Dates For Your Diary
Group Meeting
10 October - AGM followed by Peter Genet the Big Van Trip
14 November - Driven Ohm Racing, Gary Franks
SkillShare
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.
Next ride out Sunday 18 September. Details will be forthcoming via email to all bike members. It looks like a good day out too!
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Do you have a topic you would like discussed, or know of an interesting speaker? Please contact speaker at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following members who have passed their Advanced Tests recently:
Richard Bayliffe - Bike - Gold, Retest
Vic Farci - Bike - Gold
Bob Fram - Bike - Advanced Tutor Retest, Pass
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 |
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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So we come to another AGM – how time flies when we are enjoying ourselves. It has been an interesting period and I suspect the next year or 2 will provide some more interesting times and challenges.
We are going to try to facilitate a combined face to face and virtual AGM – some technical issues to iron out but we will give it a go – please do come to Liddington if you can attend but if it is difficult we will allow you to attend from wherever you are. It is important you have your say so please do attend - this is an important part of our governance and we cannot run the Group without it. We will also vote in the Committee – we are lucky everyone has agreed to stay on but this will be the last year this is the case. I will stand down as chair by the next AGM as will some other committee members.
If you have considered being on the committee then please get in touch. If nothing else tell us why you have ruled it out and we will do our best to dispel any fears or facilitate your ability to contribute. We need an active committee to keep us on the straight and narrow – it is not onerous.
If you have any agenda points you wish to raise at the AGM please drop the secretary or me a line. Moreover, if you cannot attend please pass on a proxy vote to the Secretary – this will help us complete the necessary governance.
I must apologise I will not be able to attend the AGM as I am working abroad. I will leave you in the capable hands of the Secretary – feel free to stage a coup if required or just say you want to take over; this is easier!
I have had an interesting month with Marshalling at British Superbikes Bikes and completing my RAPID training Bikemaster course (see the article below). Great to have an intensive 2 day assessment of my riding from an ex police surveillance motorcyclist. It shows the RoSPA training is excellent and we all need regular refreshers to ensure we keep our skills sharp. I learnt a great deal.
I look forward to seeing you soon
Bob
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Not long now for the next AGM in October where we renew our group subscriptions and look for new members to join the committee. Without a formal committee, our group will fold.
The current committee members have been in post for several years with six out of seven being bike members. We would like to welcome new members to join us and take over the running of the group. Change of committee members is good as it brings in new and fresh ideas and perspectives.
The workload isn't too time consuming, but we would really like to re-dress the balance between car and bike members.
Please let the Secretary know if you would like to come along and see the workings of your committee. |
Understanding and avoiding SMIDSY (Sorry Mate I Didn’t see You) collisions
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Ever had a vehicle pull out on you at a junction?
Ever pulled out from a junction into the path of another vehicle?
Ever wondered why such incidents happen?
There are numerous reasons such potential and actual collisions happen and most are
more to do with human physiology (our eyes tell us lies), vehicle design and
environmental factors than driver / rider ability.
Want to know more?
This was an excellent talk, and well attended by our members, by Stephen Wilkinson-Carr, RoSPA Senior Tutor, Glos RoADAR.
After spending many years analysing why SMIDSYs occur, Stephen presented to us his findings over the course of an hour or so. The slides are available to read, but please do not re-use them for anything other than personal use as there is some copyrighted material.
These sessions really drive home that as riders, we really do have to watch out for ourselves, as many SMIDSYs are just that, you weren't seen by the other driver for a variety of reasons. An example was 'pillar blindness' where the corner pillar between windscreen and car body obscures a rider enough that the driver thinks the road is clear!
Peter Genet |
Low Speed Skills Event – Gloucestershire 9th October 2022 (Open to all riders)
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Gloucester Group will be holding a FREE and open-to-all Low-Speed
training day on Sun 9th October 2022 to be held at the Lower Car Park,
Berkeley Power Station, Berkeley, GL13 9FB / N51 41.406 W2 29.727 /
there is a YouTube advert here
You do not have to be an advanced rider or even a member of an advanced riding group to attend. All are welcome.
The day will run from 10 a.m to 1:30 p.m.
and will include a range of low-speed riding skills and exercises
designed to improve rider confidence and skill. The low-speed circuit
favourites such as the snowman, figure of 8 and intersection will
feature alongside braking drills and a slow race to make for an
enjoyable learning experience.
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Learn How to Save a life
Many of us have attended first aid courses and practiced CPR. Can you rememer all aspects of the course? are you confident to try it? All you need is a bit of knowledge and some confidence to step into a situation ad make a difference. The heart shaped QR code below will take you to a training resource to help you refresh or learn teh skill.
How good will you feel if you save a life?
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The Membership Conundrum
When you first join Wiltshire RoADAR you pay to join the Group, for your Roadcraft book and you start your training with your tutor. Every October we ask you for a small fee to be a member of the Group (currently £17). This covers the adminstration of the Group (website, database, newsletter editor etc), hire of the hall for meetings and training, expenses for running the Gorup and for speakers, speaker fees and maintining our promotional/recruiting material.
