
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
Scroll Down
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 17th APRIL 2025
Challenging! That’s how Thursday’s ride was advertised and that’s how it was. Starting at Bridge with 11 riders, others joined at various places so that in total 17 were on all or part of the ride. That included Les going to the wrong Ipplepen pub to meet 3 riders, so a quick diversion to them collect and during which 1 of the main group bikes suffered a car park fall and broken front brake lever. We also had 2 punctures en-route, with a collective successful repair of 1 at Tavistock. The glorious weather added more Easter traffic and road works added several diversions and delays. Les had his usual navigational ‘extras’, but we take these in our flow and enjoy the unintended roads as well as the intended. A refreshment stop at Kingsbridge (market day next to the bike park so lovely brownies) was followed by an hour strolling through Hope Cove, which was busy and magnificent. Some comments about ‘not many lanes’ up to that point were well answered on the 2nd half of the ride with interesting technical lanes; hilly, twisty and testing of Advanced skills, all done without mishap, other than the usual inability of many cars and vans to reverse causing a few further delays. Dartmoor was also in its splendour with plenty of lambs and foals en-route to Tavistock and after that puncture repair, the final leg to Sourton. Although only 90 miles riding, with stops and delays this turned into a longish day and thanks to Paul White for sweeping and all 17 who made good company and an eventful ride.
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 20th FEBRUARY 2025
Just 5 riders braved the rain for February’s Third Thursday ride: Henry Taylor, Mark Robins, Tim Harlow, with Les Mosco piloting and Tony Curley sweeping. But there was a huge variety of bikes, every one different: a BMW 310 GS; a BMW 750 GS; a BMW 1250 GS; a BMW 1300 GS; and a BMW 1250 RT😂 😂 😂 . Surely it's not just BMW riders who are brave/stupid enough to ride with a bit of rain?! And we had a great ride, starting at Bridge, out to Bickleigh, the twisties to Crediton, some sweeping roads to Whiddon Down coffee stop and then more twisties to Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey finish. The rain was light, mild temperatures and the roads surprisingly clean, so plenty of bends and Advanced overtaking opportunities, some good social crack and chatter, and a good ride for all. We won't be upset if some non-BMW riders join us next time!
Les Mosco, 21/02/2025
ROOKIE RIDE SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2024

Coffee stop at the Monk's Yard cafe, Horton Cross, Ilminster. Chief Observer looking suitably severe at the head of the table!
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 16th JANUARY 2025
January’s Third Thursday ride was led by Les Mosco with Andrew Robertson sweeping. 16 gathered for the 10:00 start at Hog and Hedge, Whiddon Down. It had been freezing fog earlier, but by 10 was clearing nicely into a sunny day. We rode via Tavistock and Yelverton to battle through the Plymouth outskirts, where the drop off system worked remarkably well. Lunch was at the Venus café at Bigbury on Sea where Les as Pilot managed to be the last to arrive! (Answers on a postcard please…) Excellent views of the massive beach and Burgh Island. After lunch an interesting ride along the River Avon tidal road which floods at high tide (our timing was good) and then to Totnes where Les made a slight detour through Morrisons car park which split the group for a short while but it was soon back together, to end at Trago 2 wheel centre for free coffee and a chat with the staff there and a look around all their bike goodies. 90 miles, about 3 hours riding, plus stops, no serious incidents and an enjoyable event for all.
LES'S THIRDSDAY RIDE 15th AUGUST 2024
For August’s 3rd Thursday ride, 8 of us gathered at the Honiton Thelma Hubbert gallery car park, in grey conditions, for the ride across the Somerset levels to Street, passing through the very pretty towns of Martock and Somerton. A coffee stop at Street Clarkes Village was followed by the A39 though Bridgewater and then the section to Watchet, too many solid double whites meaning near impossible to overtake the lines of traffic, and no easy way to avoid the A39 here. The last few miles into Watchet via Doniford at least gave some great views with the sun now out and completely clear across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Watchet was in full tourist season but the friendly Watchet parking attendant told us to park in the yellow hashed areas, so all was well for our lunch stop, where we spread across several of the cafes and were joined by Alan Ebbage on his first DAM group ride; welcome! After lunch some more spirited riding to Wiveliscombe and the final stop at Brazier coffee at Wellington. No mishaps, just a brief Triumph-hot-engine fail-to-start issue but otherwise an enjoyable ride in good conditions and apart from that A39, good roads. Thanks to Leanne for sweeping.
Les Mosco, 18/8/24
LES'S RIDES 20th & 23rd JUNE 2024
20th June Third Thursday Ride to Bude
10 of us gathered at Woodleigh Coach House for a ride to Bude and Morwenstowe, Les piloting. The weather was fine and we enjoyed a good run via the A 3079 and then some of Les’s country lanes close by Roadford Lake, through Clawton, Kilkhampton and to Coombe, where the massive GCHQ listening station suddenly looms on the hillside, always an impressive sight. Lunch at the Morwenstowe Rectory Farm Tea Rooms was excellent, out in the sun at 2 reserved tables, where we were also joined by 3 riders from the Barnstaple area, timing their arrival exactly the same as ours. After lunch the A39 Atlantic Way and some more country roads to Great Torrington and an ice cream and fuel stop and for the northern riders to depart, and then on to Crediton via Chulmleigh. Thanks to all for joining.
23rd June Martin’s Famous 3 Ferries Ride
Martin was unwell so Les piloted, and managed only one navigational error following Martin’s excellent gpx on good roads, only a few lanes this time! 12 left Totnes Steamer Quy at 9:30 prompt for the long day’s ride, which with ferry waits and refreshment stops finished at Ashburton at 5pm. Some rain and cloud on the opening lanes leading us to the Dartmouth Higher Ferry and then after lots of 20 mph and a comfort break at Slapton Sands (no nudists amongst us) and passing the WW2 tank covered in 80th D Day wreaths, as this was the site of one of the most fatal incidents, when U Boats attacked a D Day landing rehearsal. GT Bikes in Plymouth was closed so no stop there, but on via the Torpoint ferry and lunch at Looe, where 3 others joined us and the sun came out. After lunch, the Fowey ferry and then tea and cake at Trevallick Farm Shop, another excellent refreshment stop on Bodmin moor. Then via a fuel stop and Tavistock across Dartmoor, where the 40 mph is a bit dull, but time for the views. Finally to the close at Ashburton. A long but enjoyable ride with lots of variety.
DAM GROUP RIDE TO CHEDDAR GORGE 28th JANUARY 2024

