The BMW Club JOURNAL September 2011 £2.50 25% OFF all Travel Books in September!

2 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 The Journal CONTENTS September 2011 Regular/Occasional items The Official BMW Club within the UK and Republic of Ireland From The Editor’s Desk ...... 4 www.thebmwclub.org.uk Club Officers ...... 6 General Enquiries: 0800 0854045 FREEPOST: THE BMW CLUB President’s Platform ...... 7 The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd; Registered in England; Registration Number 4261129 whose Registered Office: c/o Veitch Penny LLP 1, Manor Court Torque Reaction ...... 9 Dix’s Field Exeter Devon England EX1 1UP All Rights Reserved Star Letter ...... 15

For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, please contact The National Committee Meeting . . . . 21 your Section Secretary. Should there still be a problem then contact the National Membership Secretary whose contact details are on page 6. Members Discounts ...... 36 The Editor reserves the right to alter/amend any item or image submitted to The Journal. Such amendments will usually only be to make an item German Jottings ...... 41 more readable or easier to understand. Submission of items/images will be taken as acceptance of this condition. Mutual Aid (Club member ads) . . . . . 75 EDITORIAL TEAM Small Business Advertisments . . . . . 79 Correspondence on any Journal matter not covered by The BMW Club - Out and About .47 the officers listed below should be sent to the Editor. For general Club administration and membership matters Articles/Features please see the list of Club officers on Page 6. Beakie Goes to the Isle of Skye . . . . .23 Editor: Stewart Lowthian, 29 Wagg Street, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4BA. Two old men go to the Lakes ...... 35 01260 279 126 [email protected] Features/Articles: Peter Wright. The Pre-65 SSDT ...... 37 [email protected] The NE Section Camping Weekend . . . 40 Torque Reaction: Paul Nadin, 49 Berkshire Drive, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1SB. 01260 279 443 Travels in South America ...... 43 [email protected] DISCLAIMER Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood Drive, The BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written in good faith; however, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S63 9GD the views expressed in articles and letters which are published are not necessarily those of the 07752 904 334 [email protected] Editor of The Journal or those of The BMW Club or its officers or members. The information, including advice and suggested modifications published in the The BMW Commercial Display Advertisements: Jim Bruce, Club Journal has not been approved, tested or otherwise checked by The BMW Club Journal or The BMW Club. Before acting on information, advice or suggested modifications published The Firs, Bayview Crescent, Broadford, Isle of in The BMW Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate have Skye IV49 9DB 01471 821 017 a professional motorcycle engineer carry out the work for you. [email protected] The BMW Club Journal and The BMW Club cannot accept liability for any loss, damage or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work or other action carried out on the Small Business Advertisements: Charles Knight, advice or based on the suggestions given in any article or letter published in The BMW Club Journal and (save for death or personal injury arising from The BMW Club Journal’s negligence) 4 Homelands, New Road, Porchfield, Isle of Wight, all such liability is hereby excluded. PO30 4LS ,01983 520 847 The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd. 07521 695 992 [email protected] The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, The BMW Club Journal, it’s Editor and Officers accept no liability in respect of loss or damage occasioned directly or indirectly as a result of the Section News: Steve Foreman publication of any advertisement in The BMW Club Journal or Website. 01536 722 048 [email protected] Diary of Events: Ian Caswell. [email protected] This month’s cover photo from Paul Scrase of the East Anglia Section shows Ian Caswell (see above). Around The Compass: his 30th Anniversary GS at Alf on the Club/Section Display Ads: Piers Kurrein. Mosel on 27th May 2011. [email protected]

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 3 From The Editor’s Desk

New Registered The benefit of Club Office email As a limited company, Keeping Club and the Club has to have a personal correspondence registered office. For many separate is obviously years we used the address sensible, particularly of our accountants Hillier in the light of the Hopkins. Following requirement above, and discussions at the AGM the easiest way to do it is, in Durham Jim Lepley, if you are a Club officer, to save us a couple of to have an email address thousand pounds a year provided by the Club. in fees, has appointed a This gives many potential firm of accountants local benefits, particularly at to him to replace Hillier this time of year when Hopkins. As the new firm is based in Scotland, Section AGMs take place and new volunteers and the Club is registered in England, we are step up. Last year I was contacted by members now using the address of the Club’s solicitors, whose queries were best answered by their Veitch Penny LLP, who are based in Exeter. Section Secretaries but, due to the delay For those who need to update their stationery between a Section AGM taking place and or email signature, the new address is on the the new secretaries’ details being printed in top left side of page 3 ofThe Journal. The Journal, messages sometimes go astray. Because we are a limited company it is a An email address that can be handed on legal requirements that we mention this in from one incumbent to the next helps the all correspondence, whether by email or good incoming volunteer to see what’s been going old-fashioned post. If you have pre-printed on and also lets him or her catch up on any stationery with the Club’s previous registered outstanding correspondence. This continuity office on it you can no longer use it. Because I of correspondence would also have been of send very few paper letters I use a document considerable help to me when I took over as template that can easily be altered for events Editor. such as this. For emails, I use a signature The Club has, for some time now, been including the necessary details, which is using an email system driven by Google automatically appended to every email I send Mail. The principal benefit of this system is from each of my two Club addresses. Anything that because email is stored by Google rather than on individual’s computers, a hardware sent from my private addresses, even though I failure cannot destroy your correspondence or use the same computer for everything, has a contacts list. It is also very simple to add the separate signature independent of the Club. required signature line to your Club emails without having to remove it from others (try 4 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 that with Windows Mail if you’ve nothing else to another. Mike Dorking has expressed the to do on a wet afternoon). If I’ve convinced you concern that The Journal might disappear that it’s a good idea then contacting admin@ in paper form, to be replaced by an on-line bmwclubuk.net will get you everything you document that could be printed if necessary. need to know about it. Not while I’m Editor it won’t. Mark Dutton More Legal Stuff speculated on the subject in his July Social Scene column, but he was speculating about Having taken advice from the Club’s the next ten years rather than the next few solicitors, a new disclaimer has been posted months. If the Club were founded today in all the technical sections on the Forum. rather than 60 years ago then the debate would It is unfortunately no longer safe to give have to take place but we have a tradition of someone else the benefit of your experience producing something that can be read whilst on the understanding that he or she needs to look carefully for themselves before starting sat in a comfortable chair under a good light, rather than hunched over a computer screen. I the work. The Journal, on page 3, carries a similar disclaimer for the same reason. I hope was interested to receive a telephone call from very much that the regrettable need to cover a gentleman representing the Pan Clan (www. ourselves does not prevent members from pan-clan.co.uk for those interested) asking helping each other, either by threads on the me who printed our magazine. The Pan Clan Forum or technical features in The Journal. is only 500 members and would save a great deal by giving up a paper magazine as the A dozy typing error cost of printing a small run is astronomical Bill Henwood, in this month’s Torque but no, they, like us, are staying with paper Reaction, points out a silly error in my for the foreseeable future. Likewise, the discussion last month regarding the pros and Triumph Owners MCC have recently gone to cons of an A4 Journal. Bill is quite correct the effort of changing from an A5 magazine to pick up the mistake I made, particularly to A4. The newsagents shelves are full of since it rather compromised the argument printed periodicals, representing a great deal I was making. He rightly points out that an of investment in paper and printing presses. A4 Journal can be posted as a large letter, Paper has a very real future. my mistake being to wrongly quote the sizes listed on the Royal Mail pricing leaflet I had to Marketing manager hand. Bill has quoted the sizes correctly. You will read in Dick Boyd’s column that the Bill also comments on the increased cost Club needs a marketing manager to coordinate of polywrap envelopes. The problem with all the Club’s efforts to sell itself to BMW including the cost of them in the discussion motorcycle owners and to sell advertising is, as I said, that they are an oil-based product whose price is volatile, and almost always space to businesses looking for custom from moving in the wrong direction. As such, the such people. Dick has a job specification for increased cost we were given some time ago the post, which describes an individual of could just as easily apply to A5 as to A4 wraps. almost infinite skill and energy. The reality will be, I suspect, that a team will evolve in The future of The Journal much the same way that the Journal team has No, not the size of it this time but something done, and for the same reason. A club such as more basic. I don’t often use this column to ours needs to reflect all shades of opinion and reply to letters in Torque Reaction but since the only way to do that, in my opinion, is for a I’ve had to reply to one already, here’s my reply team to share their ideas. BMW Club Journal • September 2011 5 National Officers & Section Secretaries National and other officers Section Secretaries PRESIDENT: Dick Boyd, Stewart Place, South Road, East Anglia: Mark Weavers, 25 Hill Avenue, Garmouth, Morayshire IV32 7LX Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6HP 01343 870 389 [email protected] 0845 003 6880 [email protected] Secretary: Dave Cooper, Greensleeves, Exmouth Road, Exton, Exeter. Devon EX3 0PQ Irish: TJ McHale Tavanavghmore, Foxford, Co Mayo 01392 876 991 [email protected] 087 247 0111 from within Irish Republic, or +353 87 247 0111 [email protected] Treasurer: Jim Lepley, 7 Landale Gardens, Burntisland, Fife KY3 9HN. London: Nick Fry, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors 01592 874 592 [email protected] Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 4TE 01438 749 913 [email protected] NATIONAL Social Secretary: Mark Dutton, 13 Greenfield Drive, Great Tey, Colchester, Essex Mercia: Ruth Jackson, 213 Morley Road, Oakwood, CO6 1AA 01206 212 232 or 07703 179 062 Derby. DE21 4TB. 01332 668 159 [email protected] [email protected] National Membership Secretary: FREEPOST, Midland: John Winn,16 Ardington Road, The BMW Club, Glenthorne, Yeoford Road, Cheriton Northampton, NN1 5LJ. Bishop, EX6 6JA 0800 085 4045 membership@ 01604 631 043 [email protected] bmwclubuk.net North East: Philip Oughtred, Ponteland Cottage, Standing orders: [email protected] Pipe Bridge, Rowland Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 1PQ POST/5 Tool Hire Secretary: Mike Delacoe, 4 01207 544 851 [email protected] Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Daventry NN11 Northern: Lynn Tagg, 63 Ambrose Court, 3TA 01327 360 945 [email protected] Moss Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25.4XA. Pre/5 Tool Hire SecRETARY: Peter Dunn, 01772 431 324 [email protected] 101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks RG19 4QH 07941 075 165 [email protected] Oxford: Tim Read, 15 The Limes, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos GL7 5RF Merchandise SecRETARY: Cath Broughton, 17 01285 869 320 [email protected] Strawberry Hill, Northampton NN3 5HL 01604 416 896 [email protected] (see Scottish: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, Glasgow Merchandise advertisment for contact times) Road, Sanquahar, Dumfrieshire. DG4 6BZ [email protected] Vintage & CLASSIC Register Secretary: 01659 50091 Robin Walker, 37 Heron Drive, Bracken Park, South east: Shaun Mulligan 47, High Street Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1GJ Halling, Rochester, Kent. ME2 1BP 01427 610 329 [email protected] 01634 241 215 southeast.secretary@bmwclubuk. Sporting Register Secretary: Robert Bensley, net Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham NR16 2HS Southern: Richard Tavener, 34 Nursery Close, 01953 888 415 [email protected] Frimley Green, Camberley, Surrey GU16 6JZ Safety officer: Colin Bembridge. 02089 538 807 01252 838 384 [email protected] [email protected] South West: Debbie Sampson ‘Trevilla’, Events Logistics: Brian Johnston, 10 Saffron 18, Ropehaven Road St. Austell Cornwall PL25 4DU. Road, Tickhill, Doncaster DN11 9PW. 01302 743 032 01726 61642 [email protected] or 07950 319 197 [email protected] Ulster: Charlie McConnell, 6 Cameron Park, Marketing/Commercial Sales: Position Vacant Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 1QJ. Sidecar Register Secretary: Position vacant. 028 2564 7730 [email protected] GS Register Secretary: Position vacant. Western: Sue Ross 7 Pintail Grove Kidderminster Assistant Secretary for America: Worcs. DY10 4RT. Position vacant. 01562 820 458 [email protected] 100,000 MILE AWARD: Dick Boyd Yorkshire: Roland Powell, 369 Higham Common 01343 870 389 [email protected] Road, Higham, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 1PG WEBMASTER: Nick Fearn 01226 391 603 [email protected] [email protected] HQ Register: Tony Painter 01823 253 897 after TECHNICAL OFFICER: Mike Fishwick Sirgon, 24250 Midday only please. [email protected] Daglan, France. [email protected] Delegates to other organisations Forum Administrator: John King. [email protected] BMF: Primary contact: Tony Cartmell Other delegates; Jeff Dymond, John Lewis, Mark Forum Address: http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk Dutton Vice-Presidents: Peter Dunn [email protected] FBHVC: M McNair Dennis Crompton [email protected] 0161 653 0998 DVLA: Brian Price 99 Neath Road, Rhos, Cliff Batley [email protected] Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 3AH 01792 862 152 01787 373 919 [email protected]

Please restrict any calls or enquiries to these Club officials to between the hours of 10am and 9pm, and let the Editor know if any of these details need amendment

6 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 President’s Platform

Hi, No sooner had I finished the last platform if you are interested, please send me a request including the request for a volunteer to run by e-mail and I will send the description by the 100,000 mile award return. than Peter Dunn one As I write this of the Vice Presidents platform on 25th July stepped forward and we are only a month offered to take it over away from the sixtieth so I had better get my celebrations and I am R90S out and give it a really looking forward few runs to make myself to the trip and also eligible. My son tells me the Snetterton Track that I’m not allowed Day the week before, to sell this bike as it is as I shall be attending going into his living both. I am told that room when I kick the the bikes are being dust. supplied for the skills By the time that you test at the sixtieth, read this the two track which should level the days at Cadwell and competitive playing Snetterton will be over as well as the National field. This also ensures that you don’t break Sixtieth Celebrations. Cadwell was a success something on the bike that you need to return as far as the riders went but we needed more home on. Hopefully loan bikes will entice participants to break even financially and that more members to come forward and have a will have to happen if we are going to continue go as this makes for a much more enjoyable with this type of event. Robert Bensley puts event and helps to bond people as they can his heart and soul into these events and he then compare injurys to the bikes or body. I and his wife Ann put a lot of effort into will take a towel and an umbrella this time, as their organization and running, burning the I got soaked last time. I intend riding around midnight oil and worrying. So it’s up to you under an umbrella this time unless that is the members to show the kind of support that against the rules. Will the rules for the skills is needed and keep this kind of event on the test be posted on the Forum?. As you can see calendar. it is getting serious now as I know a number This month I would like to put out a of people that grow horns as soon as it gets request for a volunteer to take on the role competitive. of Marketing Manager as we need someone Lastly a quick thank you to all those to promote the club. This position would be members on the 60th committee that have better filled by someone that is either retired been scheming and planning for at least or on shift work as it requires daytime contact the past year, so that you the member can of businesses that advertise in The Journal and enjoy the comradeship and camaraderie that on the website as part of the task. I have a job membership of this club produces. description which covers the task and more so, Just a quick final aside. Reading through BMW Club Journal • September 2011 7 some of the press about motorcycling it would www. appear that Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo are not going to participate in the Japanese MotoGP because of the radiation scare, while everyone else is attending. Possibly these two .co.uk need their wages docked as it is the Japanese Overland Touring Luggage & Accessories that are paying them and having to live with the radiation. Also these two should be docked one result towards the championship. Valentino is having a hard time with the Ducati but if anyone can sort it Valentino and Jeremy Burgess are your men. It would be great to see them sort it before the end of the year, when we have the new regulations coming along for next year. JESSE LUGGAGE SYSTEMS That’s me for the September Journal hope NEW MODELS that you have a good one. YAMAHA SUPER TENERE Dick Boyd. TRIUMPH TIGER 800 In addition to our current range for Your President BMW’s ~ KTM 950-990 ~ SUZUKI V-STROM~ KAWASAKI KLR 650 TENT TEST WINNER Formerly NOMAD NEW SERIES II NOW AVAILABLE IN GREEN OR YELLOW

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8 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Please send all submissions for October’s Torque Reaction to Paul Torque Nadin (details on page 3) before Reaction September 5th please. Advice on Disc Locks to our journal a month or two ago about my experiences in my youth with a BSA Bantam. - July issue page 48 I progressed from that via an interesting ‘bike Please assure Piers Kurrein that he need fear purchased from Pride and Clarke. Remember no embarrassment for his article on disc lock them? I seem to remember that they owned positioning. An idea so simple, so practical, so an entire street in South London with all the obvious and yet so rarely practiced needs no premises painted pink (you wouldn’t dare apology. these days!). They specialised in ex military As I walked along a line of bikes at a recent machines, BSA side-valve, Matchless, etc, race meeting, row upon row of bikes had their many clearly wounded in the defence of the disc locks attached – all in the “A” position. realm, and obscure end-of-production job Had I not read Mr. Kurrein’s article, my disc lots of European origin for which spares were lock would have been fitted in the same way. almost unobtainable. I freely admit that I previously always fitted But they were cheap. Mine was in the the disc lock in “B” - the most prominent latter category, a German DKW 197cc two- visual position. It never occurred to me to stroke. This was a marvellous machine and a attach it so that it would cause the least revelation after the Bantam, particularly in damage if forgotten! the suspension department. My father, who Only goes to show that you are never too had tuned and raced Nortons in the thirties, old to learn! muttered something about ‘Earls Forks’. He viewed any form of comfort on a motorcycle as Bryan Duncan. East Anglia Section. a sign of decadence and would mutter darkly ‘Monty would never have tolerated it in the Sidecar Advice Wanted. Western Desert’. He had served in R.E.M.E. I have finally done it! No, nothing nasty during the war and had the true soldier’s although I suppose that depends upon your ability to ‘liberate’ useful equipment. As a point of view. I have finally sold my K1100. It consequence of exercising this talent during was too big, too heavy and I would lie awake at the desert campaign he had acquired a very night contemplating re-mortgaging the house real respect for BMW motorcycles, several when all that wonderful technology finally of which he had ‘captured’. He also learned began to fail. to appreciate sidecars, which were usually So what next? I have my trusty old Yamaha attached to them. We have now approaching Dragstar for general pottering and shopping the nub of my incoherent rambling. but I can’t help musing in quiet moments The DKW was a great little machine but about the possibility of something a little not for commuting to college, a round trip of a more ‘stimulating’. Mind you, I have had the hundred miles every weekend in all weathers, odd ‘stimulating’ moments on the Dragstar if usually loaded down with dirty washing that means scaring yourself witless. I just feel and course work to get on with. My younger that in general it is rather bland. So again, I brother and I bought a BSA 500cc single for ask, what next. £12. The manual advance and retard didn’t I wrote a somewhat tongue-in-cheek letter work and neither did the decompression lever. BMW Club Journal • September 2011 9 It had to be started fully advanced and on full So I have finally got to the point. I am compression. Any hint of hesitant prodding of thinking sidecars once again and I need the kick-start resulted vicious reprisals. I have advice. I want the classic BMW twin as the seen my brother, somewhat lighter and more basis for an outfit and I want a model that I sensitive than me, lifted bodily off the ground can maintain myself, probably something to a respectable height accompanied by a from the seventies. What do you recommend? sound like a shotgun being discharged. This I eagerly await your thoughts! worked to my advantage; he rarely wanted to ride the thing. I sort of adopted it, forgetting Chris Roberts. South East Section. to pay him his £6 share. Father said ‘Why don’t you put a sidecar on it?’ Journal Musings. That is exactly what I did. I found a chassis I read with some concern that we are to for sale in the village and fitted it to the phase out the journal in its present form bike. Practical Motorcycle had just printed and substitute it with a digital journal, only an article on ‘Setting up your Sidecar’. I accessible by the use of a computer and printer took a lot of trouble over this and it paid if a printed copy is required. off. Tracking down and fitting a little sports Many members rely on the journal as their body completed the outfit. It took a while only tangible way of keeping in touch. They to get used to handling it. Left hand corners maybe do not have either a computer or a were the scariest manoeuvres to start with. If printer, or indeed want one. It may be that you enter the corner too fast and the sidecar they have found it impossible to get into the starts to lift maximum acceleration is your system because they have the wrong server, or only hope of salvation. Braking simply makes have been barred for some other reason. Will a bad situation worse. All hopelessly counter- this unfortunate group cease to be members? intuitive but I got there in the end. I loved it I hope not, for without them and non active and was very sad to part with it in the fullness members we would not have enough to of time but like all young men I was the maintain the standard we now enjoy. victim of my hormones and ‘She’ was prone We all get older and bits wear out but we to weeping openly at speed. Fifty years on she can keep in touch and enjoy the club even if settles for glaring at me. we no longer ride. I don’t know how many

10 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 members fall into this group but a survey The BMW R1200 R would be, I feel, an eye opener. For my part, In 1987 I purchased my first BMW, K100, in ten years time, I will most probably not be 1984 model, red in colour which had a able to ride. But if I still have a few marbles matching coloured Rickman fairing. rattling around, I can enjoy the journal and, if I can still recall the first time l saw it. One I can get into the system, also enjoy the forum Sunday morning I was taking the dog for a etc. The reduction in costs by not having a walk when this beautiful vision pulled up printed journal would presumably reduce the alongside me. It was the owner of a restaurant subscription rate considerably so this is on the who l new. His name was Franco and he had plus side. an excellent restaurant in Wolverhampton. On a lighter note I imagine it will be He knew l was a biker from times past (not too possible to turn on our computers, or what long). I was ’Old Bill’ and had been a traffic ever is in use in 2020, mount our virtual officer but at this time l had had my brain put back was in the crime squad. motorcycle after inviting our virtual friends Anyway, Franco told me he didn’t ride the for a ride out. We can then ride out on bike very often asked me if I would like to take uncluttered roads with no speed cameras or it out as often as l wanted. I couldn’t resist and traps. The weather will always be clement, was soon around his house having my first ride the lunch £1.50 and fuel £0.10 per litre. Oh on a K100. I was smitten. The next thing was, no, we need not worry because there will be Franco asked me if I wanted to buy it. I paid no running costs to think about. No need for somewhere in the region of £2,000.00 and motorcycle clothing, insurance, tax or any was the proud owner. other costs. So after a cheap and exciting day I loved the bike. The Rickman fairing was, out, we can just switch off and retire without I believe, as good as any fairing l have ridden getting wet not be abused by other road users behind. As soon as l was into biking again, I and above all not having to put up with fellow started touring abroad, first with a company motorcyclists. What fun! called European Adventures owned by Mike Hosgood, the owner of a BMW shop in North Mike Dorking. Yorkshire Section. Wales.

