IAM Group: 1250

Contents

The Chairman Rites .................................................................................................................................... 4
Editor's Notes ............................................................................................................................................ 5
WaBAM Launched! ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Inaugural Meeting Raffle ............................................................................................................................ 10
WaBAM BBQ - Savernake Forest .................................................................................................................. 13
Adverse Camber ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Blue Light Run ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Our Sponsors ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Calendar (July - October) ............................................................................................................................ 23
Committee ................................................................................................................................................ 24

As 90% of WaBAM's members are on the internet, Exhaust Notes has been designed so that it can be viewed page by page when distributed electronically. This is why the format of the paper copies is unusual - turned on its side, so to speak.

Cover concept by Martyn Jeffries. Picture copyright Dynamo Humm, Canada

(www.dynamohumm.com)

The opinions expressed in this or any other newsletter published by the Wilts & Bath Advanced Motorcyclists, are those of an individual or of the editor. They should not be taken to represent the views of the IAM, its officers or the WaBAM committee unless stated otherwise. The articles are published in good faith and every effort is made to ensure that the details are correct at the time of printing.

Members should seek confirmation of event details prior to attending since, regrettably, last minute changes are sometimes necessary.

The Chairman Rites - Martyn Buckland

A very warm welcome to the very first Exhaust Notes - the Newsletter of Wilts and Bath Advanced Motorcyclists.

I'd like to thank all the contributors to this very special collectors' edition. This copy should come to you with a free CD of your Committee singing, "You'll Never Walk Alone". If it's missing, be sure to ask your newsagent. Seriously, a big 'thank you' to our Newsletter Editor, Mike Godfrey, for putting
this together for us. I'm sure it's even better than the drafts I've seen.

Our Group has taken off - big time! More than 80 full Members and 30 Associates at the time of writing and still growing. We've already started an Observer Training Course, had five Group Rides, two Group Meetings and a Committee Meeting and we're not even two months old yet! That is just so bloody GREAT!!! - so thanks to every one of you and especially those who helped make it happen. As Peter Hawkes points out elsewhere in Exhaust Notes, WaBAM didn't happen by accident!

I've been a bit busy - success brings its challenges - and I'm conscious that I don't always get as much time to talk to everyone as I'd like, so if you're one of those people who've ended up getting cut-off mid-conversation `cause someone butts in and asks "Fred needs to know how much it costs to join if he
passed his test in 1933 and has a letter from the Queen that says he can have a discount on regalia" then please accept my apologies.

We are a young Group but the only constant in life is change. Things will change in WaBAM. If they don't, we will stagnate, however well some things work and some don't - and we will change as necessary. People will come and go and our Committee infrastructure needs to be managed accordingly. I see my
job at the moment as making sure that we start off on the best possible footing and try and be as 'inclusive' and future-proof as possible. I've invested a lot of time trying to keep track of the ever-growing Membership and Associate lists and making sure that those of us who don't have e-mail and internet access aren't too disadvantaged; time well spent as far as I'm concerned. We have a few individual issues to resolve with some of you that go back to Bath and Melksham days but hopefully the vast majority of you have your Membership Number and have a WaBAM Card or, if you are an Associate, have been allocated to an Observer.

Our success depends on your involvement. You don't have to come to all the meetings or go on all the rides. Perhaps just a line to the Newsletter Editor occasionally - but do something! Barring all the Poole Runs, I have a full track record of attendance so far but I won't be able to keep that up for long - but I do hope to meet all of you in due course!

Remember, it's our Group, and we are its future.

Thanks again and welcome to what must be one the most active IAM Motorcycle Groups in the Country. Be proud of it - I am!

Editor's Notes - Mike Godfrey

Exhaust Notes is the work of many people: the authors, obviously, and the photographers - whose contributions brighten up what would otherwise be a stodgy mess (especial thanks to Lorraine Nevill). Thanks also to Martyn Jeffries, who started the newsletter design, and then had to pull out due to other commitments.

