the magazine for wey valley advanced motorcyclists 61 winter-spring 2017.pdf · wey valley advanced...

The Magazine for Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists

Group No. 2155

Winter/Spring 2017 Number 61

Symphony of Elements

Switchback Tour

To See or Not To SeeAwards and RegisterFrench Trip

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Intercom Winter/Spring 2017

Heading slowly toward springtime already, and about time too. Winter riding is rewarding that’s for sure, but it’s often more to do with staying warm or dry and ending a trip shiny side up, than carving those lovely bends.

Advanced riding is necessary for treacherous roads, but doesn’t keep you warm. It does teach us that a creeping drop in core body temperature degrades our ability to think, decide, and do. Early season riding can still catch us out with sudden large temperature changes, so make sure you have an extra layer, or even use your waterproofs to keep the draught out and the heat in.

You’ve probably noticed the IAM have been busy improving their processes and standardising many aspects of the Advanced Riding programme across the country. Wey Valley made a contribution to this with our previous Chief Observer Stuart Haythorn leaving to take a permanent position as IAM Area Service Delivery Manager for our area. (Sorry to see you go Stuart) WVAM is looking forward to working with Stuart in his new role to the benefit of both of our organisations.

Which leads me neatly into a warm welcome to our new Chief Observer Crispin D’Albertanson (big welcome Crispin) and his team. The recently launched IAM Advanced Rider Course, with its new ‘achievement based’ logbook format means phasing out the old method and training our Observer Team to the new scheme. The Training Team are already well ahead with things with Crispin and Co. and thanks all for your time and effort. It must be working; our Observers delivered over forty passes with fifteen scoring a F1RST. Well done everyone.

Penny West has taken the reins for the super-successful Machine Handling Courses held at Dunsfold on the overshoot runway. Four dates have been set so far, covering emergency braking, slow riding, swerving and avoidance skills, and loads more. Where else to get skills like this in a safe environment, at your own pace, your own way?

Our Slow Control Workshops have been going now for a little over a year and been successful with a pretty good turnout by both Associates and Observers developing and honing their skills. The Christmas Party seems an age away now, but our Social Team have the summer barbecue planned and under way. Always a great afternoon out that often includes gratuitous sidecar rides, some weird helmets, family, beer and food. Grab your tickets when they are released.

As many of you know we have a Facebook Group for the club. This is a WVAM members-only private group with the purpose of sharing events, rides and photos online easily and quickly with each other. Impromptu ride outs, and general chitchat for those social-media minded of us, enjoy. If you are not a member of the group, find Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists and ask to join. Janet Jones has agreed to help us with our social media and will also be looking after our public-facing Facebook page to tell the world about our fabulous club.

Chairman's Words


Test Passes 2Chairman’s Words 3In Memoriam - John Surtees 4Calendar 5Editorial 6Keegan's Kolumn 8MAD Award 10Awards and Register 11French Trip 12To See or Not To See 18Full Control Skills Day 20BikeFest South 21Austin Vince comes to Ripley 22F1RST Forward 24TVAM Slow Riding Skills 27Christmas Party 28Switchback Tour 30Happy and Tired 40Associates Only Ride 44Crit'Air France 28Symphony of Elements 40Chief Observer’s Report 47Committee 51

Contents

Congratulations to the following: IAM Masters: Tim Robinson Pass: Richard Archdeacon, Rupert Cicconi, Andrew Leask, David Lebbe, Peter Ramsbottom, Steve Riding, Martyn Talbot, Sebastian Trebaczkiewicz Advanced Test: Darryl Braham, Ian Britton, Simon Brown, Lionel Diack, Garry Geokdjian, Scott Halley, Mark Holland, Peter Kearns, Emine San, Yvonne Sharp, Robert Thomson, Feroze Variava

Test Passes

Tim Goodman

The Masters Standard For accomplished advanced drivers and riders, the IAM Masters programme provides an opportunity to attain the highest level of civilian driving standard in the country. The Masters standard embraces the full scope of the 4 hierarchical levels of the GDE (Goals for Driver Education) matrix as defined on page 167 of Roadcraft, i.e.:

At the lowest level the function and control of our vehicle or machine.

At the next level the requirements of the situation developing around us.

At level 3 the timing and motives for that particular journey.

At level 4, the highest level, our attitudes, values, beliefs and goals.

A Master Driver or Rider is someone who can apply emotional intelligence to all of their driving decisions. This means being aware of the possible motivations of those around you as well as your own. It means you are proactively making allowances for the mistakes of others as well as your own. This is modern driving. The Master Driver is someone who is wise about how the demand of an increasingly complex roadscape creates a necessity to respect the diverse agendas of other road users. Building on your existing skills as an advanced road user the Masters programme will help enhance and develop your ability in the following areas:

Applying cornering principles Assessing, planning and executing safe overtaking manoeuvres Recognising opportunities to make safe progress (within the speed limits) Improving observation, anticipation and awareness consistent with vehicle

speed Applying sound judgement of speed and distance Delivering a fluent, relevant and continuous commentary Demonstrate continuous self-assessment regarding driving behaviour Develop and demonstrate self-critical thinking in relation to the context of

driving and riding

http://www.wvam.org.uk 54 http://www.wvam.org.uk

Intercom Winter/Spring 2017Intercom Winter/Spring 2017

Onwards into summer and Vianden is calling us, the annual weekend away for WVAMers. A delightful tiny historic town deep in a valley with an almost Gothic haunted Castle towering over it. Was the capital of the Country of Vianden in the middle ages, and also a home to William of Orange a.k.a. our King William III at the turn of the 1700’s, there’s plenty of history that usually passes me by, as the roads all around are just superb. Look forward to seeing you all at the bar.

There must be a lot of new bikes out there in Wey Valley land waiting to be exercised; sales were up thirteen per cent on last year headed by Trail and Adventure bikes, Scooters, Nakeds, and Customs. As for me, well my Harley Sportster is still in re-construction, but I’ve promised myself

it WILL put in appearance at the club before summer.

There are going to be some CARGO Classic

and Retro Group rides developing

this year, run by Graham Newton. I hope the ‘retro’ look of the Hog will be acceptable to the purists!

So we’ve put on more social

runs for your entertainment this

season.The calendar looks

good even as I type this early in the year,

all-day rides, half-day rides, weekends and bigger trips.

Until next time then, enjoy this issue of Intercom when it’s raining. Ride when it’s sunny. Have a great time with the WVAM community.

Ride safe.

Tim GoodmanChairman

Got an itch you need to scratch?Found you've got a voice after all?Can you stick your arm in the air?Care about the future of the club?

WVAM AGMRipley Village Hall

Thursday 18th May @ 8:00 pm

Come on down and hear what the committee has done.Vote in new Committee Members.

Ask all those questions you've been saving up.Volunteer to help, It's your club,have your say, make an input.

From April through to June 2016

WVAM Calendar

Le t us kn ow o f even ts

tha t members may be

i n t eres ted i n !

For further details and updates of WVAM events please refer to calendar section on

the website

In MemoriamJohn Surtees 1934 - 2017

We pay tribute to John Surtees who passed away on the 10th March 2017

aged 83. May he rest in peace.He is the only man to win the World Championship in both Motorcycling

GP and Formula 1 which no one is ever likely to emulate.

Date Name of Event Description Information/Contact Sat 8 Apr Tim’s Brunch Bonanza Social Ride Forum Sun 9 Apr Ride it Right Event Forum Sun 9 Apr Reigate and Redhill North Downs MC LDT Trials www.rrnd.co.uk Sun 9 Apr Associate’s Only Ride Social Ride Forum Thu 13 Apr ROGs Run Social Ride Forum Fri 14 Apr Norman’s Brighton Belle Social Ride Forum Sat 15 Apr Associates Advanced Riding Theory Session Training Forum Thu 20 Apr Satnav Workshop Club Night Forum Sat 22 – Sun 23 Apr Dash to Devon Social Trip Forum Sat 22 – Sun 23 Apr St George’s Weekend Social Trip Forum Sun 23 Apr Pathfinder 3-Stage Trial Trials aldermaston-nomads.org Tue 25 Apr – Mon 1 May Tim’s European Extravaganza Social Trip Forum Thu 27 Apr ROGs Run Social Ride Forum Sat 6 May Slow Control Workshop Training Forum Sat 6 May Welsh National Rally Navigational Scatter Rally www.clivemcc.co.uk Sun 7 May Observed Sunday Training Ripley Village Hall Thu 11 May Rob’s Hampshire Hog Social Ride Forum Thu 11 May ROGs Run Social Ride Forum Sat 13 May Brain’s Brisk Bimble Social Ride Forum Sat 13 May Goodwood Observer Assessment Training Training Team Sun 14 May Rodney’s Ramble Social Ride Forum Tue 16 May CARGO – Classic and Retro Group Outing Social Ride Forum Thu 18 May WVAM AGM AGM Forum Sat 20 May Tim’s Brunch Bonanza Social Ride Forum Sat 20 May Full Control Skills Machine Handling Course Training Forum Sun 21 May Gerry’s Grand Tour Social Ride Forum Sun 21 May Jubilee LDT Trials https://sites.google.com/site/tauntonmotorcycleclub/home Sun 21 May TVAM Slow Riding Skills Competition Wokingham – Details on forum Thu 25 May ROGs Run Social Ride Forum Fri 26 – Mon 29 May Brit Butt Rally Navigational Road Rally www.britbuttrally.info Sat 27 May Slow Control Workshop Training Forum Sat 3 Jun Full Control Skills Machine Handling Course Training Forum Sun 4 Jun Observed Sunday Training Ripley Village Hall

TVAM invite you tocome and have funshowing off your

Slow Riding SkillsWhen: Sunday 21st May 2017

• Competitor sign in & food from 12.00pm

• Riding from approx. 12.30pm to approx. 4.00pm

Where: St. Crispin’s School, London Rd, Wokingham, RG40 1SS

Entries: Invited from individual TVAM members and teams of three. We have also invited team

entries from bordering IAM groups and our local IAM RoadSmart examiners (they

coughed and spluttered, so we said the word “chicken” which seemed to hit home).

Event: There will be six or seven small stages with different slow riding challenges such as:

• riding a course as slowly as possible without touching cones or putting a foot down

• riding over a small see-saw into a full-lock circle then back out over the see-saw

• don’t buzz!• don’t put a tyre wrong!

• swop that ball!

We leave the last three to your imagination!

Bikes: All slow riding will be on 125cc motorcycles kindly provided by local training schools.

Prizes: There will be prizes for the best individual and team entries.

Entry fee: £10.00 per rider includes:

• entry to the event

• freshly cooked fish & chips or vegetarian meal

• can of drink

Other stands: We are inviting local dealers, motorcycle gear suppliers, fish & chip and ice cream

vans on site. So there should be plenty to see and do.

