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The Right Line!
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Issue No 8
June 2006
MORECAMBE BAY
ESTUARIES
ADVANCED
MOTORCYCLISTS
MBEAM is the local
bike group of the Institute
of Advanced Motorists.
Our objective is to promote
road safety by improving
riding standards and to offer
guidance towards the IAM’s
advanced test.
In this edition...
Phil & Pam’s European Adventure
IAM National Motorcycle Conference
Arai Presentation at SL A M
Sorr y Mate I Didn’t See Yo u !
Group News and more......
We can make you a safer rider
without making you look like a
geek or breaking the bank!!
Interested in taking up the
challenge?
Then Contact Phil Butler
or visit our website
at the address below to
find out more....
Need Advice?
WE C AN HELP!
Join us today!
Your Stories
Morecambe Bay Estuaries Advanced Motorcyclists
www.mbeam.org.uk
Join us ... call Phil Butler on 07919 991296
IAM Group No 5252 Registered Charity No 1109776
Number 1 in the North West for
Come and visit our NEW stunning 2 Floor Showroom
Large clothing &
RST, WOLF
Accessory Department YAMAHA
Mail Order Available AGV, LAZER
AKITO,
Spares & Repairs
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AND MORE!
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R&G, ARNETTE
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CARBON CAN
META AND MORE!
Big Selection New & Used
Motorcycles and Scooters
Large Clothing & Accessory Department
www.raceways.uk.com
Letter from
the Chairman
Well I have been chairman now for less than 2 months
and I can’t believe how busy I have been with
things MBEAM. Once again I would like to thank
Frank and the rest of the committee again for all of their support during these first few weeks.
Phil Butler and I attended the IAM National Motorcycle Conference in Wolverhampton in early
May, there is an article covering this later in the Newsletter. Also since the last Newsletter I
attended a meeting that reviewed the Ride Safe Back Safe event organised by the Lancashire
Partnership for road Safety on Easter Sunday. The main thing coming out of that was that there
will be another event next April but this time more widely publicised and more exhibitors. At
the moment the date has been provisionally set for Sunday 15th April.
One event of a less happy nature was that one of our members, Bob Bryne was knocked off his
bike earlier in the month. I have been in contact with him since he came out of hospital and
sent him all of our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Of course the other thing that really can’t go without a mention in this column is my new bike.
Most of the committee have already seen it but you’ll have to come to one of the Sunday meets
if you want to see it for yourself! I have always fancied an R1150GS and now I have one Sue
and I are off to Ireland on it in a couple of months time and doubtless I’ll be writing an article
with the obligatory photo. Come to think of it, maybe I’ll just write a piece about the bike!
Finally I would like to mention the Devil’s Bridge run which is advertised elsewhere in this
Newsletter and is being organised by Angela, our hardworking Newsletter editor. This is a
sponsored ride to raise money for a really worthy charity - kids affected by AIDS in Zambia.
Get your friends to sponsor you then go and have a great ride and raise money at the same
time - you never know you might enjoy it!
Hope to see you at one of the Sunday meets - Ride Safe.
Clive Pollard
IAM National Motorcycle Conference
The conference was held at Dunstall Park Racecouse,
Wolverhampton on 6 May and was attended this year by
Phil Butler and Clive Pollard. We went down by car but
there were a lot of people on bikes, some of whom had
ridden a long way. Having said that you may be able to
see from the photo that the bikes in attendance were
mainly large tourers.
The conference consisted of a combination of talks from external speakers and a couple of internal
updates. One of these went into detail of the new IAM membership service that was covered in the last
issue of the newsletter. The other consisted of a question and answer session with Christopher Bullock,
the IAM Chief Executive.
Of the external speakers, two in particular were of interest to me. The first was entitled 'Engineering
Guidelines for Motorcyclists' (given by Tony Sharpe of the IHIE) and covered a whole range of issues
associated with highway design and maintenance with particular reference to motorcycles. His talk
included many accident statistics (24% of motorcycle accidents involve no other vehicle -same statistic
for cars is 35%) as well as the type of analysis that takes place (or should take place!) at accident black
spots. He gave specific examples of how the revamping of road markings, signs as well as landscaping
can be used to eliminate specific problems. The talk also covered areas such as the use of bus lanes by
motorcyclists, advanced stop lines and motorcycle parking. If only all of the guidelines were all actually
put into practice!
Another interesting speaker was Stefan Bartlett, the editor of 'What Bike' magazine entitled 'Why the
Media represents Motorcycling the way it does'. As far as I could make out it seemed like there was a
careful line for magazine editors to tread between promoting or showing images that were perceived to
be dangerous and being responsible. It seems that showing a straightforward image of a of a bike does
not sell magazines. He cited the example of a magazine which had the latest Triumph 600 pulling a
wheelie which sold 20,000 more copies that month because of that image on the front cover.
