Chair's Chatter

Chair's Chatter

It’s a big one, I’m sorry, but it’s been really busy, which is a fantastic thing, right?

Some of you may already know but Dave Wilkins of Dr Dave’s Workshop fame has been very unwell for several months. Thankfully, Dave is out of hospital now but unfortunately will not be returning to work, so the workshops are no more. He is being well supported by his friends who are helping him with accommodation and closing the business. I’m sure we all wish Dave the very best in his recovery and thank you so much for hosting the workshops that so many members have enjoyed and learnt from, as well as supporting LAM for as long as I can remember with your extensive technical knowledge and chatty demeanour. You will be sorely missed, as will the ‘Porcupine’.

The good news is we have secured a new motorcycle technician, Ollie Lewin of Premier Motorcycle Service and Repair, Ollie is also mobile so can visit you at home or work, I can’t vouch for the specific areas he covers but I’m sure he’ll be glad to let you know. Please support Ollie’s business and make use of his extensive skills and services, I know a few of you already let Ollie loose on your bikes, including me, he is extremely trustworthy and knowledgeable, in fact I’ve known him for over 25 years since he was teenager, wow that makes me feel old!

Welcome on-board Ollie. 

The Summer BBQ and sleepover in Sunny Suffolk was a fun day out, and night for those that brought tents or crashed in B&B’s, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting some new Lamkins and having the time and opportunity to have a proper natter, so a massive thanks to Kathy and Anthony for hosting and route planning, the lanes, oh my, the lanes. Just be careful of the nettles! 

We’ve had 15 Advanced test passes so far this year, 3 of which are F1rsts plus 12 National Observer Assessment passes with more booked. A fantastic achievement by everyone involved in training or being trained and we have more to go…...Training Team you should be proud of yourselves.

Mike Seary has racked up over 300 OR’s, an epic achievement I have to say and he makes it look so easy. Congratulations Mike, 300 more maybe?!

Wales still has places available to book for the 27^th September, a truly awesome weekend especially if you are looking to put that final sparkle and polish on your advanced riding, get in you know you want to.

MCD and First Aid courses both have places left to book in October, pay and book via the ‘shop’ on the lAM website, both are well worth doing and might even save someone’s life.

Refreshments are back at Banstead thanks to Alexandra, Mike Seary’s wife, please say hello to her and don’t forget to smile!

And Nick from Helite airbag vests will be back soon with his pop-up tent at Banstead and Tatsfield, so if you’re in the market for an airbag vest attend the meeting and speak to Nick.

We’ve had a very full and active calendar of planned rides this year thanks to Kathy and Anthony and all of the ride leaders and TEC’s who have made it happen and given up their time for your enjoyment.

I’m sure we all want this to carry on, so please do your bit and ‘unattend’ on Tracker if your situation changes or message the ride leader if it’s an on the morning cancellation due to unplanned and extenuating circumstances. Keeping other people waiting is at best selfish and a worry for the group if you don’t show, you may also find yourself excluded for repeat indiscretions, enough said.

And as always if you want to give something back to the group, we’d love to hear from you.

Ride smarter, ride safe and enjoy……now must wash those squashed flies off my bike!

Steve X