Observers - Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists

Transcription

THE E-ZINE FOR THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS GROUP
The Newsletter for the Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists
A Public Apology.
“Any chance you could print an
apology to Sue regarding my
comments about her cooking
skills, so I can have sex again”
Jim Payne
Brackley Bike Fest
Dave Jay misses Brackley,
due to back problems.
He seems to be unable to
get it out of bed...
SIZE MATTERS!
“Now I have bigger
equipment, my wife is
much happier ”
Dave Harrop
Cypriot Police vs FP
Seemingly, being a newsletter
editor doesn't automatically make
it acceptable to walk around the
complex, taking photographs of
topless women.
NAMMC.ORG.UK
Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists
email:[email protected]
IAM Affiliate: 7226.
Reg. Charity No: 1107148
Page 1
September 2012 Issue 38
All in all, its been another successful month for Forward
Progress with downloads now in to the 90’s, and it seems
that each month the number increases exponentially. This
month I have decided to include new features in the
newsletter, firstly I will be covering stories about
Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists, and secondly
I will be including stories about motorcycles. My intention
was to also include my holiday snaps, but as the Cypriot
police won’t give me my camera back, I’ve had to place
that idea on the back burner
Thanks to all those who sent me their jokes, stories and
pictures,
For those who would like to contribute to next month’s edition, then please email me
at [email protected]
Also worth mentioning that if you require a login for the website / forum, then again,
email me at [email protected]. This will enable you to access additional features
that are only available to NAM members.
And last, but not least, to catch up on the latest news or check out the Sunday
morning destinations, visit:
www.nammc.org.uk
Rgds,
James - Editor
Always observe as far ahead as possible, ensuring
that the road is clear. Use the “Limit Point of Vision”
technique to maximise your observation and to
manage your speed.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in Forward Progress are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the
Editor, Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists or the Institute of Advanced Motorists, unless so stated.
DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998
Members are advised that the name and address details are held on a computer database. We will not disclose such
information to any third party, but where appropriate we will use such information in carrying out the Group’s various
functions and services Members not wishing their details to be held in this way should advise the Secretary, in writing, or
the Group may breach the requirements of the Act
The contents of this newsletter are copyright Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists and should not be reproduced
without prior permission.
Page 2
I refuse to mention the weather.... well I'll try but it does
impose on us two wheeler users more than a bit?
By the time you are reading this ( dependant on the
button pressing skills of our esteemed secretary ) the
last planned Better Biking Day of 2012 should have
taken place - hopefully in glorious sunshine!
Over 60 attendees are expected throughout the day
and our hope is that we can introduce some more
riders to the joys and yes there are real joys, of
advanced riding.
Some of you will be reading this excellent publication
( or scurrilous rag dependant on whether you are the
target of the editors attention on the day) for the first
time. Hopefully it conveys the enthusiasm of all of us
involved and the passion shown by all in improving standards for all road users. The
skills we have and are still acquiring give us an real 'edge' over those still to take on
advanced training and releases the true pleasure of two wheeler use. If you know of a
rider who could benefit from an uplift to their skill set please introduce them to us, as
always no obligation and no cost for a look see'.
Every extra skilled rider reduces the accident statistics that are now being used to
reduce speed limits on roads to unrealistically low levels in the vain hope of reducing
casualties - it is only by reducing these accident figures that we will stop the relentless
march of the 'Speed kills' brigade to the point of the man with the red flag walking in
front of all moving vehicles becoming a looming threat again!
Rant over for a while but please feel free to relate your thoughts to the editor on any
matters raised here or elsewhere in this e-zine, both he and I welcome your views as
its only by knowing what you think, that any changes will come about, both to the
Group and the magazine.
Enjoy your machine, enjoy any roads that allow you to get out of first gear ( sorry I
couldn't help myself there) and look forward to seeing you soon.
Geoff
Page 3
Motorbike clothing retailer Hein
Gericke folds
The motorbike clothing and parts retailer Hein Gericke has
gone into administration affecting its 49 UK stores and
around 200 staff.
Administrators, Moorfields Corporate Recovery, said it would try to sell the business
and stores were still open.
A statement on the company's UK website said the future of the operation was being
"determined and hopefully secured".