There was also a talk by an IAM member encouraging the carrying of organ donation cards and another
from a company doing first aid training. Their talk was not a training session as such but aiming to
dismiss what they called 'the four myths about first aid'. These were; never move anyone; never take a
crash helmet off; if I have no training and no certificate then I don't have to do anything; if I do first aid I
could get sued for doing the wrong thing. If you want to find out what you should do then I can highly
recommend the 'First Bike on Scene' courses run by the Lancashire Ambulance service.
If anyone would like further details of any of the above, please get in contact (I have copies of slides
of all of the talks).
Kendal Sunday Meet 14 May
Despite the weather being overcast with the forecast of rain
later in the day several members turned up at 'The Duke' for
the monthly meet at Kendal. After a quick brew several of us
decided to risk the weather and venture north into the Lake
district initially using the A6 towards Penrith. The road to
Shap village was fairly quiet and is a mixture of good long
stretches, sweeping and tight bends through open country.
Once through Shap it was on to Eamont Bridge, with everyone
seemingly comfortable with the pace whilst through the villages
we bunched up and rode in staggered formation. Turning left down the B5320 we soon arrived at
Pooley Bridge; from here heading south the road undulates but hugs the edge of Ullswater
through Glenridding and Patterdale. With the lake on the left of us and up front majestic views of
Helvellyn, Fairfield and High Raise dominating the skyline.
Leaving Patterdale we began the steep ascent up Kirkstone Pass until the 500 year old Inn
eventually appeared shrouded in mist but standing in splendid isolation 1500ft above sea level.
This was to be our lunch stop. Not risking the the drop into the newly laid gravel car park we left
the bikes at the bus stop after first checking the timetable. Inside we were met by cosy log fires,
slate floors and original beamed ceilings but no ghosts despite the stories.
Once fed and watered we began the steep descent, avoiding the odd stray sheep, through
Troutbeck to a left at the A591 and back to Kendal. Throughout the 70 mile trip we stayed dry
and thoroughly enjoyed this impromptu ride-out.
Phil Butler
GO ON - BE A DEVIL....
‘Devils Bridge to Devils Bridge’
CUMBRIA
RUN
CEREDIGION
Raise £’s for a Fantastic Charity!
Join Nick Sanders on the Devils Run
Devils Bridge Kirby Lonsdale South Lakes to Devils Bridge Powys Wales
15th July 2006 (3 Brilliant Routes Available, 1 requires overnight stay)
Charity Money Raised goes to an Orphanage in Zambia in desperate need of help
...These children has been afflicted by the devastating effects of poverty and AIDS, they have nothing
Entry Only £10 per Bike...
However Raising Extra Money by Personal Sponsorship is Desperately Needed
You have an opportunity to help others by doing what you love the most!
Devils Run Charity Event - Presented by @ngela Patterson
Please feel free to join us at Devils Bridge Wales
from anywhere in the country!
NB. This is a NON-Competitive Charity Event
WE WOULD PREFER
THAT YOU BOOK NOW,
SO WE GET AN IDEA OF NUMBERS
FOR CATERERS ETC
HOWEVER TURNING UP ON THE
DAY WILL BE OK.
We have some fantastic
Prizes to be won!
For further information & to register visit...
www.devilsrun.co.uk
Email: [email protected] • If you don’t have internet access
Call or Text your Address to 0788 436 4371 for a Registration Form
Warden You Like To Know
We always knew they were up to something and now
here's proof. These tales of the parking-ticket trade
were related to The Sunday Telegraph Magazine by
various anonymous traffic wardens.
“To ensure I hit my targets I often distract drivers until
I've finished issuing the fine. If there is time left on the
meter, I engage them in conversation until their five
minutes is up.”
“I patrol the area surrounding my favourite football
teams ground and, on match days target vehicles
displaying the away team's sticker. At one game I
ticketed six cars out of twenty in the no-parking-zone---the away fans' cars received fines and home fans were
let off.”
“My colleagues and I run a sweepstake for 'most
expensive car of the week nicked'. It is far more
satisfying slapping a ticket on a proudly waxed Porsche
than it is on an old banger.”
Pam Bowker
DSA Approved
Hire bikes for Limited/Direct Access
Fully Qualified Instructors
Intensive courses
Post test (IAM obviously)
training available
Competetive rates
Andy Griffiths 01539 729765
or 07989 517873
[email protected]
www.northernroute.co.uk
Unit 9a, Lake District Business Park
Mint Bridge Road
Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NH
Phil and Pam's European Adventure
Friday at 5pm on the 3rd June 2005 saw our K1200 LT
and us loaded onto the Pride of Rotterdam at Hull
excited to be starting our three-week tour of Europe.