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 11 I then saw a black K100RS, for sale in camel.’ l left an island onto a dual carriageway, Cradley Heath BMW. As soon as l set eyes down a hill. It was raining and the handlebars upon it l wanted it and duly bought it. It was started the usual trick of slapping each side three months old. I owned the bike for three of the tank. I couldn’t take one hand off the years. My memories of it are that it was a great bars to flick my visor up. The driver of the bike. It had a plank for a saddle but other than car behind me could see l was in some sort that was at that time an eye catching machine. of trouble and backed off. Eventually the I owned the bike for three years and loved bars stopped playing their little game and every minute of it. It was smooth and could be I carried on. I parked it outside the dealers ridden quickly and safely. shop and never looked at it again. I hated After owning the RS for three years, one it with a vengeance. When we were on the day l was talking to a colleague who was an Col Du Tormelet and the battery was flat, I advanced riding instructor, Paul Hotchkin. considered shipping it over the side but didn’t I always said that the reason the Honda fancy carrying all my luggage! Fireblade was invented was for people to keep I owned the K100 Low Seat for about up with him on his bike. He was so quick and 3 years and loved riding it. The model had safe. Everything was a blur when following higher handle bars, which together with the him. Anyway, I digress. I mentioned to Paul touring screen and panniers made it a superb that I fancied a change. He told me to have touring machine. a look at a R100 GS. So l did and ended up The K100 was replaced with a K1100 LT. buying one from Church Stretton. Now, the This was another excellent bike. It was a second R100 GS was a different kettle of fish to the hand one and I replaced it with a new one. The K100 RS. The R100 GS was so light. The first one was a dark grey and the last one black. handling was fantastic. The only problem that The K1100 LT was smooth, comfortable and got to me was the lack of protection from a well capable of being ridden quickly. fairing. It did have a little screen but it gave I then had a ‘senior moment’ although l was no protection. After a trip with the BMW no where near ‘senior,’ and sold it as l wasn’t Club to the Cairngorms, staying at Kingussie, using it much. I regretted selling it as soon as the lack of a fairing forced me to look for a the new owner rode it away from my house. replacement. With the money l had received for the bike l I had always loved the look of the R100 RS, had my drive block paved and also bought a and they had been put back into production. nearly new Funduro. I had to convince myself I traded the GS in for a white R100 RS. The that a 650cc bike was okay after riding 1,000cc biggest mistake l have ever made. What a plus bikes for some time. Indeed it was. I kept camel. You couldn’t take one hand off the bars telling myself that when l was young the without them oscillating. I tried everything to biggest bikes were around 650cc. Indeed when stop this happening without success. I hated I was a traffic officer I rode BSA 650cc twins - that bike. On a trip to the Pyrenees the battery these were okay but as soon as the BSA Rocket packed up. Travelling back fully laden the bars Three came along one realised that bigger was were oscillating like a tank slapper. better. As soon as l got home the bike had to go. The Funduro didn’t last too long - 4 I traded it in for what l consider a great bike months. The end came when l saw the R1100 - a K100 ‘Low Seat’ model. I put the BMW GS in a showroom in Crewe. This 1100 GS Touring Screen on it. We had one on the was a revelation. A truly great bike in every crime squad as a surveillance bike. This bike respect. Some called it ugly but beauty is in the still remains one of my favourite machines of eye of the beholder. all time. I remember the day l traded in ’the I kept it for 5 years. A friend of mine had 12 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Why insure with Footman James? Footman James offer specialist insurance rates to all BMW Club UK & Ireland members. 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BMW Club Journal • September 2011 13 an R1150 GS which he wanted to part with so another R1200 GS. I thought about another I said l’d buy it if l could sell my R1100 but if Pan but couldn’t make my mind up. anyone made an offer to sell it in case l didn’t This brings me to the heading of this letter. sell mine. Sods law, whilst my mate Nigel was I have always admired the basic ’R’ range and away on business someone went into his shop when one day having a look around the new ‘Silver Machine’ in Wolverhampton, saw the BMW dealership in Wolverhampton spotted bike and bought it, doing the business with a new R1200 R. Blue in colour, it was the SE one of his staff. By this time l had advertised model which meant it had panniers (same as my bike both in The Journal and in a local the R1200 RT) fitted. Having had a test ride paper. I knew Nigel’s R1150 had been sold so the deal was done. in a way I wasn’t bothered about selling my The basic R is a great bike. Mine has the R1100. The first person to enquire came and comfort seat on. I’ve put a higher screen on saw the bike and wanted it. He tried to knock and handlebar risers. It’s light. As quick as a me down but l wasn’t interested. In the end he GS and will go around corners just as well, gave me what l wanted. In 5 years I lost £2k. believe me. I am amazed they do not get the Which I think was excellent and said a lot of press as the R1200 GS does. The vast majority things about the R1100. I think the R1100 of GS owners never go off road. I didn’t, other was of much better build quality. I never had a than to cross the footpath to my drive. You problem with mine. It took me on many trips can carry the same luggage. It’s lower and abroad. easier to get on and off. With the money burning a hole in my It was good to see the R1200 R mentioned pocket I went after an R1200 GS which at the in the August journal. Recently, whilst waiting time hadn’t been out too long. The write ups for a ferry at Bilbao I got talking to another on the R1200 were very good. Lighter, quicker BMW biker. He took a shine to my bike and etc. I took one for a test ride and to be honest I told me a BMW dealer he knows told him thought it not worth the £5k which was what that the R1200 R is BMW’s best kept secret. it was going to cost me to change. On the test And I believe it’s a good description. ride I called in at Sonic Communications to see an ex colleague who was and still is the Alan Head. Mercia Section. Quality Service Manager. The result was that I bought his gleaming red 1300 Pan More on the S1000 RR European. What a bike. Smooth, very quick, easily rideable, plenty of luggage. The bike was Please. a pleasure to ride. Pan Europeans were going Just an observation. I've received my 2nd Club through bad press as result of a fatal accident Journal mag and noted the S1000 RR gets no involving a police rider. Prone to weave at mention anywhere. I noticed in my first mag high speeds. I have to say that I never had a there was no information or updates of said problem with this alleged problem and l never model either. I didn't think much of it at the found other Pan European riders suffering the time as it was my first mag. same problem. Thereafter police forces were I joined the club after purchasing my S1000 dropping them as quick as they could. I know RR Motorsport colours with all the toy's, of one force that contemplating cutting them hoping there would be info and updates, up rather than selling them! articles etc. as per other club magazines. Is the After three years I sold the Pan and bought model not recognised by BMW owners as it's a new R1200 GS. I found it to be an excellent a real breakaway from the BMW norm? I'm machine. Good for anything you could throw aware of course of all write ups and articles at it. This year I wanted a change but not there are every week/month editions of the 14 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Star Letter A Good Craic. the craic was fierce. And if anybody should find video of Saturday I have just returned from a very enjoyable night’s “floorshow” on You Tube, it will be 10 days touring around Southern Ireland well worth a watch, won’t it Martin Hey? during which the GS performed faultlessly So, via the pages of the Journal, may I in both rain and shine. say a public thank you to the members of As part of my itinerary I was able to the Irish section for treating me so well, include the Irish section’s Ride to Meat especially the Davids Browne, Shelley and BBQ at Thurles where, as an East Anglian the rest of the Friday night gang. section foreigner, I was made to feel very welcome. The camaraderie was great, the Alan Williams. East Guinness fine (while the gas lasted) and Anglian Section.

The Star Letter is sponsored by Nippy Norman, whose Throttle Rocker as pictured here is awarded for the Editor’s choice of letter. See www.nippy- normans.com for their full product range.

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 15 motorcycle press. I keep up with the WSB, different denominators i.e. cost per month; BSB and Superstock racing to monitor the cost per year; and increase (in cost) per copy. model’s progress. Also I was puzzled by the dimensions given I believe this sports model has done a lot for a Royal Mail large letter because they for BMW, encouraging a whole new clientele would not allow an A4 Journal to be posted as base, myself included, as I've only ever owned a large letter. Whilst the possible publication one BMW before, a F650GS 652cc single of this email will probably come too late for for 5 years. I am very impressed with BMW most people with respect to the vote, I think for getting its first real sports machine right that the errors need to be corrected publicly. first time. It reminds me way back in 1997 First the Royal Mail large letter: the when Triumph got their first real sports bike maximum sizes are 353mm by 250mm by 25 right with the Daytona T595 (I still have it) a mm and 100g to 750g not 353mm by 165mm revelation at the time for Triumph. by 25mm and 100g to 250g; an A4 Journal I can back up my views of the S1000 RR can indeed be posted as a large letter. as I have some of its competition to compare Secondly the cost saving to be made from it with, MV Agusta's F4 750 and a 312R, the having an A4 Journal: There is a saving of £110 Daytona of course, a Speed Triple 1050 (both per month on the printing; this is £1,320 per the latter are not a fair comparison) and my year. There is an increase in the cost of the poly most recent acquisition an Aprilia RSV4 wraps of £500 per year. There is no saving or Factory APRC which is of course its main extra cost for the postage. Therefore the net competitor. I can tell you with confidence the saving is £820 per year, not £1,300 as stated. "RR" is right up there with the best, hence I My view is that the cost saving whilst believe it deserves more coverage. I've ridden, welcome is not really the issue. What is of great but not owned, all the other manufactures top importance is that The Journal continues with sports bikes too over the years so have a pretty the same high standard of content and if an good idea of the BMW's calibre. A4 Journal allows the Editor to present that This situation reminds me of a similar content in a better way, then that's the way we scenario when I bought my first F4. The club should go. magazine seemed to ignore it as it wasn't "pure MV" until we got a F4 Liaison officer Bill Henwood. Midland Section. then all was well. I would welcome other club member’s views, as surely I can't be the only BMW Quality Problems. member with a S1000 RR. Once again the pages of or journal are Just as a footnote. I'm not a young boy racer littered with the disappointed and frustrated before people get the wrong impression. I've soundings of owners who paid a “premium been riding continuously (legally) since 1960 sum for a premium product”, (words of and have owned and ridden a real selection of Henderick Von Kuenheim), just to be let machines, most of which are classics now. down miles from home or left fuming by a dealerships' mechanic uttering the words Roy Knight. Weymouth. "They all do that mate", (Aug edt.John Lewis & Alan Beaton). The A4 Journal. Reading through owners forums as I On reading the article in August's issue of The researched the prospect of buying new, I come Journal about the proposed A4 Journal, I was across a catalogue of faults and problems that surprised that the numbers concerning the certainly shouldn't be encountered in new cost of printing etc. did not seem to add up. machines costing the amounts that they do. At first I was a little confused by the use of Problems such as bevel drives, immobilizers, 16 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 gearbox oil seals and ABS, all major passing on the info. components that just shouldn't be failing at http://www.stopngo.com/products/ low mileages with warranties just expiring. Standard-Model-%252d-Tire-Plugger.html The issue appears to me to be the lack of willingness of the manufacturer to take heed Alan Reynolds. Western Section. of these failings and sort them. It seems to be the same attitude to the Bits and Bobs from suggestions by riders for new models. As Yorkshire. has been suggested by many a motorcycle For your info, if you’re planning on crossing journalist, and our very own President, an the channel to France try www.eurotunnel. 800 RT has the potential to be a gem I'd love com/mcn or phone 08708507740. Crossings to see and would be a true retro such as the from £11 each way. R90S. It can be done within EU restrictions, Now here’s some thing quite unique in the after all Triumph and Guzzi do it. It’s falling world of ‘motorcycles’. Piaggio have come up on deaf ears though, profit before customer with a 3 wheeled two wheeler bike! I know, I satisfaction? can’t count either but, this latest variation on a BMW is a manufacture of motorcycles, ‘m/c’ and does have three wheels and has been not a utilities company. As an owner’s club, if classified as a motor tricycle. It can be ridden we were in some way to mis-use the company logo he'd notice that and have his henchmen on either a car or motorcycle licence. snapping at our behinds. I conclude that It’s called an MP3 Yourban, and has the affordable reliability is best found in the "Old traditional two wheels in line ‘track’, but and Bold", not too unlike people. However, has a third wheel hanging out in front of the now emerging from the shadows are the front wheel off set to one side and can only be products from the Italian Mandello factory. likened to a parallelogram layout. They have been listening and I’ve got to say The two front wheels are connected side by that they have a very sorted and, above all, side by a cantilever system. As one wheel goes good value for money Adventure motorcycle ‘up’ the other one goes ‘down’ and so keeping that is tempting me. I'll be keepin’ me ol' all three wheels in contact with the road, be it Beemer though. riding in a straight line or cornering. This is all centrally mounted at the front and pivots Dave Gibson. North Yorkshire. and steers in the same way as any two wheeled bike. Tire Plugger. Advantages are three tyres instead of two Just returned from a trip - UK to Albania and gripping the tarmac, and much improved return. Sadly had a rear tyre puncture in the braking too. If you suffer from tram lines (!) Greek mountains so used the BMW supplied this unusual design will apparently allow kit. a ‘slide’ to be much more controllable as it Well, I couldn’t get it to work but then remains at the same ‘angle’. The greater frontal used my friends ‘Tire Plugger’. This worked mass actually improves the weight distribution superbly, plugged the hole and carried on back to a much better than average 50:50. So if your to the UK - not a distance recommended by looking for an ‘’easy’’ commuter that doesn’t the manufacturer! The kit uses a gun type of dump you in the snow and ice and tram lines, adapter to insert the plug. Not a cheap item, this could be what your ‘not yet’ looking for. about £30 but just bought one as you never No price known at the time of writing. know!!! If you think you’re getting too old to be No connection with the company - just hacking about on two (heavy) wheels, try BMW Club Journal • September 2011 17 lighter ones in the shape of trials bikes. Bin my return! Needless to say the bike performed there dun that, mud gets in to strange places, perfectly, even washing itself in the daily 10 to but there is a gentleman who is still trials riding 15 minute downpours which occurred several and with sixty plus years of experience and times most days and which I had come to learn winning, and now aged 80 has no intention of of in my early weeks in Auckland. packing it in just yet! So stop moaning and get The further south you go on the South on with it! Island the more remote it becomes to the point From time to time I’m sure we all get the when you think there is no more habitation to ’’expedition itch’’, and why not, there’s a big be found! When the opportunity presented planet out there, and what is more pleasurable itself to go ‘off road’ (not always from choice as than riding ‘new’ roads, in new places? ‘Never’ the tarmac didn’t always go everywhere) it was having done one of these ‘adventure’ trips I do ‘nip up’ ‘stand up’ and give it some welly - so keep looking (only!) at what’s on offer. I did! Thank goodness I had done some trials However some years ago I was asked by my riding and grass track racing in my ’previous’ favourite Italian white goods manufacturer if life! I could go to New Zealand and ‘sort the mess On my return on the flight to Italy with the out’ down there! Um YES! So off I went. The bike securely strapped to a pallet the customs job did not provide transport as I was basically officer asked if he could have a ride round office bound so the following Saturday I their ‘yard’, so off he went within the security visited the local BMW bike dealer and found area, and to my horror was doing wheelies and a very nice R100GS, new, and cheap by even stoppies and smoking the back tyre! Needless then our prices here. So have wheels will travel to say I was both impressed and ‘cossing’ him and I did most of the north end of the North in the same breath. He subsequently marked Island some roads on my map for me to take me the After quite a while collating tech and parts scenic route back towards Calais, and although info the boss asked if I could ‘do a dealer trip’. some were a bit dodgy it was an excellent ride. Um, YES! This was to update their info and So off road is possible on most bikes and do some ‘tech’ training. So off I went on an all the GS proved to be as competent as my expenses paid 6 week tour of both the North limited skill allowed. But the ‘big adventure’ and South Islands on my new GS! Time was commercial tours, although no doubt very of the essence with dealerships not wanting organised, apart from being quite costly do engineers to be tied up so to speak, so ‘express’ not give you the total freedom of doing your training was adopted, leaving me with half own thing. So service the bike, buy or fit the days Monday to Friday and all day Saturday sat nav, pack the gear and go for it! and Sunday to just ‘mooch’’ around! So would I go to NZ again? Probably not, Given the almost empty roads out of the but there is no reason for you not to go and cities and towns, I virtually had the place to experience something completely different – myself! However distances were considerable and then tell us all about it. and although the GS had a good fuel range I found it to be essential to fill up when and T’Upsidedown Tyke. Bradford where possible. We are fortunate here and in the EU to have fuel supplies readily available, A missing picture but that was not the case ‘down there’. I received my copy of the Journal the other Similarly motels were thin on the ground too. day and note that my piece on Rub’n’buff had I managed to clock up over 5000 miles been included. Unfortunately, there appears and went almost everywhere and had a pair to be a picture missing! The article included of tyres that were somewhat thin on tread by before and after snaps of my front wheel but 18 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 the after picture hasn’t come out very well and Last month’s colour reproduction wasn’t it doesn’t look any better than the before snap perfect so I’ve repeated Eddie’s before and above it. The article also refers to the bikes after photos for the benefit of those who are mileage and a comment about its appearance interested to know of products to keep ther following a clean up and new pipes however pride and joy looking its best. The photo that there is only one picture taken when the bike Eddie referred to as missing was left out only was at its filthiest somewhere in the Czech because there wasn’t space for it and, as a republic. I don’t think any of the Journal’s matter of personal preference, I’d rather see a readers would be too impressed with that! photo of a well-travelled motorcycle.. Anyway, here’s the missing picture! Eddie Barnes, rochester

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 19 Club Exclusive Offers! Buy in advance and save £££’s - Beat the queues!

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Official Partner u r p Quote code p In association with r t o Sponsored by o CLUBBFC o £3 l d 7. ua 50 off individ Club Exclusive Offers! Buy in advance and save £££’s - Beat the queues! The NC Meeting of 23rd July Dave Cooper gives a synopsis The UK's fastest Classic Motorbike Show growing classic Only Tickets: President’s Introduction Administrative and Financial. biking event! I'm not going to say much now as most of The committee decided it would focus the subjects that I would like to talk about its attention for the time being on policy in Single are on the Agenda already. As this meeting relation to cash reserves, income generation, Fri £10.00, Sat/Sun goes on, it will become apparent to you all subsidy and capitation. The figures available £9.00 for the current year indicate that although S that we cannot maintain the current level of a ! v Quote code e e c s ri the Club will still be in deficit, the position u CLUBBK p p r expenditure. We need to cut the expenditure t o o do £6.00 off the and increase the Club’s income. Basically, we should have improved over last year. The need a good Marketing Manager and possibly, Footman James commission agreement is assistants. We also need to attract more new yielding worthwhile income and a new more Family members (629 so far this year) and retain the advantageous agreement with HMRC in MOTORBIKE (2 adults and up to relation to VAT liability should provide members that we lose (1196 from the 2010 3 kids 5-16 yrs): further reduction in outgoings. The Club’s S Sat/Sun only ! membership). a v s e e c accountants will be changed at the close of s i SHOW £25.00 r u Are we doing something wrong? I think not! p p Quote code r t o this financial year in order to save cost and o o £2 CLUBBF l d Talking to other clubs at the Peterborough 6.0 dua consequently a new registered office has been 0 off indivi BMF, they are all in the same situation as ourselves; an ageing membership and not arranged for business purposes. The nominees for various Club Officer posts which are enough new, young participants. If members annually appointed were approved. The forum participate in club life, biking, walking and will be updated and the Club’s system for dare I say it, camping, at the weekend, this will electronic communication streamlined. also help to keep you fit enough for our hobby of motorcycling and living life to the full. Marketing Another factor in a decreasing membership is A new post of Marketing Officer has Combined Classic the ever increasing expense when retired with Motorbike/Classic Motor been established and will be advertised in Show Tickets: a fixed income and if not retired, the financial The Journal. The main objective is to co- 11 12 13 NOVEMBER squeeze and monetary environment which we ordinate and assist the efforts of all those find ourselves in, due to no fault of ours. We who are involved at national and section level www.classicmotorbikeshow.com are also possibly handicapping ourselves by Book online or call the Ticket Hotline 0844 854 1354 Single: in recruiting and retaining members and Sat/Sun only riding some of the most expensive bikes on maximising income from advertising and 100s of Amazing Classic Bikes £15.50 the market, which makes us more exclusive other services the Club may be able to offer. Bikes for Sale | Top UKClassic Bike Clubs | Bike Jumble | Leading Supplies & Traders S a Quote code ! v e e c but doesn't help when wanting to find more 100s of fantastic classic bikes & live bike action with guests! s CLUBBS ri Good quality banners and marquee/shelters u p p r t o members. o do will be made available to sections on a matched THE NEC BIRMINGHAM £5.00 off the Now, let’s start this meeting and progress funding basis with 50% of the cost covered Footman James Classic Motorbike Show/Classic Motor Show (combined tickets) not only give you entry into both these great shows, but also allow access into the through the agenda. Please don't ramble; stay by the central marketing budget. The Club exhibition hall area of Top Gear Live (excludes TGL Theatre and Track). focused, the future of this Club remains our will try to secure economic attendance at the Help your club. Hand your ticket stub or print at home voucher in to your club at the show and they can earn £1 back Family for each one. All Club Offers above apply to advance bookings only. All bookings subject to a single transaction fee. Only (2 adults and up to responsibility and the decisions we come to NEC show by negotiating space on the BMW combined Classic Motorbike/Classic Motor Show tickets include the official show guide to the value of £7.50. All 3 kids 5-16 yrs): today will help mould the future of the Club. or World of BMW stands. The arrangement information correct at time of publishing. See website for terms and conditions. Sat/Sun only S a ! Including v s The cost of this meeting to the Club is to offer 50% subscription reduction for e e c s £35.00 i

Official Partner u r p Quote code p approximately £3,000 or £500 per hour or £8 membership (i.e. £12.50) at promotional In association with r t o Sponsored by o CLUBBFC o £3 l d 7. ua per minute! events is retained. Detailed plans to be drawn 50 off individ BMW Club Journal • September 2011 21 up for a lottery (bike or similar) to be used to The 2012 AGM is likely to move slightly assist recruitment and retention of members. further north to Moffat due to difficulties Social Matters with the original venue. (Secretary’s note: Please note, the date is to be brought forward A policy has been agreed in principle to 1 week to April 21st. 2012 in order to secure ensure an objective and equitable means the desired venue.) A venue for the 2012 of supporting section events of a national Summer National Rally is to be sought by the nature. It will be necessary for sections to National Social Secretary since no section plan ahead and make requests for support has come forward. Decision as to whether to well in advance, so that the annual budget run Spring/Summer rallies next year will be for this activity can be used to greatest effect. taken at next NC meeting. The Cadwell Park track day made a loss of £2,800 whereas the Snetterton event is on course to at least break even. Summary of voting Change of accountants: Unanimous Approval of Officer appointments: Unanimous Establish post of Marketing Officer: For: 17 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Principle of using lottery for marketing: For: 11 Against: 4 Abstain: 2

22 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Beakie Goes to the Isle of Skye Pat Cammish has been travelling again Friday 25th June You can stand inside the West Door and admire the great nave but, if you have not Mid June 2010 finds us in need of a bit of been before, the rest of interior, especially the fresh air and so, thinking this might be the famous carved angels in the Choir, is a treat driest season to ‘tak the high road tae Bonnie well worth the entrance fee. Scotland’ and visit a few old haunts along the Back through the archway, the Magna way, we load up Beakie (our daughter’s name Carta pub on the corner, (so called because for the duck-beaked GS) and set off up the A1. the cathedral has one of the original copies), is Happy to leave London and motorway a good place for lunch, and soon we are on the traffic behind, we turn off at Newark bike heading for the Humber Bridge. It is low towards Lincoln, where I spent student days tide and the buildings of Hull are visible away researching the stone carving, crawling around to the east, across wide mud flats and murky inside the mediaeval walls and pillars and up water. on the roof vaults of the cathedral. The town, After the genteel town of Beverley, with especially its traffic system, is hugely changed its elegant minster, tranquil Georgian houses but, by following estate-agent-speak signs to and pubs of our student days, we enjoy the ‘Cathedral Quarter’, we bypass the suggested good roads across the Yorkshire Wolds to parking zones and find a corner for Beakie in Bridlington, a jolly resort, acquiring a belated the hilltop car park behind the castle, a stone’s veneer of sophistication now that David throw from the cathedral. Hockney has moved back home there. The old town, built on a ridge, is lovingly Childhood memories of the harbour, with restored and prettified, and succeeds in its slot-machines, chips and candy-floss, boat looking older but more pristine than it did trips to Flamborough, rusty old sea mine, forty years ago. However, once through the carved, mullioned Exchequer Arch gateway, Cathedral Yard is unchanged. Unsullied by signs, ticket booths or ice cream vans, the mellow stone buildings breathe peace and serenity; the cast of ‘Pillars of the Earth’ might appear at any minute. The stunning West Front bas-reliefs undergoing restoration have new yellow carvings fixed unhappily amongst the weather ravaged ones but, I suppose, time will heal all. Parts of the famous frieze from the original 11th century building, which show Adam and Eve and the story of Noah, are represented by rather sad-looking temporary Bridlington harbour with the Yorkshire photo boards. Belle behind the top box BMW Club Journal • September 2011 23 Bridlington harbour, Yorkshire Belle and Evening view across North Bay, seagulls Scarborough fierce seagulls and smelly black slime at low pools, seaweed-fronded stone ledges, calm sea tide, are not dashed and, wonder of wonders, one side, wild waves the other, deep potholes the Yorkshire Belle (‘trips around the bay’), with rumbling stones and, fifty years ago, a is still moored. Perhaps we have ridden dodgy rusty ladder to climb up if you got cut unknowingly through the back of a wardrobe. off by the rising tide. Leaving fish & chip and seaweed smells Our B&B, just up the coast in Scarborough, behind, we ride north to Brid’s posher is Castle by the Sea, the idiosyncratic former neighbour, Filey (‘seven miles of golden sand’). home of John Atkinson Grimshaw, a Victorian hotels and colourful gardens line Victorian painter of moody gothic moonlit the seafront, but at the northern end, in views. Its terrace, and most of the bedrooms, the old town, are vestiges of the sea fishing face across the wide North Bay. However, history. This is the nitty-gritty of the place we booked rather late and our lovely en- and Cammish homeland; here are the lifeboat suite room is at the back. That night, wild station, Methodist chapel, Alma Mater of the treetops and a glimpse of the old harbour Fishermen’s Choir, a fish & chip emporium, frame a moody moonlit view of the gothic an amusement arcade and a few whelk stalls. churchyard, where Anne, the least celebrated On Coble Landing you can walk under the of the Bronte sisters, is buried. On booking, high prows of the colourful cobles (alleged John, the present owner, said that the electric descendants of Viking longboats, and shutter of the ‘secure garage’ was broken and pronounced, but not spelled, ‘cobbles’). Filey promised to ‘arrange something’. He arranges has no harbour; boats are launched off the his Volvo meticulously to block in and hide beach on wheeled axles, originally pulled by Beakie from public view. horses, but since the 1950s by tractor. On the At the bottom of the steep terraces of the low cliff directly above is the parish church old town, the mediaeval King John’s House is and burial ground, with bleak evidence of the still there with its gruesome, caged stone effigy lives lived by generations of fishermen. on the pavement. The funfair rides rotate If you visit Filey and you have the time, above the ancient harbour under the castle walk along the cliff top, or the beach if the crag, and the amusement arcades and Italian tide is right, to scramble on the Brigg - a ice cream parlours stretch along the South Bay finger of rock stretching seawards for about a to the Winter Gardens, where we once saw mile at the north end of the bay. It remains a The Animals. The harbour is sanitised and childhood wonderland of delicate pastel rock kitted out, ‘Puerto Banus’ style, with marina 24 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 the wind, nibbling, and, in the distance, the low tide reveals long ridges of rock. Sadly for us, but not, I suppose, for residents, Robin Hood’s Bay is now a traffic-free zone. We don’t fancy the steep walk down (and back up) the narrow main street, so we ride on to beloved Whitby, where the sun comes out as we park by the harbour amid piles of crab pots. The town seems lower and more open than I remember, but the stream of visitors still toils up the hundreds of steps to the abbey. A stroll along the waterfront and a coffee Scarborough Old Town and Harbour with break in brilliant sunshine, and we are off Castle again, past fields of waving grass. A quick pontoons and twinkling plastic ‘sea candy’ motorway dash bypasses the Middlesborough, but, in a smart diner on the fish quay where Sunderland and Newcastle area. (Apologies to boats used to unload, the waiter’s question ... NE section...). “Chips with the pasta?” ... belies the stylish We cross the fragrant mud of the Tyne and interior. follow the A1 / A189 / A1068 to the coastal route past Warksworth Castle and the Coquet Mileage so far 235 Estuary to Alnmouth, which has a nice beach Saturday 26th June and is in mid-festival chaos. At the tiny basalt-built haven and cottages At breakfast, brilliant morning sunlight of Craster we leave Beakie beside bobbing carves a shimmering path through the waves clumps of white valerian, and brave the to Castle by the Sea. Ever-cheerful, John blustering wind along the coast to one of the rearranges his Volvo and we set off as the most romantic sites in all of England. The clouds appear. After the attractive village of crystal sea on our right crashes over the rocky Cloughton, the road leads over increasingly limbs of the land, and Dunstanburgh Castle, sombre sweeps of the North York Moors, with a low silhouette of towers and turrets, looms the beginnings of purple heather and dancing through the sea haze, like a distant leaden cotton-grass. Ragged-fleeced sheep kneel in coronet.

