Chain Link BAM New sletter Registered Charity no: 1118230 Issue 30 November/December 2011
Things some people will do to get on the cover J
Rideout Reviews, Bike Reviews, Race reviews Rhayader Remembered…….and more ! National Conference Updates Party Time – book your tickets now
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 1 The Newsletter of BAM Registered Charity no: 1118230
A ffiliated to: T he Institute of A dvanced M otorists IA M G roup N um ber 1258
Issue 30 N ov to D ec 2011 www.bamo.org.uk
Page 2 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Contents Nov - Dec 2011
Regular Features: Title page 1 Contents 3 Kipper’s Komments (Editor) 4 Treasure Trove 5 Club Nights 6 Super Sunday 7 -8 Associate & Observer Passes 9 - 11
Special Items Coalpit Heath Reviews 12 - 13 Regional news 14 – 15 BAM Christmas Party 41
Ride Reviews and Roadcraft, Rider Safety Performance Day 16 - 20 BAM weekend in Rhayader 21 - 38 VFR 1200 test ride 39 - 40 Matlock Derbyshire …did you know… 42 - 44 View from the Side 45 - 48 Burgundy on an XMAX 250 49 A ride around Wales 50 – 52 A Mornings Meandering 53 - 54 Rideout Calendar – breakfast runs 55 What’s happening in the world ? 56 Kessi’s Kapers 59 - 60
Quiz Pages Issue 28 Caption Entries 38 Quiz 30 – What colour hat ? 57
BAM Roles & Contact points 58
B&B and Sponsors 59 -
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Kipper’s Komments Martyn Rowbottom
The post bag has been brimming with articles again for the last magazine of 2011 including some great ride reviews – my favourite is this one from Ollie
Rhayader Weekend by Ollie Sage Went to Wales, Went on some rides, Drank some beer, Ate some food, had a pretty good time. Cheers. :)
Guest speakers have drawn large audiences with a very inspiring talk from Talan- see write up on page 13 its helped clarify what we are about, the consequences, then what is still possible if you set your goals.
I send a reminder out a few weeks before each deadline so for regular contributors come on please it’s not hard to remember to write a page or two.
Christmas is coming on us fast, so we are trying something new for BAM and arranging a christmas party – it will be a good night s see the forum and page 42 on how to get your tickets.
If you would like to contact me with any articles or stories you would like published please email [email protected]
The deadline for submissions to be included in the next edition is: 22nd Dec 2011
Although late submissions to show off your new pressies also accepted
Articles will be accepted in any format, preferably via an email with any photos of course.
Ride Smart and Be Safe ,
S.M.A.K. I’ll be back for breakfast.
Articles may also be published on the group’s website and in other IAM groups’ newsletters. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily form the views of myself, BAM or the IAM.
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It’s that time of the year again….as the months draw in, Halloween is quickly followed by Fireworks and then Christmas and before you know it will be 2012….a leap year so an extra day for riding our bikes, an Olympian year for those lucky ones with tickets…….. all that can only mean one thing ……
BAM financial year end accounts also come to another close so anyone with invoices still to submit, claims for QO checks etc then please ensure you send these through over the next month.
For everyone else, the chinking of coins as people renew their membership for 2012 is the bit I’m looking forward to so please expect to find a letter landing on your doorstep in early December to confirm your ongoing membership of BAM.
This can be via cash, cheque, on-line payment or if you’ve set up a Standing order the money will be taken from 1st January
Membership runs from 1st January each year for the bargain price of £10
Membership cards will be issued early in the new year.
Please contact Melanie if you wish to setup a standing order or make an online payment.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 5 New Member/ Associate or heard about Super Sundays and want to know more about BAM?
Are you a New Member or Associate and reading this for the first time? Have you picked this up in a local dealership, been handed a business card, and want to find out more about Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists ?
We have a series of social evenings to welcome you to the group.
Our aims are: • To give you the opportunity to ask questions on advanced riding techniques. • To take part in discussions on road safety, and what the law does, and does not, allow, test your knowledge on fun quizzes, listen to guest speakers. • To meet and make friends in our group
If you would just like to find out more about the group generally before joining as an associate, then feel free to come along and chat to any of the BAM members.
We meet on 2nd Wednesday evening every month, starting @ 7:30pm
Coalpit Heath Village Hall 241 Badminton road Bristol BS36 2QB
Our next meeting dates are as follows:
th Wednesday 9 Nov 11 Lick Racing th Wednesday 14 Dec 11 Christmas quiz th Wednesday 11 Jan 12 TBC th Wednesday 8 Feb 12 TBC
Guest speakers shown where confirmed, there are others in the pipeline so watch the forum and emails for more news
Look forward to seeing you there !
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Your opportunity to get involved with the club, observers always required to take out people for their free assessed ride, so please pop along and support your club. We will be there in all weathers to support our biking community…..
Whether you want an assessed ride, a refresher ride for current members, or just to meet up with friends, then • Arrive and park up between 9-9:30am and register your name • Grab a bacon butty and/or a cup of tea • Get allocated an Observer for your free assessed ride and off you go…… • If not observing, then meet the examiner talks and other presentations are taking place at various events, so don’t miss out !
We aren’t just about Super Sundays though and lots of other things going on across the club you can get involved with – please see the Events pages later.
# Observers – please take this opportunity to keep your skills alive too ! #
Super Sunday dates for the 2011 year ahead are: 2011 2012 November 6th February 5th December 4th March 4th April 1st
Reminder: NO meeting in January 2012
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 7 Where is it ? Kings Oak Academy. Brook Road, (off Tennis Court Road), Kingswood, Bristol BS15 4JT www.kingsfieldschool.org.uk
When is it ? EVERY 1st Sunday of the month (excl Jan) Newbies to arrive between 9-9:30 am
How much does it cost ? It’s FREE on your 1st visit to a Super Sunday event. Just need a few hours of your time to come along and find out more and have a free review of your skills before committing to anything further.
If you enjoy your Super Sunday visit to BAM then tell your friends to visit !
Skill for Life isn’t restricted to 2 wheels, so if you would like to advance your skills when driving a car please contact our colleagues in the
Bristol Advanced Car Group http://www.iam-bristol.org.uk/
Price same as for two wheels @ £139
The Skill for Life courses each consist of 3 seminar sessions that are held at the well equipped and easily accessible BAWA Leisure club Centre in Filton.
The 3 Seminar sessions will start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm and include coffee/tea. Police Officers and Group Trainers will give the lectures and you are advised to attend all three sessions to gain maximum benefit from the course.
Experience Drive: The 'experience' drive will take place after seminar two and start from the BAWA Centre. This is your first opportunity to see the advanced principles of car control in practice with one of the Group's Qualified Observers
PRE BOOKING for the Seminars is essential Contact: Associates Coordinator: associates@iam- bristol.org.uk or phone; 0117 960 8494 or see website
Next 2012 Courses available are scheduled to start on: Course 1 - 25th January Course 2 - 25th April Course 3 - 18th July
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IAM - Test Passes Congratulations !
Congratulations to the following associates who have successfully passed the Advanced Motorcycle Test & are now full members of BAM
Associate Observer Associate Observer Emma Hammonds Jim Caola David Miller Tim Wrighton Rob Behan Dave Ingle Merlin Fisher-Levine Nick Calvert Andy Lapworth Billy Burns Chris Ford Martin Allen Tim Middleton Rob Pepler Steve Williams Brian Stockwell Chris Alder Mel Rowbottom Ben Pointer Al Budden Hardy Husain Billy Burns Janos Hamza Mike Trembeth Alf Howard Russ Herbert Ian du Kamp Tim Wrighton Paul Silcocks Jerry Cosh/ Matt Hamilton Dave Miller John Matthews
These are some of our successful Associates having their certificates presented at Coalpit Heath evenings or Super Sundays.
Alf Howard & Russ Merlin Fisher & Nick Jim & Emma Hammonds Levine
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Chris Alder & Mel Alan Shand & Ian F Billy & Hardy Hussain
Phil C & John Cross Billy & Chris Nourse & Oz
Rob Behan & Dave Ingle David Miller & Tim W Billy & new Senior Observer John cross Page 10 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11
A BAM warm welcome to everyone who has been along to Super Sunday and signed up for their Skill for Life Course.
Oliver Guiver Matthew Madley Peter Harris Elle Moore
Look forward to meeting you all at the next Super Sunday or Coalpit Heath evening…..don’t forget to tell your friends
Finally, we have been working closely with the South Glos council road safety team who have been helping to raise awareness of skill for Life and IAM and helping to get the message to younger riders .
During 2009, Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists (BAM) gained 1 new member aged under 30 yrs to the club who completed the Skills for Life Advanced Motorcycle Training.
To help address the issues of young vulnerable riders on large motorbikes, in 2010 South Gloucestershire Council's Road Safety Team offered 8 fully funded places to riders under 30 yrs, and then in 2011 funded a further 10 places.
As a result of providing this funding, BAM now has 15 new members (under 30yrs), of which 7 have already passed their Advanced Motorcycle Test and a further 8 are currently undergoing training.
This has been a great partnership and a fantastic result for motorcyclists within the region. Thanks to SGC Road safety Team for your continued support.
There are still places left – so don’t miss out, pop along to the next Super Sunday or call in to our Coalpit Heath evenings to have a chat and find out more.
Stuck for Christmas Present ideas ? then why not buy a Skill For Life for your Husband, Wife, Partner, Son or Daughter, Mum or Dad !
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 11 Coalpit Heath Reviews
Sept 8th No speaker
Oct 12th Talan Skeels-Piggins
Talan was a PE tacher in Bath had a very active life and a career plan – then in March 2003 an accident which smashed up his sports bike and saw him get run over head first and be literally seconds from death by the time the ambulance crew got to him makes the opening part of his talk very sobering……and then Talan talks through how you deal with this, what can happen, and then what you can achieve if you set your goals……Talan went to the extreme and chose the ski for GB in the winter olympics…well you would wouldn’t you ! One minor point – Talan is currently lying in a hospital bed after being told he will never walk again and lucky to be alive and needs to spend the next 2 years in hospital rehabilitating….
