Dates For Your Diary
Monthly meetings are normally held on the second Monday of every month at Liddington Village Hall, opposite the church.
First Aid course
Being planned for post COVID-19 - more to follow
Skillshare - IT'S ON
Three Trees Cafe, Chiseldon, Near Swindon, 1st August - Pre booking only
Monthly Ride-Outs - They're Back
COVID Secure monthly Bike Ride-Outs on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Email will be sent out to Bikers and check the Forum for details.
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Do you have a topic you would like discussed, or know of an interesting speaker? Please contact Les Brown at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following members who have passed their Advanced Tests recently:
Tim McQue Bike Silver Tutor James Courneloues
Welcome
Please welcome the following to the Group: |
Don’t forget that we have a range of clothing available to purchase. We also offer a range of books, such as Roadcraft, Motorcycle Roadcraft and the Highway Code, and these are available at discounted prices.
For more information visit the Merchandise page of our web site at www.wiltshireroadar.co.uk. |
We are always looking for more articles, ideas and news for the newsletter. Have you been somewhere interesting recently that would make a good story? If you attend any group events then take a camera and send us your pictures!
Please forward all contributions to newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
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The COVID-19 Secure Newsletter
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Welcome to the July Newsletter.
As lock down eases we are taking a cautionary approach to increasing our activity within the guidelines of the Government direction and guidance we receive from RoADAR HQ. The Pandemic, it seems, will be with us for a while yet and we are yet to reach our new normal and are expecting a resurgence at some stage.
Whilst our activity is important it is not essential hence our cautious approach.
Our next group meeting is planned to be the AGM on 12th October. We have instructions from the Liddington Village Hall team on how to use the Hall but we will explain these closer to the time of the meeting as they may well change (hopefully making it easier) depending on how we are getting on with COVID-19.
We are attempting a face-to-face Committee meeting next month but this is entirely dependent on the weather as it must be on our side – we will let you know how we get on.
I am pleased to say we resumed car tutoring but there are some restrictions to mitigate the risk of accidental infection of either the Tutor or the Associate. We have done a full risk assessment and if anyone wishes to see it then please drop the Chairman a line.
Safe to say the protocols reproduced below are a result of the risk assessment and we have drawn on guidance from the Government website, DVSA and RoADAR; these have not just been produced out of a hat!!
There have been some more stuff going on as you will see in the section on Members Activities. In the meantime stay safe.
Regards
Bob Fram
Chairman.
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Car tutoring protocols
Overview
This is a voluntary activity and both parties (Tutor and Associate) must be content to be in the same car as each other (normally the Associate’s car). It is recognised each individual has their own circumstances and acceptance of level of risk. There will be no judgement of individuals who do not wish to conduct car training.
Wiltshire RoADAR have a written risk assessment which is available on request. The mitigation factors listed below are to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection for the Tutor and the Associate. These are the absolute minimum required and if individuals wish to add their own factors then this is up to them and will be fully supported by the committee.
Essential Mitigation Measures
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No training if either party has displayed COVID 19 symptoms within 7 days or is self-isolating in line with Government guidance (including Test and Trace protocols).
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Face covering to be worn by both tutor and associate. These must be in place prior to entering the vehicle.
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Associate to ensure vehicle interior is cleaned with sanitiser prior to tutor entering the vehicle.
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Ensure hands are clean (washed for 20 seconds and/or alcohol gel as a minimum) prior to fitting face covering.
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Gloves to be worn by tutor when in the vehicle.
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Tutor and associate must not touch their face when in the vehicle or prior to removing gloves and washing/sanitising hands.
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Vehicle ventilation system to be on and drawing air from outside the vehicle (NOT on recirculation). Ventilation enhanced by opening rear windows to allow air flow over tutor and associate to go out of the vehicle.
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Avoid face to face activity and conduct discussions outside the vehicle where safe and legal to do so.
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Any equipment taken into the vehicle by the tutor to be sanitised post the session (alcohol wipes or a bleach solution).
Recommended Additional Mitigation Measures
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Gloves to be worn by associate.
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Tutor to wear an outer layer of clothing which can be removed and placed in a bag for washing post tutoring session.
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Tutor may use a disposable seat covering if so desired.