Sadly we were soaked to the skin, as the Heavens had
opened on the A63 running into Hull. This seriously
heavy rain followed us, and two German bikers from
Stuttgart on their way home after the TT races, all the
way to the dockside at Hull. What a great start to the
holiday we thought. We felt so sorry for the lads from
Stuttgart, as they had had rain whilst camping in the
IOM, and they wondered if it was ever dry in Britain. We
set sail at 9pm after a lovely meal on board, and after an
excellent night's sleep, we arrived in Rotterdam at
Schloss Neuschwanstein a fairy tale castle
8.30am on Saturday the 4th June. We said “Auf
Wiedersehen” to the German bikers who were dry at last.
The weather was still a bit drizzly but we set off hoping it would dry out by the time we reached Arlon. We
stopped at Breda for fuel and again just outside of Brussels for coffee and we arrived at our hotel at Arlon
mid afternoon to be bathed in sunshine at last.
Day three, Sunday the 5th, and we were off on our way down to Troyes. We met some very friendly Harley
riders on their way to a Harley Rally in St Tropez and had a coffee and a chat with them. We found the
Holiday Inn at Troyes without too much difficulty, but we hadn't realised when booking that it was predominantly a Golfer's Hotel. We stood out a bit in our biker gear, but the staff were lovely and encouraged us to
park our bike right outside the front entrance. Had it been a little warmer we would have made use of the
outdoor swimming pool and although it was sunny we were not feeling that brave.
Monday 6th started off dry and bright, but as we neared our overnight stop in Bourg-en-Bresse the rain had
started again. We really felt as though this rain cloud was going to follow us everywhere and we were pretty down hearted that evening. So, on Tuesday morning, we set off for Switzerland, hoping that even if the
sun didn't shine, a chance to get out of our wet weather gear would be nice. Hurray! As we crossed the
Swiss border the sun came out and the waterproofs came off. We arrived mid afternoon at Hotel Baeren in
Wilderswil. We followed their directions to view the Schiltorn, however, we were too late to get the cable
car to the revolving restaurant of James Bond fame. With clear blue skies, warm sun on our backs, a picture postcard view from our bedroom window, a free musical concert that evening given by the children in
the town and wonderful food, what more could we ask for? Incredibly, having a meal at our hotel, were a
couple who live about 20 miles away from us in the North West! Small world isn't it?
Wednesday the 7th and we were off on the road again to Lake Garda via the scenic route. We took in the
Sustenpass, where at the top we chucked snowballs at each other, then the St. Gotthard Pass, where the
view from the top looking down onto Italy was awesome. We arrived at our destination, Brenzone, about
half way along Lake Garda, late that afternoon. This was to be our “home” for 3 nights, and after checking
out the view over the lake from our balcony we had a drink and a leisurely dinner watching the sun setting.
It was so beautiful and tranquil.
Thursday 9th and we were showered, breakfasted and away early as we had an appointment to keep. For
at 11am we were due at the Ducati Museum in
Bologna for a guided tour of their factory and museum. What a fascinating place to visit. Our guide was
extremely well informed and interesting. No photographs were allowed in the factory, for obvious reasons, but you could take as many photographs as you
liked in the museum and of course you could spend
as much money as you liked in the Ducati Shop! A
fantastic day out all in all despite the extremely hot
riding conditions and the erratic and often crazy
Italian motorists!
Friday was spent relaxing and checking out Garda
itself. Plenty of tourist traps and we had pizza for tea,
what else!
Continued on next page....
An intruder in the Ducati Factory in Bologna
Phil and Pam's European Adventure Continued...
Saturday the 11th and we were on the move again to Müstair,
which lies, just into Switzerland near the Swiss Italy border.
The weather was still glorious, in fact rather too hot for riding
around in bike gear, so we had a leisurely stroll around Müstair
itself, after checking into the family run Hotel Münsterhof. That
evening we had the most delicious meal in the hotel finished
off with home made truffles, yum.
Sunday 12th and we awoke refreshed after a wonderful sleep
and set off after a leisurely breakfast for Weissenbach am Lech
Hohenschwangau Castle in Bavaria
in Austria, which was to be our base for a week, in order for us
to explore the area. 1855 miles had been ridden to reach our destination Gasthof Goldenes Lamm.
During the week we rode just about every pass in the area, Gaicht Pass, Fern Pass, Oberjoch Pass and
Fussen Pass to name a few. We visited all three of King Ludwig's Castles in the area, Hohenschwangau,
Neuschwanstein & Linderhof. We went up the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn cable car from Lermoos to the top of the
Zugsptitz, Germany's highest alp at 2962 metres. (Well Phil did, I was too chicken to do it!) The views were
amazing. Thank goodness he remembered to take our camera up with him so we have some fantastic photographs. We had a snowball fight at the top of Hahntenjoch at 1894 metres above sea level and we also
sunbathed by the lakes Haldensee and Plansee. We ate too much rich food and drank too much Schnapps,
but who cares, we were on holiday! We also visited Garmisch-Partenkirchen where the BMW Motorrad Biker
meeting is held, although the event wasn't on when we visited. We only got our BMW in February 2005 so
were unaware of this event but next year we plan to visit it.
