Dates For Your Diary
Group Meeting
Potential for Group Meeting 13 Sep - tbc by Prime minister.
First Aid course
Being planned for post COVID-19 lockdown - not before 19 July
Skillshare
Skillshare 3 July 2021 at Three Trees Farm shop Chiseldon
COVID Secure monthly Bike Ride-Outs on the 3rd Saturday of every even numbered month and the 3rd Sunday of every odd numbered Month. Email will be sent out to Bikers and added to the Forum.
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Do you have a topic you would like discussed, or know of an interesting speaker? Please contact Les Brown at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following members who have passed their Advanced Tests recently:
Ruth Mitchell - Bike - Silver
James Hubbard - Bike - Gold
Nigel James - Car - Gold
Welcome
Please welcome the following to the Group:
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Don’t forget that we have a range of clothing available to purchase. We also offer a range of books, such as Roadcraft, Motorcycle Roadcraft and the Highway Code, and these are available at discounted prices.
For more information visit the Merchandise page of our web site at www.wiltshireroadar.co.uk. |
We are always looking for more articles, ideas and news for the newsletter. Have you been somewhere interesting recently that would make a good story? If you attend any group events then take a camera and send us your pictures!
Please forward all contributions to newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
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The Not Yet Roadmap Step 3 Newsletter
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Chris Gleed memorial - new date tbc
| Carol Gleed has had to postpone the get together to remember Chris who sadly passed away earlier this year. Chris was a founder member of the Group and a passionate advanced driver; he was also an avid volunteer who strived for the benefit of others. As soon as we have the date we will let you know.
If you wish to attend, when we know the date, please let Les Brown know so Carol can cater for the expected numbers.
Bob Fram |
I am afraid to say COVID has stuck again and due to the extension of the current restrictions to 19 July we will have to postpone our Group meeting. The next meeting will be held on September 13th.
Carol Gleed has also postponed the social event in memory of Chris; once it is rearranged, we will pass on the new date.
I am sure we will eventually evolve into our new normal and until we do so I trust all of you remain safe and healthy.
On a brighter note it is good to see we are getting tests done and our associates and members are performing well. Please use every opportunity you can to promote our Group so we can continue to attract new members. On the subject of membership Gary Franks needs to move on from Membership Secretary as soon as he can. He is now away more with work and whilst the task is not onerous he is not always available to react as quickly as he would like. I want to thank Gary for his hard work and ask of there is anyone who is willing to take on this role. Please let me know.
I know we have a number of members who are also IAM members. There was a thought provoking article in the Summer IAM magazine about driver and rider aids. We are all used to having ABS,traction control and electronic stability control but there are a plethora of other driver aids (and increasingly similar rider aids on motorcycles) such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automated emergency braking to name but a few. How many of us have waded through the vehicle handbook to really understand how these systems work? Do they help or hinder our driving and riding and whose responsibility is it for training drivers and riders to use them appropirately? There is much debate and I am sure we can have a lively chat ourselves – one for a group meeting perhaps?
Bob Fram |
Help - we need a new Membership Secretary
Gary Franks needs to relinquish his role as Membership Secretary; his work is taking him away from home much more than expected. Please consider taking on this role to help the Group prosper. It is not too onerous ( Gary has streamlined the process to make it very straight forward) and he is willing to offer all traiing and suprevision.
Please if you can provide a few hours per month do volunteer and do not leave the running of the Group to the same old faces. If you want to find out more please do get in touch with Gary ( he promised not to talk exclusively about Driven Ohm racing!).
Gary is the only car member on the Committee so here is a chance to influence how we operate as well.
Regards
Bob Fram
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COVID Tutoring Protocols - Risk assessments have been reviewed and are held by the Chairman.
COVID Secure Car Tutoring Protocol – As at 15 April 2021
Overview
This is a voluntary activity and both parties (Tutor and Associate) must be content to be in the same car as each other (normally the Associate’s car). It is recognised each individual has their own circumstances and acceptance of level of risk. There will be no judgement of individuals who do not wish to conduct car training.