Spectators: All are most welcome, entry is free and food can be purchased on site.

Entry: Via the TVAM Website www.tvam.org - Entry fees & details can be completed via;

Web Shop > TVAM Events > Slow Riding Event

Questions? Please contact David Jacobi via: [email protected] or 07742 586 976

Better Biking

Welsh National Rally LDT


http://www.wvam.org.uk 7


6 http://www.wvam.org.uk

https:/www.facebook.com/weyvalleyadvancedmotorcyclists

http://www.twitter.com/WeyValleyIAM

Front cover photo courtesy of John Webster on the WVAM Switchback Tour somewhere south of Durban overlooking the Indian Ocean in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa

We are already a good few months into this year with the days getting longer and warmer weather approaching along with a good few activities taking place and others almost upon us.

From a scarcity of articles we now have a good number that have come in so the next magazine

is already underway as we have articles to spare that didn’t make it into this edition. Please don’t see this as a sign to think we have enough, we never have, so keep them coming as well as ideas of what you would like to see.

Thank you to those that have contributed and to the regular contributors. This edition should have been out a while ago. Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, one being the loss of the entire magazine due to the file being corrupted which means the whole thing had to then be redone, which became a daunting task. As this was not the case, the next Intercom will be with you in a shorter timeframe than normal. Thank you all for your patience and I hope you enjoy this edition.

Gavin CaddickEditor

EditorialGavin Caddick

The Dartmoor LodgeChilworth

Shalford

Guildford

Godalming

Shalford Station

Cricket Green

The Sea Horse

A281

A281

A248

New

Road

A248

B2128




Keegan’s Kolumn... Who?

Well I’ve been biking on and off since I was sixteen and joined the Club in 2009 after a day out with Bike Safe London. I suppose the catalyst for getting back on a bike back in 2004 (apart from Ken Livingston’s threat to bring in the Congestion Zone) was seeing McGregor and Boorman riding around the world on the early 1150 GS Adventure. I liked the look of the big butch GS’s and thought it was just the sort of bike I could commute on and hopefully escape for the odd ride.Marmaris anyone?

A ‘Skill for Life’ package followed, which was a Christmas present from my wife, and I arrived in Ripley on a cold First Sunday in January 2009. After six ‘obligatory’ observed rides I took my test with Guy Allen and looking back I might have even attained a higher score if I’d behaved myself. ‘A very rapid and safe ride’ – How on earth did I think it was

possible to lose a Class One Special Escort Cop; he was always just six feet behind me!

Anyway, after that Rosario guided me through Observer Training, I sold copies of ‘How to be a Better Rider’ from the shop to unsuspecting newbies, served on the Committee and once even made the tea on Club Night.

So why haven’t I been around for the last four years? Well, I managed to convince my wife that renting out our house in Weybridge and taking to the road was a good idea for twelve months or so.

And here we are four years later still travelling and the only thing missing in my life at the moment is my GSA, as you can’t take it as hand luggage on Air Asia!

Kevin Ash

As I write it’s almost the fourth anniversary of the death of Kevin Ash on the 22nd January 2014. He was a freelance journalist and motorcycling correspondent for the Daily Telegraph and you may remember him from his regular column in MCN. With his unbiased reviews and easy writing manner, he came across as a genuinely nice guy with a common sense approach to all things biking and was a great loss to the biking community.

It was at the press launch of BMW’s (then new) water-cooled GS/GSA near George in the Western Cape of South Africa where the accident occurred that led to his untimely death. Kevin was a very experienced and cautious rider and the finding at the inquest of ‘accidental death’ left room for a lot of speculation that there was a problem with the new bikes. It didn’t help that BMW refused to release the finding of their investigation quoting ‘legal privilege’ as their reason.

There was an interesting interview in BIKEEXIF back in November 2011 where he took a swipe at MAG and their campaigns against the Burgers of Brussels. You can read it here... http://www.bikeexif.com/kevin-ash

“There are moments on bikes when you’re concentrating so intently on the moment, the rest of the world, life, worries, memories are all pushed out of your mind as you focus on the now. There’s no such thing as perfect happiness, but on two wheels, these can get close”

Tony Keegan

Keegan's Kolumn

Kevin Ash

Our biggest line-up ever of 2017 models has arrived. Contact Vines of Guildford to be one of the first to test ride† one of nine brand-new bikes and model updates.

The wide-ranging choice includes the class-defining R 1200 GS, the sublime touring K 1600 GT and the versatile F 800 R and F 800 GT.

To book a test ride†, visit www.vinesguildfordmotorrad.co.uk or call a member of our team on 01483 207000.

Vines of Guildford Motorrad Slyfield Green, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1RD

www.vinesguildfordmotorrad.co.uk

†Test ride subject to applicant status and availability.

BMW MOTORRAD 2017 MODELS.

MAKE LIFE A RIDE.

BMW Motorrad

35161_bs193104_Vines_of_Guildford_210x148.indd 1 02/03/2017 14:35





Mike Davidson

MAD Award

Many of you know what most of our annual awards are for, but some, especially newer Members might not be aware of what they are.

We have the Malcolm Clee Award, which is presented to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the training within the club.

There is the Peter Parvin Award, sometimes known as the PP Award, for someone that puts in that extra effort for the benefit of other members. This is usually for work done over a number of years.

The PP Award started about 1985 when the membership was less than a hundred, and quite often there was just one outstanding candidate. Now that we have over five hundred Members the Committee often has to choose between many well-deserved nominations. Due to our large membership some members and friends never receive any award for their enthusiastic and committed work for the club.

Last year I got to thinking about introducing another award as there are so many people, groups and categories worthy of recognition. In the end I wanted to recognise people that by their superb contribution have probably altered the direction of our club to where it is now. This award is now known as the President’s ‘MAD’ award.

When I first proposed this to some of the Committee I was questioned on how seriously this would be taken. I had to assure

them that although I wanted to add some humour, as is my nature, the award is a serious one. The ‘MAD’ actually stands for ‘Made A Difference’, which is exactly what the recipients I had and have in mind have done. I reckon it might be best to tell you how and why I chose the 2016 winner, then you’ll understand what I’m going on about.

In 2006 our club was heading in a different direction as we had a new Chief Observer with certain views that many Members disagreed with. One such view was that he felt that the member’s money and effort should go solely to the training side of the club, the social side wasn’t important. I won’t go into all the details but one person stood up to represent those that disagreed with this. There was a big rift within the club, but the end result was that John Webster was overwhelmingly elected Chairman, and the Chief Observer along with some of the training team resigned. John remained as Chairman for the next six years, and I hope you’ll agree with me that WVAM has still

got a great balance between the training and social sides of the club.

On another note, a few years ago our membership database wasn’t in a great place. It needed radical surgery which would be very time consuming for whoever took on the role. Again up stepped John who has now got the membership back to where it should be.

I hope you now have an understanding of what the President’s ‘MAD’ Award is all about, and I was absolutely delighted to present the very first one to John Webster, because he Made A Difference!John getting the President's MAD Award

Mike has mentioned the Peter Parvin and Malcolm Clee Awards which last year went to John Braddick and Howard Dixon respectively. We congratulate them on this achievement and the honour bestowed upon them by the club. John has opted for a helmet as his Award.

As Crispin mentioned at the end of his Chief Observer's Report, WVAM had fifteen out of forty-one passes achieving a F1RST which is close to forty percent, an incredible achievement. You will also notice that this year has been a

record number of F1RSTs compared to the eight and seven of 2012 and 2015.

We must be doing something right with everything going on within the club such as our Associates Only Ride, Full Control Skills Days, Slow Control Workshops as well as the F1RST Forward Rides. Long may this continue.

Gavin Caddick

Masters Register03/05/14 Barry Salmon04/10/14 Barry Riches18/10/14 Crispin d’Albertanson20/08/15 David Hindley15/10/15 Rosario Henshall14/11/15 Stuart Haythorn20/02/16 Howard Denny08/09/16 Tim Robinson

F1RST Register 23/05/11 Nick Gould 04/07/11 Matt Elderton 19/04/12 Garreth Dent 16/07/12 Rodger Bain 08/09/12 Simon Collins 29/10/12 Terry Delahunty 31/10/12 Rodney Rayner 05/11/12 Babis Tsiloglanidis 30/11/12 Gavin Caddick 30/11/12 Howard Denny 07/01/13 Colin Storer 12/10/13 Christopher Biggs 08/04/14 Ryszard Skobelski 01/11/14 David Jones 06/03/15 Simon Keen 09/05/15 Paul West 26/05/15 Martin Williams 18/07/15 Anthony Hodson 19/09/15 Derek Herbert 17/10/15 Tony Coe 20/10/15 Alex Ommanney 08/01/16 Kate Whitby 22/01/16 Matt Anning 11/05/16 Varughese Zachariah 12/05/16 Michael Reilly 07/06/16 Peter Tanner 20/06/16 David Gateley 14/07/16 Robin Webb 18/07/16 David Clifford 07/09/16 Rupert Cicconi 13/09/16 Steve Riding 11/10/16 Andrew Leask 25/10/16 Peter Ramsbottom 04/11/16 Sebastian Trebaczkiewicz 11/11/16 David Lebbe 03/12/16 Martyn Talbot 03/01/17 Richard Archdeacon

Awards and Registers

Howard Dixon

John getting the Peter Parvin Award





Jerry Cox

Last edition it was Natalie and this time Jerry relates his experience of the French Trip. All in all it's a fantastic trip enjoyed by many Members of the club. Time to sign up and provide an article or two this year. ___________________________

It is now, when sitting in a chalet on the Norfolk Broads with a visit to the Norfolk Motorcycle pending, my thoughts turn to the little adventure we had going to the 2016 WVAM (Wey Valley Advanced Motorcycle Club) French trip. This year it was to L'Aigle in Normandy, quite close compared to Luxembourg last year when Gita and I covered nearly a thousand miles over a long weekend. This trip would be much shorter around eight hundred miles over six days. After the trials and tribulations last year I decided that it would be better to travel on our own, at our own pace taking a bit longer rather than blasting to and from the event. My planning went as far as booking a hotel en route for the first night and then two nights in Rouen after the event on our way home.

It is mid June when we set off on the Thursday morning packed minimally but the panniers on the Buell were stuffed with all that we thought we would need for a weekend and some visits to the battlefields of Normandy. I had planned a route using Tyre and downloaded it to TomTom. All was well to the Tunnel until I noticed Tom was not charging. I switched it off to save battery time,

as I didn't need it for this part of the journey. On arrival at the Tunnel we met up with a group from

WVAM who were travelling together. They were on an earlier crossing. At the terminal I found the AA shop and bought a universal charging unit and that didn't charge Tom either. The USB connector in TomTom was damaged. The pins were broken. This was not good, as I knew that the night’s

accommodation was in a small village about eighty miles to the south from Calais.