The Committee is discussing ways of improving speed of delivery. My ambition is to be able to place articles on the WaBAM website as soon as possible after they have been received. The paper copies would then be compiled at intervals from the website content. However, to do this computers will have to cooperate - and mine isn't. Instead of 'proper' DTP, this issue had to be produced using the word processing part of Open Office 2.0 beta, which I've only just installed. So, I hope you will pardon any rough edges.

Please keep your contributions coming - There'll be nothing worth reading without them! The next deadline is the end of August.

WaBAM Launched! - Peter Hawkes

In the beginning was the Bath and District Group. Then lo! members in and around Melksham muttered and formed a sub-Group; and it came to pass that the Melksham sub-Group became a fully-fledged Group. Both Groups did well, and prospered.

But, dear readers, evolution will have its way (certain parts of Texas and the Deep South aside). You read about the decision to form a new motorcycle-only Group based around motorcycle members from the Melksham and Bath mixed vehicle Groups. You heard that the IAM agreed to the creation of a new Group. If you wondered - and even if you didn't - this is what happened next.

We had much help from those wanting to form the new Group, and from Helen Schofield, the then RCo, but getting to the afternoon of Saturday 16 April, when bikes started to arrive at the Police Headquarters in Devizes, required months of many peoples' sustained effort.

The day arrived
Parking was signposted, marshals were on hand to direct visitors; the room was made ready, tables and chairs strategically placed; names of all arrivals were taken; background music played, PCs projected slide shows and videos ran in seamless loops. The caterers had arrived (with nice biscuits, for we bikers are a discerning bunch); the top table was arranged with proper name plates and a pretty floral display (told you we're discerning). Programmes were
distributed and raffle tickets enthusiastically sold.

Meeting and greeting
Guests from other IAM groups were warmly greeted; Examiners were welcomed - ditto Staff Examiner. Two Mayors (Swindon and Devizes) were greeted and given their personal escorts/interpreters for the event. Our special IAM guests Helen Schofield, representing BADAM, Dave Shenton, National Motorcycle Manager, Lona Williams, the new RCo, and Tim Soper, the Regional Motorcycle Adviser, were made welcome. And, with the President to be, Martin Richards, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Constabulary, in place, the room was ready to rock.

Chief Constable's acceptance
Mr Richards admitted to having little personal motorcycle experience, but was fully seized of the potential dangers faced by riders, by the quality of the work done by the IAM in coaching riders, and the benefit this has both for those riders, and indirectly the community at large.

Mr Richards said: "There has been a significant increase in motorcycling, as more people recognise that bikes not only beat congestion but are fun. But,
motorcyclists represent a large proportion of road casualties in relation to their numbers - in Wiltshire last year, seven motorcyclists were killed and 247 were injured, 60 of them seriously".

"Post-test training can take riders beyond the basic skills they need to take to the road, developing their skills to a level that will improve their own and others' safety, as well as allowing them to make better use of the road and gain more enjoyment from the riding experience. The Institute of Advanced Motorists plays an important part in this, and I am pleased to be associated with a group of riders who not only have a commitment to developing their
own skills, but give their time to develop the skills of other riders."

So, to the numbers
We sized the room for 100 - ambitious, we thought, but many more turned out. Of these, 66 joined on the day as full members and another six as Associates. Given that we had a number of non-biking guests that was an astonishing conversion rate. In addition, we had apologies from 15 other full members of the IAM who could not be there, but promised to join.

About the only small hiccough on the day was that so many people left their arrival to the last moment, which delayed the start.

The event had many ways to go base over apex, but it ran smoothly because it had been planned. We had taken, used and given information, considered our positioning, got the speed right, were in the right gear, and used our acceleration sense. It worked.

WaBAM has sprung into being with a very healthy number of members. It has a good sprinkling of Associates and a training programme for its Observers. We
have re-assessed 90% of existing Observers and had an Observer Day both to do this and iron out any issues that merging two sets of Observers might raise (happily there were none). We have held our first social event and social runs. We are on a roll. If you want to see how we are getting on, please visit the
website from time to time:

http://www.wabam.org.uk

which, though a work in progress, is off the ground and already has good stuff on it.

