Sausage Fest & Slow Riding 2019
A wet and windy morning at St. Crispin’s fortunately gave way to a warm and sunny afternoon with many enjoying the slow riding, sausages and Kathy’s ice creams. It was also time for members to bring their dogs out in force!
First published in Slipstream September 2019
So having dashed off a few lines about riding before, I wondered how hard it could be to write something to capture the happenings on the recent TVAM trip to Mullenborn – named after our past late Chairman David Jacobi who started it all back in 2009.
The thing about Germany is it’s a long way away. This means to get there in a single day you either have to leave home very early or stay down in Kent near the Eurotunnel terminal. Being an older chap, used to a comfortable life and afternoon naps, I chose the latter and booked into what I thought was the Holiday Inn at North Ashford. I’d stayed there many times before and it’s got good rooms, secure parking under CCTV cameras and, most importantly, a bar and food. In the car park is a ‘pub’ owned by the hotel which serves an alternative menu.
Only on checking my booking on the morning of departure did I see I’d actually reserved a room at the totally different Ashford International Hotel. Apart from being a bit more expensive and a lot bigger, it delivered the sleep package I was looking for. It did have the advantage of being next door to a Sainsbury’s Superstore, which serves probably the cheapest petrol in Kent, right on Junction 9 of the M20 if you’re passing.
So come the Friday morning arriving at the tunnel terminal was a steady stream of TVAMers all kitted out with top boxes, panniers and strap-on luggage, eager and excited about the long weekend ahead. Those of us with weather apps though were more excited about the biblical weather forecast for northern France that awaited us. Embarking went smoothly and all 40 bikes managed to get to France on the train without incident.
The run from the tunnel to the hotel is not a short affair as it necessitates crossing France and Belgium before descending into Germany so, rather than have a peloton of 40 bikes in convoy, we split into three groups of around 12 – 15 bikes each. Now, despite the harmonisation of Europe, speed limits in each country are different. In France the motorways are 130kph unless raining when they reduce to 110kph. Over most of the country the speed limit on rural roads is just 80kph. In Belgium the motorways are 120kph regardless of conditions (like the UK) and rural roads are 90kph. In Germany though sense prevails and the motorway limit is 130kph with rural roads being 100kph. They also have very few speed cameras – unlike Luxembourg – but more of that later!
Sure enough the heavens delivered on their promise and within an hour of leaving the tunnel our waterproofs were being tested as only the manufacturers could have dreamed of. Through France the 110kph limit seemed sensible with the spray and so speeding up to 120kph in Belgium was probably not a wise move. Of course our group of 15 bikers soldiered bravely on and once in Germany the clouds were touching the hills either side of the road. Even a downhill motorway section with a slight bend seemed testing at 80kph (that’s 50mph for any Brexiteers).
Two of the three groups chose the the motorway all-the-way route, which though bum-numbing and boring got us to the hotel in time for an early bath and beer well before dinner. One brave group though went for the wiggly half-and-half route and arrived some time after the others, somewhat drowned and thankful no doubt for a hot shower and dinner.
As always Frau Maria, owner of the Landhaus Mullenborn hotel, did us proud on the meal front. Feeding 40+ bikers at one time takes some skill but we sat down to a hearty three course meal with main courses to suit all tastes and food persuasions. My argument that beef is really a vegetarian dish as they only eat grass won few votes but there was still plenty to go round for everyone. Dessert was a selection of cheese cake on sponge (a change from a biscuit base) and other colourful choices. And so it was every evening including the excellent BBQ cooked on the terrace on Sunday evening.
Saturday dawned bright and beautiful and with wet weather gear stowed a number of runs set off to explore the area. Immediately noticeable were the wonderful road surfaces, all black, smooth, and curvy. The Germans still invest heavily in their road network, as a few found out by the number of road closures we came across as they re-laid thick tarmac over large sections. Why try the infamous Nurburgring when for free you can ride roads like this?
Sunday was a repeat of Saturday only most people trying a different route from the day before. With 6 different choices it was a hard decision which to go on. My group decided to do the North Loop route which promised coffee and cakes as well as river views. Sure enough we arrived at the Luxembourg border in good shape to storm across the bridge and into the river-side cafe where a huge selection of cakes and pastries awaited. The diet was on hold (again). As this cafe also has a fuel station we were able to also replenish our bike’s thirst for fuel and then head-off back into Germany for more twisty roads. A stop at the ‘Ring’ was inevitable so at Adenau we stopped for afternoon refreshments and a bit of spectating. Unfortunately an incident had closed the track so apart from seeing two cars and motorcycle exiting on the back of flatbed trucks there was little action to see.