I would have to get there using a good, old fashioned, Michelin map that didn't have all the local roads or even the village marked on it. Hangest was my destination and its location was a guessed circle drawn in pencil on the map. I had a mental picture of the area. Tom had run out of battery by the time we were in the locality. I spotted a Tabac and stopped for directions. In pidgin French and with a diagram I was given directions to Hangest. I could understand “next right” and “over there” as the guy pointed to the junction at the end of the street. “À gauche, à droite!” He was right; there was no signpost off the main road but having taken the left I could see the sign for Hangest to the right. It was a straight road and as soon as we entered the village I could

French Trip

I would have to get there using a good, old fashioned, Michelin map

that didn't have all the local roads or even the village marked on it.

My planning went as far as booking a hotel en route for the first night and

then two nights in Rouen after the event on our way home.

see the sign for the hotel. Easy to find as it was across the road from the station being the ‘Hotel Du Canard’ The owner was waiting for us and we were soon installed in a spacious, well equipped room.

My first thought was for a cold beer, I should have ordered two because as soon as we had our luggage in the room, the owner disappeared. We arrived at four and there was no one around until the chef turned up at five. He was not able to serve us so it was not until 6:00 pm when the owner returned that I had another beer. In between we freshened up and had a walk around the area. Small villages in France tend to be a straggle of cottages with a lot of distance between. The rest of the village was

some distance away, too far to walk and not worth getting on the bike again to go in search of a bar. We watched a few trains coming and going with a few people getting off at each arrival. To my amazement the trains were very quiet. The chef

didn't speak much English but gesticulated that should park the Buell off the road and into the gated driveway at the side of the hotel. By this time an English couple had arrived and parked on the driveway in front of the gates. With some careful manoeuvring, half in the hedge I squeezed by pushing, paddling then riding into the gated area. The bike was off the road and a bit more secure for the night. After another beer we sat down for a very enjoyable gourmet meal on the restaurant. Part of the reason for coming to this hotel was the food. The meal cost more than the accommodation but it was worth it. I felt another Trip Advisor post was appropriate when we got home. We had travelled two hundred biking miles today.

In the morning, breakfasted and route planned on the map we made our way to L'Aigle. There were frequent stops to check the map. I had to rely on signposts and my memory to get us there. Fine, warm weather for this one-hundred-and-thirty-mile journey along country roads. I needed to get fuel so we had to backtrack some ten kilometres to the town we had passed through to fill up, rural France does not have many petrol stations anymore. It was easy riding heading towards Le Mans. We stopped for lunch in the small, quaint town of Gournay en Bray at a café with the bike in view across the road. We were nicely warm in the sun. The further we travelled south the cloudier it became and the route more difficult to follow. It was getting colder and greyer. Signs for villages that were not on the map made the chosen route so difficult that I took to the motorway for better signage to get us the L'Aigle.

By the time we reached L'Aigle it looked like it was about to rain. It was about 4:00 pm and L'Aigle is not very big but the one-way system can defeat you. I was concentrating on the traffic so much I rode right past the hotel. Gita spotted bikes parked up in the square.

The meal cost more than the accommodation but it was worth it.

Hotel Du Canard

My first thought was for a cold beer, I should have ordered two because

as soon as we had our luggage in the room, the owner disappeared.

Bikes parked up in square





It seemed to take ages to get back to the right road having to get beyond the one way system by going out of the town and then back in on another road and then back to the square. I parked up with the help of Mike, leader of ROG's Runs, before taking the panniers off and going into the hotel that I couldn't see until it was pointed out.

What Hotel? It was one side of the square. Big enough to miss? It was not long before we were on the terrace having a beer and watching other guys arrive on their bikes.

It was good fun to be part of the gang again exchanging tales of adventures of the journey.

Each day there were at least five runs out to different places varying in miles from one to three hundred. I elected to have a rest day with a short run out and back to the next town of Montagne au Perche some sixty miles away. It had rained a little overnight and the day was gloomy but dry until lunchtime when it started to rain. This

town has an all day market and Gita did some bargaining with a local trader and managed to buy something. Shopaholic! We had a coffee in a cafe in the main square of the town as the rain set in. It was a wet walk back to where we had parked the Buell and once geared up in weatherproofs and riding down the hill out of the town it stopped

raining. It was a dry run back to L'Aigle.

Later in the afternoon after walking around L'Aigle we were in the hotel room hearing bikes returning. It was raining again and set for the evening. We had only been a little damp on our trip but these guys must have been soaked. The rain was getting heavier and rattled against the bedroom

windows. Another meal and more wine and more beer and more fun.

One of the news presenters on the TV looked the spitting image of our Chief Observer Stuart but a little younger.

There was a run the next

Hotel big enough to miss?

Exchanging tales of the journey

More bikes arriving...

News Presenter?...

day lead by Mike that I signed up for. With the problems I had encountered with the Buell from spray in heavy rain on motorways I did wonder if it would fire up in the morning after being drenched all night. Geared up and ready for the 10:00 am

start. I elected to be back marker. The Buell fired up straight away and we were off in the pack and trying to

escape the one-way system.

Ducking and diving along country lanes making our way to Pegasus Bridge. It was cloudy, grey but still dry. The village beyond the bridge was having a festival and the road was closed. We had to park in the visitors’ car park and walk some five hundred metres across the bridge to the village. Chilling, as on each side of the bridge were gun emplacements, with guns. On the village side of the bridge is the famous Pegasus Bridge Café at Gondree where many German officers were overheard talking of tactics and plans of war. This was duly noted and passed on to the allied forces. It is quite a small café and we had lunch under cover outside avoiding the passing showers of rain that came and went on the wind. There was not much to see in the village so after reading the memorials we returned to the bikes for a scenic tour back to the hotel.

Gita and I geared up for wet weather riding. I was being back marker and when it was time to leave the Buell did not run very well. It was missing a little. Once moving it disappeared only to return as the rain came down harder and the spray off the road increased. I was dropping further and further back because of this persistent misfire. This came to a head on a motorway section when the engine stopped altogether. Being patient helps, while stopped there is no spray and in a few minutes the heat from the engine dries things

out enough to fire up again. After a few miles the group had stopped at a filling station and I caught up. I gave my apologies to Mike and said I would make my own way back to the hotel rather than holding up the group. I waited for about ten minutes there. I had a feeling of being stranded as everyone rode off into the rain. The Buell fired up and we were on our way. The motorway had little traffic and I was able to run at a comfortable pace with the engine revving above 4000rpm, in the sports end

of the mapping out of the start up controls. I was able to keep it going with no more stops back to the hotel. We were soaked. The rest of the group returned about two hours later also very wet.

In the evening at the bar there was the usual reliving the experiences of the day. There were fewer mishaps than last year! The last night is a

bit special with speeches and jokes and awards for the daftest things along with a giant celebratory cake. There was no disco this year to keep us up so it was a relatively early night.

In the morning the rain had gone but it was still cloudy and grey. Breakfast and many goodbyes were said before we finally made our departure.

The last night is a bit special with speeches and jokes and awards

for the daftest things along with a giant celebratory cake.

Ducking and diving along country lanes making our way to Pegasus Bridge.

Pegasus Bridge Café at Gondree

Pegasus Bridge





It was dry and the Buell fired up easily after another overnight soaking. We headed off to Rouen at our own pace after filling up at the local supermarket on the way out of L'Aigle. We covered the ninety miles in about two hours. Finding the hotel was not easy without Tom. Nearing the centre of the city and expecting to see a signpost I saw one for our hotel, the Ibis Rive Gauche and we got to it easily. However it was not the Rive Gauche we wanted. This was the economy one and we were booked into to the three star hotel that was somewhere in the area. After directions from a local and a phone call to head office we set off in search of the right hotel.

Rouen has an interesting arrangement of one-way systems in the suburbs and this sent us well away from where we wanted to be. By accident I stopped near some shops to get more directions and was directed around the block to the hotel. I had just ridden right by it. It was at a junction off a roundabout and the sign was obscured by a big tree. Around the block, I could see the hotel but not how to get to it. Fortunately the pavement was very wide and had a police car parked on it. No one in it though, so I scoot up the pavement right to the front door of the hotel. Once there I could see how to get in and out. I had pre-booked. Signing in was easy and, if we had a car, I would have had to pay for parking but motorcycles were free! I liked that. It was an underground secure park. Bonus! Another post for Trip advisor I think.

The hotel was chosen for the nearness of old Rouen and the secure parking. After settling into the room we walked into the centre that took about fifteen minutes. It was as expected, old

and quaint steeped in history. In the Cathedral is the tomb of Richard the Lion Heart “Cor leonis dictum” as it says on the plaque. Around the back of the cathedral we found a pleasant café that served us tea. On the way back we were in search of somewhere to eat that evening. Passing through many shops and managing to get nothing other than a few photos of motorcycle plaques on display in a hardware store, we found a delightful Moroccan restaurant just off the main square. The couscous with chicken tagine and a beer was very pleasant. Our constitutional was to walk around the square checking the menus at all the restaurants. We found one that did a fish pie and decided it would be good for tomorrow evening's meal. Not too late to bed and we had missed the rain for the most part with a little as we got back to the hotel.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast we walked from end

to end of old Rouen. It was cloudy and dry until mid afternoon then the rain started. We hid in cafés in between rainstorms until we had gotten near the chosen restaurant. It didn't open until 7:00 pm so we took refuge in a cocktail bar until

We hid in cafés in between rainstorms until we had gotten near the chosen restaurant.

The last night's dinner

it did. We had a couple of happy hours with Gita having a cocktail called a Surprise. It really was and Gita was quite unwell needing a few packets of crisps and about a pint of water and I another beer before the effect wore off and she was able to walk. Once the restaurant was open we had our meal of fish pie, again very good. The rain was still with us but lighter now as we made our way back to the hotel.

Next day was cloudy and bright, the rain had blown away and we had only one hundred and twenty miles to do to the Tunnel for a midday crossing. Filling up with fuel across the road from the hotel I followed the signposts for Calais. We arrived in good time, in sunshine, in good enough time to get an earlier crossing. Things were looking good with a promise to be home by mid afternoon.