Beloved Whitby, Harbour East side Dunstanburgh Castle from the south

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 25 stretch of the North Sea, which separates Lindisfarne from the mainland. It is desolate, the road disappears under the grey ripples made by a solitary swan and, fifty or so yards out, a forlorn shed sits on stilts. A couple of even more forlorn looking walkers stand on its steps, waiting for the tide to retreat. Noting the tide times for the next day, we carry on to Berwick-upon-Tweed and the King’s Arms, an old coaching inn, twice visited by Dickens but a bit run down now. Berwick has a bloody history and we have an interesting walk around the old ramparts. Mileage so far 440 Sunday 27th June We breakfast on local kippers in the Beakie and Boat, Seahouses mediaeval garden and, (after finally getting away from a guy in a convertible BMW, Feeling in need of lunch, we search in vain wistfully wanting to talk bikes - having left his at idyllic Newton by the Sea and photogenic at home in Sheffield as his wife won’t go near it Beadnell, ending up at brash, busy Seahouses, ...), we return to the still wet causeway. Apart where there is a kilted pipe band in full wail on from a rippled patch of sand and seawater in the busy harbour side. Beakie rests under the the middle, the road surface is surprisingly high bows of a fishing boat as we munch pies, clear and also, at three miles, surprisingly long. sitting on the sea wall looking out towards the We ride right up to the ancient priory of Farne Islands, but the famous seals are too far St Aiden and the otherworldly village of away to see. Lindisfarne. We walk across a field towards Further north the beaches stretch enticingly High Point, for a spectacular view through until the high outline of Bamburgh Castle tasselled sea thrift to the priory ruins, the towers, not above deserted sand dunes, but sweeping bay, sheds, ingeniously made from over a golf course. The ancient foundations are hidden beneath architecture of Wagnerian grandeur, the whim of a Victorian industrialist. All the much-reproduced, moody photos of the castle must be taken from the north. From inland the castle crouches abruptly at the end of the village street, but it is still an impressive heap, perching on a huge whinstone outcrop. Towards late afternoon the bright day dulls as we arrive at Beal for the causeway to Holy Island. It is just after high tide as we pull up beside a battered notice board showing tide tables and sobering photos of vehicles whose owners disregarded the warnings of Holy Island Causeway the swiftly rising waters across this shallow 26 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 upturned boats and, beyond them, the pyramidal heap of the castle. Back on the mainland, coffee seems unavailable in Burnmouth and Eyemouth, so we press on and discover Dunbar, whose harbour entrance is cut through a rocky promontory to which clings a ruinous castle. Flocks of kittiwakes nest on the bird-limed ledges of the old walls, and flocks of twitchers crouch on the banks below, tripod-mounted binoculars focused and watercolour paints busy. The sun is again hot and the sea water Adriatic clear. Spatters of rain start on the motorway around Edinburgh, and in Stirling the downpour begins in earnest. We drop the bike doing a slow manoeuvre on wet cobbles at Stirling Castle, and are helped up by two burly, kilted coach drivers. Save for a broken indicator plastic cover, Beakie is undamaged, but I have a rather bruised hip as we carry on along the A9 to Perth, which is so awash with rainwater it is coming out in foaming streams Lindisfarne Castle from side roads. Arriving at my cousin’s house Welly Cafe in Tyndrum, but its extensive car we strew our wet gear around the hallway, parking is also attractive to coaches. In the terrifying his cats. Later he takes us out for packed cafe and shops we have our first, but Scottish ‘high tea’ in a nice hotel by the Tay. not our last, ‘tartan experience’, a world of Starting with beer, wine or gin & tonics, going plaids & postcards, sporrans & shortbread, on to tea and toast, and then fish-or-pie-or- dirks & Drambuie and whiskies & wee sets of steak-or-roast-beef-and-Yorkshire-pudding bagpipes. & chips, then finishing with scones, jam and Forking north on the A82, place names cream meringues - it is not quite what we from ‘The Primary School Songbook of the expect, but is delicious all the same. British Isles,’ pass in quick succession. We Mileage so far 611 cross the Bridge of Orchy, under a heavy overcast sky and go over Rannoch Moor, Monday 28th June a miserable expanse of black peat, clumpy grass and standing pools, out of which loom My hip is still sore from yesterday, so we strangely shaped rocks. The roads, if not the find a chemist in the High Street to buy some weather, are good, and the descent through Arnica cream. I am refused the use of the Glencoe, passing a white churning waterfall, consulting room for a couple of minutes to is spectacular. Patches of snow lie on the high apply it in, so I strip off in the shop. Waving ridges, and I am glad of my layers of Lidl biker goodbye to the two new friends who were underwear. After Ballachulish Bridge we have waiting for prescriptions, we take the A85 a lovely lunch in Onich beside Loch Linnhe. west to Crieff and Loch Earn. Mountains Tonight’s destination, a remote B&B on appear, as do spots of rain. We stop briefly the ‘untouristy’ east side of Loch Ness, has at a well-advertised biker stop, the Green BMW Club Journal • September 2011 27 annoying our hostess who has ‘unlocked the garage specially.’ She greets us with the rules of the house, which include no consumption of alcohol other than that bought on the premises, and asks if we would like ‘express checkout.’ - i.e. pay now! The room is comfortable, but our side angle of the advertised ‘spectacular loch view’ is a dour slab of water sandwiched between dark pines. We walk across the road to explore the paths down to the cascades of Foyer’s Falls, the real reason we booked here. Later, Rod buys a beer, I pour wine into a teacup, and we Glencoe picnic on the chilly roof terrace, watching the sun drop down below the silhouetted trees. no evening meals, and breakfast is extra, so Nessie-spotting binoculars are provided, but we pick up supplies and a bottle of wine, and the surface of the loch stays mirror flat. fill up on cheap petrol at Morrison’s in Fort William. We can’t see the top half of Ben Mileage so far 774 Nevis as it is shrouded in cloud, but after Spean th Bridge, and passing several packs of bikes, the Tuesday 29 June sun appears and we stop at Fort Augustus to Leaving Foyer’s with few regrets we stop watch boats negotiating the locks connecting to breakfast beside a small river and meet our Loch Oich and Loch Ness. The eastern road first midges. They go for Rod’s high-vis yellow alongside Loch Ness is a deserted spectacular Hein Gericke jacket in a big way, so we do switchback route, and we arrive at our B&B in not linger. Retracing our steps to Invergarry, late afternoon. we turn west along Loch Garry and Loch The isolated, pink-painted house,Cluanie, where the desolate scenery and huge surrounded by flowering rhododendrons, has bulks of hills remind me of the High Atlas a steep and dished drive of loose gravel leading Mountains. The water level in the loch is to the ‘secure garage’. We forgo this facility low. There are strange dark and light deposits and leave the bike on the flatter, solid bit, around the shores, and traces of ruined crofts

The deserted east side of Loch Ness Eilean Donan Castle

28 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 and an arched bridge; sad evidence of life and quieter than we expect. before the valley was dammed. At a coffee Passing Carbost at the head of Loch stop in the remote Cluanie Inn, we meet some Snizort, and a line of standing stones in silent bikers from Holland. Perhaps they feel the seaweed, we get the first glimpse of our uneasy amongst all these high mountains. destination; a wide bay overlooked by a tower, At Shiel Bridge, at the head of Loch Duich, pierced with Crusader-style cross slits. This we see some good B&B places, probably is Uig, the main harbour and ferry port for because we are nearing Eilean Donan Castle the north of the island. Our booked B&B, a on Loch Duich, perhaps the most famous pebble-dashed bungalow, has a garden gate image of Scotland. It really is an idiot’s guide onto the stony beach. It is run by a retired to photography, beautifully composed shots couple of disenchanted gardeners from available from every angle. Yorkshire. The climate on Skye is inhospitable I discover that Eilean means island. The to most plants they had tried to grow, but they castle is therefore Donan Island Castle and have now learned just to be grateful when it’s not, as my ignorant self had thought, named not raining. We haven’t realised how blessed after a lady called Eilean! we are to arrive in bright sun! We ride along the shore of Loch Alsh, Dumping the panniers in our room we and then over the sea to Skye, not with use the rest of the day to ride off around the Flora MacDonald, but on the Skye Bridge, Trottenish peninsula to Staffin, via Quairang. surprisingly short and surprisingly free! It is overwhelmingly deserted. We see no I had imagined the distance between vehicles and have the feeling of being on an Skye and the mainland to be greater than enormous private estate. it is, which makes it even more difficult to Kilt Rock, so called because the basalt rock understand how a nuclear submarine could formations look like folded fabric, can be have recently got stuck in this narrow stretch seen by leaning out over the precipitous cliff ‘by accident.’ Technical musings apart, we that it forms part of. Its famous waterfall is find Skye to be peaceful and lovely, with the disappointing, as there has been insufficient first ancient inhabited crofts we have seen. rain! - but we get the idea. Going back round Riding north there are views of the islands of the north tip of the island I am excited to see Scalpay and Raasay to the right, across banks thatched crofts, but they are in a museum and of yellow iris. The main town, Portree, where it is closed. Back in Uig we turn right after we have lunch by the harbour wall, is smaller the Uig Hotel, up to the Fairy Glen, a natural

Road to Staffin, Trottenish Peninsula Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye Isle of Skye

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 29 Wednesday 30 th June Breakfast at the bungalow is to be at an intimidating 8.15 sharp. We are but it is not, and we upset the system further by not having cereal. Our hosts complain about inconsiderate visitors who arrive for breakfast too early, or too late, and some Dutch people who broke the shower. To deepen the mood, the radio weather forecast announces awful stormy weather moving in. We leave in drizzle, hoping we haven’t caused too much inconvenience. Our intention is to take the ferry to Mull and perhaps get across to Pint of Prawns, Uig, Isle of Skye. Staffa. However, in the face of impending phenomenon, a scene in miniature which I Armageddon we employ ‘plan B’, and go on had read about before we left home. a leisurely, castle-spotting ride across the It is, apparently, also famous for being used Waternish Peninsula to Dunvegan, where we find Lusher Castle amid lush rhododendrons, as a location for the film ‘Stardust’ starring then down the west side of the island. The Michelle Pfeiffer, and our hosts presume this wind is getting up but the roads are good. is the real reason behind our visit to Skye. It There are long waits at road works because of a is certainly a singular place, but we make no weird system in which an escort vehicle comes resolution the buy the DVD. to supervise the one-way traffic processions, That night, a fifty-yard stroll takes us to a but eventually the far Cuillin Mountains get simple pub by the water’s edge where we have a nearer and loom black and glowering as I try memorable meal. to remember all the words to the song. The summer solstice is only a few days past We just miss the 11.35 a.m. ferry at and the sunset lasts for hours. At 11.00 p.m. Armadail, but the little cafe by the pebbly the cliffs are still bathed in an orange intensity beach does lovely crab sandwiches. At Malaig, in a way we did not find at Uluru in Australia. back on the mainland, we take the tiny B8008 coast road to see the incredible beaches of Mileage so far 916 the Arisaig peninsula. The sun comes out on

Sunset , Uig. Black Cuillin Mountains, Skye

30 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 the breathtakingly beautiful deserted white Thursday st1 July strands, where artfully arranged rocks provide a foreground to the distant blue islands of The machine-gun fire of rain on the plastic Rum and Mull. roof of the dining conservatory is an intrusive Carrying on to Llocheilt and the presence at the huge Scottish breakfast, which Glenfinnan Monument, the roads are includes black pudding and haggis. Our fellow excellent, but clouds are gathering. We fill up guests are a group of young men doing a John again in Fort William and take the A82 south O’ Groats to Land’s End bicycle ride for Cancer towards Connell, along the shore of Loch Research in memory of the mother of one of Linnhe. Eating lunch at Ardgour, we watch a them. They are more apprehensive than we are curious, continuously running chain ferry to at setting off to circumnavigate Glasgow in a Corran. A fixed ramp at one side looks rather deluge, and are discussing methods of coping like a wonky wing. On arrival the boat slews with chafed thighs. We procrastinate for a bit, round to allow the ramp to meet up with the but eventually set off with the fusillade now slipway. on our visors. I don’t see much of Glasgow, but After Loch Etive, a logical progression of concentrate on keeping my maps dry. Despite names follows through Argyll and Bute, from waterproofs we are soaked, but, as we can’t get the River Awe to Lochawe and Glen Aray, to any wetter, we carry on to try to outrun the the town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch storm. The Southern Uplands pass unseen Fyne. It has a lovely Celtic cross and looks a either side of the M74, but the rain gradually good place to stay, but it’s early, so we press eases off as the wind starts. The sun is shining on to reach the other side of the mountains when we stop at ‘Ye Olde Blacksmith’s before the forecast awful weather arrives. Shop and Marriage Room’ at Gretna Green, After the huge glaciated valleys and sweeping where there is a daunting array of souvenirs, alpine views of Glen Kinglas and Glen Croe, traditional everything and, every 20 minutes, Loch Lomond looks very boring, so we go a circulating horse and trap carrying the ‘bride back to Arrochar on Loch Long. There the and her father’. The most bizarre sight of all guesthouse, next to Ben Donald’s Bothy, is is the coach load of tourists from Korea, who cheap and cheerful, but our en-suite room, have brought their own wedding gear with with bay window overlooking the loch (and them and are photographing each other inside the bike), proves to be one of the nicest we the various, plastic-flower-entwined, arched have been in so far. metal arbours around the forecourt. Pleasant interlude over, and a pot of ‘Just Mileage so far 1147 Like Mother’s’ lemon curd heavier, Beakie takes us in truly appalling cold westerly winds and spray across the Solway Firth. I tuck in as tightly as I can as Rod battles to hold a straight line so we are not blown or sucked into lorries. In these conditions our large high top box, though mainly empty, works like a sail and is maybe not a good idea! After leaving the motorway at Carlisle and entering the Lake District along the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, our ears ring with the silence. At Keswick, in drizzle, the B&B Arisaig, looking west area looks deeply unattractive, so we award ourselves a luxurious four-poster night in the BMW Club Journal • September 2011 31 Skiddaw Hotel, which happens to be doing a offended, but we explain that we are not real half-price late-arrival deal. Londoners, having been born in Yorkshire - so Best hot bath ever, glasses of wine looking all is OK! over the market square, then, under an Through Wensleydale to Aysgarth we go umbrella borrowed from reception, we find in search of more old memories, but the River an amazing number of cosy pubs doing great Ure is very low from lack of rain and the falls food. Finally fall into huge comfy bed - a lovely are unimpressive. end to a less than lovely day. Heading south to Kettlewell, in the Yorkshire Dales, the aroma of cows is quite Mileage so far 1328 something. (You don’t get that in a car!). Friday 2nd July Our friends in Clitheroe are people you might not see for five years, but with whom An overcast circuit of the Lake District, you can take up exactly where you left off. We past Derwent Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water have a time warp of an evening, culminating and Windermere, leads finally up and over in a folk-cum-jazz session and a lock-in in a Kirkstone Pass to Ullswater, where we have pub back room, where spontaneous soloists coffee by the lake inalmost sunshine, and sing of the Great War and the Morecambe Bay risk a tentative feeling of having put the worst Disaster. behind us. Tonight we are to stay with Lancashire Mileage so far 1478 friends, and we head unsuspectingly south Sunday 4th July on the M6. The winds over Shap take us by surprise; they are truly horrendous, but at least Giving the Manchester / Liverpool area it’s not raining. the same treatment as we gave Newcastle, and Escaping the motorway, we pull into deciding to save Wales for another time, we Sedbergh and park Beakie next to a lady ride through Cheshire and black-and-white selling raffle tickets, who wants to talk bikes cottage bedecked Shropshire. We stay in and complain about southerners with boorish Church Stretton to spend the next couple of behaviour who appear at weekends and put days looking up Granny’s birthplace and old up pub and property prices. She then realises addresses of my Welsh border gamekeeper our accents are not very local and she may have ancestors. We find some beautiful places,

Pillion’s eye view, Kirkstone Pass Aysgarth Falls. Lake District.

32 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 including the village of Weobley, pronounced breeze through the Vale of Evesham and Webbly, not as we had been thinking, Wobbly. the Cotswolds in brilliant sunshine and Looking at the photo, you might think we increasingly thickening traffic, all the way were right in the first place! back to London. Mileage so far 1681 It was a great trip and just as enjoyable as Wednesday 7th July our more far-flung rides. Back on more familiar territory, we Total mileage 1846

Granny’s birthplace, Lyonshall. Weobley

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 33 To arrange to have your business included in the Member Discounts scheme,microhelpuk.net, please contact 01623 Graham 467852, Parker: 07843 graham@ 211280

34 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Two old men go to the Lakes Terry Collier and Graham Cox take a couple of 34 year olds

As I am getting, let’s say more mature my biking found a hotel in Grasmere with a deal on for requirements are changing, I find myself being 3 nights. What a find, The Forest Side Hotel more and more interested in older bikes of the , very friendly, comfortable rooms, excellent 1970/80 era. Our trip to the lakes came about breakfast, and single malt whisky to go to bed after a trip to the Moto Legend near Dijon (a on (not in the deal). Travelling from Rutland must is for anyone interested in older bikes through Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and that actually get used ). I had organized the into Yorkshire and keeping off the main roads trip for 6 of us, all except one on fairly modern wherever possible on through to Harrogate BMWs, mine being the oldest BM in the form and passed Ilkley Moore (bar t’at), Kirby of a K1100RS from 1993. The odd one out Lonsdale and devils bridge, passed Kendal was Mr Joe Barr. yes the famous Joe Barr on and through Windermere, Ambleside and his 1975 Ducati which performed spot on the then Grasmere, arriving at the hotel set in 46 whole trip. acres of grounds. Showered and dressed, plus Inspired by Joe’s efforts Graham Cox the waterproofs we took the walk into the and myself decided to have a few days away village for dinner. closer to home. After searching the internet I Next morning we had a good breakfast

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 35 and then went on a ride to remember. From Ride home, really nice ride south across Ambleside onto the Wrynose pass and then the bottom of the Yorkshire Dales, passed the Hard Nott pass over the top down to Boot Harrogate to Wheatherby and onto the A1 for a cup of tea and a sticky bun and watch to move it on a bit, All in all the few days were the miniature steam train taking people to the really good and we are planning something coast, (that’s a ride for another day). Travelling similar for next year. on toward the sea then heading toward Barrow in Furness, cutting across the bottom end of It just goes to show you don t have to do Coniston and onto Windermere and back to thousands of miles and go through 15 different the hotel. The whole day was about 60 miles of countries to enjoy a few days on a bike. stunning countryside testing roads and plenty Oh yes! the two 34 year olds. Graham was of stops for tea and other things . on his R75/6 which gave a very good account The following day was wet and windy ,so of itself , for me it was my 1976 Suzuki GT750, the service bus into Windermere( don t forget yes folks the 3 cylinder two stroke, I know the your bus pass next time Terry ) and a walk BM achieved better mpg but I was delighted to Bow Ness around the waterfront was the with the 43 mpg from my two stroke, and the order of the day, ending with a walk back to Windermere to Lakeland Plastics shop for a exhilaration of going down the passes with no special brush for Grahams wife, bless!!,The engine braking and the revs going upwards is brush was long thin and purple. Graham quite a sensation. Can’ t wait for the next trip. refused to strap it to his bike, can t understand Looking into it already, again it will be closer why. to home and on the old bike.

36 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 The Pre-65 SSDT Keith Wells of the Mercia Section takes part

In last December’s Presidents Platform the and asked him if he had anything that fitted President mentioned that taking place on the the bill, something really unusual! He said Scottish Early May Bank Holiday weekend he had just the thing, a 1954 DMW, powered is the 100th Scottish six days trial On the by a Villiers 197cc two stroke engine, 3 speed same date there is now of course the Royal gearbox, and rigid frame [meaning no rear Wedding, although I’m not sure how many suspension] and some very basic front forks. club members are likely to be invited to attend. It sounded perfect to me, and he said that he The Friday and Saturday of the bank holiday, was happy to let me borrow it, so without even just before the six day trial, is the Scottish Pre seeing it, I sent an entry off to ride it in the 65 two day trial, and the club has a member 2009 event, but as with all the years previously, taking part, namely myself, and I will be it came back entry refused. riding a DMW, which is probably the nearest That surprised me a little as I thought I thing that you can get to a BMW name wise. stood a good chance, but undeterred I entered In reality though it‘s a million miles away from on it again for the 2010 event and this time I the bikes we ride today. At this point if anyone was accepted - now I had to learn to ride it! is thinking why am I not riding a BMW, I The bike’s owner Bill, told me as I loaded can only answer by saying that I have only the bike on to the trailer to take it home, that ever seen one BMW trials bike, which was of course ridden by a German rider, at a five nations event in Gloucestershire many years ago. It was a 250 single, still shaft driven, but how they overcame the problem with lowering the gearing I have no idea. These old bikes are too valuable nowadays to be able to dismantle one and rebuild it as a trials bike, unless of course if anyone has one that they would like to donate! The Pre65 Scottish is the number one event to do for anyone that rides old bikes, and it is always massively oversubscribed with competitors entering from all over Europe. I had tried for years to get an entry, mainly with the more normal pre65 bikes, BSA C15s, Triumph Tiger Cubs, etc, but I was always turned down. So I thought about it, and reckoned that if I could come up with something a bit different, something that not too many people had ever seen, I might stand more of a chance. I rang up an old trials riding friend of mine BMW Club Journal • September 2011 37 the first time that I ride it, I will think “what Friday morning I lined up at the start with have I done entering on this, it’s a load of the other 179 competitors, but first you had rubbish”! But he told me to persevere and to to have the machine scrutinnered; a lot of the ride it really slowly and it will be fine. machines around me looked brand new, but So I rode it a few times, the only real somehow they were passed by the scrutinneer! modification that I needed to do was to move I was just waved straight through as my bike the rear brake pedal over to the right hand really does look as if it was built in1954, and side of the bike, because after more than 30 on to the start ramp. When the flag dropped years of BMW ownership, that is where my for me to start the bike fired up like a dream. I brain thinks the brake pedal is! Having the now had 6 hours to cover the course of around gear lever on the right as well didn’t cause any 30 miles, mainly off road, and walk and ride problem at all. 30 sections, riding as many of the sections Eventually I got the hang of riding it, and as possible without putting a foot down or set off for Scotland, this time to take part, not stopping and therefore loosing no marks. just to spectate! The Pre 65 trial is based in I managed to get round in 6 hours and the village of Kinlochleven just south of Fort 1 minute, not too bad, just 1 mark added William, with Thursday being the day when for being that minute late! Time for a bath you have to sign on. I joined the queue in the and dinner, no chance! There was bike community centre and after signing on I was maintenance to do; I’ve got it all to do again given my riding number plate to fit on to the tomorrow! bike, a bag of goodies, a bottle of wine, and the Saturday’s course seemed a little easier or programme, and there I was “No. 32. Keith maybe I was getting better. The bike went well, Wells. England. 1954 197cc DMW, Over 60. only giving me a few heart stopping moments Rigid. Newcomer.” when it cut out about 2 miles from the finish,

38 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 I took the spark plug out and there seemed to be no spark, I had a new spark plug so I fitted it and luckily she fired straight up. When I got to the last 2 sections, I asked a spectator to keep the bike running for me whilst I walked them, as I didn’t know if it would start again, and to fail within sight of the finish would have been terrible! Finish I did, well in on time and no damage done, just missing a few fillings from my surprise my name was called out again. I had teeth which had been shaken out and legs that won the award for the best performance by a had seized up! Now I can have that bath and rider on a rigid machine under 250cc. some dinner. Other than the cutting out problem, the Later on the Saturday evening there was bike had given me no trouble at all. Afterwards the awards presentation; finishers’ awards I cleaned the bike up and returned it to Bill. obviously to all finishers, class awards and He phoned me a few months later - he said he the cup winners. The awards are presented put the bike back in his garage and just left it starting with the rider who had lost the most there, and yesterday as he walked passed it he marks, then all the way down to the winner put his hand on the twistgrip, as you do, he who would be the rider to have lost the least. gave it a twist and the throttle cable broke! I wasn’t last, I think someone lost over 200 marks; my name was called out at 148 marks Wow that was lucky! lost. The winner incidentally lost only 3, and Now that you have read this, you might be they were all on the second day, he rode the surprised to hear that I have entered again for first day `clean’, as it is called. the 2011 event on the same bike, but I have, Then came the class awards, and to my and have been accepted. Riding No.124 If you are riding around the Fort William area on the Bank Holiday Friday or Saturday and come across the trial and you see me, say hello. Don’t worry about remembering the number, just keep a lookout for a DMW [there will only be one] with a new throttle cable! Editor’s footnote. This article was actually sent to me last February and has languished on my computer for a shamefully long time. The photos show Keith competing in the 2010 event. BMW Club Journal • September 2011 39 The NE Section Camping Weekend The date has been changed

This event is now being held from September 16th to 18th (one week later than the original date published). It is still at Waren (see map below for details or visit www.meadowhead. co.uk/WarenHome.aspx) and a special rate of £6.50 p.p.p.n. is available for our members. Booking is advisable but not essential. The date has been changed to avoid a clash with neighbouring section’s camping events. (You know it makes sense.) Our sincerest apologies to any member who has made special arrangements for this weekend but you will still find us at Blair Athol or Woodhall Spa The venue is an award winning site in a fabulous location with caravan and lodge hire available. Tourer and motorhomes are welcome (extra charge). There is an on-site heated swimming pool and shop, and a bar with food served in evenings. There will be a Club BBQ on Saturday evening if the weather is kind..

