NEWS
Whether you are an Advanced Rider or learning how to become one, there are always new tips and tricks on how to improve your skills and further your fun whilst biking.
Below, you can find tips for Advanced Riding, updates from the Chairman and Chief Observer, as well as information on the trips we offer home and abroad!
We will also keep you up to date on the latest club members who have passed their tests, and the newest club members.
Keep updated on NEWS through our social media:
Devon Advanced Motorcyclists
Devon Advanced Motorcyclists
Negotiating Tough Terrain
DAM Protective Wear
EVENTS
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DAM GROUP RIDE TO CHEDDAR GORGE 28th JANUARY 2024
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 18th JANUARY 2024
January’s Third Thursday ride had 5 intrepid riders gather at Moretonhampstead, Simon, Hamish, Tony (Curley and Matthews) and Les. Despite the near and sub-freezing conditions, the weather was glorious sunshine, except for a spectacular sleet storm which Les had carefully arranged timing for exactly when we were in the warm café for lunch, so we could watch through large picture windows as it came and went. Otherwise, the roads were tricky in places with Advanced observations and speed moderation to the fore, including over Dartmoor where lack of other users meant the sheep were more prominent on the road than normal. We had a welcome coffee stop at Liskeard, after which conditions warmed up a bit, and the ride to Polzeath included some lovely roads, not least alongside the Camel estuary with great views. Luckily, the planned Polzeath café was on its annual holiday, so we stumbled instead into the better TJ’s Surf Café which is directly over the beach, great views and friendly staff and good grub. Recommended, but no doubt packed in Summer. The ride back via alongside Port Isaac Bay and a couple of short A30 sections took us to another excellent café, the Pump and Pedal at Sourton, where a decent electric bicycle can be had for about the same price as a 125 motorbike, but coffee much cheaper 🤨. So some different roads, careful and exciting riding in the cold and sunshine, heated clothing a definite bonus.
Best regards,
Les
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 21st DECEMBER 2023
December’s Third Thursday ride on 21st was the shortest day, and at times it felt like the windiest, especially on the 10 miles or so around Chard. But Advanced skills kept everyone safe, so let’s just call the conditions “challenging”. Peter, Derek, Paul and Les started the ride at Sowton, through Ottery St Mary and collecting Leanne and Hamish on the way to Lyme Regis, with our early lunch stop at the well-named Windy Corner Café in West Bay. They looked after us and after a good stop we rode over the top with the usual spectacular views of Chesil Beach and out to Portland Bill, and then a stop at the Hardy Monument (as in “Kiss Me Hardy” rather than “Far from the Madding Crowd”). Again very windy, but spectacular views and well worth the visit. On via Dorchester, through Rampisham, Winyards Gap, Crewkerne and then that especially windy section around Chard and ending the ride with a drink stop at Honiton Starbucks. Thanks to all for their enjoyable company, especially to Paul Haase for his first sweeping day, and thanks to anyone who has come on a Third Thursday in 2023.
(Note: if anyone else fancies planning and piloting any Group rides, just let Les or Rodney know, it’s easy once you know how so don’t be shy).
LM 22/12/23
DAM MEMORIAL RIDE 12th NOVEMBER 2023
Betty and I would like to thank everyone who turned up today for the Memorial Ride - the weather and road conditions were not the best but we sure had a grand day out. Thank you to Dave Cooper for leading the 1100 silence and remembering all those we have loved and lost within DAM. The coffee and lunch stops did us proud with excellent service and food.
THIRDSDAY RIDES 17th OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2023
October’s Third Thursday ride had 9 of us gathering at Woodleigh Coach House for a clockwise via Torrington, Barnstaple, Lynmouth, lunch at Porlock Weir, Dunster, Wheddon Cross and finishing at Tiverton Tesco, the last with my only navigational error, by overshooting the roundabout turning into Tesco. (I must be getting better, there weren’t even any narrow lanes on this ride!) No incidents, but some very strong winds over the top on the Somerset coast and the seasonal ‘dodge the pheasants’ along the Exe Valley A396. A polite request: a few had said they'd join us at Torrington, but despite waiting they didn’t turn up, so if you change your mind or can’t attend for whatever reason, please ensure the pilot knows so that the group aren’t waiting needlessly.
