South East Biker June-July 2011 by The Magazine Production Company

o.1 The South East’s N ine Free bike magaz

y 2011 Issue 15: June-Jul

PICK ME UP

I’M FREE

Weald EVT

speed reco’srda CANS: It

noise thing

A WEEKEND CHALLENGE

How far can you go in 36 hours?

SEB REVIEWAVIDSON

HARLEY-D HT FORTY-EIG

rrey Kent , Sussex & Su

Air Ambu•lSaPnORcTeS

TS • RIDES N E V E • S E R U T REVIEWS • FEA

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STARTING GRID

CONTENTS 6 A Ride Around The Black Sea

David Stokes raises money on his Honda 250

8 Why Modifying Isn’t Madness

Bikesure tips on insurance premiums

9 Riding The 48

A day on the HarleyDavidson

14 Back On Track

A second chance to ride Lydden

16 Weald EVT Smashes Record

Local electric bike firm takes the title

18 Advance Your Riding

London Advanced Motorcyclists revealed

20 Air Support

How your local air ambulance works

28 Frontline

News we need to know from MAG

30 Brighton MAG

What a branch actually gets up to

31 13…Lucky For One

Rob Guiver searches for 125 glory

32 The Perfect Stitch Up

Hill for Leather unravelled

34 It’s A Noise Thing

The Poisoner scribes on a controversial subject

35 Eggciting Easter Trip

Kent Advanced Motorcyclists out and about

38 Bemsee Round Up

Round 3 Cadwell Park

40 South East Biker Events

Plan your summer’s biking

42 Biker Breaking Points

Get out…Get refreshed

24 Product Review

43 SEB Competition

26 All in 36 hours

44 Trade Services

Held Hakuna jacket tested Dean Cook sees how far you can go in a weekend.

Win a copy of Mondo Enduro Use and support your local bike businesses

Where can you find SEB Magazine?

South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is delivered to selected motocycle outlets and businesses across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, London, Essex, Middlesex, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset. See page 46 for listings. We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you missed your copy then subscribe for just £9 per annum and we will post you a copy direct to your door so you will never miss an issue ever again. Just email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

www.southeastbiker.co.uk MAKING CONTACT

advertising Debbie Tunstill & GENERAL Tel: 01892 610808 ENQUIRIES: Email: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk

South East Biker, Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 2SP EDITOR: Peter Karmios, email: peter@southeastbiker.co.uk PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk PRODUCTION: Dean Cook, email: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2011 South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is an independent title and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of South East Biker magazine. Reproduction of content is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the editor or publisher.

COVER IMAGE: ‘Sandstorm’ courtesy of Andrew Neri

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

With the long dry spell in April and May, my bike’s never seen so much use! There’s something very satisfying about knowing your morning ride to work is going to be warm dry and sunny; and I’m seeing lots more bikes being used for the daily commute. Fuel prices, insurance and even the cost of beer are all factors in the growing number of small (mostly Chinese) bikes on our roads, and rightly so.There has never been a better time to get onto two wheels. Bikes are getting better; more reliable, cheaper to buy and insure, more efficient with 100 miles per gallon expected of bikes that can hit 70 mph! However, I’ve been watching and waiting for several years now for the next big thing in biking and it hasn’t happened yet... Electric bikes. They’ve been around for a while now, but have failed to deliver on our expectations.Yes, they are cheap to run, but too expensive to buy.They’re eco friendly, if you ignore the coal fired powerstation on the other end of your extension lead.Their biggest problems are range and charging times. If you run out of petrol – then a short length of hose, a willing mate with fuel to spare and you’re on your way! Electric bikes are getting better, but they can’t manage more than a short distance at sensible speeds and still need far too long to charge their batteries to be practical for everyday use. In this month’s issue, we have an article on the fantastic work being done in the south east to develop electric bikes through the research and development of competition.The future is indeed bright and electric! Peter Karmios, Editor 3

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Background

It was alleged that an argument between Mr I and a colleague culminated in Mr I striking his colleague. Mr I was held to be the sole aggressor and was dismissed. Mr I was suspended on full pay whilst an investigation took place. Mr I was invited to an investigation meeting, followed by a disciplinary meeting, to determine whether he had in fact committed an act of gross misconduct. Notwithstanding that Mr I’s colleague believed it was an accident and had requested Mr I’s return to work; the investigating officer had concluded it was an accident; the incident lacked independent witnesses to corroborate the allegations and that Mr I had a long, unblemished service history, Mr I was dismissed.

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to his former role. Mr I was also recompensed for his full loss of earnings between the date of his dismissal and re-instatement. Access Legal from Shoosmiths has an experienced and dedicated team of employment specialists ready to take on new employment claims. We offer a flexible service, including a free initial consultation and advice on a no-win-no-fee basis, ensuring you don’t pay any costs unless you recover compensation. Our services include advice on: • contracts of employment

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THE INSIDE LINE

A ride out around the…Black Sea!

ast year, to write an article for RIDE Magazine, David Stokes rode his 20 year old Honda CD250U to Aqaba in Jordan and back riding through eleven countries and covering 7,500 miles in the process. This year he will be riding the same bike around the David Stokes to Circle the Black Sea to raise money for Black Sea but this time the Afghan Heroes he hopes to raise some money through donations for the Afghan Heroes. David served in the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) and the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) in the sixties. Now 65 he is raising the money to finance this trip out of his own pocket so all the money donated will go to the Afghan Heroes. The off is Tuesday July 5th. If you wish to donate please do it online using, justgiving.com. www.justgiving.com/David-Stokes1

RBL Riders celebrate Royal British Legion’s 90th Birthday Saturday 11th June, London Road, Greenhithe, Kent

he Royal British Legion Club has a whole lot more to offer than dominoes and war stories! Greenhithe & Swanscombe RBL Social Club located on London Road, Greenhithe, Kent, has got together with the Riders Branch to put together a unique event that will forever change that stereotypical image! On Saturday 11 June the club will throw its doors open to one and all. It’s FREE entry so pop along and help celebrate the Legion’s 90th birthday. No need to be a member, no age restrictions, families are more than welcome. The event will include a visit from the Chelsea Pensioners, displays from the Navy, RAF & Army, displays of military vehicles, marching bands and raffles — also a huge BBQ and Spitroast. Plenty for the youngsters; facepainting, a treasure hunt, candy floss, childern’s disco etc. The older youngsters might enjoy one of the many pop and rock bands on offer, also on the menu are a pole dancing display with the chance to have a go yourself, a mass balloon release and a motorcycle show.. The event starts at 11am and a full day’s programme of events will take you through to 11pm. You may still get to hear a war story or two – but your image of the British Legion will be changed forever! Free parking will be available at Knockhall School (Eynsford Road, Greenhithe, Kent). For further information contact Greenhithe & Swanscombe RBL Social Club Ltd on 01322 386352 or visit www.rblgreenhithe.co.uk 6

JOEY DUNLOP FOUNDATION Dear SEB, Having read your article in the last issue about the Joey Dunlop Foundation I feel moved to write in support. My father-in-law, Reg Standivan, raced bikes in the forties and fifties, racing for Rudge and privateering with Grand Prix Triumph, AJS, and Norton etc. He raced all over, including the TT. Last year, in his mid eighties and affected by a stroke, he announced that he was off to The Island (not racing! ) at Grand Prix time with my sister in law and her boyfriend . There was a certain amount of concern about him being able to find facilities suiting his disabilities and more importantly being able to get to a decent vantage point to watch the racing. Having only recently moved to Crowborough, I didn’t know John Harris or of his connection with the Joey Dunlop Foundation, but whilst having a bike MOT’d by him I mentioned these concerns just in passing. Within days he had arranged for Reg and his party to use the facilities and observation platform at Braddan Bridge House. They all said that this really made the trip, taking away all their worries, giving them a great place to watch the racing and the opportunity to meet a crowd of wonderful people. At the risk of embarrassing him I would like to thank John Harris and all connected with the Joey Dunlop Foundation for all they did and hope they get all the support they doubtless need. Steve Mitchell

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

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available for retail customers only. Finance example is based on a BMW 3asy Ride agreement for the model featured, a BMW S1000 RR, registered by 30 September 2011 with a contract mileage of 12,000 and an excess mileage charge of 7.45p (per mile). ^Credit arrangement fee payable in two parts: £100 with first monthly payment and £40 at the end of the agreement. ^^Option to purchase fee and optional final payment payable at the end of the agreement if you decide to purchase the vehicle. **Excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable if you return the vehicle. *On the road cash price includes 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Figures are correct at time of going to print (March 2011) and are subject to change without notice. All finance is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Advertised Finance is provided by BMW Financial Services, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. **Offer available at participating BMW Motorrad dealers in the UK. Offer applies to new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure bikes (including the Triple Black) that are first registered between 01 May and 30 June 2011 inclusive, subject to availability. Pannier mounting rails for R 1200 GS Adventure at extra cost.

THE INSIDE LINE

Why modifying isn’t madness

A popular myth would suggest that modifying your motorbike will send your insurance premium through the roof… BikeSure says otherwise.

he truth is somewhat different – in many cases, the hours of work an enthusiast has put into modifying their bike will pay off with premiums much cheaper than they might have expected. And some insurance brokers positively revel in the modified market, where the riders have an emotional attachment to their bikes. “We love modified bikes,” says Robert Balls, head of underwriting for Bikesure. “We can’t get enough of them. We’re particularly keen if it’s a bike that the rider has owned for a while and done the work over a period of time. “It shows they are an enthusiast, passionate about their machine and someone who’s put their own blood, sweat, tears and creativity into it.” 8

The thinking goes that this type of owner is extremely likely to take good care of their machine. “The sort of person who does that has an emotional attachment to that bike and, as such, in our eyes, it can make them a better risk than someone who’s just gone and bought the latest sports bike off the shelf,” says Rob. “It’s quite possible that we can get them a better deal than they would get on a standard bike.” This is just one reason to make sure bikers tell their insurer about every modification, but by no means the most important. “People are sometimes cagey about telling us about all the modifications, because they think they might not be able to get cover or the premium will be astronomical,” explains Rob. “But it’s important they tell us

everything, because the more you’ve done to your bike, often the better the premium will be. “And if you’re open and honest you know that, in the event of a claim, you’ve got nothing to worry about. You know that you and your bike are going to be covered and often your modifications will be replaced on a like-for-like basis.” For example, on certain policies, in the event of a claim your Ohlins suspension will be replaced like-forlike – as long as you’ve declared it. Fail to do so, and you could end up with a standard replacement. Bikesure also offers “agreed value” policies, so in the event of a total loss, you have the peace of mind of already knowing what settlement you’ll receive, instead of months of wrangling with an insurer who has not understood what they’ve covered.