40 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 German Jottings The pages of Motorrad interpreted by John Bentall It is time to pit the new machines on the feel to the 800’s brakes during the downhill market for the 2011 season against the best test, and the fact that the side-stand switch and most challenging roads that the Italian can ground out during enthusiastic cornering and Swiss Alps have to offer. Editorial staff – with the potential to shut down the engine and guests from Italy, Sweden and Croatia without warning. test four new machines in each class and the The next group to up the mountain were winner in each group goes forward into the the tourers; namely the K1600GT, Twincam final against last year’s winner, the 1200GS. RT, Guzzi Norge 8V and the Kawasaki There are no 0-60mph tests here, rather an Z1000SX. At the top of the Stelvio, everyone uphill acceleration test from 15 to 45 mph was asking what it was like threading gigantic in second gear carrying a pillion, followed tourers thorough the tightest hairpins in the by a similar, downhill braking test. The in- world. The female rider on the judging panel gear acceleration test is carried out at the top and a keen rider of big trailies, simply did not of Stelvio to make sure that the machines want to know! Had she but tried, then she pull cleanly at 7,500 feet. The first group would have had a great deal of respect for the of machines are the KTM SMT, Triumph 342kg K1600GT or the 285 kg RT. Even the Tiger 800, Honda Crossrunner and the lithe-looking Norge tips the scales at 280kg. Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200. The Aprilia takes In fact the 1600 performs the trick of rolling last place, its terrific motor is let down by off the throttle into the corner, checking for high fuel consumption, an uneven response oncoming traffic, tipping in and accelerating to the throttle, a poor riding position and away better than any other machine this rather firm suspension. The Honda has great quartet. Even in the tightest corners there brakes and soft comfortable suspension but is no need to play with the clutch, simply there is little in reserve for the bumpier roads, roll-off and -on the throttle. The assistance either two-up or solo. The steering always feels systems help with acceleration and braking rather too lively, the suspension systems on as well - the traction control for the six is other Hondas deal with difficult roads more taken from the S1000RR and is a generation successfully, while the high footrests force ahead of the ASR system on the RT. BMWs rather uncomfortably bent knees. Second gear always have class-leading brakes as well, and is quite low, helping to disguise the lack of the 1600 beats all the other machines in the low-down punch during the measured tests, downhill braking test – setting a new record but making progress certainly requires use of of 24.3 meters from 45 to 15 mph as well as a medium revs. new record for uphill acceleration in 2nd gear There is a needle match for the top place in and almost a record for the 0-90mph dash. the group. The small Triumph can live with Truly the K1600GT is a rolling expression the more powerful and recently much more of superlatives - and both it and its sister RT civilised KTM thanks to its neutral handling are great choices for Alpine touring. Good and wonderful lightness through the curves of ergonomics, well-thought through luggage the Umbrail Pass. Even the worst surfaces do systems, light handling considering their not upset the Triumph, whereas the KTM’s weight , and adjustable suspension more than steering becomes rather lively. This would compensate for the awkward gearbox of this have been a dead heat but for the rather dead 1600 or the rough nature of the RT’s engine. BMW Club Journal • September 2011 41 It goes without saying that these are heavy pace means that the consumption increases, machines to manoeuvre around the car park. the rear suspension unit begins to pump and The Kawasaki looks racy even standing still, the brake lever comes right back to the bar but this is not a tool for Alpine passes. The under heavy braking. narrower and bumpier the road, the more out The Honda CBR600F beat the Suzuki of its depth this machine feels. The front end GSR750, Yamaha Fazer8 and BMW F650GS imparts little feeling when braking or turning single in its class, while the BMW was awarded in to a corner, especially on poor surfaces. In the more open bends of the better valley roads, the consolation prize of overall “Queen of the the Kawasaki comes into its element with a Hairpins”. The Guzzi Bellagio went through more active seating position compared to the to the final just ahead of the Triumph BMWs, plus effective, progressive brakes and Scrambler, both a long way ahead of the much less weight (231kg). Up on the peaks the Kawasaki W800 and Harley 1200 Custom - Kawasaki is more a handful than either of the as did the Triumph Speed Triple ahead of the BMWs or the Guzzi. Aprilia Tuono 4VR APRC, Ducati Diavel Despite its new 8-valve engine, the Guzzi and MV Agusta Brutale 920. has few sporting pretensions. The motor The final shoot-out took place in the emits a bassy, sonorous note that befits its changeable weather conditions typical of the comfortable, neutral and benign-handling region as each machine was dismissed one chassis. There is noticeable torque reaction at a time until only 2 remained. The GS and when rolling off the throttle thanks to the KTM were ridden back to back up and down considerable free play in the drive train and also a tendency to sit up when the throttle the passes until a decision was reached. The is applied, but these characteristics are well KTM lacked the comfort, equipment and worth mastering. The Norge is an amiable, handling of the GS when fully loaded or in relaxing travelling companion whose weight rainy conditions but compensated with a more is barely felt once underway. It tends to involving ride, more direct steering and better drink a lot of fuel under these harsh Alpine handling. So with 4 votes to 3 after much conditions, averaging only 33mpg. Upping the deliberation, overall victory went to the GS.

Moto KTM Triumph Guzzi Aprilia Honda 990 Tiger BMW BMW Kawasaki Norge Dorsoduro Crossrunner SMT 800 K1600GT R1200RT 1000SX 8V

Time through quick slalom 21.7 22.0 21.6 22.9 22.2 23.5 21.5 23.9

Time around a 46m circle 10.8 10.7 10.7 13.0 11.7 11.1 11.3 13.8 Fuel consumption – Passes 40.3 47 45.5 55.3 44.8 50.5 44.8 38.2

Tank Range - Passes 133 222 190 233 235 277 189 193

Acceleration 0-88 mph 5.5 6.2 5.8 6.6 5.0 6.1 5.0 7.5 Acceleration in top gear at 2300m from 31-62mph 6.8 12.7 10.7 7.6 7.6 9.4 6.8 9.6 Acceleration uphill 2nd gear from 15-45mph with pillion 4.3 5.7 4.3 5.6 4.1 5.5 5.1 5.2 Braking distance from 45-15 mph downhill with pillion 24.3 24.5 25.4 26.6 24.3 26.8 27.4 25.8

42 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Travels in South America Nina Plumbe travelled in distant lands My partner and I took 3 months off to travel land, but otherwise nothing to shout about. through South America in the winter of It wasn’t until we started heading north after 2008/9. We left at the beginning of November visiting Ushuaia that it became more fun. We and came back on that memorable day, had shipped our 2 bikes, R1200GS Adventure February 2nd 2009, when snow hit Gatwick and F800GS to Buenos Aires and then first airport and Epsom causing complete gridlock. headed south. My fairly new bike developed Having just flown in from humid and hot a minor oil leak on the rocker cover and a Venezuela and last ridden our bikes in humid radiator pipe played up (recall issue later) but heat it was a bit of a contrast. My son extricated otherwise all went well till I got a puncture in us from Gatwick with the use of his car and no man’s land between Argentina and Chile. snow chains and took us in to London. There Using the CO2 “bombs”, I rode as fast as we rang the shipping agents and to our huge I dared on the gravel road until the tyre felt surprise our bikes had also managed to land wobbly. In this way I used up 5 “bombs” as at Heathrow via Paris courtesy of Air France no man’s land was about 10 miles wide. We ahead of schedule. This meant that we had to managed to reach the border. In the gathering go to customs that night, in the dark, snow, dark we got my bike and me in the back of a and freezing cold to collect them or else it van. Clive followed on his bike. He was very would be £100 per day storage. Not allowed to worried at one point when the van deviated put the mirrors, windscreen etc back on them off the route on some pretext of dropping inside the building, we had to go outside into something off. He thought I was going to the dark to do the job! Then we very gingerly be raped, robbed or??? All well though and rode them back to Fulham for the night before the puncture was repaired in San Julian at riding them home across a snowy England to 10.30pm at night and a hotel found with a Norfolk the next day. great deal of friendliness. That was the end of the trip; the beginning Heading north on Ruta 40 was an was less exciting and to be honest I found experience not to be missed but a bit mind Argentina slightly dull. But exciting and numbing. The gravel road with its 2 wheel interesting enough because I was in a foreign tracks to ride in stretched interminably in

Potholes and water Pick the bike up again

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 43 front with rolling barren countryside with no away and we had to wend our way via a dirt villages to ride through. Add a sideways wind road round a peninsular to the port. There and you had to concentrate hard on the road we sat in the sun (hurrah) and we all waited for fear of going into the deeper gravel as you for the ferry but rumours that it was coming fought the wind. We brewed up cups of tea tomorrow became true and we commandeered every now and then to alleviate the monotony, the new waiting room for our nights stay by tucking ourselves down beside the road in instead of our wet tent. One small waiting bus a culvert! load had amongst their midst a past resident Reaching Chile we had very contrasting and so he took them all off to his abandoned weather. Having crossed to the west side of and empty house to spend the night there. the Andes we were now in a rainy region; so No facilities worked, no electricity, water etc. rainy that the average rain-fall was 1” a DAY! There was one opportunist supermarket open Waiting for a ferry from Chaiten we camped so all managed to find something to eat of at a very expensive fishing lodge during which sorts. We cooked up some local mussels and it seemed to rain about 12”! The tent did I wandered this derelict town, taking photos. well...... We had been told that there was an During the night we watched the volcano erupting volcano at Chaiten. It was however sending spumes of molten larva down its sides the only place to catch a ferry from in order to and plenty of smoke and fireworks up into the continue northwards; the Carrera Austral did sky. It was quite far away but Later on in Chile not exist for a bit, thus no road. At this point we saw some very beautiful volcanoes with the Carrera Austral is a fairly narrow dirt road snow caps glistening in the sun. It is incredibly anyway. scenic and wonderful motor biking. Roads Chaiten was ruined. Police guarded its became better and thus you could really enjoy outskirts .We were allowed to ride through the scenery rather than have your head down to reach the ferry port. One road was open, looking at the surface. We began to experience though with deviations. To either side was the high passes that the Andes are famous for. devastation. Mounds of grey volcanic ash had Thinking I would be fine at over 4000m I was blocked the streets and damaged the wooden surprised to find myself taking deep breaths houses. It had also blocked/damned the river whilst only sitting/riding my bike. You would which ran through the town, forcing it to burst breathe normally for a bit and then have to take its banks and wash half the towns’ houses out a deep breath. The bikes’ engines did not miss into the bay. The tarmac road had been torn a beat but my back brake played up and Clive’s

Snow? - Volcanic ash! More ash

44 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 hydraulic clutch went funny at altitude. My brake was a real nuisance: nothing happened immediately but after about 24 hrs at height you would notice that the back brake travel on the lever had increased considerably to a point of not working the brake at all. The first time it happened, I adjusted it thinking something was wrong. Big error....as we were going through Lima (down at sea level) in heavy traffic, I realised that the back brake was constantly on. With a virtually immovable back wheel I had to make the engine work very hard to get out of the underpass (and in the Typical dress traffic) to a place where I could stop and adjust the brake lever again. After that I had to just brakes weren’t, but that was because none of us get used to having no back brake at altitude. knew how to bleed the system properly. They Front brake seemed to work at all times...very worked well enough. odd. Clive’s clutch was not such a problem; it Brakes were important though, when up in just felt as though it wasn’t working properly at times. the mountains. One day we did three passes, Later on, Clive’s bike had a complete each over 4000m, and each valley down to at brake failure as all the brake fluid drained least 1500m. So very scenic and such brilliant out through a leak in a faulty pipe on top of biking. We loved Peru, and would love to go his ABS unit. We were lucky, it happened in back not only for the Canon del Pato but Antofagasta which is a major centre of copper for the beauty and the colourful people. We mining. The Suzuki dealers that we had found went on northwards through to Ecuador and would not take the tank off and strip Clive’s Colombia and finally Venezuela. We were bike down; they were worried...so we did it running out of time and thought we would for them. Finding the faulty pipe they said no be able to get home from Venezuela more problems, and very shortly later, reappeared easily than from Colombia. This was probably with a copy made up in copper! We put an error but on the other hand we have now everything back and the pipe was perfect: his been to Venezuela. I feel it is an unhappy

A bit missing on this bridge Tunnels and rocks

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 45 country; it has political problems and was the only country we went through on this trip where people told us that they wanted to get out and get to England. It also seemed to have a thriving black market....another sign of things not being too good. We began our visit to Venezuela by having to sleep on the border! We were through border controls but the bikes weren’t, and could not be until the “office” came to work in the morning. Whilst the border was open 24hrs the office kept office hours! Only in the office could the bikes papers be dealt with. It was a fairly sleepless night with all sorts going on the border but we had no problems in spite of being told later in Venezuela that “that border is really dangerous”! We both would like to have another trip to South America and “do” the countries we had no time for on this trip.

46 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 The BMW Club... Out and About. On the following pages, you’ll find details of the Club’s ‘social’ side, including information about past and future events, and where you can get together with friends old and new. Why not try something for yourself this month?

49 Diary of Events - September and October 49 Find out what’s on in the next few days/weeks 54 Where we meet 54 A complete list of regular section events,with adresses, dates and contact details 55 The Social Scene 55 The National Social Secretary invites us to be sociable 57 Around the Compass 57 Events coming up which may need booking, including UK and European Trips/weekends 59 Section & Register News 59 Keep in touch with what’s happening in the Club’s regional Sections. Includes reports of past (and upcoming) events, and general news about your own area. Contact details are provided at the end of each Section’s entry

2011 BMF Discount Code - BC011C221

 Pre-Booking Essential! (Due to a change in the campsite field)  Join the E. A. Section’s annual Yorkshire meet.  Ride-Out. (Includes a visit to a “Secret Location”)  Musical Entertainment on Friday & Saturday night.  Pub with restaurant serving delicious food  Large-Breakfast’s are back on the menu.  Static caravans available.  Some of the best real ale in Yorkshire.

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 47 48 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Diary Of Events: September & October September = October = Weekends = Red Text Diary of Events closing date is the 5th of each month

These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club. All organisers are covered by our insurance, provided the event guidelines are followed. Western Evening Meeting - New Inn, Claines, September 2011 Worcs 20.00 hrs. Bob Dunn - 01384 390344 1 Oxford Natter night, George&Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm 7 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Three Tunns, Wethersfield Rd, Finchingfield, Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. Braintree, Essex. CM7 4NR. 12:00PM. 8:00 PM N. East Durham Amateur Rowing Club. 7.30 Yorkshire Ride Out - Wheatsheaf, Westgate, pm. Social Evening. Louth LN11 9YD Contact Peter 01904 672883 Northern Northern section southern mid week run. Contact Frank 9:30 2 Northern Natter Night. The Briars hall 8:00 PM AM Frank Hableton 0129870194 Vera Hunt: 01257464429. [email protected] 2-4 S.West Tavistock Camping Weekend. See S.East Clubnight at The Bull. East Around the Compass for Details Farleigh.8pm. On B2010 Lower Road. 2-4 Yorkshire Marigolds Rally, Party Sat Night Village ME150HD. Hall Cracoe & Hot Snax Sunday 12 S.West Wed. Fish’n’Chips. 7.30 .On the noon Barbican, Plymouth. Nobbo Donno 2-5 Southern REIMS SUMMER BUBBLY TRIP to 01726 812471 FRANCE - Long weekend Hotel trip Southern Old Gits Meet. Loomies Café, West to Reims in France - Contact Erica Meon Hut A32/A272 12:00 Noon Body [email protected] 07528 Western Evening Meeting - The Lamb Inn,Iron 873056 for booking details Acton. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer - 3 Mercia Brecon Mountain Railway with John 01454 775786 Humperson. Departing McDonalds 8 Midland The Reindeer Main Street,Edingley,N A38 Worcesteer Rd Droitwich WR9 ottinghamshire,NG22 8DE Pub meet 7PA (near M5 J5) at 09:00. A Saturday 7.30pm 01623 882253 re-run of the July ride-out. Contact 9 S.East The Roebuck at Laughton 7.30pm.on John on on 01922 710 694 07866 155 B2124/BN86BG 633 9-11 Midland Joint camping weekend with the Midland Sleaford Show. Contact Bill Rogers on Yorkshire section at Jubilee Park, 01526 834480 for more information. Woodhall Spa, Lincs. Caravans & S.East Harvest Supper at Mattys.Near Hop motorhomes (with hookup), tent Farm Paddock Wood. campers with/without hookup. Contact 4 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Five Miles Sue & Jim Spence on 01733 205927 Inn, Old School Lane, Upware, 9-11 S.West Rabbit Rally. See Around the Compass Cambridgeshire, CB7 5ZR. 12pm. for details. Scottish Monthly Meet: Spittal of Glenshee 9-11 Scottish Blair Atholl Weekend at Blair Castle Hotel. 12:30 Campsite. See Around the Compass Ulster Hurst’s Run. 9-30am. Hurst’s Motorrad for details. Mallusk 10 Southern Euro Jumble Netley March, SO40 5 Scottish Natter Nite: Meldrum’s Hotel. Main 7GY, Gate priced tickets £7pp or Street. Ceres. 7.30pm £6.50pp on- line at: http://www. classicbikeshows.com/showindex. 6 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Rose Inn, asp Contact Noel Robertson 07747 Main Road, Baxterley, Warks CV9 2LE 536237 Midland The Three Kings, Saltersway, 10-17 Western Les Gites de Carlux, France self Threekingham, Lincs. NG34 0AU catering gites 2010 prices have been (01529) 240249 Pub meet 7.30pm held further details on website book Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 directly with site. http://www.lesgites. 6JQ. 8:00 PM com. Dave & Anita Holland - 01884 Ulster Club Meeting. 8pm. Corr’s Corner 829295

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 49 11 E. Anglia Cafe meet & ride-out. A relaxed 15-18 London English Hotel weekend somewhere in breakfast & ride out for lunch at the England. Details in The Journal and on historic Naze Tower, Walton. Mistley The Section Website. Liaise with Peter Quay Cafe, Mistley, CO11 1HB. 10:00 Jones. am Mike Davies, Tel: 01206 822671 16 Northern Meal and meet at the holden Arms Irish Leinster area run - meet at Spa Hotel Haslingdon BB4 4PD The Holden Arms (near Lucan), 10.00am Jim Sweeney 8:00 PM Alan Stretton: 01706 656606. [email protected] 087 230 0736 16-18 Irish Thatch Rally - Killala, Co Mayo. See Irish N.W. Coffee’s Café, Carrick on Around the Compass for details. Shannon, 12.00 noon TJ McHale . 16-18 N. East 15th Annual Camping weekend at [email protected] 087 247 0111 Waren, nr. Bamburgh. See Around the N. East Ride in for lunch. Otterburn Mill. Compass for details. Otterburn, Northumberland for 1 pm. 18 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Shoulder of Northern Section meeting Chipping Village Hall. Mutton, Halstead Road, Ford Street, 1:00 PM Rhys Jones: 07765702276 Aldham, Essex, CO6 3LL. 12pm. Oxford Ride out; Martin & Melinda Cole’s ride Midland Breakfast (9.30am)Jack Hills Café, to Crickhowell, 01344 420356 Just North of Towcester on the A5 S.East RH&D.Railway.(New Romney to Steve Foreman 01536-722048 /07859- Dungeness) Depart 10am A20/M20. 909853. midlandsocialsec@ntlworld. Maidstone fuel Services. com Then ride-out to a mystery destination! Scottish Monthly Meet: Bankfoot Inn, Bankfoot. 12:00 Northern Let’s have a look round here run Poplar Services junction of M56 and M6 Ulster Sunday Run/Photo Comp. 11am 9:00 AM (Don’t think he means look Corr’s Corner. round poplar Services!) Graham Fell Western Tea / Coffee / Natter PLEASE NOTE:- 07545174777 CHANGE OF VENUE. ALL MONTHLY Oxford Ride out to Turweston Wings and MEETINGS from August onwards Wheels Show, Dave Hicks: 01869 move to the The Hood Memorial 240529 Hall, Devauden, Monmouthshire. S.East Rural Life Ctr Classic Vehicle NP16 6PL. www.devauden.org.uk/ Gathering,with Ron. Depart Godstone devauden_village_hall.htm Looking Duck Pond 10am. (01689 600273) forward to seeing you there. Ring Denis 01454 775786 for info. Scottish Monthly lunch meet: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Street. Moffat. 12.30 Yorkshire Lunchtime meet Scarborough Arms, Sunderland Street, Tickhill, DN11 9QJ, Ulster Ride and Meet for Lunch. 1pm. 12 noon Ballyvoy Café 12 Scottish Natter Nite: Malletsheugh Hotel, Ayr Yorkshire Lunchtime meet How Stean Gorge Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 Café, Lofhouse 12 noon 6RT. 19:30 20 Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby, Yorkshire Natter Night, Bear Inn, South Cave Northants. Pub Meet 7.30pm. Market Place 8pm Steve Foreman 01536-722048 / 07859909853 13 Oxford Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton Harcourt 7.30p Northern Evening meeting The Creek, Peel, Isle of Man. 7:30 PM Andrew Brown Southern The Phoenix Inn Twyford SO21 1RF. 01624819088 8:00 PM Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. 14 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The New Inn, 8:00 PM The Wharf, Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Yorkshire Squires Café Bar, Sherburn in Elmet Derbys. DE72 2HG 7pm N. East Lucky Few mid week ride-out. Scotch 21 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Lamb & Flag, Corner Services. 10 am. Phil Knight Main Street, Welney, Cambs, PE14 0132 5484288 9RB. 12:00PM S.East Midweek Run from Coopers Tun.Wells. N. East Social get-together. Waggon Inn, Nr 10.30am Ponteland S.West Meal and Natter Night. 7.30 Liskeard Northern Mid week Run Kirkby Lonsdale. 10:00 Tavern, next door to Premeir Inn AM Mike Gibson: 01229 582787. Liskeard. Don Rabson 01840 212913 [email protected] 15 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Dog, Henley S.East Clubnight at The Bull. East Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, Farleigh.8pm. On B2010 Lower Road. B80 7DR ME150HD. Midland The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, S.West Wed. Midweek Ride Out 10.30 Meet Lincs. LN8 3YA (01673) 838347 Pub Budleigh Salterton, East end of sea meet 7.30pm front. John Robinson 01395 597725 Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. 21-23 Midland The Black Bull Rally. Another invite to 8:00 PM join East Anglia at this well established Southern Horton Inn, near Horton, Dorset, BH21 rally at Malton Nr Pickering, Yorkshire. 5AD on the A3078 8:00 PM Contact Mark Dutton East Anglia

50 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Social Sec, 01206-212444, or see 2 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Five Miles Journal Ad. Inn, Old School Lane, Upware, 23-25 E. Anglia The Black Bull 2011. Join us for this Cambridgeshire, CB7 5ZR. 12pm. great end-of-the-summer camping E. Anglia Copdock Motorcycle Show. Trinity weekend. Static caravans and rooms Park (Suffolk Show Ground), Ipswich. also available. Black Bull Caravan 10:00AM. Contact Mark Dutton if you Park, Molton Road, Pickering, North can assist on the stand, Tel: 07703 Yorks, YO18 8EA. Mark Dutton, Tel: 179062. 07703 179062. Midland A5 Rangers clubhouse (indoors with 24 Western Ride Out. Meet 10:00am for 10:30 hot snacks) bottom of Islington Rd, depart at Haynes Motor Museum Car Towcester, Northants. O/S ref: SP Park Sparkford BA22 7LH. Lunch at 69453 48384 12 noon to 3pm John/ West Bay ice creams at Weymouth Janet Winn (01604) 631043 visit CW BMW. Approx 90 miles. N. East Sunday Ride-out. Last of the season. Contact Mark Davis 01275 891992 Meet A19 Wolviston Services. 10 am. Yorkshire Lunchtime meet, The Bikers Café, Tim Gorman. 0142 9232291 Fimber Road, Fridaythorpe. Y025 9RX S.East Sheffield Park Run leave 9.30 from 25 E. Anglia Sunday Cafe Meet. Deepdale Cafe, A20 lay-by, Jnc with M26.(Shaun 0775 Main Road, Burnham Deepdale, 2622 890) Norfolk, PE31 8DD. 10:00 am. S.West Pub Meet .Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Cornwall PL15 7TS.12 noon Nobby N. East Sunday Ride Out. Call of the Lakes 10 Donno 01726 812471 am Scotch Corner. John King. 01677 425005 Scottish Monthly Meet: Spittal of Glenshee Hotel. 12:30 S.East Lunchtime meet.Beech Court Grds.Tea Rooms Challock.TN254DJ.Followed Southern Compton Abbas Airfield Breakfast Run by Run at 2pm. Yorkshire Marigolds Hot Snacks, Village Hall S.West Ride Out 9.30 Meet Moto Services, Cracoe 12 noon Exeter EX2 7HF . Les Madge 01647 3 Scottish Natter Nite: Meldrum’s Hotel. Main 24523 Street. Ceres. 7.30pm Scottish Monthly meet: Hopeville Social Club. 4 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Rose Inn, Harlaw Road. Inverurie 12:30-14.30 Main Road, Baxterley, Warks CV9 2LE 26 Northern Evening meeting Harraby Inn, Carlisle. Midland The Three Kings, Saltersway, 7:30 PM John Bell: 01228 535173. Threekingham, Lincs. NG34 0AU (01529) 240249 Pub meet 7.30pm 27 Oxford Natter night, The Bull, Riseley, nr Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. Reading 8.00pm 8:00 PM Yorkshire Natter Night, Conservative Club, Street Ulster AGM. Club Meeting. 8pm. Corr’s Lane, Gildersome, 8pm Corner 28 Mercia OAPs and Layabouts-wot-lunch Western Evening Meeting - New Inn, Claines, 12:30hrs The Rose Inn, Main Road, Worcs 20.00 hrs. Bob Dunn - 01384 Baxterley, Warks CV9 2LE 390344 Western Evening Meeting - 99 Neath Road, 5 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Three Rhos, Pontardawe, Nr Swansea. 19.30 Tunns, Wethersfield Rd, Finchingfield, hrs. Brian Price - 01792 862152 Braintree, Essex. CM7 4NR. 12:00PM. 29 Irish Leinster meeting 8.00pm West County N. East Durham Amateur Rowing Club. 7.30 Hotel, Chapelizod . New members pm. Section AGM followed by pie and especially welcome. Jim Sweeney peas supper. [email protected] 087 230 0736 Northern Northern section southern year Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. end run. Contact Frank 10:00 8:00 PM AM Frank Hableton 0129870194 30 S.East “Borders” Dog &Duck Plucks Gutter.Nr [email protected] Stourmouth.CT31JB S.East AGM. Clubnight at “The Bull”. East 30 - 2 Oct Scottish Glencoe Gathering. Farleigh. 8Pm See Around the Compass for details. Southern Old Gits Meet. Loomies Café, West Meon Hut A32/A272 12:00 Noon October 2011 Western Evening Meeting - The Lamb Inn,Iron 1 Mercia RTTW Sean Dodds Acton. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer - 01454 775786 Midland RTTW (Ride to the wall) Meet up to 6 Oxford Natter night, George&Dragon, ride as a group to show support for Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm. those serving on our behalf, and for Yorkshire Ride Out - George Hotel, Market Place, those who gave their lives. Destination, Easingwold YO61 3AD the Armed Forces Memorial at the 7 Northern Natter Night. The Briars hall 8:00 PM National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Vera Hunt: 01257464429. Staffordshire. Look for details nearer 7-9 Scottish Scottish Section AGM & Social the date on the forum and Journal. weekend. See Around the Compass