November’s Thursday was, unusually, on the 2nd Thursday and despite early posting on Facebook and the website, the DAM email prompt just arrived 18:30 the night before, and only Derek, Leanne and Les took part. So we switched to a less formal mates outing, no marking was needed, and had an enjoyable ride, this one anticlockwise from Steamer café at Cullompton to a coffee stop at Watchet (some good facilities at the east end of the harbour). Then a long slog to lunch, past Hinkley C site, Bridgwater, the Gravity site which was the old MoD ordnance site and is soon to be an electric car battery mega-factory, and over the Somerset levels with lots of new power lines ready for Hinkley plus flooding, some bouncy roads and some very strong cross winds to enliven the ride. We stopped at the very friendly Ranch Café near Martock, recommended if you are out that way. After lunch, on to Honiton where I insist we were on the main roads all the way, even if it was the Roman Fosse Way, from Lincoln to Exeter, and the bit we used was a narrow muddy and wet 4 mile section and I blame the Romans for not maintaining it properly since they built it 😉. We finished at Honiton, only 3 of us but good company and enjoyable riding, and the first test of my new Gerbing heated gear, so it wasn’t at all a cold day!
Les.
ROOKIE RIDE 4th NOVEMBER 2023
A healthy contingent of DAM members braved the frequent showers for the Rookie Ride to Lifton. Looks like a fair few were tucking into a late breakfast - or perhaps a second one - at Strawberry Fields farm shop reastaurant.
Photo: courtesy Helen Beer
THIRDSDAY RIDE 17th AUGUST 2023
August’s Third Thursday ride was different, led by Ian Pruce and managing a daytrip to Wales. Meeting up at Cribbs Causeway we had a good ride through Wales on our way to Hay-on-Wye, with stops at Abergavenny and Arthur’s Stone. Some great roads, only spoiled by having to follow traffic for quite a distance.
After lunch we headed from Hay-on-Wye up and over Hay Bluff. After about 20 minutes we had to turn back due to a road closure. Not dismayed, we discovered some other roads which turned out to be great for riding. It was a fast ride back from our second visit to Abergavenny to Gordano Services. Then the ride back to Exeter with 300 miles on the clock and 7.5 hours in the saddle.
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 20th JULY 2023
July’s Third Thursday ride was a 120 mile glorious sunny ride out to Portland Bill. 16 of us gathered initially at Greendale Farm shop for teas and coffees and briefing, Leanne joined us en-route to Lyme Regis for a first leg stretch with the sun sparkling magically off the sea and Portland Bill clearly visible in the distance.
An excellent ride along the coast, no incidents, just some traffic and lots of sea views, especially Chesil Beach all the way to Portland Bill. A relaxing lunch sat out in the sun with the beginnings of the tourist rush. After lunch the return leg was via Dorchester, Winyards Gap and another leg stretch at Crewkerne where the primary school kids and teacher were most interested in our bikes. That’s the next generation of bikers committed! Final leg finished at about 3pm at Honiton Starbucks, where rain threatened after being very kind for the ride itself. Thanks to all who joined, and to Derek and Andrew for sweeping. 17th August Third Thursday will be led by Ian Pruce, details to follow.
Les Mosco 22/7/23
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 15th JUNE 2023
Let’s start with an apology and a quiz. This wasn’t my best Thursday piloting: wrong turning en-route to Totnes added half an hour and there were too many narrow lanes. And lanes are in the Highway Code quiz: when 2 vehicles cannot pass on a narrow hill, who is supposed to give way and reverse? Answer follows below, but only after thanking Tony, Barrie, Leanne, Jim, Mano, Adrian and Steve as sweeper for their company on this ride. Glorious weather starting at Sowton, eventually to Totnes for a coffee stop and 2nd pickup, and then the only part of the route as originally planned, from Totnes to Torpoint ferry. After Torpoint, Cornwall council were in full Roads Closed diversions mode, but after the 2nd closure an ice cream stop (thanks Leanne for buying) led to a lucky chat with a local lady who warned us the signed diversion was a 30 minute loop back to the ferry, and gave us better directions to make progress. This by chance merged not onto my planned ride, but the route I’d originally recce’d so we stuck to that to arrive at the planned and excellent Trevallick Farm Shop and Café at Pensilva. Good grub, service and views and recommended. After that it became narrow lanes, and on an uphill stretch we met the DPD white van man who was determined not to reverse back up the hill, despite 8 bikes too heavy to turn in the steep single track and soon another van behind us. After 15-20 minutes standoff, thanks to Tony for his diplomatic skills and knowing that the quiz answer is the Highway Code says the downhill vehicle should reverse back up the hill. Did you get that correct?! So the van eventually reversed up, and we moved on. By this time we were all tired (I blame the heat and DPD as well as too many lanes!) and after I stopped to replan a more direct route to Bovey Tracey, Tony took the lead as his satnav had home in Bovey pre-programmed in, and so over Dartmoor and a 2nd ice cream stop (thanks to Tony for that one) to then split and make our separate ways home. Key lesson for me: rides should not be too long and with fewer lanes, and I must re-read the Highway Code! Another key lesson: you won’t be any worse than me in planning and piloting group rides, Rodney Rayner is always on the lookout for more pilots, so if interested please get in touch with Rodney, or me if specifically interested in leading Third Thursdays. Otherwise I’ll be trying for more flowing roads for July Third Thursday!