Strong will power, a strong character, a never say never attitude and little steps to help accomplish the bigger goal…so Talan did ski for the GB team and in 2010 was the European champion…...so what new goal can he set for himself ?
People say if you fall off a bike the best thing to do is get back on it…easier said than done when you are now a T4/5 paraplegic who cannot walk let alone ride. Undeterred Talan got help with some designing and rebuilt a GSXer so that gears could be changed form the handle bars, and use of Velcro and bicycle stirrups held legs onto the bike…….
Page 12 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 ….Then the catching crew simply let go off the bike as you accelerate away and whizz around Castle Combe track….. Oh yes, his story is so inspiring Castle Combe let him use the track free at lunchtime on race days (weds) so that the joy he gets is made available to other would be riders who never thought it possible to get back on a bike from just a few years of disability to people who hadn’t ridden for over 40 years – the impact is the same…a huge big grin inside the crash helmet and a look of great pride from those who have been supporting and catching the riders. To see video footage go to www.thebikeexperience.co.uk
A truly inspirational evening that ended with a large round of applause before the raffle that donated £100 to the charity .
This is Talan at his best and the message is simple……..
The catching crew are also volunteers so if you want to help in any way – sponsorship, publicity, hands on then go to the website or contact Talan directly.
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What’s Happening in the Region ?
Sept 11th Mel popped down to Cheddar Valley group to do a demo on the lift a bike…both her CBF 600 and a fully laded PAN were carefully laid down for people to have ago themselves so know what to expect should they ever have a misfortune in the future.
Sept 17th Region 1 meeting at Portishead Police HQ. A quarterly meeting tin which groups share info, one of the group trustees was present and gave an insight into the volume of meetings they attend and types of topics covered. A debate around levels of improvement in the head office services was held and with varying degrees of satisfaction. The scorecard was agreed to share with all groups n Region1 to help identify the opportunities to share best practise for a given situation. Food was nice , and Roger Jewell imparted a bit of history about the police HQ at the start and despite the atrocious weather as we pulled into the complex it was a worthwhile day out. The next meeting is likely to be at the shooting lodge in Dorset so if any member wants to join us and see what it is all about – just let our secretary know.
October 9th – Motorcycle Conference at Warwick This is the opportunity to meet all the motorcycle groups across the UK and see what ideas they have, how everyone is doing and who has won all the trophies ! Mel, Billy, Oz rounded each other up and set off in a car to Warwick University. This is a regular location for the conference and it convenient for many clubs. Met by Tim Soper and Dave Shenton, all in nicely pressed shirts. We mingled in the tea and coffee section and looked around the shop for goodies with Marita from Cheddar coming away with an armful of goodies J
In the main event ,had a intro from Simon Best the CEO, then watched a video from chairman Alistair Cheyne about to fly out somewhere as video was in the airport it seemed. A discussion around social impact of IAM Then split into workshop groups on - Attracting new associates which was an interesting role playing scenario about not stereotyping and using different ways to encourage interest in SFL. -The observer qualification and potential for local and national qualifications and various levels in between how they could work and benefits to groups, individuals. -Perceptions about IAM and how we are seen by potential associates, the general public etc and the Customer journey for individuals when they do make contact .
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Over lunch chatted to other groups, then the afternoon started with an introduction to the policy and research developments including a review taking place on drivers attitudes, behaviours and accident involvement with over 1300 questionnaires returned to date from current members on how they compare before and after doing the IAM test. A 2nd study is also underway on the impact of smart phones on driving performance. Obviously some of these developments are geared more for drivers then riders….but how many of us also drive cars !
The communications team then gave an overview of who they are and what they do and where we can see latest news via the social media
Finally, the awards sponsored by Adelaide Insurance were presented with Overall group going to Severn one of our neighbours, the Lord Srathcarron award for an individual promoting IAM went to David John and the best newsletter went to Devon group so well done everyone.
The full presentation pack for the whole day will be loaded onto our BAM website.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 15 Castle Combe Rider Safety Performance day Sept 12th 2011 By Jeff Perkins
After days of deluge from the heavens, it was a pleasant surprise to wake up on Wednesday morning to sunshine and a forecast for it to stay that way all day. So how come I was attending a Castle Combe Safety Performance day? I put this down to Ian Terry one of the instructors. At the previous weeks track day, I was packing up to go home off what I thought would be my last track day at Castle Combe this year. It was getting cold and a huge shower was looming, so I bid Ian a happy Christmas and see you next year. “ Hang on” He said “ We have a Safety Performance day next Wednesday”. I thought about it for 2 seconds, while still full of adrenalin from a high speed day of entertainment, “Nah” I thought , after all not many bikes on road tyres got past me all day, “ Why do I need a Safety Day?”. As soon as I turned out of the circuit, it hit me… emmm winter looming, over confident, wet damp roads, diesel, leaves, drivers with steamed up windows, lack of concentration “cos I should be thinking about my riding not next weeks activities”. Perhaps I might benefit from a day of focusing on safe riding. “I’ll phone Emma Burns “ (Circuit Administrator) tomorrow.
The day started in a similar format to track days. See Emma, sign in, get assigned a group and get a noise test sheet. ( One rider failed this, Castle Combe are governed by strict rules applying 105db, worth checking their web page before payment). At the same time there was a track day taster going on, £40 for 3 x 15 minute sessions with no would be Rossi’s in the car park with vans or tyre warmers. By all accounts everyone enjoyed the no pressure experience and at that price its worth looking into next year.
Page 16 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 For us Safety Performance day riders it was off to the classroom, armed with free tea & coffee. 30 of various gender and age were introduced to a cheerful Rob Jones (Chief Instructor) who quickly set about settling nerves and making everyone feel comfortable. He ran through the events of the day, plus general safety rules of the track.
The morning was set for classroom with a slow riding practice in the car park followed by basic bike maintenance and dropped bike recovery session before lunch. The afternoon would be based on learning to brake hard and putting into practice on the track behind an instructor to learn the lines (Ducks and Drakes), topped off by open track but with no overtaking zones on entry and exit of all corners.
The event was sponsored by, Somerset Road Safety Partnership www.roadsafetysomerset.com represented by Jim on his red Triumph 1050, representatives of various other motorcycle organisations ROspa, Somerset IAM, Avon & Somerset Police Plus Ian and Richard from Castle Combe instructors (Plus some I do not have the names of). Of course not forgetting Mel from BAM. The first classroom was with Talon who will be a guest speaker next month, only to say it was riveting, an amazing man. Next up we had Jim and Mike ( I think I have the names right) from Somerset Road Safety Partnership, to review an actual incident and get us all thinking What, How & Why it happened. Plus some clever maths to show the distance to the first visible sign of the hazard was about the same as the braking distance available. The point being, if proper use of maximum braking had been applied in many incidents, then the incident would not have occurred , this led on to the afternoon session of rapid application of brakes in a safe environment session .
Accident Investigation classroom, spot the hazard!
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 17 After refills of tea & Coffee it was back to split into groups to learn how to pick up a big BMW and general bike maintenance. I jumped at the opportunity to have a go at picking up a fully loaded BMW, as like many others I have embarrassed myself at some stage.
Back straight? But we all managed it
Last before lunch we had slow riding, use of back brake only, following a demo run by a Gold Wing we were told we should all be able to do it. The least said the better for me. Weaving in and out of cones on a sports bike proved a challenge, figure of “8” and full lock circles were executed without drama. But the pull away stop and go without a foot down failed as I Stalled it pulling away.
A BAM member did demonstrate their talent very well, looking well at ease with their Silver Machine.
Follow the instructors pace, back brake only and slip the clutch
After lunch it was time to don the leathers and get on the bike.
Page 18 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 The afternoon was all about balance and braking we were told. First step was to all get down on our knees and pretend to be a bike. This was to demonstrate movement of forces and resistance front and back.
The front grips more than the back, learning where grip comes from
Next up we all had 2-3 tries at back wheel braking then Front lock ups / skids before applying maximum braking over a given distance.
Hey, my Blade looks good, seems I need to adjust my fork compression to maximize braking.
Back for some more tea and time to go out on circuit. “Ducks and Drakes” 4 riders behind an instructor take it in turn to be in the wheel tracks of the instructor, such to learn lines through looking ahead through the corners. This was done at a slow speed at first then when all were happy the instructor raised the pace.
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Ducks & Drakes
Open session time, off we go on our own, but instructors were out as marshals and “No Overtaking “ zone placards on each corner. 3 sessions of 15 mins was good fun and most people were happy to see the chicken strips wiped off their tyres.
The day finished with a debrief and handout of certificates. With only one minor off track excursion everyone went home with a smile. For me, I was smiling as a track day regular for once I was probably fastest out there. So many thanks to Ian Terry for reminding me I am not a superstar after alarm clock hours and getting me re focused. Many people left having explored their own skill and their machines braking ability in a safe environment.
A couple of meters might make all the difference!! Castle Combe hope to operate 3 days in 2012, well worth it.
Pictures borrowed off Somerset Road safety Partnership face book.
Page 20 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 BAM Weekend in Rhayader Fast, Flowing and Fabulous By Ollie Sage
Chapter 1 – Getting There. Read these words as they paint a picture clearer than any photo as I detail the BAM weekend in Wales (warts and all) with its fast roads daring to be ridden, flowing beer asking to be drunk and the most fabulous company we could have wished for. It all starts on an overcast Friday morning after a sleepless night from the anticipation and excitement of three whole days of pure uninterrupted indulgence that is advanced biking in Wales. I open the door to the prison cell that contains the RF900r (Zuki) whilst she is not in use, with only a battered mixer and wacker plate for companion. I roll her forward into the daylight softly whispering in her ear “it’s ok I’m back now” as her eyes slowly adjust to the level of the light. I apply gaffer tape to her tail like a plaster to a wound in order to make her more comfortable for the weight she will carry on the long road ahead. The soft luggage gets slung over and with a couple of strategic bungees she is ready to roll. With a turn of the key and a push of the button the powerful 900cc engine fires to life and we are ready to make our way to the meeting place.
