Issue 4, July 2000

A Message from the President.... I am really sorry I can't be there this summer to go on all these rides. I miss the Blue Knight camaraderie and I hope that everyone is taking advantage of the many rides and new friends. If there were a way to get my bike to Saudi it would be here and I would be riding, a lot. Although 125 degrees is a bit warm to be riding in, especially in leather!

 I look forward to my return in October and the BIG party and rally we will have (Editors comment, watch out for details of the Autumn BBQ and Poker Run). See you all then.

Corey

The Vice President.... I would love to see more girlies join our merry band, and thus it was great to hear that Richard's wife, Gaynor, has just recently passed her test - CONGRATULATIONS - I am sure the whole Chapter will wish her good luck in her riding. It was also great to see her out on her new bike, on the weekend the club went up to Lincoln (sadly, due to other commitments, I could only get to
Brampton Hut, to meet up with all, and that was in the car!!!). Getting back to my original point, it's great to see another girlie rider, and I look forward to further ride outs, where at least I won't be the only leather clad female in our group.

Why? Well riding from a girlies perspective, is great fun, and there is nothing that breaks the ice between non-riders and riders than a girlie on a bike, its a positive thing and just goes to show that we're not (all) beer swilling bad mannered retribates! But being a girlie, there is one thing I am not, and that's a mechanic. Only wish I was, then perhaps I wouldn't have to keep depending on "Good Old Mick" at Parkside, for so much work!

I haven't done much riding yet this year, apart from on everyone elses bikes; either being a pillion, or borrowing other people's bikes (with their permission of course). Even then, I seem to be jinxed and still seem to break those, or things go wrong whilst I am pillion (Editor's comment - "Thank's for the warning Dawnie!). Needless to say my bike is yet again under the spanner and being fixed, I suppose that comes from having a bike that is an old 1976 Kawasaki classic , and she needs plenty of TLC.... (like most of us women, hint, hint) !!!! I think with all the bits that she has had new over the last three years since I bought her, she should be looking pretty good now, ask Dave, he used to own her before me! (Editors comment - "Dawnie are you suggesting that Dave was responsible and sold you a dog?!!!"). This year she's had a new exhaust, and now about to under go surgery on her chain and sprocket..... sounds a bit painful to say the least. Good job really that the weather hasn't been too hot (although she is out in all weather), but I would have been kicking my heals a bit if the summer had been really HOT!!!

Well I look forward to getting out on the road, in the next few weeks, (please keep your fingers crossed)
and keeping her out for at least the next 12 months, before anything else needs replacing...

Look forward to seeing you guys & gals out there. Ride with Pride...

Dawnie

The Dogsbody....When I wrote the leader for the March edition, I seem to remember making comment about how it wouldn't be long before we would be wiping the bugs from our screens or visors; little did I know that 4 months and 2 editions of the newsletter later I would still be riding around wiping road film and torrential rain from my visor! This has not been (so far) what I would call an English summer! Notwithstanding, I'm still racking up the miles on my daily commutes and even managed to get some "business miles in" for a meeting in Northamptonshire. Oh if only all meetings could be such fun!

 Thank you to everyone who completed the questionnaire. The results were particularly interesting and raised a couple of points for discussion at our imminent meeting. Which links me neatly into the final reminder (for this page at least!) that we will be holding the formal meeting at Parkside Police Station, Cambridge on Sunday 23rd July at 1230, please try and be there from 1200 midday. To make our "club" run well, we need your support as well as our enthusiasm.

Finally, news of 2 members. First as you will no doubt be aware, Corey (President) is out in Saudi at the moment, but returns in October. Secondly, Chris Cornish returns to the UK (all being well) from 4 months in Bahrain on 23rd July also, I have no doubt that he will be itching to get out on 2 wheels again, so you'll soon see him at our events. When you do, please don't upset him by asking him about the hardships he had to endure out there - he might be forced to get out all the photos of his residence to show you! A princely time has been had!!!!

 Ride safe,

Richard

It was one of those e-mails out of the blue that started this event off.  Harry(Eng V) just happened to casually enquire whether we would like to join them for lunch in Willingham by Stow (Lincolnshire), as "a little ride" had been planned.

Realising that the date coincided with the plans for one of our family breakfasts, everybody was informed by email and post (hopefully in sufficient time!). The responses received were favourable and we hoped to field at least 4 bikes on the day and 5 people. Regrettably, due to changing commitments, this became 3 bikes and 4 people.

 On the day, Richard, Gaynor, Bill and Clive duly set off from the RVP, Dawnie having at least managed to come and chat before waiving us off. The ride up to the Half Moon was uneventful apart from two aspects, Richard's near dry fuel tank, which literally ran dry as they pulled into a petrol station - Richard takes up the story, "Unusually, at 80 miles on my trip meter, I found my self switching to reserve; 2 up, I suppose this had to be expected with the small tank on my Virago. Over the next few miles, I started thinking about this. I'd done roughly 70% of my normal full fuel tank range, so applying the same calculation to my reserve tank, I should run out after about 8 miles, rather than the predicted 13-14 miles solo. I glanced down at my trip meter to find out that in those ensuing 6 minutes travel we'd ridden another 7 miles! Desperate measures were called for and a looming exit appeared a much better option than running out of fuel on the A1! Pulling up into a large village we stopped to check where the nearest petrol station would be. According to my map we should be at a village to the east of the A1. Yet according to Bill's we were west. Logic confirmed Bill's map as correct (ie travelling northbound pull off to the left, you must be west.) At times like this, a quick glance at the position of the sun would have been useful, but it was obscured - not by circling vultures (thankfully), but by some pretty thick cloud. We limped into a petrol station just in time. Clive even heard my engine splutter!"