The UK head office of the company is in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Simon Thomas, joint administrator at Moorfields, said: "Whilst the ongoing economic
pressures have affected sales in recent years I am confident the business model has
a lot of potential with a dedicated customer base and staff who are obviously
passionate about working for the company."
Hein Gericke was a German biker who opened a motorcycle shop in Germany in the
1970s.
Within a few years it had developed into the largest motorcycle dealership in
Germany.
The Hein Gericke brand is sold through a retail shop presence across Germany,
Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg.
Page 4
IAM want biker-friendly crash
barriers
Crash barriers are a factor in one in seven
motorcyclist's deaths
THE IAM is calling the government to redesign crash
barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly.
While crash barriers save hundreds of car occupants
lives, they're a factor in the death of motorcyclists in up to 16 percent of motorcycle
accidents.
When they hit a crash barrier, riders are 15 times more likely to be killed than car
occupants.
IAM chairman Alistair Cheyne OBE said: “Roads in general and crash barriers in
particular are largely designed with four or more wheels in mind. The needs of more
vulnerable motorcyclists must become a priority."
Harley profits up, shares down
Both motorcycle and merchandise sales increase,
but it's not all good news for HD
HARLEY-Davidson have reported a 30 percent rise in
profits in Q2 of 2012 but despite the rise, its shares fell
following a cautious outlook on Europe.
The Milwaukee-based company reported net income of
£159.2m but the chief executive, Keith Wandell, said the company races a
challenging eurozone economy.
Since the decline of sales to baby-boomers, Harley have stepped up their efforts to
target women, ethnic minorities and young adults. Surprisingly, motorcycle sales have
grown by 4 percent in the US this year.
Harley's retail sales are vital to its profits, these sales rose 10 percent in the Asia
Pacific region and 37.9 percent in Latin America, offsetting weaker demand in Europe,
the Middle East and Africa, where sales fell by 6.4 percent.
Page 5
The Art Of Online Motorcycle Maintenance With Haynes
Motorcyclists can now fix up their bikes using new online manuals from Haynes - the
world’s leading publisher of maintenance manuals.
The first titles are now available including popular models such as the Honda Gold
Wing 1200 and classics such as the Triumph Bonneville. The 50 best-selling
motorbike manuals will be available by the end of the year.
The online manuals can be accessed on any computer or mobile device and include
all the content from the printed books with the additional benefits of:
•All-colour photographs and diagrams which can be enlarged to view key details
•A quick and easy to use search tool
•Quick links to the most popular DIY tasks
•A fault finding section to help quickly ascertain the cause of a particular problem
•Links to additional related information in other chapters
•Dictionary of technical terms
•Conversion calculator for imperial and metric units
Jeremy Yates-Round, Managing Director at Haynes said:
“In a world where our natural instinct is to Google how to fix something, we wanted to
create digital guides which motorcyclists know they can trust because the advice
comes from Haynes specialists with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Haynes
Manuals Online will put the answer at your fingertips, making expert motorcycle
maintenance advice more accessible than ever before.”
Haynes has sold more than 150 million printed manuals worldwide. Haynes Manuals
Online were released in the United States in Autumn 2011 and the top 50 car manuals
were published in June in the UK.
Jeremy Yates-Round added: “What we are seeing so far in the States is that many
motorcyclists are buying the digital version in addition to the printed book.”
A lifetime subscription to an online manual costs £33. Or a single motorcycle digital
manual can be purchased for £28 from www.haynes.co.uk
Page 6
Well folks, its official, Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists have managed to
raise in total, the princely sum of,
£930.00
for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Service.
Special thanks goes to all those who participated in the event, and everyone who
generously donated money to make this amount achievable.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
An important part
of riding is
wearing the right
kit to keep you
warm, safe and
dry.
Page 7
James Bond rides a Honda
The new 007 film, Skyfall, will feature
Daniel Craig as James Bond aboard
a Honda motorcycle.
The opening credits of the 23rd James
Bond film, Skyfall, feature a brace of
Honda motorcycles shot on location in
Istanbul and Adana, Turkey, earlier this
year.
Twenty CRF250R were provided, to be
adapted for stunt work and styled to suit
the plot of the film, which opens in the
UK on October 26. One is a Turkish
police bike that villain Patrice (Ola
Rapace) seizes after a policeman
crashes, the other is a Turkish
merchant's bike that James Bond
(Daniel Craig) uses to pursue Patrice.
Both bikes feature extensive modifications courtesy of Chris Corbould's awardwinning special effects team.
The film unit also used two Honda CRF450Rs for HD filming of the chase sequences,
because they allowed the camera crew to keep up with the action.
The Skyfall police and street merchant bikes, alongside an unmodified CRF250R,
were unveiled at the National Motor Museum's Bond In Motion exhibition, showcasing
50 vehicles used in the various Bond adventures, which runs until December 31.
Gary Powell, stunt co-ordinator for Skyfall, said: "We needed a highly versatile offroad motorbike that could be easily modified, without compromising performance or
safety, for the opening sequence of Skyfall. Honda's CRFs are probably the best offroaders out there so it's great that we've been able to partner with Honda as the
bikes, while heavily modified, were superb to work with."
Fiona Cole, Honda (UK) corporate communications manager, said: "We're delighted
to be a partner for Skyfall and are very much looking forward to seeing our CRFs in
action in the film and rolling out some great associated activities we've got planned
from October when the film is released. It's great to not only have Honda machines
selected as the choice of Bond, but also to be working with such a longstanding film
franchise."
Page 8
Motorcycling in France
From the seat of a motorcycle, France appears to have changed a lot. It used to be a
rider’s playground thanks to a combination of few traffic police, lax regulations, empty
roads, great food and wine, fabulous scenery and glorious weather.
A mad blast to the Bol d’Or 24-hour endurance race at Paul Ricard, north of Toulon,
used to be a rite of passage for British bikers from the Seventies to the Nineties,
some of whom came back with tales of full-throttle auto-route romps and knees down
in Provence, while the more mature have enjoyed the rich scenery from a twowheeled vantage point. It’s always been a favoured destination of British riders, and
even when it’s not, it’s still on the route of most foreign biking forays.
However, these days there’s a host of bewildering, bike-specific regulations policed by
a force which appears determined to squeeze cash out of riders generally – and
pounds out of the British, in particular.
Did you know, for example, that filtering through slow-moving or stationary traffic is
illegal in France? In itself, just another law to be aware of, but the French motorcycle
federation, the FFMC, has accused the police on Paris’s périphérique ring road of
deliberately slowing the traffic with their cars in order to catch motorcycles unwittingly
slipping through the “jam”.
There’s plenty more you can be picked up on, too. The drink-driving laws are the
same as for car drivers, with a 0.5mg/ml limit, which a single glass of wine or beer
could broach, and you could end up with a two-year prison sentence if you do so by a
big margin. You must also carry a breathalyser, or rather a pair of them (so even if you
use one you still have another working one). These aren’t expensive, at about £6 a
pair, and can be found in Halfords, as well as ports and French garages.
Page 9
125cc scooters and motorcycle buck the sales trend
If ever confirmation were needed that modern motorcycling is, on the whole, a leisure
pursuit, then it comes from bike sales statistics showing a near-catastrophic collapse
in numbers during the recession.
Overall sales now are about half what they were pre-recession, with some sectors
taking much bigger hits, especially sports bikes which have suffered the double
whammy of a demonization of speed with draconian enforcement to back it up.
However, economy machines have been showing consistent and substantial growth,
especially the 125cc scooter sector. The reasons aren't difficult to guess. Despite
June 2012 being a washout, scooter sales were up by a massive 21.1 per cent
compared with June 2011, which itself was up by a similar amount over the previous
year's numbers.
To look at a bigger pictures, in the first six months of this year 125cc sales are 15.2
per cent higher, and with better if not great weather, the same period in 2011 was 22.9
per cent better than 2010. If only we'd had a hot June, who knows how big growth
would have been?
The various reasons many people have held back from swapping to an economy twowheeler have proved increasingly unconvincing: insurance prices haven't risen as
much as with cars (involvement with whiplash claims is much rarer), and there's a
growing realisation that not only are accident rates much better than the stereotypes,
but whole journey safety starts to look good compared with public transport.
Page 10
<< Continued
The prime motivation for switching to a 125 is to reduce commuting costs, and they'll
certainly do this. A typical 125cc scooter will return about 85mpg around town (and
these are real rather than claimed or government figures), with some dropping to
70mpg but others nudging 100mpg. One surprise is that 125cc motorcycles are
generally more economical than 125c scooters, primarily because almost all scooters
use a variable pulley and belt transmission – like the old Daf cars – which is not
particularly efficient. Scooters will save you a fortune in fuel costs over any car, but if
you can get used to the manual transmission of a motorcycle (and it's easier than
learning a car's), you can get even better economy: Honda's CBF125 will take you
120 miles on one gallon without much throttle restraint. There's no congestion charge
in London either.
Purchase costs for a new scooter generally vary from £1,500 to £3,500, and we'd
recommend scooter and motorcycle novices stick with franchised dealers for used
models, too. Chinese brands are best avoided as quality is poor and initial savings
are often lost in heavy depreciation, but Taiwanese and Korean brands such as
Kymco, Sym and Daelim can be very good value and have decent reliability.
A 125 will cruise at 50-60mph, which on major A-roads feels vulnerable when lorries
are around, but they're generally fine for commuting up to 20 miles, although some
people happily travel much further and still benefit from much quicker commutes than
by other methods. This leads to the second big attraction: time saving. In towns and
cities nothing comes close to scooters and motorcycles, with some journey times
reducing to (and not merely by) a third. On top of that, you can leave home or the
office when you want, not in order to fit in with transport timetables.
Another little cited advantage is isolation from viruses. Scooter riders are far less
exposed to the colds, coughs and other nasties swilling around in buses and trains,
and are demonstrably ill and off work less often as a result. To top it all, there's the
small matter that many scooter and motorcycle riders actively enjoy the commute to
work.
COLMATT CONSTRUCTION LTD
BUILDING ON OUR REPUTATION
Design & Build, Quality Homes, Extensions, Refurbishments,
Barn Conversions, Commercial and Domestic Property Maintenance
Phone: 01604 696000
Fax: 01604 696111
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www.colmattconstruction.co.uk
Page 11
New Kawasaki Ninja 250R unveiled.
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R gets a significant update
for 2013, with a whole new look as well as
modifications to the engine and optional ABS.
The 249cc parallel twin engine gets new pistons and
crankcases and the cylinders will be diecast. The
new bike is expected to weigh 171kg without ABS,
making it 6kg heavier than the current model which
was introduced in 2008
Motorcycle sales flat, car sales rise.
Cheap finance thought to keep car sales flowing
MOTORCYCLE sales for the first six months of the
year have been broadly flat, while car sales have
shown their fastest rise in two years.
In the first six months of
motorcycles were sold, a rise
same period in 2011. However
3.5% for the year to date, with
month alone.
this year, 44,938
of just 1.2% on the
sales of cars are up
9.6% rise in the last
The motorcycle capacity sector showing growth is
the 51cc-125cc category with 18,428 unit sold, up
13.7% on last year. The only category types to show
growth are Adventure Sport and Scooter (over
125cc). The Adventure Sport category is 32.6% up
on last year, with 7,887 units sold, compared to
5,950 for the same period last year.
However, despite good sales of Adventure Sport and
Maxi Scooters, every other sector is down, with
Touring showing the biggest decrease; a 22.7% drop
compared to last year.
Cheap finance is said to be the driving factor for the
increased car sales, with cars like the Ford Fiesta
and Vauxhall Corsa in the super-mini sector an
impressive 93% up on 2011.
Page 12
8 Market Square, Higham Ferrers, Northants. NN10 8BP
Tel: 01933 312 827
Paris Hilton talks racing with Jay
Leno...
FLAUNTING her new connection to
motorcycling, Paris Hilton arrived to an
interview with Jay Leno riding pillion on a
GSX-R600 in her team's livery.
Motorhead Leno asked the heiress about her
motorcycle-mounted entrance: "I have my
own racing team. A real racing team. We just
won first place at the huge race in France. I'm
very proud."
Paris continued by giving praise to 16-yearold rookie Maverick Vinales, "Maverick won.
He's 16 and incredibly talented," commenting
on Vinales impressive performance at Le
Mans, "Racing is so exciting. It's such an
amazing sport."
Leno, who has an impressive collection of motorbikes then spoke with Paris
about her own experiences on two wheels, "I have a pink Vespa... I didn't want
to hurt the audience, so I didn't trust myself to ride out here," and quizzed on
the quickest she had been, "The fastest I've gone is, like, 50."
The conversation on bikes only last for a short time, with the topic shifting to
her dogs and their palace at her Beverly Hills home.
Page 13
a young Executive was
leaving the office at 6 p.m.,
then he found
the Manager standing in front
of the shredder with a piece of
paper in
his hand.
"Listen," said the Manager,
"this is a very sensitive and
important
document. Can you make this
thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young
Executive.
He turned the machine on,
inserted the paper, and
pressed the Start
button.
"Excellent, excellent!" said the
Manager as his paper
disappeared
inside the machine.
"I just need two copies."
A young boy comes home with
a chair under each arm and a
settee
strapped to his back. His dad
goes absolutely crazy and
demands,
'How many times do I have to
tell you not to accept suites
from strangers?'
-------------------------------I was visiting my son and
daughter-in-law last night when
I asked if
I could borrow a newspaper.
'This is the 21st century, old
man,' my son said. 'We don't
waste money
on newspapers. Here, you can
borrow my iPad.'
I can tell you, that bloody fly
never knew what hit it…
-------------------------------A man is staying in a hotel.
'And will there be anything
else, sir?' the
bellboy asks after setting out
an elaborate dinner for two.
'No thank
you,' the gentleman replies,
'That will be all.' As the young
man turns
to leave he notices a beautiful
satin negligee on the bed.
'Anything for
your wife?' he asks. 'Yeah!
That's a good idea,' the man
says,
'Bring me a postcard.'
-------------------------------What d'ya call a smart blonde?
A golden retriever.
-------------------------------A guy goes into a bar and says
to the barman "Quick, give me
a drink before the trouble
starts."
The barman pours him a drink
and the guy quickly "downs it"
and says "Better give me
another, before the trouble
starts."
The barman gives him another
drink and the guy knocks that
one back as well.
The guy then looks around the
bar and says "Better give me
another one, quick, before the
trouble starts."
The barman pours him a third
drink and says to the guy,
"Look, when is all this "trouble"
going to start?"
The guy replies "As soon as
you find out I don't have any
money!"
Sam quits his job and buys 50
acres in the Yukon as far from
humanity as possible. He sees
the postman once a week and
gets groceries once a month.
Otherwise it's total peace and
quiet.
After six months or so of
almost total isolation, someone
knocks on his door. He opens
it to find a big, fat, bearded
man standing there.
"Name's Ned....Your neighbour
from 40 miles away.... Having
a party Friday....Thought you
might like to come. About 5..."
"Great" says Sam, "after six
months out here I'm ready to
meet some local folks. Thank
you."
As Ned is leaving, he stops.
"Gotta warn you... There's
gonna be some drinkin."
"Not a problem....after 25
years in business, I can drink
with the best of em."
Again, as he starts to leave,
Ned stops. "More'n likely
gonna be some fightin' too."
Sam says, "Well, I get along
with people. I'll be there.
Thanks again."
Once again Ned turns back.
"I've seen some wild sex at
these parties, too."
"Now that's really not a
problem" says Sam. "I've been
all alone for six months! I'll
definitely be there. By the
way, what should I bring?"
Ned stops again and says,
"Bring whatever you want, just
gonna be the two of us".
Reg.
Opportunity for 100 members of the public to try off-road
motorcycling FOR FREE
KARL WILLIAMS, NEED NOT APPLY!
Members of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) are holding a ‘Motorcycle OffRoad Experience’ day on Saturday 15th September at Adstone, Northamptonshire for
members of the public who have never ridden off-road before to...
• Experience the thrill of off-road riding
• Take instruction from the UK’s top trainers (including three times world champion –
Dave Thorpe)
• See how it’s done by the experts at a special pro demonstration
• Understand why it’s such a great family sport
This is a cross industry effort, sponsored by leading names such as AJP, Honda,
Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Yamaha and Zero electric motorcycles, in order to
highlight how easy it is to get started in off-road motorcycle sport.
Who is this for and how do they apply?
• It is for people over the age of 16, who have no previous experience of motorcycle
off-road riding.
• Registration will be on a first come first served basis via www.rideoffroad.co.uk. The
website will contain all the relevant information and went live on Monday 6th August.
Registration is from 9 am on Monday 13th August.
• A deposit of £25 will be payable at the point of successful registration, which will be
refunded on arrival on the day. This is taken to ensure people are serious about taking
a place. Those who are not successful can join a waiting list and will be contacted
should a spare place arise.
• Successful applicants will be allocated either a morning or afternoon of off-road
riding and all protective clothing will be provided.
The benefits
Motorcycle off-road sport provides exciting opportunities for riders to pit themselves
against a variety of physical challenges. It is accessible to all ages and provides the
most economical route to competitive motorsport.
This area of motorcycle sport has the highest level of participation in the UK with 1.7
million spectators watching around 55,000 riders attending an average of over 4000
off-road events a year. These range from schoolboy motocross to high level
competitions such as the Maxxis British Motocross Championships.
Page 15
Brackley Bike Fest Update
For NAM, Brackley turned out to be a very successful day with regards to promoting
what we do, as well as getting people interested in September’s Better Biking Day
(www.betterbiking.co.uk)
With a total of 25 names taken on the day, Jim and Sue Payne, Paul and Jude Fowler,
Penny Ganser, James Duffy, Andrew Oliver and Dave Craddock worked hard, talking
to people from all over the region about the benefits of advanced motorcycling.
Also, a big thanks goes to Dave Jay who was instrumental in organising the event,
although, couldn't make it on the day, as he had been up all the previous night with
bubonic plague and diahorrea. But he’s all better now!!!
Useless Facts
You're more likely to get stung by a bee
on a windy day than in any other
weather.
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a
day.
Your ribs move about 5 million times a
year, every time you breathe.
Your right lung takes in more air than
your left one does.
Your stomach has to produce a new
layer of mucus every two weeks
otherwise it will digest itself.
Always aim to complete
your braking before you
begin to turn into a bend.
This slow in, fast out
technique is the
smoothest, safest and
often the most
progressive way to ride.
Page 16
Bike With Russian Tank Engine Lands On Guinness As
World's Heaviest
Running on a Russian tank engine, a giant motorcycle dubbed as Led Zeppelin by its
creator has been duly acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's
heaviest motorbike.
The bike weighs four-and-a-half tons and measures 17 feet four inches long by seven
feet six inches tall, prompting creator Tilo Nieber, to remark, "You don't get much more
heavy metal than this."
Nieber, 39, said it took more than a year for a team of welders and mechanics almost
a year to build the bike at the Harzer Bike Schmiede in Zilly, Germany.
Advanced riders are able to ride with the skill
and precision in all conditions, including
difficult situations in the day or at night.
Page 17
Officers and PSCOs from the Kettering Safer Community Team are tackling the illegal
and anti-social use of motorbikes in Kettering and the surrounding towns and villages.
Sgt Simon Lloyd said: “We are patrolling areas where this has been raised as an
issue to us on foot, by car and by off-road bike.
“We’re certainly not targeting motorcyclists specifically but we want people to be
aware that even if your bike is legal and roadworthy, you still risk prosecution if you
are riding it in a way which causes other people alarm, distress or annoyance.
“Riding in places such as parks and on paths is illegal and of course using any vehicle
without insurance is breaking the law.
“We focus on things that matter to the community and will be cracking down on those
that persist in this behaviour. We can and will seize vehicles and make arrests where
appropriate.
“I would urge anyone who uses a motorcycle to ensure they are familiar with the law
in relation to its use so they can continue to enjoy riding them safely and legally
without causing annoyance to others.”
Page 18
Increase in road motorcycle accidents.
THERE has been an increase in the number of motorcycle incidents being attended
by Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance service.
The wet weather has been blamed for the rise in accidents on the county’s roads.
An air ambulance spokesman said: “Motorcycle accidents account for about eight per
cent of calls responded to by The Air Ambulance Service, but this figure increases in
the spring and summer months.
“Both Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, which fall under the umbrella of air ambulance
service, have attended seven motorcycle incidents in just five days recently.”
Coventry air base manager Philippa Gibbs added: “We often see trends in the
different types of accidents that we attend, and unfortunately one of these trends is
the increase in motorcycle accidents in the spring time. We’d urge motorcyclists to
take extra care even in good weather conditions, and also for motorists to be extra
aware of motorcycles on the road.”
The service has signed up new charity ambassadors – TV travel adventurer Charley
Boorman and former World Superbike champion James Toseland.