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 51 or Scottish section website for latest London Visit to The Imperial War Museum at details. Duxford to take in the Autumn Air Show 9 E. Anglia East Anglia Section AGM. Please marking the end of the piston engine come along and have a say in how driven fighters and the beginning of the your section is run. Tea & Coffee use of jet engine powered `planes available from 10:30AM, meeting Midland Breakfast (10.30am) Forest Corner at 11:00AM sharp. The Village Hall, Snacks just off Ollerton roundabout Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds, A614, A6075.Take the Sheffield road Suffolk, IP31 1SW. Mark Weavers, Tel: A616 200 yd’s Good cheap food. Biker 0845 003 6880 friendly Grid ref SK64492, 67912. Irish Leinster area run - meet at Spa Hotel Postcode NG22 9DR Graham Parker (near Lucan), 10.00am Jim Sweeney 01623 467852 Ride TBA weather [email protected] 087 230 0736 permitting Irish N.W. Coffee’s Café, Carrick on S.East Weymouth Beach races.with George. Shannon, 12.00 noon TJ McHale . Depart 8.am.A20 lay-by.Jnc.with M26. [email protected] 087 247 0111 (01634 241215) ? Tides so check Midland Greetham Community Centre, Great journal/website. lane, Greetham, Rutland. Tea/coffee S.West Pub Meet. The Weary Traveller and hot food from 12 mid day , Cullompton.12.noon. Chris N. East Ride in for lunch .How Stean Gorge Crocker 01884 252759 Café Nidderdale, Lofthouse, N Yorks Dales. For 1pm. Scottish Monthly lunch meet: Buccleuch Arms Northern Section AGM Chipping Village Hall. Hotel, High Street. Moffat. 12.30 1:00 PM Rhys Jones: 07765702276 Southern Greg Baker Bike Service workshop S.West SECTION AGM. 2.00pm Whiddon Contact Noel Robertson 07747 536237 Down Village Hall. EX20 2QT with or [email protected] Tea’n’Cake. Dave Cooper 01392 Ulster Ride and Meet for Lunch.. 1pm. 877886 Saltwater Brig. Kircubbin Southern/ Oxford Ten Pin Bowling - Joint Western Rich’s Cider Farm, Mill Farm, event. Contact Dave Hawkins 01993 Watchfield, Nr Highbridge, Somerset 850862 TA9 4RD. Meet 11.30 hrs in The Cider Western Monthly Meeting. The Hood Memorial Press Restaurant. Ian & Jan Hibbert - Hall, Devauden, Monmouthshire.NP16 01454 616884 6PL. 13.30 hrs. Table top sale, bring Yorkshire Lunchtime meet How Stean Gorge along your unwanted items and make Café, Lofhouse 12 noon some pocket money! Yorkshire Yorkshire AGM, Cracoe Village Hall 12 Yorkshire Lunchtime meet Scarborough Arms, Noon Prompt Sunderland Street, Tickhill, DN11 9QJ, 18 Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby, 12 noon Northants. Pub Meet 7.30pm. 10 Scottish Natter Nite: The Osprey, Stewarton Steve Foreman 01536-722048 / Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow. G77 07859909853 6NP. 7.30pm Northern Evening meeting The Creek, Peel, Yorkshire Natter Night, Bear Inn, South Cave Isle of Man. 7:30 PM Andrew Brown Market Place 8pm 01624819088 11 Oxford Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. Harcourt 7.30 pm 8:00 PM Southern The Phoenix Inn Twyford SO21 1RF. Yorkshire Squires Café Bar, Sherburn in Elmet 8:00 PM 7pm 12 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The New Inn, 19 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Lamb & Flag, The Wharf, Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Main Street, Welney, Cambs, PE14 Derbys. DE72 2HG 9RB. 12:00PM S.East Midweek Run from Coopers Tun.Wells. N. East Social get together. Waggon Inn. Nr. 10.30am Ponteland. 13 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Dog, Henley Northern Mid week Run Kirkby Lonsdale. 10:00 Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, AM Mike Gibson: 01229 582787. B80 7DR [email protected] Midland The Reindeer Main Street,Edingley,N S.East Clubnight at The Bull. East ottinghamshire,NG22 8DE Pub meet Farleigh.8pm.Photo Competition. 7.30pm 01623 882253 20 Midland The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. Lincs. LN8 3YA (01673) 838347 Pub 8:00 PM meet 7.30pm 14 S.East The Roebuck at Laughton 7.30pm.on Southern Horton Inn, near Horton, Dorset, BH21 B2124/BN86BG 5AD on the A3078 8:00 PM 16 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Shoulder of 21 Northern Meal and meet at the holden Arms Mutton, Halstead Road, Ford Street, Haslingdon BB4 4PD The Holden Arms Aldham, Essex, CO6 3LL. 12pm. 8:00 PM Alan Stretton: 01706 656606.

52 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 21-22 Irish Leenane Hotel weekend. See Around Western Evening Meeting - 99 Neath Road, the Compass for details. Rhos, Pontardawe, Nr Swansea. 19.30 21-23 E. Anglia Autumn Camping Weekend. White hrs. Brian Price - 01792 862152 Horse Inn, Mill Green, Edwardstone, Sudbury, CO10 5PX. Pre book only. 27 Irish Leinster meeting 8.00pm West County £5 pppn. Jon Price, Tel 07859 150174 Hotel, Chapelizod . New members / email [email protected] especially welcome. Jim Sweeney 22 N. East Club End of Season Buffet Evening. [email protected] 087 230 0736 Ravensworth Arms, Lamesley, Team Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. Valley. Details and booking with your journal 8:00 PM 23 Mercia AGM 10:30 Repton Village Hall. Askew 28 S.East “Borders” meet 7.30pm Kings Arms. Grove, Repton. Derbys. DE65 6GR Leaves Green Rd.Biggin Hill.BR26DU Oxford/ Western Oxford v Western 29 Yorkshire Lunchtime meet, The Bikers Café, Section Skittles match, The Old Royal Fimber Road, Fridaythorpe. Y025 9RX Ship, Luckington. Nr Chippenham SN14 6PA, 12.00 noon 30 E. Anglia Sunday Cafe Meet. Wally’s Cafe, S.East Brogdale Farm Faversham with Bull Lane Ind Estate, Acton, Sudbury, Graham. Depart 10am.A20.lay-by Jnc. CO10 0BD 10:00 am. with M26.(01795 522896) S.East Lunchtime Meet noon Hawkhurst Fish S.West Lunch at Woodleigh Hall Café 12 noon. Farm.TN184RT. 2pm Run TBA Cheriton Bishop, just off A30 EX16 6JL. Sally Robinson 01395 597725 S.West Pub Meet. Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Scottish Monthly meet: Hopeville Social Club. Cornwall,PL15 7TS 12 noon. Nobby Harlaw Road. Inverurie 12:30-14.30 Donno 01726 812471 25 Oxford Natter night, The Bull, Riseley, nr Southern Section AGM Rake Village Hall, Reading 8.00pm Brewells Lane, GU33 7JA “YOUR Yorkshire Natter Night, Conservative Club, Street SECTION NEEDS YOU” Lunch Lane, Gildersome, 8pm provided 26 Mercia OAPs and Layabouts-wot-lunch 12:30hrs The Rose Inn, Main Road, 31 Northern Evening meeting Harraby Inn, Carlisle. Baxterley, Warks CV9 2LE 7:30 PM John Bell: 01228 535173.

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 53 Where We Meet Please send Where We Meet changes to the Editor. Don’t forget UK postcodes or GPS references where applicable. EAST ANGLIA: The Five Miles Inn, Old School Lane, SCOTTISH: 1st Sunday @ Spittal of Glenshee Hotel, Upware, Cambs, CB7 5ZR, 12:00, 1st Sunday; The A93,Perthshire PH10 7QF at 12.30. 1st Monday @ Meldrums Shoulder of Mutton, Halstead Road, Ford Street, Aldham, Hotel, Ceres, Fife at 7.30. 2nd Sunday @ The Bankfoot Inn, Essex, CO6 3LL, 12:00, 3rd Sunday; The Three Tunns, Bankfoot, Perthshire at 12.00. 2nd Monday @ Malletsheugh Wethersfield Road, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NR, 12:00, Hotel, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 6RT at 7.30. 1st Wednesday; The Lamb and Flag, Main Street, Welney, Cambs, PE14 9RB, 12:00, 3rd Wednesday. Also various 3rd Sunday @ Buccleuch Arms Hotel,High Street, Moffat meets through the year, so please see the Diary Of Events DG10 9ET at 12.30. 4th Sunday @ Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie at 12.30. IRISH: Cork meet at 6.30pm Kearys Motorrad every Tuesday night – May to September Liam Quinlan 086 8252774 SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants SO21 1RF, on [email protected] Dublin Meeting – Last Thursday the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20.00 second Tuesday. 8.00 pm, West County Hotel, Chapelizod; Jim Sweeney The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr Ripley GU236JQ, 20.00, [email protected] 0872300736 . North West Meeting – alt Tuesdays. The Flying Bull Inn, Rake GU33 7JB, on the 2nd Sunday, Coffey’s Café, Carrick-on-Shannon, 12.00 noon; B2070 between Liphook and Petersfield, alt Thursdays. TJ McHale, 087-2470111 [email protected]. Horton Inn near Horton, Dorset, BH21 5AD on the A3078, LONDON: Section meets are as rideouts and are irregular, 20.00 3rd Thursday. “Old Gits” Loomies Diner on A32 at please see their website and the Journal Diary for meets. West Meon Hut cross roads A272 & A32, Hampshire first Peter Jones 07710887958, Nick Fry 01438749913 for advice. Wednesday, 12 noon. MERCIA: Repton Village Hall, Askew Grove, Repton, Derbys SOUTH EAST: ‘The Bull’, Lower Road, East Farleigh, nr DE65 6GR, see diary for dates and times. The New Inn, 61 Maidstone, ME15 0HD, 20.00, 1st/3rd Wednesdays. ‘The The Wharfe, Wilne Rd, Shardlow, Derbys DE72 2HG, 01332 Roebuck’, on the B2124 at Laughton, 20.00, 2nd Friday. 793330, 2nd Wednesday, 1900hrs. The Dog,Henley Road, Borders meet, 20.00, last Friday. Lunchtime meet,noon last Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR 2nd Thursday, Sunday. See Diary for details 1930hrs. The Rose Inn, Main Road, Baxterley. Warks. CV9 2LE on 1st Tuesday at 19.30 and last Wednesday SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: PL15 7TS. At Bolventor, off at 12.30. A30 east of Bodmin (signed from A30). The Weary Traveller, MIDLAND: All year round gatherings The Three Kings, EX15 1BQ, at Cullompton, 100 yards from Junction 28 off Saltersway, Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, 01529 240249, the M5 on the A3181.The Weary Traveller, Station Rd., 1st Tuesday 7.30pm; The Old Reindeer, Main St., Edingley Cullompton EX15 1BQ Tel 01884 32317 All meets 1200 as Notts, NG22 8DE, 2nd Thursday 7.30pm; The Griffins Head, per calendar of events. 28 Wilby Rd, Mears Ashby, Northants, NN6 0DX 3rd Tuesday ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim, 7.30pm; The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Lincs LN8 3YA, 01673 838347 3rd Thursday 7.30pm. Winter gatherings The 8.00pm on first Tuesday every month. Wednesday Community Centre, Great Lane, Greetham, Rutland and The evening runs, Corr’s Corner, 7.00pm from beginning Rangers Cycle Clubhouse, off Islington Road, Towcester, of April to end of August. Sunday morning runs Northants occasional Sundays, October to March. Alternating 11am Corr’s Corner throughout year, weather dependant. Breakfast meets see Diary or Forum for details. WESTERN: The Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden, Chepstow. NORTH EAST: The Durham Amateur Rowing Club, NP16 6PL, 13.30hrs, 2nd Sunday. New Inn, Claines, Green Lane, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3JU at 19.30hrs 1st Worcester, 2000hrs, 1st Tuesday. The Lamb Inn, Iron Wednesday of the month. The Wagon Inn, 3 miles NW of Acton, 19.30hrs, 1st Wednesday. 99 Neath Road, Rhos, Ponteland on A696, NE20 0DH, 19.30hrs 3rd Wednesday. Unless otherwise noted all runs start from Durham Services, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3EH, 19.30hrs, 4th Wednesday. Bowburn J61 A1(M). YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265 north of Skipton NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near through Rylstone, 12 noon 1st Sunday, BD23 6LQ, The Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Friday; Chipping Village Hall Bear Inn, South Cave, on the A1034 from the A63, Brough, Chipping, Nr. Preston, 13:00, 2nd Sunday April to October; 8pm, 2nd Monday, HU15 2AS. The Scarborough Arms, Rixton with Glazebrook Community Hall WA3 6JZ, 13:00, Sunderland Street, Tickhill, Dewsbury, DN11 9QJ. This is November to March (see Diary for dates), The Holden off A631 Tickhill to Bawtry. 2nd Sunday at 12 noon. Food Arms, Grane Rd. Haslington Rossendale BB4 4PD 19.00 available.Squires Cafe Bar, Sherburn in Elmet, on the B1222 3rd Friday; Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2 miles west of M6 J42, 19.30, last Monday; The Creek, Peel, Isle Of Man from the A1 or the A162, 7pm on the 3rd Tuesday, LS25 5LQ. 1930 3rd Tuesday. How Stean Gorge Cafe, 12 noon, North of Pately Bridge near Lofthouse, 3rd Sunday, HG3 5SF. The Conservative Club, OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm, 1st Thursday; The Harcourt Arms at Stanton Harcourt at 19:30, Town Street, Gildersome on the B6126 between Morley 2nd Tuesday; The Bull, Riseley (off end of Swallowfield and New Farnley, 8pm on the last Tuesday.The Bikers Café by-pass (A33)) 19:30. 4th Tuesday; Village Hall, Uffington, Fimbar Road Fridaythorpe Driffield YO25 9RX 12 noon last Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Sundays. Saturday in the month.

54 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 The Social Scene What’ s happening out and about, brought to you by the National Social Secretary

The Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club remains one would like to share to enhance the club. The of the oldest single make motorcycle clubs opportunity is there for the member to learn in the country which about the working of the was started in 1924. club and a chance to ask Congratulations to relevant questions. The them. clinic will be open to all Obviously, we must members. The time, the be in good company location and duration when even the large will be announced at institutions that have the 60th event. (I don’t been around for much know yet!) longer than our 60 years The Oirschot BMW are also claiming to be Club in Holland has finding it hard to retain just approached me and membership. However, I am pleased to report I am talking about the that six members are church ladies and gentlemen, which has some joining us at the National Rally. This follows even deeper routes. So yes, we will still be an open invitation we offered them during around in years to come because we have some the celebrations at their 40th year event at superb members that will not let this club Easter. Twenty-Eight members travelled from down. the UK to Holland, including me, and helped I know some sections are finding it very them sample a modest quantity of beer and hard to form a committee even of minimal wine and eat some fantastic food. Therefore, I requirements due to members not coming claim we should now call it the 60th National forward. I know it is always the same faces & International Rally. One final request, if that seem to do the work and thank goodness you happen to spot any of the organisers of the they do. Please become a volunteer because 60th Rally, while you are having a good time, your input and help is welcome. please do not be shy in conveying your thanks. Many of you have been helping your section I know this will be greatly appreciated. during recruiting operations recently and I for For next year, we have appealed to all one find it far easier to put a good argument sections to consider holding a National Rally forward why you should join the BMW Club in 2012. No section has come forward. I than not join it. believe that it is essential to have a national I expect by the time you read this you will rally every year but I am not quite sure that have the bike packed ready to visit the 60th all members believe this. I am quite sure we National Rally in Moreton on Marsh. can come up with a venue and I am currently At this year’s rally, your President, Secretary, looking at some options. When we have Treasurer, Editor, National Membership chosen a location, I will announce it but in the Secretary and National Social Secretary have meantime please drop me an email if you have all agreed to host a clinic for members to a skill or something useful that we could use come and discuss face-to-face issues that they at a national event to benefit the membership. BMW Club Journal • September 2011 55 You might be a DJ or ...well you know what we want. We will require volunteers to run the menial tasks like car park duties for a couple of hours and some admin duties and these will be for a short period at the event. Maybe we need to have a volunteer’s database coordinator. The pay scale would be the usual big round figure, how are you fixed? Please send your CV’s to me. My thanks go to the Scottish section who have picked up the baton regarding the 2012 AGM site and run hard again because the original venue fell into the hands of the receiver who couldn’t guarantee that they would be trading next April. (This all sounds like history repeating itself from Phil Oughtred's and the NE section’s endeavours earlier this year.) Marjorie Burnett commented, “The new location is Moffat and we probably will be much better off with this choice here”. Let’s sincerely hope so! Safe riding until next time. Mark Dutton

56 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Around The Compass Please send Around The Compass changes to [email protected] with “Compass” as the subject 2nd – 4th Sept. Yorkshire Section. Marigolds 9th - 11th Sept. South West Section. The Rally at Cracoe Village Hall. which will be open Rabbit Rally at Waterside Holiday Park, Bowleaze on Saturday night for food, entertainment and a Coveway, Preston Weymouth. DT3 6PP. Cost will natter Basic camping for tents only - free at Hall. be the same as last year £7 single, £12 couples Caravans etc at Threaplandis House Farm, Cracoe per night. Ride out on the Saturday and again we BD23 6LD. B&Bs nearby - Devonshire Arms Pub, will be fetching fish & chips Saturday tea time. Mike 01756 730237, this our third Rally coincides with Groves 01305 815361 our Sunday meet at Cracoe for Bacon butties etc. from 12 noon 10th – 12th Sept. Joint Midland and Yorkshire Section Camping Weekend. Jubileee Park Csite. 2nd – 4th Sept. South West Section. Tavistock Stixwold Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 Camping Weekend. Harford Bridge Holiday Park. 6QH.contact 01526 352448 – there are 26 hook Peter Tavy, Tavistock. PL19 9LS. This is the first ups. Short walk to town centre, camping £8.p.night time this site has been used by the Section. It has Midland section BBQ and Marquee on-site. Contact good facilities. Is in a great location, with bar meals Steve 01536 722048 or Sue 01733 205927 nearby, there will be a ride out over Dartmoor on Saturday. All members are wlecome. Should be a 16th - 17th Sept. Yorkshire Section. Camping fun weekend so contact Debbie Sampson for more at Gargrave- with Harry Beadle 01642 781202 details. 01726 61642. Site is short walk from Village with plenty of shops ,Pubs etc. You can also take a walk along the 9th -11th Sept. N. East Section Camping canal side into Skipton historic market town. Weekend at Waren nr.Bamburgh. This historic Castle and the Farne Islands are the back-drop 16th - 18th Sept. Irish Section Thatch Rally to one of the most beautiful places in the country. - Killala, Co Mayo. Enquiries: Brendan Lang Couple this with hundreds of miles of deserted 0862555214 [email protected] roads and unspoilt scenery in the Scottish Borders 30th Sept - 2nd Oct. Scottish Section. Glencoe and you have the perfect camping weekend. There Gathering at the Invercoe Campsite. No need to is no need to book. Just turn up and join in. Check book. Area set aside for our club. There are also out the top class camp site ‘Waren Caravan and Hobbit Houses available for hire. For details of site Camping’ on Google. facilities call Invercoe Campsite 01855 811210 or 9th – 11th Sept. Scottish Section - Blair www.invercoe.co.uk Mention you will be attending Atholl Rally @ Blair Castle Campsite. Campers the BMW Event when enquiring. The marquee - no booking required. Walk alongside the river will not be there so please take your own cooking Tilt and spot a red squirrel or visit the House of stoves to use in the brick gazebo. The Glencoe Bruar and walk up to the Bruar Falls. Alternatively Hotel is also in easy walking distance for good bar the Pitlochry Highland Games are being held on meals. B&B available across from the site exit: Saturday 10th. Camping will be on the Rally Field. Callart View - 4 double ensuites available.01855 Cost: £8 per tent per night 1 person/1 tent: £5 per 811259 www.callart-view.co.uk The Sheiling 1 night. Section trailer and marquee will be there double & 1 twin ensuite . 01855 811781 Contact with free tea & coffee all weekend. BBQ available Jason for further event details 01847 893935 or for cooking. Caravans for hire on site contact: [email protected] Blair Castle Caravan Park on 01796 481 263 or email [email protected]. Bed 7- 9th October Scottish AGM & Social weekend. & breakfast and hotels close by contact: www. If you fancy combining the AGM with a social visitscotland.com or tel.no. 0845 2255121. Info: weekend why not join us at the Spittal of Glenshee Judy Lepley email: [email protected]. Tel: Hotel. Please book direct with the hotel on 01250 01592 874592 885215, stating that your booking is for the BMW Scottish Section AGM Weekend and whether you 9th -11th Sept. Yorkshire Section. Joint camping are booking for 1 or 2 nights. The hotel costs event with Midland Section at Jubilee Park, are £30.00p.p.p.n. for 3 course Dinner, Bed & Stixwould Road,Woodhall Spa. LN10 6QH. Camp Breakfast. All rooms are ensuite. This may book Tele: 01526 352448. On-site heated swimming up quickly, so it would be advisable to book as pool! Short walk to Village pubs etc. soon as possible. The AGM on Sunday 9th will

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 57 be 10.30am for a prompt 11am start. There will be per person. Make your cheque out to The BMW coffee & tea etc before the AGM to be followed by Club and include a return address so we can send snacks later. a flyer/receipt telling you all about the weekend. 21st - 22nd Oct. Irish Section Leenane Hotel Find all my contact details in the main advert, weekend Enquiries: TJ McHale . mctjrt11@hotmail. com 087 247 0111. Bookings: Brendan Lang within the journal. Sally Robinson. 0862555214 [email protected] 2nd Dec. Northern Section. December Pre- 4th - 6th Nov. South West Section. South West Xmas Party. To be held at the Best Western Section 25th Hippo Rally, Colliford Tavern Bodmin Moor. This is always a good weekend, with plenty Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club (www. going on and people to talk to.There is birthday garstanghotelandgolf.com). A great chance for cake this year aswell. so come and join us.Extra the Northern Section membership to get together, camping nights available at Rally prices of £5.50 enjoy a meal, a drink, a dance (not compulsory!!), and after an enjoyable night, the possibility of leaving the car in the car park and relax with an overnight stay. Cost of Party Night is £24.95 pp. The option of an overnight B&B at the hotel costs £25 pp sharing a twin/double bedded room. Being open to members from other Sections, anyone travelling a distance can make a weekend of it and extend their stay to include the Saturday night for a further £25 pp B&B. Bookings/Enquiries to Bob Crawley at Tel: 01573 223203 or mail@bikecosse. fsnet.co.uk

58 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 SectionPlease send all Section and News entriesRegister and contact detail News changes to Section News (see page 3 for details) - not to the Editor please.

