IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced motorcyclist, Peter Rodger, is offering monthly motorcycling tips. This month, he is advising on getting ready for the autumn.  

• Check your battery is full charged and is in good condition. The colder the weather, the more work it has to do.
• Give your tyres the once over. You’ll be relying on them to be in a good state, especially in the damp and wet weather.
• Add to your summer gear. It’s important to have a set of waterproof overalls for the wet weather.
• The rain will inevitably affect the riding conditions. Allow more of a following distance.
• Don’t ride into puddles; they could conceal a pothole or other hazards.
• Riding in low sun can make it difficult to see ahead – be prepared, not surprised, and try to keep your eyes shaded.  

Rodger said: “As the cold weather takes its toll on the roads, you’ll find that lying water becomes additional hazard as it hides cracks in the surface as well disguising the depth of any holes. Look well ahead to negotiate potholes so that you don’t get caught out by one.”  

The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups. Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding. There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk

Six passionate classic motorcycle enthusiasts have defeated hundreds of other competitors from all over Britain to reach the final round of the Classic Bikers Club Bike of the Year Award. It’s now up to the public to vote for their favourite and the overall national champion will be announced at the 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show on October 20-21 at Stafford County Showground.  

The finalists have been chosen by a panel of the nation’s top classic motorcycle experts. Each machine is an engineering marvel and the product of its owner’s mechanical prowess, mingled with lots of love, care and attention to detail. The winner will get £1000 worth of goods from Grand Prix Legends and a prestigious bespoke trophy made from components of John McGuinness’ works Honda Fireblade motorcycle.      

The six are:   

Charlie Owens, from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, with his Kawasaki H2-C (1975) from Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in October 2011.  

Malcolm Nettleship, from Sheffield, with his Yamaha YAS1 (1969) from Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic in January.  

John Phizacklea, from Swindon, Wiltshire, with his Neracar Model C (1925) from Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show in February.  

Graham Nook, from the Isle of Man, with his DMW Typhoon (1965) from 32nd Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show in April.  

David Stewart, from Scone, Perthshire, with his New Hudson Popular 211cc (1923) from Carole Nash Great Scottish Dirt Bike Show in May.  

Father and son team Barry and Martyn Taylor, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, with their Norton 750 (1960) from Carole Nash Eurojumble in September.  

For more details of all the bikes nominated, visit www.classicbikersclub.com today. To vote, visit www.classicbikersclub.com before Friday, October 12.

... as the Original Cruisers (those of the Rally in a Chalet fame), bring you a Halloween Extravaganza, 26th - 28th October @ Pontins in Southport!

With Rock bands, Rock DJ, lots of trade stalls, charity raffle for the Northwest Air Amblulance, last man standing bars, all you can eat brekies and dinners, happy hours and a swimming pool!

price: Ticket £12. Chalets: £20 - £26 pp.

www.southportoriginalcruisers.webs.com

IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced motorcyclist, Peter Rodger, is offering monthly motorcycling tips. This month, he is advising on riding in the wind and rain.   

 • Give yourself enough following distance. In the rain you need to see the road surface ahead of you early enough to be able to avoid puddles, drain covers and potholes full of water.
• Lorries often throw up a wall of spray that you can’t see through.  Don’t be tempted to rush into an overtake when you can’t see. Stay further back to avoid the worst of spray until you can see clearly enough.
• Heavy rain creates pools of water across the carriageway. If you see water pooling, avoid it if possible. If you see one too late to avoid it, don’t brake or accelerate in it – ease off the throttle a bit, hold the handlebars firmly and steer straight ahead.
• Remember, braking distances increase in the rain. Slow down, look further ahead and increase your following distance.
• Strong winds severely unsettle your bike and blow you off course. Look ahead at the trees and bushes, and the behaviour of other vehicles to see how the wind is affecting them – it will show you where the worst patches are. Watch for gaps in buildings or trees – such as firebreaks in forests – they often cause strong side winds. Riding past lorries and trucks has a similar effect.
• Wind affects other vehicles too. Large and flat sided vehicles are usually most affected – so give them more room, and plan where you are going to overtake. Avoid spots where they are likely to get blown across your path.  

Rodger said: “Riding in bad weather is more challenging. If the weather is really severe, you need to consider whether you need to go out at all, but if you do, give it more thought. The wind itself is invisible, but its effects aren’t – watch them. Getting both cold and wet will really destroy your concentration, as well as be unpleasant, so make sure you have suitable kit for riding in wet conditions.”  

The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips, with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups. Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding.

There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk