Issue 3 May 2000

The Dogsbody....

It's been a busy old period, and it hardly seems like two months since I was hurriedly producing the last Newsletter! Yet here I am again, late at night typing away, but at least this time it feels a little warmer and we have seen a bit of sunshine in amongst all the rain. And has has it rained! Back in March Corey, Dawnie and I attended the Presidents' Meeting in Nottingham; the plan was quite simple, a gentle ride up in the sunshine, meeting and lunch. The weather had a different idea. Suffice to say my waterproof suit became a wetsuit and I don't think any of us have been so pleased to see a service station as we were on the way up. The Presidents' Meeting went well and we should soon be getting part of an annual grant available to go towards assisting with recruitment - this will help offset the costs of posters flyers and so on! We also sold a few Chapter items, so more money for our account!

 Ironically the rain was to strike again when Corey and Dawnie went down as the advance party for the Liphook run, but I'm told that the fairing of a 'Wing not only keeps the rider dry, but the pillion and 3 cars behind!

 The Easter Egg Hunt and family breakfast at Stradishall was blessed with beautiful weather - but where were you guys? I know it was Easter Sunday but at least the children that did come had plenty of chocolate to eat (thanks Dawnie); I'm still trying to get the back of my car to be a chocolate free zone!

 Ok so what of future plans? Dawnie and Bill are planning a Poker Run, probably for September. I'm looking at organising a run to the National Motorcycle Museum (Coventry) and perhaps another to the Triumph factory (Leicester), but the latter will be subject to availability such visits are much in demand and we may have to make that a winter visit. Then of course there's the BMF Show 21st of May, be there or else!!!!! All you got to do is turn up with gas in your tank and cash in your wallet!! See the enclosed poster and put it somewhere prominent so you don't forget!

 Finally, Chris Cornish (who you may remember is doing 4 months duty in Bahrain) has had to pay his penance for getting such a cushy task - he's just spent a few days in hospital on a drip due to a particularly evil stomach virus. Chris is back on duty now, but was certainly suffering at the time. If you feel like dropping him an e-mail he can be contacted at chris_cornish@talk21.com. See you all for the BMF

 Ride safe,

Richard

Dawnie writes..... "The idea was to travel down the day before to Liphook, so that everything could be arranged in the pub and the room that we were holding the event in could be decorated. Bill and Corey had gone down to Liphook the weekend before to check out the route, as Bill was going to be Route Master on the Sunday with the England X guys. This practice run had taken them 2 1/2 hours and all timings were planned around this reconnaissance.

On Saturday 25th, Cambridge was a bit grey when we started out. Due to problems with my bike, Corey and I shared transport. (i.e. I had a comfortable armchair rather than a tiring journey....). Well the weather was bad on our journey, (not as bad as the Nottingham trip I may add, where drowned rats spring to mind) anyway, after 4 hours of travelling we arrived at the destination.....

Early Sunday morning it was such a wonderful surprise to see the sun was out and shining down on us. So good in fact that even my father (who had put us up for the night) came out for an early morning ride to Liphook. Arriving at the Pub we had the help of Huber Hughes stepsons to help us decorate the pub. This involved blowing up balloons, moving tables, you name it, it was done! By 11.30 we had finished, even having put signal balloons down the road, for everyone to follow to the pub.

 At 12.00 the first to arrive were England X (naturally!); then we had an influx of motorbikes arrive at the front of the pub with Corey, President England X, welcoming them to Liphook. There were members from England II and England IV, in total 35 people. After a short time of chit chat and a really good party atmosphere, the food (Sunday Roast) was served.  To everyone's delight we even had a slab cake for desert.....

 Later we held a raffle and raffled off two "Bomber Jackets", and a 50/50 draw, The winner won £20. We managed to raise approx £84, with the raffles and selling some of the goods, we have on offer.

After the meal everyone got to chatting and relaxing in the sunshine. Then, before everyone left, we got a group photo (see above).

Everyone made comments as to how much fun they had.....well I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to meet some new faces, andsome old faces (only that I have met them before, not as in age - dig out of that quickly Dawnie!)

The noise was excellent as all started up their bikes to leave Liphook, an commence their journeys home, the sun still shining. It certainly brought a lot of attention to the pub.

With all our guests departed, it was time to clear up and make a move back home too.

A great time was had by all and many thanks to Huber and staff for making it a great venue. Thanks also to all of you that came out to support our very new chapter and keep the word going round, that England X have fun at their meets!"
 

Potato Chips versus Crisps; Cookies versus Biscuits; Spanner versus Wrench; the list is endless. Somebody once said we're "one people divided by a common language." So if my terminology is wrong --don't blame me for being born on the western side of the Atlantic!

 Don't know what you call it. We call it "Lane Splitting" or "White Lining."
Generally it's used near larger US cities (like Los Angeles and San
Francisco) to get through stopped traffic on a multi-lane highway. This was important during the days of leaded fuel cars and air-cooled bikes; which choked riders with exhaust fumes then overheated their mounts.