A few weeks later we have the Autumn Camping East Anglia Section Weekend at The White Horse, Edwardstone from the 21st to the 23rd. Jon Price is running this one Hi folks. I hope you are making the most of our and you can enjoy camping at the back of a lovely summer to get out and about. If you are going pub with its own micro-brewery. Their beer is to Europe in the near future be aware of some wonderful and the food is also very good. Camping legislation changes that have happened or are is £5 per night and must be booked and paid in due shortly. Did you know it is now (sensibly) advance Please contact Jon for more information compulsory to wear long sleeves and trousers, and to reserve your space on 07859 150174 or gloves and boots when riding in Belgium? How email [email protected] . about that filtering will soon be banned in France, Last month I promised more information on our but that it has been legalised in Belgium? Or even Christmas meal kindly being organised by David that bikes over 7 years old may soon be banned Massey. It is on the 12th December at the Flying from French city centres? This is just a selection of Fortress, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 2QU. what is happening across the Channel. For more It will be a carvery meal with dessert and coffee and info take a look at the web site http://survivalskills. with a little financial support from section funds we wordpress.com/2011/06/21/new-anti-motorcycle- can offer this at £10 per person, a substantial saving legislation-sweeps-europe/ . over the usual rate of £16.50 per person. Numbers Anyway that is enough depressing stuff. What will be limited and you must pre-book and pay by happened in July? Well, one event I managed to get 31st October to secure this rate. After that date you to with Sarah was the joint lunch with the Midland are welcome to book directly with the venue (space Section at Hartford Marina on the 10th. There was a permitting) and pay the full price. Please call David great turn-out of over 20 people from both sections on 07411 327544 or email jdavid.massey@yahoo. and it was great to meet new members as well as co.uk for more information and to book your place. some of the usual suspects from across the border! I hope to see you soon, and keep on riding into We also had a great time “Getting Acquainted the autumn! With Wivenhoe” on the 30th courtesy of Mike Davies. Not only was Mike the perfect host but Matt Butcher Wivenhoe is a picturesque village with some lovely 07915 850767 shops and pubs and some beautiful views. Thanks [email protected] to Mike and to all the members that made the day a success. I hope both of these events can be repeated Irish Section next year in some form, but that is up to the new committee. This leads me nicely to… We had a great turnout for the “Ride to Meat” in There is just over a month to go until our section Thurles with over fifty members taking part for the AGM on the 9th October. As well as the business weekend despite the weather. An East Anglican side of things this is also another good opportunity Section member who was on tour in the area joined to catch up with friends and chat about where in as well. The food was excellent this year with you have been during the summer or to plan next plenty for all and even seconds before bedtime. year. Time is almost up for nominations to be on Unusual for a bar in an Irish rugby club to run out the committee for the next year, so please call of draft beer but it happened, at the time this did Mark Weavers on 0845 003 6880 or email him at appear inconvenient and it was not until the next [email protected] for more morning with clear heads all around that the benefits information or a nomination form. were truly felt. The ride home in heavy cold rain What else is happening in October? On the 2nd with heated grips on full certainly did not feel like we have the Copdock Show, and this really is an midsummer and had I known that the good weather excellent “end of season” event (for those of us that in April was the new summertime I would defiantly have an end of season). Mark Dutton is organising have made more use of it. our presence here as usual, and he would love to This year’s Section AGM will be held in The hear from you if you want to lend a hand on the Club Maldron Hotel Portlaoise at noon on Sunday the 30 stand and bring your bike along for display. Mark’s October. All members are very welcome and indeed contact details are elsewhere in the Journal. it is very important for as many as possible to attend

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 59 to air your views on how the Irish Section is run. As this is my third year as Section Secretary I will be Mercia Section standing down so anyone who wishes to nominate The section’s ride-out for July was planned by John club officers or committee members please do Humpherson and was to go to Brecon Mountain so by contacting me at [email protected] or Railway, The trip was a bit of a last minute affair, 0872470111. John had originally planned to visit the Ruston There are still places left for the Thatch Rally in Transport Museum, but they seemed not to want Killala from the 16 to the 18 of September and visitors, so he kindly re-planned the whole trip. the Leenane hotel weekend on the 22 and 23 of The weather was once again not particularly kind, October. Both these weekend offer exceptional so the planned trip was altered, by those that turned value for money so if your interested contact up for it, and the Brecon Mountain Railway was postponed as will become obvious. This is John’s Brendan Lang on 0862555214 or email at btlang@ report of the ride-out. hotmail.com . Non-Ride Out to Brecon Mountain Railway Sinn è The three musketeers (Brian Cooper, Dave Harris TJ McHale and John Humpherson) meet at McDonalds, Droitwich, in pouring rain and sat for half an hour Secretary Irish Section trying to decide what to do. It was decided to +353-87247-0111 postpone the run to the Brecon Mountain Railway, [email protected] until September, and make our way to Hereford and then review the situation again. As forecast, the weather cleared up from the west and we made London Section our way around the Brecon Hills. A stop for a very enjoyable tea and cakes at the Honey Cafe set us There was a 250% increase, over the June up for the ride back home. All in all a much better Ride-out, in the number of members attending day than was expected. Silverstone for the British round of the World Super Regards John H Bike Championship; Two and one half of us And that brings us on very neatly to September’s (Mick Miles, Ian (Blockbuster) Marks and Moir) event. John Humpherson’s postponed ride-out to rode to the event whereupon Ian promptly about the Brecon Mountain Railway. turned and rode straight back home quoting “family Saturday September 3rd John Humpherson is commitments” as the reason ! leading a ride-out to The Brecon Mountain Railway. John will be leaving McDonalds on the A38 In keeping with the current trend of decreasing Worcester Road Droitwich WR9 7PA (near M5 J5) at attendances the September Hotel Weekend has 09:00, arriving at Brecon in time to catch the 13:30 been cancelled . At the time of writing only one train. If 10 or more take the trip the price will be member had expressed interest – almost all of the £8.50 pp otherwise the prices are £10.50 for adults usual and £9.50 for OAPs. For those of you who don’t Participants, contacted by e mail, are otherwise want to take the train there is an eatery, workshops engaged and therefore not available. or you can take one of the local walks. For info on Please be advised that The Section AGM will be the railway see: http://www.breconmountainrailway. held on 2nd. October 2011, at The Green Dragon, co.uk Flaunden at 1430 for 1500hrs.( as last year) In For more information you can contact John on addition to the usual business there will be the 01922 710 694 or 07866 155 633 matter of electing a new Section Secretary – One On Saturday October 1st Sean Dodds – that’s me folks - will be leading a ride to link up with a Ride candidate has already stood forward and will be to the Wall Ride-in, terminating at the National proposed at the meeting – anyone else interested Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. You can find out should attend .Food will be provided afterwards. more about the event from: A further date for your diaries is October 16th. http://www.rttw.org/index.php – visit to The Imperial War Museum at Duxford to It would be nice if those attending registered. take in the Autumn Air Show marking the end of the I will be joining the ride-in either just outside Drayton piston engine driven fighters and the beginning of Manor (last year’s long wait puts me off going in the use of jet engine powered aeroplanes – should again) or at Leicester Forest (North) M/way services be a great day out so try and make it. depending on how many get in touch for each location. Email me at: [email protected]. Peter Jones uk or phone me on 01332 723842 07710 887958 On Sunday October 23rd there is the section AGM [email protected] at Repton, starting at 10:30. We are looking for a

60 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 new Treasurer and a new Social Sec this year. Any with the Yorkshire section. Please contact myself or nominations with seconder should be sent to the Sue Spence for details. (Contact details in journal, Section Sec, Ruth Jackson. After the meeting there see advert) will be a buffet. It would be nice to know roughly Ride-out to Hendon Air Museum on the 18th, how many intend turning up so we know how many Meet at Jack Hills Café 09:30. to cater for! Finally (Told you it would be brief!) if this journal There are the usual pub meeting. is out in time, see you at the 60th anniversary Stay safe and I hope you are enjoying your biking celebrations. over these summer months Till next time Sean Bodger Sean Dodds Steve Foreman 01332 723843 07895-909853 [email protected] [email protected]

Midland Section Northern Section Hi Again. I am writing this the evening before leaving What happened in July then?? It started off with for our tour to Garda, so this may be the shortest Frank Hambelton’s groups first mid week break section news so far. Have just spoken to the site that was sold out in January, they ended up in where it is 29 degrees and sunny. Let’s hope it stays Bridlington and had a great time, there is a full that way. report and pictures on the section web site. A report from the Norfolk Chill out weekend:- Bob Harrison sent in the following report on Mike 17 members turned up at Woodlands leisure site Gibson’s mid week run on the 20th July; at Trimmingham nr. Cromer, and were blessed with “I joined ten others on Mike Gibson’s July mid- gorgeous weather which made all the difference. week run. Seven BMWs including four GSs, one Most of us met in the bar on the Friday night for Honda Deauville, one Triumph Adventurer, two a meal and some falling down water. On Saturday, Yamaha TDMs. No pillions so I assume they were most set out on their own ride-outs, but 6 of us on 4 working while their husbands were playing. Actually bikes had a meander along the coast to Wells where I think there were two of the group who weren’t we spent a nice afternoon before returning to the retired and had real jobs. Run leader Mike took us campsite, where we got ready for the B.B.Q., which to the southern Lake District with morning coffee at went very well due to everybody pitching in, we Holker Hall, a coastal route to Barrow and Furness then retired to the section marquee for more falling Abbey followed by lunch at Coniston village. Twiddly down water with music provided by Nick, the club roads were the order of the day and considering web-master , lighting by Steve and entertainment the time of year not too much traffic but then the by Andy. Sunday came and we all packed up for caravans don’t fit down single track roads too easily. departure. A great weekend with good weather. The drop-off system worked very well, nobody was Thanks to all who came, hope you all enjoyed it. abandoned on the route. Conversation with Barry I did. Arthur who was riding his 2002 GS revealed that his George( Gibson) newish 1200GS was en route from Germany in a A huge turnout of 3 bikes, +1 who arrived for van. Final drive bearing failure at 26,000 miles while coffee but didn’t do the run!, met at Ollerton Café on holiday. No GSs failed on Mike’s run. I covered for my run to Eyam Museum. The weather could 200 miles on the TDM but others travelled further, have been better, but we were quite lucky as the with the Triumph rider coming from Dumfries to rain mainly held off. After a country bimble for 50 or support the event. Interestingly the police had a so miles, we spent an hour in the museum, where camera van on the A590 dual carriageway. Why the story of the villagers and their efforts to stop do they bother? It’s the safest part of the A590 so the spread of plague is told mainly on storyboards. drivers may feel comfortable in safely exceeding the What a gruesome time that must have been, with 70 limit. Good place to make money I suppose. Well the village almost wiped out. We then rode off done Mike, a good day out and it didn’t even rain.” via Bakewell to Hartington, along some of those There was also the Southern mid week lot’s beautiful Peak district roads, and only when we evening run on the 19th July, Frank sent in this were ensconced in the café did the heavens open. report; Another good Sunday, but then it always is when “We had an excellent turn out last night for our I’m on the bike! last evening and Chip Shop run of this run season September sees the normal pub meets, and the with nine bikes and ten people with the lovely Sleaford Show on the 3rd Heather joining us riding pillion on Terry’s bike. Woodhall Spa weekend, 9th-11th,a joint venture Two of the group who registered with us didn’t turn

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 61 up for our start, the weather forecast we think, or holiday. maybe the thought of having to clean the bike after Phil’s route was not quite what I had planned but the run if it got dirty, who knows, but you missed it seems that they had a good ride out over approx a very good run of fifty miles tonight. The turn out 160 miles of moorland and the upland wastes of was a really good considering the weather forecast Durham and a bit of North Yorkshire. of intermittent showers, and we did suffer a few of Wednesday 6th July there was an evening ride these along our run. Our run destination tonight was out starting at Bowburn. Again not many bikes but the superb Monty’s Chip Shop on Leek Market Place they had a run up towards Tow Law, the land of the where we all enjoyed their excellent food. But before windmills. this I did lead our group through the Derbyshire The following Sunday, 10th July, we had our villages of Earl Sterndale, Sheen, Milldale Warslow regular monthly ride out to lunch. This time at the before taking the North Staff’s Moors and dropping Old Parkhead station restaurant which lies on the down into Leek. After our suppers we made our hilly and windswept fells above Stanhope. Sincere way towards Bosley where some of the group made apologies are due here because the section diary their way home into Cheshire, the rest of us took the had Parkside station. That was down to me, my Congleton Road and stopped for a pint of their best fingers had better learn to type properly Never the bitter beer at the Wild Boar pub. The last few miles less there were 5 from our section and one long back to Buxton were ridden in the rain, but who range rider from the Yorkshire Section arrived there cared; we’d had a great night out, with good friends, had a good lunch in the new restaurant. and ridden on some of the best motorcycling roads Incidentally this restaurant/café is open 365 days in Derbyshire and North Staff’s together. Group a year, reputedly for 24 hours a day so any rider stalwart Ged Baines came all the way from Bolton wanting a cuppa or a snack and are in the area to ride with us tonight and Steve did the could do well to try there. honours for us at the Tail End again. The evening Wednesday 13th July the Lucky Few Run lead by runs have been a success and next year we will Rob Powell instead of John Matthews headed off again put at least three evening runs in the section up into the wilds of Northumberland and finished up diary.” at Bamburgh before turning inland towards Wooler. Nobody ever tells me what goes on in the evening They lunched at Widdrington, on their way. regular meetings up and down the section, so the Friday 15th Saw the 2nd of our Fish and Chip best way for you to find out is go to one of them. You runs this time lead by Philip Gray. Starting at his will find all the details in the diary of events. home in Wideopen and by some circuitous route September brings Graham Fells “Let’s have ending up in Morpeth for the said F&S. According to a look around here” run on the 18th,it starts from one rider the centre of what should be a quiet town, Poplar Services at 9am. was not one for those of a week disposition. Everything else in September are regular section The arranged Sunday ride on the 17th went events as listed in the journal diary pages. ahead despite some torrential rain where the riders Don’t forget the section AGM in October at met up. However 7 hardy souls set off from Hexham Chipping on Sunday the 9th , we need a new social and traversed the wilds of Northumberland as secretary and public relations officer and your the weather gradually improved and over into the nominations must be in by the 11th of September. Scottish Borders to arrive at the Buccleugh Arms in Ride Safe Moffat. Rhys The return was by a different route calling in at Otterburn Mill hoping for a tea stop, but alas, they Rhys Jones were too late and it was closed. The bright spot 01286 881076 however was on the way back the weather really [email protected] improved and it was sunny; a big change from the morning. Sunday the 24th was ‘Bikewise’, a police North East Section sponsored road safety event at Durham police HQ. Our stand was manned at various times by 5 Well where do I start. There is quite a bit to get or 6 section members and information given out down this month and unlike last month my typing to a shed load of folk who owned BM’s, seemingly two fingers are quite able again. However as from mostly GS’s. Hopefully we may get a few new the 18th July I have been given the all clear with my members out of the little operation. shoulder and will be riding again as soon as I can. The section annual Bar-b-que again held on The 1st ride of the month, Sunday the 3rd was a lovely warm day at Peter and Carolyn’s home lead by Phil O, in lieu of yours truly who was nursing in Peterlee. It was better attended than last year the cranky collar bone. There were only 3 plus Phil, with 21 folk turning up. The food however, was so a bit disappointing but I suppose a lot of folk still plentiful and even the weather behaved itself. are probably away or getting ready to go away on Thank you both for the use of your lovely garden

62 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Over August there are a few events of note apart I am starting to put together the 2012 diary for the from the reguklar meeting places, and these are two NE section. What I need is names from people who Lucky Few runs midweek one on the 10th leaving have not lead ride outs before and who are willing to from the Wagon Inn at 10am lead by Derek Proctor, give it a go. Either Sundays or mid week whatever however there is no inkling where he may be taking suits, Just E mail me and I will get back and we can us. see where we can fit you in. Then on the 31st another Lucky Few run leaving Ride safe. from Scotch Corner Services to Elvington Air Museum, just south of York (via a roundabout route John King back) £5 entry fee but it is well worth the ride to get 01677 425005 in.. Lead by yours truly contrary to the entry in the [email protected] last journal. We also have two ride in dates for lunch on Sundays. The first on the 7th to The Behive Pub Oxford Section situated on the B1325 between Earsdon and Hartley and the second one on the 21st to the Shoulder of Phil Kavanagh picked a sunny day for his ride out Mutton in Longhorsely which is on the A687. Both to the Bluebell railway in Sussex. A little band of us meetings at 1pm. met at Newbury, Phil led us with Geoff Clough doing Good News It has been decided the charge for the tail chasers job. We headed south towards the camping weekend will be reduced an on the Basingstoke followed by Guildford and from there Saturday evening there will be a free bar-be-que as it was Horsham, where Phil had arranged lunch at well, but see the next paragraph below typed in red. a nice little pub at the village of Little Beeding. After Change of Camping weekend dates lunch we continued on our way down to the Bluebell Please note that the Camping weekend with railway near Lewes. Geoff Clough, Dave Shanks, the NE Section has been changed to 16th, 17th, Phil Kavanagh and myself took a ride on the train and 18th of September. This is to avoid a clash to the end of the line and back again. I do like going of events with other sections of the club, which on preserved railways, head out of the window are taking place over the same weekend. and cold pint of lager and lime in hand, while the The Section AGM is looming on October countryside drifts by. 5th where there will be pie and pea supper for On July 12th it was the West Hagbourne bike those attending. In exchange we would like any night, always a good event. Thanks to Rob Allin for nominations for election to the committee to be put getting us such a prime position. What follows is forward to the ‘boss’ at least 1 month before that John Broad’s take on the evening: date. Likewise any suggestions you may have to Hi Folks, an excellent evening with some assist in the running of the club and what you would very interesting machinery, good food and good like the section to be doing for you. company. Having all the help to set up the gazebo In the September journal there will be booking was great as I usually end up doing this myself at forms for the annual end of season Buffet supper. the aviation events I take it to, thank you to all who Venue is the same as last year so it should be a did their bit. good night. Cost and details will be on the booking Having the car and trailer alongside proves useful form. for storing all the bike kit and allows members to

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 63 stroll round the event without carrying loads of gear. and meeting up with others at a rally in central The location of the stand proved excellent, as well Norway leaving his lap top behind and he has asked as a good view of all the machinery arriving and me to cobble some section news together, so here some spectacularly stupid departures later in the goes. evening. The event was very well supported with As Jason reported last month Ullapool & Fort some interesting vehicles on show ranging from Augustus were both very enjoyable weekends super little mopeds to the Millyard V10 and mini- enlivened by Gerry’s raspberry gin (at least that’s van to a full blown dragster. Custom bikes were what he said it was). Colin’s party piece, as usual, everywhere and proved how drastic the potential ended both events with style (see photographs EU idea to ban customising would be. The pub below). delivered some fine drinks and alongside people Ron Male when asked to give a short report on could purchase some excellent burgers with the his Angus Glens run was obviously in musical mode proceeds going to a good cause. when he replied: If my memory serves me well On July 16th Bahnstormer had their open day, (someone wrote a song with those words!), there unfortunately the weather did not play ball and it were 5 GS’s and an 800ST, so 6 of us enjoyed a fine was a dismal day. Steve Moxey led a run down to wee canter round the foothills of the glens before Bahnstormers in the horrid weather and had a good heading up to the Spittal for nosh. Weather was time despite the conditions, making the best of a good, as guaranteed, no matter what Willie Weir bad job. On the 23rd of July it was Calne town bike says!!! show and we had stand to advertise the club as did Ah yes - This Wheels on Fire - Bob Dylan - Julie the Western section. The sun came out and bikes Driscol etc etc. took over the town, crowds of people thronged the My memory does serve me well. town, especially by the Lansdowne hotel where the Despite the intermittent rain the BMF Bikefest in rock band were playing. We had a successful day Kelson was a great weekend. Liz, Jim, Dick and signing up new members and many others took Mick manned the Club stand and did very well to information away. We were a bit short on manpower recruit 11 new members in total. 9 for Scottish, 1 from the committee, only Tim Read, John Russ and for Northern and 1 North East sections. Plus two myself, though it must be said the Erlestoke crew members John and Alex transferred to the Scottish lent a hand. Thanks to John Russ for arranging the pitch and John Broad for bringing his Gazebo. On the same day North Oxford Garage had their open day, Dave and Rosemary Hicks did the club stand there even though they had made other arrangements. According to Rosemary they also had a successful day. In September we have two ride outs, the first one is on the 11th and it will be led by Martin and Melinda Cole. They are taking us to Hay- on -Wye in Wales, a town famous for its book shops. We are meeting at Buckland services on the A420 at 9.00am and leaving at 9.15. Martin and Melinda can be contacted on 01344 420356 for more information. The second ride out is on the 18th , it is to the Turweston Wings and Wheels show, it was very good last year, there was lots to see, aeroplanes, cars, lorries, tractors, bikes even motorised bicycles. We are meeting at Cherwell Valley services at 10.30am to leave at 11.00am, Dave and Rosemary Hicks will lead us as they did last year. Dave and Rosemary can be contacted on 01869 240529. John Hillier 01189 332152 [email protected]

Scottish Section Hi folks, Jason has swanned off on holiday for 3 weeks touring Scandinavia, visiting some friends

64 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 section due to the warm welcome they received on then to Inverurie through to Alford and then to the stand. How about that for a result !! Braemar, over the Devils Elbow to Spittal of Glen Mark Dutton & Cliff Batley came up from East Shee & Lunch, then over to Pitlochry, through Anglia with one of the national feather flags for the Kilicrankie and into Aviemore stop for fuel and a section to display, this helped people to find the large icecream,onto Grantown on Spey Dufftown, stand which was near to the far end toilet block Huntly, Banff, New Pitsligo. and Lonmay, droped and not in the middle of the Club village as some off Fraser, then home to Strichen.293miles,the run members suspected (see forum). Worryingly our ended with Colins bike breaking down just outside stand was next door to the Undertakers – see photo Banff with a short in the battery it was red hot you of Dick taking his last ride!! On a modified ‘busa. could not touch the sides just like a boiling kettle, The feather flag and the 2 new Scottish section so I had to go and hitch up his Shogun to my bike banners attracted a lot of very positive comment. trailer then go and get Colin and it home, another 50 Report from William Meikle on Walter miles or so, it was a longish day, Fraser fair enjoyed Meadowcroft’s under the 2 cities Glasgow/ it, Colins bike got a new battery and its as sweet as Edinburgh run: Thanks go to Walter and Joyce for pie again. again organising a great run, the 6 bikes all with Bankfoot Inn lunch meet started off sitting outside pillions enjoyed a great day with good weather, in glorious sunshine but very quickly the 9 hardy good roads, good food and good company. Those souls who turned up ran for cover. Bill Downie had who did not come missed a fabulous day and ridden down from Stonehaven and Steve Shepley should make sure they come on the next run. dropped in on his way home from Wolverhampton. The Sections monthly Sunday lunch meets A lesson was learned when you dive for cover make are continuing to prove very popular all 4 meets sure your helmet is not hanging upside down on the being held at good venues in the heart of great handle bar with the visor up! motorcycling roads. Over 20 people from the Scottish, Northern and North East sections met up at the Buccleuch Arms July’s Sunday lunch meet held in glorious Hotel in Moffat for Sunday lunch. Not as many sunshine at Spittal of Glenshee attracted well over Scottish section members as usual, the weather 20 riders plus pillions from a wide area. 2 new forecast may have had something to do with that. bikes on show (too much money sloshing around David and Lynda from the Malletsheugh natter night in the Scottish section) Pete and Diane’s 1600GT made a first visit with their very well behaved son and Dave Robertson’s GS1200 complete with front (hope he got his ice cream). mounted camera. It was good to see Andy and Malletsheugh natter night report from David Fiona popping out of the woodwork for the first time Blackwood: Another good turnout at the Glasgow this year. natter night in July saw 18 members, most with their Bill Gault’s interesting day: We left Lonmay and partners, gather on a lovely night for the usual chat and banter. We were joined by two prospective new members. We hope they enjoyed their welcome and choose to join the club and group (one of whom was on a new K1600GT!!). A short group discussion took place to plan a number of runs, overnights and weekends away before the more usual chit-chat of who’d been to what events and stories of biking holidays to come and trips now passed. (For full report please see Scottish section forum on the main Club website) After a very heavy downpour of rain at Kelso the marquee leaked around the seams. The committee have now purchased a new larger marquee togther with a generator and have replaced 12 chairs that were showing signs of strain. Marjorie is very excited about the microwave Colin is donating. Please come along to the Blair Atholl weekend 9 – 11th September and take part in the grand unveiling. It has been noticed that a large number of members are travelling long distances to attend the sections 4 Sunday lunch meets each month therefore it has been decided, just for fun, to have a Scottish Section Lunch Meet Distance Award Competition. The competition will start on 1st September – first lunch meet is Spittal of Glenshee

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 65 on the 4th September. See the Scottish Section website for full details or email: scottish.treasurer@ South East Section bmwclubuk.net or Tel. 01592 874592 Well summer moves on and the July club night Dont’ forget the Glen Coe Gathering which is 30th was busy starting with John Hawkers general September – 2nd October this year. knowledge quiz, lots of brain teasing for all. Thank AGM Social Weekend you for setting such a good quiz John. Top boy was If you fancy combining the AGM with a social Ian Campbell and Top girl was yours truly. weekend why not join us at the Spittal of Glenshee Club nights are very busy with plenty of time to Hotel, 7-9th October. Please book direct with the catch up with friends and sink a pint or coffee or tea. Spittal of Glenshee Hotel, 01250 885215, stating The weather for the BBQ at Matty’s was showers, that your booking is for the BMW Scottish Section but apart from a shower at lunchtime we had a AGM Weekend and whether you’re booking for 1 sunny afternoon and dry evening. I cannot thank or 2 nights. The hotel costs are £30.00 p.p.p.n. for the volunteers enough for all their support and help, 3 course Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. All rooms are without them there would be no BBQ. Graham on ensuite. This may book up quickly, so it would be the coals, Dave Deacon and his team setting up advisable to book as soon as possible. the marquee and meat shopping, building “burners” The AGM on Sunday 9th. will be 10.30 for a and also he made the BBQ for Graham to cook on, prompt 11.00am start. There will be coffee/tea etc Brenda for all the salads and breads and cheeses, before the AGM to be followed by snacks later. Sarah for the plant quiz and badminton net. Matty, Scottish Section AGM of course for his hospitality and use of his land, also 9th October 2011 at the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel the local school for all the games, which the fitter on the . A93 at Blairgowrie. Perthshire - PH10 members enjoyed playing including Boule, and 7QF Tel: 01250 885215 Date: 9th October 2011 Cricket. I think everyone enjoyed the food and the Time:10.30 for coffe/tea. Meeting: 11.00am Prompt new venue. to be followed by tea/coffee,sandwiches etc. Thanks Rosemary for the above. All committee positions are up for re-election. This month George Barlow, Mick Foxwell and Nomination forms are available from Marjorie myself took £350 to St.Peters & St.James Hospice, Burnett, Scottish Section Secretary, (Address in where Margaret Barlow was so happy to go once a Journal or [email protected] ) week. This was collected by club members and as or can be downloaded from the Scottish Section the picture shows we expressed thanks for all they News in the main BMW Club Forum. If you wish to do as a Hospice and they were very grateful for this. nominate someone for a committee position please Rods run to Weald and Downland Museum had first ask the person concerned if they are willing to a very good turnout and had good reports although stand, get a proposer & seconder and send your no details available. nomination form to Marjorie to be with her 28 days The Hawk again was lucky with weather and a before the date of the AGM very good turnout of eleven bikes for a well planned If you have any proposals to make please run to The Museum of Power at Langford. have them to Marjorie 28 days before the AGM. Coopers “run” was lead by Alan and Linda with (proposals to show proposer & seconder with their nine bikes including a welcome to new member, BMW Club membership nos) Piers. We really want your input on social events so it’s The Rother Valley CSMA/BMW Clubs camping your opportunity to let us know what’s been good & was enjoyed by John Burton,Rod,Ian and not so good, for your suggestions and new ideas. me(Shaun).A lovely sunny Friday and crud weather It’s also your opportunity to put other people in post Saturday for an intricately planned run. Nice if you’re not happy with the way we’re doing things. breakfast stop though. Thanks John for setting up We would really like to see a very good turn-out and it was nice to meet the CSMA riders. so please attend if at all possible. The committee Thanks go to Alan and Linda, who took the F&C wants to hear your views & ideas. Please bring your run as Wendy is recovering from op. (get well soon) membership card to the AGM to obtain your voting I am not aware of anyone attending the Dog and slip. Full & Associate members are eligible to vote. Duck (holidays etc?) and offer my apologies. Beech See you there!! Court Gardens I spied, (they know who they are), Judy Lepley (standing in for Jason) eating a nice looking Sunday lunch, then to be [email protected] collected by Dave D. standing in for Kevin, unable 01592 874592 to ride due to a strain (again, get well soon), to ride to Kevin & Denise`s for tea & cakes. Again my apologies as I was selling a Go Kart to make way Jason Goodwill for another bike. 01847 893935 And now to the event of the year. The Best Bike. [email protected] We decided to have different categories as follows.