After filling up with fuel Mel and I pull into Severn View (Aust) Services, where there is already a large collective of bikes, Honda’s, BMW’s, Yamaha’s, Triumph and Suzuki’s. All keen to get going and settle the butterflies of anticipation. Simon calls a huddle and begins the briefing, but wait...... what’s the holdup...... Oz is trying to recruit a new member. Once Oz has put down the un suspecting van driver and joins the group and the usual service is resumed...... as the briefing draws to a close Simon Whitelock asks “any questions?” and from a lone figure at the back a hand is raised, “Is overtaking aloud within the group?” “Yes” says Simon “as long as it is safe and courteous.”
With that Simon Jarvis’ gaze flicks up from the floor with ever widening eyes matched only by his grin that stretched from ear to ear. Whilst rubbing his hands together I swear I heard him mutter the words “make way Jarvis is coming through”. We all disperse and head for our mean machines, rolling ear plugs, pulling on gloves, buckling chin straps and adjusting armour, all part of our ‘getting ready to ride ritual’.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 21 One bike fires to life, followed by another, time starts to slowdown as I pull the clutch in thinking of all the possibilities this journey may throw at us, my heart beats louder as I move my thumb to the electric start, Zuki and I becoming...... Hang on, there seems to be a lot of commotion down at the far end and it’s not long before people start dismounting and taking off their helmets as they gather with interest. In a Chinese Whisper the words “they’ve locked the keys (and spare keys I might add) in the top box, and a hurricane is moving in to Scotland” filter down the line. Gallantly J.J. and his wife Leah insist we ride on forgetting all about them and not to look back, but to have as much fun as we possibly can without them. We don’t need be told twice and with that we sprint back to our bikes forcing our heads into our lids and ramming our hands in our gloves, physically jumping onto our bikes like cowboys of films grown old. It was like a MotoGP start as we leave the car park heading for the Severn bridge leaving J.J. and Leah in a cloud of dust and tyre smoke. We cross the bridge taking care not to be blown away to the land of Oz (Not that it’s a bad place to visit, in fact it’s probably quite nice, but only if you are Oz) and the first marker gets dropped at the Chepstow roundabout and before long the group gets spread out as we cross roundabouts and traffic lights, which I am sat at, waiting patiently behind the lead car, covering the front break in neutral willing the amber light to turn up early. Just as it changes to amber a blurred vision of a Silver Honda CBF1000 and a Yellow jacket dash past in lane two (a right hand turn only lane, I might add) and I think to myself, fair play ‘Javelin Jarvis!’ The route Simon had planned took us along the B4235, briefly into Usk before turning right onto the B4598 heading for a brief stop at Abergavenny bus station, a popular stop for many bikers on weekends, but as this was a damp Friday morning we are to expected no other bikes but perhaps a bus driver catching forty winks. The pace was both comfortable yet conservative as we rattled along and rightly so considering the B4235 has long sections and tight bends below the canopies of many trees which had just started to drop their leaves over the already damp roads from the mornings drizzle. But even with cold tyres and damp, leaf scattered roads there is no better route to Abergavenny and there was much fun to be had as we roll on and off the throttle, squeezing the breaks weaving right and left searching, hoping and finding grip always aware of the ever present dangers of...... dum, dum, dummm...... Wet manhole covers.
We don’t stop long at Abergavenny and soon after we have left the bus station a couple of bikes deviate off the main route into the one way system, I take a couple of moments to think of all the possible outcomes and thought it best (ride leader) Simon know about this potential hold up before the group gets to spread out.
Page 22 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 So Zuki Mel, and I head off on a rapid setting, luckily I know the B4521 fairly well and am able to catch Simon and Marilyn on their Pan with relative ease, getting Simons attention to pull over on the other hand proved to be another issue. For approximately half a mile I am on the tail of the big Honda flashing my head lights and waving my arms like a man possessed with a wasp in his helmet (a more senior member of the club might ask if there were enough rear observations from the ride leader, but not me...... ) eventually I find a safe overtake followed by a pull in suitable for 12 bikes, and we wait a minute or two for the group to assemble one by one and luckily no one got lost. As we waited Simon chuckled; “I saw you close behind me, but thought you were just having a bit of fun.”
All present and correct we continue along the B4521 before turning left onto the A466 and left onto the B4348 to scoot round the edge of Hereford. Just after Kingstone we wiggle through some lanes crossing over the B4352 at Madley and continuing on unclassified roads to Bridge Sollers on the A438. We are not on the A438 for long until we turn right onto the B4230 and then left onto the A480, we stay on this road and just before it meets the A44 we turn right along some more unclassified roads. We join the B4362 at Shobdon and after a mile or two turn left onto the A4110 before stopping at The Watering Hole cafe in Aymstrey.
The weather by now was still quite cloudy but with occasional sunny spells, and as the roads dried out the speeds increased. We negotiated the A, B roads overtaking various tractors and cars enjoying the relatively empty roads and the technical riding they demanded. With unclassified roads they are either; good and you want to ride them again and again, or they are naff and you wonder why you ever turned onto them. Fortunately for us Simon has a vast knowledge of Wales/Herefordshire and over the years has managed to discard the naff roads and keep the exciting ones. After approximately 80 minutes of riding we all congregate at the cafe in time for lunch and by now the weather is so good we decide to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air...... we hadn’t been sitting down for long when the Blue Fazer of J.J. and Leah is seen pulling into the car park to mutters of “Didn’t they do well”, now the group is complete. Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 23
As we walk back to the resting machines, they look so peaceful so calm and oh so good, then a thought crosses my mind, how different they look, than they feel! Almost like ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, Inviting and slinky when resting, but beasts from hell snarling and howling when awake. Anyway, we set off from The Watering Hole after filling up on lovely food, tea and conversation. The plan is to ride north on the A4110 then link up with the A4133 via the B4530, these roads are just right to settle us back into riding after lunch. Well surfaced, wide roads with good visibility and enough twists and turns to keep our focus and make it fun. But it’s not long before we stop at Knighton to pump the motion lotion into the feeding tanks of our thirsty steeds, and without too much ado we are pulling out of the forecourt heading North West on the B4355 heading for Newtown. Now this was a great section of road, tight and intricate bends with short dashing straights between them, select the right gear and you should ride through with only minimal breaking. I find myself without a bike either in front or behind me, and am reading the road for the first time, Zuki is going well and my confidence in this ‘new to me’ bike grows with every bend. I sweep round a left hand bend and just up ahead I see ‘Travelling Javelin Jarvis’ stopped at the side of the road, then a thought from the briefing pops into my head....., “I will drop pre marker markers for unexpected or hidden junctions”
...... With that I roll off the throttle and looking for a hidden turning in the next 100m or so, all the time I am concentrating on finding this hidden junction I fail to see a blurry gray and yellow figure storming up behind me. Who should it be? None other than the ‘Travelling Javelin Charging Jarvis’ going like a bat out of hell with his CBF screaming like a banshee scaring the bejesus out of me as he blasts past leaving me in a wake of turbulent wind (if only he hadn’t had the beans!). I think to myself in the confines of my Shoei XR1000 “so you wanna play?” Dropping a gear and giving a twist of the wrist causing my neck to bend backwards from the G- force and Mel to nearly topple off backwards as her legs seem to defy gravity, I quickly grab her ankles and leaver her back up to some sort of sitting position...... ’that was close!!!’ I am now behind the ‘Travelling Javelin Charging Jarvis’ following in his tyre print, breaking as he does as we fly along the B4355 to the raucous tones from our tail pipes wishing this road would last forever, or at least to the next tea stop!
Sadly we come to the end of the B4355 and turn right onto the A483 and navigate throw the small town of Newtown before briefly getting on the B4568 and then right onto the A470 on rout to Llanbrynmair. Just as my mouth gets dry, my ass gets numb and my stomach whispers ‘Ollie.....I want some cake’ we pull into a car park just opposite the afternoon coffee stop of Machinations. We all stroll in joyful and jubilant from the now dried conditions and fabulous roads. Ordering our tea, coffee and cakes we sit down and chat some more occasionally twiddling the handles of the mechanical toys set on the tables.
Page 24 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Just then a defining hush fell over the whole building as a flare of bright pink flashed past the windows and over a small fence into the rabbit enclosure.
Then another flash of pink was seen along the boundary wall. Children started sobbing uncontrollably from fear of this bright pink fast moving monster whilst parents tried to reassure them with terror deep in their eyes. Then another pink blur was witnessed running up the side of the rabbit castle. Then from the back of the room came a booming voice;
“No need to panic! Kessi doesn’t eat rabbit, she hates the taste, and she much prefers little children!”
With this all hell breaks loose, kids running in all directions screaming and shouting, knocking over tables, chairs flying through windows. I even thought I saw a kid set fire to a loo roll and lob it across the cafe (or it could have been Martyn). Shoving our ‘high viz’ tabards plastered in the BAM logo anywhere out of sight; up our jumpers, in our bash hats even trying to swallow them we make a sharp exit literally running for the bikes!
Safely back at the bikes we put on out jackets, hats and gloves for what will be the last time today. Our route is to take us down the B4518 through Llanidloes and onto our final destination Rhayader. The road is quite narrow in places with many closed bends; a few damp patches where the tarmac ribbon runs under the canopies of the trees above and the occasional hump back bridge. I find ‘Zuki’ Mel and I stuck behind a caravan, although I was happy to sit back and bide my time until the caravan turned off I could tell from Zuki’s whining tone she was eager to make progress. There was not much room for overtaking so when the opportunity bared itself we had to pounce on it, executing a swift and agile overtake with fighter pilot precision. Freed from the rolling prison we soon settled down and enjoyed the tight twisting technical challenges this road had to offer. With every bend we reduced the distance to our destination, leaving all thoughts of work and commitments further behind knowing we still had two more full days of riding to come. After about 40 minutes of riding we emerged in a small town, I didn’t happen to catch its name but we pulled into a petrol station where a lone figure stood with a welcoming grin shaking our hands introducing himself as Adrian. We had arrived in Rhayader.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 25 This is Mandy who also welcomed up with frantic waving J
That night whilst the bikes stood silent and still in the chilly September air, we all gathered in the pub just over the road and shared stories of today’s events. After our whistles had been wetted we moved on to the ‘Lamb and Flag’ which was our venue for dinner. Taken through to the separate dining room we gathered around the large table and awaited our food, the air was full of conversation, the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful with laughter echoing through to the adjacent bar, conversation continued about the trusted stallions that had carried us thus far, what we loved about them and about riding/touring in general. Of course it didn’t take long for the ladies to turn the conversation round to how many shoes they could or could not bring with them!?!
