SEVRA AGM Minutes

SEVRA AGM – SATURDAY 29^TH August 2009 6.00pm

 

Chaired By Lord Sav

Minutes taken by Ladybird

Present: Nips, Beatle, Crooner,  Pitbull, Jesus, Mary, Big Pete, Little Griz,Freeway, Joyboy, Tiny, BBT, Nikki, Jimbo, Bundi,  Spock, Lady Penelope, Badges, Posh, Grizzly, Fender Bender, Crispie, Hairbag, Jean, T-Boy, Scrubber, Trevor GB, Smiler, Forty Four, Biker Betty, Zulu

Agenda & Outcome

1) Nomination and Election of SEVRA Officers

Area Secretary                                   Lord Sav

Deputy Area Secretary                       Squeek

Road Captain                                      Nips    

Webmaster Thingy                             TrevGB

Social Secretary                                 Tiny

Chronicler                                           Chronic

Sevra’s Official Grumpy Bugger        Spock

Those present were invited to nominate themselves for any of the above positions – no one expressed an interest and it was agreed that the Officers of SEVRA will remain the same for 2010 as everyone is happy with it just the way it is.

2) Charity and SEVRA

Lord Sav asked for any other charity nominations that SEVRA could vote on to adopt as our chosen charity. It was voted that “Demelza House” would continue to be our charity, as it has been in previous years.

2a) Demelza donations collected 2009

Money raised so far 2008/2009 – (at that point we had already raised over £1,000) since the weekend final figures have been calculated and printed. It was decided that a ride-out would be arranged and posted on the “What’s On” site followed by a barbeque at “Sleepy Lodge” hosted by Lord Sav & Ladybird.

3) Mickey’s/ A127 Diner – alternative venues?

It was noted that the southern part of SEVRA is not represented with a weekly meeting place as both Mickey’s in Kent and A127 Diner in Essex are not easy to reach on a weekday for members living in Sussex. It was recognised that as SEVRA covers a large geographical area a further location would be a good idea. It was left that our Sussex members would explore the possibility and advise in due course. It was also pointed out that any member could call a ride-out and post on the What’s On site – so the future should see more events starting from the Sussex area.

4) Any problems with anything that any of the Officers are/are not doing?

The only issue raised here was communication and there were a few members who advised that they do not keep up to date with SEVRA news and events. A further communication plan could be put in place, but as all our members have access to a computer it is up to the individual to log in and keep up. The possibility of a “tiered” ‘phone call or text to cover all members was mentioned but this would be duplicating information that can easily be viewed on-line. If any member requires further communication they should arrange this with another member.

5) Another Summer Euro Bumble?

It was felt that as a number of members are planning to go to the International in Germany it may not be viable, in terms of cost & holidays, to arrange a separate event.

6) 2010 International, Germany.

A show of hands indicated that a large number of SEVRA are planning to attend next year’s International in Germany. There are a number of different routes and journey times available, with the possibility of extending the trip over a week long period. With some information from Badges, and some research by Ladybird, it was agreed that the options would be explored so each individual could make the journey to suit them. Although it would be good to all travel and arrive together, in reality this is not practical, so long as we all get there and party together!

7) “What’s On” page

A very valid point was raised here in that if you sign up for something and then cannot go, please remove your name from the list or let the organiser know. This is courtesy to the organiser in terms of possible catering arrangements and also means that at a meeting place everyone is not waiting for someone who was expected.

8) SEVRA Christmas Party

The meeting was handed over to our Social Secretary, Tiny, who announced that the party would be held on Saturday 16^th January 2010 and the theme would be “Super Heroes” – look out for full details on the What’s On page.

9) SEVRA Big Weekend and AGM 2010

Following the success of this year’s event, there were no objections to a repeat weekend next year at the same venue, which everyone agreed is just brilliant for our requirements.(See What’s On Page)

10) VRA AGM Wales 25^th September 2009

The question was asked who would be attending the above – only Lord Sav & Badges showed their intention to go.

11) AOB

No points raised

Group Rides

Guidelines for VRA Group Rides



Primary Considerations

The primary consideration in conducting and participating in a VRA group ride is that of safety. That is your personal safety, the safety of the other riders, and the safety of other road users and 3rd parties.

The Road Traffic Law should be obeyed at all times. In doing this we can be real ambassadors to the VRA and to motorcycling in general.

It is important to remember that each rider participating in a group ride is responsible for their own actions and their consequences.

It is the individual’s responsibility both to themselves, to the other group members, and to the law to ensure their motorcycle is in a safe, legal, and INSURED state before joining the ride.


Advantages of following these guidelines

By following these guidelines a standard approach to group riding can be achieved where every rider has an understanding of what to expect.

It has to be accepted that at times the group of riders will become separated, particularly in built up areas. By following these guidelines all participants of the ride should reach the destination and keeping all the riders together ceases to be a primary consideration.


Basic Principles

The basis of the system is that the Leader (usually the ride organiser) stays in front of the group and the Tail Rider at the rear.

Whenever there is a deviation from the obvious straight ahead route, the rider travelling behind the leader (2nd man) pulls over in a visible and safe position to point all the bikes in the correct direction. Then when the Tail Rider comes along the 2nd man rejoins the route in front of the Tail Rider. As the journey continues each rider will in turn become the 2nd man behind the Leader.

By following this basic system each rider can ride their own ride, without the risk of getting lost. There is no need to stay in convoy or to play ‘catch up’.


Putting it into Practice

1. Make sure that everyone is familiar with the Lead and Tail system.
2. All riders should be made aware who the lead and tail riders are and how they can be identified.
3. Ensure that every rider is aware of the location of rest stops and the final destination.
4. Do not overtake others in the group
5. When overtaking a slower road user, particularly on a dual carriageway or motorway accelerate far enough ahead to allow the rest of the group enough room to follow and slot in behind you safely.
6. When on the open road, ride in staggered formation when in close proximity to other group riders.
7. Allow other road users to overtake the group if they wish. Make a space for them to do so if necessary and is safe to do so.

Leaders Role

1. Brief all riders before the off.
2. Ride smoothly and at a steady pace.
3. Do not make sudden lane changes or manoeuvres.
4. When overtaking a slower road user, particularly on a dual carriageway or motorway accelerate far enough ahead to allow the rest of the group enough room to follow and slot in behind you safely.
5. On leaving a dual carriageway or motorway ensure you are in Lane One at least a mile before the junction to allow the rest of the group to position themselves safely to follow you.
6. If it becomes apparent that the Group has come to a halt because a rider has had problems, retrace the route until you discover the cause of the hold-up and take appropriate action.

2nd Man’s Role

Be prepared to stop and act as the marker. However if you are the second bike behind the leader (3rd Man) and you realise that the bike in front has not marked a change in direction then mark it yourself.

Never compromise your personal safety or the safety of others by stopping in a dangerous location. It is your decision where to stop, but remember to be an effective marker you need to be visible to the following bikes.

Do not block roads or junctions.

Do not move until the Tail Rider appears.


Tail Riders Role

As you approach the marker bike slow down to enable the rider to pull out.

Watch out for any bikes that have pulled over for any reason and stop and find out what the problem is.


If you get lost

The most common cause of getting lost is failure to see the marker or someone leaving the group while on the road and the bike behind follows. Both causes are avoidable if everyone follows this guide. If you do get lost and after 10 minutes no one has found you, proceed to the destination point.

Finally

COMMON SENSE MUST ALWAYS PREVAIL, guidelines cannot possibly apply to every situation.