Cambridge Advanced Motorcyclists

POSTPONED - An evening with Barbara Horley
2023-11-03 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
Due to the small number of requests for a place, this event is now postponed until Spring 20124
Members, Associates & their guests are warmly invited to Over Community Centre on Friday 3rd November, where Barbara Horley will make a presentation to CAM on her experience as a National Speedway Referee. Barbara is an accomplished speaker, and her presentation is sure to be lively and entertaining. The evening will conclude with a Q&A session
My interest in speedway started when I was very young, accompanying my father & uncle to the track. Having attended speedway school nearly twenty years ago, I decided to become part of the sport: riding wasn’t for me and so I trained to become a referee. In this role I have to travel all over the country, from Glasgow to Plymouth, taking charge of meetings in all three tiers of racing
I have one other link to speedway: six years ago I began studying for a PhD and am about to submit my thesis on Speedway Racing in England from 1928 to 1965. I have also presented a number of papers on speedway at academic conferences. I can honestly say that speedway has been an important part of my life for a very long time!

Sunday ride (departs Royston)
2023-11-05 09:30 - 13:30 | Tesco Extra Royston, Old North Road, Royston, SG8 5DP, United Kingdom
This ride will be led by Phil Duffy and tail-ended by Barry D
Start & end: Tesco Royston | Departs: 9:30am | Total distance: ~85 miles

Phil’s route heads south from Royston, down the old coach road to Puckeridge, then takes smaller roads to Much Hadham, Widford & Wareside. Just before reaching Ware Phil will turn left, following the river Lee to Roydon and on to Epping for breakfast at either Wings Café (Northweald) or Poppy’s Café (Epping) – depending on how the road closures & flooding which Phil experienced on his recce ride work out on the day!
The return route is via Chipping Ongar, White Roding & Takeley. As the route passes through Mole Hill Green the north end of Stansted’s runway is a stone’s throw away – after which it’s back to Royston via Clavering, Arkesden & Barley
This ride is limited to 12 participants. Use this link to request a place

Sunday rideout to Debden Barns
2023-11-19 09:30 - 13:30 | McDonalds, Caxton Gibbet, Ermine Street, Cambridge, CB23 3PE, United Kingdom
This ride will be led by Mark Fox and tail-ended by Nick Harwood
“Starting from the car park of the McDonalds at Caxton Gibbet we head south on the A1198 before turning off to Steeple Morden and on to Therfield, having first crossed the A505. After Therfield we cross the A10 heading for Barkway, where we drop south to Hare Street and then make our way across country, via Clavering & Newport, to Debden Barns for brekkie at the Elder Café (appropriately located alongside not one, but two, antiques shops)
After breakfast we head towards Saffron Walden and on to Wendens Ambo to join the lovely B1039 to Barley. There we will turn for home – frankly passing through too many villages, so bask in the glow of the first 2/3rds of the trip. The route is via Newton, Haslingfield & Comberton before a short burst back up the A1198 to the lay-by just south of where we started at Caxton Gibbet
The roads are suitable for a late autumn ride whatever the weather. Mindful of keeping Catherine happy, I cut out the gnarly sections suggested by my SatNav, which included an actual green lane and an unfordable ford!
Due to booking restrictions at the breakfast venue, this outing is limited to 12 participants. I look forward to seeing you there”
Use this link to request a place on this ride

Rideout to MotorcycleLive
2023-11-24 08:00 - 19:00 | Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Please see this Latest News post for details Keith Tremeer’s ride to MotorcycleLive