After feeding our faces with some great nosh and satisfying our livers with more alcohol we paid up and moved on for a night cap (or two). By now the toll from the days riding was starting to appear on people’s faces in the form of yawns and heavy eyes, and slowly the group filtered down until there was none left.
On the short walk back to the B&B I couldn’t help but stop and stare at Zuki as she stood motionless reflecting the moonlight beautifully off her ghastly rotund figure and horrible louvre panels that I adore so much. As Mel disappeared into the B&B I couldn’t resist running over and cuddling Zuki, pressing my body against her cold steel kissing her on the nose and whispering ‘Good night, sleep well’.
Chapter 2 – Taking Zuki up The Back Road! After a good night’s sleep and a gorges full English breakfast with lots of coffee we roll the due covered sleepy eyed beasts (and the bikes) on to the main road, congregating outside the B&B waiting for today’s ride leader Adrian to appear from his front door and give us the briefing for the ride, I find it quite reminiscent of the time I was stood at the Vatican waiting for the Pope to appear at his window and address the masses, although this overcast morning feels more grand and spectacular! After a short briefing we are all instructed to saddle up and hit the road, the weather is very overcast with patches of drizzle passing over periodically. We all walk back to our mean machines that look refreshed after a full tank of fuel and a peaceful night’s sleep. Our eyes kept gazing to the heavens hoping for the sun to burn through the cloud.
Page 26 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11
Faces squashed into helmets, chin straps pulled tight, hands forced into gloves and it is time to push the start button sparking the almighty hounds from hell to life. Engines revving and minds focused we head off up the road looking for adventure, or whatever comes our way.
Today’s route will see us heading south on the A470, turning right onto the B4358 at Newbridge on Wye and then onto the A483 heading to Llandovery. From the word go the roads are great! Well surfaced with sweeping bends, decent straights and twisty sections, pure heaven! Somewhere along the B4358 the patchy drizzle gains strength and turns into light rain, but even this can’t dampen our high spirits. Scanning the road ahead for the best line avoiding drain covers, paint, diesel spills and fallen leaves just adds to the fun. It feels like I’m ‘The Terminator’ eyes everywhere analysing potential hazards, arranging them in order of importance and dealing with them as necessary, all within a fraction of a second. I probably shouldn’t admit to this but I did occasionally find myself talking slowly in an Austrian accent, luckily for everyone this was kept to the confines of my skid lid.
Before long the persistent light rain gets heavier and we are now somewhere on the A438 heading for Llandovery. Mel is doing a fantastic job of saving me from the general road crud that is thrown up by Zuki's 190/70 rear tyre and I am starting to think “maybe leather was not the best option for this weekend?” Zuki, Mel and I are stuck behind the unmistakeable garish blue bandit (that goes by the name of Tallulah) of Martyn’s and although the roads are wet they are smooth, and wide enough to get a great view of the road ahead allowing us to ride on a rapid setting.
Then out of the ordinary, Martyn pulls to the left and briskly decreases his speed giving me thumbs up??? Now I’m confused.com, so decide to do what any other advanced motorcyclist would do.... drop a gear and speed past leaving him to play silly buggers alone. No sooner have I passed Martyn straddling Tallulah in the gutter they speed back up and are filling my mirrors, blinding me with this ghastly kingfisher green/blue colour. Then it dawns on me, my waterproofs are in Martyn’s top box, he probably slowed down to see if I wanted to put them on. We come to the end of the brilliant A438 in Llandovery and turn right onto the A40, it is still raining heavily, but this doesn’t matter as our morning coffee stop is only a couple of miles away in Llanwerda.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 27
We stop at a biker friendly cafe/pub/B&B/you name it they do it, just off the main road (A40) arranging the bikes into one long line, Hondas, Suzukis, Triumphs, Yamahas, BMWs they all look so lush, I could stand here starring at them for hours.
We all shuffle into the cafe and are immediately shown to our own room where coffee & tea will be served. I unzip my leather jacket and to everyone’s amazement (and mine) I am pretty much dry suffering only from damp inner-elbows and anywhere else there is a stretch panel. Conversation soon flares up about how great the roads are, how much fun we had and inevitably how the weather is less than favourable. The coffee hits the spot and before we get to comfortable its time to brave the elements once more, after all we have another 120 odd miles to do yet.
We leave Llanwrda on the A482 heading for Lampeter, once we make it to Lampeter we head West on the A475 to Newcastle Emlyn where we have will stop for lunch at a Wall Museum. Again these roads are fast flowing and fabulous running for miles, every exit of a bend offering the promise of more just after a short blatt along a straight. Zuki is running great, not having owned the bike long I am beginning to get to grips with the 5 speed transmission and her revy 937cc water cooled DOHC heart that beats a handy 135bhp. Designed to challenge the CBRs of the 90s she was often overlooked because of her ‘marmite’ style looks, but built a reputation for her impeccable road manners. God I love this bike...... With every bend I gain more confidence in our relationship allowing us to run faster into bends, safe in the knowledge that her Conti Road Attack boots will hold firm, broadening the smile within my skid lid. The weather fluctuates between overcast, drizzle and light rain whilst our moods are set firm in ‘happy’! It only seems like a few minutes have passed as we pull into a pine needle and leaf covered car park, with sure footwork like mountain goats we back the bikes up in any space available and make our approach to the Wall Museum.
Page 28 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 We enter the museum and I must say I was a little disappointed, being a landscape gardener I was quite looking forward to spending time looking at the history of walls, the lost techniques from eras gone by and to view some sexy welsh slate walls whilst marvelling at the craftsmanship. Turns out I had miss understood it was a wool museum...... D’oh! Well at least the food was nice and the tea hot. After a relaxing lunch and before Kessi could cause too much mayhem with the stuffed woollen sheep it was time to mosey on back to our motorcycles.
Stepping outside from the shady interior it was clear to see the weather front was moving on, the dark clouds that had been stalking us all morning were now breaking up giving best to a tiny patch of sun. This changed things slightly; our slow saunter became a stamped back to the beasts. We executed our pre-ride rituals like we’re in fast forward, not wanting to miss a moment more of the drying conditions. Within moments all the bikes fired to life setting free their roaring battle cries as if warning bystanders “move aside, make way, coz were coming through”.
We head out of the car park and pick up the B4571 heading North-East until we reach the A486 which continues our journey North-Eastward eventually turning right onto the A487 heading in the direction Aberystwyth. The roads are good, with little traffic or obstruction, with the roads drying our speeds increase along with lean angles and the air temperature, and I’m glad I’m in my leathers. By the time we reach the A487 (the main coast road running along Cardigan Bay) we are bathed in glorious sunshine, still visible in the distance is the grey weather front slowly clearing off leaving a stunning rainbow in its wake. Zuki Mel and I are just getting settled for the 40ish miles remaining until afternoon coffee and cake when Adrian pulls off the main road as if directed by the bright vivacious colours of the rainbow.
We are led into the small town of Aberaeron nestled right on the water front. Cruising into the small harbour centre we halt the 12 bikes in any and all available spaces. Aberaeron doesn’t know what’s hit it, the natives must think they are being invaded by the Bristol Boys & Babes from BAM. Adrian has pulled a last minute ace from his sleeve, now the sun is in full glow we have stopped for a quick ice cream. The Ice cream man has more concoctions than you could ever contemplate, most of them containing honey (I guess this must have been on Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 29 special at the last New Quay market), allowing us to literally taste the rainbow! I think Simon Whitlock must have had two ice creams, I saw him carrying two double scoop cones claiming that one was for his wife, but I never saw him hand one over...... greedy boy!!! This was only a fleeting visit, and to the relief of the locals we saddled back up and rolled out of town. Picking up from where we left its briefly back onto the A487 before we turn right and negotiate our way through some unclassified roads to pick up the B4577 for a few miles and then navigate our way through the great maze of other B roads and unclassified sections to eventually pick up the A4120 heading for the popular tourist/biker destination of Devils Bridge. The roads are great, and I’m glad we turn off the main coast road (A487) early because, although it’s got a good lay out and on a map looks like a flowing road, the reality is that there are too many sections where the speed limit is restricted for the various towns along its route, combine that with the fact it’s the main road connecting Aberystwyth to Cardigan so it’s often quite heavy with traffic.
So I am pleased to take Zuki up the back road! Inviting the more focused riding needed for the tighter, unclassified roads and enjoying the challenge they bring. This is not to say that speeds were dramatically slower or the enjoyment any less. Truth be told we probably went faster as these roads were still in good condition and there was very minimal traffic and what we did close up on was easily and swiftly dealt with causing no commotion. I was very fortunate to find myself following Adrian’s carbon tyre print through a fast section road with tight bends, and was studying his every move in microscopic detail, hoping to learn and improve my ability from this seasoned member of BAM giving an immaculate exhibition ride.
We ride over the Devils Bridge (three bridges built on top of each other) and turn into the car park of a cafe just down the road, it is full of bikes and cars and also appears to rent out log cabins to holiday makers. The sun is still with us although often hiding behind some fluffy white clouds so we all sit outside with our tea, coffee and cakes taking an opportunity to scowl, stare and snub the other, ‘lesser’ riders (possibly from ROSPA) in a polite, courteous and friendly manor, if that’s at all possible.