ROAD TESTS
Scroll Down
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
.jpg)
Dear Members,
It is with great regret that I announce this will be my final address to you in our esteemed magazine. Due to professional and personal circumstances, I will be stepping down from my position as Chairman of our distinguished group at the AGM in April. Having lived, worked, and ridden in Devon for over 35 years, we are fortunate to have some of the most picturesque and excellent biking countryside in the UK at our doorstep, which I will sadly miss.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the committee and members for their support during my tenure, it has been an honour and privilege to serve as your Chairman.
As spring progresses and we look forward to summer and warmer weather, as always we have a variety of rides and events scheduled for everyone to enjoy so please show your support by attending as many as you are able to, I wish you all a fantastic riding year and look forward to seeing you at the AGM.
Ride Safe
Richard
Test Passes
New Joiners
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 2024/25 roll call:
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

ROOKIE RIDE SATURDAY 3rd MAY 2025
TO LOOE FOR LUNCH
Pilot: Dave Grant Sweeper: TBC
Starting from:
/// wager.egging.belts
09:00 for 09:30 start
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Full Members also welcome.
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 27th APRIL 2025
minehead & quince honey farm
Pilot: Mano Cheema 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


ROOKIE RIDE SATURDAY 26th APRIL 2025
introducing 2025 dam n''ookie rides
Pilot: Simon Jeffery Sweeper: Diana Percy
Starting from:
Station Master’s Café, Barnstaple EX31 2AU
///mental.inform.stack
09:00 for 09:30 start
NOTE: SUMMER START TIME
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Prospective and Full Members also welcome.
GROUP RIDE THURSDAY 17th APRIL 2025
LES'S APRIL THIRDSDAY RIDE
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
Bridge Motorcycles, Alphin Brook Way,
/// ears.simply.race
09:15 for 09:45 start
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer


GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 13th APRIL 2025
lynmouth for lunch
Pilot: Mano Cheema Sweeper: Volunteers please
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 Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer
GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 23rd MARCH 2025
bude & hartland
Pilot: Philip Pike Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
Hog & Hedge, Exeter Rd, Whiddon Down, Okehampton EX20 2QT
///readings.automatic.agrees
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 9th MARCH 2025
devon coast to coast
Pilot: Simon Jeffery Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
Costa Coffee, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple EX31 3RY
///slimming.accompany.flag
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 THURSDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2025
les's thirdsday ride - '3 of the best'
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: TBC, volunteers please
Starting from: Café 53, Bridge Motorcycles,
Alphin Brook Way, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// ears.simply.race
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 9th FEBRUARY 2025
ROD's SMOOTH tarMAC ride
Pilot: Rodney Rayner Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
Tesco Superstore, Joseph Locke way, Crediton, EX17 3FD ///releasing.outsmart.immunity
Meet 09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer
ROOKIE RIDE SUNDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2025
blackdown hills
Pilot: Brian Strong Sweeper: Simon Jeffery
Starting from:
M5 J30 Moto Services Top Car Park, Exeter EX2 7HF
/// splash.race.puppy
Meet 09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Associates, Full Members welcome.

GROUP RIDE SUNDAY 12th JANUARY 2025
ROD'S RIDE AROUND EXMOOR
Pilot: Rodney Rayner Sweeper: TBC
Starting from:
M5 J28 Cullompton Services, EX15 1NS
///juggle.finest.emeralds
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 THURSDAY 16th JANUARY 2025
les's january 3rd thursday ride
Pilot: Les Mosco Sweeper: Volunteers please
Starting from:
Hog & Hedge, Exeter Rd, Whiddon Down, Okehampton EX20 2QT
///readings.automatic.agrees
Meet 09:30 for 10:00 start.
See PDF file for details
Open to Full Members and near test-ready Associates with their Observer