CANCELLED Saturday rideout to Shuttleworth CANCELLED
2023-12-02 09:30 - 13:30 | McDonalds, Caxton Gibbet, Ermine Street, Cambridge, CB23 3PE, United Kingdom
This ride is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. It will now take place on Sunday 17th December.
Keith Curtis has submitted the flight plan for his Saturday Shuttleworth sortie, which has Ian Dunckley in the tail-gunner’s seat –
Heading out from Caxton Gibbet we make our way through Yelling, Graveley and the Offords to cross the A1 at Buckden. Following a series of B roads we skirt the edge of Bedford before crossing the A421 and pass through Great Barford before turning off and making our way along some minor roads to our breakfast stop at The Shuttleworth Runway Café (menu). The outward journey is ~41 miles
After breakfast we have a shorter ride back to Caxton Gibbet: skirting Shefford & passing through Henlow Camp, we will bypass Potton and take the back road out of Gamlingay. Heading through Longstowe we pick up the A1198 to our finishing point in a layby a stone’s throw from where we began. Cognisant of the potential for inclement weather and lower temperatures at this time of year, this is a shorter ride, with the return leg ~32 miles
Photo by Daniel Eledut on Unsplash
This ride is limited to 16 bikes. Click here to secure your place !

CAM ride-in to the 2023 Toy Run CANCELLED
2023-12-03 08:20 - 13:00 | Madingley Park & Ride, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0EU
The group ride-in to Madingley P&R is cancelled. Just meet at la Pergola restaurant individually if you wish to take part in the Toy run.
To encourage Member & Associate participation in the fun and highly worthwhile Cambridge Christmas Toy Run on Sunday 3rd December, CAM is offering a short group ride-in from Madingley P&R to the Toy Run gathering point at La Pergola restaurant for those wishing to arrive as a group. Ian Dunckley will lead this 15-minute ride-in along a short stretch of the M11 and through Barton to La Pergola. To join our ride-in, simply arrive at Madingley P&R (behind the terminal building) by 8:20am for a prompt departure at 8:30am

In the meantime, retrieve your Santa outfit from the loft and start to think of how best to decorate your bike in the festive spirit. As an incentive, a prize will be presented to the best decorated CAM bike/rider combination (including pillion, if applicable) – Ian, along with any other committee members in attendance, will act as judge. Graham Maile was a Santa sensation last year (see this Cambridge Independent write-up); join us as we show CAM has still got Christmas talent in 2023 !
Exceptionally, given the short distance of this ride-in no pre-booking will be necessary
Please arrive in good time: riders will depart Madingley P&R promptly at 8:30am

Winter mid-week ride CANCELLED
2023-12-06 09:30 - 15:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
The first of Paul Norman’s mid-week winter rides!
Paul has postponed this ride until next Wednesday weather permitting

Photo by Aperture Vintage on Unsplash
This mid-week winter rideout starts at 9.30 am from the Shell Services at Fourwentways. The route will take us through Suffolk to Needham Market for a short coffee stop, after which we’ll head across to Wickham Market, Aldeburgh and onto The Kitchen@Thorpeness for lunch. Our return ride heads through Diss, then back down to Bury St.Edmunds and finishes in Newmarket at around 3.30pm.
Total distance ~135 miles | Ride limited to 6 bikes + Ride Leader
Contact Paul Norman directly using this link to request a place

CAM Christmas dinner
2023-12-07 19:00 - 22:00 | The Old Crown, Girton, 89 High Street, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0QD
Members, Associates and their guests are warmly invited to the CAM Christmas dinner, which this year is being held on Thursday December 7th at the Old Crown in Girton. The full menu can be downloaded here

The cost per person is £42.90 for a 3-course meal (this includes a service charge, but excludes drinks). If you would like to attend please download the booking form, and once you’ve made your choices email it to events@cambsiam.org.uk
Be sure to arrive before 7:30pm to enjoy your complimentary glass of Prosecco (or alcohol-free alternative) before taking your seat for dinner!