ROAD TESTS
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Anyone for Dennis?
Whilst the effects of storm Dennis were still being felt, I had booked a test ride on the new BMW F900XR, and although an attempt was made by Ocean BMW to delay the ride I opted to proceed. On arrival the bike was parked under the canopy and cut a rather dashing figure not unlike its elder brother the S1000XR. This version is powered by an 895cc parallel twin producing 105bhp and although only the base model, it is equipped with a TFT screen capable of displaying an amazing amount of information, including use for navigation and connection via Bluetooth for phone and media.
After a brief halt to proceedings caused by a heavy shower, the ride got under way. The seat is definitely on the hard side, not uncomfortable for the journey today but may prove more of an issue on longer days. The screen sparks into life as the key is turned and gives plenty of useful information without being cluttered. The speed displayed to top left and the revs sweep across from the middle to the 9k redline.
Once on the move the twin cylinder motor gives a lovely burble, it has been engineered to give the feeling of a v-twin and pulls from as low as 2k with great smoothness. The gearbox is slick and as the bike is not fitted with gear assist so application of the clutch using the light lever is required. The upright seating position gives a commanding view over traffic and when required a quick flick of the right wrist spins the twin into action and overtakes are brisk. The bars are wide enough to keep steering inputs easy and light but narrow enough to make filtering and absolute ease. The engine braking from the twin is amazing allowing the rider to control their riding using only the throttle.
The weather was not completely dry throughout the ride, but the top faring did manage to keep a fair proportion of the moisture away from the rider. The smaller screen fitted to this model was also surprisingly effective. It can be manually adjusted on the move by moving a small lever to the right-hand side, not necessarily ideal for left-handed riders like me.
The bike is so easy to ride smoothly at restrictive speed limits, but when conditions allow the engine has more than enough poke to charge into the scenery at an incredible rate of knots with great composure. I came to believe the F must stand for fun as this machine cannot help but put a big grin on your face.
The F900XR is a very capable everyday bike, which when fitted with luggage, for which mounting points are fitted, is fully capable of crossing continents, for a solo rider. Whilst there is a pillion seat it does not seem ideal for any sort of long-distance jaunt. The dashboard is also very angular and whilst the TFT screen covers most tasks required, the fitting of extra power sockets may prove awkward.
Overall this bike surpasses expectation and most of its minor niggles can be sorted with a few aftermarket parts. For a bike that can bought for the right side of £10,000, it is worthy of consideration.
Thanks to Ocean BMW for providing the bike.
Bike Test - The New Triumph Tiger 900
Those that know me will be aware that I love my Tiger 800. So when she was in for a service the opportunity arose to try out the new Tiger 900. Let’s see what the difference is and what has Triumph done, to better the great all rounder in the 800.
If you research the new 900 there is lots of information of how they have changed the crank timing and firing order to improve the bike. So how does if differ. A first casual look around the bike I must say it looks very similar. Perhaps a little taller and a bigger tank but other than that, not much change to the 800 concept. I am not surprised at this as the 800 is such a competent bike.
So let’s throw a leg over and crank it up. First thing you notice is the larger TFT screen with its multiple setting for appearance (as per the 800). Press the starter and the difference in engine is very evident.
Triumph claim that it sounds and performs much more like a twin. So let’s find out.
