Editorial
I’ll be on a biking holiday next week, so you won’t be getting your dose of news, views and biking adventures. Unless someone wants to volunteer to give it a go!.
We all know that Observer Steve Bennett is a hero. Last year he rode a 2014 Piaggio MP3 from Land’s End to John O’Groats. He was raising money for Cancer UK. Well, he’s done it again. This time it was to raise money for the Royal British Legion. Steve took on the ‘Iron Butt’ challenge of riding 1,000+ miles in 24-hours. Bikes have to cost less than £600 and be fully road worthy. This time he got a certificate and another very sore rear end!
We had another success, but he didn’t have to ride up to Scotland and back. Congratulations to Charles Elwood, Observer Richard McAndrew, for passing his advanced riding test.
There is a new instructional video on how to use the SAM Digital Business Card. Now every SAM member with a mobile phone can help to spread the word about the SAM Club and its advanced riding services. The SAM Summer Picnic is now booked, so everyone can have a really great time. The Exclusive Track Day still has places for you to go and learn/refresh your track-based riding skills. You can still get a discounted CBT course from Training-to-Travel. Thanks to all those members who have supported this offer. We have a new offer for SAM members, FAB Workshops (First Aid for Bikers). The first aid training is more extensive than that given on the Biker Down course. It provides you with an essential first aid skills set to use if you stop to assist at an accident. If you are interested in this event, complete the form and we’ll arrange to make it happen. The Braithwell Car and Bike show takes place on Saturday, so try to show your support, either by helping at the stall or visiting to support members who are helping out. Thank you.
In the rest of your newsletter this week. Due to a shortage of components, particularly electronic ones, Harley-Davidson has halted US production this week. This problem is also affecting many other motorcycle and component manufacturers.
The IPCC (Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change) have been accused of making very serious errors in their predictions of the impact of climate change. In a report into the modelling and research used, the IPCC is accused of cherry-picking evidence, ignoring crucial peer-reviewed, well-conducted research that doesn’t agree with its conclusions, re-writing climate history, biassing their reports toward ‘bad news’ and discounting ‘good news’. Errors were found in every chapter of the IPCC’s latest report and there are calls for the IPCC to be disbanded and replaced with a more balanced range of climate expert views.
No matter where you go on the planet you won’t escape the climate, but travelling to Nepal might give you a different perspective. We’ve got advice on looking after your tyres and riding tips that could save your life. The guide to trail riding might come in handy too. Although you can always get a few tips from SAM Committee member, Steve Harper. You might also be interested in why motorcycle couples are so happy. Finally, the history slot tells the story of a 1942 Harley TT engine. Happy reading.
Helping the Whiteknights Blood Bikes
We are stepping up our partnership with the Whiteknights Blood Bikes. When attending promotional events, the Whiteknights often get people wanting to volunteer to be a Blood Biker. Of course, they always steer them to the SAM Group to complete advanced rider training. The Whiteknights need help from SAM members to explain, encourage and support potential Associates to take up advanced rider training. SAM Members can you help out? We need volunteers to help out at the following events.
| Date | Event |
| 17th June 2023 | Braithwell Classic Car & Bike |
| 1st July 2023 | Bike Fest – Outwood Academy |
Ways to stay in touch with your Club!
It’s really easy to stay in touch with your Club! We provide emails, a website and use social media accounts for you to contact us. All of which is free of any cost to the Club. If you are not getting the Club information circulated, or simply want to tell us something, just let us know at sam-editor@iam-sheffield.bike. We’ll be happy to ensure that we stay in touch with you. You can also now sign up for Club emails on the SAM website. Paul Conway
Editor & Webmaster, Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists
