Month: October 2014

From the Chair (Slipstream October 2014)

Posted on | by Charon Willis

Hi everyone,

So we’ve had fabulous weather for biking. Now what are you going to do? Are you going to ride less because it’s wetter, colder and darker?

  • Read your Roadcraft, or better still get someone else to provide salient points – if this sounds like a good idea go on a BikeCraft course.
  • Go on our new course that shows you how to use TYRE to plan a route, then step up and volunteer to lead a ride in 2015.
  • Apply for a new job? The IAM is recruiting for a new Chief Executive to replace Simon Best, who has just left this position.
  • Go to the Motorcycle Live. 22nd-30th November at the NEC Birmingham.
  • Carry on riding?

Do what you can to enjoy your time on the bike, and but please keep on applying all your skills to aid smooth riding, and apply good planning to avoid accidents. Why would I ask this of you? Well, of course it will reduce heartache, pain etc. plus it will help statistics. The knock on impact of this is it reduces reasons for groups like those communities in Wales, governments, DFT bodies such as Vulnerable Road Users and councils to consider reducing limits and reducing the places where national limits are currently applied. If you don’t need four wheels for work, then stay on two – reduce congestion and use fewer parking spaces. Apparently the Federation of European Motorcyclists Association says it is saves you money!

Charon Willis
Chair

 

7ws

7Ws #30 Spring 2015: 10th – 12th April 2015!

Posted on | by Chris Brownlee

Yes, the next 7Ws will be held in the Spring from 10th to 12th April, and will be the 30th time that this fantastic event has run. Even more opportunity to improve your riding standard and build your TVAM network. Watch out for some special celebratory touches… Bookings are now open; to register your interest send an email to booking@7xWs.co.uk and get the dates in your dairy!

There’s more information about the 7Ws under the 7Ws menu items on the left.

Richard Tickner Charity Skydive – thanks to all my sponsors.

Posted on | by Salli Griffith

Many, many thanks to all those of you who made a donation to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance fund and I sincerely hope that you never need to cash it in. The sponsorship came to £550. Well worth the jump. If you are looking for a different speed thrill then skydiving will do it for you – 150mph straight downwards. Wow!

The only downside is that my recollection of the event is that the free-fall lasted a few seconds when it was nearer 60 and the whole thing seemed less than a minute but was over five.

The skydive team said that if you do it often enough, the time and recall match better. Hmm, I will take their word for that. Although, the thrill of free-fall is very tempting…………

Richard