Pull out of Bridge and wow what a difference. The 900 has a lot more low down grunt. Yes a bimble through Alphington and it’s all very pleasant in 2nd or 3rd gear. It is easily controllable to ensure the speed limits are adhered to, with little effort. Out on the open road then this thing really does perform. It will pull from 30 MPH in 5th and pull hard it does. You can also tootle along in 6th with little drama. And yet with a flick of the right wrist it’s off with a lovely exhaust note which is so different to the 800. Dare I say it’s more like riding the Africa Twin, but better? On over run it has a very nice burble from the exhaust and its does have more engine braking than the 800. More importantly the “whine” is gone. The 800 and my Trophy before it produced a running whine which made the bike sound like a turbine. This is now long gone.
The gearbox (like the 800) is a dream. No clunk into 1st and a nice click click as you slip up and down the gears. So there I was behind a truck not really hunting for an overtake but the opportunity presented itself. No need the change down just give it a small twist and we were off and the overtake completed.
I do find my 800 a little buzzy on the motorway. So much so I changed the front sprocket, which has reduced the revs at 70 by 500. No problem with the 900. At 70 MPH its is rotating at 4100 rpm and sounds lovely. The handling is great a quick run up through the Teign Valley Confirmed this. Stopping is also good with Brembo units on the front and a good rear brake with plenty of feel.
I did notice that the screen was smaller than the 800. However this did not seem to make any difference. There was no buffeting from the screen and whilst I kept it in the tallest setting if produced a comfortable on what was a warm sunny day.
So to sum up how did I find it? I one word - great. Triumph have done a great job on improving the 800. I loved every aspect of this bike. Light, agile and yet would tour all day. I did not look a fuel consumption specifically but do not see it much different to the 800.
I have done a direct comparison to this new beast with my current 800. However if you are looking to move to and adventure type of bike then you must try this. The new 900 would hold its head up with all the competition. Would I buy one? Yes I think I have found my next bike when I am ready for a change
My thanks go to the Team at Bridge Motorcycles for making the bike available to me. Model tested - Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro.
Adrian Veale
ADVANCED RIDING TOPICS
IPSGA – Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration. The fundamental to Advanced Riding, this acronym will become your go to!
Offsiding – when is proceeding on the ‘wrong side’ of the road safe, and when is it unwise to do so?
Counter/Positive Steering – we all do it; understand why.
Most Dangerous Instincts – learn to override dangerous instincts, and let the bike do what it is best at.
Full Control – learn the precise riding technique and practical physics that will benefit all two-wheelers.
Chairman's Chatter
Hi Everyone
Well hopefully that’s the end of winter and as evenings start to get lighter, we will see the biking season getting into full swing.
We have a busy schedule planned for this year with lots of events and training available for all the members to get involved in so be sure to keep up to date with our social media and website posting.
Many of our members also attend lots of other biking events together and I will of to the ABR Festival again to see what trouble I can get myself into this year, so if you are going them be sure to get in touch as I know there is quite a contingent of members heading there and you would be very welcome to join us
I am looking forward also to the AGM on the 23rd April. For me it’s a great opportunity to meet many of you and have the chance to explain a number of the projects that members of your committee and I have been working on throughout the winter.
This year the AGM is also a social event with a QUIZ and a larger opportunity to enjoy time with other members, so I hope to see you there.
So, short and sweet as always and until we next meet
Ride safe, Richard
Test Passes
The aim of the club is to get all of our members to an Advanced Riding standard. To do that, we will train you to pass the Advanced Riding tests with an IAM examiner.
We are delighted to congratulate below those members who have passed their tests, or who we feel need recognition for their achievements.
The 2023/24 roll call:
New Joiners
You have made the first step, and now the fun begins to become an Advanced Rider!
Great to welcome our newest club members:
It’s great to have you on board and we look forward to riding with you!
Recent Group Rides and Other Events
GROUP RIDE THURSDAY 18th APRIL 2024
tONY'S tHIRDSDAY rIDE
Pilot: Tony Curley Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from: Trago2Wheels, Trago Mills Stover, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6JD
///dished.gosh.digitally
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 14th APRIL 2024
IN SEARCH OF THE MYTHICAL KING CORNISH PASTY
Pilot: Martin Boler Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy
09:00 for 09:30 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer
SOUTH RIDE
ROUTE
ROOKIE RIDES SATURDAY 6th APRIL 2024
2 ROUTES - CHOOSE YOUR RIDE
NORTH RIDE
Pilot: Simon Jeffery 07768 697 446 Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from: Costa Coffee, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple EX31 3RY
///haystack.cracking.camped
09:00 for 09:30 start. NOTE: SUMMER START TIME
See PDF file for details
SOUTH RIDE
Pilot: Dave Mudge Sweeper: Mac Ringelberg
Starting from: M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy
09:00 for 09:30 start. NOTE: SUMMER START TIME
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Full Members also welcome.