Avoid becoming an “accidental pedestrian”
vulnerable to danger, when you get off your
machine at the roadside. Consider all the
dangers posed by passing traffic and act
accordingly.
Page 19
Riding Pillion
Taking a pillion can be heaven or hell. Make them
read this and avoid any relationship stress
Advice for Pillions
Before you get on
Many people (but not advanced riders) assume
the best way to introduce people to the joys of
biking is to scare them witless. When you agree to
take a pillion ride make it quite clear to the ‘driver’
that you want a safe, sensible ride - no heroics.
You won’t be able to talk once you’re on the go
(unless you have radio intercom), so arrange a
couple of simple signals so you can make it plain
if you’re not happy.
Getting on and off
This catches a lot of people out. The best method is for the rider to get the bike
upright, plant both feet on the floor, and for the pillion to stand on one footrest, stand
up and swing their leg over to the other side. Some people prefer to slide one leg over
the seat, shuffle their bum on and then locate the pegs. (it depends on the bike and
the size of the passenger). However you do it, make sure you always ask the rider if
he or she is ready before you start to climb aboard.
Holding on
When you first start riding pillion it is best to hold on round the rider’s waist. That way
you’ll be cushioned to some extent from the effects of acceleration and braking, and
you’ll stay in line with the bike and rider, helping to avoid upsetting the balance of the
bike. Also you hands will be within easy reach of the rider’s genitals should it be
necessary to apply pain to correct cretinous behaviour. If you want to use the grab
rail/s, you may find this hard work at first - you’ll have to learn to judge braking and
acceleration exactly right to avoid lurching backwards and forwards.
Clothing
If it’s not at least as good as the rider’s, why not? He or she’s the one who has taken
responsibility for your safety while you’re on the bike, and that should extend to
making sure you’re properly dressed. If they expect you to ride in trainers and a
paddock jacket, tell ‘em to sod off.
Continued >>
Page 20
<< Continued
On the move
As a pillion you’re
more than just a
passenger
–
everything you do
affects the way the
bike handles. So you
need to take as much
interest
in
your
surroundings and the
road ahead as the
rider does. Under
braking you need to
try and avoid sliding
forward. You can do
most of this by taking
the strain through
your legs, so make sure your feet are firmly on the pegs. On acceleration lean forward
and hold on to whatever you’re holding on to as firmly as possible. Initially the
temptation will be to lean the opposite way to the bike in corners, especially if you’re
nervous (Don’t!), but try to keep your body in line with the bike and rider as much as
possible. If you find it difficult to avoid head-butting your rider on gear changes, don’t
panic, it’s probably your rider’s fault - he, or she needs to change gear more smoothly.
Short-shifting and clutchless changes may help. If you take the attitude that your job
as a pillion is to reduce the effect you have on the bike’s handling to such an extent
that the rider hardly knows you’re there, you won't go far wrong. It may seem alien at
first but relax and it will all come naturally.
Tips summary:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Make it clear to the rider that you don’t want to be scared
Agree signals in advance –you might not be heard on the move
Make sure you have decent, well-fitting protective kit
Look ahead and anticipate what the rider’s going to do
Make sure your chauffeur/se knows what he/she is doing
Extracted from “Brilliant riding The Manual” by BiKE magazine.
The italics are mine (Dave H), So is the photo! Ed.
Let them get used to the bike at an early stage
Courtesy of Dave Harrop
Page 21
Chilli Con Carne
Ingredients
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
1 tbsp oil
1 large onion
1 red pepper
2 garlic cloves , peeled
1 heaped tsp hot chilli powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
500g lean minced beef
1 beef stock cube
400g can chopped tomatoes
½ tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp tomato purée
410g can red kidney beans
plain boiled long grain rice , to serve
soured cream , to serve
Method
1.Prepare your vegetables. Chop 1 large onion into small dice, about 5mm square. The easiest way
to do this is to cut the onion in half from root to tip, peel it and slice each half into thick matchsticks
lengthways, not quite cutting all the way to the root end so they are still held together. Slice across
the matchsticks into neat dice. Cut 1 red pepper in half lengthways, remove stalk and wash the
seeds away, then chop. Peel and finely chop 2 garlic cloves.