Protocol for Bike tutoring
We must ensure the safety of both the Associate and the Tutor. The following protocol is to be followed:
- Both parties must be happy to partake in the tutoring session – there is no penalty for not wishing to partake provided communication is clear.
- No tutoring if either the Associate or the Tutor have displayed symptoms within the last 7 days or are told to self- isolate by the Government Test and Trace protocol.
- All must follow Government guidelines on self-isolation and shielding.
- Appropriate Social distancing must be rigorously applied.
- Follow Government guidelines for hand cleansing and personal safety – hand sanitiser to be used appropriately.
- Avoid busy locations for meeting and take own refreshments.
- Associates to be encouraged to bring their own copy of Roadcraft and the Highway code for ease of reference during briefing and de briefing sessions.
- Tutor explanations and diagrams to be suitable for understanding from 2 metres.
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Communications from HQ & DVSA
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We received the following from RoADAR HQ
Dear All,
I trust you are well and keeping safe,
We thank you for your understanding during this time, I must still emphasise that we are on reduced staffing levels and we cannot always answer all of your questions straight away.
Best wishes
Amy
Amy Brant
Head of Driver Training
DVSA communication - Received the following from the DVSA
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Highway
Code: your views needed to improve safety
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Today (28 July 2020) a consultation has
been launched seeking your views on proposed changes to the Highway
Code.
The
review is being held by the Department for Transport, to improve safety for
vulnerable road users, particularly the groups of:
- cyclists
- pedestrians
- horse riders
The
main changes being proposed
The
main changes being proposed are:
- ensuring that
road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility
to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
- making rules on
pedestrians clearer
- providing
guidance on cyclist priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead
- creating
guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists
and horse riders
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Skillshare - has returned, COVID Secure First Saturday of Every Month, depending on Lockdown restrictions and running up to and including October 2020
Skillshare has returned. It is a chance for the tutors to get together to discuss training and also for us to promote the Group now we can train again.
We will continue with our two location SkillShare for the remainder of this year utilising the first Saturday of every month up to and including October. Please do spread the word and direct people to the website to register.
Locations:
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Group Meetings and look ahead - AGM is the target
The plan is to hold the AGM as normal on October 12; at least we have a target to aim for! We will react to the situation with Coronavirus as it develops and may have to come up with a cunning plan to ensure we satisfy the Governance for the Group.
We realise there have been few meetings this year and were wondering if the group would like to have a virtual meeting? Drop a line if you would be interested to meet virtually to secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk and we will organise a session!
This Years' Speakers
Thanks to Les for organising our guest speakers.
Meetings are on hold until we have detail on the easing of the Lockdown - please bear with us
New Speakers
Les is working hard to fill the rest of the year’s speakers if you have any ideas please let him know at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
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Promotional activities
Events will develop as restrictions are lifted.
All members please ensure they partake in any activity only if they are content to do so. The onus is on ourselves to maintain our own health in the way we see fit.
BikeSafe - Expected to be in September and October
We will be supporting Wiltshire Police with BikeSafe this year both with tutors to make up the instructor numbers and to help promote the Group. We do this in conjunction with WABAM so it is a great way to reinforce advanced riding and to gather new members.
RoADAR RACING - has restarted!! See Members Activities section for info!
Look forward to hearing and discussing your ideas.
Presentation material
A generic set of slides has been created for use if you are asked about Wiltshire RoADAR and have the opportunity to present. This could be at a local club, workplace etc. Please send a mail to committee@wiltshireroadar.co.uk and the slides will be sent over to you.
We also have flyers and business cards so ask for these via the same means
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Have you been up to anything to do with Riding or Driving lately? If so, then please let us know as we would love to include it here; photos would be great too!
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COVID Secure Ride Out No 2
Ride out July 18th
Our second COVID-Secure ride out took place on Saturday 18 July. 5 Bikers assembled at the car park at the Sally Pussey's Inn near Royal Wootton Bassett (drawn by the availability of a nice cup of coffee). Using the challenging Wiltshire roads, we wound our way down to Salisbury using the minor roads around Devizes to test our acceleration sense and cornering assessment. We stopped for a brew (and the obligatory bacon buttie) at the Haven Café on the A30 near Salisbury. Thoroughly recommended for those on 2 and 4 wheels. Great now the eateries are open as it is much less of a challenge for our own personal administration and our bladders (gives you an idea of the average age of those on the ride!)
