On2 - CADAM 20.pdf · 5 Many thanks to our all our devoted Observers. Unfortunately due to recent weather conditions we can report no recent …

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On2WheelsOn2WheelsChelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists Newsletter ISSUE 19 NOV – DEC 2010www.cadam.orgRegistered Charity No. 1111635

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www.cadam.org 32 Chelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists Newsletter www.cadam.org 3

Chairman’s chatterAs the New Year approaches and the snow is disappearing (for good I hope)it’s time to look forward to another great year for biking.

There is so much planned for the coming year with some greatgroup night speakers, 3 weekends away, the chance to go toCatalunya for the Moto GP and a chance to try out motocross.As always all of these events are well documented on the

website and in O2W. For those old fossils like me who prefer a traditional calendar we have on sale an A4 version with allthe CADAM dates pre entered and pictures from our archivesit’s a great buy at only £10 and I could do with shifting some.So please support the group and pick one up at group night or e mail me and I’ll post one out.On the training front, our observers continue to work hard

although the weather has slowed our progress. All associateshave been allocated an observer, which is great, however we dohave a few long term trainees which we need to get completed.There will be a big push to get you through the test and helpfree up observers for new associates. If you may be one ofthese please make every effort to make yourself available and complete your training. Our AGM will be coming up in March and we will need to

fill some vacant posts on the committee. If you feel you wouldlike to give something back to the group then please talk tomyself, Jonathan or Travis for more details.We have tried to e mail all members with details of our

main events but I continue to find members that have notreceived them. For example we recently sent out a mail aboutthe St Omer weekend with a booking form attached. If you havenot received this please check your junk folder as group e-mailscan often go straight there.If you still can’t find them then please let us know your up

to date e mail address so we can ensure you are kept up to date.My personal touring exploits will be limited to Europe next

year, mostly the CADAM trips, as we are saving to go to Alaskain 2012. Those of you that have never toured really should giveit a go.Anyway, enough of my waffle, enjoy this edition of O2W.

19/20 March An introduction to touringabroad St Omer or Ypres

27–30 May bank holidayEifell mountains and Nurburg WeekendAn extension to this may bethe Moto GP Mugello thefollowing weekend –dates to be confirmed

CONTACT

2 Chelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists Newsletter

OUR AIMSChelmsford and District Advanced Motorcyclists(CADAM) is one of many groups across the countrywhose aim is to improve motorcycling road safety byhelping people prepare for, and pass, the Institute ofAdvanced Motorists (IAM) Advanced Motorcycling Test.Our group is affiliated to, but not subservient to,

the IAM. However, because we share the same aims, we often seem to speak with one voice.CADAM is run by volunteers and serves the districts

of Essex in and around Chelmsford. As well as helpingpeople to pass the Advanced Test, we run the group asa club, so that once you have passed, you will still want tostay on and take part in our other activities. We provide:

Structured instruction to prepare for the IAMAdvanced Motorcycling Test. You can choose a coursethat runs on Saturdays or one that runs on Sundays.These courses are designed to take even relativelyinexperienced riders and raise their riding to IAM test standards.

Ad-hoc instruction for those who cannot attendtraining at weekends or for those who wish to haveadditional, top-up training prior to their tests.Machine control days to increase your machinehandling skills. These sessions are held off the publicroad, so we can explore your capabilities and those ofyour machine in safety.Social runs over challenging routes (no motor-ways,thanks!) to interesting places.Weekends away to ride some new roads, normallyout of Essex.Monthly group meetings, often with a talk from aspeaker on an interesting topic to do with motorcycling.On 2 Wheels This newsletter, keeping you up to datewith what’s happening.Want to know more? Call our general enquiriesnumber 07790 656 687 – or just turn up at a meetingand introduce yourself to a committee member! Future events listings and directions can be found onthe inside back cover.