Wiltshire RoADAR have a written risk assessment which is available on request. The mitigation factors listed below are to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection for the Tutor and the Associate. These are the absolute minimum required and if individuals wish to add their own factors the this is up to them.
Essential Mitigation Measures
No training if either party has displayed COVID 19 symptoms within 7 days or is self-isolating in line with Government guidance (including Test and Trace protocols).
Associate and tutor to have conducted a lateral flow test within 2 days of the training session. A positive test should be treated as per Government guidelines and precludes training.
Face covering to be worn by both tutor and associate. These must be in place prior to entering the vehicle.
Associate to ensure vehicle interior is cleaned with sanitiser prior to tutor entering the vehicle
Ensure hands are clean (washed for 20 seconds and/or alcohol gel as a minimum) prior to fitting face covering.
It is recommended disposable gloves are worn by the tutor when in the vehicle.
Tutor and associate must not touch their face when in the vehicle or prior to removing gloves and washing/sanitising hands.
Vehicle ventilation system to be on and drawing air from outside the vehicle (NOT on recirculation). Ventilation enhanced by opening rear windows to allow air flow over tutor and associate to go out of the vehicle.
Avoid face to face activity and conduct discussions outside the vehicle where safe and legal to do so.
Any equipment taken into the vehicle by the tutor to be sanitised post the session (alcohol wipes or a bleach solution)
Recommended Additional Mitigation Measures
Gloves to be worn by associate.
Tutor to wear an outer layer of clothing which can be removed and placed in a bag for washing post tutoring session.
Tutor may use a disposable seat covering if so desired.
COVID Secure Bike Tutoring Protocol – As at 15 April 2021
We must ensure the safety of both the Associate and the Tutor. The following protocol is to be followed:
Both parties must be happy to partake in the tutoring session – there is no penalty for not wishing to partake provided communication is clear.
No tutoring if either the Associate or the Tutor have displayed symptoms within the last 7 days or are told to self- isolate by the Government Track and Trace protocol.
It is strongly recommended both the Associate and the Tutor conduct a lateral Flow test no sooner than 2 days prior to the session. A positive test should be treated as per Government guidelines and precludes training.
All must follow Government guidelines on self-isolation and shielding.
Appropriate Social distancing must be rigorously applied.
Follow Government guidelines for hand cleansing and personal safety – hand sanitiser useful at all times.
Avoid busy locations for meeting, follow the latest Government guidelines for the use of cafes and/or take own refreshments.
Associates to be encouraged to bring their own copy of Roadcraft and the Highway code for ease of reference during briefing and de-briefing sessions.
Tutor explanations and diagrams to be suitable for understanding from 2 metres.
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Have you been up to anything to do with Riding or Driving lately? If so, then please let us know as we would love to include it here; photos would be great too!
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Presumption is , like all of us, we are planning what we can do later this year once this pandemic is sorted.
Driven Ohm Racing
May 31st was the latest round of the Combe Hot Hatch
Challenge. It was also going to be the first time in ages I have only
done one race in a day.
Qualifying went well, with me
getting close to my PB times on the old Toyo 888 tyres. Our session was
interrupted by a crash at Quarry, and in the end I only had time for 3
laps - with the second flyer my best time.
The race was pretty
decent, with me improving my time slightly but still not bettering my
previous best. Again there was a crash, and we finished under the safety
car, which was a new experience for me. I managed to snag another
trophy for 3rd in my class, which is amazing!
On
June 24th we decided to test the tyres fully. We ran the older 888's at
standard pressure, then measured how much they increased in pressure
after a 15 minute blast. Starting at 20psi (cold) all round, the front
left was up to 28, with the right rear at 24 when worked hard and hot.
Clearly I was working the front left much harder than the other corners.
The car felt a little understeery. We upped the pressures to have them
at 28 warm and the car went a bit more loose at the back, resulting in
the right left being the biggest increase in pressures.
On
the 3rd stint on these tyres I had a blow out (front left) which ended
our test of them. We switched to the new Nankang AR1's and repeated the
tests from earlier.