Page 30 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Once again conversation turns to how great the roads are and what a fantastic route this is and how it’s so good for our individual biking moral to get away from the busier roads surrounding Bristol and put into practice our advanced level of riding in long sustained runs. It’s good for mind, body and soul but more importantly it makes me fall in love with Zuki all over again and what she represents to me!
With the sun falling to the west Adrian gives the order to move out, so we march over to our trusted rides that are serving us impeccably and mount up. With one final push of the button the throbbing ‘power house’ of our faithful companions spring to life. Pulling the leaver and dropping into first gear we are ready for the final stint.
From Devils Bridge we briefly take the B4574 before turning onto the ‘Mountain Road’ which follows the contours of the Elan Valley passing by/over three reservoirs as we journey back to Rhayader. Not long into this section and we come to a sharp, downhill left bend with a patch of gravel in the centre of our lane, although I was in a good position and the front wheel missed the lose debris my back wheel just caught it. For a fraction of a second that felt like a life time, my heart jumped into my throat and my arse checks clung on for all my worth as the back wheel momentarily lost traction. The reality of it is the back wheel probably only moved an inch but it felt like I was amidst a full on rear end ‘opposite lock’ slide. We remain upright and I pat Zuki on her tank for not ditching us, we proceed with caution taking a few corners to regain our composure and confidence.
As we progress through the Elan Valley I find myself in a quandary, do I ride slower and soak up the epic scenery or ride fast and enjoy the empty twisty roads? Bbbrrruuummmmmmm! Once again the ‘Travelling Javelin Charging Barging Jarvis’ has clearly gone for the fast and hard option as he scampers off into the distance. I am memorized by this stunning landscape with its manmade damns holding back a tide of water, and it’s as much as I can do to keep sight of the guy in front.... truly breathtaking!!! Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 31
We gently wiggle through the valley, bouncing over bumps where the roots of almighty pine trees are pushing the tarmac skywards. We end back where we started in Rhayader, where we feed the thirsty beasts in preparation for tomorrows riding before we put them to sleep.
After a quick shower Mel and I flick through the TV channels, killing time so we are not the first to the pub looking like practicing alcoholics. We stroll to the pub and arrive to a chorus of “What took you so long” from Oz, Martyn and none other than ‘Travelling Javelin Charging Barging Drinking Jarvis’. We sit inside and slowly the group builds as does the conversation; accents, food and of course motorbikes are just some of the subjects covered by the exhausted drinking bikers from BAM.
It’s soon time to move to ‘The Elan Hotel’ where we have a large table reserved. We can see the kitchen staff preparing the food and it all smells great, it also tasted great as well, and although I didn’t really have room I found space for a pudding as well.....yummy!
Page 32 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 With everyone feed and watered, relaxing in the pleasant atmosphere the well deserved thank yous are made to the organisers of this memorable and truly enjoyable weekend. We move through to the bar area and dominate the room by sitting in a large circle around two tables, more alcohol is purchased to induce further conversation, but it soon turns to jokes, tales and bravado, and somehow I get nominated to lay across some bikes in the morning wearing only my under- crackers...... you have a lot to answer for Martyn!
Time moves on and one by one the room starts to empty until there is no one left in the pub. On the way back to the B&B I can’t help myself but to look in on Zuki and make sure she is not suffering nightmares, she is not used to sleeping outside and she maybe a little chilly, but I am happy knowing she is sound asleep under the clear September sky and surrounded by good company.
Chapter 3 – Are Sure This is The Right Place? Another ‘Full English’ is welcomed after a second night’s peaceful sleep dreaming of all things bike related. I mop up the remaining been juice with my last slice of toast and drain the last of my tea as my thoughts turn to packing the panniers and strapping them to Zuki’s back. After a feel of the panniers making sure they are even on weight, Mel and I check out and settle the very modest bill before strolling to meet Zuki, she is looking alert and refreshed although dirty from all of yesterday’s rain.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 33 I sling the panniers over and bungee them to the various anchor points that are in abundance (just another reason I love her dearly) and strap the duffle bag to the rack, we are now fully loaded and ready to roll. So I manoeuvre Zuki to the front aspect of the B&B and wait as the group slowly starts to congregate and mingle. I am stood leaning against a wall (a very fine wall, built from dressed limestone from a local quarry, I presume. The wall is of no great age, probably built in the 40s/50s using sharp sand with lime and a sniff of cement). Contemplating what has been and what is yet to come, when I hear; “How are you going to drape yourself over these bikes then?” Says Mel Rowbottom Ut-Oh, I thought everyone would have forgotten after a sleep, “It’s OK you can leave your leathers on” says Mel
With a quick little shuffle of some bikes I start my rather awkward assent to shouts of, “Girls from the magazines make it look so easy”. I manage to clamber up the side of Tallulah and lay my 6’2” frame across three bikes in what can only be explained as the most uncomfortable position ever, with a pink fluffy thing (Kessi) trapped under my arse! Poor Kessi!!!
Page 34 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Much to my relief Adrian has appeared across the road and is calling for a huddle, so without any further prating about we all make our way over for the morning briefing, that went something like this; “Ride it like you stole it!”
Then a couple of disappointing announcements are made, Brian and Anne on their FJR won’t be riding back with us as Brian was up all night with a bad cough so will take the direct route home. Also Carenza will be riding Pegasus (her Honda CBX 550) back to Bristol on the back of the AA truck as it won’t start and needs a new rectifier. Shame, as it would have been nice to end the weekend with all the bikes we started with, and I’m personally upset by the fact I won’t be able to see the somewhat wonky panniers bungeed to the rear end of Pegasus..... But I guess I will survive!
With the briefing over we all ‘huddle up’ like American footballers with a leather fetish, placing one hand in the centre we count to three then scream BAM at the top of our voice’s whilst punching the air before sprinting back to our faithful dream machines. Cramming our cakehole’s in our crash caps and sliding our digits into our skid mittens we are once more ready to breathe life into our pride and joys as they fire to life, like an orchestra of V4’s, triple cylinders, Inline fours and horizontally opposed twins preparing for one last symphony.....music to my ears.
Our morning route lead by Adrian will take us out of Rhayader on the A44 turning left onto the A483 heading north to Newtown. So we set off on the A44 a fast and wide section of road making it a nice ‘warm up’ for the pleasures that lay ahead. We have not been on the road long before a light shower breaks out, just enough to get the roads wet and my visor foggy, but much to our relief it doesn’t hang about long and soon fizzles out. As we turned onto the dampened A483 I was behind ‘Travelling Javelin Charging Barging Drinking Sprinting Jarvis’ but needless to say this didn’t last long as he scampered off into the distance leaving nothing but a trail of dust in his wake. This is not surprising considering we have been offered what is quite possibly the best 22/25 miles of unspoilt tarmac ribbon in the whole of the UK. It is neither too wide nor too narrow passing through only a handful of villages, offering bends in all shapes, sizes and severities along with overtaking opportunities out of bends or on longer straight sections. Quite simply it’s fast, flowing and fabulous and I would have been more than happy to ride up and down this section all day. My only improvement would be to move it closer to Bristol.
We reach Newtown and after a short ‘round up’ in MackieD’s Tallulah had been ridden so hard by Martyn she literally needed to lie flat out on her side for a moment to catch her breath, so Martyn decided to lay next to her and cuddle her for a minute...... how sweet.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 35 After lifting Tallulah so she was rubber down and bubble up it was time to continue our journey along the A489 turning right onto the B4385 in search of our coffee stop. We turn onto what appears to be a private road and start to make our assent up the gently twisting tarmac track. Not quite sure what to expect we cautiously ride over the speed bumps and then we catch a glimpse of one of the wings of the very grand hotel of Mellington Hall.
I think to myself, We have probably taken a wrong turn and need to do a quick U- ee in the car park before riding off with our tails between our legs chased by the concierge shouting; “Excuse me dear motorcyclist chaps and chappets but does one realize your kind are not welcome here, please move on forthwith”.
But no, we line the bikes up in the car park and make a rather slow and gingerly approach to the front door in our biking clobber covered with bug guts, cow s*!t and general road crud half expecting to get turned away. But no, we are ushered through into a large room of our own where there is tea, coffee and many different cakes in abundance spread out over a large table, Boy do I feel like I’m in the wrong place.
The sun is out in full force pouring through the windows and warming my back. Sitting in these very pleasant surroundings with good company having stuffed my face with many cakes washed down by several cups of coffee/tea I could fall asleep. But I am not allowed as it is time to move on.
Page 36 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Back on the bikes we line up to the front of the hotel ready for the off, on our final leg of this morning loop. Our journey will see us continue along the B4385, turning on to the A488 and then right onto the A44 heading for a lunch stop at Crossgates. We had not been on the bikes long when we ride up to a herd of cows crossing the road – there’s something you don’t see every day.
With a little bit of patience the cows are happy in their new field leaving us to continue on our way. Just as we reach Bishops Castle (or at least that’s where I think it was) we stop off in a small car park with pretty surroundings to allow those with relatively small bladders a chance to make some room. But I found myself drawn to a well kept Honda CB500s (my first bike) reminiscing about how great it was.... Or is this rose tinted glasses? Before too long we are back on the road and settling down for another 35ish miles, the A488 is a charming road with lots of bends, some intricate and others sweeping allowing us to show off our technical riding ability along with some smooth flowing sections, there are also a few nice long straights allowing the bikes to stretch their legs and blow some cobwebs out of top gear. I am almost mesmerised by the constant flow of left then right and find myself drifting into a zone where Zuki and I start to blur into one hybrid machine, but this is rudely interrupted when we turn onto the A44 and pull into our lunch stop.
We have stopped at a cafe popular with bikers, but today we are the only bikers here. Having gorged myself on so much fine food already this weekend and also many cakes back at Mellington Hall I could not find room for anymore food so settled with just a coffee. We all gather in groups around a few tables, the exhaustion from three days of constant riding just starting to become evident as conversation is not as easygoing as it has been. This is also exacerbated by the fact that this is where we will say goodbye to Adrian and his wife who have looked after us so well this weekend, and also the weekend is quickly drawing to a close. With people wiping plates clean and downing the remains of coffee it was time to say farewell to our new friends Adrian and ?...... ? and prepare ourselves for the ride home.