ChairmanJohn [email protected]

Vice ChairmanJonathan [email protected]

TreasurerStephen [email protected]

Group SecretaryTravis [email protected]

Membership SecretaryDean [email protected]

Chief ObserverGary [email protected]

Recruitment promotion officerRichard [email protected]

Committee memberDoug Prasser

Training Co-ordinatorColin [email protected]

EditorSteve [email protected]

WebmasterDave [email protected]

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When on a club run, be it an evening or a weekend event, speed limits must be observed. We have noexemption and advanced riding does not need to involve higher speeds. When approaching hazardsappropriate care must be taken. On clubs runs you are running as CADAM and under the IAM banner. Do not bring this into disrepute. Also the Marker system will be used. Anyone not familiar with this system please speak to one of the run organisers who will run through this for you. Thanks and Safe RidingJohn Warren, Chairman, CADAM

The CADAM Committee Non-Committee members

CONTACTSteve Allen – [email protected] advertise your business in On 2 Wheels.Guaranteed to reach the right audience.Format requirements: Hi res PDFs, Tifs and JPGs

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www.cadam.org 5www.cadam.org 5

Many thanks to our all our devoted Observers.Unfortunately due to recent weather conditions we can report no recent successful IAM Advanced Test passes.But we can announce with great pleasure and hearty congratulations Travis Martinson andMark Selwyn pictured, arenewly qualified observers.

And please give a warm welcometo our new Associate members: Nick Free and John Penfold

What was your first bike?Suzuki GP 125 in 1983. Then on the day I passed test a Suzuki Katana 1100Favourite bike?My GSX-R1000Favourite biking road? From Bologna to MugelloBest ever biking moment?Riding through the AlpsFavourite food? ItalianFavourite drink?Macallan Single MaltBiking hero? RossiBest holiday destination?CreteOther interests?Photography and cookingFavourite film? Pulp FictionLeathers or Goretex? Either –depending on ride and weather

Y-fronts, boxers or commando(ladies optional to answer)?MYOBFavourite celebrity?Muhammad AliScariest biking moment? Flat out...Worst bike ever owned? That GP 125 (see below)

Best ever days training.?With Ian MaxwellHighlight of your bikingcareer? Passing IAMBiking must do before youexpire? Track DayFavourite biking accessoryIntercom on my FJR1300

GettingtoknowyouThings you didn’t know about a member?

Clive Austen

Passes

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Coast toCalifornia

Having spent our last twelve years of summer vacations on bikes,including a three week trip around the Baltic Sea and anotheraround Eastern Europe, last year my long suffering wife decidedthat luxury touring was the only way to continue our bike holidaysJohn Warren

fter much internet surfing we settled on a tour of the Rockies in Canada with

Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Holidays. Needless to say it was the holiday of a lifetime.

During the last Christmas break we set aboutplanning this year’s trip. After much discussion,some of it a little heated, we decided to go on adifferent tour with the same company.

The pipe & slippers RT

A The booking process is very simple andincludes your first and second choice of bike.The fleet includes BMW’s R1200GS, R1200RT and K1200S, Triumph Sprint ST’s and Tigers, a Suzuki V Strom and several others. My firstchoice of one of two GS’s was already booked so the second choice of R1200RT was the one for us. Oh dear! Was I really ready for the pipe

www.cadam.org 98 Chelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists Newsletter

Things get tricky as this twistyrocky mountain pass is litteredwith skinhead sheep withsuicidal smiles

www.cadam.org 9

After another enormous meal (well, this is as much an eating tour as it is biking) and a pleasant stay at the Spirit Ridge resort, our326km ride would take us across the USAborder and on to Soap Lake. The bordercrossing was nothing new, the usual long wait,endless paperwork and questions such as “areyou carrying Cuban cigars?”

On we pressed along a quiet and twistyroad; the pace was now very respectable,around the 70mph top speed mark. On theapproach to the next T-junction I was aware ofa police truck with bells and whistles going sopulled over to one side to let him pass. He dulypulled the entire group into a parking lot withthe aid of his loud speaker. There followedsomething akin to Miami vice, with seatsremoved, all papers were seized and the officerretired to his vehicle to check the papers andconsider his verdict. The group sheepishlyconcluded that we had been pulled forspeeding in a 50mph zone and that the finecould be severe. After some time the officerreturned and informed us that we were allguilty of 70mph in a 50mph and that the on thespot fine would be $200 each and $800 for thelead guide for negligence. Oh Bum!!!