Immediately I was a full second faster,
and we found similar results with adjusting the pressures on subsequent
sessions. Finding the sweet spot of between 28-30psi when the tyre were
warm we worked out what to set them at cold to achieve this. We have
different pressures on each corner, which seems odd, but the results are
a fairly loose and neutral but stable car, and no tyres were being
overheated or overworked.
I spent the remaining sessions
playing with my lines and found another two tenths. Just off my PB, but
very close - so I was very pleased with the results. A worthwhile day,
and all useful seat time.
The next round is a double header on July 4th, with limited spectators allowed, I think 4000 tickets are available once more.
Gary Franks
Follow our progress on Facebook @Driven.Ohm.Racing.
Car Tutor Get Together
We held our first car tutor training day for several years on
Saturday 12th June. We had six of the tutors together and after saying
hello face to face - most unusual in these days and most welcome - Ed
Deacon led a session based on several YouTube dashcam videos, in a nod
to A Question of Sport's "What Happened Next?" round. Stopping the
videos just before the crucial moment led to some interesting discussion
about what we might expect would happen, and after the reveal we
watched the video again to see if there were any opportunities to
identify the positions, speed and intent of other vehicles which may
have led an Advanced Driver to a different course of action.
We always have at least two drives during the day as well and as it is
still prudent to drive just as two up, we had three pairs out to assess,
standards check and discuss each others' driving - these are only short
drives of about 25 minutes or so, swapping so each of the pair has a
drive and an opportunity to see the other's driving. Post lunch we had a
wider discussion about how we could possibly increase the car
membership visibility to keep the group vibrant - the consensus was that
we need RoSPA HQ to be proactive in advertising RoADAR in the same way
other AD organisations do (Chair comment - we wil try but historically this has not been sucessful - we need to plan in the short term to be self sufficient). To finish the day another drive with another
pairing allowed us to see a different driver's style. It's so nice to
be able to start thinking of this sort of thing again - we have a good
group of tutors, and the standard of associates put forward for pre-test
is always high and reflected in the test passes, and the training day
allows us to maintain this standard.
The Black Cock Inn – the no ‘U’ turn ride
We finally made it! After a year of planning three of us turned up at the Black Cock Inn, Molland, Near South Molton, Exmoor for a weekend of funtastic riding!
The team were Steven Hyde, Mark Sealey, Peter Genet.
Heading down on Friday afternoon meant we would hit late afternoon traffic, and yes we found it at the A303 near Sparkford services. Diverting to Langport, Taunton we took the B3277 all the way to the site.
The B3277 has just become my newest favourite “B” road. It should be classed an “A” for the fast-sweeping bends with a couple of technical ones thrown in for good measure. If this was anything like how the next day would be, then we were in for a real treat.
After a hearty breakfast and a couple of cups of tea we were out on the road before 9am the next day, largely due to a cockerel waking us up at around 4am; not to mention the peacock and pheasant too!!
Saturday was a dry day for exploring Exmoor before arriving in Bude where we stopped for our elevenses.
With a fresh coffee in us, we followed the coast road all the way through to Port Isaac. The coast road from Bude is often eyewateringly steep and bendy – much like alpine passes but tighter and narrower. Passing through pretty villages such as Crackington Haven and tourist traps like Tintagel, we arrived in Port Isaac. Our plan was to get a photo outside Dr Marten’s house but gave up on that idea due to too many tourists. So, Wadebridge it was for lunch.
After lunch, we headed towards Prince Town for cake! Remember the Biker’s five a day? Tea, coffee, cake, pasty, and fish’n’chips – well we did!
Bravely using the old-fashioned method of navigating with paper and pencil, and a following your nose approach now on Dartmoor, it was Mark’s turn to lead. How many Bovey Castles are there on Dartmoor? More than one it seems.
Eventually giving in, Mark let one of us lead using Sat-Nav. However, what constitutes a major road on Dartmoor is nothing more than a wide track elsewhere. Honestly, if I put my elbows out, I could touch hedges on both sides of the “road”.