Chapter 4 – Homeward Bound. With Simon now back at the helm it was time to head home via a brief stop at a regular favourite for the club, The Honey Pot. Having replenished our fuel levels it was time to extend that courtesy to our loyal companions and brim their tanks with go-go juice.
Trying to savour every twist, turn, lump and bump we headed east on the A44, right onto the A481 heading South West and then left onto the B4567 heading South before continuing South on the A470 heading for The Honey Pot Cafe near Talgarth. Delaying the inevitable prospect of work on Monday morning became harder and harder as the miles clocked up and up and the roads became more familiar along with the scenery. The roads were very enjoyable and relatively quiet for a sunny Sunday afternoon in September offering something for everyone, Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 37 almost like a summary of the weekend in 25 miles. After three full days of riding Zuki two up carrying luggage I was now feeling very comfortable with her/our ability, so much so that as we closed up on a sharp-ish right hand bend, I took a strong left hand position and rolled off the throttle, Having done the hard work I nudged the right hand bar forwards tipping Zuki into the bend reaching the greatest lean angle we had achieved all weekend, with her welly boots gripping tight Zuki felt sure footed and immovable although there was a weird grinding noise and vibration coming from the foot peg???
Before long we had reached The Honey Pot, yet another tea and cake stop and I could not resist a nice slice of trickle tart.....mmm lovely jubbly! Although we were all sat close together conversation was limited as our thoughts flicked through the weekend, remembering our personal highlights, cementing them into our memories so the legend of the 2011 BAM weekend in Wales will live on forever (mainly through Facebook).
This is where Zuki, Mel and I left the group as I needed to drop Mel home in Ebbw Vale. We said our thank yous and goodbyes and slowly made our way to Zuki. I could see behind her fly freckled lenses she was sad to leave the company of the group as was I. With a final wave we headed forwards into the setting sun knowing that we would always have Rhayader!
So this is where my account of the events of the BAM weekend in Rhayader 2011 concludes. Zuki, Mel and I had a blooming marvellous weekend and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say; ‘All that remains is to say Thank You to everyone; Organisers for.....organising, B&Bs for your hospitality, Ride leaders for leading us down great roads, Tale-end Charlie’s for sacrificing their rides, thank you to everyone for being themselves and good company and of course thank you to the bikes for being such god damn fun!!!
Page 38 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Honda VFR 1200 Test Ride By Simon Jarvis
When is a Deauville not a Deauville? When it sounds like a Deauville but is actually a VFR 12. It might sound weird but as the salesman started up the VFR demo bike, the deep, twinny sounding engine note put me in mind of the Deauville’s lawnmoweresque tones. The similarity between bikes ended with the sound however, as when I set off it became instantly clear that, whilst not ultra ultra silky smooth like a Pan, the VFR’s engine is, well, very smooth.
Between you and me and not mentioning anything to the salesman, I’m not especially in a rush to change my current bike, a CBF 1000. I still love the CBF but I fancy a change next time and at the moment there’s probably 5 or 6 bikes I could see myself liking. Hence the need to arrange a test ride or two and actually, what better way to spend a couple of hours than on somebody else’s very expensive (like £12k) bike, using somebody else’s fuel.
The next thing that struck me about the VFR was the riding position. I’ve never owned a sports bike or a sports tourer and the riding position immediately felt odd and less comfortable than I was expecting. It could be that it was just because it was so different to what I’m used to, but I’m not sure I’d want to ride all day in that position. Despite that, I felt completely at ease plodding my way through city traffic on the VFR. The gearbox has some whizzy electro computronic bits to it which removes all trace of clunking gear changes in favour of super-easy switching. It’s like the lever’s linked to a light switch.
As I hit the motorway I started to become aware of just how stupidly powerful this bike is. The amount of throttle required to reach 80mph in an instant is mind-bogglingly small and at that speed the bike seems to say to you ‘that’s all the speed you want to do, is it? Are you sure, I’d be happy at double that speed if you wanted’. Having ridden touring bikes like the Pan & R1200RT on the motorway, I was a little surprised how much wind noise and buffeting there was, but I guess if you want cosseted windscreen protection you need a tourer, not a sports tourer.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 39 I chose to head for the A46, the lovely section of it between junction 18 of the M4 and Nailsworth. If you don’t know it, live in the Bristol area and have a bike then you need to get out on it more! Being a fast, smooth road it was the ideal testing ground for my steed. I’d ridden the same section on my own bike only a few days before so I had a benchmark for comparison. Overtakes could be accomplished with ridiculous ease with this much power. I was very well aware of the need to afford a great deal of respect to the power available, as too much eagerness with the right hand could easily have spat me into a ditch or worse. I kept a smile on my face all the way to Nailsworth though as whilst I was still unsure of the riding position, the engine and the handling were glorious. At Nailsworth I took the steep winding hill that leads up to Minchinhampton Common.
There are some tight , slow bends on that hill and I didn’t feel so at ease on the VFR in that situation, it’s weight and bulk becoming very apparent. I parked up on Minchinhampton Common for a quick break. Then it was heart in mouth time with the sudden realisation that I’d managed to come out without my wallet and I might not have enough fuel to get back to the dealership. The gauge was showing half full when I set off, but it was now scarily low considering I had about 30 miles still to do. Darn it, I could do nothing but head back directly and keep my speed down to conserve fuel. Thus the journey back was not nearly so enjoyable and my thoughts alternated between dislike of the riding position and praying I would make it back as the fuel gauge dipped well in to the red.
Nevertheless I arrived back at the dealers without so much as a splutter, so no harm done. Getting straight back on my own bike, it felt even lighter and more comfortable than it usually does and tended to cement my view that, accomplished bike though it is, the VFR isn’t for me. Great fun trying it out though – now what shall I have a go on next....
Page 40 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11
BAM Christmas Party
As we have grown into a big family of bikers, we have decided to organise a christmas party open to BAM members their family and friends to have a bit of food, a boogie and watch a live band and try your luck in the prize raffle.
The date Saturday 17th December
Time: Start from 7:30pm music finishes 11:30 and vacate by midnight
The location is Long Fox Manor just on the A4 near Brislington park & ride
The cost: £12.50 a ticket or £25 per couple J.
These prices are to cover the cost of the band, food and hall and need a minimum participation of approx 100 people.
In order to hold the band and hall we need to know if you are interested now, by sending in your request for tickets to the treasurer by Nov 12th.
Cheques made payable to BAM or cash accepted of course or online transfer
Contact Melanie via [email protected] for the online transfer details, or post cheques to
BAM c/o 33 Brockley Close, Little Stoke, Bristol, BS34 6HA
IF we do not get the minimum number – tickets will be refunded early December
So with a group of over 200 members plus partners we should be able to rustle up 100 party goers for a good night out to see if this becomes a regular calendar event for the future.
DON’T M ISS OUT BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW !
If you want to know more contact Jim on 07834351377
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 41 Matlock Bath Derbyshire August 2011 Michael Britton
Back in darkest January of 2011 we all sat down as a family and decided that given the current economic situation and one child at University we couldn’t justify spend £’000s on a foreign holiday this year. Given that we did Arizona and route 66 the previous year I was less than enthusiastic about a holiday in the UK but was willing to give it a go. All the usual suggestions came up with Cornwall looking a favourite however my wife did a bit of reminiscing about holidays that she’d spent with her parents when she was a teenager and mentioned that she’d had a most enjoyable time holidaying in the Derbyshire Dales and that she’d long wished to go back.
So Matlock it was for a week in August taking the car. I did the usual research on the places we could visit with our National Trust passes and never gave it a further thought.
I was absolutely unaware that I was to be within a short walking distant of a Biking Mecca in on the doorstep of our rented cottage namely Matlock Bath. The roads into Matlock were heavily adorned with signs that suggested bikes should be treated with some respect with “think bike” signs every one hundred yards – it was a sunny afternoon and there were as many bikes on the road as there were cars! I asked the owner of the cottage if there was any where in the locality that would be of specific interest and it was he who suggested that a walk into Matlock Bath on Sunday morning, a mere two miles, would be an interesting spectacle especially if any of us were motorcycling enthusiasts.
So off we went into Matlock the next day to view what I can only describe as a weekly Sunday ride out populated by just about every biker within a sixty mile radius. This particular Sunday happened to be an annual ride out for scooter enthusiasts with hundreds of Vespa’s and Lambreta’s – some in “MOD” attire that would not have been out of place in the 1960’s.
Matlock Bath Main Street is about three quarters of a mile long and runs parallel with a pretty river and a handsome backdrop. Bikes were side by side for the entire length of the road with a constant stream of bike arrivals and leavers in motion. Street side cafes were full to the brim with bikers with fish and chip shops every 50 yards doing a roaring trade.
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The numbers of bikers is easily on a par with our very own Weston Bike night and what’s more was just as safe and sociable. I didn’t see any signs of bad behaviour on the day or during the rest of the week when bikers still populated the place in fairly heavy numbers.
If you’re in the area at any time I would highly recommend giving the place a visit – well worth it! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ladies
Black Immaculate Belstaff leather jacket, size 14. 2 sized zips down the front. Zip at the cuffs of the sleeves. Padding across shoulders, elbows and lower back. Buckle straps at the hips and stretch rib on the sides.
Black Immaculate Belstaff matching trousers, size 16. Which zips to the jacket. Rubber across the back and down the hips and thighs. Padding at the knees. Zips at the ankles. The trousers have been used very briefly (1 Ride). They have not been worn long enough to stretch from their brand new condition. There are no scuff marks.
Asking price £150.00 ONO for both items. Contact Michelle on 0797 355 8382 for details etc.
Page 44 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 T he view from the S ide A nne G arnish
We were on a high after our maiden win at Silverstone and looking forward to Oulton Park with the North Glos championship, two weeks later.