Rescheduled: Mid-winter ride CANCELLED
2023-12-13 09:30 - 15:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
The first of Paul Norman’s mid-week winter rides!
Photo by Aperture Vintage on Unsplash
This mid-week winter rideout starts at 9.30 am from the Shell Services at Fourwentways. The route will take us through Suffolk to Needham Market for a short coffee stop, after which we’ll head across to Wickham Market, Aldeburgh and onto The Kitchen@Thorpeness for lunch. Our return ride heads through Diss, then back down to Bury St.Edmunds and finishes in Newmarket at around 3.30pm.
Total distance ~135 miles | Ride limited to 6 bikes + Ride Leader
Contact Paul Norman directly using this link to request a place

Committee Meeting
2023-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 | St John’s College School, 73 Grange Road, Cambridge, CB3 9AB, United Kingdom
Details of the members who sit on the Committee can be viewed here

Please email Secretary Roger Taylor (CAMsecretary@cambsiam.org.uk)
if there is a matter which you would like to bring to the attention of Committee members

Sunday ride to Shuttleworth
2023-12-17 09:30 - 13:30 | McDonalds, Caxton Gibbet, Ermine Street, Cambridge, CB23 3PE, United Kingdom
This ride will be led by Keith Curtis and tail-ended by Ian Dunckley
Rescheduled from 2nd December because of heavy frost, Members and Associates can now use this link to request a place on Keith’s ride on Sunday 17th December. Apart from the change of date the details of the ride are unchanged from the details provided previously…
Heading out from Caxton Gibbet we make our way through Yelling, Graveley and the Offords to cross the A1 at Buckden. Following a series of B roads we skirt the edge of Bedford before crossing the A421 and pass through Great Barford before turning off and making our way along some minor roads to our breakfast stop at The Shuttleworth Runway Café (menu). The outward journey is ~41 miles
After breakfast we have a shorter ride back to Caxton Gibbet: skirting Shefford & passing through Henlow Camp, we will bypass Potton and take the back road out of Gamlingay. Heading through Longstowe we pick up the A1198 to our finishing point in a layby a stone’s throw from where we began. Cognisant of the potential for inclement weather and lower temperatures at this time of year, this is a shorter ride, with the return leg ~32 miles
Photo by Daniel Eledut on Unsplash
This ride is limited to 12 bikes

Sunday ride
2024-01-07 09:30 - 13:30 | BP Cambridge (Newmarket Road), Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8AA
Rider leader: Patrick Ryan Ride Tailer: Alan Triggs
Starting at one BP petrol station on the east of Cambridge we’ll be following a circular route which ends at another BP a few miles west of Cambridge. Along the way we’ll mostly keep to B-roads, winding through pretty (if it’s not raining) North Essex villages, getting as far east as Radwinter on our way to Pearces Farm Shop & Café just north of Puckeridge. True, this is situated alongside the A10 but we’ll only be on that road for a short spell
After breakfast we take the A10 back to Buntingford, before following smaller roads into Herts & Beds. We get as far west as Potton before heading eastwards once more on our way to Childerley Gate. The breakfast menu caters to all tastes, and includes granola with blueberries, yoghourt & honey for those starting 2024 with healthy resolutions

Departs: BP Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8AA what3words ///birdcage.dislikes.blackbird
Ends: BP Childerley Gate, St Neots Road, Cambridge CB23 8AY what3words ///habits.kilts.sped
Briefing: 9:20am Ride departs: 9:30am
Total distance: 82 miles
Ride limited to 12 participants Click here to book your place!

Members & Associates Evening
2024-01-08 19:00 - 21:30 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
All are welcome at this Members & Associates Evening – our first such event, and our first gathering of 2024!
Over Community Centre has ample parking and a bar, making this a great venue for friends to meet up and to break the ice with those you don’t yet know
The evening
space 7:00 – 8:00pm ws Member presentation by Mick O’Hare
space 8:00 – 8:15pm ws Refreshments
space 8:15 – 8:45pm ws Presentations to our newest full Members
space 8:45 – 9:30pm ws Update from the CAM Committee
Link coming soon for full details on the evening. We hope to see you there!