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

THE INSIDE LINE

Join SEB for a Weekend in the Country Weekend of 15th-17th July 2011

e have teamed up with our pals at Busstop to bring you a weekend of music and fun to celebrate summer in Sussex. During saturday there will be: Live Music; Skate Busstop run an annual VW and aircooled weekend Park; Food Stalls; Trade Stalls; Displays; Licenced at Crowborough and are keen to get us bikers to Bar; Miniature Railway Ride; An area for bikers to join in. sell their unwanted kit and bike parts, or bikes; The weekend consists of: two nights of live music and on an adjacent site there will be Crowborough with camping available; daytime events for petrol Town Fair with many family attractions running on heads, bikers, skaters and entertainment for all ages; the saturday and on sunday we all ride down to the Sussex coast Facilities: Toliets and Showers; Public Swimming where Eastbourne Extreme is being held, a free Pool; Football Pitches and Running Track; Full Security festival of pretty much anything adrenalin fuelled on site; Local town ammenities including pubs, featuring water, wheels and air. takeaways and restaurants within a short walk. The cost for a whole weekend is £14 per person For more information and highlights of previous (kids go free). This includes: two nights camping; events visit www.vwbusstop.co.uk two nights of evening entertainment; and arranged Tickets can be purchased via the Busstop website or by parking on Eastbourne seafront. cheque payable to South East Biker and send to Wirral If you want to come just for the day it’s FREE but BS0115 South Eastonly Biker_Layout 10:24 Page 1 Road, Crowborough East Sussex TN6 2SP. Acre, Eridge there is an evening ticket priced1at14/03/2011 £7pp. Tickets will be available on the day. Visit www.vwbusstop.co.uk for more information.

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Harley-Davidson

Riding the Forty-Eight I

love sports bikes, however I have always liked Harley-Davidson and the Harley culture. I remember having a poster of the Harley Fat Boy on my wall in my teens next to the poster of the Lamborghini Countach. I have always liked the idea of travelling along Route 66 on a Harley, but in my adult years have not wanted to own one. That was until Saturday. If someone had suggested a Sportster I would have declined politely. Why? I have always seen them as small and a budget Harley. However, when I was looking round the impressive showroom in Guildford with a friend recently, I was taken by the look of the Forty-Eight. Interestingly old

An hour with the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight… an excited Simon Richards took a Saturday afternoon to visit Guildford Harley-Davidson

school. One of the friendly sales guys asked if I would like a test ride the following weekend and I said yes. I love the fat front tyre and the peanut tank (although the thought of spending more time in a petrol station than on the road doesn’t appeal). The mirrors are under the handle bar adding to the old school look. There is no doubt about it, this bike is cool. Shortly after arrival for my test ride I was taken out to the Forty-Eight that I would be riding. It had 21 miles on the clock and was sparkling. It had the Sedona orange tank which added to the retro look. I started the bike up and expected to hear that distinct Harley grumble. Instead I heard a timid purr drowned out by the other Harleys coming and June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

Harley-Davidson

going in the car park. That was a disappointment. I had visions of Autoglass following me along behind the bike repairing the shattered windows I was leaving in my wake. (I was told later that I could purchase a pipe that would give it more of a distinct sound for £1400). As Charles Dickens said, it was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade. It is a bike that you are very exposed to the elements on and it was pretty chilly for the first part of the ride. The riding position leaves you hunched over reaching for the bars but that felt comfortable enough on a short journey (and let’s face it, this bike is not for long distances). I left the dealership and headed off down the A3100 towards Godalming. The 1202cc engine was quick and responsive and the bike was very easy to ride. Once through Godalming I joined the A3 heading back up towards Guildford. It was time to have some fun. I opened the bike up and was surprised with its response. I was holding on tightly, my fun only interrupted

by a pothole which the bike didn’t like at all (and the rider less so). Surrey has a real problem with potholes and the 48 doesn’t handle them well. I was able to avoid most of them but one near the cinema later in the ride wasn’t visible until the last minute and my back bore the brunt of it. As I got further up the A3 two lanes became one and the traffic became heavy. Crawling along in the traffic was enjoyable watching the glances from the cars. Once through the traffic the bike was back up to a good speed and suddenly the sun came out. Alice had to ask why the Duchess’s (Cheshire) cat was grinning. I can guarantee nobody had to ask why I was. I pulled up by the side of Guildford cinema for a few photos and the bike got a few stares while it was sat there. It looked great and every part of it sparkled in the sun. How glorious a greeting the sun gives the Forty-Eight! I pulled up at the lights just near Harpers Nightclub and realised what this bike was all about. The sun was shining. Shoppers were waiting for their little green man to appear to

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

allow them to get closer to their next purchase in the town. And there I was in the middle lane between a bus and a people carrier (capable of carrying an army of children but with one lone middle-aged man looking longingly at the Forty-Eight). As I sat there people looked over at the Harley and I realised that this is a very cool bike. You feel like Brando in the Wild One. After heading through the town I made my way back to the dealership. I felt very comfortable on the bike (despite being 6 foot) and wished I could spend more time with it. The people at Guildford Harley Davidson were really friendly and the showroom was extremely busy. I reluctantly gave the keys back but could see myself on this bike, taking a short trip to the village on a summer’s evening. The Forty-Eight is über-cool. n Useful info

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SEB DAYS

Back on Tr ack

Great...the driest spring since records began ended on the morning of our trackday with monsoon conditions in Kent. Nick Tunstill writes…

ey ho, off we head into the torrent with full waterproofs on and steamed up visors. Luckily by the time we almost reached the Channel at Lydden the sun had broken through and we were set for a day’s frolics in the Kent countryside. Lydden is a bit of a hidden jewel of a track that despite the lack of obvious glitzy facilities is fully equipped to deal with all that a track day and its eager participants can throw at it. This was SEB’s first such event and the idea was to make it a social occasion as much as anything. We were lucky to have a great bunch on assorted machines from a clapped out KLR 650 to state of the art, race prepared beasts.

Track day virgins mixed with gnarled ex-club racers but everyone gelled and the novices picked up tips from the old pros. On track the blend made for a great group with no accidents or mishaps to marr the day. Judging by the large grins and post session banter, a great time was had by all and most said they would come again. SEB has booked another group for Saturday 17th September. The cost is £85 per person and the day consists of 8 x 15 minute sessions so you are on track once an hour. SEB will be there with cake and biscuits to keep up the sugar levels. To enquire about bookings call 01892 610808 or email: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 08.30-18.00; Saturday, 08.30-17.00; Sunday, 10.30-16.00.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS MOTORCYCLE SALES

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• Your friendly main franchised dealers in East Sussex and West Kent for Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki; for Sales, Parts, Accessories & Service. All the new 2011 models ready to go. • Huge selection of quality Used Bikes. • Large ﬂeet of demonstrators ready to ride. • Training: Tasters, CBT’s, Full Licence & Refreshers. • Three modern workshops with prices rolled back to 2005 rates. • MOT Testing Station and tyre ﬁtting bay. • Free collection for workshop work from all BN and TN postcodes OR use of a courtesy bike.

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SPEEDING TO SUCCESS

Weald EVT smashes record The Electric Weald EVT is faster off the mark than a Fireblade but yet a record was broken at just over 96mph and became number one in it’s class!

ur last test at Shoreham told us we were “pretty much about right” but as we were only testing on an 1/8 mile track we really didn’t know for certain how we’d do until we got to Santa Pod. We arrived about 9:30 on Saturday to a cloudy and very windy track. Gusty winds moving from a sidewind to a headwind wasn’t going to help anyway! Our main competitor, Kingston University, had their new bike but they’d only finished it at 5pm the day before so had no mileage on it, and that would hurt them on the day. The Alternative Energy runners had specific sessions set aside at 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30. It was a normal “run-what-youbrung” day, so we were welcome to join the queue and have a go at any other time too. By 11:30 we were all set up so decided to go out and see what the bike was capable of. We’d changed the gearing since our last test, thinking we could sacrifice top speed in return for a faster response off the line. Rob Moon, our rider, soon lined up (against a petrol Fireblade!) and with shaking hands I watched as the lights changed and he was off. Rob got away faster than the Fireblade although it soon moved ahead. We were only a second slower to the 1/8 mile and less than 2 seconds slower over the 1/4mile which I thought was very impressive. More importantly though was our time – 14.1921 seconds at 90.88mph, well inside the old mark of 14.998. We’d done it, a new record for electric motorcycles. Having already done what we came for we could relax and play with gearing over the rest of the day. In reality it turned out we were better off going to a longer gearing, sacrificing a bit of time in the first 1/8 in return for more top speed later in the run. The

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

SPEEDING TO SUCCESS

best time we recorded was a 14.1245 at 96.53mph. The last run could well have been quicker still as Rob had to shut off, then open, the throttle near the end of the run as it felt like the bike dropped onto one motor momentarily (it runs twin electric motors). Even with that delay he ran 14.5sec at 97mph, so that could have been a very fast run. Kingston Uni worked their way down from mid-17’s to mid 15’s by the end of the day but need more time to iron out teething problems. I’ve no doubt they will

make a very good bike in time, but for AER2011 Weald EVT were #1. Rob Moon is from Battle and rides an R1 in the MRO Powerbike series, and an Agni TTX bike in the TTX-GP electric racing series. His website is at www.robmoonracing.co.uk. Phil Edwards is working with a leading university to develop some innovative electric-vehicle ideas over the summer and welcomes any enquiries to display the bike and/or do a talk or presentation to clubs, dealers, and societies. n

Zero-Emission Motorsport Engineering : Design : Manufacture Enquire today about electric track and dragracing bikes, or ask us to convert your existing road bike from £3,500. Full rebuild/ restoration available for donor bikes. Demo road bike coming soon. Call 01825 761890 NOW to book a test ride.