Monday was a day for going off-piste. A small number of us set off to reconnoitre a possible new route for next year. Taking a slightly different route down some really fast (ahem) twisty roads back to the Luxembourg border for morning coffee and cakes (again!). Then it was new stuff and with Garmin twisty routes selected we set off towards Belgium and to the town of Bastogne. Here they commemorate the WWII Battle of the Bulge which took place in the hills around the town. Sure enough there were a couple of 2nd World War jeeps there as their drivers did their own road trip and of course the Sherman tank which is parked proudly on the edge of the square to remind everyone, complete with battle scars.
Unfortunately our trip had taken us across to Luxembourg whose police had kindly placed a few speed cameras along our test route. And yes, some of our number tried them out, they do work and what’s more they are very efficient at getting the letters out!
Tuesday was the return trip to Blighty. An early breakfast was followed by the mass photo and then the three groups started to wind their way home. A group of four decided to go independently and take the half and half route to the tunnel but having been thwarted by yet more road closures and diversions reverted to the motorways and actually beat the first motorway group to the tunnel! Not sure how that happened – hopefully not more letters in the post!
Andy Slater
First published in Slipstream September 2019
Chasing the Sun, G310 Charity Fun for Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance
The Saddlesore 1000 mile in 24 hour Challenge is described as an entry level event by the Iron Butt Association, so I thought to myself, “What better for an entry level event than an entry level bike?”, and so was the G310 1000 mile Challenge conceived.
Sometimes how much fun you had during an event is best measured by how you feel in the days following; the tiredness and feeling low only being the swing back from the size of the adrenaline-fueled high.
How many bikes, in any manufacturer’s range, can run that high in the rev range for 24 hours? We averaged 48mph over the 1080 miles covered if we include stops. We took in 12 fuel stops and about 160 minutes off the bikes for fueling and breaks, giving 1190 minutes riding (that’s 19 hours and 50 minutes for those of you without a calculator). The G310 bikes ran perfectly, never missing a single-cylinder beat and never letting us down, utterly reliable.
The start was in Guildford, close to work, at first light. We set off just before 5am and chased the sunrise, until it started to shower as we drove through East Anglia. Getting some early motorway miles along the Miserable 25 (sorry M25) was important. We made great time to Great Yarmouth and knowing the roads certainly helped as we rolled in 25 minutes early, clearly making better time than the predicted progress from myrouteapp.
A sterling start and this helped set the mood – we can do this, we have a realistic shot. There was no going back and no negative thinking. Before we started I was very optimistic and our mindset was always, “The bikes are capable and we have to dig deep to match the bikes.” I also anticipated that an easy run at the start of the day was crucial.
From Great Yarmouth the roads became congested with bleary-eyed drivers but yet again this was no issue for the mighty G310s. Our steel horses allowed us to carve through the traffic, the lightweight bikes filtering better than an Italian barista who had consumed too many espressos that morning.
During this leg, which took us towards the A1 for the northern route, James and I had an opportunity to road test some of the bike features. For example, we discovered that during a 3rd Gear roll on test the GS smashed the R but the R was back on top when we changed the test to a 4th Gear roll on test. The GS has better fuel range than the R, but the R has more top end with slightly better brakes.
By the end of the trip I think I can comfortably say the GS was better for the long trip, given the extra leg room and height. The screen on the GS also helps. Each time I looked back on the motorways I could see James’ gangly figure tucked in like Frankie Detori, or was he spooning it?
The A1 and M62 past Ferrybridge and then A55 to Bangor went by in a blur of motorway miles with bluetooth headsets and Amazon music to the rescue. We shared on Instagram the jubilation (or was it relief) of reaching the next corners but the best was yet to come. We knew we could make it. Bangor was half way and now we were heading home.
The stories of the Red Dragon, so synonymous with Wales, lie in both myth and fact. I can say that the roads in Wales are like the Dragon both mythical and factual, a true treat. The only trouble with these slinky black ribbons that wind through the proclaimed God’s Country and the numerous villages, is that they slow the overall progress. That said, we enjoyed carving our way through the breathtaking Welsh scenery and we even took time out to stop for photos.
Let’s not forget that the Saddlesore is not a race but a challenge to be enjoyed at every opportunity. Taking motorways and major A roads is easier but not as enjoyable. Remember the highs and lows? This was a high.
At Haverfordwest we took a much-needed break, went live on Instagram and grabbed food. We were ahead of the worst case scenario but behind the earliest time of arrival, we were in good shape. Spirits were high but we also knew that we would be leaving behind the best of the riding.
Heading to Exeter was going to be a slog. A combination of motorway and major A roads with these amazing little yellow-coloured devices to help verify our average speed at every opportunity, how helpful? Night fell over Wales and we drew into what would be the most dangerous section. Because the G310s were doing 150-170 miles on a tank we stopped frequently and looking back on this it was a strategy that kept us fresh.
In general we felt driving standards to be very good across the UK, I only had one moment where a van decided to shift from the left lane on the roundabout to take the right exit, so cutting straight in front of me. My eyes were high and so it was all under control but, despite what is implied by roadcraft, I am only human and I did share universally acknowledged hand signals for indicating which direction the driver should have taken. Both duly acknowledged with apologetic hands from the driver that implied “sorry mate I didn’t see you’’. No harm, no foul, let’s crack on with the ride.
At Exeter we took stock. I grab out the inner jacket for my trusty StreetGuard Suit, which has never let me down. If there was one criticism of the bikes it has to be the headlights. If buying the G310GS, I would add the BMW Auxiliary Lights. I had to use what amounted to a tealight candle to cut a path along the A35 in the complete darkness. It is rather eerie with no roadside lighting. Fortunately, the risk of wildlife taking a kamikaze run kept the adrenaline flowing. I had to draw on every ounce of experience to keep systematic.
Ah the true challenge begins, no longer about the 33hp performance but now about the head handling fatigue and picking the right riding lines at night. On the A35 coming to Dorchester we caught up to a car that was making good and safe progress. I took the decision to follow. The car’s main beam bringing an early dawn to the night sky, I could see again. James, my constant shadow, summarised this route beautifully. A challenge mentally and a test of the bike as I had to fight for quick corrections, which the bike gave me every time I asked, although I would probably have shod the G310GS with different rubber, as the feel is not great at the edge of the tyre.
A splash and dash at Ringwood gave an opportunity to observe interesting local life venturing out in the wee hours. Judging the condition and stagger of this specimen I dare say that staying at home would have been a better shout. These are some of the risks with night riding, yet fewer patrols and more yellow devices on poles in the sky are suggested to be the correct strategy.
From Ringwood it was fairly simple riding to Brighton. The roads were lit up like the daytime and a kaleidoscope of cats-eyes gave me a runway strip to aim for. Still eyes wide open. A brief detour around the outside of Brighton following diversion signs put a small dent in our time, but we knew we had this in the bag, we knew the bikes were solid. It would only be our own misjudgment that would let the side down. We’re going to make it!
I enjoy working for BMW; it is a brilliant Brand to work with. Likewise I don’t think many people would say, at around two in the morning, that they would be looking forward to heading to work, however, we were two such people. James had reached the point of, ‘let’s get this over with’ and wanted to rush the Brighton fuel stop. I did slow things down deliberately to ensure we left with the right mindset. We had a long 50mph Average Speed Camera stint to do and we needed to keep focused. These were the banker miles. Brighton was 1000 and everything else was dotting i’s and crossing the t’s.
We rolled into Guildford before 3:30am. An almost anticlimactic feeling crept over us. A combination of relief, excitement, tiredness and the realisation we had to ride home. Where’s my bed? After photos, we both said to each other “stay safe”, knowing that most accidents happen close to home. This final part is a word of caution. On my way home I knocked back the speed, even in nationals to around 45mph. Exiting a village towards the wood, I came round a corner to see a deer exit the woods. I was in the correct road position so handled the situation by slowing and pulling across the road. The deer and I play another day.
Lightning can strike twice, about two miles up the road another deer bolted from the woods and again I duly manoeuvred around. Bambi and I head off to tell this tale. Don’t drop your guard after the perceived Iron Butt finishing line, the finish is at home in bed.
My thanks to the following groups for promotion and members donations: my IAM group TVAM, Thames Valley ROSPA and Southern BMW Owners Group. A special thanks to my wife and family for their support. My wife’s remark was a word of thanks to BMW, the G310 did not wake her up upon my return. If you do wish to contact me about BMW or the trip then please email me simon_forder@hotmail.com. Finally, thank you to everyone who donated to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vinesbikesfundraising or in the pots. We think combined we have just about reached our target, post-event donations still very welcome!