Mid-week Winter ride (take 3) CANCELLED Postponed to Friday 12th January
2024-01-10 09:30 - 15:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP

Mid-Winter ride **Re-scheduled**
2024-01-12 09:30 - 15:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP

Sunday ride to Burton Latimer
2024-01-21 09:30 - 13:30 | BP Arrington, 15 Ermine Way, Arrington, SG8 0AD
This ride will be led by Keith Tremeer and tail-ended by Nick Harwood

The ride will depart at 9:30am from BP Arrington roundabout on a route along country lanes through Wrestlingworth, Gamlingay, St. Neots, Stonely & Rushden to the breakfast stop at Bosworth Garden Centre’s Aspen Café in Burton Latimer. After breakfast riders retrace the outward route as far as Rushden, then head to Yielden, Little Staughton, Great Barford, Gamlingay & Little Gransden before finishing close by Caxton Gibbet services. The total distance covered is ~90 miles
Please note: the Aspen Cafe has recently introduced a £5 deposit per person to assure a reservation. Ride leader Keith does not feel it is fair to request this from participants, given the midwinter possibility that the ride could be cancelled at short notice, and therefore this ride is limited to a total of 12 participants, a number the Cafe should be able to accommodate on a walk-in basis
Departs: BP Arrington { what3words }
Ends: Near Caxton Services { what3words }
Briefing: 9:20am Ride departs: 9:30am
Use this link to request a place

Committee Meeting
2024-01-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-03-06 19:30 - 21:30 | St John’s College School, 73 Grange Road, Cambridge, CB3 9AB, United Kingdom
Details of the members who sit on the Committee can be viewed here

Please email Roger Taylor (CAMsecretary@cambsiam.org.uk)
if there is a matter which you would like to bring to the attention of Committee members

Sunday ride to Café33
2024-02-04 09:30 - 13:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
This ride will be led by Mark Fox and tail-ended by Steve Rowdon
Start: Shell Fourwentways | End: Stow cum Quy | Departs: 9:30am

Mark writes: We’ll head east through Linton before turning south towards Castle Camps and then Cornish Hall End. We’ll loop around Haverhill, up to Sturmer & Kedington, then follow the A143 to our breakfast stop at Café33 in Stradishall
After breakfast we will resume our northerly direction through the Suffolk countryside to Moulton & Kennett, then cross to the Norfolk Brecks and a run through the King’s Forest, eventually taking us to Elveden. We’ll then turn for home, initially with a quick blast down the A11 to Mildenhall and then a tootle along the base of the Fens through Fordham, Burwell & the Swaffhams until we reach Stow cum Quy, where we will finish the ride
This ride is limited to 12 riders. Use this link to request a place

Sunday ride to the Springwood Grill
2024-02-18 09:30 - 13:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
This ride will be led by Robin Freeman and tail-ended by Mark Fox
Departs: Shell Fourwentways
Ends: BP Newmarket
Breakfast location: Springwood Grill, Braintree
Briefing – 9:20am Ride departs – 9:30am
Leaving Fourwentways promptly at 9:30am, we head east to the new A1307 roundabout where we turn for Ashdon, passing in front of Hideout Leather &on to Finchingfield, then through Wethersfield before heading towards Braintree and the breakfast at the Springwood Grill. After a proper truckers breakfast we head west along the B1256 to Great Dunmow, then swing north on a route through Thaxted, Great Sampford & Steeple Bumpstead before reaching Haverhill. The final stretch takes us through Witherfield & Dullingham to the BP garage in Newmarket, where the ride ends after ~75 miles
This ride is limited to 16 riders. Use this link to request a place

Maintenance Q&A with Paul Nobbs
2024-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Paul Nobbs Motorcycles, 2 Ely Road, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QD
Paul Nobbs Motorcycles of Sutton (near Ely) hosts this free-of-charge Q&A session for CAM members, with Paul on hand to answer and & all of your questions regarding whatever aspects of bike maintenance are on your mind!
Paul’s business was established in 2002, and with 30 years of experience as a mechanic he is known for his expert knowledge and honest advice. The workshop has limited space, so attendance is limited to 10 persons. If you would like to brush up on your motorcycle maintenance, please use this link to request a place
There will be a collection tin for those wishing to make a donation in aid of East Anglia Air Ambulance
Have your questions ready!

