Full Member Training Full Member Training (FMT) FMT format allows greater focus on many aspects of advanced motorcycling over longer distances on less familiar roads. Make no mistake, passing an ad-vanced motorcycle test is an excellent achievement but it’s only a measure of your riding standard on test day. Riding skills require continued practice to be retained or they will sadly be lost. Associate Member Training (AMT) Similar training courses are now available for Associate Members who may be approaching test standard, have been recommended to apply by their 1 to 1 Observers or those familiar with riding greater distances than covered on a typical Observed ride. Associates will be encouraged to make their most recent Ride Report Forms available to ensure the Observer on the day has the necessary information to identify needs and address any issues that may be apparent. Ride Format: Duration of rides will be circa 200 mls for Full Members and 100-120 mls for As-sociates. Regular stops, most including refreshments, will include debriefs so that issues identified can be addressed during subsequent legs. We will NOT be riding in one large group. Allocation will usually be on a 2 to 1 basis to avoid continuous Observation. Every effort will be made to match riding ability and/or aspirations. Routes will be pre-planned and forwarded to all participants be-forehand. Initial briefing will be comprehensive and a full Ride Report Form will be provided. www.eamg.org.uk

Register by providing all relevant information as per below to: John Tipper Email: john@reveillerrides.co.uk Tel: 0208 360 8590 or Mbl: 07860 773711 Name: Address: Post Code: Tel: Email: Please provide: Riding Experience: Aspirations: Annual mileage: Machine you'll be riding: Please call or email me if you require any further information. Sunday 30th October - Colin's Full Member Ride More details will be forthcoming - keep your eyes peeled on Facebook and the forum!

www.eamg.org.uk

SLOW RIDING SKILLS DAY - Sunday 18th September I thought I was already too slow on my new bike until…… Having joined Essex Advanced at the recent Group Night near Chelmsford I had already been rather active attending the AGT/FMT (whatever they may be) also attended a committee meeting and my first day out with my new Observer (sorry about the pants overtake Andy even though we’re not talking about that anymore). I also went to the Essex Air Ambulance visit. Not sure why I found myself off to the Slow Riding Skills Day Ona cold and foggy Sunday morning. As a retired “gentleman” (leave it!) I often on a Sunday by sometimes even the crack of eleven. So after the shock of 6am that Sunday and a few shots of caffeine before leaving by 7am, I headed for the airfield somewhere near Weald? I found it more easily this time and from memory and never bothered Google pants maps for help this time - good call I got there on time and almost first! There is also a great reason for getting in early as Paul buys the coffee at the double decker (thanks Paul!) A large number of bikes show up and not just the training team and committee! After a quick briefing from Mick (now just where did I put that tip box key? - oh yeah, I remember - on the kitchen table) After a few final tips from a few of the training team we approached a number of well set out exercises over a wide area of a rather cold and windy runway. It’s still only pre 9am or should I say pre dragging myself out of bed time but I approached the first exercise with enthusiasm. I had been wondering if I had bought the wrong bike (too small, too reach, too light) Best bike to do this on so agile and flexible So, after a few rounds on the figure of eight I mastered the technique better albeit having to stare at Paul’s face that early on a Sunday is not a habit one would wish to develop very far I coped well with the slalom and even coped when the challenge increased when an Observer vastly reduced the spaces between the cones (naughty!) After this the emergency stop challenge was taken on perhaps with a few cheating throttle offs and early braking - I did learn however that my bike has 3 brakes and not just two (Thanks Michel) After repeated practice I nearly halved my initial stopping distance and without using my ABS - as Michel said if the ABS kicks in you have already got it wrong! www.eamg.org.uk

www.eamg.org.uk

What a great day and a huge amount of learning - what a great way to learn what a new bike is capable of During all my years of training the issue of counter steering has always bemused me at first thinking it was a wind up by one who enjoyed watching newbies fall off! Thanks guys - once you get your head around it is amazing. Who thought going round and round in circles near Harlow could be so much fun To complete the day the snail tee shirt completion was run after some serious competition and mind games with the winner psyching out the nearest best You might think you are the slow riding king - on the next ride out I can really show you what being slow is all about! Unless that is if there is free coffee somewhere close! A great day was had by all and got me at least a huge number of new skills gained Can’t thank those involved in the setting up and the running of the day enough Essex Advanced really does have the best training team in the UK (or even Europe?) Many, many, appreciative Thanks all. Nige

Nige receiving advice on braking from Michel