Call Phil on 01825 761890 to discuss your project or see www.weald-evt.co.uk South East Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Weald HP Biker 0611.indd 1

17 19/05/2011 10:39

LONDON ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS

Advance your riding

There’s a certain stigma attached to Institute of Advanced Motorists riders. The word ‘boring’ tends to crop up, as does the word ‘BMW’. For a long time, Alice Dryden assumed advanced riding wasn’t for her — that was before she spent a week in France with her father and some of his friends from Bournemouth and Wessex Advanced Motorcyclists.

e had an absolute blast, and I was wowed by the smoothness of their riding. Speedy but safe, they always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. I was impressed enough to try out my own local group, London Advanced Motorcyclists (LAM). As a scooter rider I was a little nervous about approaching them, but they welcomed me with open arms. 18

I bought the IAM’s Skill for Life package and became an Associate – a member who hasn’t yet taken the Advanced Riding test. Suddenly my calendar was filled with rides and events, both training and social. LAM runs two monthly ‘Pot Luck’ mornings, in Banstead on the first Sunday and Bromley on the third Saturday. At these sessions,

a LAM Observer will take one or two Associates out for a ride. You can also arrange observed rides at a time and place that suit you by phoning or emailing an Observer. It’s not unheard of for an observed ride to last all day if everyone’s enjoying themselves. You’ll take in a variety of roads from motorway down to single tracks with grass growing up the middle, with perhaps a stop in a quiet car park for some slow riding. It’s a great way to discover

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

interesting routes in your area – and chances are you’ll be introduced to some quality tea stops as well. At the end of the ride you’ll be given a score out of 100 and some aspects to practise for next time. It sounds like a lot of hard work – and it is. But it’s also incredibly satisfying to get that corner or that overtake just right. There are training weekends in Norfolk and Wales, where three solid days of practice will dramatically improve your riding (and two solid evenings of practice will dramatically improve your drinking). At Machine Control Days you can practise braking and countersteering, slalom through traffic cones, and discover that absolutely anyone can pick up any dropped bike in the ‘P-p-p-pick up a Pan’ session. It usually takes about a dozen observed rides to prepare for the advanced test, but everyone’s different. (OK, OK: it took me a few more than that.) The test itself lasts around 90 minutes, on all sorts of roads, and traditionally ends at the examiner’s favourite café. Wait with bated breath to be told who’s buying the teas. If it’s you…you’ve passed! After the test, you might consider training to become an Observer yourself. You’ll certainly want to stick around for the social scene: there’s a monthly members’ ride and countless other rideouts. How about breakfast in Rye, a trip to the seaside after work for fish and chips on the beach — or a week-long expedition to the Nürburgring? Passing my test in October 2007 was one of the proudest moments of my life. I feel the benefit every single time I go out on my bike, whether it’s finding gaps in the commuter traffic, negotiating bends out in the country or just parking in a tricky spot. Think of improving your rider skills as an upgrade for your bike — and at £139, the Skill for Life package is cheaper than most performance parts. Visit www.L-A-M.org for more information or call Norton Hawes, Membership Secretary, on 07000 781 103. South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

“I have done some pretty exciting things on bikes during my long life, but the memories of ‘The Northern Tour of the Andes’ will linger on at the top for many years to come. I felt that I was part of a family throughout the adventure...through the most spectacular motorcycling country that I have ever visited in the world. A truly memorable adventure of a lifetime” Gerry Gooch, IAM Instructor and satisﬁed customer, aged 70

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KENT AND SUSSEX AIR AMBULANCE

The Kent Air Ambulance Trust is a registered charity established in 1989 to relieve sick and injured people in South East England and surrounding areas by providing a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and air ambulance service for the benefit of the community.

Photo: © Nigel Bowles

Air support ...

JUST IN CASE things go Wrong!

esponding swiftly to 999 calls, the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance can deliver its highly skilled team of Doctors and Critical Care Paramedics to the scene of an accident or medical emergency within minutes. Flying fast, direct and unhindered at over 150mph the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance can reach any part of the counties within 15 minutes flying time and can transport patients to the most appropriate specialist unit or nearest major hospital in a fraction of the time taken by land ambulance. Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is one of 18 independent Air Ambulance operators which receives no funding from the National Lottery but almost entirely upon the generosity of the public to support the helicopters. It costs £3.4m-a-year to keep both helicopters flying in our skies 365 days a year. Each mission costs between £1,500 and £2,000. 20

The helicopters carry a specialist doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board who can carry out advanced medical procedures, giving patients the best chance and quality of survival. About 40 to 50 per cent of calls are to road traffic collisions, often involving motorcyclists. OPEN DAY: 24th july 2011 Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Open Day is on Sunday 24th July at the helicopter base at Wheelbarrow Park Estate,

Pattenden Lane, Marden, Kent, TN12 9QJ, from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free. Supporters can also join the charity’s Regular Lottery and win up to £1,000 each week. It costs an extra £1 to join the Superdraw with jackpot winners of up to £25,000 - a life-changing amount. Here are two accounts are from ordinary, everyday bikers who owe an awful lot to the Air Ambulance service. Please help support their work and events. >>>

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists

FEATURING WVAM OPEN DAY SUNDAY 10th JULY 2011, 10am-4pm WHEEL Ripley Village Hall, High Street, Portsmouth Road, Ripley, GU23 6AF Off the A3 (Wisley exit, after M25, Junction 10 and before Guildford) Open Day for bikers who want to improve their riding skills and meet other bikers. Free assessment rides (and special prize draw for women who sign up for one). Local dealers including: Vines, Snells and Farnham Honda with lots of bikes to test ride and try for size and all available to talk to about which bike might be your next dream ride!

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Refreshments available so come and meet other riders, have fun and learn some lifesaving skills. Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists For more details: www.wvam.org.uk

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21 11/01/2011 10:04

KENT AND SUSSEX AIR AMBULANCE

REAL LIFE INCIDENTS

Name Chris Aylward Incident: Motorbike accident Date: July 4th, 2010 Time: 9.59am Location: A264, Tunbridge Wells “As long as I live, I will never be able to thank the crew enough.” This is what biker Chris Aylward had to say after the helicopter flew to his rescue following a collision with a car. One Sunday morning he decided to go for a ride on his Suzuki Bandit and was on his way to a friend’s house in Tonbridge when disaster struck. As he rounded a bend on the A264 between Groombridge and Langton Green, he suddenly noticed a car on his side of the road. He said: “I began to lift myself off the seat but there wasn’t enough time and the impact occurred. “I’m assuming that my pelvis was broken by the motorcycle’s petrol tank and my leg was broken by the 22

handlebars. The car windscreen was smashed by the impact of my crash helmet. “I was lying on my back and felt the discomfort around my pelvis. It felt like it weighed 20 tonnes or that someone had bolted me to the floor.” Chris, 33, had broken his left femur in four places, fractured his pelvis at the front and back and also lost two litres of blood. Within minutes two passing off-duty police officers went to his aid and the Kent Air Ambulance was called. It took the helicopter 14 minutes to get to the scene where it landed in a field. Chris was then taken by land ambulance to the Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Wells. He said: “Time really does go slowly when you really want something and I really wanted to hear or see some sort of ambulance. “Shortly afterwards I saw the Air Ambulance coming towards me, I was so desperate that I actually flagged it down with one arm. “The sound of the rotors was a very welcome addition to my ears and I felt much better for it, closer to safety. “I was totally impressed with the response time and in my situation it was particularly important that I received help as soon as possible. “As long as I live I will never be able to thank the crew enough. Although I never went up in their shiny machine, they were there for me with incredible speed.” Chris, a building surveyor, spent a month in hospital and underwent three operations. He had a pin inserted along his broken femur and also needed screws and plates to hold his fractured pelvis together. But as he recovered from his injuries he was looking forward to buy his next bike – a Honda Blackbird.

Name: John MacRae Incident: Motorbike accident Date: July 13th, 2007 Time: PM Location: A24, Beare Green A motorcyclist embarked on a mammoth ride dressed as an Easter bunny to raise vital funds for the Sussex Air Ambulance medics who saved his life. John MacRae and his friend Pete Long rode 1,014 miles from John O’Groats to Lands’ End in just 24 hours via the three famous bridges – Forth, Humber and Severn. Four years ago, John was given just a 20 per cent chance of survival by doctors at hospital after a road traffic collision on the A24. The 40-year-old, from Portslade, Sussex, suffered multiple injuries but has since made a full recovery and undertook his epic challenge on Good Friday. He said: “We wanted to do something a bit daft, something a bit out of the ordinary to raise awareness of Sussex Air Ambulance. “Having used it and been on the receiving end of them saving my life I wanted to give something back. “It was Pete’s idea to ride from John O’Groats to Lands’ End and when we thought about it we decided we would raise money while we did it. “Both of us were a bit nervous because it’s a long way but it was also a really exciting challenge” John and his partner Jane MacRae, a pillion passenger, were on their way to Box Hill in Surrey when they collided with a caravan at Beare Green in July, 2007 He suffered a broken neck and pelvis, serious chest injuries, a fractured leg and had difficulty breathing following the accident which happened on Friday the 13th. He had to be anaesthetized by Dr Zane Perkins and Critical Care Paramedic Neil Painter and underwent major chest surgery.

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

He was then airlifted to the nearest major trauma centre at the Royal London Hospital where he spent six days. Jane escaped serious injury. John and Pete, from Burgess Hill, are both members of Arundelbased Bury Hill Bikers which has chosen the Sussex Air Ambulance as its Charity of the Year. On Good Friday, former patient John MacRae from Portslade, Sussex, rode from Lands End to John O’Groats dressed as an Easter Bunny in a bid to raise £5,000 for the emergency service that saved his life. Sussex Air Ambulance County Fundraiser Bridget Pepper said: “John and Pete have really come up with an innovative idea to raise funds. “It’s lovely when our supporters do something new and this will certainly be the longest bike ride to raise funds that I have heard of in my time at the charity”.

If you would like to sponsor John and Pete visit www.thebarmybikers.co.uk. To find out more about Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance visit: www. kentsurreysussexairambulance.co.uk or call 01622 833 833.

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23 11/01/2011 17:22

GEAR CHANGE

Held H akuna of jacket Having owned a few cheaper brands a false be ld cou they over the years, I realised et is out jack d oun all-r economy. So what decent Cook n Dea k? ban the there without breaking goes for a hunt.

y non-vented winter jacket was proving to be a complete sweat box at 15ºC and with a short trip to Germany in temperatures of 22ºC plus on the cards (see page 26) I had to find a more comfortable Enduro jacket. Initially looking at styles, I was after an all-round jacket with plenty of air vents and pockets. I searched several places online and read reviews but there was one jacket that kept popping up. After comparing the finer details, HELD’s Hakuna jacket seemed to be a good choice. It was now just

a case of hunting a place where I could try a couple on for size. I really couldn’t be bothered with buying the jackets online, trying it on and then having the hassle of running to the post office in office hours to send it back if it’s the wrong size. I would like to find somewhere I could try a couple of sizes and buy it then and there. Naturally I picked up my copy of South East Biker and found that GetGeared, based in Leatherhead, Surrey, supplied HELD clothing, so I gave them a call. They had them in stock but not in my size but June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

GEAR CHANGE

they would order it direct from Germany. It would be with them in a couple of days. The following Saturday my brother, Phil, and I took our KTM SMTs out for a run up from Shoreham-by-Sea to GetGeared’s shop where I slipped into the Hakuna. I checked out all the pockets, zips and for size… it fitted like a glove. Phil took a look and was suitably impressed with the styling. He saw that HELD did one with orange flashes – which would complement his SMT’s colourway – so he tried one on too. The HELD Hakuna Jacket possesses some of the latest textile technology. The Humax® Z-Liner membrane is waterproof, windproof and breathable. The outer shell is 100% polymide DuPont® Cordura 500D which makes it tough and resistant to abrasions.