2.Start cooking. Put your pan on the hob over a medium heat. Add the oil and leave it for 1-2
minutes until hot (a little longer for an electric hob). Add the onions and cook, stirring fairly
frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft, squidgy and slightly translucent. Tip in
the garlic, red pepper, 1 heaped tsp hot chilli powder or 1 level tbsp mild chilli powder, 1 tsp paprika
and 1 tsp ground cumin. Give it a good stir, then leave it to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring
occasionally.
3.Brown the 500g lean minced beef. Turn the heat up a bit, add the meat to the pan and break it up
with your spoon or spatula. The mix should sizzle a bit when you add the mince. Keep stirring and
prodding for at least 5 minutes, until all the mince is in uniform, mince-sized lumps and there are no
more pink bits. Make sure you keep the heat hot enough for the meat to fry and become brown,
rather than just stew.
4.Making the sauce. Crumble 1 beef stock cube into 300ml hot water. Pour this into the pan with the
mince mixture. Open 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g can) and add these as well. Tip in ½ tsp
dried marjoram and 1 tsp sugar, if using (see tip at the bottom), and add a good shake of salt and
pepper. Squirt in about 2 tbsp tomato purée and stir the sauce well.
5.Simmer it gently. Bring the whole thing to the boil, give it a good stir and put a lid on the pan. Turn
down the heat until it is gently bubbling and leave it for 20 minutes. You should check on the pan
occasionally to stir it and make sure the sauce doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan or isn't drying
out. If it is, add a couple of tablespoons of water and make sure that the heat really is low enough.
After simmering gently, the saucy mince mixture should look thick, moist and juicy.
6.Bring on the beans. Drain and rinse 1 can of red kidney beans (410g can) in a sieve and stir them
into the chilli pot. Bring to the boil again, and gently bubble without the lid for another 10 minutes,
adding a little more water if it looks too dry. Taste a bit of the chilli and season. It will probably take a
lot more seasoning than you think. Now replace the lid, turn off the heat and leave your chilli to
stand for 10 minutes before serving, and relax. Leaving your chilli to stand is really important as it
allows the flavours to mingle and the meat.
7.Serve with soured cream and plain boiled long grain rice.
Page 22
Page 23
FOR SALE
Kawasaki ER6f (2008)
£2900 o.n.o
Got something to
sell, looking for
something, or
know of a good
service provided
by a 3rd party, then
share it here.
Scooter for SALE
An acquaintance is reluctantly
trying to part company with an old
scooter. He has been restoring it
but got distracted by something
shiny.
12,750 Miles
Full Kawasaki dealer service history.
Taxed till December.
Two owners.
Rear Hugger and Mirror Extenders.
Full 12 months MOT (June 2013)
Makes a great first ‘big bike’.
Cheap to insure and run.
Please contact Dave Jay at
[email protected] for more details.
Lambretta TV 175, 1962, red and
white, classic bike. Was being
restored but due to kids coming
along simply don't have the time or
the money to complete. It was all
working prior to dropping the
engine etc to be sent off (which I
never did) all it needs is some TLC
and someone who knows what
they are doing and it will be a great
bike again. (sob) It has many new
parts, electronic ignition and it’s
Italian original (not Asian!) and I
am looking for around £1000. The
seat spare wheel and backrest trim
is red to match the scooter itself, I
also have many rare accessories
(bolt ons) if anyone is interested in
those too.
Contact:
[email protected]
Page 24
Geoff Russell (Chairman)
Dave Harrop (Group Secretary)
Phone:- 08700 427648
John Durrant (Treasurer)
David Linnitt (Associates Secretary)
Tom Palacio (Events Co-ordinator)
David Jay (Liaison Officer)
Chris Capewell (Forum Admin)
James Duffy (Newsletter)
Senior Observers:
Richard Debell, John Durrant,
Darran Johnson, Geoff Russell, Harvey Upton, Dave Wilkinson,
Karl Williams.
Observers:
Marc Buckel, Chris Capewell, Mark Curtis, Penny Ganser,
Paul Fox, Paul Fowler,, Dave Harrop, David Linnitt,
Nic Morris, Tom Palacio, Jim Payne, Jeff Pearce,
Mike Whitbread
Observers in Training:
Dave Jay, Debbie Prigmore,
Debbie Ruddock, George Simpson
Page 25

Observers - Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists

Transcription

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