SEARCH, INDEX, UPDATES, CONTENTS, PARTNERS, MICHAEL STUDHAM, MOTORCYCLING
Teenage years
During my teenage years, a motor bike just did not
become part of my life. I was a member of the East Kent Cycling Club, reasonably fit, often cycled
100+ miles in a day, took part in 10 and 25 mile time trials, and passed my car
driving test three weeks after my 17th Birthday.
Introduction to riding
In 1990 Stewart Robinson of Robinsons Foundry
was largely responsible for persuading me to learn to ride at the age of 41. After a
business meeting with Stewart, standing in his showroom, he said "You
should buy one of these". Not put off when I said I did not have a
licence, he suggested I contact Channel Training who would hire me a bike for
the 20 lessons.
My daughter's boyfriend had a provisional licence but was slow to take his test: I remarked "I might get a licence before you" and the challenge was set.
Having spent my £230 and obtained a licence, Stewart could now sell me my first bike, a Suzuki VX800.
Advanced test - EKAM - IAM
I very quickly realised how little I really knew about riding safely, and I
was fortunate to be introduced to the East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists group of
the Institute of Advanced Motorists, more information at http://www.ekam.org.uk.
My allocated observer, Bill Watkins, was very patient and understanding, and
improved my riding dramatically - many thanks to Bill. I recommend the
Advanced Test to everybody - it improved my riding and my driving (and I have
taken the car test since).
Bikes
I kept the Suzuki for 6 years. The first year it did 7,000 miles
including a trip from Broadstairs, via the beautiful west cost of Scotland to John O'Groats.
In 1997 the Suzuki was replaced with a Triumph Trophy 900. Brilliant handling, but not quite as suitable for touring.
My present bike is a "Honda 50" - a gold 50th anniversary edition Pan European ST1100 - not the quickest bike in the world, but good for longer rides, yet still has good handling.
Pan-Clan
I am a member of this organisation for Pan European owners.
International Federation of
Motorcycling Rotarians (IFMR)
The first IFMR group was formed in Australia, but now has Chapters
throughout the world. I first became involved in a trip to the New Forest
and Isle of Wight in 1996 and have participated in an average of 3 weekends each
year since.
In July 2000 I organised a weekend in Kent, based at Ashford, typical of the group meetings. 34 bikes including riders from Holland, Belgium, and France, took part. Saturday visits included the Spitfire Museum at Manston, Brogdale Orchard near Faversham, Old Town Goal at Dover, and a look at the Channel Tunnel terminal from the hills above. Sunday morning visited Rye and the weekend finished with lunch and an optional flight at Lydd Airport.
Another weekend is planned for July 2006, based at Canterbury and visiting Finchcocks.
Any Rotarian interested in joining the UK Chapter can find out more at http://www.ifmr.fsnet.co.uk.
Safety
If you are also interested in motorcycle safety, you may like to visit www.bikesafe.co.uk and www.ridewithattitude.com.
GPS
In 2003 I fitted a Garmin GPSV from GPS Warehouse to my
Pan. Brilliant for navigating in unknown towns and the countryside - no
need to stop and look at maps.
This page was last modified 21 January 2006.