The air vents will certainly keep me cool in the summer with zips located at the front, back, the arms and, on the sides of the torso, panels can be completely removed to maximise ventillation. The 100% polyurethane CoolMax® Z-Liner makes sure you are comfortable. The inner lining can be removed/inserted with ease by locating individual zips on each elasticated cuff, two inner zips and three collar poppers. With the weathermen saying we are in for a scorcher of hot weather over the next few months what better way to keep cool but have good protection? The shoulders and elbows are fitted with Knox CE approved armour and the back can be upgraded from the Temperfoam

to CE Armour if you wish. Each arm has dual adjustments with hip adjustments also being located on the waist and hips. For those who find it tight around the upper back and arms then the Hakuna jacket has stretch panels on the shoulders. How’s that for ultra comfort? The other bonus is there is a rear pocket ready to contain my passport. The team at GetGeared were only too happy to help and their communication was quite simply excellent. It was well-priced at £269 – as it turns out it is one of HELD’s best selling lines and I can see why. Was I impressed? Oh yes – I bought it. What about my brother? Yep, he bought one too. For more information visit: www.getgeared.co.uk or call: 01372 225100. Tell them the Cook brother’s sent you!

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25 07/01/2011 14:22

A RUN OUT OF THE COUNTRY

How far can you go into Euroland? After being invited by a small group of ‘Mid-Life Rebels’ we joined Jon ‘Mileeta’ Brackpool on the first 24 hours of his epic trip from Hove, Sussex, to Turkey. We combined it with a challenge to see if Toll roads are the way to crunch through the miles. Dean Cook loaded up his bike with a tent and a spare pair of undies and headed off for Europe for a night…

All checked in at Euro Tunnel at 4.30am

aving got home from work early one Friday in May, I packed my stuff into a £25 GetGeared roll bag and then tried to get some sleep before getting up at 1.30am. I met up with a friend of mine, Rick Heaps, before running up the A23 to join the other guys at McDonalds, Gatwick Airport, for coffee at 3am. We were to be joined with Jon’s younger brother David (but a kebab gave him a food poisoning so unable to join us which was disappointing for all as he was so keen to go). Jon Brackpool introduced us to Gary Pockett, John Monk and Marcus Davies. 26

Jon was on a three-week run down to Italy, Turkey and back whilst Gary, John and Marcus were to spend a week in Austria and Italy. Rick and I (and Dave before his stomach decided otherwise) would only be stopping for the first night before heading back so made for a very short long trip. We had three GS’s, two Tiger’s and my SMT – a nice variety and a good chance to compare whose machine guzzles the most fuel. With no plan of action we made for the Channel Tunnel. Rick and I found that Euro Tunnel do an overnight fare which can cost as little as £11 each way for one person and machine. Our ticket cost £28 return. Ideal for a short weekend blast on superb French roads. It was a chilly run down the M20 as the night sky lightened with dawn. Arriving at the Channel Tunnel we were told to run straight onto the train and within the hour we were in

France filling up the bikes. We had a quick chat on the direction we wanted to head and was decided to head south towards Metz taking the toll roads, turning left to aim for Strasbourg – some 350 miles. This trip wasn’t about sightseeing pretty villages connected by the fantastic French roads but to see what could be covered in two days – yet still enjoy the fact that you had a great weekend with your machine. As we left Calais, the sun beating down, we were convinced of a nice sunny run down the A26. Wrong. About half hour in and fog descended and the temperatures lowered to about 7ºC. 150 miles later, the sun finally reappeared so we stopped just north of Reims to refuel and to warm up. We covered this in 2h40m averaging at 58mph. We all compared how much we spent on fuel with the cheapest showing whose bike was the most fuel-efficient which surprisingly was…a GS but also another GS was least fuel-efficient. There was about €1 difference in all six bikes. The next leg was to continue onwards to Riems to join the A4, turning left at Châlons-Sur-Marne and head for Strasbourg.

Jon and John keeping cool for lunch

We stopped for an hour for lunch just outside Metz. The temperature was now in the mid-20s. My Held Hakuna jacket, still with inline proved to be good in temperatures between 10ºC and 30ºC. You can really feel the jacket reflecting the heat. (See review on page 24).

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

A RUN OUT OF THE COUNTRY Here, we made the decision to head for a campsite a little earlier so we could all set up our tents, bung on our shorts and lie out in the hot sun. Gary’s TomTom found a campsite outside Phalsbourg. We carried on the A4 and after spending about €27 on tolls we joined the D1061 and D661 to end our outbound journey at Camping Les Bouleaux in Vilsberg where we were welcomed by Remco Tukker and his wife Sandy. (www.campinglesbouleaux.fr) After 352 miles and 7 hours in the saddle since Calais we could hear the cold beers calling us. We set up camp and made our way to the site Arriving at the campsite

bar. Sitting outside, as the air cooled, Jon ‘Mileeta’ Brackpool updated his blog after the first day’s riding. Visit www.mileeta.blogspot.com to see his adventure to Turkey and back (until mid-June). A few beers later we were all discussing bikes and adventures and it seems I have some miles to cover before I catch up with this lot.

L-R: Marcus, Gary, Rick, Dean, Jon and John

Returning home Up at 6am, we packed up. Rick and I prepared our route for the way home but not before joining the boys for a farewell croissant and coffee breakfast in the nearby town of Phalsbourg. Unbelievably we stopped at the same café that Rick and I rested for lunch the

year before en-route to Germany. What are the chances? We wished the boys well and safe riding before they made their way towards Innsbruck The bikes: Three BMW GS1200s, in Austria. Two Triumph Tigers (955I & 1050) Rick and I decided and a KTM 990 SMT to head back home Being on bikes we were ushered avoiding the toll roads and to see through to join an earlier train more of the countryside. With which meant I was home by heavy clouds ahead, we filled up half six in time for dinner and an our bikes, put on our wet weather early night. My SMT ran brilliantly gear on (in my case just the covering 908 miles in total. trousers) and headed north on the We could have gone further but N61 to Saarbrücken, Germany. we didn’t want to push it too far Talking on our Scala Q2s, Rick and but to see what is comfortable. I came to the conclusion that the Living in the South-East toll roads couldn’t really be justified of England certainly has its for bikers as we were making good advantages than our fellow bikers progress and experiencing some in other parts of the country. good scenery both in and out of the We can experience some great cities – it was at this point I realised European roads, stay for a night that this would be the reason for and be back home before the this feature. Are toll roads better weekend is out – and it’s proving to crunch through miles whilst in Europe? The decider would be at the ever more popular. n end of the article. Facebook: search for The heavy cloud we had spotted ‘Mid-Life Rebels MC’ or visit earlier decided to drop its load on Jon ‘Mileeta’ Brackpool’s blog: us with hail stones and torrential www.mileeta.blogspot.com. rain. My Hakuna Jacket held up Video available: http://www.youtube. extremely well to the point it com/watch?v=VKGSDGziRvg made it fun to ride through the river before me. (It wasn’t until On the way out: Calais to Vilsberg I got home that I noticed the Tanks of fuel (excluding UK):................. 2.5 rear vent on my jacket was wide Time taken (including breaks):........6h48m open which made it even more Miles covered:....................................... 352 impressive as I was bone dry). Average Speed:................................52mph Toll Costs:.............................................. €27 As we made our way up to Luxembourg on the A620 and A8 On the way back: Vilsberg to Calais then on to the A6 into Belgium, Tanks of fuel (excluding UK):................. 2.5 the wind started to strengthen Time taken (including breaks):........6h55m Miles covered:....................................... 357 then remained with us until we Average Speed:................................52mph got home. Toll Cost:................................................. €0 We followed the A4, A15, A16 In just under seven hours there was just and A25 then a second A16 which seven minutes and five miles in it – saying would lead us to Calais. that if it wasn’t for a road closure and We made better progress than diversion on the way back, it could have first thought and actually arrived been neck and neck. On this occasion the toll road cost us a tank’s worth of fuel. I say earlier than expected. Having left avoid toll roads and enjoy the scenery – the boys in Phalsbourg at 10am, isn’t that what biking is all about? we arrived at Calais at 4.55pm.

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

FRONTLINE Euro Trash

NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP Fighting on behalf of bikers

An opportunity to get down and dirty with thousands of other bikers looks like it’s presenting itself to us courtesy of our European partners. Is 2011 going to be a summer of love?

ruth is every biker is the same, and the cross-border love of bikes is, and always will be our bond, but those bonds can be strengthened every time some ill-informed bureaucratic twits decide they know better. In the ‘90s it was anti-tampering and power limit proposals among other things, that pissed off riders so much we came out of the woodwork to demonstrate. Now, in 2011, we have a massive Euro Regulation that will make ABS compulsory on all bikes over 125cc, (with no switch), as well as daytime headlight use. More frightening is the anti-tampering element, this time to be implemented by 2013 and governing everything from air filters to rear tyre size and brand, and the idea of the police stop and search of motorcycles – for our own safety – to check we haven’t altered any part of the bike from standard. Things are moving even faster in France though. The French Goverment has just decided that motorcyclists shall all now be forced to wear dayglo as will any foreign rider passing through the country. Just like in the UK the authorities don’t think car drivers should be forced to have their eyes checked but instead we should take the blame for the incompetence of others. The French have also decided that 30mph over the speed limit will now be awarded by an immediate jail term; bikes will have to have larger number plates to ease prosecution; and any rider who can’t prove they’ve been riding continuously will have to retake training every five years.