The officer then asked “who is the retiredcop?” Canadian Bob owned up, expecting moredressing down. “You all owe this guy a drinktonight” the cop smirked “because this guy’s acop you will all get off with a warning”. A verysedate ride ensued although the pace graduallyreverted to normal. We arrived in Soap Lake, aone horse town and were led to the Soap LakeInn. Whilst very comfortable, if a little odd, theplace was summed up by a plaque above thestairs which said “on this site 10th July 1954nothing happened!”

The landscape of Mount St Helen’s

The next days ride was scenic anduneventful and our now more confident groupwere given the opportunity to overtake the tourleader on a 20 mile stretch of perfect roadleading to lunch at the Bluebird Inn.

I stayed at the back of group to take in someinformation on the other’s riding styles andevaluate. Bob generally slow, with a nervouspillion and worryingly unsafe if trying to keepup. Juerg, safe, steady and always in control,Michael competent, but competitive. FastFreddie extremely competent and fasteverywhere, including all the wrong places! I consulted the ‘rear pillion speed control’ togain permission to join the fun only to be toldthat Freddie had already set off from the frontof the group and to ‘extract my digit.’ The200km/h speed was reached surprisingly easilyand Freddie was duly reeled in and a quickmirror check revealed Michael was also in closeattendance. A superb spirited ride led to thelunch stop and a 10 minute wait for the others

allowed time for much bilingual banter. Infairness to the Swiss and Germans they alwaysspoke in English when in the group.

The final hour’s ride into Hood River wasvery wet and the ride across the quarter milemetal bridge was bum clenching but all arrivedsafe and sound.

Day 5 dawned very wet and chilly, today wasan off day with the optional ride to Mount StHelen’s Volcano a round trip of 150km. This wasalways to be a highlight for Liz and I, so wedonned the Rocky Mountain wet suits and set off.


and slippers and two weeks on a bike thatappeared to be as dull as ditchwater. My firstincorrect assumption!

With flights booked and everything paid upwe were told that our group would consist oftwo Swiss couples, two German guys (on onebike) and a Canadian couple. My assumptionsran wild, Swiss couples (Lederhosen wearing,dull people) German guys on one bike (mostprobably gay) and a Canadian couple (well,they’ll be fine).

After an uneventful nine hour flight and ashort taxi ride with our two internet purchasedtravel bags, large enough to smuggle illegal’s,we arrived at the Delta Burnaby Hotel inVancouver. A pleasant day catching up on sleepand a wander around downtown, the tourwould start in the evening with a welcomemeal and meeting. A renewed acquaintancewith Brandon (company owner), Richard (thisyears tour guide), the Swiss: Monica, Freddie,Beatrice and Juerg (George), the Germans:Michael and his son, Tobias, and the CanadiansBob and Margo, a couple well into retirement,my preconceptions were blown well out of thewater. The Swiss and Germans had my samelove for red wine and the Canadians were alittle more reserved on the drinking and latenight front.

The pre-trip briefing is very comprehensiveand includes a preview of the trip, somenecessary paperwork, a guide to group ridingand a warning that showing off (wheelies andthe like) and daytime alcohol consumption arestrictly forbidden.

The meals, as always, were superb and aswith all evening meals (except rest days) includedin the tour price. There is never a set menu and youcan choose from superb menus for the whole trip.

The first days riding began early for me as I had to install the Autocom and music to the RT helped by Richard our tour guide.Swinging a leg over the bike I was pleasantly

surprised that the seat height allowed for feetfirmly planted to the floor, a well-balanced bike,but just a tad on the heavy side. After a fullbriefing of the days ride we set off for ourdestination of Osoyoos – Canada’s desert andwine making area.

Led by Richard and followed by Brandon in the pick up, complete with spare bike andthe trailer with all luggage, spares, drinks and snacks, we set off in convoy. A short threemile ride up the beautifully twisty road wepulled into a lay-by for the scenic view ofOsoyoos and a check that all were happy with their machines.