Our Thanks The WaBAM Committee is grateful for the support given by the parent Group Committees in the run-up to WaBAM's creation. This success could not have happened without it.

Photo Captions:
Chief Constable Martin Richards addresses the inaugural meeting at Police Headquarters, Devizes.
In photo, left to right: Tim Soper, IAM Region 1 Motorcycle Adviser; Lona Williams, IAM Region 1 Regional Coordinator; David Shenton, IAM National Motorcycle Manager; Chief Constable Martin Richards; Martyn Buckland, Chairman WaBAM; Iain Gauld, Secretary WaBAM; Nick Atkins, Treasurer WaBAM; Ken Fryer, Chief Observer, WaBAM.

Top Table
WaBAM is formed!
Some august figures
George and 'Der Boss' (with Nick looking on)
Some of the new group
The Mayor and Martyn in discussion

Inaugural Meeting Raffle - Martyn Jeffries

This raffle was a great success, largely thanks to the great prizes generously donated by local businesses, and to your support. There were some very happy people in the hall by the end of the afternoon!

Congratulations to the prizewinners - and don't forget to support the businesses that have supported us.

Prizewinners Prize Donated by
Brian Jenkins KBC TK8 helmet George White Superbikes Swindon 01793 716 716 www.georgewhite.co.uk
Bob Mulhall Lock & chain Artdeans M/C & Scooter Centre Swindon 01793 574 800 www.artdeans.co.uk
Cliff Gardiner Suspension tune MH Racing Corsham 01225 811 583 www.mhracing.com
Francesca Wisbey & Bob Mulhall Pr. Race Meeting tickets each Castle Combe Race Circuit Castle Combe 01249 782 417 www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Baz David Sunday lunch The Flemish Weaver Corsham 01225 701 929
Brendan Hodgkinson 1 years WaBAM membership WaBAM
Ian Bennett Ouzo & glasses Anon
Bill Ferroll & Bob Pearce Aadvocaat Anon

WaBAM BBQ -Savernake Forest

17th July, starting at 13:30

Meet at Postern Hill Picnic site

(1 mile South of Marlborough on the A346)
Friends and family are welcome

Numbers and pre-payment (£5 per head) will be necessary in order to organise the catering.

The BBQ will be preceded by a (short) ride which Martyn Buckland will lead, leaving The Lysley Arms at 09:00 as usual.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Francesca Wisbey and Huw Doman who tied the knot early in June

Membership Matters

Members
As reported elsewhere, 66 people signed up as full members at the inaugural meeting. By the middle of June this number had risen to 86. Richard, our Membership Secretary and primary Point of Contact, is receiving two or three new enquiries every day.

Associates
As at the middle of June, WaBAM had 33 Associates, including 22 transferred from the Melksham and Bath Groups. Two Associates have passed their tests already, and three more tests are in the offing.

Observers
With so many Associates, providing enough Observers was obviously an urgent priority for the Committee. 21 WaBAM members signed up for an Observers Training Course and 15 started the first one, which began in the middle of May. The final elements of this course will be completed around the end of June, with theory and practical tests taking place in the middle of July.

Congratulations to the following Associates on being recommended for IAM membership:

Nick Lake (Observer Lorraine Nevill)
Barry Oldfield (Observer Martyn Buckland)

Adverse Camber - Martyn Buckland

Hi and welcome to Adverse Camber, the article for all motorcyclists who read our favourite biking press articles and think (with the exception of the excellent stuff penned by Bike journalist Dan Walsh), "What the **** has that got to do with me!?" Anyway, Ad Cam, as it is affectionately known, has been
going on for years - and years and years (mostly, it has to be said, in order to pad out the Melksham & District Newsletter!), but now it's the turn of Exhaust Notes readers to suffer!

Worry not however, Ad Cam is not profound (what?!). It is merely a window on the world that is WaBAM through my eyes, red and bloodshot as they are! If that doesn't scare you, nothing will!