Fish'n'chip lunch at Wells-next-the-Sea
2024-02-27 09:30 - 15:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
On his second mid-week winter ride, Paul Norman heads off on a 143-mile round trip journey for a fish’n’chip lunch at Well-next-the-Sea. This ride, which is limited to Full Members only, will take place on Tuesday 27th February. His January ride was fully subscribed and Paul is again limiting his outing to seven participants, so use this link to avoid disappointment by booking directly with Paul now!
Paul outlines his plan: we’ll setting off from Fourwentways Services at 9.30am on a ride which will take us east of Thetford – with a coffee stop along the way – and through Dereham & Fakenham, before our fish lunch at Wells-next-the-Sea. After lunch we’ll head down to Walker’s Café at Barton Mills, where we can enjoy a hot drink. The formal ride will end here at around 3.30pm and riders heading home solo or in informal groups

Breakfast at the Braxted Bakery
2024-03-03 09:30 - 13:30 | Whittlesford Services, Whittlesford Service Station, Pampisford, CB22 3HD
This ride will be led by Phil Duffy & tail-ended by Steve Rowdon. Phil will be using a novel departure point and also trying a new breakfast destination in Little Braxted. It’s likely most of us will be unfamiliar with this tiny Essex village, which in the 2011 census boasted just 170 residents!
Departs & finishes : BP Whittlesford { A505/A1301 roundabout, CB22 3HD what3words }
Breakfast: The Braxted Bakery { Little Braxted, Essex CM8 3ET what3words }
Phil describes his plan for the ride: We leave BP Whittlesford and head south to Saffron Walden, then south-east following mostly minor roads towards Braintree. We skirt the town and head south again passing near Witham and to our breakfast stop at the Braxted Bakery – which serves breakfasts as well as cakes!
Our return route passes through Kelvedon, Halsted and Finchingfield – along some interesting Essex roads. We bypass Linton and finally head back to BP Whittlesford
This ride is limited to 12 riders. To request a place click on this link
Please arrive with a full tank and in good time for the briefing at 9.20am. Ride departs promptly at 9.30am

Mid week Winter ride 3
2024-03-10 08:00 - 17:00
This ride will be led by Paul Norman. Details to follow

Sunday ride to Shuttlesworth
2024-03-17 09:30 - 13:30 | McDonalds, Caxton Gibbet, Ermine Street, Cambridge, CB23 3PE, United Kingdom
Ian Dunckley & Keith Curtis lead & tail respectively on this ride, which both starts and ends at Caxton Gibbet, into Bedfordshire and the Shuttleworth Runway Café at Old Warden Aerodrome. Ian outlines the route:

D
eparting promptly at 9:30am from Caxton Gibbett, we head through Eltisley, Abbotsley, Everton, Tempsford, Blunham & Cople before arriving at The Runway Café (see menu here). Total distance covered on the outward leg is approximately 30 miles
Our return journey takes us through Old Warden, Cardington, Great Barford, Ravensden, Great Staughton, St Neots & Toseland before finishing back at Caxton Gibbet on the service road a few hundred metres from where we set off. At around 47 miles this is the longer leg of our ride
Departs: McDonalds Caxton Gibbet what3words
Ends: Caxton Services what3words
Briefing 9:20am Ride departs 9:30am 12 participants maximum
Use this link to request your place