Dartmoor proved a huge challenge as these major roads were nothing but; they were narrow lanes, with the centres covered in grass and loose chippings. Descending steep gradients made the bikes swerve all over the place. But what fun it was!!
En-route we had to stop to let a herd of sheep pass by. Arriving back at the site around 7.30pm or so, 11 hours out on the road and 230miles in, we felt we deserved a beer or two.
Saturday’s rough route shown below, which doesn’t include the exploring Exmoor bit as I’ve no idea where we were! The timings and mileage are all wrong too, it should be 230 miles over at least 10 hours!
The plans for the next day were to do a circular route taking us back home. Setting off first thing, with wet tents as it did rain a lot overnight, we headed up north only to find a drizzling mist had descended on us. We took the decision to head to the motorways and come home that way instead. It still took around 3 hours to get home which was still quicker than the 4.5 hours it took to get down there on Friday evening.
All in all, a blooming great weekend with great friends too. Thanks for organising Steven Hyde. Roll on the next one.
One other thing worth mentioning is that this is one of the first, if not only, trip I’ve been on when I’ve not had to make a ‘U’ turn.
If at any time anyone else fancies organising a weekend trip such as this, please use the forum to raise it and we’ll get something in the diaries. Although, narrow lanes are optional!
Peter Genet
Bike Ridout
On Saturday 19th June six cheesy bacon lovers (according to the sign)
Led
by myself , with tail gunner Andy Peaple left Chippenham bound for the
Wye Valley determined to use mainly A and B roads and minimising
motorways
Nice dry roads and comfortable temperature and some lovely twisty roads and great views in the Wye Valley
We stopped for refreshments and rest at the Anchor Inn overlooking Tintern Abbey and the River Wye
and
fill in the form using a Subject of Motorcycle Events and mention that
you would like the June gpx file in the Message, and I will send it to
you.
Many
thanks to Steve Thorogood, Scott Barker, Paul Pywell, Andy Peaple and
Mark Pullen for attending and making it a really enjoyable day out,
we covered around 100miles between 09:30 and 15:30 with a break of 1.5hr at midday
Phill Colbourne
Please let us know of any plans you may have; any road trips, any places
to drive/ride to; maybe you have plans to unicycle the length of the UK
- if you are planning this, please let us know as this would be great
to read about!
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Books! Updates to Roadcraft are here!
Bikes
Motorcycle Roadcraft is the police handbook for rider training. It’s used by all the emergency services and forms a key reference for riding instructors.
Updates for this new edition include a new overtaking chapter with separate sections on passing stationary vehicles, single stage overtakes, and multi-stage overtakes and new explanations of advanced concepts, such as limit points on left-hand bends. Guided by a working group of experienced instructors, Motorcycle Roadcraft is essential learning for police officers preparing for the demands of operational riding.
Cars
Roadcraft is the police handbook for driver training. It's used by all the emergency services and forms reference for driving instructors.
Updates for this new edition include a new overtaking chapter with separate sections on passing stationary vehicles, single stage overtakes, and multi-stage overtakes and new explanations of advanced concepts, such as limit points on left-hand bends.
Guided by a working group of experienced instructors, Roadcraft is essential learning for police officers preparing for the demands of operational driving.
We do have a few of the old Roadcraft books for both Cars and Bikes - if you would like one, please get in touch with the membership secretary. For these books we would appreciate a donation of £5 to the group which is less than half price.
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Group Meetings and look ahead - July?
We think we may be able to hold a monthly meeting on 12 July but we will have to stay flexible so watch this space!
New Speakers
Les is working hard to identify. speakers who will be able to attend meetings when they resume. if you have any ideas please let him know at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
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Promotional activities
Wiltshire Police have proposed dates or BikeSafe:
July 4th
August 29th
September 12th
October 3rd
We
will be supporting Wiltshire Police with BikeSafe both with
tutors to make up the instructor numbers and to help promote the Group.