I think enough has already been said about the Group kick-off, so, tick-the-box and let's move on... One thing I normally try and do in Ad Cam, however, is write up a description of all the Group Rides that I've been on, but as that's four since we started WaBAM, it'll be a hard job doing it and at the same
time maintain the interest of you who weren't on them, but here goes:

Bognor or Bust -02/05/05
Our first Group Ride, organised by the good Huw Doman, Group Rides Organiser no less! Twenty bikes plus riders and a smattering of pillions (is that a formal collective noun for pillions? - lets have a heated debate!), set off in search of America. Sorry, make that West Sussex. After a rather wonderful
meander (ha!) through the Wiltshire countryside, we alighted at Stockbridge to bring fear and terror to the local tearooms before roaring off in the direction of the coast, leaving a trail of devastation (dirty crockery actually) in our wake.

Everywhere we went, the rain had been - but much to everyone's amazement, we escaped any noticeable dampness actually being inflicted on us (this seems to be a recurring theme so far. It can't last). We were at last nearing our destination. The sound of bikes - big bikes - echoed through the quiet south coast resort. Mothers pulled their children from the streets, shops closed, and there was an eerie quietness about the town. (This actually had nothing to do with
our arrival - it was just Sunday lunchtime...)

Huw had selected a high profile place to park our machines - on the pavement - whoa! (OK, so it was a designated bike spot, stop spoiling the story). It was time to hit the town. What happened was as shocking as it was inevitable. The ice-cream stalls were first and then, predictably, it was the turn of the
fish & chip shops. Everywhere you looked there were WaBAM riders - eating. We weren't there long - we didn't have to be. Soon we were adjusting our rear suspension settings in order to cope with the additional strain and then it was off in search of the next victims; the township of Basingstoke beckoned. In Bognor, we left only tears (of laughter - and because we were careful to dispose of our takeaway wrappings considerately. It was the right thing to do after all...)

Basingstoke was, as expected, a wasteland (of suburbia). We circled round and round like vultures (we were lost) before stopping for light refreshments. After 200 miles, we returned to our den, The Lysley Arms, wired and teary (?) but ultimately satisfied. Sorry, but ultimately, satisfied (it's all in the
punctuation you know). They wouldn't see the like of it again... Ta Huw.

Runnin' wid de RATs -16/05/05
Time for our Secretary and Taylor's of Chippenham King RAT Iain Gauld to take the helm, this time in search of the Victorian Village in Newent, Gloucestershire. This was primarily a 'RAT Run' to which we got an invite, so thanks to them for that. Being a joint affair, we managed 24
bikes this time so leader and tail folk had their work cut out for them. Despite getting to know the Gloucester one-way system a little
better than I really needed to, the journey there was without incident I'm glad to report.

Iain went for a 'get there quick' strategy to let those who wanted to explore the Village do so without time pressure. Again, the weather was kind. At some points, instead of 'kind', read 'bloody hot' (the top of my head is still tanned!). Some of us just hung around, drinking coffee and talking bikes... and Triumphs. I had previously sent out a somewhat fatuous e-mail, trashing Triumphs - as you do, just a couple of days before a joint ride with a Triumph
Owners group! I felt I had to do penance, so, in a gesture of conciliation, I applied a 'Triumph' sticker (mischievously supplied by RAT and WaBAM Member Lorraine Nevill) to my BMW GS screen. What a smashing idea it was to send the pic' to the Triumph Chief RAT cheers Lorraine (I'll see you later...).

The afternoon turned into a bit of a scorcher. Iain's carefully devised circuitous route took in some of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire's finest scenery and all was well with the world by the time we arrived back at base. "Another Grand Day Out Grommit..."

Posing at Poole -31/05/05
There's been three of these but I've only attended one (thank Christ for that sez Poole Rides Organiser Nigel Coysten). This was a pre-Test check for Associates Neil Robertson and Mike Browne - good luck guys - and a once-over for Observer Nigel on behalf of Chief Observer, Ken Fryer. Trainee Observer and Membership Secretary Richard Karn also came along for the ride. For those of you who don't know, Tuesday nights during the summer sees Poole invaded by bikes. All sorts - and all sorts of riders too! The chaps under observation all behaved themselves (almost) impeccably.

