Editorial
The New Year has started and a frosty, icy and snowy period has just begun. We’ve not received a single email of what members are planning for the coming year, so perhaps everyone is playing ‘wait and see’ before making any plans. At least on a bike you just make sure it and you are fit to ride and then ride. What freedom we all have in our lives! Whilst you are all out and about why not stop and take a snap to upload or send in for the SAM Annual Photo Competition. The entry form is set up on the website. You can upload up to 10 images, in either *.jpg or *.png format. Don’t forget to give a number and label to each photo in the text box. Our security ensures that only suitable images are uploaded and will rename the file to prevent any subsequent access to it. You can upload your entries here, or send them to sam-editor@iam-sheffield.bike. The winner will be announced at the SAM AGM in April.
Your digest of news this week tells you how the Australian Army are trialling electric bikes for scouting expeditions. Let’s hope the squaddies on reconnaissance can carry enough spare batteries. A notorious road in Barnsley has a new Lollipop lady to help parents and children cross the road safely. AirTags are back in the news as part of motorcycle security. South Yorkshire Off-Road Police have had a successful time collecting all the quads and pit bikes, given as Christmas presents, by very generous parents, to children. The children immediately began using them illegally on the public highway or without the permission of landowners. There’s even more depressing news of significant increases in motoring tax and insurance costs. On a more lighted-hearted note you can read about the teacher in Brazil who built his own steam-powered trike, the joys of riding in the rain and some advice on different routes to take when you ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Finally, the Mental Health Motorcycle charity is offering FREE courses in becoming a mental health first aider.
Anyone interested in SAM activities can find them, including the SAM and Survival Skills newsletters, on the SAM website. SAM Club members can find all the latest Club events on the website’s Calendar. Read, enjoy and share your Club’s newsletter with ALL your friends and family. Until next week…
Happy New Year everyone. The SAM Committee wishes you all happiness and prosperity in 2022. Stay healthy and ride safe, Ed.