An evening talk by Simon Weir
2024-03-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
He’s clocked up more miles than a space shuttle! Former RiDE editor & author of numerous guides including Bikers’ Europe, Simon Weir has spent almost 35 years touring Europe and now plans bike trips for other people… but where would he go back to for his own biking holidays? Find out on Thursday, March 21st at Over Community Centre, when Simon will be sharing his tips for alternative, undiscovered destinations in France, Spain, Italy, Austria and further afield in a special presentation to Cambridge Advanced Motorcyclists!
19:30 Presentation begins
20:10 Refreshments
20:30 Presentation resumes
21:00 Q&A session
21:30 Presentation ends – but the bar remains open for socialising
Simon’s previous presentation to CAM was a packed event, so to avoid disappointment request your place on the 21st now using this link

Observer Training
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
Members of the Observer Team only
Please contact Shaun Digby if you require further information
Photo by Daniel Lerman on Unsplash

Paul Norman's mid-week ride to Southwold
2024-03-27 09:30 - 16:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
Full members only: don’t delay if you would like to join Paul Norman on Wednesday 27th March for his 3rd mid-week winter ride, which this time heads to the Suffolk coast at Southwold. Paul has provided the following outline of his plan for the day:
This outing is limited to 7 riders in addition to me. We’ll meet up at Fourwentways and set off at 9:30am. Our route east will take us through the middle of Suffolk, stopping for a coffee break along the way before our arrival in Southwold in time for lunch
The return route will take us through Thetford and down to Walkers Café at Barton Mills, where the ride will conclude at 3.30 – 4.00 pm. The total milage should come in at around 145 miles. I’ll be handling the bookings myself, so please email me directly if you would like a place
As mentioned, Paul’s previous mid-week rides proved very popular… So if you’re interested in joining him, contact Paul now using the link in his route description above!

Sunday ride (departs Caxton)
2024-04-07 09:30 - 13:30 | McDonalds, Caxton Gibbet, Ermine Street, Cambridge, CB23 3PE, United Kingdom
Mark Fox leads, with Barry D in the tail position, on this 87-mile loop from Caxton Gibbet to BP Childerley, stopping along the way in Wimblington for breakfast. Mark describes his plan for the ride:

Setting off from the McDonalds car park we’ll head across to St. Neots, Eaton Socon and west to pick up the B660 near Keysoe. We’ll follow the B660 north, through Kimbolton & all the way up to Ramsey St Mary’s. We’ll tick off a couple more Ramseys as we head towards Doddington and then to the Skylark Garden Centre & Café just outside Wimblington where we stop for breakfast. Check out the menu here
After breakfast we head turn south, back towards St. Ives – passing through Chatteris and Somersham on the way. Once round St. Ives we will head towards Boxworth and on to the BP Garage at Childerley Gate, where we will finish the ride
Departs: McDonalds Caxton Gibbet what3words
Ends: BP Childerley Gate what3words
Briefing 9:20am Ride departs 9:30am
Total distance 87 miles Maximum number of participants 16
Click here to request a place

Barbara Horley, speedway referee
2024-04-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
Barbara Horley relates her experience as a National Speedway Referee

Members, Associates & their guests are warmly invited to Over Community Centre on Monday 8th April, for Barbara’s presentation to CAM on her experience as a National Speedway Referee. An accomplished speaker, Barbara’s presentation is sure to be lively and entertaining. The evening will conclude with a Q&A session
Barbara, in her own words:
My interest in speedway started when I was very young, accompanying my father & uncle to the track. Having attended speedway school nearly twenty years ago, I decided to become part of the sport: riding wasn’t for me and so I trained to become a referee. In this role I have to travel all over the country, from Glasgow to Plymouth, taking charge of meetings in all three tiers of racing
I have one other link to speedway: six years ago I began studying for a PhD and am about to submit my thesis on Speedway Racing in England from 1928 to 1965. I have also presented a number of papers on speedway at academic conferences. I can honestly say that speedway has been an important part of my life for a very long time!