All was going well until we were out on the M20 heading home and into black clouds. The earlier crossing had put us in the path of monsoon-like rainstorms. Only ten miles out of Folkestone we ran into them. The spray was so dense and the raindrops so heavy we may as well have been under water. The never-ending train of heavy lorries running nose to tail mile after mile was frightening as the Buell cried enough water and we took refuge under a motorway bridge away from the rain and the spray. The rain eased off and the heat from the engine had dried things out enough for the engine to start. Another trip with revving above four thousand rpm to keep it running smoothly as below this it would cut to one cylinder. Out of the spray it would run fine but in it only on the one until I could again coax it to

above four thousand. This was the nightmare of that rainstorm, first gear too low and second gear too high to run with the traffic at forty to fifty miles per hour. It soon became obvious it was better to be moving than stationary and taking refuge under a bridge. Soon we were beyond the M20, M26 and on the M25 with the worst of the rain gone leaving only wet roads with a lot less spray. I reckon I had ridden some twenty miles of the hundred-mile journey in second gear juggling with throttle, clutch and traffic to stay above four thousand rpm. Not something I would want to do again. By the time we had reached home the rain had gone, the roads were dry and so were we and the Buell was running fine. This little expedition covered eight hundred and eighty-three miles in six days.

The only item exposed to direct spray and likely to cause a problem was the side stand switch that had given some problems in the past like not recognising that the gearbox was in neutral, cutting the engine if the side-stand was down when in neutral but would work if the clutch was pulled in and any combination of these. I have now replaced the switch and I await some horrible weather to test the new one out. The old one is a sealed magnetic type that should not fail from ingress of water but who knows the idiosyncrasies of modern technology? Spraying it with WD40 did keep it working for a bit though.

Tomb of Richard The Lionheart

Restaurant La Couronne, the oldest inn in France c 1345





Janet tells us of her learning from coming off her bike whilst riding in the USA. Maybe we can give some thought to what she has learned and well done for sharing your experience and thoughts._______________________

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE?…That is the question

'Never ride so fast that you cannot stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road. Motorcycle Roadcraft describes this as one of its guiding principles, and most of our members can quote this rule, almost verbatim.

I have noticed, however, that some of our riders – and some of those I consider to be the finest in the club – don’t appear to me to be following this guideline in practice. Perhaps their thinking time is just so much faster than mine and their machines so technically superior that they are always able to do so. It just sometimes doesn’t look like it to me when I’m riding with them (or at some distance behind them in reality!).

I had a nasty ‘off’ in November and it shook my confidence. I got my green badge some years ago now, and believe myself to have become a competent and safe rider. I ride a great deal on my own and thought I had become skilled enough to keep myself relatively safe, but there are of course no guarantees. I have been trying hard to accurately analyse the underlying reason for the accident, so that I can ride more safely in the future.

Was I too tired? Too pressured to get to my destination? Too casual about my safety? After considering many possible causes, I finally realised that I had failed to apply the above principle.

I needed to travel from Houston in Texas to San Antonio. It’s about a four-hour drive on the highway, but a much longer ride if you take the back roads through Texas Hill Country. I was coming to the end of three months of working there, and a bit desperate to fit in one last ride before coming home to the cold and ice. So I decided to load the bike up with all the tools of my trade as I was due to deliver a training workshop in San Antonio, and take a day off to ride to my destination. I had been warned not to ride at night on those roads and left in the

middle of the day, having checked the bike over and loaded it up. I had an awesome ride on the little back roads. Just planned the rough direction I wanted to ride in, looked for some likely curvy roads and then headed for specific small towns en route, letting the TomTom choose the roads. It

Janet Jones

To See or Not To See?...

On the way to San Antonio

Was I too tired? Too pressured to get to my destination? Too casual about my safety?

Never ride so fast that you cannot stop safely within the distance you

can see to be clear on your own side of the road.

took me onto dirt roads a couple of times, which I didn’t like – my Harley was heavily laden, and the countryside deserted so if I slipped there were no handy cowboys to help lift the bike… But mostly it was an idyllic ride. The last photo I took before I came off was of this adorable little biker bar in Round Top, somewhere east of Austin.

As the day went on, the sun began to go down, low as it is at this time of year, and I began to have difficulty seeing. The screen of my bike is high, so I was looking through it, and those millions of tiny scratches you get on a vinyl screen were making it worse. I slowed down, and tried to find roads that would go south, rather than west, knowing that I could turn west after the sun had set. I leaned out of the saddle to try and see round the side of the screen when it was especially bad. By now I was on one of the bigger roads, still single carriageway but a faster, straighter road in an attempt to make progress towards my final destination. I was nervous about slowing down too much as I knew the motorists coming up behind me in their trucks would also be having trouble seeing.

As we often do, I pushed on, wondering what I should do. I was probably doing about 40mph and could see very little ahead of me. Suddenly (there’s that word!) I could see something ahead of me. I couldn’t see what it was, so I was braking sharply, trying to make it out, when I realised it was a stationary trailer forcing us onto the other side of the road. I increased my braking and then

tried to swerve, but the bike skidded over onto its side. I didn’t think that I had hit the trailer but I now think I probably did. All I know is I was off the bike and lying in the road, bleeding copiously

and really hurting – frightened that I’d done something terrible to myself.

As it turned out, I was very lucky. I had cracked a couple of ribs, opened up my left arm and leg, and broken my right wrist and thumb. But I was

fundamentally okay, hadn’t killed anyone else, and had been wearing my helmet (not a legal requirement in Texas) and my leather jacket. The equally lucky road workers that I hadn’t hit called the emergency services and got the bike and me off the road before any other vehicles hit us too.

Blinded by the low sun like that is a bit like riding in thick fog. You can see maybe two metres ahead of you for a moment and then three for another moment, and suddenly twenty metres ahead when a tree blocks the sun. Not many of those in Texas, though. If you can only see two metres ahead of you, then a snail’s pace is all that is safe. Sometimes we ride faster than that and many times we get away with it. Sometimes we don’t. I’m grateful for the learning – bought at a comparatively cheap price.

Shredded leathers

Left arm injury Broken thumb & wrist

Heavily-laden Harley

Suddenly (there’s that word!) I could see something ahead of me.

The screen of my bike is high, so I was looking through it, and those

millions of tiny scratches you get on a vinyl screen were making it worse.





Wey Valley’s Full Control Skills Days are held throughout the summer each year and are very popular and well-attended. If you have not been on one then get yourself booked on one before there are no spaces left...These are extremely good value and improve your skills immeasurably.___________________________

OK, so you want to be a better rider? More progressive perhaps? Safer definitely! You want to increase your skill set so you’ve now taken the first big leap, you’ve joined the best group in all the land, in all the world, Wey Valley IAM!

By now you’ve met the Members, you’ve joined the team, listened to the banter, partaken in a bacon sandwich or two. You may have a couple of observed rides under your belt, or maybe a few more than that! What next? More observed rides? Yes of course!

But how about this? For the paltry sum of £50, spend a whole day on beautiful clean tarmac, free from dangerous road furniture, cars or other drivers whilst being coached by top class coaches, shouted at by… oops, no sorry, that wasn’t supposed to be there! Cajoled by enthusiastic helpers and aided and abetted by your fellow participants. This could only be the WVAM Dunsfold Full Control Machine Skills Day? This is a wonderful opportunity for you to put into practice, the entire bike handling skills that you will find in the IAM endorsed, Full Control booklet.

Watch how to pick up a bike whilst safeguarding your lumber region, practice it yourself or just revel in the fact that you can just watch someone else bust a button or two as they heave their machine to an upright position. Learn all about the physics of a two wheeled vehicle; how it stays upright, how it tips over to corner, what makes it corner, what stops it cornering, what you can do to help it, what you can do to hinder it! Have you ever wondered what your Anchor Points are?

And no, it’s got nothing to do with bulk buying a certain New Zealand butter. All that talk of slow manoeuvring on your observed rides, now you can practice your full-lock circles and figures of eight and then go on and complete a slalom at walking pace. When you are done with that, it’s onto the positive steering, firstly down the slalom then onto the bootlace. How do you avoid those Dangerous Instincts? Come along and find out just how Basic they are. Next comes my favourite. Hazard avoidance! If you want to see an Observer cry as they put their life into your hands, now’s your chance. All that is crammed into a morning, then along comes a well-deserved lunch. And it’s as good as you make it, as you will be making it! There are no catering facilities here so you will need to bring your own!

After lunch it’s back down to the business of perfecting your braking techniques. After watching someone demonstrate how not to brake, you will have the chance to practice safe braking at 30 mph, 40 mph, 50 mph, and 60 mph. Those dreaded stopping distances will move from being mere figures you have to learn in the Highway Code to something you can see, feel and experience.

Finally, the grand finale, the climax, the pinnacle of your achievement, the culmination of all you have learnt today, it is of course, the Slow Riding Race! What an ending! You will go home, if not clutching the winner’s medal, then wrapped in the warmth of your success, like the comfort blanket you’ve still got hidden in your bottom drawer, you will be smiling from ear to ear, but more importantly you will have experienced a wonderful day of being on your bike, learning new skills and ultimately making yourself safer on the roads. That’s Win! Win! In my book!

Did I say free from cars earlier, I forgot to mention the aircraft! If someone yells “Duck”, please don’t look around expecting to find the à l’orange sauce, if you don’t want the low flying Cessna to take your head off, I would suggest instead you

Penny West

WVAM Full Control Skills Day hit the floor singing “How Low you can Go!” (Just Google it!)

This is open to absolutely anyone, whether you are an Associate, a Member, or even an Observer. Whoever! We are not fussy and all are welcome! We even allow people from other clubs and as we are now the renowned organisers of this esteemed event, it is much sought after, so get your name down early if you want a place!

Dates for this year:

DUNSFOLD PARK AERODROMEDunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8TB

Sat 20th MaySat 3rd JuneSat 5th AugustSat 2nd Sept

To sign up, contact either Janet Jones. [email protected] or myself [email protected]

Or put your name down on the forum under WeyValley/Training/Machine Handling courses 2017

WVAM have been invited to carry out Machine Handling taster sessions at the upcoming BikeFest at Goodwood. Check out this page for latest progress http://bit.ly/2a01Yif

We are after volunteers - it looks like it’s going to be a great day out! Check forum for details or contact Barry at [email protected] or post your interest.

The initial plan would be to have four teams of four Observers and helpers to supervise each activity on a rotational basis so each team can have a go at presenting each exercise. There would be a maximum of six attendees per exercise. Additional helpers would need to escort the guests from the bike park to the start and back the finish. The intention would be each Observer taking part will be offered some remuneration but this will be confirmed later. Integral to the whole show is the use of the Goodwood Motor Racing circuit. We are using the track for a mix of activities as shown in the diagram. The area available for the IAM use is the best part of three quarters of a mile long, so offers plenty of room for different activities.

Machine Handling training (on track in the area highlighted in dark blue). Final exercises are to be confirmed.