We were having a debrief on the quay when I felt a warm, liquid sensation on my head. "Is that a new jacket you're wearing Martyn?" they inquired. "Yes" says I, trying to work out what had happened to me. "Well it's not now!" they cried, dissolving into laughter as I tried to wipe a direct seagull hit from my head and body... bloody good-fornothing animals! (and the seagulls).

Anyway, bird strikes aside, we had a very pleasant trip and returned home fairly early, hoping to make the majority of the ride home in the daylight. On the way back I demonstrated 'how to make progress' and we managed the objective quite nicely thank you. For our members in the Constabulary (and we now have a good few), ACPO guidelines were of course adhered to at all times - ish. Thank you for asking, Officer.

Where men are men, and sheep are nervous - 05/06/05
My turn, and I make no apology for making more of this one...

Huw and Iain get sunshine for their runs - and what sort of forecast do I get? "An area of low pressure is expected to cross the country from the west, bringing prolonged periods of rain, some heavy." Bloody wonderful, as I've arranged a trip to Garth, in Wales. Inspired by Bath member Neil Maloney's trip last September, I thought I would combine it with some of my favourite roads to make a mega-Welsh blast, so the last thing I needed was crap weather.

Come the day, there were seventeen bikes and nineteen people ready to brave the elephants, come what may. As it was still dry by the time we had all assembled, we decided to get to the first stop at Abergavenny Bus Station and see what it was like then before making a further decision. Those who know
the route from Monmouth to Usk will be pleased to know that it stayed dry - it's not a good road in the wet - and Abergavenny was as 'dry as a witches ***' as they say.

Probably seeing what was to come, new Associate Rob Jones on his VFR sensibly turned back at this point accompanied by Mike Doggart (CBR600) and Nigel Smith
(Deauville). It's no problem to just do a section of a long ride so, if you are put off by long distances and 'time out', why not try it?

Anyway, mad impetuous fools that we were, the rest of us decided to go the whole hog and go up to Garth, near Builth Wells, for lunch. Now, although I went on the Garth run last year, I was happy to be a 'sheep' on that occasion and just sit back and follow the flock. I therefore had to guess the route with the added problem of not having time to 'dry run' it either. Don't try that one at home kids...

So, as we toured the Army artillery ranges of the Brecon Beacons, admiring the Red Flags flying gaily from their masts, I began to contemplate the wisdom of
bringing 16 people down a road saying "This is a Military Area as defined by the Official Secrets Act" blah de blah. I could see the Welsh paper headlines - "English bikers in apparent suicide pact - excellent result!".

Never being one to turn round - not that there was any room to - I continued, whistling a happy tune and hoping that keeping up a cheerful front in the face of adversity would compensate for having no common sense whatsoever, and, as I said to the only soul for miles as he pointed out that we were in the middle of a firing range, "Well, I'll be damned!". Fortunately, said person was able to guide me (after he'd finished laughing) off the range without having to
turn round and therefore saving my face. To this day, no-one knows I got lost, so mum's the word eh?

I should mention the sheep. Now I can only think that they must issue the bleedin' things with flack jackets as there seemed to be an awful lot of `em on the ranges. Actually, there was a bleedin' lot of `em in the road as well! Ewes with lambs, naturellement. Ewe looks at bike, runs away from bike. Lamb
looks at bike, runs towards bike - oh sh... ! Excellent for keeping one on ones toes don'tcha know? The
barbeque was excellent that evening.

Anyway, I digress. We eventually got to Garth Mills (as it turned out to be) which was our planned lunch stop. Trouble was, nobody I had spoken to could remember its name/phone number and therefore they were totally unprepared for the sixteen hungry and thirsty bikers that turned up in expectation of
sustenance. Anyway, they were busy trying to cope with MG Rally that was pitched up on their doorstep. Never a dull moment when you're out with Buckland I can tell you... To their credit, they had us all served and out again in just over an hour - and with a smile on their faces. Try that in Surrey!