Sunday 19th and we reluctantly had to say goodbye to the owner Roland and his staff at Goldenes Lamm who
had treated us so well. Off we set for the Mosel valley to stay a couple of nights with our old friends Klaus and
Bettina Berens at their Hotel-Restaurant “Zur Post” in Klotten on the banks of the Mosel River near to Cochem.
We visited the Nürburgring on the Monday morning and on our way back to Cochem we dropped into Center
Parcs at Heilbachsee for a swim to cool down as temperatures had soared to 35 ºC. Later that afternoon we
enjoyed ice cream in Cochem with a Harley Rider from Koblenz who had just finished work and fancied a run
out, as the weather was so nice. He didn't speak much English but that didn't matter, our limited German and
use of hand signals enabled us to have an interesting “conversation” for an hour.
We left Klotten to head for Aachen on the following morning. We had decided to check out BMW Kohl in
Aachen, as it is reputedly the largest dealership in Europe, and yes it's HUGE! The building itself is massive
and it also houses other motorcycle dealerships, which include Ducati and Harley-Davidson Buell. The staff we
met were extremely friendly and asked us to park right outside their front entrance, as our K1200 LT SE Lux
was good advertising for them they said! The hotel we stayed overnight at was fine, however, Aachen itself
wasn't. The only place we wouldn't go back to again, ever.
Wednesday 22nd and we set off for Rotterdam via Renswoude and called into Biker's Best, a wholesale
company specialising in Goldwings and accessories that we have
used in the past, as we previously owned a GL1500. The staff
there are always welcoming and chatty no matter what bike you
ride and their hot chocolate is delicious! We stayed a couple of
nights in Rotterdam itself in the Savoy Hotel as I had managed to
get us a fantastic deal through the Internet that meant we were
paying less than half the real price. Rotterdam was a bustling city,
as expected, with old and new architecture living side by side. It
was SO hot whilst we were there that after 11am in the morning it
was too exhausting to wander around. So most of our time was
spent sitting sipping cool drinks watching others hurry along.
Friday 24th of June we sailed home on the overnight ferry from
Rotterdam to Hull. We arrived back at our home in Heysham just
before lunch on Saturday 25th June having travelled 3200 miles
and having seen some wonderful sights.
The bike performed beautifully and it really has to be the most
comfortable bike ever, as even after all that mileage we weren't
walking like John Wayne when we got off!
We have already started planning for next year's holiday. Two
weeks touring this time and I wonder what we'll see and how many
miles we'll cover then?
Linderhof_Castle_near_Lermoos
Pam & Phil Bowker
www.frankshepherd.co.uk
For the 2006
season we
have new and
experienced
management
fresh staff, better ideas, new ethos for a better service
frankshepherd
North Road Lancaster 01524 845167
Diary Dates for 2006
June
17 - 18 British Super Bikes - Snetterton
29 Bikesafe course - Barrow
July
6 Bikesafe course - Barrow
7 to 9 Goodwood Festival of Speed - Goodwood
18 to 30 Motorshow 2006 - ExCel London
15 Devils Bridge to Devils Bridge
22 to 23 British Super Bikes - Oulton Park
23 Roadsafe Show Carlisle
August
4 to 6 World Super Bikes - Brands Hatch
26 to 28 British Super Bikes - Cadwell Park
September
1 to 3 Goodwood Revival Meeting - Goodwood
29 - 1 Oct British Super Bikes - Brands Hatch
October
7 IAM National Conference
26 to 5 Nov International Motorcycle Show
- NEC Exhibition Centre
November
8 at 14:00 IAM AGM
- IAM House, London, W4 5RG
STOP PRESS
We have just been notified by ‘Awards
for All’ (Lottery grants) that following our
recent application we have been
awarded a grant of £4817 for the
purchase of bike to bike radios,
a laptop computer and a projector.
SMIDSY
Accidents involving motorcycles at junctions are common place. Vehicles do pull out from
junctions and do turn right across the path of oncoming bikes. In the vast majority of cases the bike
has right of way on the priority road, so technically it's the other vehicles fault.
But why don't drivers see motorcycles? There may be any one of a number of reasons:• Defective eyesight • Failure to look properly
• The driver sees the bike but takes the wrong course of action
• The driver makes a conscious decision to use the bike as a gap in a line of traffic,
knowing the biker is vulnerable and will give way
• The experienced but overconfident driver only sees what he expects to see
• Door and windscreen pillars create blind spots that can obscure the bike
When a waiting driver looks down the road he sees a lot of verticals. Road signs, telegraph poles,
lamp-posts, trees, the edge of buildings etc. So it may be that a bike and rider, also being narrow and
vertical, may 'vanish' if approaching the driver head-on due to the lack of lateral movement.