We do this in conjunction with WABAM so it is a great way to reinforce
advanced riding and to gather new members.
Video team – good faces for radio! Work in progress still!
A
sub-committee was recently set-up to look at creating some short video
content showcasing what we do as a group for both the cars and bikes
sections. This all came about after viewing a YouTube video explaining
the limit point principle, funnily enough by another RoADAR group. We
agreed the principle was explained really well but was let down by
“poor” riding; for example, crossing solid white lines, and showing the
limit point principle on an open road with good visibility around the
bend!
So, can we do better? That’s the challenge we have set ourselves.
We
have a plan, starting with a “Who we are” video, to inform prospective
members what we do and how we do it, and at the same time, put faces to
names. And another benefit is that we only have to explain it once! The
overall objective is to reach a wider audience showcasing the benefits
of advanced driving and riding.
With
the camera and filming skills and experience of Peter Milner, we have
made a start. Whilst at the recent Bikesafe event in Devizes, Peter
asked two of us to do a piece to camera describing Bikesafe. Having
presented on local radio, I thought this would be easy. Turns out I was
wrong. Only five takes later did I manage to splutter out something
reasonable!
Then Bob had a go. Very well he did too.
Our
first video going live on the Interweb in June with a bit of luck, will be of the Bikesafe
event. We are about to do some more filming for the into and outro
segments which will appear on all future videos. Please be gentle in
your comments as it is our first try at this. We do have plans to get
together again over the course of the year and do some more of these
videos, including the introduction mentioned earlier. These films will
be about all aspects of being a member of the group, and not just
training. Such as rideouts, racing, camping trips and other events.
If
when out and about you see one of us with a camera on RoADAR
activities, then please let us know if you do not want to be included in
the film. After all, its not compulsory and not why you joined the
group. We will of course respect your wishes.
Peter Genet
Proposed Promotional activities 2021
Outline events for next year are below, all of which will need member support so please do help us promote our Group:
- Promote
the Group at Castle Combe race circuit - Bikes and Cars. Make best use
of Gary's RoADAR Wiltshire Racing antics to spread the word.
- We will continue to seek support from Wiltshire Council Road Safety Committee.
- Attend the Emergency Services Show should it go ahead.
If you have any ideas for events, then please get in touch with the committee using the committee email address :
Look forward to hearing and discussing your ideas.
Presentation material
A generic set of slides has been created for use if you are asked about Wiltshire RoADAR and have the opportunity to present. This could be at a local club, workplace etc. Please send a mail to committee@wiltshireroadar.co.uk and the slides will be sent over to you.
We also have flyers and business cards so ask for these via the same means
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First Aid Training - COVID-19 dependant - sometime after 19 July 2021
It is intended to provide a first aid training day (subsidised by the Group). This is highly recommended for all tutors as part of our responsibilities for the safety of our associates but also an excellent skill for all of us; you never know when you will need it. It is compulsory training for me at work and one of my colleagues saved her husband’s life as she had first aid training.
This will probably be on a Saturday as soon as we can after the lockdown; we have 15 already interesteds. Watch this space for more (we will communicate with those who have registered an interest directly). It is not too late to register interest (this does not commit you) so email the Chairman if you wish to be included.
Media coordinator - Help us to broaden our reach
To help promote the group we have a variety of online media platforms, FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. To help make the most out of the opportunities that these outlets provide, we could use some help from someone who has experience of using such tools. Drop me a line at secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk if you would be interested in helping promote our group.
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Committee minutes
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These are available from the Group Secretary if any member wishes to see them. If you are interested in reading the minutes, then please send a mail to the Group Secretary whom will promptly forward them onto you.
Forum
Please could all Members use the Forum on the Website which can be used for any purpose but particularly coordinating events, hints, tips and general conversation. It is easy to register on the website so please do log on and chat away.
Test results
Reminder to let the Membership Secretary and your tutor know when you have taken your Advanced Driving/Riding Test and result. This is so our database is kept up to date; there is no need or pressure at all to have the result published on the website or in this newsletter if you wish to keep your result confidential.
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