An unfortunate stop, drop and roll forFreddie and Monica was not a great start! Theremainder of the day was uneventful andcontrolled by Richard at a sedate pace to allowall to become used to their bikes. From lastyear’s experience I knew that the pace wouldpick up the next day so thoroughly enjoyed the400km of relaxation.

The metal grade bridge to Hood River

We set off for our destinationof Osoyoos – Canada’s desertand wine making area

I consulted the ‘rear pillionspeed control’ to gainpermission to join the fun


We search for Bealach nam Bo –the only ‘proper’ mountain passin the UK


Dry River Falls

way off was a most memorable sight. A shortride along the coastal road and we arrived inFerndale a quaint little town with New Englandstyle buildings. After another gourmet meal weall, with the exception of the retireds, venturedacross the street to a bar for some more (waytoo much!) alcohol and a game of shuffle board.The best way to describe shuffle board isprobably table top curling. It is played by twoteams of two on a Beech table approximately 2 feet wide and 20 feet long covered in sea salt.The aim is to get your stones (2” diametermetal counters) nearest to the far end of thetable without landing in the ditch at the farend. A couple of hours of drink fuelled fun andwe stumbled into bed, slept like a log.

Day 10 and the weather was more settled,warm and dry as expected. A stunning ridethrough the “Avenue of the Giants”, enormousRedwood trees and the compulsory stops at the “tallest tree” and “the drive through tree”we arrived in Mendocino another quaint town

which is probably best known as Cabot Cove in ‘Murder She Wrote.’

Onto day 11 and the best days riding ever.After 90 km of the ever winding coast road weturned off at Stewart’s Point. The first sectionwas almost like a goat’s path: tight, twisty, upand down and corners strewn with gravel. The RT was no match for the GS’s through thissection but it then opened up to 50km of themost perfectly surfaced, scenic stretch of hills,sweeping bends and hairpins. I had the besttime ever, although Liz was a little quiet!Another scenic lake view for the lunch stop.The weather by now was seriously hot, so ahalf hour sit in the shade of the trees while our tour guides prepared a picnic lunch of epic proportions.

A testing afternoons ride in searing heatwith some impromptu detours to avoid trafficand we arrived in Petaluma at the SheratonHotel, yet another superb place. More food,more drink and after not so good nights sleep,due to noisy air con, day twelve dawned. This was another day off with optional ride.The weather was roasting and fatigue had setin, so a day off it was. Changed rooms, massage,swim and siesta. Boy we needed that! Day off

Conditions were appalling and the tight andtwisty mountain road liberally coated with adiesel slick, which, if nothing else was consistent.The area around Mount St Helen’s was a fascinat -ing landscape of total devastation. If my memoryserves me correctly it last erupted in 1984.

It was a mix of forests of tree stumps withlush green low level re growth and totally logjammed lakes. The appalling weather did not let up all day but it was a trip not to be missed. My long suffering wife was the only lady to jointhe day’s excursion – mental note, hang on tothis one!

Day 6 dawned bright and chilly and gotwarmer as the day progressed. Another 318kmof beautiful scenery and wonderful roads. Lunch stop for the day ‘Shaniko’ a small town in the Wild West. Once a thriving communityand dubbed the wool capital of the world, therailroad and a subsequent fire led to its decline.It is now very much a shrine to the Wild Westwith adhoc gunfights and interesting buildings.

A blast across the flat grasslands and a scenicstop at ‘Dry River Falls’ a miniature Grand Canyon,we arrived at The Sun River Resort, our accom -modation was a very nice log cabin and theresort had much to offer for the next day off.

The day off dawned with more rain so we allhad a relaxing day around the resort, shoppingand deep tissue massage the main events!

Our guides spent their day cleaning andservicing all the bikes. Another great evening of fun, food and alcohol and a good night’ssleep and the group was revitalised for Day 8.

Another highlight to our trip would be theride to, and around, Crater Lake. One of the tenmost scenic spots in the USA. An enormousdormant volcano crater now filled with azure

blue waters, it was simply stunning. Our tourguides continued their superb work with fullbriefings on each section of the trip includingall the hazards to watch out for and placessuitable for picking up the pace. At every stopwe were offered snacks, drinks and our visorswere cleaned and the bikes were parked neatlyfor our return. I thought the visor cleaningwould irritate but was always carried outdiscreetly and with great care.