Oulton has one of the best-named circuit corners in the country: Knickerbrook. Popular myth has it that Blaster Bates was dynamiting tree stumps at the corner when a couple were seen running away at speed. Upon closer investigation ladies underwear was discovered in the stream, leading to the name! We only get single-day meetings at Thruxton so wanted to make the most of our favourite circuit. A very big grid, North Glos combining the F2, F1, F350 and Post-Classic classes, so busy for warm-up but we achieved a 2:07 which was an improvement over last year. We lined up on the grid for qualifying, 6th position owing to our championship standing, barrelling into the first right-hander in 4th position. There is a slight crest before the run down into Cascades and it was here that Phil Larder spun his F1, collecting the Andy King & Kenny Cole’s F2 before we hit the resulting carnage flat out in 6th gear. On the up side, if you’re going to crash spectacularly, picking the one location where your husband is located with a camera does ensure a photographic record of the event.
Our bike & Andy’s were both written off, Dean and 3 others had broken bones and our racing was finished I got away with heavy bruising, but we had to cancel our entry for Snetterton with Bemsee the following day.
The photo sequence is at http://www.lickracing.com/crash-sequence-from-oulton.
Three weeks later, after extensive front-end rebuilding and chassis repair, the bike was taken to Mallory for a shake-down. We were still missing the AiM dash (sent off for repair) and the shocks (with Maxton for repair) but the bike felt good and seemed to handle well. The fairing was basic but functional, awaiting a new paint scheme. Another test day a week later to iron out the last niggles, but the bike seemed functional again after a four-figure repair bill.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 45 Dean took the bike to the next North Glos round at Anglesey with a replacement passenger, Andy Thornton, while I had a much-needed weekend away. Andy had last passengered F350 bikes 14 years ago, so it was a steep learning curve for him. They spent the Friday test-day getting used to each other, then gradually improved their speed over the weekend achieving a 4th on Saturday and a 3rd on Sunday and taking 3 seconds off last year’s best lap time in the process.
Mondello, a week later, was our first international race and required me to obtain “Start Permissions” from the ACU - eek! Fortunately the permits were forthcoming and after a ferry journey to Rosslare and a drive through beautiful Irish countryside we pitched up at the circuit south of Dublin.
We found the Irish attitude laid-back and refreshingly relaxed with a gentle start on the Friday morning test day. During the day we clocked up 8 sessions on the National circuit, in excess of 100 laps: I never would have believed we could manage so much in a single day, but somehow we both found the stamina and benefited from the experience hugely.
The variable weather allowed us to run inters when the rain came down, giving me the chance to try passengering right on a left- hander to stop the back of the bike breaking away; deeply counter-intuitive but I could feel it working.
Page 46 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 There is also a steep left-hander which required another “traction technician” technique: booting the rear wheel hard to break the drift and grip. It’s at times like those that I realise just how much we both control the bike and was deeply satisfying.
The “Adelaide Insurance Monarch Of Mondello” races were being run over the Saturday and Sunday with TV coverage for the solos (sadly none for the sidecars) and soon we lined up for warm-up alongside 14 other bikes and some of the best British & Irish racers. We qualified with an initial best lap of 1:06.189 (11th place, 2nd F2) with only the current lap record holder ahead of us. Cam Donald was very impressive out in the solos, with a very compact and focussed riding style.
Copyright Roy Adams, Mid Antrim Media
The first race was over 10 laps and despite residual tiredness from the previous day’s exertions we improved our lap time to 1:04.565, finishing 8th overall, 2nd F2, lapping a slower F2 but remaining unlapped (just!) by the winner Scott Lawrie in his F1. Scott Lawrie & James Neave can often be seen competing in the Eastern Airways British F1 championship on Motors TV, ending the season in 3rd position overall. We’d completely destroyed our slick tyres over the two days, so changed them that evening before enjoying some excellent Guinness.
Sunday was another dry day, but again our starts were somewhat baulked by dithery F1s (they take a lap or so to warm up). We ended up pottering around on our own after losing touch with the F1 backmarkers, but we improved our best lap time to a 1:04.262 (approx 103.5mph) finishing 2nd F2 and 8/13 finishers again.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 47 The final race on the Sunday was the real test: after 3 full days we were shattered, and the elbows were out for some dirty fighting on the first few corners. Somehow we survived unscathed and over the 8 laps we lapped the slowest F2 and picked up another 2nd-place position (9/14 overall). Instead of trophies we won €80 and 2nd F2 overall – superb result and enough to pay for the weekend’s race fuel.
Scott had been very supportive, as had been the winning F2 (and lap record holder) Karl Mullen, with passenger Aaron Galligan. Pauline and I met Aaron at last year’s TT when he and his driver stopped at Tower Bends with an overheating MR Equipe bike. We found Mondello and the racers very welcoming and it’s definitely a circuit to return to in future. We have 3 secs/lap to find if we’re going to sneak that record away from Karl.
With the season winding down we faced two more rounds each with North Glos and Bemsee. Could we get a podium position in either championship?
In the next edition: British round decisions, Snetterton with Bemsee, Pembrey with North Glos and the final Bemsee round at Brands Hatch.
Fancy supporting a race team? You can follow our progress on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TeamLickRacing) and support the team by buying t-shirts or making a donation at http://www.lickracing.com.
Anne Garnish
Note: Dean from Lick Racing will be our guest presenters at November Coalpit Heath meeting, so please come and support him.
A few BAM members went up to Mallory on the Halloween weekend to have a passenger ride – so watch out for how they got in the next edition………and if they could hold on J
Page 48 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Burgundy on Xmax 250 By Keith Lewellin
I did a trip to Burgundy recently on my Xmax 250, about 600miles including the tunnel. Two other motorcyclists were in the shuttle doing a trip to Morocco. They were raising money for BBC Children in Need and I took some photos of them as it was a father and daughter who had travelled from Scotland.
They have a website: www.scotlandtoafrica.com.
Part of their route was the same as mine on the A26 and I managed to keep them in sight for about 20 minutes and then they were little dots vanishing over the horizon before I throttled back to save fuel - I have a tichie little fuel tank.
Here are some photos plus a typical Burgundy scene - Sainte Sabine in the foreground and Châteauneuf at the back.
It's motorcycling paradise!
Note from Ed: This is great, a little snippet on what our members have been upto, so no matter how big or small your adventure, please feel free to share in our mag
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 49 A Ride Around Wales Graham Hunter
Do you remember that last week of September when the weather forecasters promised (and delivered!!) us a several days of sun shine? On this promise, I took a day’s holiday and decided to take favourite ride, about 230 miles, into the hills of Wales. A couple of emails and texts later inviting anyone available for a ride, my old riding buddy Phil Morley confirmed he was up for the ride and we made our start from Bristol at 9.00.
The short motorway hop over the Old Severn Bridge is always a pleasure, the view is great and the M48 motorway was very quiet as usual. Motorcycles have the added bonus of not paying the bridge toll which is now £5.70 for cars. Leaving the motorway and heading for Monmouth always presents me with a dilemma, as the main road which follows the river Wye is a lovely ride, but usually quite busy. Today I decided to take the B4293 which is very quiet and has recently been resurfaced. Stopping in Monmouth we walk through one of the old city gates dating from the thirteenth century and grab a cup of coffee.
Continuing on the B roads and watching out for tractors and a bit of mud on the road we arrive in Hay on Wye. You need to keep your wits about you on these roads as there are a few very tight corners with no warning signs. Hay is famous for its literacy festival and the town is full of book shops. I can’t resist a browse and have to keep my eye on my watch or I could spend hours here. Also Hay has lots of lovely cafes, selling homemade cakes which we manfully resist.
Leaving Hay we head for Builth Wells and the ride up the A470 is a delight with the river Wye running alongside the road for several miles. It’s easy to make good progress here and I keep a careful check to ensure I am not pushing the old girl to fast. The old girl is a Triumph Tiger 955i, who is perfectly happy to be pushed at silly speeds. I however value my licence! Phil has recently bought a new Triumph Bonneville TT100, trading in his Harley Sportster 1200. The Bonneville obviously handles and goes very well. Phil loves it.
Lunch at Builth and a stroll by the side of the river Wye. A lovely spot, but be warned they charge for parking a motorcycle in the riverside car park. There are other options nearby!
We take the A483 for Llandovery with lovely views of the Welsh hills all around. I am always amazed and delighted at how little traffic there is on these roads. At Llandovery we cross the Brecon Beacons on the A4069. This is my favourite part of the ride and couple of stops are required to soak in the views. Again the road was very quiet and we played around taking a bit of video on some of the hairpins.
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The next part of the ride is not as pleasant as we take the Heads of the Valleys road back to Abergavenny. Somewhere along the way we took a bit of an accidental detour and ended up on the Brecon road. However this really did not matter as we headed back across the Brecon’s with some lovely views of the Cray Reservoir
At Brecon we headed off for Abergavenny again and passed the bus station/car park where as usual, there was a large crowd of motorcyclists having a coffee and a natter, also enjoying a great day out
The last time I was here I met 3 guys from Cardiff, all well into their 70s who were missing their friend that day of 82 years and still riding!
As time was getting a bit short we missed riding the planned B4246 route over the mountain to Blaenavon. I can recommend this route!. A lovely road and again the views are spectacular. You can even see the Bristol Channel from the top. Coming down off the mountain, you pass the Iron Works of Blaenavon, which is worth a visit. Also worth a visit is the nearby Big Pit where they get you to turn your minors lamp off and remind you that children would stand for hours in the pitch black to open and close ventilation doors!
Instead we take the B4598 directly to Usk, where we pull into a delightful square and take a 5 min break to refresh us. Here Phil tries to persuade me that I should use my route and lead a group ride next year. I am a bit nervous about this as it’s a long ride with some difficult dual carriageway sections to mark. I will need to talk to the experts first.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 51 From here we take the B4235 to Chepstow which is another great biking road with bends that tighten and tighten. Great for getting you knee down I suppose, but not on a Tiger 955i!
During our day in Wales, we have seen lots of signs urging Bikers to be careful and some telling of casualties. Phil and I always follow our IAM riding code and try and ride respectfully, whilst enjoying ourselves. We always aim to have caused no offence to anyone during our ride outs.