There is nothing that we as bike riders can do to prevent drivers pulling out or turning across our
path. It is their responsibility to look and look twice before making a move.
So we have to assume that emerging vehicles may pull into our path and position for maximum
margin e.g. towards the crown of the road for a vehicle waiting at a junction on the left, and plan
an escape route. Look at the driver; if his face is behind the screen pillar he can't see you.
Even if he's looking your way don't assume you have eye contact, it may look like it but can you
be sure he's seen you. Watch for wheel movement. Don't assume that because you are wearing
bright clothing or high viz with your headlights on you are visible. The screen pillar can obscure
this brightness. Always be aware of the risk and remember if someone does pull out into your
path it's going to hurt - a lot.
There will be little comfort in the fact that as the driver stands over you lying broken in the road he
says “Sorry Mate I Didn't See You”.
Arai Presentation at SLAM
We were extended an invitation to attend a presentation at our neighbouring motorcycle
group (SLAM) on 1 June and it was a very pleasant evening for a ride down to Chorley.
The presentation was given by John Wakefield, the
managing director of Phoenix Distribution, the distributors of Arai in the UK.
This was a fascinating presentation, given by someone who was obviously
passionate about helmets, clearly supported by Arai who are equally committed
to their products. Obviously this talk heavily promoted the Arai product in terms
of its safety and testing methods.
John described some of the main elements of testing involved in the latest
European standard (EC22.05) which is not in fact as stringent as the older BSI
standard. For example it only tests for a single impact on four specified points of
the helmet. Arai test four times in the same spot and believe that the helmet should
have a uniform strength across the shell. Additionally the 'penetration' test does not
form part of the new standard. Arai still require their helmets to pass this.
There were some interesting points made about the Arai product range:
* All helmets in the range offer the same level of protection. The main difference between the entry level models and the
top of the range is the construction which makes the helmet lighter whilst maintaining the same strength.
* Arai use five shell sizes (two helmet sizes for each outer shell) rather than just adding additional padding.
* They make three fundamentally different shell shapes (for Europe, Asia and the US)
* There is no difference between the helmet that you buy in the shop and those worn by top racers
* Certain helmets are more suitable for sports bikes (e.g. Corsair), for sports tourers (e.g. Astro R) and others for tourers
(e.g. Chaser or Condor).
* They don't make flip up helmets because they don't believe that they can be made as safe as full face helmets
(they have type approval as an open face helmet).
* All Arai helmets have 'D ring' chin straps - these are the only ones that are race approved. Seat belt style fastenings do
not encourage the correct adjustment of the chin strap.
Another interesting point was that 80% of people wear the wrong size helmet - free measuring tapes were given out so that
we could check. Some good points were made about caring for your helmet.
* Do not stuff your gloves inside your helmet. Continually pushing the inner polystyrene liner in the one place at the top of
the helmet will not do it any good (I have stopped as of today!). Also your gloves can easily get contaminated with petrol
which will damage the inner liner.
* Do not use Pledge (or similar products) to clean and polish your visor - this can get into the ratchet mechanism and
damage it.
* Remove the visor for cleaning.
* Take care with velcro catching on chin straps - this can damage them
* Take care not to expose your helmet to extreme heat - this will damage the inner polystyrene liner.
The evening ended with some questions and answers, three of which I thought were particularly interesting.
Should helmets be replaced on a regular basis? The EC22.05 standard requires that the date of manufacture is on the helmet.
The five year Arai warranty applies from the date of purchase. However there is no reason why the helmet should not be used
safely long after this date as long as it has been looked after and not involved in an accident. A small drop or a
chip in the paint of the helmet should not be a reason for replacement (though the salesperson may want to convince you
otherwise!). If in any doubt they will happily check out any Arai helmet free of charge.
Will I be able to get an Arai to fit me? Each of the models in the range has a different shell shape, some having additional
padding that can be added. Therefore if one model doesn't fit then try another and it may well do. John was confident that
there was an Arai in the range to fit everyone!
And finally - why are they so expensive? Basically you pay for the quality and for the after sales service. Phoenix are just an
hour down the road from Preston and Arai customers are welcome to call in to have their helmet checked (ring first). Intercoms
will be fitted into helmets free of charge.
Of course the evening would not be complete without some showmanship consisting of John lying on the floor with his head
inside a helmet shell with the largest person in the room standing on top of it!
A thoroughly enjoyable an informative evening was had by all with free goodies given to all attendees.
Will my next helmet be an Arai - definitely!
"A funny thing happened..........etc,etc,etc....."