Our stay tonight would be Ashland. Ourapproach to the hotel was a steep downhillincline and a barrier to a car park which was onthe same incline. Having witnessed some of theunsteady slow riding previously alarm bellsstarted ringing in my head. Sure enough Bob’sleg was shorter than he thought and promptlydispatched himself and Margo from the Tiger.There is something a little worrying aboutseeing a couple nearing their seventiesbouncing on the pavement. This was shortlyfollowed by Michael and Tobias performing theself same feat in the car park. I am glad to sayall were OK if a little embarrassed and bruised.

A trip out to dinner tonight and the taste ofThai food followed by an Irish bar, a game of dartsand then it got silly. The drinking games started,the choice of beverage “the Irish car bomb”(very unPC). This was an interesting mix of halfa pint of Guiness with a shot of whiskey in it.Into this one had to drop a shot glass of Bailey’sand neck the lot before it curdled. Thankfully Lizhelped out and necked the rest of mine.

Day 9 and our 382kms today would see usleave the inland section of our tour and headfor Liz’s favourite, the Pacific coast. Another day’sfine riding and a 50km stretch of one of myfavourite roads of the trip later, we arrived atthe Ocean and a welcome stop for pictures. On Liz’s wish list for the trip was to see a whaleand, as if by magic, one appeared blowingwater high out of the ocean and while a little

Crater Lake – an enormous dormantvolcano crater now filled with azureblue waters, simply stunning

as if by magic, a whaleappeared blowing water highout of the ocean

The drinking games started,the choice of beverage “the Irish car bomb”

www.cadam.org 13www.cadam.org 13

meals are not included so most of the group set off for one of Brandon’s favourites, Sushi.First time for us and a bit of an eye opener,personally I wouldn’t choose it for a night outbut if going with a group there’s something for everyone.

Day 13 and the final day’s riding into SanFrancisco. A short day of 125km and a veryrelaxed ride approaching San Fran from theNorth our route would cross the Golden GateBridge. A short trip to the viewing point to seethis famous landmark at its best. Why is theGolden gate bridge red? Rumour has it thatwhen it was built it was painted with red oxideprimer. The cities Mayor congratulated theengineers on their choice of colour, so that’show it’s stayed. Lots of photos later, Beatriceproduced four flowers from her luggage and inher best Swiss laced English remarked “whenyou go to San Francisco be sure to where someflowers in your hair”. So flowers attached tohelmets and a frantic ride through traffic wearrived at the Radisson Fisherman’s WharfHotel. Not as plush as I would have thought,but with the best location, the tourist’s favourite.

This was it, tour nearly over, just the finalmeal to look forward to and it didn’t disappoint.Brandon had pulled some strings to get us intoa restaurant with a waiting list as long as yourarm. The food, wine and company were brilliant.With the obligatory exchange of contact details,the gift of tour T shirts, mouse mats etc it was

back to the hotel, via a bar of course, foranother nights sleep. The German guys and theCanadian couple left early next morning so forLiz and I it was a day’s sight seeing of Alcatraz,trolley ride, seals and the Bubba Gump Shrimpfactory. A great last evening meal with the twoSwiss couples and a lot of talk of what wouldbe our next trip.

Next day, some fond farewells and off to theairport for the long flight home.

In summary this was another trip of alifetime. Rocky Mountain is an exceptional tourcompany and as always my fears of people I maynot like didn’t materialise due to the fact thatas motorcyclists we all have a common bond.

A total trip of in excess of 3,000km’s, greatroads, great company, great food andaccommodation. Just perfect. Will we go again,you bet! We are looking forward to theAnchorage, Alaska to Vancouver trip for 2012.

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www.cadam.org 1514 Chelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists Newsletter

found a place for all my kit, I have to get upwhen the food arrives because I’ve forgotten topick up the knife and fork. John, however wasfinding his own little way to describe the odourof the restrooms.