Thing is, it’s not a fairy story. MAG’s European partners like MAG Belgium and MAG Netherlands, will be joining FFMC France with a mass day of action on the 18th June, maybe you will too. The French Embassy just happens to be really close to Hyde Park. Other European riders are getting involved because they realise that what happens in one country very rapidly spreads to the rest and it’s a whole lot easier letting politicians know that we don’t want something BEFORE it happens, than it is trying to get something changed later. We are putting together some events around the UK to run in support and parallel to, these days of action, but you’ll need to keep up with the news, so keep checking the MAG website or put yourself on the activists mailing list. There’ll also be the Brum Demo on the 2nd July and a possible call to everyone to be in Brussels later in the year, but because of press deadlines you are probably reading this after the first few events in the UK have already taken place. If you were there, thanks. If you missed it, join us later. Bitching and moaning over a pint achieves nothing but a headache, for everyone, and maybe you’ll look just great in a dayglo jacket. Getting out and being heard is cool, groovy and what summers of love should all be about. I’m sure some French philosopher once said ‘Live to ride. Ride to blockade.’ Don’t suffer in silence. Motorcycle Action Group 01926 844064 www.mag-uk.org June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

MAG BRIGHTON & HOVE

righton and Hove Motorcycle Action Group (B&H MAG) was launched in July 2010 at The Royal Coach Public House, Brighton Road, Shoreham. The Royal Coach has become the regular meeting place for MAG meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7.45pm onwards. As there is no MAG group in Worthing, Mid-Sussex and the surrounding suburbs, B&H MAG are currently representing the needs of these areas too. B&H MAG now has 30-40 members, although this expands to nearly 160 when the other areas are included. B&H MAG holds regular quiz nights at the Royal Coach as well organizing guest speakers and ride-outs. B&H MAG is a vibrant active group that meets MAG’s core objectives of freedom of expression and above all promotes camaraderie and friendship. In a world of increasing regulation and conformity motorcycling represents one of the last bastions of individuality and diversity. This freedom of expression and individuality is not a ‘given’; it has to be protected and fought for. This is why B&H MAG is also focussed on promoting motorcycling and to represent, protect and defend the interests of all riders. As a consequence of this B&H MAG is active in the local political arena, lobbying for access to bus lanes and free secure parking. We are also lobbying for reduced road tax, non-slip manhole covers and proper road maintenance as well as challenging the latest EU transport proposals that would prevent owners from making modifications to improve any aspect of the performance of their bike, as well as a more invasive MoT test to check if other items such as handle-bars, lights or tyres had been changed from original equipment. Locally B&H MAG has managed to be included as part of West Sussex transport advisory service and has represented local riders through commenting on West Sussex’s 2011 Transport Plans. B&H MAG has set up links with the Sussex Police and Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and is currently championing a case with Brighton and Hove council over the motorcycle parking issues within the town centre. The first major event that B&H MAG organized and hosted was a Motorcycle MP’s question time with local MP Mike Weatherley at Chandlers BMW showroom in Victoria Road Portslade. > > > >

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

Justice?

While motorcycle riding standards continue to improve, it appears that we remain the victims of others, and the court system refuses to change. Sentence was passed recently on an individual who, pissed out of his head, killed Jason Mickelburgh by pulling out in front of him. The individual in question, Richard Borrett, couldn’t have cared less. Witnesses at the scene and police investigations, say that Jason did everything he could to avoid the accident, wasn’t speeding and didn’t contribute to the accident. Mr Borrett not only failed to show remorse, he actually said he didn’t care about what he had done. He refused to go to the victim’s aid and didn’t call the emergency services before Jason died, but did feel it was important to call his wife and say that he had pranged the car and was sorry that he may be a little late home. Mr Borrett said that bikers always go too fast anyway and as he didn’t personally know him, he didn’t care. This is an appalling list of aggravating factors that were bound to be taken into account when the judge was passing sentence. Well that’s what you’d think. Being aware that it’s illegal to drink a bottle wine and some beer before driving, could be construed as wilful neglect, premeditated at a push perhaps. But what about after the event, not caring, not showing remorse, effectively saying Jason deserved to die? You’re right, Borrett got the minimum sentence within the guidelines; three years. The sentence could have been nine depending on how the vehicle was being driven. Well I reckon the vehicle was being driven illegally by a pissed, selfish, arrogant bloke in his sixties who didn’t give a monkeys about anyone except himself, so surely that is deserving of the full weight of the law. Needless to say, MAG members are angry, as every biker should be. The growing concern among riders is that our lives and interests are being discounted in the courts so that light sentences are being passed where riders are the victim, yet prison sentences are given to riders convicted of victimless crimes like speeding. Many of us have written to the Attorney General’s office because MAG believes it is in the public interest to review this sentence and to consider whether there is bias in the application of sentencing policy to different groups of road user. What do you think? Join the motorcycle action group 01926 844064. 29

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

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magazine

the alps

The planet is a stunningly beautiful place and there is no better way to explore it than from the saddle of a bike. From a weekend spent riding in a neighbouring county to a year in a neighbouring continent, the versatility and immediacy of motorcycle travel brings a host of benefits, not least a more vivid exposure to the mass of humanity. OVERLAND magazine aims to demonstrate that any bike and any budget can provide an enriching experience. It’s a publication that extols the joy of travelling by motorcycle and within its pages, apart from some fantastic images to inspire and stories to entertain, there will be information that intrigues. In every issue one of the regions visited will be chosen to highlight some of the social, economic and geographical info that could enrich the travel experience. Pictures of foreign lands may be stunning and OVERLAND does not compromise them within the pages, but beauty exists at home too, and is so much more accessible it deserves to be explored, so there will be ideas for trips in the UK too. The magazine plans to enthuse, inspire, inform and entertain. If you enjoy it, the guys at OVERLAND hope you’ll share their outlook and they’d appreciate it if you’d pass your copy along to someone with whom you’d like to share the magic of bike travel. You probably won’t want to because the heavyweight production is really lovely and you’ll want to keep flicking through the images yourself, but overlanding is a whole new verb and this is a whole new magazine. Available at various retailers for £6 and online by visitng www.overlandmag.com vietnam

OVERLAND

issue 1

www.overlandmag.co

Overland Magazine

overland

Issue 1 • ISSN: 2046-9748 • £6.00

B&H MAG and Chandlers BMW dealership worked together to put on the first ever motorcycle ‘question time’ type event in Sussex. MP Mike Weatherley and Councillor Bob Carden discussed motorcycle related issues to a packed audience of riders all evening. It was a lively and informative evening and the MP reiterated the call from Simon Frampton of B&H MAG, that if riders want changes then they must speak to the relevant people, i.e. their local councillors. He aligned himself to the idea that Riders Are Voters, but was very clear that the issues riders care about will not appear on the political agenda unless they put them there. ‘Riders Are Voters’ - www.ridersarevoters.org - encourages all riders to hold their local councillors and MPs accountable through the ballot box and once elected. Paddy Tyson, MAG’s national campaigns manager, gave a presentation on the new ‘Get a Grip’ Campaign. ‘Get A Grip’ - www. getagripuk.org – is aimed at replacing broken and slippery road surfaces, manhole covers with a a new, ‘composite non-slip’ manhole cover to ensure a good and consistent level of road grip across the whole carriageway especially on bends and in braking zones. After the successful Riders Are Voters event in Brighton, Chandlers BMW in Brighton and ART rider training in Crawley become MAG corporate supporters. Emmet Reidy of Chandlers BMW and Steve Manning of ART were impressed with the work of the local MAG activists and MAG’s Get a Grip campaign and just said it made sense to support an organisation that was protecting and promoting motorcycling for everyone. Although many of the questions from the floor were of a local transportation nature, MP Weatherley asked that riders write to him anyway, so that he can ensure the Secretary of State be made aware of certain issues that effect riders nationally. A further Motorcycle Question Time event was hosted by Chandler BMW in April just before the local elections of 5th May and saw local candidates from all political persuasions answering questions directly from riders. A similar event is also planned at Alf’s Dealership in Worthing. The people seeking election will be the very people responsible for nonslip manhole covers, bike parking, and access to bus-lanes etc. If they don’t know there is a problem, they will never act to rectify the situation. This being the case it is vital that local riders take up the opportunity to make their voices heard and as such B&H MAG hopes that local riders support these events in numbers. MAG have been asked by the DfT to help them reform the motorcycle rider test; our aim is to make sure that more riders can take the test (currently there are only 50 sites in Britain where ‘module 1’ of the test can be conducted), but also to reverse the disproportionate rise in test fees over recent years. If you would like to hear more about what MAG is doing, or even better become a member then please contact Chris Cordell (local Rep) via e-mail chris.cordell@mag-uk,com, come down to the Royal Coach in Shoreham for a friendly chat or log onto our Facebook page to see what is happening. http://www.facebook.com/home. php?#!/group.php?gid=127648097248340

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

ROB GUIVER RACING

13... lucky for one Rob Guiver of Rainham, Essex, was excited to get the 2011 Sunoco Race Fuels British 125GP season underway which started on his home circuit, Brands Hatch. This should give him a great advantage to the start of the season. Sally Bly writes…

ob, 26, has been runner-up in the British 125GP series in both 2009 and 2010 and hopes to go one better in 2011 to claim the championship for the first time. To help him achieve this he has worked very hard over the long hard winter to maintain and develop his race fitness doing cross country hill running and cycling. For this season Rob will remain with the sp125 / Brook House Garage racing team, campaigning his Honda RS125GP machine with support from Jonny and Julie of Brook House Garage, Paul Clark of Vertex Moulding, Mick Carter of Auto-Mech plus Tom Barrett and Mark Roberts. Rob will also keep his distinctive number 13 plate which he opted for to change a run of bad luck earlier in his career! Rob began racing in the Bemsee 125 series in 2001, when he was 16, as by then he had saved up enough money to buy his first race bike (how times have changed in this class) and then set out on his racing career. His first interest in bikes came he was bought a moped by his father when he was 12 years old. In 2002 Rob won the Bemsee 125GP championship and also the Steven Lee Trophy for best up and coming rider. 2005 saw further success for Rob with his first British 125GP race win at Mondello Park and and, while South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

holding a magnificent 5th position in the 125 British Grand Prix at Donington Park, Rob unfortunately crashed out of the race. But these two memories rank among Robs career high-spots to date . 2010 was Rob’s hardest but most enjoyable season in racing and two wins, seven podium positions, two pole positions and three fastest laps saw the British 125 GP championship go down to the wire at the final round at Oulton Park in October – Rob was again to be denied the title by Jamie Lodge. Robs aims for 2011 are to win the championship having come so close in the last two years and to enjoy every minute of the season on and off track. He is actively seeking more support and sponsorship to assist his efforts for the 2011 season. If you would like help and join Rob and his friendly and professional team please email him: rob_guiver@ hotmail.com 31

BUSINESS FOCUS

The Perfect Stitch Up

Ever wanted a perfect fitting suit but didn’t want to pay out for a made-to-measure one? Maybe you have put on – or lucky enough to have lost – a bit of weight, so do your leathers need adjusting? Hill 4 Leather can help you. Debbie Tunstill get’s fitted up!

imply buy an off-the-shelf suit and Hill 4 Leather can make the necessary alterations to make it fit perfectly at a fraction of the cost. Put on a little extra weight recently? Hill 4 Leather can help your suit fit perfectly again. Knee or elbow protectors in the wrong place? Hill 4 Leather can help. They specialise in motorcycle leather, textile repairs alterations and bespoke custom leather graphics. Their machinists are highlyskilled with over 17 years experience and performed by hand at their workshop. They are able to ensure that everything 32

is performed to their customers’ requirements and expectations. If your favourite leathers are looking a little tired, send them to Hill 4 Leather for a complete overhaul, zip and velcro replacement, re-stitching and a good clean. They recently helped me to reduce the amount of leather in my trousers. The result was a pair of perfectly fitting trousers that look made-to-measure.