 On a recent trip "anti-clockwise" on the M-25, Corey Hulse (England X
President) and I used this technique judiciously and safely to arrive at our destination. Corey's Gold Wing is probably about 2 inches narrower than a Mini, but he still manages to employ this technique, so I thought I'd pass it on. If it's similar to what you, the reader, do -- I wouldn't be surprised.

 We were cruising slightly above Her Majesties Speed Limit in the fast lane, looking well ahead. They say the sonic boom is inaudible on board the Concorde; but we didn't test THAT theory. (For reference, let's call the slowest lane number one and the fastest lane number four, with lanes 2 and 3 between them).

As normal on the M-25, the fast nose to-tail traffic in the #4 lane slows
slightly before the #3. Lorries and other mixed traffic wander out as far as the #3 lane, so it is less packed and the speed is more varied. When the #4 slows rapidly, and the #3 keeps going (at least for a short while longer) it's time to initiate the "Lane Split."

 This can be done very smoothly, as long as you have a detailed look in the mirrors, and know the situation in front and behind you.

1. As the #4 slows rapidly to a stop, you can smoothly merge (with lifesaver glance) over to the #3, rolling off the throttle, as the #3 is generally beginning to slow also.

2. Maintain the #3 until the speeds drops to 20-30 mph, holding your
position in the right wheel track, close to the divider line. This position; if you're headlight is on, will announce your presence to drivers ahead; and they will frequently open a path for you.

3. Change down to second gear to allow for both engine braking and fine speed control and smoothly enter the gap between #3 and #4.
4. Once traffic begins to accelerate, gauge your speed so that you rejoin
the best moving lane at the time they begin moving to match your 20-30 mph.

5. If they slow again to a stop, re initiate the "lane split."

A few cautions/comments here: Watch for irregularities in road surface, traffic changing lanes and for traffic weaving within the lane. If traffic is stopped, or nearly so, there is generally little lane changing between #3 and #4. Try to maintain a smooth 20-30 mph; with your right foot positioned over the rear brake and 2-3 fingers across the front brake lever, in order to perform an emergency stop. Don't be tempted to continue "the Split" when traffic begins to accelerate. You will find yourself in a race with traffic, with yourself without a proper lane. I normally choose the gap between the
fast lane and the second-fastest lane. I've found the gap between slower
lanes to be far more hazardous --with more lane changes and the proximity to entry and exit slip roads. Larger "touring" machines have little clearance to spare, so be prepared to stop if it gets too narrow (Corey's bike with all of the lights on looks like a Chieftain tank coming up the gap!).

Lastly: be polite. You are getting through traffic containing frustrated
motorists, so if you are stopped by a narrow gap for a moment, don't yell or be rude to the driver. I've found more motorists move to allow me through than those that actually move to block my path. A friendly wave (if you can maintain full control of your bike) will do wonders. I have no intention of being on the receiving-end of "road rage."

 This manoeuvre can be done by a small group as easily as a solo machine. I'd place the largest/widest bike at the front so you don't leave somebody. I'd also limit the group size to 2-4, as more riders drastically increase the hazard of running into each other (the accordion effect of speeding up and slowing). Lastly, leading a group requires good judgment and smooth throttle
control by the leading bike initiating "the split."

 Done smoothly, without excess acceleration and braking, you will make remarkable progress toward your destination, with little-or-no frayed nerves.

 (Disclaimer: all references about Corey's bike are intended to cause comment and retaliation)

Sincerely,

Bill

I don't intend to make this a regular spot (unless you guys ask for it and contribute), but I recently bought an item of clothing that has performed so well that I just had to share the details with you. After my somewhat damp experiences with the Nottingham run, it became a necessity to replace my ageing waterproof suit, which had become a wetsuit! This time I decided on a two piece on the grounds that it is easier to get into! Choice of jacket was relatively straight forward, over trousers were however a different story.

My requirements were simple, lightweight, compact warm, windproof, waterproof and good value. After what seemed like weeks pouring over catalogues and magazines and visits to all the dealers in Peterborough I eventually found my heart's desire in Hein Gericke. For the princely sum of £17.00 they sell a double lined lightweight nylon over trouser with elasticated waist, half length zips on each leg and a small reflector on each side too. Having worn them a few times in recent showers I have been most impressed. Overall a "5 star rating" from me!

Got some kit worthy of mention that you feel like advertising shamelessly? If so, send in a brief report
 
 

ENGLAND X EVENTS

See details of the Chapter Events in your Ride List, or checkout our web site and watch your post and Email!
 

Exhaust Note......

Don't forget we will be taking a run up to the BMF RVP details to be e-mailed separately plus details are on the website; AND YOU GOT A FREEPOSTER WITH THIS EDITION!!!

 Details of the next Chapter meeting to be generated soon. Watch this space!

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