I was unimpressed by the roads in Kent. I trail ride quite a lot around this area and it’sfantastic, however, the great twisty roads thatcould safely carry a national speed limit had all been changed to 40mph. Not a good start!

Out of Kent and onto a town that soundednice but turned out to be traffic hell. RoyalTunbridge Wells gave us all the opportunity toshow other road users how to filter safely and alsoto test the marker system which was workingremarkably well thanks to Doug’s tail ending andmy wife enthusiastic pointing from the back.

Then, all the dead ends, 40mph restrictions

just over the other side on the river in Kent. The Oakdean is very basic but the food wasgood. I always know when I’m in roadside cafe. I have to ask not to have milk in my coffee, thecoffee is served before the food, I can barely fitin the pre-moulded seat/table and once I have

lifted as we went through a series of beautifulvillages and roads along the A264 and A284,even the sun came out to play and warmed usup nicely. We followed the A275 down and thenhit the B112 into a really sunny Brighton for ournext café stop.

I managed to lose the group at this point dueto everyone missing John Lloyd on his massiveBMW pointing the way, thank god Doug Prasserhad the rest of the group and had his mobilephone wired into his helmet. I told him togather them up and meet us at the Madeira

café, I said it so calmly it was as if I knew whereit was! I didn’t and promptly navigated to thewrong café. We all met up eventually when Iworked out the the Madeira café was situatedunderneath the road that I was travelling onand that the GPS kept turning me around.

We arrived at the café to a volley of cheers

The fantastic B&B – The Hatchet Inn in Lower Chute

It was billed as a ride to the New Forest andback with an overnight stay. I have a bit of ahistory with the New Forest. When I was youngstudent living in Swansea, I was invited to acamping weekend in the new forest. I askedsomeone where it was “somewhere near Kent,”replied my friend. So I offered to pick someoneup from Chelmsford as it would only be a smalldetour. When I got to Chelmsford, I was giventhe address. Finding out that I’d have to drivetwo hours in the direction that I’d just camefrom filled me with glee. Needless to say, wewere very late arriving and my poor Peugeot104 gave up and died on the way home.

This ‘history’ came back to haunt me on thistrip. After sending out emails and forum posts,I’d managed to persuade a few people to join me.I’d even managed to persuade my wife to tag along.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a B&B any wherenear the ‘New Forest’. Luckily, Mike Mortimercame to the rescue and found a fantastic B&Bin the name of The Hatchet Inn in Lower Chute.He told me that there were none near to theNew Forest due to a marathon being run on theweekend and the forest roads would be closed.

So, the so called ‘New Forest’ run was now the “anywhere but the new forest” run. I managed toget my ride leaders pack from John Warren andDoug Prasser and I squeezed into our respectiveHi-Vis colours. This was also my first time leadinga ride outside of Essex so I was really nervous. I didn’t have a clue where we were going somanaged to convert my trusty old tomtom fromthe car into bike spec for about £20. Bargain.

The route would take us to our first stop, The Oakdean Café recommended by Mike,

Ataleofsuccess fromacatalogueof failures

John Warren had asked for a ride leader to lead the New Forest ride out. I’d just joined the committee and just done the ride leader course. “I’ll do it” I blurted, without really thinking. I’d volunteered for somethingthat would prove to be a steep learning curveTravis Martinson

Not the New Forest!

the so called ‘New Forest’ run was now the “anywherebut the new forest” run


and jeers and the banter started. I was soonlaughing so hard that I managed to spit mycoffee out and needed a comfort break at thesame time. Unfortunately, I cannot describewhat we were talking about as it may manageto offend. Needless to say, all that were theregelled extremely well and this set us up forwhat was to come...

From Brighton, we took the A283 and theA272 past Loomies café where we didn’t stopbut noted for future reference. The cold wasstarting to get to us and I decided that we’dexplore these roads on the way out tomorrowand headed onto the Andover bypass to get toour destination quicker.

