the cover photo was submitted by ian bishop. he said it is

The SAM Observer March 2021 www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

The Cover photo was submitted by Ian Bishop. He said "It is a rebuilt 1980

Kawasaki KZ750 twin, with 9000 miles on the clock from new. A mixture of

shed and professionally rebuilt custom from myself and Paul Saddler at

Demeanour customs. Mike Roberts also did the digital editing.

Please send in Pictures for our 2021 magazines

Thought you might be in

terested in inclu

ding a b

efore p

icture !

This w

as a bike th

at was cry

ing out fo

r a redesig

n !! Ian

Bish

op


your Committee

No Calls After 21:00 Please

Officers Chairman Martin Drury 07595 277831

Vice Chairman Dean Harris 07956 339112

Secretary Eric Aldridge 07984 022646

Treasurer Bryan Duncan 07879 654122

Committee Members Chief Observer Paul Ballard 07850 715063

Caring SAM Brian Ellis 07740 564097

Charity Co-ordinator Brian Ellis 07740 564097

Events Rob Baker 07710 537844

Publicity Co-ordinator Glyn Hill 07986 319163

Publicity Dean Harris 07956 339112

Publicity Trevor Read 07525 724002

Ride Leader Richard Ockelton 07872 925532

Webmaster Mike Roberts 01473 718915

Communications Les Smith 07792 273334

Magazine Editor Felix Oliver 07712 649860

Committee Support Members Membership Secretary Dave Franklin 07801 688639

Associate Co-ordinator Geoff Scott 07983 939998

Buddy Co-ordinator Vicky Smith 01255 830352

National Observers Mike Roberts 01473 718915 Richard Ockelton 07872 925532

Kevin Brendish 07854 494041 Matthew Barker 07931 700725

Geoff Scott 07983 939998 André Castle 07730 526674

Paul Newman 01473 620450 Ruth Acworth 07783 007100

Paul Ballard 07850 715063 Tony Chyc 01206 231782

Derek Barker 01473 327555

Local Observers Steve Gocher 01473 430643 John Rudland 07740 874300

Dean Harris 07956 339112 Rob Baker 07710 537844

Phil Sayer 07990 565451 Glyn Hill 07986 319163

Terry Fellowes 07870 764187 Graham Parker 07905 468995

Ian Bishop 07775 920661 Nick Braley 07990 734581

Steve Bingham 07971 075424 Andrew Robotham 07816 128591

Dave Franklin 07801 688639 Karl Grimwade 07885 717771

David Rudland 01473 401362 Ian Leedham 07747 792992

I.A.M. Examiner

Ian Maxwell 0 7974 941545 Neale McConnell 07899 714136


Contents

Before the Start by Ian Bishop 2

Committee 3

Chairman’s Chat by Martin Drury 5

Mostar Bridge by Ian Bishop 7

New Associates 7

Free Motorcycle Magazines by Eric Aldridge 7

Motorcycle Training of Old by Bryan Duncan 9

SAM Theory Evening by Paul Ballard 12

SAM Calendar Challenge 2021 by Nigel Chittock 13

Give me Chips by Suffolkgazette 14

Bikes by Bryan Duncan 16

Stonham Bike Nights by Alison Baker 19

Ride Co-Ordinator and leaders 21

Copdock Bike show by Phil Sayer 23

Editorial by Editor 24

Advertise Here by Committee 25

SAM Events for your Diary 26

Model F61ci 1916 by David Woods 26

Members Information by Mike Roberts 28

Bikes by David Woods 31

Eastern Lights Charity run by Bryan Duncan 32

Our New Venue 32

next Issue Closing date for copy – Monday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB

memory stick (which will be returned) The Editor reserves the right to edit,

amend or omit as he feels fit.

WEBSITE ADDRESS

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

SAM is a registered Charity ~ No. 1067800

All Official Correspondence to:

The Secretary, Eric Aldridge.


Chairman’s Chat

Hello again everyone

As I write this month’s Chairman’s chat, I sense a great

deal of excitement and optimism regarding our pending

release from lockdown restrictions. However, as we are

now constantly reminded, it’s the data not the dates that

will be the deciding factor – but we have been given

dates and while we cannot as yet know what the data

will tell us, we can be quite optimistic that the data will

support the dates if the current trends are anything to go

by.