Beacause I am shorter in the leg, my trousers had too much leather around the knee and calf which made them uncomfortable to wear. After Hill 4 Leather worked their magic they fit perfectly and I wore them on a track day recently and they felt amazing. Why not call or email Hill 4 Leather now and see what they can do for you? They are based at 86 South Lane, Ash, near Aldershot, GU12 6NJ. For all enquiries, please contact them by calling: 0845 643 5164 or email sales@ hill4leather.com to make an appointment

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

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07/01/2011 17:21

POISONED WORDS

It’s a noise noise thing! thing! It’s For bikers and non-riders alike, the noise from a motorcycle can be a very emotive thing. Terry ‘The Poisoner’ Dunn scribes…

or those on a good rideout, with a full race system or an aftermarket can fitted, the sound is a glorious thing. But for those who live alongside the A272 or similar favourite haunt of the sports bike rider, it can be an infernal racket! It’s completely subjective of course. Even watching Top Gear I wince at Jeremy Clarkson bleating on about how bikes roar past his country pile with an ear-splitting din, then going into rapture at how the fabulous roar of an Aston Martin vantage can be heard coming from two miles away. It’s not just a them and us thing either. Bikers view their own noises from different angles. Officially, the end can is on because it: a, looks better; b, allows the engine to breathe more freely; or c, there is a significant power increase. All true to a greater or lesser degree but mostly, whether they’ll admit it or not, it’s a noise thing. Just as an aside, I do wonder why some guys spend big dosh 34

fitting super-duper cans and race systems, then put in earplugs so they can’t enjoy them? There is no doubt though, if you’re ‘canned up’ and you get the opportunity to really wind it on, the whole riding experience is seriously boosted by the noise. And it’s not just a guilty pleasure to be enjoyed alone. Riders out in a group will often close in behind a partner and play wingman, just to enjoy the guy in front’s noise. On a sunny Sunday morning groups of ripping R1’s, screaming CBR600’s and rasping Ninja’s can be heard swooping through the countryside’s folds like a very low flying fighter squadron on an urgent mission. For some at the side of the road as they pass the sight and sounds can be intimidating and appear somehow aggressive, but if you could see the grins inside the multi-coloured helmets, you’ll witness a big clue as to the popularity of loud cans. The Top Gun jet fighter jocks are simply enjoying themselves.

If, like me you are more of a big twin aficionado, the deep throaty boom resonating back from behind puts you more in the mind of Spitfires than Tornados, thundering through the British countryside. And after successfully dodging the massed forces of the Luftwaffe (traffic) you can wind it down as you wheel slowly into the carpark of the McDonalds, Ryka’s, Bury Hill or wherever. Then pull to a stop with a few final blips and Churchill’s lispy voice in your head saying, “Thish wash your finesht hour!” I’m not saying that sometimes the noise isn’t inappropriate. And I know that living on a popular bike run, even if you are yourself a biker, can some times be very annoying. I’m just trying to make the point that although I can’t hope to expect non-bikers to be any more forgiving about the row we sometimes make, perhaps they might be just a little more understanding as to why some bikers love loud cans. It’s a noise thing all right!

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

High Quality Printed and Cut Vinyls Stickers & Decals Van & Car Signage Posters & Banners Shop Windows & Signs Canvasses Interior & Exterior Bike Graphics Point of Sale

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Service • Repairs • Tyres Track Day Preparations MOTs by Appointment 17 Years Main Dealer Experience

Tel: 01825 890313, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: everest.motorcycles@yahoo.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.org.uk Unit 3a, The Oaks Farm Workshops, Framﬁeld, East Sussex. TN22 5PN

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Everest Motorcycles HP 0111.indd 1

35 07/01/2011 11:07

CHARITY

Eggciting Easter trip Last Easter Kent Advanced Motorcycle Group donned bunny ears and loaded up their bikes with Easter Eggs to ride out to Parkwood Hall School in Swanley, Kent – a residential school for children with learning disabilities and complex needs. By Martin Stevens

here were 20 plus riders, many with pillions, that met at Mickey’s Dinner on the A229, Blue Bell Hill, near Maidstone, Kent on what was a glorious sunny Saturday. Some participants were even sporting bunny ears for the event! Having loaded up the bikes with Easter Eggs there was concern about arriving with panniers full of hot chocolate instead — luckily most of riders had cool bags. One individual carried what looked like a fridge on the back of his bike. The group set off to Parkwood Residential School, in Swanley, for children with learning disabilities and complex needs. Some eggs were given to the waiting resident children when the riders arrived. The remaining eggs 36

were kept until after the holidays when the other students returned so that everyone will get at least one…well probably three or more by our calculation. Kent Advanced Motorcycle Group meets on the last Thursday of each month for a social event with many guest speakers and demo rides from main dealers. For 30 years the KAMG has been providing dedicated training to

all motorcyclists in the North Kent region. They help people, just like you, become better, safer riders. Their aim is to provide top quality training. Being a non-profit making organisation they are able to do it at an unbelievably low price. However, that’s just the begining. You will also be joining over 400 like-minded individuals, from all walks of life with one thing in common…a passion for motorcycling. They organise track days, social events, ride outs, overseas tours and much, much more. They also have close links to local authorities, the police, independent motorcycling specialists and dealers to get the inside line. For more information about the Kent Advanced Motorcycle Group email: publicity@kamg. org.uk or visit www.kamg.org.uk

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

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National Trust property Stoneacre (ME15 8RS), near Maidstone is throwing open its doors to all bikers on Wednesday July 27th from 6pm. It’s managed by a keen biker and just for the evening there will be no admission charge and refreshments will be on sale. If you would like to come please email nick@southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

18/05/2011 17:30

JOIN US FROM 7PM EVERY WEDNESDAY THE HARROW INN, KENT HOMEMADE FRESH COOKED FOOD AND A GREAT SELECTION OF BEERS The Harrow Inn, Harrow Road, Knockholt, Kent. TN14 7JT Telephone: 01959 532168 or visit: www.theharrowinnknockholt.co.uk

ALL RIDERS WELCOME

BMCRC: Round 3, Cadwell Park

Newbigging announces himself in Minitwins T

Stephen Murphy, leading the EDiasia Formula 400’s going into this round. Photo: Racing Line Photography

he immensely popular and ever entertaining MRO Minitwins were in action for their third round of the season, and true to form they provided some spectacular and heart stopping racing over the two days, as the BMCRC and MRO made their first visit of the year to Cadwell Park. The first race of the weekend manifested itself into a two horse race for the lead, with eventual winner Sam Cox (SDC Performance Suzuki) taking the chequered flag by just two tenths of a second from Luke Helm (Ducati Manchester Suzuki). Daniel Couzens (Team V Speed Suzuki) was third. The front two gapped the rest of the field early on, and set about chopping and changing for the lead, while after a relatively poor qualifying, Couzens and Carl Newbigging (Suzuki) had to do a bit of work to pick their way through the pack to finish in third and fourth. In the afternoon we had one of the most spectacular races of the weekend, if not the season so far, with eventual winner and Bemsee’s Rider of the Day, Newbigging, taking his first and thoroughly hard fought victory. He made a fantastic start on the number 16 machine, along with Cox. However, Cox only made it as far as turn one before his race was ran. Come the half way stage it was a clear three-way 38

battle at the front involving Newbigging, Helm and Couzens, while behind ran another three-way battle for fourth involving Anthony Russo (Titan Elevators Suzuki), James Edwards (Go Racing Developments Suzuki) and Jonathan Wright (Suzuki). Start of the penultimate lap and Newbigging made his move, going from third to first at Coppice, however the other two weren’t going to let that stick, and battled back, relegating him back to third by the time they hit The Mountain. If he wanted his first Minitwin race it was going to take some effort. Coppice for the start of the last lap and it was round the outside this time for Newbigging, leaving Couzens in third. Park Corner and Newbigging made his move for the lead, before taking the win by two tenths of a second, with Couzens a further two tenths back in third. Sunday’s opener ended with Couzens, who came into the weekend leading the championship, taking his first win of the weekend with Newbigging second. It was a less than perfect race for Helm, with the current second in the championship dropping out of second on lap five, allowing Edwards to grab the final podium spot. The final outing was red flagged on lap four after Ashley Buxton (Suzuki) wiped out Jesse Jones (T3 Racing Suzuki) at Mansfield, and was rerun as a five-lap race. June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