Oooh, lots to tell y'all this month....I think I've finally (?) beaten the 'Teutonic heap of Shite' (BMW)..I got to the bottom of the
electrical problems - the alternator rotor was knackered, so it wasn't charging, hence all the electrics not doing what they
should. Anyway, the list of repaired/replaced bits reads as follows: battery (2 of), diode board, every electrical connection,
rectifier (2 of - now got a Police spec one on so it charges at lower rpm), tyres front and rear, rear shocks (knackered, now
replaced with Hagons), starter motor, full fluid/oil change, pads, seals and braided hoses on the front so now it actually
stops (always an advantage in my job when following erratic learners), rotor as mentioned, fuel cap (didn't lock), pannier
lock, oh aye and one of the BMW badges was missing from a pannier......if you have a BM that doesn't work, I'm now fluent in
re-building them! Also, if anyone else says, "Why didn't you save your money and buy a decent one to start with?", please
don't be offended if you recieve a smack in the gob - I've heard it a million times already.....no-one can buy a 24-year old
bike and expect it to work like a modern one does, especially if it's given the hammer that I hand out to bikes in my line of
work.
Having said all that, I traded the Divvy in and now have an XJR 1300. Top bloke is Geordie Malcolm at Raceways (free plug,
possible free service when it's due pleeeese), so if I whiz past you and look like I'm hanging on for dear life, I probably am the torque on that thing is amazing/stupid/whatever you want to call it. It'll pull from 25 to sillyspeed in top (I would say
125, but we're Advanced motorcyclists, so we don't break the speed limits..... Honest Officer.....hee hee).
A good day down at Eskdale House last week, the usual examiner was on holiday, so even the ones that failed commented on
how nice and approachable the examiner was.....not trying to put anyone off, but "My little Friend" as I call him tends to have
some strange ideas as to how a 'bike should be ridden..."3 feet from the kerb at all times except if you're turning right" is
one of them. I've said it before and I'll doubtless say it again, I wish all the driving authorities would sit around a table and
sort out a uniform way of riding. Police Roadcraft, Highway Code, PYAMT, RoSPA, BMF all have different ideas, so please, GET
A GRIP AND DECIDE HOW WE SHOULD RIDE !!!!!
Next month, I'll let you into a secret about the changes that are being implemented into the motorcycle test as of October
2008......."Why do I need to know that? - I've got my licence", I hear you say. Well, it won't affect you, but how about your
son/daughter/brother/sister/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/mum/dad/whoever is thinking about riding a 'bike.......because it will
affect them.
Anyway, until you see me on the back wheel of the new bike, take it easy and enjoy the sun whilst it lasts...
Andy - Northern Route
P.S - How do you keep an idiot in suspense? I'll tell you next month..........."
RACEWAYS RIDE 4 LIFE
19th August 2006 at Raceways Motorcycles, Dock Street,
Fleetwood sees the start of this year's Raceways ride 4 Life event.
This years beneficiary is the North West Air Ambulance. Did you
know this service is funded entirely through charitable giving?
As last year it will see a family fun day at Raceways Motorcycles,
Fleetwood including live professional motorcycle stunt show and
raffles to win some fantastic valuable prizes before the three of
us set off to travel the UK, this time visiting all the Air Ambulance
sites. We welcome anyone and everyone to ride between stages
with us. Each regional Air Ambulance will benefit more from
every rider that joins in on each stage.
Come and watch the world famous Neil Porter perform his awesome stunts as we close the road once more for this amazing
spectacle. Once again win the chance to take part in the show
with him. Last year a young lady paid just £30 to ride on Neil's
bike as he performed stand up wheelies and stoppies to the
delight of the crowd. This year you can be just a raffle ticket away
from following in this brave young lady's footsteps.......dare you?
A host of other top prizes to be had. Get your bike on the Dyno
for the Dyno Shoot-Out, enter the raffle for the brilliant prizes on
offer, check out the huge range of bikes, clothing and equipment
on sale. Can't get to the event? You can still sponsor us and have
a chance to win a top prize in the sponsors prize draw visit
www.racewaysride4life.co.uk for details
Badly Worded Signs
* Outside a jeweller's shop:
Ears pierced while you wait
* Outside an electrical store: Why go elsewhere to
be cheated when you can come in here!
* Sign in a laundromat: Automatic washing
machines: please remove all your clothes when the
light goes out
* In a dress shop window: Don't stand outside and
faint - come in and have a fit
* Sign in a London department store:
Bargain basement upstairs
* In an office: Would the person who took the step
ladder yesterday please bring it back or further
steps will be taken
*Outside a farm: Horse manure: 50p per pre-packed
bag, 20p do-it-yourself
* In the window of a dry cleaner's: Same day dry
cleaning - all garments ready in 48 hours
*Road sign: Turn right for the Fairy Glen.
Beware of heavy lorries
*At the zoo: Please do not feed the elephants.