Barry Riches

at Goodwood 11 June 2017





Steve provides us with a report on Club Night in November last year. There was also a discussion around The V.I.N.C.E 2017 at The Half Moon Inn late December. If this has piqued your interest contact Steve McCormick for further details in joining or taking part with the club.__________________________

Now getting to Ripley may not seem an adventure to most of us but with Austin Vince, adventure rider in attendance it started to feel that way.

Austin arrived on his motorbike and soon set up ready for the evening, an easy talking chap in his trademark overalls.

I had asked Austin to come along and talk with us about his VINCE event. It stands for the Virtuous Integrity Navigation Challenge Event.

This is a navigation event held in the mountains of northern Spain each year riding motorcycles, navigating from point to point in search of tags, which are to be found at each location.

There are two versions that run, one for twin shock type bikes called the Twinshock Trailfinder and the other for modern, anything-goes type bikes called the VINCE.

These events have been running for a number of years now and each year they see Austin disappear into the mountains to scout out new routes, check out trails, place marking tags, update maps, and prepare as much as you can for the riders coming to his events.

It's obviously something that he enjoys a great deal!

The actual VINCE event takes place over two days in September and the twin shock version in July.

At these times in Spain it's hot. Taking plenty of water with you is key as you'd expect and making sure you are drinking plenty throughout the riding time and after of course.

One thing Austin is keen to stress is there is no backup, insurance or otherwise. You have to cover these items yourself and must never ride alone. Getting together in a team with like-minded folks is a good way to ensure you’ll all be okay out on

the trails.

Steve McCormick

Austin Vince comes to Ripley

Looking for these...

This could be you...

Another item stressed by Austin is the social aspect of the event. You are all encouraged to talk with other entrants at evening meal over a glass or two of fine wine.

A number of folks from Surrey TRF have taken part over the years and some have actually won the event.

There appear to be a couple of different ways of approaching the event, in it to win it or riding the trails, exploring the area.

Whatever your view is there is certainly some homework required prior to the event. It’s not something you can just rock up to and be led by a run leader. You have to do some homework, some study and preparation with maps.

Getting to the start location for the VINCE either means driving down through France into Northern Spain or taking a ferry to Santander or

Bilbao followed by a drive of circa five to six hours. Another possible option is to find someone with space in their van that

is going down to the event, pay them to take your bike and return it to you at a later date allowing you to fly and hire a car. Austin is a contact for this route of getting there and back.

A long trip for two days I hear you say, and this is why the trip is usually extended. Once the VINCE event is done you’re free to ride the many trails in

the area yourself. You might even like to go across to Barcelona or similar.

So back to the talk at Ripley last October. An entertaining evening with some good banter, audience participation nicely balanced with short adventure films being shown and a description of Vince’s Mini-mondo following.

If jumping into doing the VINCE sounds a little too much too quickly look at riding the lanes in the UK with the TRF support, or taking part in Long Distance Trials events in the UK.

All good reasons to get another bike and to take part in these events, to do another form of riding that will complement and add to your existing skill base. In the winter when your road bike is tucked up in the garage on a trickle charger you can still be out playing albeit off-road and in the dirt and mud.

Check it out at http://www.austinvince.com/the-vince

It's all about preparation

Old farm tracks - not too difficult

Far easier on a small bike

They don't care about winning...

Austin at Club Night

Intercom Winter/Spring 2017Intercom Winter/Spring 2017


F1RST Forward is the brainchild of Gavin Caddick to assist those members that have passed their test but wish to strive to obtain a ‘F1RST’ or wish to improve their skills to enable them to take the necessary steps to become an Observer.

How did it all start? Gavin circled the rooms and choosing his moment carefully, he pounced (clearly skills learned on the South African plains). Bam! Catching me off guard with a scalding cup of coffee in one hand and mouth full of bacon buttie (its all about the timing). Before I could make my last swallow and protest, I was signed up and wheeled out to the car park to join a small group of fellow press-ganged conscripts.

We follow a similar system to our former ‘Observed Ride Sundays’ with the second rider observing the first. The four of us set off like a raft of ducklings, observing the rider in front and trying our level best to remember where and how events took place, so we could make constructive comments at the agreed fifteen minute stop-offs. This remembering stuff is a dark art and no one likes criticism however constructive or well meaning, so lessons in diplomacy are quickly learned.

Obviously, the word is getting out, as our merry little gang has swelled to approximately eleven. We have all managed to stay friends and find the exercise constructive, to the point that I have now stuck my head over the parapet and signed up for my pre-observer training, observation test (bet I couldn’t say that with a mouth full of bacon sandwich).

If you would like to hone your skills a bit further of just fancy doing something different, come and join us on the next ‘first Sunday of the month’.

Wish me luck!Owen (Black Buell)

Owen Miles

F1RST Forward

www.RoadTrip.uk Tel: +44 (0)1483 662 135 Email: [email protected] 9, Boundary Business Centre,

Boundary Way, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5DHDUCATI • TRIUMPH • YAMAHA • BMW

Rent and ride some of the best motorcycles in the World, competitively priced, professionally maintained, fully equipped and immaculately turned out. We can also provide helmets, clothing, luggage and sat. navs as needed.

Full insurance and breakdown cover are included.

Where will you go?

WHERE WILLYOU GO?

RENT MOTORCYCLES TO RIDE IN THE UK AND EUROPE

RoadTrip FP 0715.indd 1 21/07/2015 11:40





TVAM invite you tocome and have funshowing off your

Slow Riding SkillsWhen: Sunday 21st May 2017

• Competitor sign in & food from 12.00pm• Riding from approx. 12.30pm to approx. 4.00pm

Where: St. Crispin’s School, London Rd, Wokingham, RG40 1SS

Entries: Invited from individual TVAM members and teams of three. We have also invited teamentries from bordering IAM groups and our local IAM RoadSmart examiners (theycoughed and spluttered, so we said the word “chicken” which seemed to hit home).

Event: There will be six or seven small stages with different slow riding challenges such as:• riding a course as slowly as possible without touching cones or putting a foot down• riding over a small see-saw into a full-lock circle then back out over the see-saw• don’t buzz!• don’t put a tyre wrong!• swop that ball!We leave the last three to your imagination!

Bikes: All slow riding will be on 125cc motorcycles kindly provided by local training schools.

Prizes: There will be prizes for the best individual and team entries.

Entry fee: £10.00 per rider includes:• entry to the event• freshly cooked fish & chips or vegetarian meal• can of drink

Other stands: We are inviting local dealers, motorcycle gear suppliers, fish & chip and ice creamvans on site. So there should be plenty to see and do.

Spectators: All are most welcome, entry is free and food can be purchased on site.

Entry: Via the TVAM Website www.tvam.org - Entry fees & details can be completed via;Web Shop > TVAM Events > Slow Riding Event

Questions? Please contact David Jacobi via: [email protected] or 07742 586 976

Better Biking





Christmas PartyPhotos: Steve McCormick

The Christmas Party is always a great event to attend to get to know and interact with other Members as well as the Awards given out on the night. Sadly I missed this last one but was told it was as good as always.

If you haven’t been get yourself down to the next one for a great evening at a great venue.Hopefully see you there, I won't be missing the next one.

Gavin





John tells us what happens when ten Wey Valley Members take to the muddy roads on their mainly off-road tour of South Africa through some spectacular scenery of mountains, rivers and the like.__________________________

A couple of years back Dave Hodgson (Dave H) led a band of merry men to explore the Cape of Africa. It sounded great, so when he asked me if I was interested in filling a vacancy on another trip he was organising to the area surrounding Lesotho in conjunction with a South African guy called Dave Skates (Dave S), I jumped at it. Well, after I’d gotten clearance from Sally ☺

And so it was, that ten of us set off to the airport in November. With bags stuffed full of riding gear and sporting custom tour t-shirts. Eight of us were WVAM members, the other two being BMW owners that Dave knew through Vines.

We had a stop over in Johannesburg on the way to Durban, which turned out to be a longer stopover than expected for half the group when the gate closed before we got to it. Dave H managed to check in and just about get through security after shedding various bits of kit, only to be told he was too late at the gate. After finally arriving at the hotel south of Durban a lot

later than intended we headed off to sort the paperwork out for the bikes, and get fed by the dealer too (amazing steak). We were all to be on GS’s of varying spec, and all of them were either new or only a few months old. Everyone was feeling great to be nearly ready to go, but after a long day travelling an early night was opted for by most.

Day One. The following morning we collected the bikes and headed inland to find some quiet roads. The day started out fine with comfortable temperatures, but it wasn’t to last. A slight cock up on corner marking saw Dave H and Jeremy get

left behind. They caught up with us for lunch though after a phone call. We got to the dirt roads

after lunch and started to get comfortable with the bikes. A couple of us were getting a little twitchy at the slow pace on the dirt, so I edged up beside Dave S to ask him to speed up a bit. He looked across and waved me past. What can I say; I didn’t need to be asked twice ☺

I wasn’t alone, with Matt and Dave G and John B (the two non WVAM guys) coming out to play too. It wasn’t long before we were heading up in altitude, into the clouds, and on some of the slipperiest mud roads I’ve ever ridden. These conditions saw most of the people in the group falling off numerous times, and unfortunately the first bike failure. John B’s bike suffered a clutch failure on one of the

John Webster

Switchback Tour

Collecting bikes

A slight cock-up on corner marking saw Dave H and Jeremy get left behind.

steepest hills, needing the bike to be pushed up it, and then towed to a safe place to leave it. Yes, tow it on these slippery nightmare roads in cloud, with bugger all visibility. And this was Day One.

Dave S found a suitable place for the bike to be left securely so it could be recovered the following day, and we then had a debate on who wanted to take John B pillion. With no other takers we moved my luggage and he got on the back of me. This proved extremely challenging. We had a few goes at standing up but the clay on John’s boots made it a nightmare for him to keep his feet on the pegs with their rubber tops, so we had to concede and sit down. If you have ever tried riding in deep mud you will know sitting down is not ideal, let alone two up. After some very eventful riding we all made it to the hotel for that night, which was overlooking Rourkes Drift (Drift is the term for a river crossing).

The hotel was stunning, and Dave S had arranged for one of the première battle sites tour guides to stay and dine with us.

Day Two started with a visit to the site of the battle, and the tour guide giving us a run down

of what took place, and the context of how it fitted within the other battles. We headed off to another stop overlooking the area of the massacre that took place at the battle of Isandlwana that preceded the one at Rourkes Drift.

John B was still steedless, so was on the back of my bike for the day. We all spent the day on dirt roads in dry dusty conditions, so nothing too challenging, arriving at the Nambiti Game Reserve mid afternoon. This was another stunning place,

with each of us staying in huts that looked like tents, but with solid walls. We settled in before heading out on an evening game drive, getting up close to loads of wildlife, but not managing to see the lions just yet.