BMCRC: Round 3, Cadwell Park It ended with a nail biting finish. Couzens lead a three-way battle for the lead out of Barn corner on the last lap and in an attempt to avoid being slipstreamed across the line, he weaved toward the pit wall, not knowing Newbigging was right on his tail and planning a move. The young 20 year old from Yaxley had pulled out and was sandwiched between Couzens and the pit wall as they drag raced to the line. You could almost hear everyone take a deep breath in unison, but he kept it pinned, and took his second win of the weekend by less than two hundredths of a second. We could just have another title contender. Cox was third, just half a second back. The MRO Powerbikes and Stock 1000s were in action over the weekend, with National Stock 1000 competitor Danny Buchan (MSS Kawasaki ZX10-R) also out, but not scoring points in the series. In Saturday’s race Byron Beckett (A Williams Engineering Yamaha R1) was the leading Powerbike scorer in second, just ahead of Rob McNealy (Suzuki GSXR 1000) and Mark Lister (LCS Suzuki GSXR 1000), who were second and third in the Powerbike points after a thrilling race long battle. In the stock championship Dave Hewson (Kawasaki ZX10-R), Waghorn, and Jonty Dixon (Antel Suzuki GSXR 1000) were first, second and third. On Sunday we were treated to some more exciting racing, albeit behind the rampant Buchan. Starting the third lap of the first race it was a five-way battle for second, headed by Dan Fowler (MG Sear Plant Hire Yamaha R1), followed closely by McNealy, Beckett, Michael Neeves (Park Lane BMW S1000RR) and Lister; only a second covered them. However it soon became a two-way fight for second between McNealy and Beckett, with Fowler going down the field to fourth, with Neeves harrowing him in fifth. It was only a matter of time before Neeves went to fourth, or before Fowler pushed too hard and ended up in the gravel, and unfortunately it was the latter, with the 2010 MRO Supersport champion crashing out on lap seven. That left Neeves in fourth with Lister in pursuit, with the two of them lapping quicker than the two in front, and soon it was very much a four way dice for second. You could only wonder how long it would take for Neeves to go third. That was until he missed a gear on the number five BMW on the penultimate lap, losing two seconds and letting Lister through. Lister then went past Beckett on the last lap to grab second in the Powerbikes behind McNealy. Beckett just edged the drag race with Neeves for third. Hewson won the Stock race ahead of Dixon and South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

Waghorn. The final race of the weekend again ended with McNealy ahead of Lister and Beckett in the Powerbike points, with Waghorn on the top step of the Stock 1000s podium ahead of Hewson and Dixon. The first MRO Superteen race saw Fitz-Patrick park up at the bottom of the mountain on the opening lap with technical issues, leaving Gilbert to take the win from Black. Asher Durham (Metrakit 80) was the leading 80cc rider in third with Luke Harris the third 125cc machine across the line. Fitz-Patrick was back out in the afternoon and took his first win of the weekend from Gilbert and Black in third. Durham was fourth. On Sunday Jordan Gilbert took both wins, both with Fitz-Patrick in second. The last win came with just four hundredths of a second between them. Durham and Black shared a third each. It was a case of continuing where he left off for Michael Smith in the DFDS Seaways Yamaha Past Masters, as the reigning champion took three wins from four, He took eighth in the final race of the day after running out of fuel and pushing his YPVS across the line. That left Pete Fishwick to take the win to add to his three second placed finishes. Paul Welch grabbed two thirds but a highside out of the chicane Sunday morning meant a DNF and a non start, allowing Graham Higlett to grab a third and a second, with Paul King taking the final podium place in Sunday’s second race. In the Thunderbike UK series championship leader Mark Lister (LCS Ducati 749) continued his dominant form, and left Cadwell Park with his 100% record intact, after taking all four wins. Martin Cooper took three seconds on his single cylinder Tigcraft/Yamaha 426, while James White (Louigi Moto Ducati 749) took the other to go with his three thirds. Rob Eyre (Ducati 916) took the other third over the weekend. The Freshdrop sponsored BMZRC had their second round of the season, and while Chris Rogers (CB Racing MZ ETZ 250) and reigning champion Andy Saunders (ASR Racing MZ ETZ 250) arrived tied on points, it was very much Rogers’ weekend, taking all four wins. Jonathon King took three seconds with Nick MurtonJones taking the other. Murton-Jones also grabbed two thirds with Saunders taking the other. Mick Bleakley and Heath Lane took four wins from four in the F1 sidecars after battling with Kevin Cable and Dan Gower and then Cable and Justin Sharp. Marc and Rik Vanniewenhuyse shared the spoils with Gibson and Hyde in the F2s, taking two wins apiece. 39

South East Biker Events

JUNE EVENTS 3rd and 4th, The Norsemen Chase the Ace Rally and Poker Run , Catsfield. Kent 5th, Danny Bowden Memorial Enduro Yateley 5th, Enduro, Carshalton 5th, Trials, Kent and Sussex MCC 11th, Bike Safety Day, Groombridges Motorcycles, Heathfield 12th, Hare and Hounds, Sidcup and District MCC 18th, Basingstoke MAG Show 19th, Trials, Bexleyheath and District MCC 22nd, Guy Martin at Haslemere Motorcycles 23rd, British Bike Night at the Wagon and Horses, Charing,, Kent 26th, Trials, Eastbourne and DMCC 26th, Hare and Hounds, Portsmouth MCRC

JULY EVENTS 7th, Trials, Ringwood MC and LCC 10th, Trials, Gest Trials Hastings MCC 10th, Brighton Mag Show, Royal Coach, A259, Shoreham-by-Sea 17th, Heartbeat Motorcycle Show, Brighton Marina 17th, Garden of England run, Headcorn ,Kent 17th, Trials, Surrey Schoolboys 15th -17th, A Weekend in the Country with SEB 16th-17th, Horsham Bike Show 16th-17th, Modified Madness Show, Emsworth 22nd, The Bong Bash, Six Bells, Chiddingly 23rd, Custom Bike Show, The Moat, Wrotham, Ken 30th-31st, Bemsee Club Racing, Brands Hatch 31st, The Huntsman MCC Show, Eridge, Kent

If you have an event you would like listed then email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk. August and September entries to be in by 7th July 2011.. Entries are limited to first come first in.

South East Biker Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ www.southeastbiker.co.uk

BIKER BREAKING POINTS

SOUTH EAST BIKER BREAKING POINTS

Here is your quick guide to biker resting points throughout our region. If you wish to advertise your business here to 1000s of bikers then call Debbie on 01892 610808 or email: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk

Rykas Café Boxhill, RH5 6BX

Loom

West Meon ies Café Hut. GU32 1J X Tel: 01730 82 9409 Big Brea

Kent Motorcycles H’s Café

Dover Road (A2), CT4 6SA Tel: 01227 832601

kf superb priceast for a Closed Monof £5.95! da Bike Night W ednesday ys. Sundays 7-6ps until 10pm. m. Things to along check do and see so come our website for de www.loom ies.co.uk tails

Opening hours: Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 3:30pm Sat 7:30am - 5pm 8am to 4pm Sun il 9.30pm Wed is Bike night open unt

The Bell Inn

The Kings H

ead East Grinst ead Road, N. Chailey , Lewes, East Sussex . BN8 4DH Tel: 01825 723821

Outwood, RH1 5PN

Statio

Station Road, n Café Alton, GU Tel: 01420 8220 34 2PZ 5 Op ening Mon-Sat 6:30am- hours: 3p Late night: Sta m. Closed Sun. rts en Wednesdays 5p d March Take away servi m-9pm. Try one of our ce available. great money quality value for meals.

Bikes welco me, good fo od, good com pany and Sky Sports available.

é The Chalet C.af RH13 8DU

Sussex A281, Cowfold, 14 Tel: 01403 8643 ery

e nights ev Chalet Café bik m ursday, 6pm-9p Tuesday and Th st. gu Au of d until en GES ASTS • BEVERA FOOD • BREAKF m, -2p m 7a : Fri nMo . Opening hours: m -1p m 8a n: , Su Sat: 7am-1.30pm

Wessons Café

High Street, Horam, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0ER Tel: 01435 813999

Home of the MAMA Burger Eat In or Takeaway Welcome Now Open 7 Days A Week Mon-Fri 7am To 4pm Sat & Sun 9am To 4pm (Inc, Bank Hols)

t Destination Friendly Staff , Easy Coffee, Hot & Parking, Great Co ld Food We are open fro Bikers late ni m 8 everyday ght Thursday s.

Wrotham, TN15 7RR

The Harrow Inn

Harrow Road, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7JT

Whitew

A29, Bury H ays Café ill, BN18 9F D. (North of A ru Tel: 01798 83ndel), 1892 www.whi More than ju tewayscafe.com st a Grea

Oakdene Cafê

Six Bells

Chiddingly, BN8 6HT

Tel: 01959-532168 Extensive menu, great value with stylish restaurant. Wednesday is Bike night with special events.

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

COMPETITION

Win a Signed copy of

Austin Vinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mondo Enduro Read the fascinating story of DIY adventure motorcycling hero Austin Vince and his team as they tackle then uncharted territory on no frills dirt bikes with no back up support or mobile phones. We caught up with Austin at one of his highly entertaining evenings where he explains how adventure travel is within the reach of all bikers if they have the will to give it a go. To win a copy to kickstart your adventure simply answer the following question: Name the unusual item of motorcycle clothing that Austin is usually sporting! Answers to: info@southeastbiker.co.uk or write to SEB, Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2SP. Closing date 31st July 2011. South East Biker Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ www.southeastbiker.co.uk

TRADE SERVICES

NEW BIKES Cooper BMW Motorrad Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE Tel: 0845 601 8593 New demo bikes available to try. Sales, Servicing, Clothing and parts.

Haslemere Motorcycles Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Hampshire GU35 9AR Sales: 01420 488290 Main Suzuki, Yamaha dealer with good quality used motorcycles and Harleys. Test ride the new GSXR600 or try some of our great 125’s on sale.

Kent Motorcycles Dover Road (A2), CT4 6SA Tel: 01227 832601 Everything Honda, New demo’s available to test ride, CBF 125, CBR 250 and VFR. MOT’s, Servicing, Clothing and Accessories.

USED BIKES JAM Sport Motorcycles 43 The Street, Wrecclesham Farnham, Surrey. GU10 4QS Tel: 01252 718606 SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS, SPARE PARTS and MOT’S Stockists in Enduro, Trials, MotorX

www.heingericke.co.uk

Beaky’s Motorcycles

Unit 2 Philpotts Yard Horsham Road, Beare Green Dorking, Surrey. RH5 4QU Tel: 01306 712297 Sussex & Surrey motorcycle repairs, Servicing and MOT’s. Quality used bikes for sale

Everest Motorcycles Tel: 01825 890313 Servicing, Repairs, Track prep and MOT’s

Kingston Motorcycle Centre Tel: 0208 549 5335

Servicing, MOT’s, Race-Track Prep and repairs.

Southern Speed Services

55a Palmerston Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4QL Tel: 0208 770 7865

Servicing, repairs and building for street, custom and track. MOT’s, tyres, chain sets etc Performance and custom parts. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm . Closed 1-2 for lunch.

CLOTHING GetGeared

290 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7QE Tel: 01372 225100 Everything you need under one roof or check out our extensive website.