With all that in mind, our Secretary Eric has pencilled in a provisional date of

Wednesday July 21st for our first club night and AGM, with Wednesday August

18th as a fall-back date. Obviously we will review and confirm nearer the time

but it might be worth putting a note in your diary now - and in case you’ve

forgotten, the AGM and all club nights thereafter will be held at the War

Memorial Community Centre, 12 Acre Approach, Kesgrave – with club nights

being on the third Wednesday of every month.

This also seems a fitting time to thank all full and associate members for

renewing your membership for another year. We know you haven’t had much

‘bang for your buck’ this past year but, circumstances permitting, we sincerely

hope to offer a good selection of social rides, optional training/refresher rides and

club night presentations and events that will go some way to making your

continued membership all worthwhile.

As things gradually return to normal, albeit the ‘new’ normal, I’m hoping that we

will start to attract new Associates again. I thought Andrew Jackson’s article in

last month’s magazine gave an excellent insight and good impression of what

we’re about at SAM, with Observer Dean’s persistent but patient approach and

explanation of the advanced riding techniques, and his positive encouragement

throughout the entire process, is what any new Associate should and can expect

from their Observer. As Andrew intimated, with a little perseverance it really

does all click into place without you hardly realising it. I’m also really pleased to

see that he is looking forward to developing his riding skills further with SAM.

It’s a point I have made before, that passing your advanced test is only stage one


of longer journey– there is a lot more to learn if you want to, and as an advanced

riding club we would always encourage that.

And now for something completely different! Member and ex-Chairman Steve

Gocher sent me an email with the following link

www.suffolk.gov.uk/A12improvements relating to Suffolk County Councils

proposed A12 Improvements from “Seven Hills” (A14) to A1152 Woods Lane.

If you live over that way you probably already know about it but if like me, you

live on the other side of the county but like to know what’s going on elsewhere,

then it might be worth a look. Consultation is from 9 February to 19 March 2021

so you might just catch it, but on the other hand you might have just missed it!

Well I think that’s more than enough from me for this month, so have a good

Easter but go easy on those chocolate eggs!

Cheers

Martin

Mostar bridge Ian Bishop


New Associate Members

A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:

Karl Moseley… David Moss… Matthew Watts

If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and

he will put your name in the next Issue

Collection of Bike Magazines – Free to a

Good Home. We have received an offer from someone who has a large collection of Bike

magazines dating from 2005 to 2018 which is no longer wanted, but which he is

reluctant to consign to the recycling bin.

The magazines are available for collection from their current home between Bury

St. Edmunds and Newmarket once we are all free to move around again.

If any SAM Member is interested in all or part of this collection please contact

the Club Secretary, Eric Aldridge by email at [email protected] who will

provide the contact details for the guy looking to find a new home for this

collection.


Motorcycle Training of old

Back in the early sixties, the Hot News in the motorcycle world was that

Triumph and BSA were upgrading their bikes by combining the engine and

gearbox together and calling them “unit construction”. The Japanese were also

launching a range of bikes - funny looking things with no tubular frame, just

pressed steel boxing! That’ll never catch on!

At that time, If you were sixteen, you could buy a Vincent; then the fastest

production motorcycle made, fit a sidecar (minus the body) and scream around

on this rocket-ship of a bike with only a provisional licence and absolutely no

training whatsoever.

But what choice did you have? The IAM had yet to really acknowledge the

existence of motorcycles. The only member of the IAM you would bump into

was probably sporting a handlebar moustache and wearing a tweed jacket, flat

cap and driving gloves and was at the wheel of a Triumph sports car with his

IAM badge proudly bolted to the bumper or grill next to his AA badge.

RoSPA were no better. Although founded long before the IAM, at that time

RoSPA was more interested in faulty wiring in the home, dangerous household

appliances and people falling off ladders, rather than preventing you falling off

your motorcycle.

If you wanted training, you had to enrol in the RAC/ACU training scheme.

Such was the case for me; well almost!

Whilst going through some old paperwork of my parents, prior to disposal I came

across the attached document and it got me reminiscing.

Back in the day, although my parents knew that I was surreptitiously riding

bikes, they assumed (quite incorrectly) that it was on waste ground or bomb-

sites. When I wanted to buy a bike and ride it on the roads LEGALLY, they

insisted that I get some training first and you didn’t argue with my dad!