Simon Forder
First published in Slipstream September 2019
The weekend of the 9-11th August saw 30 riders and 1 pillion head to Ross-on-Wye for a superb weekend, staying at the Penyard House Hotel. The weekend promised good roads in good company with observed rides to those that wanted them. The weather, by contrast, was not quite so accommodating.
As we gathered at Morrison’s Café in Reading early on the Friday morning, the rain promptly started. However, by the time we had finished breakfast and received our briefing, the weather had improved slightly and the sun even tried to come out. We headed off in 2 groups to wind our way through some lovely countryside on some great backroads – both groups arriving at the hotel within 10 minutes of each other having covered approximately 150 miles – great timing!
The Penyard House Hotel is a lovely place to stay. Set in some beautiful grounds just outside Ross-on-Wye on the A40. The staff made us feel very welcome; the food was tasty and the rooms were clean and comfy – what more could you ask for?
The main topic of conversation during breakfast on Saturday morning was the atrocious weather forecast. Torrential rain and gusts of up to 60mph in exposed areas. Not ideal biking weather! That said, the decision was soon made for the entire group to go on Kelly’s run which was heading north. It appeared that this would avoid the worst of the weather that was tracking in from the west – sorry Gary (next time). The run was excellent, almost 200 miles, mainly B-roads in the morning and then some nice, fast-flowing A-roads in the afternoon.
Saturday’s pre-dinner drinks were enjoyed outside in the sunshine – what a variety of weather we had endured that day. During dinner each table were handed a quiz paper with a selection of Highway Code and Roadcraft questions, along with some general motorcycle trivia. James did an excellent job as quiz master. Hopefully we all learnt something – if nothing else, that it was probably high time we re-read the Highway Code.
On Sunday we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before splitting into 2 groups and heading for home. The weather was much more favourable and some of us even got home in the dry, whilst those of us that took the more scenic route were not quite so lucky.
Whilst the weather was far from ideal it didn’t stop the fun. Keep an eye out in Slipstream for details of next year’s 3Rs trips.
Tom Grey
First published in Slipstream September 2019
Some comments from those who took part:
Can’t improve on a great weekend, just want more please.
I really enjoyed the 3Rs. What made it stand out for me was the company and a chance to meet some new TVAM people. The organisation was flexible and seamless with everyone working together.
It was my first 3Rs but hopefully not my last. I liked the size of the group as you got to speak with everyone.
Fantastic weekend, very good value. The 3Rs is by far my best TVAM trip to-date. Particularly impressed by the organisation, quality and value of the hotel and the smaller and friendly group of fellow TVAM riders. Please put me down for the next one.
Keep it small. The event has a great feel to it.
More people with pink hair! Really great weekend.
All in all a really enjoyable weekend with plenty of rocking, rolling and riding present – and quite a bit of the wet and windy thrown in for good measure.
Roll on 2020 with more 3Rs trips to enjoy.
Well done to the organising team!
Hi everyone
One of the key activities of the club is the training we carry out to enable our Associates to put into practice a range of advanced riding skills and become ‘thinking riders’; truly Advanced Riders in every sense of that phrase. And to carry out that task we need Observers. TVAM has developed a comprehensive and structured programme to enable Advanced Riders to become the best Observers within IAM RoadSmart. With support from a mentor and the Training Team, the training programme builds observing and coaching skills to enable those with the commitment and drive to become TVAM Observers.
We keep our Observers up to date with specific sessions on riding skills, knowledge and coaching skills, through activities such as the Aardvark riding programme with Rapid Training, the Observer Day and the Observer Weekend.
If you’ve passed your Advanced Test and you’re interested in becoming an Observer then please come along to one of the talks with a member of the Training team at 8.45am in the library at St Crispin’s, or drop an email to observerinterest@tvam.org.
We are always looking for ways to make our training more effective and you will recall that I mentioned some potential weekend sessions for Associates in a previous ‘from the saddle’ article. These sessions will be slightly more ‘intensive’ than normal and are likely to comprise observed runs in the morning and afternoon of both days of a weekend. I’m pleased to be able to tell you that the first trial of these weekend sessions is planned for the 12th and 13th October. We are working on a suitable venue and we will be discussing with the Observers how we will resource the sessions. I hope to have some more information on this very soon.
I’d like to remind run leaders to submit social run report forms for all TVAM (and local team) runs. The social run reports provide an important measure of engagement for TVAM, as well as an indication of the activity levels of run leaders and back markers.
Look forward to catching up with you all on a social run or trip somewhere soon.
Chris Brownlee
Chief Observer