It wasn’t long before we were heading up in altitude, into the clouds,

and on some of the slipperiest mud roads I’ve ever ridden.

View from the hotel at Rourkes Drift

If you have ever tried riding in deep mud you will know sitting down is

not ideal, let alone two up.

This was another stunning place, with each of us staying in huts that looked

like tents, but with solid walls.

Inside the chalet

Evening game drive





Day Three was an early start as we had an early game drive. Boy was it cold, but it was worth it as we got to see a pair of lions so close that they walked around our truck. We saw much more this time than we did the night before, up close to giraffe, zebra, antelope and more.

After breakfast we headed off mid morning. Another bike had been dropped off for John B (I think he was glad to be riding himself again), and we spent another day on great fast dirt roads through rolling green hills, headed for Estcourt, and the Blue Haze Country Lodge.

A few miles before the hotel would see the second bike failure, with Dave G’s fork leg failing and throwing him up the road. Recovery was arranged, and lots of discussion ensued over beers that evening as to what the cause was. This was worrying as Dave was on one of the new bikes. This would see a couple of us keeping an eye on the remaining bikes for the rest of the trip, and for good reason, as it would turn out.

Day Four saw a late start as Dave S arranged for the broken bike to be collected, and for another to be delivered for Dave G. That essentially meant that Dave G and John B would wait for the exchange, and make their own way to the hotel for that night.

This day we rode tarmac to start as we were heading into the Drakensberg Mountains, but that changed when we entered Lesotho through the Monantsa Border Control. The two sides of the border are so different it is like a time warp. It was a lovely sunny day, with some great interesting, technical roads. Dave H was leading today, so we cracked

Boy was it cold, but it was worth it as we got to see a pair of lions so close that they walked around our truck.

Lion on the morning game drive

Zebra and more as well...

En route to Estcourt

Just in time as it happened as the heavens opened shortly afterwards.

Through Lesotho...

on a bit with Matt and I riding at our own pace and consequently doing a large amount of the marking. This for me was what I had come here for. Aside from the terrain the thing that struck me was that no matter where you stopped, and how remote it looked give it a minute or two and a bunch of people would appear from literally nowhere. It was clear that we were their entertainment. It was a shame that one third of them preferred to throw stones at us rather than waving though.

We popped out the other end of this short excursion through Lesotho and stopped at a

lovely place called Clarens. Just in time as it happened as the heavens opened shortly afterwards.

Day Five was a short day, as we were staying at Clarens that night too. All of us wanted to go out on our bikes though, so Dave S led us on a

loop out through the local area and back through the Golden Gate Park before stopping for lunch. The previous night the discussion had been about going white water rafting in the afternoon. I’m not a great swimmer so was not really up for this. Being the only person saying they were not doing it the night before, I decided I would go, only to find out that some of the others were no longer going!

Lunch stop

Leaving Lesotho

Water crossing

Stopping on the Golden Gate LoopOn the Golden Gate Loop





It was a great time regardless, with some challenging rapids (I forget how many of each level there was, but they ranged from Grade 1 to 4), made all the more interesting by the weather changing and chucking marble-sized hailstones at us with no cover anywhere.

Day Six, and time to head back into Lesotho again. We rode into the top of Lesotho mainly on tarmac, stopping for lunch at the Afriski Mountain Resort. It was a bit of a surprise to find a ski resort in Lesotho, but it’s not somewhere I would bother to go back to, as it looks very limited when compared to what we have in Europe.

Dave S knew the manager of the resort, and since he does a lot of guiding for both adventure and enduro groups, Dave asked him to lead us on some of the roads towards Katse Dam, where we were staying. I think Dave had the idea that this guy might either rein a few of us in, or at least take the pressure off him from leading. As it was, the guy (who’s name escapes me), Matt and I had a right blast.

The roads this afternoon wee quite challenging so rather than just bugger off we stopped at the really technical bits and helped the others get through. Mick P had a tumble on the first half

of the off-road section, and so Dave S took him to the lodge on tarmac, whilst the rest of us rode the dirt road around the rest of the dam (A dam is a reservoir to them). The weather was great, the road was superb, and a good time was had by all.

We stayed the night in small houses on a complex next to Katse Lodge. Apparently these were the workmen’s’ accommodation while the dam was being built, and afterwards they turned it into a tourist resort. The views across the dam are stunning.

On the way to ski resort

On the bridge

A view from the top

Day Seven, and yet more cracking roads, both dirt and tar. Today we would be doing the Sani Pass, so everyone was excited at the prospect, as this is such a well-known pass. The road leading up to it from the Lesotho side is lovely smooth tarmac that would be superb on a sports bike. Shame we were on GS’s and had been told to calm it down a bit, as Dave S was now worried that some of our tyres would not last the trip (story of my life!)

We got to Sani just after lunch and after initially sitting outside, went in to warm up. Despite the clear skies it blows a bit up the pass.

We took too long over lunch, and I noticed it was starting to cloud up, something

it had been doing mid afternoon on most days. By the time we got on the bikes it was no longer clear, but clear enough to see the road

okay. Having got to the bottom of the switchbacks we all waited to regroup. After riding down it no one wanted to go back up. Until Dave H came down that is. He

only had to say he was definitely doing it for Matt and I to join him, and in my opinion it was easier

going up than down. When we came down the second time the others had all buggered off, so we chased them down the mountain, catching them up at the border. We just made it to Himeville before the heavens opened.

Another evening of drinking, eating and tall stories of daring-do followed (or in Jeremy’s case being ‘rufty tufty’).

The road leading up to it from the Lesotho side is lovely smooth tarmac that would be superb on a

sports bike.

Sani Mountain Lodge / Sani Top Chalet

Mick and ChrisJohn at the top of Sani Pass





Day Eight would see us heading south west, shadowing the Lesotho border and the mountains, with a great mix of dirt and tarmac roads again, ending up at the Mountain Shadows Hotel, between Elliot and Barkly East. The hotel was nice enough but if you’ve ever seen the film Misery, that might give you an impression of what the manager was like. This was to be a two-night stay too…

Day Nine was another loop out, heading up to Rhodes for lunch, all on dirt roads.

The place we stopped at was great; the owner was a real oddball, but lovely with it. After lunch the group split, with some wanting to head for home while Dave H wanted to go ride one of the passes up to the Lesotho border. It didn’t quite go to plan as Dave H had a problem with his bike, and by the time we had fixed it, it had started to rain. Sadly the weather turned worse (more lightning and hailstones) and we had no option but to turn around before we even made the bottom of the pass, but we still had a great ride back to the hotel once we cleared the rain.

Day Ten started with another problem. Whilst checking the bikes over before breakfast I noticed one of my fork legs was covered in oil, from the same place that Dave G’s fork leg had failed. I had been checking them every time I stopped as a matter of course. Dave S said that I could not continue on the bike, as to do so and risk it failing whilst riding was not sensible.

The only real option was for the bike to be recovered, so I

was expecting to either go with it, or maybe go pillion. Knowing how nobody wanted to take John B pillion previously, I knew this was a slim chance.Whilst discussing this, Mick P said that he was still suffering from his previous off, and would gladly go back with the bike if that were possible.

After a bit of work Dave S arranged for Mick to be picked up and dropped at one of the later hotels, so he could do the last days ride. And so I had Mick’s bike to ride for a couple of days. As it happened Mick made the right decision not to ride this day, as we had a pretty challenging ride across to the coast at Coffee Bay. It started out fine, on tarmac roads, but the closer we got to the coast the worse the weather got, and the last forty or so miles of the dirt roads were so wet and slippery, it was like day one all over again. Had it been dry it would have been a lot easier.

The resort at Coffee Bay was very nice being right on the beach. This place is so far off the beaten

track though, because there is only one tarmac road into it forty-odd miles off the nearest main road, with all the others being dirt.

John strutting his stuff

Mountain Shadows Hotel

It started out fine, on tarmac roads, but the closer we got to the coast the worse the

weather got, and the last forty or so miles of the dirt roads were so wet and slippery, it was

like day one all over again.

Day Eleven and because the previous day had been so challenging, Dave S said we would have a later start. He even washed our bikes! We were only going sixty or so miles up the coast as the crow flies, but the way to get there was all dirt roads, and more challenging than the day before, being much smaller and less well used. That was enough to split the group, with half of them choosing to take the long way around on tarmac roads led by Dave S, while the rest of us went with Dave H.

This day for me turned out to be the best of the trip. Collectively we rode at a similar pace, made good progress, and had some real good roads to ride, plus a nice river crossing followed by the longest, washed out climb I’ve ever come across.We got to Port St Johns mid to late afternoon, and whilst we were supping our first beer the others rocked up too. Perfect timing. This was another lovely resort, overlooking the river, staying in wooden chalets.

Day Twelve was to be quite an easy day compared to the previous two. It was quite a short day so after getting pretty close to where we were staying Dave S was getting creative in trying to find some decent roads to ride. This saw us ride up some logging trails that turned out to be dead ends, plus riding along the dirt trails alongside the

tarmac roads. All good clean fun. We got to the Ingeli Forest Resort mid afternoon, just as it started to rain, yet again. We were pleased to see that Mick was there waiting for us, and had not been knobbled by the ‘misery’ woman at his previous hotel. Yet again another cracking hotel.

Day Thirteen was to be the final day on the bikes. Since Mick was back with us, I had to hand his bike back to him, and see whom I could convince to take me back to Durban. The only real candidate was Matt, given that he has at least ridden a fair bit with a pillion, but to say he had his reservation was an understatement. Apparently I weigh a little bit more than he does, lol.

Rhodes Loop at Naude's Nek

This saw us ride up some logging trails that turned out to be dead

ends, plus riding along the dirt trails alongside the tarmac roads. All

good clean fun.

Rhodes Loop view

Bikes on the trail at Rhodes Loop





Anyway, we agreed that he would ride as it was his bike after all, and if he wanted to we could swap over. With our entire luggage distributed across the other bikes we were good to go. Dave H was leading and had put together a varied route, which until lunch was just fine since it was dry. We stopped for lunch in a nice quiet hotel that were surprised to have lunch guests, but managed to make us some sandwiches. As we sat there the heavens opened. It stopped raining by the time we left, but this was enough to totally change the dirt roads.

We set off after lunch with me riding and Matt on the back, acting as back marker. In no time at all Dave H had turned us up a logging track. This would prove to be a track too far, as first Jeremy refused to go up the track, taking much coaxing to do so. Then I managed to throw Matt on the ground (I told him I would because he said he hadn’t fallen off yet). Further up the track Dave Elsden had taken a tumble and hurt himself.