By now the sun had come out but angry clouds surrounded us, so most of us went for the 'sauna' option. This is to put your wet gear on and ride around in 20 degrees heat. Madness? - Of course, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Another stop at Abergavenny for a 'natural' break (whoever coined that phrase obviously hadn't been inside those loos) and then it was the next stage through Rockfield and Monmouth to our tea break destination of the Narrow Gauge Railway station Café at Llandogo in the Wye Valley near Tintern. Finally
it started raining, but nothing substantial. Lorraine took our photo to prove it happened and we were off again, this time homeward bound.

The M4 Eastbound was chocker as normal so we all had a chance to improve our filtering skills. I think Iain and Cheryl Gauld must have ridden over the top of the traffic, as we never saw them again that day! The filtering did for the group and we went back to the Lysley Arms via the A420 with just a brace of
Blackbirds piloted by David Blackledge and Steve Flippance (with Mitzy on pillion) and a Deauville ridden by new Associate Paul Leverington (thanks for the drink Paul). The curs that they are, we found Fazer 1000 rider Richard Karn and Les Roberts (another proud new Trumpet Sprint ST1050 owner) sheltering inside. They had taken the option to ride the M4 all the way to Chippenham. It was proper rain by then but that didn't dampen what had been a great ride.

So now that you realise how much FUN it is to lead a ride, how about doing it yourself? Seriously, if I can do it, so can anyone! It can actually be a lot easier than being in the pack - why do you think I do it?! You don't have to be an Observer, just get 'approved' by the Committee by submitting your route to Huw Doman or Chris Riley.

If you don't feel confident enough to lead one, how about supplying us with a route that you'd like done on your behalf. Again, send it to Huw or Chris.

And I think that's quite enough from me at the moment. I certainly am finding out the hard way about being a Chairman of a large Group. I just need to master the art of being a diplomat, opportunist, traditionalist, radical, councillor, prosecutor, judge, jury and, oh yes, biker - all at the same time. Worry not, I'm lovin' it! (wonder if I could sell that as a slogan?... )

Enjoy your riding -but keep it safe!

Blue Light Run

Saturday 16th September 2003

Ken Fryer

18.30 -Walked up to Mike's to take over the 'Bath Blood Bike'. As it was my first tour of duty Mike gave me a through briefing with a review of the maps of how to get to the hospitals. "Sorry no map of Frenchay because I know how to get there!" exclaimed Mike. He then gave me a quick thumbnail sketch of how to get there, and where to park, which was to prove invaluable later.

19.10 - Phone the co-ordinator to 'sign-in'. Agreed I would be out of contact for about 10 to 15 minutes whilst I went for a familiarisation ride. Used the ride to get a takeaway meal and a video, ready for a quiet night in with the family!

19.30 -Back home and all phones ringing like mad. "You have an urgent call (timed at 19.15) to take scans from the RUH A&E to Frenchay Hospital. This is urgent and you may use the blue lights if necessary. Remember - take it easy". Ah well there goes supper and the video.

The adrenaline starts to pump, keep cool, take it steady. I am out and off and almost at once stopped. A car has 'temporarily' stopped in the road and blocked me - not enough room to pass or turn round. I hit the blue light switch - hey presto - the car departs rapidly and I am at last on my way to the RUH.

Two sets of traffic lights to negotiate; remind myself I am not above the law must stop if they are red! My luck holds, both sets are green.

19.40 - RUH A&E, I remember to switch mobile phone off, then into the A&E to collected the scans and exchanged paperwork - everything in triplicate!

19.45 - on my way. As it's dark I decide to put the blue lights on to give other motorists plenty of warning. My route is to be A431 Kelston, Bitton, Longwell Green to A4174 ring road. Then round the ring road to B4058, left towards Bristol and then left into Frenchay Hospital.

The adrenaline is pumping - watch the speedo, not above the law - I must not speed but I can 'make progress'. Traffic is light and I am making good time, extra care at the roundabouts, it's amazing how some drivers react!

A quick short blast of the klaxon seems to 'wake up' a couple of inattentive drivers - crikey what a noise, must remember to wear my ear plugs next time.

Red lights in the distance - kill the blue lights so as not to confuse other road users expecting me to 'jump' them. Lights go green, blue lights on and away I go again. At last! Frenchay Hospital - time to remember Mike's brief directions; they work, thanks Mike.