When you pass your test (for which you pay RoSPA who runs RoADAR HQ) the fee includes a membership of RoADAR for a year from your test date. You continue to pay this fee (in addition to our Group membership) every year which entitles you to a free 3 yearly retest.
It is possible for you to pay for your test and not pay RoSPA every year and still remain a member of the Wiltshire Group – you then pay for your re-test should you wish to take one – I will let you do the Maths.
Tutors, the Chair and Secretary must be full members of RoADAR to ensure the necessary insurances are in place for Group Activities.
Confused?
In summary
Wiltshire Group £17 per year (please continue your membership)
RoSPA (For RoADAR HQ) pay annually £40.
If it is any consolation, it is the same arrangement for IAM Roadsmart but you pay for your test up front hence the larger joining fee (£175).
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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!
| The monthly ride out
Group ride – September 2022
A fine Sunday morning came in readiness for nine riders to ride a route following the Ridgeway-ish ably lead by Winston Castle.
Leaving from Sally Pussey's in Royal Wootton Basset, we headed out to Wroughton, Chiseldon, Liddington and Wanborough. Then, to Uffington White Horse Hill for our first stopping point to admire the views.
A technical ride, especially along some of the roads leading to Uffington with loads of gravel along the centre, but a ride with some stunning views.
After Uffington, we passed through Wantage to Sutton Courtenay, and to Abingdon for our obligatory coffee/tea/cake/bacon-butty stop. Right by the riverside, in a nice sun trap for an hour so! Only the one 'U' turn this trip, which if you need help with slow riding, please see the above section for slow riding!
From here, we went through Abingdon to the A34, heading south for three junctions before turning off at East Isley where they were preparing to play probably the last cricket match of the season.
This was now a much faster section of the ride with flowing roads and bends across the downs, all the way to Lambourn and Aldebourne, before we headed back to our start point at Sally Pussey's.
Thanks for leading a great ride Winston! Any one can lead a ride so, if you have an idea for a group ride, please post them on the forum.
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Rapid Rider Training - Bob Fram
Regular readers will recall (from the July Issue if you need reminding) of my track experience as part of the RAPID Training Bikemaster Course. I have now completed the 2-day on road coaching course with a Rapid coach – it was a great couple of days with some excellent motorcycling and my skills developed well.
I had decided to do some more training as RoSPA does not provide anything past the Gold standard. I sought some guidance from our BikeSafe coordinator and he recommended RAPID’ so here I was drinking coffee with Mick about to start 2 days of intensive road riding.
Mick is a retired Police officer who has been both a car and bike class 1 driver/rider. He also spent a number of years as a surveillance motorcyclist so he knows his stuff. He is also a great coach and good company to boot which made the days all the more enjoyable.
The day started with a get to know you chat setting up communications and then Mick assessing my riding for about 20 minutes. I managed to identify where I have made mistakes and Mick also pointed out where I could improve my positioning, observation and safely exploit the benefits of riding a motorcycle. He then gave a demonstration ride with full commentary - this was a revelation as he talked through all his observations – the observation links he made and what he was doing on the bike. I quickly realised whilst my observation was good I could use more “advanced positioning “ to gain even more advantage and I could really improve the use of my gears.
I had asked to go on roads I did not know and Mike found these on the South downs on day one and Dorset on day 2– he has a great inventory of roads and cafes. The day continued with me riding and Mike observing, stopping every 40 minutes or so. He was keen to challenge me given my experience and he did so.
Lunch stop at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum (near Chichester).
We made good progress and I definitely found some performance from my bike which had hitherto left untapped BUT the emphasis was on safety and riding to the system of motorcycle control.
Mick’s coaching saw me improve with every session and the number of debrief points reduce over the 2 days. I rode some really challenging roads with only one “oh dear” moment (I had misread a bend and approached uncomfortably fast and in too high a gear). There was no oncoming or following traffic and I was confident I had sufficient control to negotiate the bend with a safety margin so I did not brake – I was on a good line but sadly had missed a changed in road surface (bumps and cracks) which bottomed out my front suspension and sent me wide into the opposite side of the road). I heard - what happened there? - in my ear piece and a quick explanation to Mike (see above) saw us put it behind me a as lesson and get on with what was ahead.
Day 2 started at Thyme and Tides (the café formally known as the Haven Salisbury)
Mike’s coaching style was excellent, and he modified it to the level of riding and experience. For example, after the “oh dear” moment he said he would normally stop people for a chat and a calm down but he had noticed I had already put it behind me so an additional stop was not necessary.
So What? I learnt a great deal about my riding and about my attitude to it. Key take aways for me (many of these I recall saying to all my associates at some stage in their development):
- I am a pretty good rider.
- I can use even more of the road and the better my observation the more I can hold a line providing me with the best vision.
- Lower gears are good! and my bike will cope even with my heightened mechanical sympathy.