This meant joining the local RAC/ACU TRAINING SCHEME which was, as

explained above, the only choice that you had.


So in high dudgeon and under duress and after much prevarication and stalling

for time, I eventually joined. I realised very quickly that I actually enjoyed it!

The fact that over 50% of the participants were teenage girls was definitely a plus

point and may have helped to tip the “enjoyment” scales! Unlike SAM members,

however, almost everyone was a beginner just hoping to learn enough just to pass

their test, as opposed to becoming “advanced” riders.

I must be honest and say that I cannot remember exactly all of the things that

were said or taught, but I do seem to remember that the ethos of the training was

not so much “making progress”, more “what’s the hurry?”. Anything to get you

through your ministry test in one piece.

Taking into account the bikes ridden by learners of the time, such as BSA C15's,

Triumph Tiger Cub's, Norton Jubilee's and Francis Barnett's; all sporting the

inferior brakes, tyres, handling, etc., of British bikes of the era, it's not really

surprising that keeping the machine as vertical as possible at all times was the

order of the day.

So the advice was to “straight-line” bends whenever safely possible and if you

have to go across a manhole cover, try to keep the bike as upright as you can. We

did practice slow riding, but not balancing clutch/throttle/brake to the degree that

we now do in SAM.

We did not study the Police Motorcycle Training Manual, in fact I’m not sure

such a thing actually existed back then? We were supposed to study the Highway

Code, however. Remember, most of us were learners hoping to pass our test.

They even ran a basic bike maintenance course as part of the training.

All in all, although I railed against joining the RAC/ACU training scheme in the

beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and duly took their test at the end

of the course. Unlike SAM, this was just a course and not a club as well and at

the end of the course you had to leave. Ironically, I actual took and passed my

ministry test long before the RAC/ACU course finished, but I was more than

happy to stay the course.

However, little did I realise then that many, many, years later in 2009, I would be

doing the same thing all over again when I joined SAM - and enjoying it just as

much.

Bryan Duncan


SAM Theory Evenings

Watch out for updates as the club is holding Zoom meetings, further details as

they become available

As most of you know, on the 3rd

Thursday evening every month, SAM holds its

monthly Theory Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of important

rider skills these nights are an informal evening of facts and lively banter all

aimed at improving your ride based on the information in the

Advanced Rider Course Logbook.

Each session covers one of the four main topic areas;

Overtaking Planning & Positioning

Cornering Gears & Acceleration

Mainly aimed at Associates going through the course, these

evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on

their theory and add their experiences and questions to the session.

The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time

on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to

discuss any issues you may have generally on your Advanced Rider Course.

Paul Ballard SAM Chief Observer


2021 SAM Calendar

Challenge

2021 SAM Calendar Challenge

First £100 donation to East Anglian Air Ambulance

Registrations are steadily arriving for this years challenge and the supply of

calendars is diminishing rapidly. I still have a few left so it’s not too late to enter,

just email me at [email protected] and you could soon be planning

your routes around the country with the aim of a place in the prize draw for either

£200 or £100 of vouchers kindly supplied by our sponsors Mototechniks of

Stowmarket.

I’m pleased to announce that the donations received from members for their

calendars have reached £100 so far, so I have forwarded them to the EAAA.

Hopefully as restrictions are lifted and warmer weather arrives more of you will

want to sign up in readiness to explore far flung corners of the country.

If you already have a calendar as a result of completing last year’s Challenge and

intend entering this year’s event then please contact me and I will send you the

terms and conditions.

Many thanks,

Nigel Chittock.


We need to start the chip runs as soon as possible!

From the Suffolk Gazette https://www.suffolkgazette.com/about/

Seagulls plotting terrifying revenge for lack of chips

Seagulls are meeting this week to decide how to wreak awful revenge on the

nation for cutting off their supply of chips.

The violent birds are furious that chips have been missing from Britain since we

all went into lockdown.

Now, they are meeting to plot revenge, including stealing small dogs from back

gardens, swooping on men’s testicles and pooping on our cars.

A secret meeting is being held on Felixstowe beach on Friday to plan retribution

for what seagulls claim is criminal negligence.