Our destination was the picturesque villageof Lower Chute and the B&B was the local pubcalled The Hatchet Inn. It was beyond myexpectations, it had a carpark round the backwhich was secure, the setting was remote –no mobile or 3G signals. The rooms were inbuildings surrounding the pub, they were basicbut clean and adequate. The pub was typicalold English with beams an excellent selection ofbeers. I stuck to the one that Mike was drinkingand loved it.

Spot the Harley in the background!

No, I'll buy the teas! Yer right!

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testing our filtering skills timing the changing ofthe lights due to not wanting to stop at redlights because of the dodgy areas. We managedto find Buckingham Palace and parked up for aphoto shoot right in front of the palace. Wewere asked to move on due to the threat alertbeing raised recently, so moved over the roadfor another photo opportunity.

John Lloyd got all panicky about some policewith guns coming over to us but I’m sure thatthey were just bike fans coming over for a chat.

We then enjoyed the sights; The Houses ofParliament, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s and along the embankment. Everyonekeeping together and safe, we fuelled up alongthe highway and said our goodbyes to some.The ride finished back where we had startedonly this time the rain the had been promised tous for the last two days, arrived with a vengance.

I will lead this ride again but it will not bebilled as a ‘New Forest’ ride. We will definitelystay at The Hatchet again but I’ll take anortherly route, as the roads were so muchbetter. I’ll leave out London and explore thesurrounding area around the B&B more.

I’ll also get an early night and stay off theArmagnac so that I can enjoy the riding moreon the next day.

This is a first for me as I’m not a beer drinker.When the subject of food was brought up we

didn’t need to move. The pub was also the localrestaurant and the food was fantastic and wellpriced. This really was turning into the idealplace to stay. To top it all, I asked for an afterdinner digestive and asked what Cognac theyhad, they mentioned that they had someArmagnac left in the bottom of a bottle. Thatwas music to my taste buds and I managed torelieve them of it whilst trying to remember thelandlords jokes.

Breakfast was a struggle due to my previousnight’s consumption but it was really tasty andplentiful. It filled us up for what was promisingto be a very good days riding from here to theAce Café and then through central London.

The roads were fantastic and we travelled upthe A343 to Newbury and then along thesublime B4009. The weather was holding off butthere were some cheeky gusts of wind to playwith. We rode beautiful roads until we got toHenley-on-Thames and then the trafficthickened in anticipation for Central London.

We spent a tired break at the Ace Café butnone of us fancied food after the huge breakfast.Then came the real challenge; Central London...

The first part was dispatched easy enough,

Police HQSports Pavilion

Club NightsThe Sports PavilionChelmsford Police HQ, St. Margaret’s Road. 7.30pm for 8pm start unless stated otherwise.Please refer to CADAM events panel for dates.Apologies, but we will need to collect £1.00subs from each member present on clubnights to cover the cost of hiring the hall.Guest speakers and the occasional raffle arebeing planned for some of the eveningmeetings. For more details or suggestions for future events, including speakers, pleasecontact any of the committee. Thank you and we look forward seeing you soon.

Visit the Forum and Events Calendar on www.cadam.org for more details on all of the events listed. Check regularly as events are regularly added or amended.We look forward to seeing you on a ride out soon

CADAM events 2010

January 2011Sun 16th Gary Crane rideout meet

Boreham McDonald’s 9a.mSun 30th Alan Plant Social ride

Boreham McDonald’s 9a.m

FebruaryTues 8th Group night

Rocky Mountain ToursSun 13th Gary Crane Ride-out

Boreham McDonald’s 9a.mSat 19th “We will rock you”Mon 21st Committee meeting 7.30p.mSun 27th Ride-out

Boreham McDonald’s 9.30a.m

MarchTues 8th Group night/AGM 7.30p.mSun 13th Gary Crane Ride-out

Boreham McDonald’s 9a.mSat 19/20th Continental taster week-end

St Omer FranceSun 27th Mavis’s Social ride-out

Boreham McDonald’s 9a.mMon 28th Committee meeting 7.30p.m

HOW TO FIND US

Documents

On2 - CADAM 20.pdf · 5 Many thanks to our all our devoted Observers. Unfortunately due to recent weather conditions we can report no recent …