Despite Dave H really wanting to carry on the shortest route back to tarmac was the way we had come, and was the sensible choice given that we now had an injured rider. Dave E could barely get back on his bike, so I offered to ride it back to the road for him with him on the back.

Unfortunately that meant we could not get back onto Dave H’s route, and meant we had no choice but to use tarmac only to get back to the dealers. It was a small price to pay to ensure we all got back though.

This night we were staying in a hotel right on the front on Durban North Shore. Dave S really did well on this trip. Even the more basic places to stay were still great.

Port St Johns Chalets

Then I managed to throw Matt on the ground (I told him I would because he

said he hadn’t fallen off yet).

...and a lot of mudA few mishaps...

I took a fair few pictures, and there are so many stories from this trip. Some new friendships have been made too.

If you get the chance to do this trip in the future, I highly recommend it. My only suggestion would be to ensure that you’re comfortable riding a GS off road. If it had been dry all the time I am sure we would all have breezed the trip, but for some the conditions we encountered were enough to take the edge off their enjoyment. No doubt time will heal those bad memories though

My thanks to all those on the trip for making it such a great trip, and especially to Mick for letting me use his bike, and Matt for sharing a room and taking me pillion on the last day.

Those on the trip:Dave ScatesDave Hodgson Dave ElsdenJeremy Sigger Chris HopperMick Partridge Barry RichesMatt Elderton John WebsterJohn Baker Dave Green

Durban North Shore

A rough map - obviously more off-road than on...





More and more trials and off-roading adventures are being taken part in by Members of Wey Valley. Steve provides an insight in what to expect at one of the Long Distance Trials._______________________

Sammy Miller Long Distance Trial (LDT) hosted by the North Berks MCC.20th November 2016.

Horse and Harrow Public House, West Hagbourne, Didcot, South Oxfordshire, OX11 0NB.

‘Another great event on a chilly November morning, Hurricane Angus had threatened to upset the proceedings but it never really came to much thankfully. After some rain at the start it soon dried up and the large number of entries were treated to a fantastic days sport on this one lap classic trial in and around the Berkshire Downs. Ian Peberdy came away with the Best Performance Winston Grove Trophy, dropping a mere seven points on his BSA Bantum which was an outstanding ride. John Lightfoot, North Berks MCC President made a presentation, on behalf of the ACU to Sammy Miller at the start of the Downland thanking him for his sponsorship and encouragement over the past twenty years.Photos courtesy of Sue O’Sullivan.’

Start point at a pub, Horse and Harrow, serving bacon butties and coffee. Great start to the day!

Park up in the field behind the pub, go and register.

Once registered you’re given your start number and a rather fetching tabard to wear which again has your number front and back, along with the road book/map of where the course goes etc.

Back to the van, get the bikes out, add fuel, and make sure they start! Get kitted up, body armour, boots, gloves, helmet etc. Other items such as tool kit, inner tubes are already on the bike. Ready to go… its started to rain… great!

You start number determines your start time. Once ready, registered, numbers, bike sorted, join the excited queue of riders waiting to leave the pub car park.

This event like most long distance trials has a road book to help you navigate the course and to show you where the trials sections are along the way.

Now a basic overview of an LDT, a road book route with the course going across public road, along green lanes, across private land, where arranged of course. This LDT was around the sixty miles in length with thirty-four trials sections after which brings you back to the pub again.

One of the appealing factors of these events is that you get to ride on land, which is usually off limits to you outside of the event. Besides, you get to ride in different parts of the country, through lovely countryside, to enjoy and savour.

The weather on the day was damp with rain drizzling on and off. This made for interesting going on the trails and certainly into the sections.

Steve McCormick

Happy and Tired

Ready to go… its started to rain… great!

Sammy Miller & John Lightfoot

At each section there is at least one observer waiting there for you. Usually very friendly, welcoming, big smiles. Considering that these kind people are volunteers and will be there long after you’ve ridden through, a huge thanks goes to them.

Depending on the numbers who start the event there may be queues at the early stages.

You arrive at a trials stage and usually you can walk the section to see where you’re meant to go. Once walked and you feel you’ve remembered the section back to the bike, waiting for your turn to ride the section.

The first few sections are the most nerve racking. From my point of view I am unlikely to have ridden a trials bike or similar since the last event which could be a month or two ago. Anyway it soon comes back… sort of. First section done, move onto the next. The rain starts to clear! Hey this is fun! This is why I was awake at 5:00 am on a Sunday morning to drive up here.

The day progresses, the sections go flying by, the sun peeks through the clouds, the countryside we are riding through is stunning. This certainly beats working! Some sections go better than others. I manage to drop my bike into a stream trying to get out of a gulley. I manage to pick the bike up quickly. I look at the climb out and I realise thankfully that I’m wearing my sealskin socks as my boots are submerged in water and my feet are still dry… for the moment. Back to the climb, only way is up, going back is not an option. A few folks are at the top of the short climb waiting to catch me/bike if it goes pear-shaped again. I count to three and

go for it. Up and out. Phew! Next section please!

This LDT is a little more challenging in the sections than most. A large number of road-registered trials bikes were there in amongst

the usual Pampera owners club (i.e. a large number of these bikes are weapons of choice for LDTs), Freerides and other types, flavours of bikes too numerous to list.

As you come through the last section you realise its nearly over, breathing a sigh of relief

As you come through the last section you realise its nearly over, breathing a sigh of relief but also feeling sadness that

your day’s fun is nearly done. Until the next one!!!

Observers

Intercom Winter/Spring 2017 Intercom Winter/Spring 2017

42 http://www.wvam.org.uk 43 http://www.wvam.org.uk

but also feeling sadness that your day’s fun is nearly done. Until the next one!!!

Bike in the back of the van, say cheerio to folks around and new friends made on the day, journey back home, job done. Happy and tired.

These events are put on by clubs supported by members and volunteers much in the same way that Wey Valley runs.

Observers marking out thirty-four sections, admin before the day, admin on the day, collating results from each rider, publishing results, organising road books, routes,

marking out the trials sections, taking them down after everyone has gone home… huge amount of effort… massive!

The weather made the trials sections difficult to get traction in a large number of places.

All sections were well thought out and provided for great days sport.

I can’t recommend these events enough, great fun, certainly improves your riding, gets you into some beautiful countryside, you meet some great like-minded people and I’ll certainly keep on doing as many of these events as time allows.

I’ll continue to update the WVAM calendar with details of the LDT’s coming up, catch me at club night or Observed Sunday, come along, take part, you won’t look back.

http://www.northberksmcc.com/2016.html





Howard gives us the low-down on the Associates Only rides that he led last year with great success and also a lot of fun whilst learning. As an Associate, don’t miss out on these great rides with a fantastic team of Observers helping out._____________________

These proved really popular again during 2016, the second year that we've organised these rides.

The objective of these rides is: • To give you the opportunity to practice any ‘homework’ they'd been given on OS, • To learn to ride within a group, • To learn the junction marking system.

As part of this ride, we have a group debrief at the mid-point coffee stop where the observers would deliver general comments, not addressed to anyone in particular, on the riding they had seen and suggestions for things to try on the ride back.

We started the year with some half-day rides and

the request from the group was “can't we go further / have an all-day ride?” So we did!

We visited a variety of places last year and discovered some new bike-friendly places to visit.

Here are a few of the rides:

Popham Airfield (half day)The South Coast (half day)Sammy Millers Motorcycle Museum (full day)Shaftesbury – Ye Olde Two Brewers at the bottom of Gold Hill, very welcoming! (full day)Caen Locks – Great little café (full day)Devils Dyke – (half day)

Last year, because of the popularity of these rides, I created a reserve list for each ride once all the

Howard Denny

Associates Only Ride

The motley crew posing in front of the locks at Caen - Devizes

Jim Lucas posing by his new bikeat Sammy Miller Museum - New Forest

places were full, and luckily, I managed to get most people onto a ride.

I intend to do the same again this year, so it will be ‘first come first served’ on the sign-up post that I'll put on the forum (remember ‘view new posts’ when you log in otherwise you might miss out) for the first ten places and then I'll create a reserve list.

Please don't be upset if you've done several AO rides and I have to ask you to give up your place to someone who's on the reserve list and has not yet been on one – we want as many Associates to benefit from these rides as we can.

I can think of several Associates who achieved a ‘F1RST’ in their test after coming on a number of the rides so practice and feedback clearly helps and that just what you'll get on these rides... so keep your eyes peeled for my sign-up post and come and join us.

Finally, thank you to all the Observers who have helped throughout the year – Roy Williams, Matt Wiacek, Howard Dixon, Jim Lucas, Penny West, Rodney Rayner, Colin Warr and Andrew “Slim” Hind who have helped on a regular basis.

Let’s look forward to some great roads, good riding, warm weather and cafés that don't run out of food!

Stay safe

Howard

Penny West showing the group how

Gavin Caddick

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Crit'Air France

to pose on Gold Hill, Shaftesbury





before admiring the awesome power of very cold water descending over the magnificent Gullfoss Falls. And then the more modest Seljalandsfoss Falls where we walked behind the actual waterfall. And all this by lunchtime and in glorious sunshine!

The afternoon route took us due south to the island’s ring road, across some very long bridges that crossed the numerous rivers emanating from the coastal glaciers, including one that covered the relatively small but infamous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano. By mid-afternoon we reached the southernmost point of Iceland beside the Dyrholaey Lighthouse with its stunning coast scenery.

Apart from a relatively short section of dirt up to the Nesjavellir power station, the road was a standard two-lane road, which from the perspective of resident from the Home Counties, was almost devoid of traffic. The adjacent highly productive farmland was actually the old seabed, which had risen a few metres after

being relieved of billions of tonnes of ice at the

end of the ice age about ten thousand years ago. Iceland still glaciers of course, just much smaller

than when the entire island was encased in ice.

We continued around the coast road past the Myrdalsjokull Glacier (itself covering the Katla Volcano) and onto the vast glacial outwash plain of Skeidararsandur; here there was an exhibit of a

pair of massive steel girders that had once formed one of many vital bridges in the island’s ring road, the rest of which had been destroyed by a massive flood following an eruption under the glacier and the subsequent burst of billions of gallons of water down the rivers.

Whilst we had only covered two hundred and fifty miles, it was a stunning, sunlit day with huge variety of natural phenomena and

And then the more modest Seljalandsfoss Falls where we walked

behind the actual waterfall.

Gullfoss Falls

Seljalandsfoss Falls

Behind the waterfall...

Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

John Bennett finishes his last day languishing amidst the culture in Reykjavik before setting off around Iceland past spectacular waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers and the like...___________________________

On my last day in Reykjavik, I did a cultural walk to several museums including the Icelandic Phallological Museum with two hundred and eighty-three members on display,

representing all Icelandic animals and a few beyond those shores. And yes, there was one human member, from deceased mountaineer Pall Arason. Also the Settlement Museum that was built over what is now an archaeological site in the old town, dating back to 871 AD.

During the afternoon the rest of the team had arrived, including two lady riders out of eight – a comparatively large percentage for what would at times be a very challenging ride with over eight hundred miles of dirt roads and many river crossings. Also Hjortur Jonson, our support van driver and Icelandic historian.

So with Kevin and Dom, we were eleven in total and we met at 7:00 pm for introductions and a briefing (as per normal daily procedure) about the route for the following day.

We left the next day at 8:00 am in a tight formation through the city to avoid separation at junctions as much as possible, then headed east for twenty-five kilometres where we stopped on a hill near Nesjavellir, overlooking an immense geothermal power station, one of a number

that supply Reykjavik with hot water through an insulated pipe close to the road, like a miniature version of the massive trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

Continuing up the east side of Lake Pingvallavatn, we stopped at the famous Geysir Hot Springs,

John Bennett

A Symphony of Elements

Geothermal power station at Nesjavellir

Geysir Hot Springs





The Hotel Frantid at our destination, Djupivogur, was a hundred-and-ten-year-old wooden building overlooking the harbour at the mouth of the Berufjordur Fjord. As I climbed a short way up the nearby hillside, the remarkable thing was that the fjord was totally calm, not a ripple disturbed its surface. A stunning view in the early evening glow. Hjortur said that it was five years ago that he had last experienced such calm, high-pressure sunny weather that we had enjoyed thus far.

Djupivogur is the oldest port in the Eastfjords; it’s been around since the 16th century when German merchants brought goods to trade, and like the Westman Islands on the south coast, it suffered attacks from Algerian pirates in 1627 who laid

waste to the town and took away slaves. Sound familiar? Ian and I did not have time to visit the museum the following morning, but we did go along the harbour which had been decorated with thirty-four giant polished granite eggs (created

by visual artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson in 2009) representing all the resident seabird species of Iceland. They are similar in size except for the largest that belongs to the red-throated diver, the official bird of Djupivogur.

Spectacular coastal views of Lonsvik coast east of Hofn

Djupivogur Harbour - the oldest port in the Eastfjords

...like the Westman Islands on the south coast, it suffered attacks from

Algerian pirates in 1627 who laid waste to the town and took away slaves.

To be continued in next Intercom...

I went to bed for the night at the Hotel Laki in Kirkjubaejarklaustur (really three words joined together – church, farm and convent – and usually spoken of simply as Klaustur) with total satisfaction.

The next morning we discovered that the hotel is probably unique in the world as it has a mobile radar station in the field next door to monitor airborne ash, and therefore acts as an early warning system for eruptions. No doubt it had been installed after the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption. The Globebusters’ format is to provide a map, route notes and GPS waypoints so that one is free to ride at your own pace, stop for photos/coffee/meals and ride on your own or with others as it suits you. Day Two was a chilly morning as Ian on his Africa Twin and I saddled up for the two-hundred-and-ten-mile ride. Our road was squeezed between glaciers to our left and the sea to our right all day, on an exclusively tarmac journey to Djupivogur, near the easternmost corner of Iceland. The route took us almost to the foot of the Skaftafellsjokull Glacier, which we walked to, then visited the nearby Glacier Centre that provided a short natural history film.

Fifty kilometres further on, at the narrowest point between glaciers and sea, there was a suspension bridge over the outlet from a freshwater lagoon awash with icebergs. As the glaciers melt and bergs calve off, they also bring sediment and as the small bergs floated towards the sea under the bridge, they get stranded, thus providing a photographic paradise on the right day.

Just past the small settlement of Hofn, and in extreme contrast to all the flat coastal plain we had been riding past, we went through a recently opened tunnel through the basalt hills, with the added bonus on the far side of being able to ride up the old road and down the far side for spectacular coastal views.

The southernmost point of Iceland beside the Dyrholaey Lighthouse with its stunning coast scenery.

Skaftafellsjokull Glacier

Suspension bridge





Stu Haythorn’s tenure as Chief Observer was rather short lived but, unlike Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor, he is moving on for good reason, having accepted a full time job at IAM Roadsmart HQ.

We will not be losing contact with Stu as he is the new Area Service Delivery Manager for Region 2, South East of England, which covers WVAM. No doubt he will continue to pop up at social events in future and might even find himself in Luxembourg in June!

Having served on the training team under both Stu and Rosario, I would like to continue with some of the major objectives they originally introduced. Rosario succeeded in making the Training Team more visible and accessible and made each member of the team responsible for a specific role. Chris Armstrong will be my Deputy and, elsewhere in this edition of Intercom, he will introduce the team and explain their roles. I have made sure that each member of the Training Team is supported by a deputy from within the Training Team and more of our National Observers will become involved in the many and varied Observer training roles.

Stu chose the ideal time to step aside as we have a formidable task ahead of us to ensure that all of our Group and Qualified Observers register for the IMI Local and National Observer qualifications and are assessed by the end of the year.

This whole process should be made a lot easier by the introduction of the Observer Mentoring Scheme which was originally conceived by Stu to provide support to Observers as they develop their skills and give them more focused training through one-to-one mentoring.

Our Observer Team has a challenging year ahead to not only achieve this, but also introduce the new Advanced Rider Course material to new Associates. All Observers should now have a copy of the Advanced Rider Course Observer’s Handbook following the three presentation evenings at the end of last year.

I am honoured to serve as Chief Observer and bring to the role my passion for rider education and safety. Rather than a hobby, my love of motor cycling could more accurately be described as an obsession! As a child, after my first ride on a Mobylette moped on a field in Suffolk, I was hooked and have not been without a bike since. In many ways, I am lucky to be here after I took to the country roads without any formal training whatsoever, and proceeded to fall off and go through more hedges than the Suffolk Hunt in my early years of motorcycling.

Chief Observer's ReportCrispin D'Albertanson

Despite losing seven friends from my school year to motorcycle accidents, it took rather too long for it to dawn on me that advanced rider training was crucial to saving lives.

My motorcycling CV includes touring around Europe, adventure biking in Australia and New Zealand, a brief racing career, coaching on the Nürburgring as well as instructing for Hopp Rider Training. During my time with the IAM, I have become a National Observer, joined the National Training Team, gained a Masters distinction and instructed on IAM circuit based Skill Days; but, most of all I just enjoy riding my bike.

I look forward to some great riding with you all on training and social events and, particularly, my first ever WVAM French trip (to Luxembourg!) with Sue, my wife, in June.

Ride safe and have fun,

Crispin d’Albertanson

Chief Observer

WVAM recorded forty-one test passes in 2016 of which fifteen were F1RSTs and we currently have nine Masters within the club.

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Chris Armstrong

WVAM Training Team

Chris introduces us to the current Training Team under Crispin, our new Chief Observer.

What does the Training Team do?

The Training Team focuses on making sure that the club provides the best help and guidance to Associates and Members to achieve their riding objectives. Associates objectives differ and change over time. Typically, they start by wanting to become a better and safer rider to pass their test and once they have achieved this, many often want to continue to develop their skills. The Training Team works to provide the support, training and opportunity through the Observers and other club members’ support.

The Team focuses on maintaining the ongoing Observer pool, building Observer skills and Promoting WVAM externally. This year we are working to convert all the existing Observers to the new ‘Advanced Rider Course’ material and approach. In addition, we are concentrating on making the observer administration processes simpler and more transparent for our willing and patient Observers.

Who are the Training team?

Crispin d’Albertanson

Crispin is our Chief Observer and performs all the duties that this entails. On top of this he manages the Website Updates and is ultimately responsible for the Training Team document storage.

Chris Armstrong

I am Crispin’s Deputy (I would suggest that this means doing the bits he does not want to…). I look after the Observer Communication Skills course and ongoing development. I also lead the Associates Theory course that we offer a couple of times a year and manage the Training Team database and records.

Rick Parish

Rick brings years of knowledge and experience to the team and is our link into BikeSafe. He is also responsible for Local Observer Assessor co-ordination.

Tim Robinson

Tim looks after the development and management of forms and Admin. He also leads the ‘Observed Sunday’ pairings and the part of the practical observer training affectionately known as ‘Stooges Day’.

Barry Riches

Is on a well-deserved Sabbatical but as he said at his final meeting... “I will be back”

Nick Robinson

Nick has taken on the leadership of the Observer mentoring and is running the Observer Training Weekend.

Barry Salmon

Barry works closely with the IAM and liaises with them on our behalf. He is also responsible for the Pre Observer Assessments, National Observer Training Assessment and establishes and manages the Observer exams.

Neil Watson

Neil runs the Associates Mentoring program (he calls it blind dating…), leads the Observed Sunday Associates introduction and handles the ‘Goodwood Run’, which is part of the Observer Training program.

Penny West

Penny has taken on much of Barry’s responsibility and brings lots of new ideas to the Training Team. She has a passion to promote safer riding for youngsters so expect to see more on this soon. She is also in charge of the Dunsfold Full Control course, which is one of the best-attended and appreciated courses we run. She is leading four of these this year (see the calendar and Penny’s article for dates).

James Lucas

James is the most recent recruit and to begin with will be finding out about the Training Team processes and bringing a fresh pair of eyes to what is done. James will focus on helping with pre-Goodwood

Assessments and the actual Goodwood Assessments to begin with.




WVAM Committee MembersChairman Tim GoodmanVice Chairman Jeremy SiggerSecretary Philip JonesTreasurer Keith RobbinsChief Observer Crispin d'AlbertansonMembership John WebsterIntercom Editor Gavin CaddickOn-Bike Social Events Howard DennyOff-Bike Social Events Steven McCormickMarketing and PR Janet JonesCommunications John BraddickRetail Liaison Simon Elkins

Club President Mike Davidson

Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists (WVAM) is a club affiliated to the

Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - Group No. 2155. It has a charitable

status (Registered Charity No. 1050868) and is run entirely by Volunteers.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT: The club always welcomes constructive feedback about all aspects of WVAM activities. Please don’t forget that everyone who helps out the club – right from the canteen through to the Observers – does so voluntarily; willingly giving up their time on your behalf. So, as well as letting us know what you think, we will always welcome more help; go on please, don’t be shy, you know you want to! Thank you.

Readers should note that except for articles written by the Chief Observer or the Training Team, all articles about riding motorcycles and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the club (Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists), IAM or WVAM Training Team policy or recommendation. All other articles are also the personal opinion and responsibility of the author only and not those of WVAM or the Editors.

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