If you have any peanuts or buns give them to the
keeper on duty.
LIAISON AND NEWS
Lancashire and Cumbria Constabularies, Bikesafe Training in Furness
Members of the public are invited to attend Bikesafe lectures that can increase your ability and
confidence so that you can get more enjoyment from riding your motorcycle.
Lectures are between 7pm and 9pm on Thursday 29th June and Thursday 6th July 2006 at Barrow
Fire Station, Phoenix Rd, Barrow in Furness (on the A590 approach into Barrow, on the right just
before you reach Asda). These two evening sessions will be followed by observed rides on a date to
be arranged.
The scheme in Cumbria consists of members of the public attending two 2 hour lectures on the basic
principles of advanced riding, based on 'Roadcraft’ making them eligible to undertake an observed
ride of between 30-50 minutes duration with an advanced police motorcyclist giving feedback to the
rider on all aspects of their riding.
Bikesafe is promoted as a conduit towards the riders undertaking advanced training from bodies
such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists and ROSPA.
The Bikesafe initiative is a nationwide plan of action to reduce the number of motorcycle accident
casualties by promoting safer riding.
Bikesafe is run by Police Forces around the United Kingdom who work with the whole of the biking
world to help to lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties. By passing on their knowledge,
skills and experience, police motorcyclists can help you become a safer more competent rider. At the
present time there is no charge to attend but there will, in all probability, be a fee charged from 2007.
People interested in signing up for the course can contact PC 259 Ian D'Arcy at Ulverston by
telephone on 01229 848586.
Ride Safe Back Safe
There is a regular meeting at Lancashire Police HQ at Hutton on general issues of road safety and
accidents related to motorcycles. The umbrella for all of these initiatives is Ride Safe Back Safe
which launched with the event on Easter Sunday. The meetings are chaired by Chief Inspector O’Gara
with representatives from the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, BMF, MAG, KillSpills and the
IAM (both MBEAM and SLAM).
The RIDE course which was described in the December issue of the Newsletter was officially
launched in May by Nick Saunders. This course is offered to riders who have committed minor
motoring offences as an alternative to prosecution and follows the general strategy of Lancashire in
Road Policing of education rather than prosecution.
Other news was that leaflets are being distributed at Liverpool and Heysham to riders attending the
TT encouraging safer riding. A summer Ride Safe Back Safe event is currently being planned for
Rivington on 16 July to coincide with the start of National Motorcycle Week.
Motorcycle road deaths were reported as being down on last year though there were 2 in the last
month. Full statistics are going to be presented at the next meeting.
Rossendale Valley Bike Show
Rossendale Bike Show is cancelled this year because of redevelopment work being carried out in the
town. However it will be held in 2007 on Easter Sunday and is promised to be a bigger and better
event!
National Motorcycle Week
This is 16th 23rd July and has adopted the slogan 'Have You Got the F Factor? Throughout the week
events will be taking place across the UK as dealers, companies and individuals organise a range of
activities including bikers breakfasts, open days and ride-outs.
Ride to Work Day takes place on 19th July. The general idea is to encourage planners and
government to take motorcycles seriously and as having an integral role in the transport system.
Lancashire County Council: No news on this front
This issue we have expanded the list of events which people may fine of interest.
MBEAM fortnightly meets are listed elsewhere.
Code Breaker?
These questions are taken from the DSA's bank of questions for the official theory test
which learners must pass before being able to take the on-road test.
The numbers refer to the question number contained in the 'AA Theory Test - Official
Questions & Answers' (ISBN 0 74953792 2). How would you do?
Answers at bottom of page.
160
You need to put air in your tyres. How would you find out the correct pressures to use?
Mark one answer
A It will be shown on the tyre wall • B It will be stamped on the wheel
C By checking the vehicle owners manual • D By checking the registration document
293. What can cause your tyres to skid and lose their grip on the road surface?
Mark one answer
A Giving hand signals • B Riding one handed
C Looking over your shoulder • D Heavy braking
361. You fing you need glasses to read vehicle number plates at the required distance.
When MUST you wear them?
Mark one answer
A Only in bad weather conditions • B At all times when riding
C Only when you think it necessary • D Only in bad light or at night time
1182. You are carrying a bulky tank bag. What could this affect?
Mark two answers
A Your ability to steer • B Your ability to accelarate
C Your view ahead • D Your insurance premium
MBEAM is grateful for the support given
by Mr David Randerson of
David Randerson
Design Associates Ltd
for subsidising the
printing of this Newsletter.
The Studio, 44 St David's Road South,
Lytham St Anne's, FY8 1TJ
Tel: 01253 789686
Fax: 01253 722760
[email protected]
www.drdesign.co.uk
Answers: 160…C • 293…D • 361…B • 1182…A
Welcome!
Congratulations
...to all those who have recently
passed their advanced test.