66 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Best Classic, more than 25 years old went to goat in sight!! Setting up picnic on the Open Forest John Smiths R90s. 2nd. Dave Cooks R100T. we found the general opinion of goat’s cheese prior Best “Modern” less than 2 years old to Tim & to the tasting to be pretty limited (even by Nick). Sarah’s R1200RT. 2nd. Bill Hallers R80GS After sampling all of the 11 goat’s cheeses from afar “Of Technical Interest” went to an old Boxer held afield as the New Forest, France, Wales and Spain, together with Gaffer tape and Bungees with 181000 accompanied by biscuits and chutney, we had all miles on it. Mine ! Dick from the VOC/VMCC Club expanded our foodie repertoires. I, for one am now did the judging with good taste I must say. completely hooked.’ Thanks to Sarah and Nick for Thank you to all who polished some beautiful this unusual ‘run with a difference’. machines and well done to the deserving recipients. We cannot get away from food in the Southern Coming Up section. On 10th the girls turned out in force to A reminder that the harvest supper will be at support Trish on her cream tea run, with five out of Matty’s field on 3rd September., names to Rosemary the ten bikes ridden by lady riders. We left Newlands as soon as possible on 01622 678997. in the sunshine for a run through the highs and lows 11th Tony takes us with RHDR, Train, F&C lunch, of Surrey. Not far from the start, we did a scheduled Historical vehicle Rally at New Romney Station, u turn for a quick stop on one of the ‘highs’. This at £16.80 and hoping for discount, so he needs viewing point gave us a good, if slightly misty, view names. of Canary Wharf and the London skyline with all 18th Ron leads us to A Rural Life Centre Classic the tallest buildings, and with really good vision you Vehicle Gathering could spot the Wembley Arch. Once the binoculars Please note “Borders” 30th now Dog & Duck not and cameras had been stowed, we carried on the Manston. / 28th October not Knights but Kings Arms run on some very interesting roads. We had a little Leaves Green Road Biggin Hill BR26DU. (please, bit of drizzle, but by the time we arrived at Denbies no more changes) Vineyard, near Dorking, the weather had improved. 25th September. 09.45. MAG is doing an anti The tea stop was lovely, with wide selection of food tampering/compulsory Yellow Vest rally from Strood and obviously, cream teas. By the time we were B&Q. ready to get back on the bikes, the sun was blazing. We are all in it together and some may feel these Thank you for another great run Trish. things should be made compulsory by the EU. Don’t Well, the camping weekend at Sixpenny Hadley let the “Bureaucrats” grind you down. spoilt Noel’s record of good weather events. Rick AGM for our section will be 5th October at 8.30 has sent me the following report. ‘There was a good pm at The Bull, please send nominations for offices turn out from the Friday night, with most people to me prior to this. 47 High Street Halling Kent spending the evening in the pub. The weather ME21BP was not good on the Saturday, and some members decided to head for home. The remainder patiently Section Secretary. Shaun Mulligan waited, and 10 people on 9 bikes made the decision 01634 241215 to go on a ride out. They were duly rewarded when, [email protected] not long after the start, the weather cleared and they had great views across the Blackmore Vale. Social Secretary Lou Warner The rest of the run took them through some lovely 01622 678997 villages and a stop for a pub lunch. The heavens [email protected] opened again, but the rain had stopped again by the time the run recommenced. Evening was another visit to the pub, where there was a group Southern Section of skiers on the table next to us (not sure what they had heard about the Dorset weather?) and we had Quite a few events in July, starting with Nick and a good laugh with them seeing which group could Sarah’s goat’s cheese tasting. Unfortunately I was make the most noise. Sunday, and the tents were not able to attend but Sarah has sent me the following packed up wet. Some headed straight for home, report. ‘Nick’s goat’s cheese run was an interesting while the rest had a great roast lunch in the onsite concept. The expectation of those attending was a restaurant. 19 people joined in for part, or all of run to a goat farm somewhere in the West, where the weekend, which was an excellent turnout we would see goat’s cheese being made. Arriving considering the weather.’ Thanks Rick, sounds like at Bahnstormer, our initial rendezvous, we were a everyone had a good time. little worried to find a gathering of only 5 people. Yet more food, when 14 members turned up for Happily we did not remain a small group for long, as fish and chips at Jack’s on 20th July. It was good to we met more intrigued people at Lily Langtree’s in see Chris there after her hip operation. Best wishes Stockbridge. After a lovely scenic run down through for her recovery, and hope she is back on the bike the winding lanes to the north of the New Forest, we soon. arrived at the cricket pitch at Woodgreen, with not a Now, before I look forward to events over the next

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 67 few months, I want to officially remind everyone travelling from as far away as Halifax, Wigan, Hull, about the section AGM on 30th October. This takes Hinkley, Bristol and the Southwest. The prize for place at Rake Village Hall and starts at 11.00hrs, the furthest travelled was won by Ross Cammeron so please come and support your section. We are from Hull who covered 287.6 miles. Thank to Les at always looking for volunteers to help us run the Traveldri Plus for the prize and some of the ‘lucky club, so if you want to join us on the committee or dip’ prizes, which raised over £40 for the section offer any help, please contact your social team. charity account. ( the shortest travelled camper On the 2nd to 5th of September we have the trip was Duncan, who went the long way around to Reims. I am looking forward to a great weekend. Tiverton and managed to cover 1.6 miles.) Feed The camping weekend in the New Forest is back recieved was that the rally was very freindly postponed as we could not find a suitable site. We and relaxed, in a great site with good facilities. My are still working on this one, possibly for next year. thanks to those attended, and those who helped October 2nd sees another breakfast meet, this time Sylv and I to make the weekend enjoyable for all. at 10.00hrs at Compton Abbot. Then on 9th we are We’ve provisionally booked the rugby Club again for joining Oxford section for lunch. Please contact next year, hope to see you all again. Chris & Sylv. Noel for more details on 07747 536237. The 16th Just to let you know the Paignton DO was literally is our motorcycle maintenance workshop, again a wash out, floods of rain accross the roads & contact Noel for details. November 13th is bike rainbows . 25 bikes only turned up in total .The cleaning day, again Noel is your contact. The last marshals went home at 7pm . I went & had fish thing to remind you about is our Christmas lunch & chips on my own dripping wet (dodgy looks) on 20th November at 12.00. Rossana is organising freezing cold .. O What a fun night I had ??? I was this, and if you ring her on 01344 621602 she can kept motivated by the thought of.the £5 I will get give you more information. on your return from France ...... (Joke) from Hope everyone has had a great summer on the Ron Lyford bikes while joining in the events and attending runs. On leaving the car park myself, Sue ,Brian, Mark There is still a lot more to enjoy. and Geoff rode across the Tamar bridge to start the Tamar to Lands End ride, heading for Victoria Noel Robertson west of Bodmin to meet with Phil, Debbie, Brian [email protected] and Stella. In ideal riding weather we set off for Newquay to take the north coast route, taking in Gerri 01895 446896 (not after 20.00hrs please) Perranporth, Porthtowan and Portreath stopping [email protected]. at Hells Mouth for lunch, I can highly recommend their Hells Mouth special sandwich. After a rest in the sunshine we continued on to St Ives, down the South West Section picturesque coast road to St Just, with such good weather the views were even more stunning as Busy month again during July, 7 events to report we arrived at Lands End. We met Paul there, who on. The Southwest Section Summer Rally. Whow!! had missed us at the bridge then tried to find us on Bright sunshine and hot temperatures greeted our route. After declining a £6.99 cream tea we set off guests on their arrival and continued throughout the on Paul’s recommendation to a tea room in Sithney, weekend. Thank you to the 19 who camped, the The Handyshop near Helston, for a very good day visitors who called in and, those who joined cream tea a very good choice. It was getting late in us for the fish and chip supper on Saturday night. the day now, we decided to split and make our own Everone got settled in, and got to the kitchen for tea way home as most people had a fair journey back, and cake. My plan was for everyone to ‘chill out’ ending a most pleasant day in good company.. and do as much or as little as they want. Some Thanks Don stayed on the camp site during Saturday to watch July the 13th. Approximately 20 people turned up, the cricket match, others went out for a ride and 15 bikes. Weather was good, blue skies, and a nice a cream tea. As usual there was an element of ride to St Merryn. The £5 prize for longest travelled surprise during the weekend, with the launch of a was won by Mark (Peanut) Corben. Regards Robin. hot air balloon on Friday and Saturday evenings 4 members attended the Jenny Cliff café on the and a cricket match during Saturday afternoon. It 17th July, the weather was showery. After lunch it was a match with a difference, a the fielders had a was cups of tea at Bobs. From Bob Cast can of cider on the pitch, with the game interupted Wednesdays ride out to Lacock saw a few hardy for refreshment breaks (more cider), a tea break souls take the gentle ride through what should of sandwiches and more cider, and finally a have been a few quiet A & B roads. Some were celebration of the result with more cider. The result much busier than is usual so the time spent looking I believe was draw and a huge hangover. The local around the National Trust Village was reduced. Morrisons across the road , did a roaring trade in Despite a damp and drizzly start we eventually rode breakfasts, wine and beer. Thanks to all who came, into fine weather and enjoyed light refreshments

68 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 and some friendly banter sat out in the grounds of details concerning this trip, please read carefully, the local café. and act upon accordingly. Speaking of trips, Without question the long distance award went Charlie Carruthers had to combat an incident of to Rod & Chris Baker from Hayle in the far west of heat exhaustion, biking in 42C, he is believed to Cornwall have been contemplating taking a Stanley knife to Thanks Les his one-piece Aerostitch suit. Sounds like he was in What a great afternoon we had at the Weary Africa or Asia; in fact he was in France, Clermont- Traveller! The weather was dry and warm, for the Ferrand(twinned with Ferrero Rocher), on his merry 33 bikes that turned up, plus about 20 other guests way to Austria and on to Garmish for Motorrad Biker who came on other makes of motorcycle and in cars. Days. Also discussed by some the Journal A5/A4 Thank you to the members who attended, and to the issue, most seem to favour keeping it at present A5. guests who swelled the numbers. Congratulations Good to see our chosen machines getting a lot of to all who won a trophy, the members choice was positive press coverage, Bike, Aug: and Sept: issues a hotly fought 3 way split with the winner being in particular, with the R1200GS being given the chosen with a draw from my hat . If you have won accolade of best bike they have tested in 40 years a trophy please remember to return it to a member of publication. It was their Bike of the Year 2004, just of the committee before next years event. Please as well I bought one then, in summary I will use the get your details engraved on the trophy, getting a praise they gave 1993 BoY, R1100RS; “all this from VAT receipt for the cost and send to John Robinson an air cooled twin with shaft drive”!! Just as well I (section treasurer) who will reimburse this cost. bought one of those, as well. The GS look-a-likey To those who didn’t win better luck next year, but then took a bashing in Sept: issue, focusing on 800 console yourself at least the BBQ was excellent and adventure types, F800GS coming up trumps over was enjoyed by 37 of us. I have some people to the trumpet(sorry), and some encouragement for thank, without whose help I could not run the event , the World Superbike team with Leon Haslam taking Steve and the Weary Traveller team, Wally from C W a fourth place at recent GB round at Silverstone, Motorcycles who had the difficult job of judging the going some way to counter their lack of results entries and then presented the trophies, also Sally since the start of this series. Our runs have been and the voiceless Sylv for their efforts distributing generally well attended, I know there are those who the BBQ tickets, coordinating the results and getting prefer not to ride in groups or organised events, the trophies in the correct order, and finally once but riding past in the opposite direction as a Wed: more again thanks to all of you who attended and night run passes and not even waving; well that is made it a memorable event. Chris a new low; I am prepared to stoop even lower and A full list of trophy winners is on the section web name the member, usual cash payment will suffice. site. Another sign that we are quickly moving through the year is the emergence of completed Photo: Comp: Six more events for September so still busy, entries, some members have been putting in a lot before the weather changes,. Don’t forget 9th of miles doing our section competition, combining it October section AGM. Please be there. with the larger Boyne Riders version. If coming to The Hippo Rally in November please Richard Herron informs us that the section SMS make your cheque out to The BMW Club and now has 40 subscribers, and 12 on the e-mail include a return address for the receipt/flyer message system, the committee again would appeal to more members to sign up. Please do so Sally Robinson by texting your Name, Membership No. and Mobile 01395 597725 details to Richard on 07586887050, membership [email protected] No? what’s that? when I joined we didn’t need numbers, we all knew each other. By the way, you will find this number above your name on the cover Ulster Section of each Journal, Mobile Phones readily available almost everywhere. The 60th bash fast approaches, our section has Looking ahead:- Hurst’s Run, 4/9/11, 9-30am at least 10 attending, looking at the itinerary and Mallusk. Section AGM Oct: club meeting Tues: location it looks like a good time is guaranteed. 4/10/11 Corr’s Corner 8pm. Sept: club meeting, With the general holiday period things have been representatives from Bikesafe. Nov: club meeting, quite quiet lately, no July meeting, and no speaker Barry Symmons, former manager Honda Racing. at the August meeting as numbers are usually low, except they weren’t. Some 40 or so met for this Victor Hamilton. club night, although nothing was organised we had It is with great sadness we have heard of the plenty to talk about, not least advanced details of passing away of Victor Hamilton, at home in early 2012 May Bank Holiday Weekend to Fort William, August. In his mid eighties he had been poorly for Scotland. Members will have received by post some time after complications set in after surgery, yet

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 69 to visit him he never complained and was greatfull none other than the late Professor Gordon Blair, of to be at home on the farm near Donaghadee, with QUB Mechanical Engineering fame; his measured the family pets and as always being cared for by his reply, “ I’ll have a word with you afterwards”. With wife Blossom. regard to our club activities Victor and Blossom In his early years he was a keen cyclist, starting were generous, running barbecues which always his adult working life as an Apprentice in the included deserts, and allowing visitors to camp in Glen Boatyard, Stricklands Glen, Bangor; he was their paddock, it was a privilege to have met Victor, seriously injured when a fuel tank exploded, injury our sympathies and thoughts go out to Blossom and scars from this incident he carried all his life. at this time whose care and attention meant he I would describe him as a self taught Engineer, could remain at home looked after by a good pair metalwork being his forte, he also taught this at of hands. the local Technical College,anyone who saw his workshop and what he produced could not fail to Norman Shearer be impressed, particularly his use of alloy. He built [email protected] a boat, a gull-wing door sports car and his sidecar using sheet alloy, the sidecar, R100, was quite special with faired in headlight and his version of Western Section an anti-roll bar connecting side car and the bikes rear suspension; he had been working on a more Colin Ross offers this account of a rare summer modern take of this using a K100RS, and was outing from our 2011 Progragmme his Monkland designing leading link front suspension using hub- Cheese Dairy visit on 26th June- centre steering. To say he had a good pair of hands On the hottest day of the year 12 section members would be a vast understatement. As well as being met at the “Mouse Trap Cafe”, Monkland, near keen members of the Ulster Section, Victor and Leominster. Sitting out in the cottage garden while Blossom were also active in the Sidecar Federation, partaking of refreshments including homemade helping to run rallies at the nearby Rugby Club, he cakes and locally made cheese was very pleasant was also in the Kitcar club, local vintage and classic and can be recommended, but as the sun became clubs, and found time to run a motorhome. A typical more intense there was a gradual move towards Ulsterman with modest dry wit and faultless timing, the shade where the chat and banter continued to he announced that a sidecar mystery run he was flow freely well into the afternoon. The ride home leading was going to Newcastle; and giving a talk was not so pleasant with temperatures around 29 at one of our club nights on the inner workings degrees and too many Sunday drivers? If you are of sidecars, stated, “it’s a bit like a two-stroke, it in the area at any time call in and you will be sure shouldn’t work, but it does”. In the meeting was of a warm welcome and good food. Here is a photo

70 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 of who all went . per person. Please send cheques made payable Brian Harrison’s Mountain Ride on Saturday 30th to “ The BMW Club” to Janet Wilson, 4 Brow Hill July- Villas, Batheaston, Bath BA1 7NA, include an SAE The Mountain Ride was well supported by eight if a receipt is required. Thanks. serious riders, some having travelled almost 100 Chris Bates miles to get to the start. The ride over the Cambrian Mountain roads is one we have completed a Denis Bradbeer number of times before from the Disserth camping 01454 775786 weekends, this time with a couple of modifications. [email protected] The ride took in some good, fairly fast and twisty roads as well as narrow tracks with grass and plenty of loose chippings to test our concentration. Brilliant, Yorkshire Section it really gets the adrenalin flowing. The lunch stop at Devils Bridge cafe was really Thanks to Sue Spence and Diane &Bill Wright welcoming and most enjoyed a cooked lunch to for their input to the July Journal. Members who calm the nerves ready for the next stage to the cannot attend some events do like to be included Elan Valley coffee stop where the GS rider from in the sections activities, and its good when those Barcelona took his leave to head to Chester, having who did attend take the time and trouble to compile joined us for part of his holiday. The last stage was a report. over the Eppynt Army ranges to Upper Chapel on I have no positive reports from our regular meets, dry roads to finish, with a sigh of relief, in Brecon. other than The Bike Shed which is getting a good Coffee and a chat, then 60-80 miles home! What a turnout. great day out. Dennis Asqwith is happy that all who went to his Many thanks to those who made the effort to join weekend at Burton upon Stather had a good time, in. and he was sorry he had to leave early, but he was From Brian Harrison attending a wedding – not his own phew! bet that As I have as yet no report on any of the recent was a close shave Dennis. camping weekends ( Information please) I have Lakes weekend at Coniston proved a true little to say about them, however Ali and I, and lots camping weekend, Stuart and myself only took a of other members were on the Bristol City docks pup tent!, we had watched the weather forecast tour which we have done a couple of times before, and knew it was going to be a scorcher, and it was. this time we travelled on the glass boat with it’s Whilst we relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine there panoramic views of a rapidly changing City. were rides out over the passes and up to St Bees Sad news has reached me that long time Western ( the tall ships race starts from there) the campsite Section member Roger Stockwell has died. A keen was looked at with a view to a weekend next year. motorcyclist and a real gentleman, Roger was one Glad you all came to support us, it was great to of the founder members I believe and due to ill see Bob and Rosemary with their new tent, still health had to give up his BMW a while back. The camping, who needs a camper van!! and Bob has last time we might have seen Roger on an event just bought another bike bless them. would have been at one of the November Hotel I announce the section AGM is held at Cracoe weekends. Perhaps someone who knows more village hall on Sunday 16th October12 noon could write a little piece about him in the Journal. prompt. All committee posts are up for election. It Our “one off “ meeting at Coalpit Heath was very is a formality that you send your nominations to our well supported fortunately as this was the “Easter current Section secretary by the end of September. Compton Meeting”, for which Denis had booked the I have to put that in writing to keep to the rules, but renowned traveller and travel writer Sam Manicom. we are a friendly bunch in our section and if you The venue was a former Miners Club for indeed come to the AGM and want to help your section this now suburban street ( Village?) was once an in whatever way you can just speak up. Your important coal mining area. Around thirty would current committee will be only too glad to help you. be adventurers piled into this very good venue Although I may not be your Social Sec. next year I and enjoyed a stimulating, illuminating talk. Book am now starting to plan for the Diary which has to sales and signings, plus of course tea and biscuits be in place by the end of November.I really do need followed. Our beleaguered Committee were well volunteers to come forward for rides out, camping pleased. Next Month comes Devauden. or hotel weekends, infact anything to do with riding Important information from Jan Wilson regarding bikes. The midweek breaks have proved popular this November Hotel weekend- The balance for this year. We have 400 plus riders in the section. the Hotel weekend is now due £54.00 per person You must ride somewhere, sometime, so give me a for those who have paid a deposit, or £64.00 per ring, my numbers in the journal, I do prefer to talk to person for those who have not - please note the a person rather than gaze at a screen! cost for people with a Sea View room is £6.00 extra We have just 2 lunch ride outs left this year the

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 71 first Thursday 1st September to the Wheatsheaf, 62 him a full and speedy recovery. Westgate. Louth. LN11 9YD. Peter will lead a ride- On a lighter note the ‘Register’ did attend the in leaving Langlands garden centre, Shiptonthorpe Founders Day event in the beautiful grounds of roundabout, junction of A1079 and A614 at Stanford Hall and an excellent day, including the 10.45am. meet in the coffee shop or see him at superb weather, was enjoyed by all. Special thanks the Wheatsheaf. The last on Thursday 6th October go to my regular riding companion and neighbour to The George Hotel, Market Place, Easingwold, nr Richard Maw for his assistance in transporting and York. YO61 3AD. Contacts for these Paul Ibbotson erecting the new, and much admired, ‘Club’ gazebo, 01302 888317/Peter Brindle 01904 672883. and to Brian Thomas and Janet & John Winn for I would like to thank those of you who have their welcome contribution to the day’s proceedings. contributed to this years motorcycling events, it is We had an impressive display of a dozen or so appreciated. I will have news of a venue for our bikes in the ‘Club’ area with a good balance of pre Christmas meal in next issue. ’69 and post ’69 ‘airheads’. Included in the display See you at the Marigolds Rally were Malcolm McNair’s beautifully restored R69S (on it’s maiden voyage), a very unusual R26, in ‘trail Elaine West bike’ trim, and Alan Mountford’s lovely original and 01274 832309 unrestored R90/6 which won the award for ‘Best [email protected] Classic’. The event in general was very well attended and provided interesting and varied entertainment for REGISTERS old bike enthusiasts throughout the whole of the day. The ‘autojumble’ was well up to standard providing hours of rummaging for those of us in search of that Vintage and Classic elusive bargain. Those of you who have afforded due diligence I begin this month with a sincere apology to those to the August edition of the ‘Journal’ cannot have of you who attended the Festival of 1000 Bikes at failed to notice the full page advertisement for the Mallory Park only to find an empty space where Footman James Classic Motorbike Show which our Register gazebo should have been erected. A takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 11, 12 & number of issues conspired to prevent our normal 13 of November. The reason for the placement level of service and every effort will be made to of this advertisement is to support the ‘Register’s prevent a repeat of this situation in the future. first attendance at this show which takes place in As I write these notes many of you will be aware that conjunction with the Classic Motor Show. As you our Vintage & Classic Register Secretary, Robin will see from the advert tickets can be booked in Walker, is hospitalised following some extensive advance, at a discount, for either the ‘Bike Show surgery. I’m sure that you will all join me in wishing only or combined tickets for both shows. Having

72 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 attended both shows last year I had a thoroughly good day out and would recommend it. Sidecar Register I will be looking to display about six bikes on the ‘Club stand so if anyone is interested and has a suitable bike, please contact me on 01427 874933.