Off the bike and into A&E to confirm where I am to go. More directions and a fast walk to my final destination. I am met by a surgeon/doctor already in his
'operating garb' and pass him the scans in exchange for more form signing - everything in duplicate!

20:15 -job complete. Chance to relax, walk back to the bike, put my mobile phone on and contact the coordinator to confirm delivery completed. "I have
no calls at the moment, please return home and phone when you arrive, well done and take it easy".

Back on the bike ready for a nice relaxing ride back to Bath. I wonder if there will be any takeaway left when I get home?

Freewheelers Emergency Volunteer Service operates three motorcycles based in Taunton, Bristol & Bath. It provides an 'out of hours' service:

Monday to Thursday 19.00 to 07.00

Friday 19.00 to Monday 07.00 (i.e. all weekend 24 hours a day)

Bank Holidays - 24 hours a day.

Editor's Note:
I understand from Ken that, since this initial excursion, he has become a regular member of the team, with week-long spells on their rota.

He has had some memorable runs, including one to London when the document handover took place in a reception area full of armed police. This run also provided some salutary lessons in drivers' levels of observation. Ken tells me that 'making progress' in London is easier than outside it, as Londoners
are more accustomed to blue lights and sirens and part like the Red Sea. On the M4, however, drivers barrelling down the outside lane at well over the speed limit throw out their anchors as they come level and belatedly notice the blue lights!

Our Sponsors

George White Superbike Centre 1-8 Manchester Road Swindon Tel: 01793 716716
Show your current membership card to obtain a 10% discount on accessories, clothing and workshop services.

Artdeans Motorcycle & Scooter Centre 207 Rodbourne Road Swindon Tel: 01793 574800
Show your current membership card to obtain a 10% to 20% discount on accessories and clothing. Ask for details.

Events - Regular or Not

Group Rides
Twice each month, on the first and third Sundays. Meeting time is normally 09:00, unless there are specific instructions for that ride shown in the 'What's On' web page or on the calendar below. These are normally all-day affairs where the emphasis is on enjoyment.

Group and Social Meetings
WaBAM meets on the fourth Saturday of every month at 20:00 (8pm) at the Lysley Arms pub. These are our informal but 'official' Monthly Group Meetings and are a great way of catching up with what's going on and meeting other Group Members and Associates. Although the emphasis is on becoming better riders, we also plan to have a Social Event every other month, starting with a BBQ in July.

Open days
We will be inviting the public to come along and see what we are all about and offer free 'assessed rides' for riders interested in what WaBAM does.

Calendar (July - October)

Meet at: Lysley Arms, Pewsham, (A4 - on the Calne side of Chippenham) unless notified otherwise

Destination Leader Time
July
Sunday 3rd Group Ride Lynmouth Richard Karn meet 09:00
Sunday 17th Group Ride & BBQ Short local ride, followed by BBQ in Savernake Forest Martyn Buckland meet 09:00
Saturday 23rd Group Meeting from 20:00

August
Sunday 7th Group Ride TBA TBD meet 09:00
Sunday 21st Group Ride TBA TBD meet 09:00
Saturday 27th Group Meeting from 20:00

September
Sunday 4th Group Ride TBA TBD meet 09:00
Sunday 18th Group Ride TBA TBD meet 09:00
Saturday 24th Group Meeting from 20:00

October
Sunday 2nd Group Ride TBA TBD meet 09:00
Sunday 16th Group Ride TBA TBD meet 09:00
Saturday 22nd Group Meeting from 20:00

Group Contact: Richard Karn 01380 738233 richardATkarn.fslife.co.uk (Type @ for AT)

Committee:

Chairman Martyn Buckland
Chief Observer Ken Fryer
Secretary Iain Gauld
Treasurer Nick Atkins

Associate Coordinator Francesca Doman
Group Rides Organiser Huw Doman
Membership Secretary Richard Karn
Newsletter Editor Mike Godfrey
Publicity Manager Peter Hawkes
Social Secretary Steve Townsend
Webmaster Stu Price