The Old Severn Bridge welcomes us home and the sun is still shinning. The weather forecast was correct.
What a Great day out!
Page 52 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 A Mornings Meandering Thro Wiltshire Sunday 9th October 2011
As ever when organising a ride I’m always anxious how it will go. I had spent most of the week before wondering. What if it’s not quick enough?. What if it rains?. What is someone gets lost? What if on the day I’m stuck in the car park and no- one turns up? After all the Japanese Grand prix was on the telly that morning and the weather forecast was for unsettled weather.
Finally the day came, (I must of fallen asleep, the night before muttering the words “please don’t rain, please, please don’t rain”). I was up before the sparrows could fart. Jumped straight out of bed and peered through the curtains, overcast, but no rain, whey hey, there is a god after all!.
Later, I dragged the Bike out of the garage and set off to the rendezvous, which was McDonald’s in Yate. Imagine my surprise that at 9.05 there was already about 10 bikes in the Car park, great I thought at least it’s not just going to be me. Slowly more bikes turned up, making it 21 in total
After the brief, and allocation of a Tail-end Charlie, and a quick call to the café to let know 23 bikers would be descending on them in mass at 11ish. We set off at 9:39, heading off to Old Sodbury, then Acton Turville, turning left at The Gib saw us on the Grittleton road, a further right turn found us onto the A429, then off onto the Brinkworth road, turning left for Dauntsey and the lower Wootton Bassett road.
Which has a rather deceptive left hand corner at one part. (See photo).
Just to keep everyone on their toes.
Once in Bassett, it was straight across the road onto the Broad Hinton and up Hackpen Hill, with a sideways glance at its White Horse and over the Marlborough downs. Quick left, right and left again in Marlborough found us on the Mildenhall road, going through some quite quaint villages such as Axeford and Ramsbury.
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 53 Turning left at the T junction onto the B4192 for the final blat into Hungerford. At which time we stop for a cuppa at The Tutti Pole, which is a traditional tearoom kind of place, just at the bottom of Hungerford high street.
The Café had very kindly reserved a number of tables at the back. With room for everyone, we all sat down and started ordering various items off the menu, I had a very nice bacon and egg sandwich, however, the poached eggs that Ollie Sage had ordered, looked particular nice, I then soooo wished I’d gone for that. 3/4hrs later and everyone refreshed with tea/ coffees.
We saddle up again and headed back on the Aldbourne Road, to find it had been closed at Aldbourne due to the Swindon Half Marathon, after a little bit of sweet talking, the guy marshalling the barrier let us through. As it would seem we would be turning off before we got to the Marathon route which was apparently through Liddington. We enjoyed about 5 miles of empty road, only to come to a further closure ½ mile before Liddington, exactly where I had wanted to turn left towards Chiseldon. With the only option of a right hand turning available which would have taking us off in Newbury direction. There was a police biker seemingly directing traffic, after a polite world of “excuse me officer, how do I get to over there” (pointing in the direction of Swindon). Resulted with him turning his bike around and escorting us through the barriers over to the other side of the closed off road. Surely this must be the first BAM ride ever to get a police escort? Even if it was only 50 yards.
Bugger! I thought, that’s my route back to Wootton Bassett now all mixed up. Right….think,- where to go now??. After a quick re-plan, we ended up on the A419 upto Cricklade and took the Malmesbury Road, then back to some more familiar roads for most, like the one to Tetbury, the A433 back through Sherston finally ending up finishing at the lay by on the A46 by Jcn 18 M4 at around 1:30.
Thanks to everyone for coming and making it an enjoyable ride. Hope you all enjoyed the ride? Also thanks to Andy Taylor for the splendid job of back marker. With the exception of one who split away earlier in the ride back. All that left, returned.
Tim Wrighton
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Rideout Calendar !
Well the last full ride of the summer has taken place so now we move into our Breakfast runs over the winter season to help keep your riding skills fresh and your stomachs full.
These events are open to anyone in the club and their family/ friends who wish to come along and enjoy a scrummy breakfast, and can arrive on a bike or in a car – we don’t mid as its more about the social aspect.
If the weather is nice then there may be an optional rideout afterwards for BAM members and Associates who have passed a cross check.
So get your family involved in BAM and enjoy some great breakfast locations.
The Breakfast Runs are scheduled on the 3rd Sunday of every month as follows: But if you want to organise a Saturday feel free to do so…its your rideout !
Check the forum and/or emails circulated nearer the time for each of these dates
2011 20th November - Nik Perry 18th December - Bridget Hiscox - The Stables Cafe, Saul Junction
2012 15th January 19th February
So if you fancy arranging a venue for any of these dates – feel free to do so and let Simon Jarvis our rides co-ord know @ [email protected]
You do not have to arrange a ride-out afterwards unless you wish to of course – getting a venue is the priority.
For all ride leaders – please ensure you get someone to submit a ride report for the chain link for those who missed out and capture some photos if possible – send into [email protected]
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 55 What’s happening in the World of motorcycling?
Well the racing season is just about over, so the only competition left is who has won the BAM MCN fantasy racing league……the scores @ Oct are:
Well done Joanne – MCN overall position of 6112, unlike Kessi’s Krew who with their 954 points are ranked 35785….stop laughing !
Moto GP We also bid a sad farewell to a great character from Moto GP Marco Simoncelli who tragically lost his life in Sepang
Regional Events
Dec 3rd - Santas on a bike – advance notice to dress up like Santa and join a charitable ride around Bristol city centre in aid of the Children’s hospice South West…..go on its all for a good cause. See www.santasonabike.org.uk
The International Motorcycle Show Show at NEC Birmingham runs from Nov 19th – 27th see www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
Enjoy the season ahead !
Page 56 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Issue 30 What Colour Hat ?
Four men are locked into boxes as shown in the picture below.
In order to save all their lives, one of the men must shout out the colour of his own hat. He must be 100% correct or they will all be shot.
RULES
• They cannot see their own hats but they are told that there are two black & two white hats. They cannot turn their heads & therefore can only look straight ahead. • They are not allowed to speak or communicate in any other way to each other. • Between Man 1 & Man 2 there is a brick wall which is totally blocking the view between them. • Man 1 & Man 2 can only see the brick wall. • Man 3 can only see Man 2 & the brick wall. • Man 4 can only see Men 2 & 3 and the brick wall.
Which one shouts out & how does he work it out?
This is not a trick & can be worked out with logic
Chain Link – N ov - D ec 11 Page 57 BAM Roles & Contact Points
Role & email address Post Holder Contact Number Chair Oz Warren 0117 932 7845 [email protected]
Secretary Sue Nolan 0117 952 5170 [email protected]
Treasurer Mel Rowbottom 07918 603 191 [email protected]
Group Membership Alan Davis 01275 372637 [email protected]
Chief Observer Billy Burns 0117 957 2653 [email protected]
Leader Observer Team A Andy Williams 01275 393261 [email protected]
Leader Observer Team B John Crawford 0117 960 8247 [email protected]
Leader Observer Team C Geoff Abraham 0117 951 2383 [email protected]
Leader Observer Team D Al Budden 01453 546 364 [email protected]
Group Rides Co-ordinator Simon Jarvis 0772 407 8938 [email protected]
Chain Link Editor Martyn Rowbottom 07879 612 865 [email protected]
Events Co-ordinator Jim Caola 07834 351 377 [email protected]
Page 58 Chain Link – N ov – D ec 11 Kessi’s Kapers
Things have quietened down for me over the past couple of months with just a few rides and attendance at the Super Sunday events, but I did manage to blag a pillion ride on the weekend in Wales and you saw some of the escapades we all got up to in Ollie’s story earlier in this mag.
I got to try out a rabbit castle, but much prefer my own real one – here’s me on the steps before I got to eat some of the scrummy cakes laid out inside.
In fact, I think it was an eating weekend challenge as well as a riding one as I seem to be trying out food in all my photos…..need to go on a monster diet now…..
At the wool…yes that’s wool not wall museum squeak squeak, I sat in a HUGE chair that had a scarf knitted by local radio station listeners that circled the whole building and raised lots of money for charity.
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This chair silly, not the other on, as Ollie put me in there to keep me away from all the toy sheep and to stop some of my BAM ‘friends’ from chucking me in the wool refining machine
To prove I was pillion Mel took this lovely photo on the move..ssshhhhh……… but can you spot me ?
I also made some new friends in the Machinations café…
In Sept I also managed a zip around Castle Combe at the rider performance day….secure in the top box of course, and next weekend going to try my paw at side car racing at Mallory with some BAM buddies.
If that fails then with Halloween around the corner, I’m going to try a different mode of transport for one night……..just need to find my broomstick J
So wishing all our readers a squeaky new year and look forward to seeing you on future BAM rides and events. Kessi
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B rynteg G uesthouse R hayader, M id W ales, LD 6 5EA 01597 810052 07999 866743 bryntegbandb@ hotm ail.co.uk
V isit W ales G raded ***
• Full Welsh breakfast using local produce • Double, single and twin rooms • Secure parking for bikes • Only 70 miles from the Severn Bridge • Vibrant town in the Welsh Lake District • Excellent pubs and cafes • Brilliant biking roads and superb scenery
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5% Now Servicing discount BMWs ! for BAM members
Thank you to our sponsors for their continuing support.
A reminder – if you would like to advertise in this mag it is just £30 with 6 issues a year and a wide distribution network in the biking community - an opportunity not to be missed.
So for 2011 sponsorship, please Contact Melanie on:-
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Avon Lock & Key Centre (Pete Taylor) 82 High St, Staplehill, Bristol. BS16 5HN Tel 0117-9081144
Keys cut for most motorbikes. This includes transponder (electronically chipped) keys for all Honda (HISS) & Suzuki bikes plus others.
They are programmed and cut whilst you wait and prices are well below what a dealer will charge. ∑ Losing a transponder key will cost you dear. ∑ Lose both will require a visit to your Bank manager for a loan! ∑ Travelling any distance, especially abroad, with one key?
Get another cut, you know it makes sense.
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