Thanks again to all the Observers
who contributed to their success....
Alex Marshall
Gary Baker
Congratulations to
Phil Bowker for
completing his
Observer Training and
is now an Observer.
A Big Welcome
to our
New Associates
New MBEAM members
joining us are
extended a very warm
‘bikers’ welcome!
Greg Lambert
Mick Fallows
Paul Nicholls
Are you being
served?
Tell us whether you are or
not at www.mbeam.org.uk
and click on FORUM
The Duke Of
Cumberland
17th Century Inn Serving
Good Food & Fine Ales
1 Appleby Road, Kendal, Cumbria. LA9 6ES
Telephone: 01539 724054
Westmorland
Marquee Hire
Corporate • Weddings • Private Parties
“whenithastoberight”
Free and comprehensive site visit service
Competitive prices
Clean, smart, modern equipment
01524 – 782414
www.westmorlandmarqueehire.co.uk
Dalton Hall, Burton-in-Kendal,
Cumbria LA6 1NJ
[email protected]
Prices start from under £ 500 for
a marquee complete with flooring
and lighting suitable for 60 guests.
Advertising Works!
You’re reading this aren’t you?
To advertise in our newletter call
01253 770645
or email [email protected]
www.mbeam.org.uk
Grass - One afternoon a wealthy lawyer was riding in
his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside
eating grass. Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop
and he got out to investigate the situation. He asked
one man, "Why are you eating grass?" "We don't have
any money for food," the poor man replied. "We HAVE TO
eat grass." Shocked, the lawyer said, "Well, then, you
can come with me to my house and I'll feed you!" "But
sir. I have a wife and two children with me. They are
over there, under that tree." "Bring them along," the
lawyer replied. Turning to the other poor man he said,
"You come with us, too." The second man said, "But sir, I
also have a wife and SIX children with me!" "Bring them
all!" the lawyer answered. They all jammed into the
huge limo. Once underway, one of the poor fellows
turned to the lawyer and said, "Sir, you are too kind.
Thank you for taking all of us with you." Genuinely
touched, the lawyer replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really
love my place; the grass is almost a foot high!"
MBEAM
SUNDAY
MEET
The Sunday meet will take place every two
weeks between February and the end of October
2006. There will be two venues: the current one
at the Dalton Arms, Glasson and a new one at
the Duke of Cumberland, Kendal. The meet will
start at 10am and dates are shown below. The
usual biker sustenance of bacon buns etc will be
available for purchase from the kitchens.
VENUES...
* Dalton Arms - 01524 751213
Ten Row West Quay, Lancaster, LA2 0BZ
* Duke of Cumberland - 01539 724054
Appleby Rd, Kendal, LA9 6ES
Date:
Location:
25.06.06
09.07.06
23.07.06
06.08.06
20.08.06
03.09.06
17.09.06
01.10.06
15.10.06
29.10.06
Glasson
Kendal
Glasson
Kendal
Glasson
Kendal
Glasson
Kendal
Glasson
Kendal
Come along and join us for a brew/bacon
butty. Meet like minded people and find out
what we are all about.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Got a parking ticket you think
is wrong have a look at:
www.parking-appeals.gov.uk
Contact Us!
John McGuinness
Vice President... Steve Rodgers
President...
Chairman - Clive Pollard
[email protected]
We are always on the lookout for
articles to include in your newletter.
Send us your contribution to
[email protected]
Help us broaden thecontent and ease the
burden on the regular contributors.
Jokes, Biking Tips,
Bad/Good Roads etc
Send it to us!
The views expressed in this
newsletter are not necessarily those of the
Editor, the Group or the IAM. Any complaints
should be forwarded in
writing to the MBEAM Group Secretary
Frank Murphy
'Oaklea' 13 Dronsfield Road,
Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 7BW
www.mbeam.org.uk
Secretary - Frank Murphy
[email protected]
Treasurer - Steve Rocke
[email protected]
Training Coordinator - Phil Butler
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor - Angela Patterson
[email protected]
Equipment Coordinator - Andy
[email protected]
Griffiths
Regalia Coordinator - Pauline
[email protected]
Crierie
Activities Coordinator - Irene Davis
[email protected]
Publicity Coordinator - Chris Yexley
[email protected]
Committee Member - Peter Doleman
[email protected]
Committee Member - Rod Chapman
[email protected]
Webmaster - Josh Chacko
[email protected]
Regalia
DR Design have been retained to supply us with
Regalia – for example, baseball caps; ‘T’ shirts; sweatshirts
(politically correct ladies version would be a ‘glowshirt’
I suppose!); and fleeces. Other items (mugs; pens; key
rings etc may be available later subject to demand).
We have a quantity of caps
and embroidered sew/iron
on MBEAM badges in stock
and these and other items
can be ordered through
Pauline Crierie.
Photographs are available
via the Forum.