Seagull leader Steve Walshe, three, said: “If people think they can stop

wandering around with chips for us to steal, they are more stupid than they look.

“We rule the country, we’re in charge of the beaches, they are OUR chips.

“We meet on Friday, and you will begin seeing the results of our terrifying

revenge missions this weekend.

“Without giving too much away, you might want to lock up your small pets and

don’t go sunbathing in the garden.

“It’s not too late to prevent all this – simply place 25 tonnes of chips in an

unmarked bag on Aldeburgh beach before Thursday, midnight.

“Come alone and make sure you’re not followed.”

Chip shop owner Lorraine Fisher, 34, has had to close her business during the

coronavirus lockdown.

She said: “The seagulls are furious. They’ve been banging on my door and

leaving deathly messages on my phone.

“I won’t give in, though.”

Seen by Derek Barker,

Permission from the Author to publish it was granted.

In Joey's bar in

Ballymoney,

Northern Ireland

they have his

winning Honda on

the ceiling.

In France, they

have a bike –

what else

Bryan Duncan


Press Release

Stonham Barns Bike Nights Are Ready to Roll

Again

Motorcycle owners and enthusiasts get set to meet up at Stonham Barns Park

After months of lockdown, Stonham Barns Park has announced that it is hoping

to roll out its bike meet nights again, during the Spring, Summer and Autumn

months.

The regular Thursday night meets are planned to start again on 8 April, subject

to the easing of Government restrictions, from 5pm to 9.30pm with hot and cold

food, drinks and a licensed bar for the pillion passengers. The event is free to

enter and there is no need to book. All motorcycles, trikes and quads are

welcome too.

David Sandpearl of Stonham Barns Park, said: ‘Our bike nights can attract a

wide range of enthusiasts and collectors with differing bike interests, there are

first-time motorcycle owners and those who own rare and exceptional bikes

including an awesome range of customs. We provide all the facilities needed to

make a bike meet go smoothly.’

The octane-fuelled weekly event is one of the most popular at Stonham Barns

Park.

Adds Mark Warren, co-organiser of the event and motorcycle enthusiast of

nearly 50 years, ‘These events bring out increasing numbers of the biking

community who this year, above any other, are ready to ride again. We only

started the Bike Nights in September last year and have had nightly attendances


of up to 350 bikes already. We are unique in that we use our own Showground

for the venue, which includes controlled parking and security.’

‘The county of Suffolk has some of the most beautiful countryside and the open

roads are going to tempt the owners to get out for a ride and some safe

socialising. It’s going to be great to catch up with fellow riders over the months

ahead. We are all looking forward to it.’

It is hoped the event will feature Speedway Bikes and members of the local

Superbike Team.

Other events on the calendar include May Day Fun, The Motorcycle Show,

Steam & Vintage Show, Truck Show and History Alive.

Stonham Barns Park is a day out for all the family to suit all ages, other activities

include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, The Bistro, Adventure Golf, a Teapot

Pottery, a nine-hole golf course, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and

glamping, an indoor play barn and fishing lakes.

Stonham Barns Park has been awarded the Visit England ‘We’re Good to Go’

industry charter mark which verifies that the attraction meets the Government

and Public Health guidance on Covid-19. All the required health and safety

processes are in place including hand sanitising stations, social distancing and

NHS Track & Trace check-in.

For more information call Stonham Barns Park on 01449 711111 or visit

www.stonhambarns.co.uk or Facebook Stonham Barns Bike Nights

Alan Forward David Sandpearl

Stonham Barns Park 01449 711901 01449 711111 or 07542 665 639

[email protected] [email protected]

Alison Baker

Madhouse PR 01284 8303212 or 07771 658 612

[email protected]


Ride Co-ordinators and Ride Leaders

Ride Co-ordinator and Ride Leader

Ride Leader, Richard Ockelton

Robert Baker Brian Ellis Vini Evans Karl Grimwade

Dave Frankin Glyn Hill Dean Harris Trevor Read

David Wood

Ride Leaders

Eric Aldridge Ken Beckinsale Chris Bond Roy Cribb

Martin Drury Alex Jones Nigel Pye Tim Wash

Mike Roberts Fred Sparrow Adrian Tadman Kevin Bolt

Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute

changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route

cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination, so

you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day.