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 24th MARCH 2024
hog & hedge circular route
Pilot: Martin Pierce Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting & finishing at The Hog & Hedge, Whiddon Down, Okehampton EX20 2QT
///snapped.library.bystander
09:00 for 09:30 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer
GROUP RIDE THURSDAY 21st MARCH 2024
les's march thirdsday ride
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting at Morrisons, Kennedy Way, Tiverton EX16 6RZ
///pens.rating.moral
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and Associates only if test-ready and accompanied by their Observer
ROOKIE RIDES SATURDAY 2nd MARCH 2024
chooSE YOUr ROUTE
NORTH RIDE
Pilot: Simon Jeffery 07768 697 446 Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from: Costa Coffee, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple EX31 3RY
///haystack.cracking.camped
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
NORTH RIDE UNDER REVIEW
SOUTH RIDE
Pilot: David Mudge Sweeper: Mac Ringelberg
Starting from: M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Full Members also welcome.
SOUTH RIDE CANCELLED -SNOW & ICE
NORTH RIDE
SOUTH RIDE
GROUP RIDE THURSDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2024
les's february thirdsday ride
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:- Trago2Wheels
Trago Mills Stover, Newton Abbot TQ12 6JD
///fish.doors.procured
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near-test-ready Associates with their Observer
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2024
ROD'S "BRISK & FLOWING" TARMAC RIDE
Pilot: Rodney Rayner Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting at Tesco Superstore, Joseph Locke Way, Crediton EX17 3FD
///releasing.outsmart.immunity
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members, Associates only if deemed to be of sufficient standard and accompanied by an Observer
ROOKIE RIDE SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2024
3-LEGGED RIDE - CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
Pilot: Simon Jeffery Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from
Station Road car park, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AW
///splints.spines.digits
09:30 for 10:00 start.
2nd pick up Bude Quay, EX23 8LG
/// puppy.inviting.relished
11:30, 12:30 depart
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Full Members also welcome.
There is no requirement to reserve a place, just turn up at the start and sign in on the day.
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 28th JANUARY 2024
barrie's cheddar gorge adventure
Pilot: Barrie Dennett Sweeper: Volunteers please
Meet 09:00 M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy Departing 09:30
2nd pick up 09:50 Max's Cabin, (Ex Smiley's) Turks Head Lane, Honiton EX14 1BQ
/// jabs.grain.sober
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members, Associates only if deemed to be of sufficient standard and accompanied by an Observer
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 14th JANUARY 2024
south hams figure-of-eight
Pilot: Tony Curley Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
B & Q Car Park, Jetty Marsh Rd, Newton Abbot TQ12 2SL
/// monkey.castle.native
08:00 for 08:30 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members, Associates only if deemed to be of sufficient standard and accompanied by an Observer
GROUP RIDE THURSDAY 18th JANUARY 2024
LES'S new year THIRD THURSDAY RIDE
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
Court Street Car Park, Moretonhampstead TQ13 8LG
/// afford.remaining.upon
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members, Associates only if deemed to be of sufficient standard and accompanied by an Observer
ROOKIE RIDE SATURDAY 6th JANUARY 2024
RUMWELL FARM SHOP
Pilot: Brian Strong Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Full Members also welcome.
There is no requirement to reserve a place, just turn up at the start and sign in on the day.
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 24th DECEMBER 2023
oh what fun it is to ride......
Pilots: Simon Jeffery, Simon Kidner, Catherine McKinley
Sweeper: Richard Thorns, volunteers welcome for other rides.
Starting from three separate locations. See PDF for your nearest.
Combined route from brunch/refreshment stop to end of ride.
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for full details
Open to Full Members, Associates only if deemed to be of sufficient standard and accompanied by an Observer
GROUP RIDE THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2023
LES'S THIRD THURSDAY RIDE
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy
09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members, Associates only if deemed to be of sufficient standard and accompanied by an Observer