A nice blast via the Wallops and across Salisbury Plain saw the Group disperse at Marlborough to be home in time for a late lunch to back up the bacon buttie. We were again blessed with great weather; a very pleasant few hours in good company and enjoying the freedom of motorcycling.
True to form the Chairman forgot to take a picture for the newsletter so you will have to imagine the buttie eating (or am I trying to spare those who partook from an Ed Miliband type picture!)
Ride out protocol
Maximum of 6 riders:
- Pre booking with the ride leader essential; do not just turn up on the day – first come first served – if more register then we will split into 2 groups
- RV to avoid busy spaces where there will be gatherings of people.
- All riders to arrive at RV with full tank of petrol and ready for the ride.
- Rides to be planned for no longer than 2 hours to prevent the need for rest and fuel stops. May be longer if cafes and other facilities (toilets) are open -we will review as this happens.
- If you want a cup of coffee bring a flask and nibbles for yourself.
- Ride to avoid busy beauty spots where there is likely to be lots of traffic.
Wilts RoADAR Racing: Update
Racing is on!
Gary attended the first race date in the UK at Castle Combe. A few circuits also hosted races over the weekend of 4th and 5th July.
There was lots of pressure for control of people’s movement and to keep close proximity to a minimum. As such, we pre-scrutineered the cars, with spot check being done on the day. We had to certify that the safety equipment was in date etc.
Close control was maintained for the access to the circuit. I was allowed one mechanic and my wife. There were no spectators sadly, but it was broadcast on the internet.
We rocked up on the morning of the 4th to meet my team manager Tom, and the crew for my team mate Felix and his formula ford.
Around 11:00 I was first in line to start qualifying, but there was a long delay as a GT class Lamborghini had wiped out on leaving the pits and smashed out some posts before even getting on track !
Once it was fixed I led the pack out to qualify, briefly topping the time sheets past the first intermediate timing post.
Sadly, my glory was short lived, as my 130 horses were out-galloped by the field. I needed 3 similar laps to show my consistency in order to qualify, the fastest deciding my position for race one, the next fastest for race 2.
In training I had got 1:30 laps, so the challenge was to dip under 1:30. I managed a few 1:29’s, but that was still the back row (although not last). A 165 BHP Supercharged Mini Cooper S (R53) was behind me. I lined up 27th out of 28.
Then, after lunch… Race 1. Sadly it was now wet as the rain started around lunch time!
We got away clean and I was careful not to push my position in the first corners. The R53 dropping back behind me. After 8 laps or so, as I moved over for the 200+ BHP monsters to fly by and lap me, the R53 slipped past me too. We stayed like that, splashing round for the full 20 minutes, or so I thought. The race was stopped one lap early due to a Blue Clio wiping out at Quarry Corner. I finished 25th!
Race 2 was much the same, if rather wetter. The same car started behind me, but I held him behind much longer. Finishing 23rd this time, but still last. Again stopped one lap early for a white Clio that went into the barrier at Tower. My times in both races were some 7 seconds off my qually pace, but no damage (unlike some) so pleased enough. 2 Signatures in the bag, plus some wet running data.
I am testing again on 28th July ahead of the next round on August 1st. The plan is to drive more robustly, and not give places away so easily. I can work on improving my lap times, and I have a team mate to break in as we are running in a two driver relay race on the day too!
Plus there should be another R50 like mine on the grid this time, so someone to play with!
Stay Tuned!
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Gary Franks
France and Wales are both open and as such had to be visited! And, I did both!!
France
July 3rd saw us heading off to to France with a chap who had never ridden there before and even-though he had driven on the wrong side of the road, he asked me to go with him just to show him the biking ropes as it were. We spent a couple of nights in B & B Hotels in Amiens and Lens, with the other three nights under canvas in La Fleche, Evreux and Honfleur. Covering around 1,300 miles all told on all sorts of roads, major and minor whilst avoiding the peage toll booths.
Wales
Then on July 17th, went to Wales. And Wales was fantastic! Can’t believe how lucky we are to have such scenery and great roads right on our doorstep. Went with four friends, one of whom is IAM, and we rode and rode and rode!! For three of them it was their first time covering more than 120 miles in a day. Each day we rode in excess of 200 brilliant miles. The best day, though, has to be Sunday where we rode the Aberystwyth loop, Tour 25 in Simon Weir’s Biker’s Britain The Tours Book – a whole 7 hours of 230 miles of fun!
And by pure chance, I got the opportunity to ride through the Elan Valley again, just as I did last October with Mark and Steve.
I know there are more roads to be discovered in Wales, and there plenty of riders will say “why didn’t you take this road…….”, but we can always go back, can’t we?
Peter Genet
Camping - Might be on again soon!
We had a camping trip organised, to the Black Cock Inn on Exmoor in April. The invite is for all members, car and bikers alike. We will organise a similar trip later in the year once COVID-19 has passed.
Following a couple of enjoyable camping weekend trips last year, we plan to repeat the exercise using the tried and trusted formula.
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Identify a camp site near a pub - it's the law ok!
We have identified a pub with a camp site. Or is that a camp site with a pub? Right on Exmoor’s Doorstep, The Black Cock Inn Offers Scenic camping.
Travel down on Friday. Gentlemen or ladies, of leisure can choose to take an extended route on Friday afternoon. It is close enough for the gainfully employed to travel after work.
We'll ride a full day Saturday route/ locations TBD.
Sunday we'll pack up and take a scenic route home.
Feel free to join for all or just part of the weekend. You can eat and drink in the pub or at your tent.
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First Aid Training - Planning ongoing, COVID-19 dependant
It is intended to provide a first aid training day (subsidised by the Group). This is highly recommended for all tutors as part of our responsibilities for the safety of our associates but also an excellent skill for all of us; you never know when you will need it. It is compulsory training for me at work and one of my colleagues saved her husband’s life as she had first aid training.
This will probably be on a Saturday as soon as we can after the lockdown; we have 15 already interested s. Watch this space for more (we will communicate with those who have registered an interest directly). It is not too late to register interest (this does not commit you) so email the Chairman if you wish to be included
Media coordinator - Help us to broaden our reach
To help promote the group we have a variety of online media platforms, FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. To help make the most out of the opportunities that these outlets provide, we could use some help from someone who has experience of using such tools. Drop me a line at secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk if you would be interested in helping promote our group.
Any Spare Motorcycle clothing?
The Blue Knights England 18 Young rider safety initiative started as the result of comments made about seeing young riders on the roads dressed inappropriately. We've all seen the young L plated riders - shorts, T shirt, trainers and we've all commented on it; but the question remained-Why are they dressed like this?
So, with this in mind contact was made with a Devon based training college called PETROC that has campus sites at Barnstaple and Tiverton. Conversation with the young riders there revealed mopeds and 125's were transport to and from college for these riders as there were no other options available. In most cases, extended family members e.g. grandparents, had purchased the bikes and a helmet, insurance and MOT quite often funded by parents or aunts and uncles. Disposable money being limited meant jackets, gloves, leggings etc just could not be afforded. We found that it wasn't unusual for these young riders to be covering 20 to 45 mile round trips daily to attend college in all weathers, totally ill protected against the elements.
A collection of unwanted but still serviceable motorcycling clothing was made in my chapter and in September 2018 we attended the freshers’ week at the Barnstaple campus, this resulted in us kitting out 26 young riders.
Since then we have received further donations from local MC clubs. The only thing that we do not take is previously used helmets as we cannot prove their provenance.
We continue to engage with these young riders who have shown us they know they should be wearing kit, they understand the importance of doing so and they genuinely are appreciative of receiving donated items. We receive positive feedback from the riders, the parents, other motorcycle riders and other clubs.
We would not be able to offer this service if it were not for the generosity of fellow bikers for which we are extremely grateful. Please could members contact Andrew Peaple if they have any kit spare, they are willing to donate.
Thank you
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Committee minutes
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These are available from the Group Secretary if any member wishes to see them. If you are interested in reading the minutes, then please send a mail to the Group Secretary whom will promptly forward them onto you.
Forum
Please could all Members use the Forum on the Website which can be used for any purpose but particularly coordinating events, hints, tips and general conversation. It is easy to register on the website so please do log on and chat away.
Test results
Reminder to let the Membership Secretary and your tutor know when you have taken your Advanced Driving/Riding Test and result. This is so our database is kept up to date; there is no need or pressure at all to have the result published on the website or in this newsletter if you wish to keep your result confidential.
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