Dick Booth GS Register (Holding the fort whilst Robin is recovering) Robin Walker [email protected]

Sporting The Cadwell park track day took place on 8th July, for some reason it was not as popular as I had expected, however those who were there had an enjoyable day apart from the weather, we were incident free apart from an excursion onto the grass by an HP2 sport and it’s rider, BMW very kindly brought a fleet of demonstrators for us to use and use them we did. Snetterton will have taken place be the time you read this, at the time of writing it is well on the way to being fully booked. For those who missed both events or those who want more, I am going to a track near St Quinten in France for the weekend of 3-5 September, organised by Eurotrax either contact myself or look at their website for more details, that’s all for now. Robert Bensley 01953 888415 [email protected]

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 73 74 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Mutual Aid Mutual Aid Adverts are to enable BMW Club Members to buy or sell motorcycles or related items that they own. The service is free but subject to the rules below, and is not normally available to trade advertisers. 1. Note – adverts are NOT accepted over the phone – 7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and please send them by post or email to the Mutual Aid understand which edition it applies to before querying Officer whose name and address are on page 3. Please why your advert doesn’t seem to have appeared. Please remember to include your full postal address. submit your advert well before deadline date if at all 2. All adverts should be readable, well punctuated and possible.The BMW Club cannot be held responsible for unambiguous. If writing, please use capital letters for the quality or availability of items or goods or for any clarity. If e-mailing, please only use a simple font such arrangements for delivery or payment. as Arial or Times New Roman. NO ATTACHMENTS 8. Adverts from non-club members may be accepted in PLEASE! special circumstances. For information, please contact 3. The maximum length is 65 words, excluding your phone the Mutual Aid Officer. numbers, name and email address. If you wish to use more than 65 words your option is to pay for the advert at 9. Neither the Club nor the Mutual Aid Officer can advise 20p a word (plus VAT) for the whole advert. In that case, advertisers regarding the value of goods offered for sale. we would need payment with the advert when submitted. Neither can the Club or the Mutual Aid Officer recommend Note – one advert/month per Mutual Aid category. Adverts suppliers of goods or services to members. may be edited where deemed necessary by the Editor. Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 4. In your advert, please include your forename, phone Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning number(s) and an email address if available. the sale of goods being sold in the course of business shall 5. You must include your name, full address, Section and clearly indicate this fact. This applies whether the advertiser membership number. These will not be published (unless is acting on their own behalf or for another party. If you have requested) but we will check membership. reason to believe that you have been misled as to the status 6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion of any advertiser, please inform your local Trading Standards only. Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility Department and the Editor immediately. The fine for breaches of the advertiser. of this order is up to £1,000. Note: Mutual Aid closing date is the 1st of each month and Tax March 2012. £3,800 o.v.n.o. Reluctant sale Motorcycles For Sale due to rheumatics. Ron 01268 440073 or e-mail “K” Series [email protected] (Essex). K1200GT SE - 2008 - Silver. 11,000 miles. Stunning K75S - 1990 - Red. 34,400 miles. BMW history. Lots condition. FSH. BMW matching panniers. Heated of documentation, 12 Months MoT, four months grips. Heated seats. Cruise control. Purchased from Tax. Genuine low mileage bike. Recently serviced main dealer 20 months ago and hardly used. First plus splines lubed. Good tyres. BMW boxes. New MoT just obtained. £7,250 o.v.n.o. Martin 01332 screen. Lovely smooth bike ready to work. Always kept under cover. £1,750. Jonny 01764 684424 or 670298 (Derbyshire). 07840 737848 or e-mail [email protected] K1200RS - 1998 - Dolphin blue. 16,000 miles. Mint (Perth). Can help with nationwide collection. condition for year. Panniers plus top box, heated K100LT - 1991 - Bermuda blue. Full luggage grips, new front tyre. New MoT. Six months Tax. New including: tank bag and roll up top box bag, full front pads. A brilliant bullet proof machine, however, 12 months MoT. Nice condition. One owner from I now fancy a 1150GS. £3,350. Tony 01373 813366 new. £1,250. William 01332 811865 or email or 07966 187411 (near Bath). [email protected] (Derbyshire). K1300GT SE - 2009 - Red, 6250 miles. Excellent K100RT - 1985 - Red. Very good condition. 58,000 condition. Garaged. FSH with BMW. Unfortunately miles. Panniers, top box, Corbin seat, regularly never got to go touring for sad personal reasons. serviced and maintained. Tested until April. Taxed Heated seats and grips, electric windscreen, tyre until August. Complete with leathers, waterproofs pressure control, Xenon headlight, automatic and Evolution helmet. £1,200. Paul 01132 937819 stability control, electronic suspension adjustment, or 07985 321380 (West Yorkshire). anti-theft alarm and immobiliser, panniers, K1200GT - March 2003 - 31,500 miles. Good PaintGuard system. Powerful yet 51-52 mpg. condition. Light green. New tyres. Heated grips/ £10,700. Ralph 01403 257296 or e-mail ralph. seat, electric screen, panniers and top box. MoT [email protected] (West Sussex).

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 75 box with ignition key, MoT until December 2011 “R” Series and Tax to April 2012. £6,750. Ed 07846 149151 or BWW COLLECTION DISPOSAL - 1950 R25, e-mail [email protected] (Surrey). Wehrmacht grey, £2,750. 1952 R25/2, Afrika R1200R - 2006 ‘56’ - Granite grey. ABS. Low seat Korps Desert Sand, £2,950. 1955 R25/3, black/ and pegs. FSH. T&T. Good tyres. BMW screen. white, £3,500. All restored 2011 as needed. Full Heated grips. Average speed and mpg display. details on request. Pat 01789 773801 or e-mail 12,000 miles. Very smart bike. £5,100. Paul 01935 [email protected] (Warwickshire). 412327 (Somerset). R80RT - 1981 - Ex-police, 168,000 miles. Stainless R1200RT - 2005 - 9,400 miles. Two owners from steel exhausts, push-rod tubes, brake hoses new. Red. ABS, ESA, heated grips, FBMWSH, full and all nuts and bolts, new pots and a top-end, history of bike from new. Taxed, MoT March 2012. s/h electronic ignition unit, new discs and rubber Datatag, BMW alarm, full colour coded luggage gaiters. MoT's, parts invoices, some spare parts, an plus liners, Autocom Pro Unit, stunning condition. exhaust spanner and manual. Offers. Stefan 01543 Garaged, like new. Fabulous bike. Never missed a 677156 evenings only or e-mail stefan.szulc@ beat. £6,150. Steve 07940 115350 (Essex). gmail.com (Staffordshire). R1200RT - 2008 ‘57’ - Titan silver, ex Police. 28,000 R100CS - 1981 - In excellent condition for year. miles with full and comprehensive service history. Metallic black with gold stripes. Ikon shocks, Standard Police specification with single seat, panniers, converted to unleaded, new cam chain, heated grips, crash bars etc. Excellent condition stainless silencers, good tyres. Long MoT, Taxed throughout and open to any inspection. Taxed and October. 48,000 miles. £2,550. Brian 02920 899265 Tested. Can deliver. £5,995 o.n.o. Willie 01383 (Cardiff). 830866 (Fife). R100RT - 1983 - Maroon. 74,000 miles. Serviced, R12000RT SE - 2009 - Biarritz blue. 1,150 miles. MoT and Taxed until March 2012. Brand new 12,000 mile service. New tyres, engine covers, Continental tyres. Battery four months. New screen electronic suspension, on board computer, e/s, two years. BMW panniers and lock. Towbar I never electronic tyre pressure sensors, h/s h/g abs c/c. used. Good condition. Most reliable BMW I have FBMWSH. Three Continental trips, weekend riding ever had. Uses almost no oil. Owned bike since only, showroom condition. £9,500. Cedric 07789 1998 as second owner. Reluctant sale but I can 723516 to view. No test rides without full payment only keep one bike. £1,800 o.v.n.o. Etienne 07966 first. (Harrogate). 424292 or e-mail etienne@gentledentalputney. co.uk (South West London). Others 1999 ‘V’ - Dark grey. 38,000 miles. Taxed R1100RT - HONDA PAN EUROPEAN 1300 - 2007 - One owner and Tested March 2012. In excellent condition with (70 year old). Maroon, T&T, T, box, Bagalux T, cover, Cat I alarm, Autocom, tank bag and tank cover, 12,900 miles. Bike is like new. £8,000 o.n.o. saving inner bags, stainless fixings. All usual BMW fittings. £5,000 on new price. Tom 01698 792675 or e-mail Just serviced, ready to tour. £3,500. Ray 01427 [email protected] (Scotland). 848591 or 07930 533589 (North Nottinghamshire). MATCHLESS MODEL 16M - 1950 rigid - 500cc. 2007 - Desert yellow metallised. 4,400 R1200GS - Registration number NUB 9. Full V5 logbook. miles. Very good condition. Grey tank panel, chrome Present owner since 1980. Completely dismantled exhaust, heated grips, tyre pressure control, on- - retirement project that's never happened! Spare board computer with oil warning, white indicator rear wheel, engine and gearbox. Included other lenses, integral ABS, expandable panniers and top British bike bits: Carbs, footrests, levers, engine bolts etc. £500. Photographs available. Derek 01706 223611 or e-mail derek.schofield@talktalk. net (Lancashire). Bits & Bobs BITS & BOBS FROM A 2010 RT - Pair of BMW pannier inner bags, in as new condition, £60 o.n.o. Touratech handlebar bag, from above bike, as new, £15. Sleeve/bag for RT fairing pocket (where the radio would go), £10. Paul 01924 265409 or e-mail [email protected] (West Yorkshire). BMW TRAILGUARD - Man’s Gore-Tex jacket, medium, brand new, half price, bargain at £290. Wunderlich performance controller for R1200GS, £110. K1100RS rear suspension unit, 20,000 miles,

76 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 excellent condition, £90. Multivario tankbag for K75, bike to bike/rider to pillion radio communicator set, K100, K1100, £50. Hank 01654 702562 (Wales). original kit, five years old, hardly used, updated last CLUB MAGAZINES - January 1991 to December year with new mikes and ear pieces (current new 2007 complete. January, February, March 2008. All price £140), £70 plus £10 postage. Mark 01862 2009-2010 then up to date. Free to callers or post 842684 (Invergordon). (but expensive). Otherwise dumped! 01263 512433 R1200RT - Up to year 2009. Remus header system: after 6pm (Norfolk). Stainless steel, new January 2012 (500 miles only), F800/650 - Touratech pannier frames for hard or larger diameter, much improved performance and soft luggage, unused, £195. Taller clear screen sound, cost £400. Also Akrapovic Titanium Silencer: for same, £45. R1100GS Touratech ‘Hard Parts’ used 2,000 miles, lighter, more power, with/without steering protector, £55. F650GS (single) sump baffles, cost £550. Sell the pair £495. Paul 01865 guards for engine and stand, £55 for both. All plus P&P. Peter 01606 782159 (Cheshire). 361808 or e-mail [email protected] (Oxford). GIVI TOPLATE - For GS1100, £20 o.n.o. Bagster tank bag, approximately 10 litre, blue, £40 o.n.o. TWIN SHOCK BOXER PANNIER FRAMES - Black, Givi back rest for old Givi box, free to good home. All £30 also R100 seat rail with brackets welded on for plus P&P or collect. Stef 01539 441311 (Cumbria). fitting top box. Both items plus P&P. .jpg pictures K12/1300GT - Carbon hugger, £125 o.n.o. can be supplied. Prefer collection. Les 01902 K12/1300GT BMW tank bag with straps, as new, 883420 or 07905 800658 (West Midlands). £110 o.n.o. Small BMW top box, as new, £125 o.n.o. Garmin Zumo 550, complete with all relevant wiring, Wanted £225 o.n.o. Autocom, complete with all relevant wiring, £75 o.n.o. All plus postage if relevant. Peter BMW - R65, R80 and R100 Basic, GS, RT and RS 07717 316360 or e-mail p.barford381@btinternet. models, any condition, cash waiting, can collect. Ian com (Milton Keynes). 01694 723546. (Trader) K100RT 8 VALVE 1988 USED PARTS - 18" front BMW R100/7 1983 - Tool kit roll, owners handbook, wheel, comes with tyre, £125. Exhaust can, needs Haynes manual, Baglux tank cover in black or light slight welding, £65. Standard dual seat, good grey. Glyn 01635 34255 or 07703 669585 (West condition, including plastic side panels, £70. All plus Berkshire). delivery costs. Derrick 07728 419312 (Essex). FUSE BOX COVER - For a Honda VFR 750, 1997, Stainless steel, fits R80/R100 KEIHAN ‘H’ PIECE - also set of inner pannier bags for a 1200RT. David air heads, replaces collector box. Inlets 41mm ex. 45½mm approximately. Have fitted my R65 07766 109619 (Wigan). Mono with one goes like the clappers and instant LEFT HANDLEBAR (LIGHTING AND HORN) hot starting. £50, less than half price (£108 list). SWITCH - For 1977 Boxer (R75/7). Ian (353)86 806 R100RS clear screen, as new, unused. Height 4320 or e-mail [email protected] 18½ inch, bargain at £30. Gordon 01239 613468 (Cardigan, Wales). WANTED FOR 1995 R100RT CLASSIC - Riders R1100RT - Seat front and rear sections, one small handbook, lower left (nearside) fairing panel colour nick in rear seat fabric otherwise good condition, not important, but BMW 740 would help. BMW £60 plus postage. Gel seat pad with Velcro strap stainless steel chrome left (nearside) silencer. All in attachment, used twice, £10 plus postage. Standard good to excellent condition. Owen 01646 683188 size pannier lids, £15 each plus postage. Intaride (Pembroke). t: 01333 429451 m: 07734 683429 e: [email protected] w: scotiasidecars.com

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78 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Small Business Adverts Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact Charles Knight (details on Page 3)

April to November. Member owned. Tel: 01695 Accommodation & Touring 422210 MONAGHAN SOUTHERN IRELAND. Canal U.K. & R.o.I. Lodge Guest House. Rooms En-suite. Secure Bike 4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE. Parking. Club Member. Ideal for touring Northern Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil Ireland. Tel: 00353 47 81848 [email protected] Balnaguard 5 miles South of Pitlochry. Wonderful www.canallodge.net breakfasts, spectacular views. £25-£30 pppn. £150- £175 per wk. Lockable garage for m/cycles. Ann NORTH NORFOLK B & B. Very bike friendly as Croft Tel 01796 482627; website www.balbeagan. owner is biker. Double room in own little building. com Garage for bike. Plenty of local attractions including Holkham Hall nearby. Can be viewed on 5 Star AA & STB. An Cala Guest House, www.nelsonslocal.co.uk. Where to stay/The Plot Grantown-on-Spey. Ideal base for Highlands. [email protected] . Tel: 07774 996634 Kingsize doubles and magnificent 4 poster. All en- suite. On site parking, also garage. £39-£42 pp PLYMOUTH. En-suite accommodation very close b&b. 01479 873293 www.ancala.info to continental ferryport. Secure parking for bikes. Early breakfast for ferry passengers.Caraneal B&B DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY. – 3 Star STB, Hotel. 12 - 14 Pier St. West Hoe. Tel 01752 663589. Trewan, Dalbeattie. Kingsize Adjustamatic Massage email; caranealhotel@ hotmail.com beds. Ensuite or private bathroom. Own entrance, large car park, double lock-up garage. 5 minute SOUTH SHROPSHIRE. Clun Farm House, 16th walk to town. Wonderful biking area, local, empty Century B&B situated in stunning South Shropshire roads and scenic routes to Ayrshire. 1 hour drive hills. Village location, 2 pubs. House parties catered from Carlisle. Large garden backing on to forest for. Fantastic touring suggestions, great biking roads with use of BBQ. Tel: 01556 612337 www.freewebs. in to Wales. Secure parking. www clunfarmhouse. com/trewan co.uk Tel: 01588 640432 B&B GLAISDALE. Near Whitby. 3 x twin rooms, Europe en-suite. Garage for motorcycles. Tel: 01947 897 272 AE AVENTURES BASED NEAR TO SPA. in a quiet village providing B&B and half board, secure B&B IN THE BORDERS. A68 Jedburgh. Quality garaging, recommended touring in the Ardennes 4 Star accommodation. All rooms en suite/private & Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience. facilities. Fabulous views over the town and only a Motorcycling adventure only 3½ hours from Calais 5 minute walk to the centre. Secure off road bike that’s a bit special. See www.aeaventures.com parking. Friendly hosts Chris & Amanda, Club Phone/Fax Neil or Ann on 0032 80398788 email Members. £29.50 - £45 pppn. Tel: 01835 862216 [email protected] Email [email protected] www.airenlea.co.uk BED AND BREAKFAST MOFFAT SOUTHERN AUSTRIA. S/C fully equipped Chalet & Apartment SCOTLAND. B & B, garage parking, wonderful (Sleeps 2-6). Superb touring roads & mountain biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh passes. Excellent amenities. Secure parking. Close scenic route. Why not break your long journey here Italy/Slovenia Discounts for bikers - phone/mail or spend a few days riding the local roads, enjoying for details. Liz Cannard. Tel/Fax 0043 4769 26415 the hills and bends. Club member. Chris 01683 www.alpine-dollshouse.com 220378 see www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk) B&B Germany - The Beautiful GLENCOE – HIGHLANDS. Ghlasdruim B&B.All Westerwald. Tudor Home. All facilities for ensuite rooms, secure off road parking. Maureen Bikers, Drying room ,secure parking, Bar ,evening 01855 811593 [email protected]. meals, all rooms on suite .Fantastic roads great co.uk LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ON- rides Mosel ,Rhein Valleys The Dambuster Run, WINDERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness Nurburgring and much more... Special for BMW and lake. En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. owners 5 nights for the cost of 4. www.vinecottage. Leisure facilities. 015394 88658 Web: http://www. de email [email protected] 00492742911728 abovethebay.co.uk B&B IN FRANCE. Mike & Heather Fishwick look LAKE DISTRICT. holiday bungalow – comfort for forward to welcoming you at our well-appointed B&B four plus garage. Ideal touring location & available in a pretty village near the Dordogne river, close

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 79 to the famous Valley of the Five Chateaux and Greg and his R1200S be your guide to some of the many other interesting places. Canoe on the river, best Biking roads in Europe. 200 year old beamed, explore the area on traffic-free roads, or just laze newly renovated 10 bedroom B and B. All rooms around. Room 40 Euro per night, breakfast 5 Euro ensuite. Courtyard garden for drinks and food. pp, evening meal and wine 15 Euro pp. Email BBQ evening Saturdays in the season. Local beers for details on [email protected]. and wine. Come and meet bikers from Denmark, B&B Normandy-France. 3 en-suite bedrooms, Sweden, Holland, Germany and UK. Large locked great roads, lovely region, perfect for weekend garage for 20 bikes. Trained mechanic on call. 2 escape, 10% discount for club members, call mins walk from lively local town with bars and 0033233640023 www.maisonlaudiere.com restaurants. Run by bikers for bikers. Special rate for BMW club members. Email gregoryniven@t- BRITTANY - TOP QUALITY MOBILE HOMES. online.de www.harzbiker.co.uk Tel 0049 5524 3749 on coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal for family holidays or Section rallies. Great biking NORMANDY / BRITTANY BORDER - Gourmet area with masses to do and see. Big savings on Bed & Breakfast. Close to Mont St- Michel ferry costs. www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve large elegant 200 year old town house restored Jackson on 01543 473089 and renovated to a very high standard. Individually designed en-suite bedrooms, guests dining DORDOGNE – FRANCE. B&B and self catering room, drawing room, lounge and conservatory cottages with pool. Tours and Trail Riding in for the comfort and hospitality of our guests. With the Dordogne. All the usual facilities for bikers. landscaped walled garden and secure garage Discounts for club members. Please see www. parking. Gourmet dinners are our speciality let us dordognemotorcycleholidays.com for full details or pamper you and tantalise your palate for a truly phone Charles on +33 (0)553 501 239 memorable dining experience. In the town of Saint- FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION. Rural James just off the A84 auto route, twenty minutes Farm house B & B’s plus 2 gites sleeping 8 & 4, near from Mont-St Michel and the beautiful coastline Chateaubriant, St. Malo closest port, great roads, with scenic routes and great biking roads. Tel: 0033 little traffic, guided group ride outs by arrangement. (0)233-589025,Email: [email protected] Web Evening meals, private bar, swimming pool, Site: www.petit-illyria.eu.com undercover parking alongside our bike.. Phone Richard or Pat on (00 33) 2 40 97 08 44, e-mail NORTH PORTUGAL- MINHO VALLEY. Penedes [email protected], Website www.la-janais.com Nation Park and Galicia. Interested? We offer farmhouse self catering and luxury B&B both with FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY. B & B plus ideal gite pools. Come and sample the real Portugal see for two - north of Saumur. Tranquil location - Use our Website. www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel of pool/hot tub. Evening meals available. Covered Maggie on 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351 parking. tel: (0033) 241821184. www.theloireaffair. 911595902 co.uk SOMME & YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS. Our FRENCH B&B BARN, POITOU CHARENTES. secluded farmhouse B&B, 100 miles from Calais, Exclusive use of our converted stone barn in the has secure, covered parking and workshop. Vienne, 10km from the N10 south of Poitiers. Sleeps Evening meals available. Your host is GS owner, up to 5, indoor parking, 60 euros per night for 2, 16 author and historian. See World of BMW or www. euros per extra person. Evening meals available. martinpegler.com. Phone 00333 2286 5672. www.bikers-bb-barn.com www.bed-breakfast-yurts. com , Tel 0033 5 49 87 09 01, email kevin.lindsey@ SOUTHERN BRITTANY. Close Redon 3 spacious, aliceadsl.fr comfortable gites, set in 3 acres of tranquil grounds which may be rented separately or altogether for a Self contained apartment in FRENCH PYRENEES. larger group: Sleep 2 – 16. Secure garage parking 200yr old farmhouse near Lourdes. Secure parking. for bikes. Contact: Anne & Dave Chapman Tel: Old Gascony, high mountains and Spain on your 01732-456459 e-mail: anneanddave.chapman@ doorstep see www.flyride-pyrenees.com Tel: 0033(0)562354526 virgin.net Luxury 2 bedroom GERMANY – FRANCONIA. Old Doctor’s House SPAIN – TORREVIEJA. Bed & Breakfast. Ride & Relax! Come and explore apartment. Enclosed terrace. Satellite TV. beautiful Franconia, Germany, by bike! Hidden Landscaped garden. Communal pool. Restaurants, gems, such as nearby Franconian Switzerland, bars, shops. www.villamartin-apartment.com famous for its windy roads, the Steigerwald Natural Park or parts of the Romantic Road Services wait to be discovered. Three cosy guestrooms, LYNBROOK INSURANCE. for Special Member’s great breakfast. Minimum stay, two nights. www. terms including Classic & Modern Motorcycle travelangel.de [email protected] Insurance (all makes) Tel 0845 130 4662 or 01277 GERMANY SPECTACULAR HARZ MOUNTAINS 206285. Also Travel and Europewide Breakdown/ TOURS. Biker only B&B established 15 years. Let Recovery Tel 0151 336 5881 (quote Lynbrook)

80 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 Diagnostics - Tyres - MOT’s All Makes Welcome Accessories & Spares 10% off labour to all club members Please call Stainless Steel Fasteners. Part or full kits Mike on 07843528377 or 02920 565666 E-mail: available, most models covered. SAE or e mail [email protected] [email protected] for list. Chris Shaw CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS. All Engineering 24 Station Road, Halton Holegate, models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic equipment, Spilsby, Lincs, PE23 5PB Tel: 01790 755515 ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Servicing, repairs, Mobile: 07702 862508 www.shawstainless.co.uk insurance work.Tyres, spares FROM stock. 5 star www.eBolt.co.uk. For stainless steel nuts, bolts workshop - full facilities.BMW authorised supplier. and fasteners, tools and consumables Tel 020 8133 Bikes bought/sold - see Biketrader web page. Jap 5241 & German 102 Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 237 2299, www.japandgerman.co.uk Servicing CRAY ENGINEERING. BMW Twins road & race ANDREW SEXTON. NORTH OXFORDSHIRE performance specialist. Fully equipped workshop WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE for servicing, repairs, rebuilds & engineering. BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, restoration Tuning packages to suit your requirements. New & and special tuning work, on all models. Collection used spares. Tyres fitted & balanced while you wait. and delivery arranged. Tel 01608 730111 (Callers by appointment only) Phone/Fax 01795 538282 Faversham, Kent B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations, repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s GJB MOTORCYCLES BRISTOL. Service, repairs, from 1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, from onsite MOT’s and full diagnostics. Collection and £3,455. Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH delivery available. 10% discount on MOT’s for sidecars plus OHV machines available. Machine fellow BMW club members. Telephone Garry on tools for the small/home workshop, including 0117 9677016 Chester MultiFunction lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pattern or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST DORSET. services or visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Servicing and repair centre. Qualified technician Derby DE1 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & with 20+yrs experience. Diagnostic testing and w/ends 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk) after service date resets. Studley’s Motorcycles in Dorchester, Dorset. Tel: 07884 180968 www. Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire. and studleysmotorcycles.co.uk surrounding counties BMW motorcycle servicing , repairs & restoration Steve Grover t/a Motoscot MOBILE MOTORBIKE SERVICES. Professional senior BMW Technician (ex service manager at repairs and servicing for all BMW models at realistic Slocombes of Neasden for over 20 years) BMW prices. We offer a mobile service within a 40 mile diagnostic equipment and special tools on site Loan radius of Nottingham. Call Jim Hill on 0797 123 bike available collection/delivery service arranged. 6087 or 0115 9727153. www.ifixyourbike.com Will also service/repair all makes, models Phone NORTH EAST. Independent BMW Specialist. Full 01582 419812 or Mobile 07843 056201 Email service & repair for all models up to present day. [email protected] www.motoscot.co.uk Factory trained senior technician. Mobile service BERKSHIRE. & Surrounding Counties. BMW within 60 miles of Sunderland. Now breaking bikes. Motorcycle services. K, R & F Series. Independent Call Mike Kendrick 0191 510 0265 or 07828 281003 BMW Specialist Servicing, Repairs & Spares. Mostly Bricks & Collection & delivery. Weekend work & loan bike SCOTLAND NEAR GLASGOW. available. For all enquiries please contact Garry Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. Professional Webb Tel: 01344 860580/07770 444794. Email motorcycle servicing and repairs at realistic rates. [email protected]) Agreed labour cost restorations. Phone Jim Downie 01505 850341 or 07973 326928. bricksnboxers@ BRISTOL BMW SPECIALIST. Independent aol.com qualified engineer & ex-racer with over 30 years BMW experience for all your servicing & repair SERVICING, REPAIRS & SPARES. Boxer & K requirements. Regularly breaking airhead twins, servicing. Breakdown & crash repairs. Pickup R80 / R100 bought for cash. All makes & models & delivery service. Weekend work. Loan bike catered for but specialist in pre 90’s bikes & BMW available. BMW’s always being broken. Only BM’s twins. Collection available. 10% Labour discount worked on. Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (SW London) to fellow BMW Club members! Contact Dave at THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW FERALWORKS. 0794 1950 266 or 01454 851 461 SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration Email; [email protected] facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile CARDIFF MOTORRAD. Wales’ Number One service available within an 80 mile radius of Independent BMW Motorbike Specialists BMW LEICESTER. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 Factory Trained Technician Services - Repairs - 588076, www.boxerman.co.uk

BMW Club Journal • September 2011 81 82 BMW Club Journal • September 2011 VOTED no.1 MAIL ORDER SUPPLIER Established 1989 That’s not just BMW but ALL mail order suppliers. Enough said! BY THE READERS OF ‘RIDE’ MAGAZINE

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BMW Club Journal • September 2011 83 THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A

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24030_BMW_Club_Journal_Try_Buy_Win.indd 1 15/06/2011 09:15