Editorial

Happy New Year

As I’ve been putting together this month’s eNEWS this morning’s sun has put me in mind of summer riding and I realise just how many riding opportunities we as a club have to look forward to this year.  Aside from our regular program of training and social rides you will find within this edition updates on two major events: the Welsh Trip in May and the ‘Tour de France’ in July.  We also have news on a re-run of last year’s very successful training weekend, this year to Basingstoke.  Waiting in the wings there is more. We will be re-running Midsummer Madness in June and its doppelgänger in September.  There are further plans to organise another social weekend excursion in late summer and yet more for a ‘Masters Weekend’ to provide a taster for those who may wish to attain that illustrious standard of riding.  More news on these will follow in future editions of eNEWS@EKAM as the plans are finalised.   

With all of that and a lively club meeting and social events calendar we have much to look forward to and look set for a busy and enjoyable year that should have something for all members.  Roll on spring and summer!

Newsletter Articles

Moto Road Trip 2025

Details

Ride to the East - May 3rd to 5th (Bank Holiday) 

This is a gentle 3-day tour staying in the Same hotel for both nights.

Read more: Moto Road Trip 2025

EKAM Training Weekend to Basingstoke - 12th & 13th July 2025

Details

After the popularity of our inaugural training weekend last year, I’m delighted to announce the return of our Training Weekend for 2025.

In a nutshell – this is a training weekend, stopping just outside Basingstoke overnight, returning the next day.

The weekend will begin on the Saturday morning from Ashford and arrive in Basingstoke Saturday evening. This will be a full day’s riding of approximately 160 miles.

Read more: EKAM Training Weekend to Basingstoke - 12th & 13th July 2025

Trip to Massif Central, July 2025

Details

I’ve had a couple of riders express an interest in my intended route to Florac in July so I thought I’d pass it on to others that may be interested.

I intend catching the 08.30 P&O boat from Dover on Sunday 20th July(The earlier boat is at 03.30 and costs £3.50 less, so sod that). Return on 27th for the 19.00 boat.

Read more: Trip to Massif Central, July 2025

Meet the Examiners - Trevor Shearsmith

Details

A Little Background                                                        

My advanced riding started in 1985 when I became the ‘village bobby’ and was instructed on how to ride ‘the system’, even with ‘L’ plates on, before moving to the BMW R80RT.  Then in 1999 I undertook the RoSPA Test achieving a Gold pass and this was swiftly followed by joining EKAM to complete my advanced rider course and test. My observer was Mark Andrews.

Read more: Meet the Examiners - Trevor Shearsmith

TAILPIPE

Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid while the other was eating fireworks.

They charged one and let the other one off.

First published in "Out In Front" issue 105, February 2010

If you have any amusing 1-liners or short quips please forward them to the Webmaster.

The views expressed in these newsletter articles are not necessarily those of the Editor, the Committee, East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists nor IAM Roadsmart.