H and A Motorcycle Clothing

Quality used bikes available, MOT’s, Servicing, Parts and Accessories

BikeSmart Next to Haywards Heath station Tel: 01444 446919 CBT, DAS, ERS with bike and kit hire available. We are an established training centre that can take you from CBT to advanced training.

MJ Motorcycle Training Covering Sussex and Hampshire Tel: 07806 790370 malcolm-jones@ntlworld.com Enhanced Rider Scheme Back to Biking RoSPA Gold

Meridian Bike Training Tel: 07951 485985 www.meridianbiketraining.co.uk

insurance discounts.

Phoenix Motorcycles

Tel: 01424 225224

TRAINING

Instructor with potential

www.getgeared.co.uk

Sea, East Sussex TN39 3LG

to find your local shop. All major brands available and great offers in store.

DSA Enhanced Rider Scheme.

and quality used bikes

3a Beeching Road, Bexhill on

Hein Gericke

SERVICING

66 South Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 2HD Tel: 01306 881165 Open: Thurs – Sun Motorcycle clothing chosen by women for women visit our shop and see our new stock

MISCELLANEOUS Shoosmiths

Tel: 03700 868788 enquiries@shoosmiths.co.uk Free legal advice

Viking Motorcycle Seats 27A Heaver Trading Estate, Ash, Kent TN15 7HJ Tel: 07977 874075 Seat modifications, Gel pads, re-covering and embroidery www.vikingmotorcycleseats.co.uk

June-July 2011 • South East Biker Magazine

CLUBS Club 69 Motorcycle Club, Dover Associated Sheppey Bikers Black Phoenix RC, Sittingbourne

Website www.69motorcycleclub.org www.theasb.orangehome.co.uk www.blackphoenixrc.co.uk

Brighton Easyriders

www.brighton-easyriders.co.uk www.horizonsunlimited.com/ country/uk/brighton www.westsussexbsa.co.uk www.burgesshillmc.com www.carshaltonmcc.com www.chimaeras.org.uk www.bike.org.uk/cma/ sw_london.php www.ddmcc.ocatch.com www.edmcc.co.uk www.ekam.org.uk www.es-am.org.uk www.friends-and-bikers.co.uk www.gesthastingsmcc.co.uk www.gravesendmcc.com

Brighton Overland Travellers BSA Owner’s Club Burgess Hill & Distrct Motorcycle Club Carshalton Motorcycle Club Chimaeras MCC Christian Motorcyclists Association

Contact 01304 820181 01795 870533 07743 427227 www.facebook.com/ brightoneasyriders

020 8642 0964 chimaeras@hotmail.co.uk 07871 960603

Deal & District MCC Eastbourne and District MCC (Trials) East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists East Sussex IAM Friends & Bikers MC GEST Hastings MCC Gravesend MC Greenwich Motor & MCC Guildford Motorcycle Club

www.guildfordmcc.org.uk

Honda Owners Club, Kent Branch

wwwhockent.org.uk

Huntsman Motor Cycle Club Invicta Bike Club Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group

www.huntsmanmcc.telinco.co.uk www.invictabikeclub.co.uk www.kamg.org.uk

0844 585 7792 07000 781 103

07733 050537 07092 857898 01323 849073 01634 245349 07740 341042 01322 222197 07774 422430 01322 400775 kent@hoc.org.uk

London Advanced Motorcyclists Group

www.l-a-m.org

London Fire Brigade MCC Merry Axemen The White Rock Underriver Mid-Sussex British Motorcycle Club New Life Bikers - Biggin Hill Reigate & Redhill North Downs MC

www.merryaxemen.co.uk www.msbmc.co.uk www.newlifebh.org.uk www.rrnd.co.uk

ROSPA Southern Advanced Motorcycle Training

www.rospasmart.com

Royal British Legion Riders Branch (RBLR) Sidcup & District Motorcycle Club South East BMW

www.rblr.co.uk www.sidcupmotorcycleclub.co.uk www.southeastbmw.com 01634 241215

07931 627213

The Half Moon Bike Club, Half Moon Inn, Cade Street, Heathfield Tonbridge & Malling MC Triumph Owners MCC Mighty South London Tsunami Riders Mcc UFO’s MCC West Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists (WVAM) Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Ass., S E Chapter

01959 571667 07793 659176

halfmoonersbikeclub@ yahoo.co.uk www.tmmcc.co.uk www.tomccmsl.co.uk www.tsunamiriders.org.uk www.ufos-mcc.com www.wsam.info www.wvam.org.uk

doddiekent@hotmail.com

07870 373087

www.widowsons-south-east.com

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

SEB PICK UP POINTS Berkshire

Essex

Finchingfield The Three Tuns Pub.........................CM7 4NR Gants Hill Hein Gericke........................................IG2 6NQ

Bracknell TriCounty Motorcycles............... RG12 1NQ Newbury Nelson’s Diner.....................................SL6 8NP Reading Hein Gericke ................................... RG30 1EH Slough Hein Gericke.......................................... SL1 2EI

Hampshire

Aldershot Gordon Farley Motorcycles........GU12 6LF Alton The Station Café............................. GU34 2PZ W. M. Snell........................................ GU34 2PZ Bordon Haselmere Motorcycles..............GU35 9AR Fareham Destination Triumph................... PO16 0HD Farnborough Hein Gericke..................................... GU14 6EJ Fleet Road Wheels....................................GU51 3DP New Milton Sammy Miller Museum & Café...............................BH25 5SZ Portsmouth Hein Gericke........................................PO1 5ET Southampton Crescent Motorcycles...................SO31 8ER Hein Gericke....................................SO15 1GG Waterlooville J & S Accessories...............................PO8 9BX West Meon Loomies Café....................................GU32 1JX Winchester Alan Lear Motorcycles................SO23 7DW Yately Bykebitz............................................ GU46 7UG

Dorset

Bournemouth Crescent Motorcycles......................BH8 9RT Hein Gericke.......................................BH9 2EG Verwood Crescent Motorcycles HQ........... BH31 6AX

East Sussex

Bexhill-on-sea Top Gear Superstore/ Phoenix Motorcycles.....................TN39 3LG Brighton Bikes of Brighton...............................BN1 4QF Chandlers BMW Motorrad......... BN41 1YH Chiddingly The Six Bells........................................BN8 6HT Crowborough ASF Tyres............................................... TN6 3JZ John Harris Motorcycles..................TN6 1JS Eastbourne Park Motorcycles.............................BN22 9BJ Hastings Hastings Motorcycles...................TN34 3TN Heathfield J. W. Groombridge.......................... TN21 0SP Horam Wessons Café................................... TN21 0ER Hove The Cafe Racer..................................BN3 2WB MARK CROSS FreeStyle...............................................TN6 3PD Newhaven South Coast Motorcycles..............BN9 0HE North Chailey The Kings Head................................BN8 4DH

Kent

Ash Viking Motorcycle Seats.............. TN15 7HJ Ashford Laguna Performance....................TN23 1EN Chatham Bowen Moto...................................... ME4 5AB Canterbury Kent Motorcycles...............................CT4 6SA Robinsons Foundry Motorcycles....................................... CT2 7QG

Dover Coombe Valley Motorcycles..........CT17 0HG Edenbridge Red Dog Motorcycles......................TN8 5AY Faversham The Bike Shop..................................ME13 8JN Folkestone Alford Bros.........................................CT20 1BU Hildenborough The Biker Store................................TN11 9ND Maidstone Hein Gericke................................... ME14 2UU Inta Motorcycles............................ME15 6HE Ramsgate Dave Fox Motorcycles.....................CT11 8PJ Sevenoaks The Harrow Inn.................................TN14 7JT Tonbridge Fastlane Motorcycles......................TN9 2AH Tunbridge Wells Breakaway Motorcycles..................TN1 2RF Cooper BMW Motorrad.................. TN2 3UE Welling Hein Gericke.....................................DA16 3PA West Wickham Premier Motorcycles........................BR4 0LU Wrotham Oakdene Café...................................TN15 7RR

London Mottingham Warrs Harley Davidson..................SE9 4QW Hanger Lane Hein Gericke........................................ W5 3QP Stockwell Hein Gericke...................................... SW9 9AE

Middlesex Kenton Hein Gericke....................................... HA3 8BL

Surrey Blindley Heath The Motorcycle Centre.....................RH7 6JJ

Boxhill Rykas Café........................................... RH5 6BX Coulsdon Doble Motorcycles...........................CR5 2NG Croydon (South) Carl Rosner Motorcycles.................CR2 0PL Dorking H & A Motorcycle Clothing...............RH4 2HD Beaky’s Motorcycles.......................RH5 4QU Guildford Destination Triumph....................... GU5 0JA Harley Davidson...............................GU3 1NA Leatherhead GetGeared.........................................KT22 7QE Kingston Kingston Motorcycles Centre...........KT1 3LG Outwood The Bell Inn.........................................RH1 5PN Purley Hein Gericke.......................................CR8 4DA Redhill Fins Motorcycles................................RH1 6ET Surbiton Tippets Motorcycles....................... KT6 7AW Woking Woking Yamaha.............................. GU21 6LJ Wrecclesham JAM Sport.........................................GU10 4QS

West Sussex

ARUNDEL Whiteways Café.............................. BN18 9FD Chichester CMW Motorcycles..........................PO19 7JG Cowfold The Chalet Cafe..............................RH13 8DU Crawley P & H Motorcycles......................... RH10 9RD Southwick Wemoto............................................. BN42 4EN Washington Destination Triumph..................... RH20 4AJ Worthing Keys Bros Motorcycles.................BN11 1UG

Viking Motorcycle Seats 21st Birthday Join us for our 21st Birthday celebrations Saturday 13th August 2011, 10am-4pm FREE REFRESHMENTS. FOOD AVAILABLE. Raffle: £500 worth of gift vouchers from VMS, Free MOT, Service from R.A.P. Superbikes, Warrs Harley-Davidson T-Shirts and much much more… Donating to and attending: Warrs Harley Davidson, SE9; Metal Horse, Sidcup; Ural Motorcycles, West Kingsdown; Sunami Motorcylcles, Surrey; Hartgate Honda, Mitcham; R.A.P Motorcycles, NW3; Hogbitz, Chigwell; Hyside KTM, Colliers Row.

Viking Vinyl

Telephone: 07977 874075, Email: leetheseat@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/leetheseat 27a Heaver Trading Estate, Ash Road, Ash, Kent. TN15 7HK

www.vikingvinyl.co.uk

30 years experience • Quality craftmanship • All work guaranteed 46 Viking Vinyl HP 0611.indd

June-July 2011 • South East 19/05/2011 Biker Magazine 10:09

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