- Do not fixate on one hazard which is of interest as you will miss other information – I missed a number of speed limit gateways as I was re checking a potential hazard (fortunately they were all for increasing speed so I only just looked a little silly and not illegal!)
Overall a great 2 days with excellent motorcycling, a great coach who was good company, fab roads, good coffee and a real sense of satisfaction. All lessons were put to good use on my 500 plus miles over the weekend whilst marshalling at Oulton Park. Was it worth the cost? (I think the Bikemaster is now £1200) for me yes but temper this with the fact I paid for it in instalments the last one being in April - but I felt I had value for money with the improvements I have made.
Feel free to collar me for a chat if you are interested
Bob Fram
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Driven Ohm Racing
Driven Ohm Racing: September update
We last raced at the end of August on the Bank Holiday Monday.
The plan was to run two cars (905 & 887) in both the Hot Hatch and Dave Allan Trophy races.
Sadly, there was a massive accident in one of the preceding historic races. All racing was stopped and we feared there would not be time left in the day for any races to take place. Once the two air ambulances had left and the patient was secure, the organisers had to cut something from the remaining schedule. Sadly the Hot Hatches were dropped, but we still had the Dave Allan to run in, so there was a consolation race for us both.
Before the big accident Steve had Qualified 9th in class 4, with Gary on pole position in class.
We raced for a reduced time of 30 minutes, instead of 40. Gary managed to hold his lead early in the race, but was jumped by the second place Honda Civic during the pit stops so finished second, but with fastest lap in class. Steve battled up to 7th in class, so a good day all round.
The biggest result for the team was that both cars ran without a hitch after major surgery for both of them !
Our last Combe race will be on Saturday 1st October, where we get a double header (two races) as compensation for the lost Hot Hatch race last time. Hopefully fans will come along and support us! We might have one last hurrah for the year at the Walter Hayes event at Silverstone on November 5th and 6th, subject to confirmation.
Follow progress on Facebook @Driven.Ohm.Racing.
Please check the series website for the latest details:
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Call for Bikers From Severn Freewheelers
Many of you will be aware of Severn Freewheelers, the blood bike charity
that provides its free service to the NHS and specifically the Great
Western Trust (GWH) at Swindon. Partly as a result of the Trust’s
response to COVID and the service being better understood by the Trust,
the workload now means we have two bikes serving the area. Last year we
undertook over 2000 jobs for the Swindon Trust. Overall Severn
Freewheelers did over 7000 tasks.
This is a request primarily seeking riders to help support our
operation going forward. Naturally over time people fall away as their
circumstances change, they move away or indeed decide this is no longer
for them.
The service runs 1900hrs to 0700hrs weekdays and 24 hrs at weekends
and public holidays. A typical duty is Wednesday evening till Saturday
evening or Saturday until the Wednesday. You would keep the bike at home
until you handover to the next rider. The bikes are the latest BMW RTs.
A new rider needs to have undertaken his or her advanced test in
the last three years and is required to be retested every three years.
In addition, there would be a check ride undertaken on joining and
further periodic check rides with a nominated assessor. Managing the
risks within the operation is a core value of the charity. There are of
course other roles as coordinators and fund raisers and riders are
expected to contribute beyond simply riding which is vital to maintain
the service. From a response basis, riders need to live within 25 miles
of the Great Western Hospital. Of course training is provided for all
new members.
If this is of interest, please feel free to get in touch.
Geoff
Geoff Brown
Severn Freewheelers
Mob 07399 457703
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Promotional activities
SkillShare - 2022 - see poster above!
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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Covid protocol
We continue to review these protocols at every Committee meeting and see no reason to change them at the moment for the next month espeically as there is an increase in cases. Clearly with the changes in legislation some may feel these protocols are excessive; we continue to have your safety at the forefront of all we do - personal choice must lead the way. We will no longer insist on a lateral flow test as these will no longer be free of charge. The responsibility is on us all to do what we think is right for us and our loved ones. The bottom line is if you do not feel safe doing something then do not do it!!
Wiltshire RoADAR COVID Secure Car Tutoring Protocol
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 requested 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.
- Ensure hands are clean (washed for 20 seconds and/or alcohol gel as a minimum) prior to fitting face covering.
- Tutor and associate must not touch their face when in the vehicle or prior to washing/sanitising hands/ or removing gloves if worn.
- 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.
Recommended Additional Mitigation Measures
- Tutor wears disposable gloves when in the vehicle.
- Any equipment taken into the vehicle by the tutor to be sanitised post the session (alcohol wipes or a bleach solution)
- Associate to ensure vehicle interior is cleaned with sanitiser prior to tutor entering the vehicle.
Wiltshire RoADAR COVID Secure Bike Tutoring Protocol
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 srequested 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.
Advice will be updated as and when it is received. But, please follow government guidelines.
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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
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.
Gloucester RoADAR Newsletter
If you are interested in the Gloucester Group newsletter here it is.
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