East Anglian

Copdock Bike Show

Press Release

Following The Government announcement on Monday

22nd February we are confident that the 29th East Anglian Copdock Bike Show

will go ahead in 2021.(subject to any future change in Government Guidance)

To assist with this news and the subsequent announcement that the May MCN

show is cancelled and will now be held on 4th & 5th September, we have agreed

to move our proposed date to Sunday the 19th September 2021.

We are working closely with Bauer Media (MCN) to ensure that it is the right

decision for both parties and in the interest of the motorcycling community.

The two week delay will give us the extra necessary time to ensure that we are

fully compliant with whatever Government guidance is in place, at the time, for

our type of event.

Trinity Park in Ipswich will once again host the biggest one day bike show, run

by the volunteers of the Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club members. Again as a

not for profit organisation we hope that a successful show will allow us again to

donate monies to lots of good causes.

We are pleased to announce that following on from this year’s show, ALL

FUTURE shows will be held on the FIRST SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER without

clashing with any events run by Bauer . MCN.

We will be releasing further details in the coming weeks with show details and

proposed ride outs.

Phil Sayer


Editorial

Guess what, nothing has changed in

the editor household,

I did get my first jab.

Safe Riding

Felix... Editor

Bowman’s Barn, Back Street,

Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH.

Tel: 07712649860

[email protected]

Thank you

To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine.

But….. what about the rest of you….

Note from Editor

Please check the SAM Calendar, Forum & Facebook page for further details and

for any changes after going to press. Especially in winter months when the

weather can be unpredictable

Disclaimer

The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the

Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group.

They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view

that free expression promotes discussion and interests.

Any comments please email the editor.


Closing date for copy MondayMondayMondayMonday after club night

If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your

monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email

notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or

send me an email.

I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs

have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel

free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have

another great magazine to read

Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you

can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word

template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all

the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as

the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the

A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to

your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page

Advertise in our magazine

Annual Advertising Rates:

Advertise on the SAM website for an additional £25.

Contact Felix for more details 07712649860

[email protected]

£50 for ½ page £75 for full page

Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists

3rd

Monday of the month, 19:30, at Dunston Hall, A140,

Norwich, NR14 8PQ

Chairman, Rob Chandler, 01493 730409

Secretary, Alex Mason, 01603 716735


SAM Events for your Diary

2021 Please see website and magazine for updates

April2021

Every Thursday starting from 8th

April Stonham Barns Bike Nights 5pm to

9.30pm IP14 6AT

July 2021

Wednesday 6th

SAM Committee meeting 19:30. Kesgrave War Memorial

Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF

Wednesday 21st

SAM AGM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30

followed Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach,

Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF

September 2021

Sunday 19th

East Anglian Copdock Bike Show.

Harley Davidson Model F61ci 1000cc 1916


MEMBER INFORMATION

A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our

website. Below are some key links members will find useful.

CONTACTS Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs

so you can recognise everyone.

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs

CALENDAR Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your

smartphone. Contact: Mike Roberts

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal

OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM

motorcycle test. Contact: Derek Baker

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart

CARING SAM Our customer service & complaints procedures. Contact: Brian Ellis

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care

DISCOUNT SCHEME Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM

membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these

retailers who give a discount to SAM members. Contact: Dean Harris

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc

ADVERTS Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our

online adverts section. Contact: Mike Roberts

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads

SHOPS T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two

online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop

FORUM All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related.

Have a read, and then register to join in. Contact: Mike Roberts

http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum


Social Rides

Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle

at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that

the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any

liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in

the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member

attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain

their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and

must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT

certificate (if applicable).

Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committee’s

guidelines as follows:

You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of

the route

If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine.

Be responsible for your own safety

Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time.

Have a FULL tank of fuel

No more than 5 in a group.

Please watch our light hearted video with a serious message explaining all of the

above.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRMd-dQHzWg


Mud


Follow up to Tom Coomber IoM and Joey memorial, Joey Dunlop bike hanging

from ceiling in ‘Joey’s Bar’, Ballymoney, NI

Follow up to Rob Day NZ trip, Supercharged Triumph 6T drag bike from

Dunedin transport museum


Eastern Lights charities run from Norwich to Lowestoft 2008 Bryan Duncan

the cover photo was submitted by ian bishop. he said it is

Documents