Suitably replenished, the rest of the journey was uneventful, but an impromptu gathering of Blue Knights at a toll bridge further along added to the experiences of the ride.

Arriving at the Half Moon, exactly at the time planned (good planning or miracle, we were undecided), we were met by the glorious sight of 3 HRD Vincents sitting in the driveway. These had been ridden down by the boys from Eng V. In immaculate condition, each at least 45 years old, they were truly astounding.  Moreover, outside the the Half Moon was a veritable parade of gleaming modern motorcycles. Cruisers, tourers, race bikes, in fact every major manufacturer was represented: Honda, Yam, Kawi, Triumph, Harley D, Suzi and of course, BMW.

After many old friends were met, and new ones too, we all ravenously indulged in the "chip butties" supplied by the Landlord, before rushing off to order Sunday Lunch!

Returning some hours later, this time via Lincoln and the A15, we were treated to the spectacle of the airshow at RAF Waddington; it was ironic to think that the Lancaster bomber that taxied past us, was built not long before those Vincents.

And no, Richard didn't run out of fuel on the way back - was this something to do with riding solo? Our secret source suggest that the height of a pillion seriously affects fuel economy on Viragos. Clive also knows that the pillion seat on a Virago is not as comfortable as on a BMW!

Know your limits... If I said, "impaired judgement, deliberate slow actions, potential visual distortion, lethargy, hypersensitivity, aggression, frustration, concentration problems, emotional instability...." you would immediately think of someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Indeed it would be fair (and honest) to say that we have all experienced some of these feelings through alcohol ourselves. But this isn't about alcohol or drugs, this is about something closer to home that could kill any one of us if we are not aware, fatigue.

 As police officers, many of us working shifts and often under significant physical and/or mental pressure, our body's natural defence is to seek rest. Over a prolonged period of time, the exposure to such pressures and demands with constant changes in shift cycles, can seriously effect the efficient and rational mental process. In practice, we as victims of this, are the last to notice. The changes in our ability, our co-ordination and mental skill-set are reduced imperceptibly with every cycle of exposure. This can manifest itself in many different ways. From a motorcycling perspective every effect spells danger.

 Time to be honest folks. Have you ever ridden your bike and thought that it just didn't feel right? You know, the gears feel a bit sticky, or slow, and the handling is out too, it must be the tyre pressures or the road surface. Ever thought it may be you?

Knowing it is half the battle. It's when it sneaks up on you and you suddenly find yourself knee down on a bend in the wrong part of the road, or that little bit too close to the vehicle in front, or worse still, when you suddenly find yourself having to break harder than you anticipated. Sound familiar?

 Anyone who has ridden (or driven) long distance knows the importance of regular breaks, of time away from the machine. But surely, when we ride for leisure this doesn't apply does it? YES, you are probably riding for pleasure in your spare time, which means time off or away from the pressures. Before you climb onto the bike ask yourself whether you really ought to be riding; if there is any element of doubt, then think about the wisdom of riding - fatigue is a killer on or off duty, on or off your bike.

The next formal Chapter meeting takes place on Sunday 23 July 2000at Parkside,Cambridge. Please ensure that you notify the VP of your attendance, or forward your apologies for the minutes of the meeting. The VP's contact details are at the end of the last page.
 

For those with Internet Email addresses, please ensure that the Sec has your details (including any changes), a number of email addresses appear to be no longer valid. Please update the list if you're attending the meeting.
 

Next major event will be Liphook 2,Sunday 20th August.

Family Breakfast Run 27 August.

Family Breakfast Run 24th September.

September Ride to be planned.

BBQ, Party and Poker Run October 15th.

Please note that the ride list will be updated following the next meeting and reissued.
 
 

We have recently been informed by e-mail of 2 severe accidents involving Blue Knights members. Our wishes for a rapid recovery will be made by cards which will be available to sign at the forthcoming meeting. If you are unable to attend and wish to offer your support to these fellow 'Knights, please do not hesitate to wish them well direct.

Philippe Babin

"I have received information that Philippe BABIN, Past President of France V, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. Apparently a vehicle ran a stop and struck him. He is recovering from kidney injuries and a badly broken arm and other injuries. A get well card sent to his address would be greatly appreciated."

Michael Waldsburger

"This information was received by Gil Mitchell (International)  from Jöerg Wilhelm, European Conference Vice-Chairman via Peter Domiziano.

 Michael Waldsburger (Member at large in the European Conference) was on his way from Switzerland to the European Convention in Sweden.  He wanted to announce the founding of a new Switzerland Chapter on the 1st of August.

In the north of Germany, near the city of Kiel, he had a bad accident on the German Autobahn. A lorry crashed into his bike. Michael was badly hurt, so he stays in hospital. His wife on the back of the bike was not hurt, or not badly hurt. His left hand had to be amputated and many bones of his body were broken.  More operations will be necessary. He may be flown into Switzerland at the end of next week.

I think Mike needs the help and brotherhood of the Blue Knights very badly now. Members from his future Chapter and Members of the northern German Chapters are taking care of him and his family, that went up to the hospital. Michael's mother will be taking care of his things while he is in the hospital. "