Cambridge Advanced Motorcyclists

Ride Leader & Tail Ender training
2024-05-11 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
We learned a lot from the two Ride Leader & Tail-Ender training sessions held in 2023 – the key takeaway that all participants on a group ride benefit from understanding the various guidelines (such as limiting the number of riders to 16, and having a structured pre-ride briefing) which we have in place. Last year we opened RL&TE training session to all Members & Associates, with the aim that eventually all Members will have attended, reducing the number of problems which arise on rides, and making our outings safer, more accessible & a better experience for all
Our first RL&TE training session of 2024 will be held at Over Community Centre on Saturday 11th May
Who can attend? All Members & Associates are welcome (but Associates must have begun Observed Rides and their Observer confirmed that their riding is at a suitable standard)
Interested in joining the Ride Leader & Tail-Ender team? Start the ball rolling now by signing up below
Enjoy Group rides but don’t wish to lead or tail? By signing up for this training you’ll be supporting our RL&TE team, and helping improve our Group rides
Haven’t yet joined a CAM group ride? Take the plunge at this informative, free training session!
Already a member of the RL&TE team? Join us at Over to refresh your skills and lend your experience to those looking to join the team!

What’s involved?
The day starts at 10am and is expected to end by 4pm. The day begins in the seminar room with Module 1, which is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation and lasts around 90 minutes. A break follows with tea, coffee & biscuits. Module 2 presentation follows, lasting roughly 30 minutes
After a break for lunch (please bring your own sandwiches), we move onto the practical, on-road session – so it’s essential that attendees arrive by bike. Although not essential, preferably attendees will be equipped with a SatNav. Current members of the RL&TE team as well as potential new recruits will have the opportunity to brief riders before heading a 20-mile ride where they will have be able to ride in both the Lead & Tail positions. There will be a Q&A back in the seminar room to close the session.

In summary: whether you’re an experienced member of the RL&TE team, looking to join, or would simply like to better help make our Group rides safer & more enjoyable, please support our RL&TE team by requesting a place on Saturday 11th May by clicking here now

Sunday ride to Wickham St Paul
2024-05-05 09:30 - 13:30 | BP Cambridge (Newmarket Road), Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8AA
Try a new breakfast venue! This ride will be led & tailed by Catherine Ryan and Barry D respectively
Departing from BP Cambridge (Newmarket Road), we head south–west in the direction of Sudbury via the Thurlows, Kedington and Great Yeldham before dipping south towards Halstead. The breakfast venue, Spencers FarmShop, is hidden away in the quiet village of Wickham St Paul. The owners will be delighted to welcome us, and if the weather is fine will reserve the verandah for our use. To assist with their planning, please consult the menu and indicate when booking if you think you may wish to order a cooked breakfast.
After breakfast we meander west again, through Finchingfield & Thaxted before veering north at Newport to end the ride at Fourwentways Services. Pillions are welcome on this ride
Departs BP Cambridge | Ends Shell Fourwentways
Briefing 9:20am Ride departs 9:30am
Total distance 76 miles Maximum number of participants 16

A road safety talk by Graham Feest. This event is now CANCELLED
2024-05-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
CANCELLED Over Community Centre, 7:30pm on Thursday, 2nd May. All are welcome to our road-safety talk, delivered by a highly experienced UK Road Safety Consultant Graham Feest. Graham is a frequent speaker at professional & voluntary gatherings throughout the UK, and will address various areas of concern in relation to transport, traffic, safety & roads. He is featured in the Public Speakers Corner list of the country’s top presenters, and has previously presented to several IAM motorcycle and driver Groups
In his own words: My career began with Worthing Council in 1974, before a move to West Sussex as Senior Road Safety Officer and subsequently County Road Safety Officer for Northamptonshire in 1989. I was Head of Road Safety at the Institute of Advanced Motorists from 2001 until the end of 2003, and am currently Chairman of the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving and the Road Safety Advisor to the ADI National Joint Council. I am also a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and serve on their Road User Behaviour Working Group.
I am an approved training provider for the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation. Until May 2023 I was Chairman of the UK National Road Safety Committee, a position I held for some twelve years. I look forward to seeing you on 2nd May!
Your guests are also welcome! To help us keep track of numbers, please send us an email if you would like to attend

Meet the Examiner Evening
2024-04-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
Over Community Centre, Tuesday 23rd April, 7:30 to 9:30pm
Book your place now at our ever-popular Meet the Examiner evening. While this is primarily aimed at Associates, it’s always a popular event and all Members are warmly invited. No two presentations by Simon Burgin (IAM Examiner; recently retired PC & Forensic Collision Investigator) are the same, but we can be sure that Simon will touch on many aspects of roadcraft & road safety. An engaging and entertaining speaker, Simon’s talk will provide invaluable insights – whether you’re new to motorcycling or have been riding for decades
Hot & cold drinks are available at the bar, but so we can ensure there are sufficient biscuits please click this link to let Catherine & Nigel know that you will be attending

Sunday ride to the Silver Ball (CASH only)
2024-04-21 09:30 - 13:30 | Tesco Extra Royston, Old North Road, Royston, SG8 5DP, United Kingdom
Special thanks to Phil Duffy for replacing the scheduled ride leader – with Paul Norman as his wingman, Phil leads our Group-organized ride on Sunday 21th April
Setting out from Tesco Royston we head north on the A1198, turning west near Arrington for Wendy & Shingay (passing the excellent Pig & Abbot pub in the village of Abington Pigotts). We continue through Steeple Morden & Ashwell, where we take a tight left turn up through Bygrave, which has good views over the Weston Hills, and drop down into Baldock
Once through Baldock we take the A507 to Cottered, then take a left to follow back roads through to the A10. We briefly head north here, then turn right on the old road to pass through Wyddial, and south on the old Cambridge coaching road to Hare Street. We continue on through Brent Pelham, Clavering, Great Chishill, Barley & Barkway, then follow the road along the ridge (the highest point in Hertfordshire, hence the radio masts) arriving back on the A10 near the Silver Ball where we stop for breakfast. Outward journey ~ 52 miles
The return route takes us through Therfield, Sandon & Wallington, and south to Walkern. At Benington we pass the excellent Lordship Arms, on to Dane End & Munden and we arrive back at the A10 near Puckeridge. We immediately turn off the A10 and follow the B1368 north to Barley. We turn left here and follow the road back to Royston. Shopping will be in full swing at Tesco so we’ll finish the ride in the town-centre car park. Return journey ~ 35 miles
Departs Tesco Royston what3words
Ends Royston town centre what3words
Briefing 9:20am Ride departs 9:30am
Total distance 87 miles Maximum number of participants 16
Click here to request a place

Committee Meeting
2024-04-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-03-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-01-24 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

BBQ - postponed to July 14th
2024-04-14 11:30 - 14:00 | Over Community Centre, The Doles, Over, Cambridgeshire, CB24 5NY
A celebration of the brand new CAM gazebo! This event will now take place on July 14th at Over

BikerDown
2024-04-10 18:00 - 21:00 | St Ives Fire Station, Ramsey Road, St. Ives, PE27 5RA
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue’s first CAM-exclusive BikerDown of 2024!
Initial Scene Management | First-aid for Motorcyclists
The science of Being Seen

A FREE event open to all, including those who have attended previously
Click here to request your 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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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 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

Mid-Winter ride **Re-scheduled**
2024-01-12 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

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

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!

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!

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

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

Rescheduled: Mid-winter ride CANCELLED
2023-12-13 09:30 - 15:30 | Shell Services Fourwentways, Fourwentways, Cambridge, CB21 6AP
