The BMW Club JOURNAL February 2010
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2 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 The Journal CONTENTS February 2010 Regular/Occasional items The Official BMW Club within the UK and Republic of Ireland From The Editor’s Desk ...... 4 www.bmwclub.org.uk Club Officers ...... 6 General Enquiries: 0800 0854045 President’s Platform ...... 7 FREEPOST: THE BMW CLUB Torque Reaction ...... 9 The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd; Registered in England; Registration Number 4261129 Star Letter (Sponsored by Nippy Norman’s) . . . . 14 whose Registered Office: Charter Court, Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 5GE. The Sorebutts (cartoon) ...... 52 All Rights Reserved Websight ...... 45
For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, please Caption Competition ...... 46/47. contact your Section Secretary. Should there still be a problem then contact the National Membership Secretary. Mutual Aid (Club member ads) ...... 77 Contact details are on page 6. Small Business Advertisements ...... 79 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 more readable or easier to understand. . .56 Submission of items/images will be taken as acceptance of The BMW Club - Out and About this condition. Articles/Features EDITORIAL TEAM The New GS ...... 16 Any correspondence not covered by the officers listed below, or any queries, should be sent to the Editor. The 2010 BMW Club Photo Competition . . . 21 Editor: Martin Ellis,11 Mapplewells Road, Sutton in 40 Years of BMW Motorcycles ...... 22 Ashfield, Notts NG17 1HZ (01623) 437578 [email protected] An Aegean Odyssey ...... 26 Features/Articles: Brian Price, 99 Neath Road, The 2010 BMW Club Mileage Competition .36 Rhos, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3EH (01792) 862152 [email protected] Grasstrack Racing - An Overview . . . . . 38 Torque Reaction: Paul Nadin, 49 Berkshire Drive, 2010 National AGM information ...... 41/42 Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1SB (01260) 279443 [email protected] 2010 Spring National Rally Information . 43/44. Marketing/Commercial Sales: Brian Price Profile - James Sherlock ...... 48 Address details as ‘Features’ above . [email protected] BMF News ...... 51 Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood John Bentall’s German Jottings - . . . . . 52 Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S63 9GD Swingarm Adjustment on an R1100 . . . . 54 [email protected] DISCLAIMER Commercial Display Advertisements: Jim Bruce, The BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written in good faith; however, The Firs, Bayview Crescent, Broadford, Isle of the views expressed in articles and letters which are published are not necessarily those of the Skye IV49 9DB 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 (01471) 820197 [email protected] Club Journal has not been approved, tested or otherwise checked by The BMW Club Journal Small Business Advertisements: Charles Knight, or The BMW Club. Before acting on information, advice or suggested modifications published in The BMW Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate have La Petite Fosse, St, Ouen, Jersey JE3 2GU a professional motorcycle engineer carry out the work for you. (01534) 485474 [email protected] The BMW Club Journal and The BMW Club cannot accept liability for any loss, damage Section News: Steve Foreman or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work or other action carried out on (01536) 722048 [email protected] the 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 Diary of Events: Ian Caswell negligence) all such liability is hereby excluded. [email protected] The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd. Around The Compass: Ian Thomas 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 [email protected] publication of any advertisement in The BMW Club Journal or Website. Club/Section Display Ads: Piers Kurrein [email protected] This month’s cover photo is of Midland Forum Administrator: Section’s Paolo Lubrano’s K1200RS, parked Phil Knight (PK) [email protected] at his home in Warwickshire. The picture was Forum Address: http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk taken over Christmas/New Year 2009/2010
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 3 From The Editor’s Desk
Back to normal a free service it’s value is With Christmas and the incalculable. new year celebrations We allow each club seeming like a million member to send in adverts years ago, it’s time to look of up to 50 words without forward to 2010’s activities. cost, with a very reasonable You should all have received charge being made for your 2010 calendar of longer ads. Following a events with this magazine conversation with the (not to be confused with person who collates your Section yearcard if Mutual Aid every month that arrived too), and I (Maurice Weldon) and a hope that it will enable few comments made to me you to make plans for the in recent months, I have coming year. It’s vital though that you check decided to increase the limit to 65 words with the organisers of any events which with effect from March’s Journal. I will be interest you, as due to production deadlines, resisting the requests to include photos, as I some event information has already changed, feel that although they may make the pages including a couple of dates! prettier, they will have no real beneficial Photo Competition effect on sales, due in no small part to the I hope you’ve been selecting your best photos fact the images would have to be so small as to send in for the 2010 photo competition. to render them virtually useless. Tony Cartmell will be organising it once Sorebutts again, and I know that he’s looking forward The conclusion of club member Simon to receiving your entries. There are some Roberts’ regular cartoon strip of his darn good prizes again, and the winners ‘Kathmandu’ exploits has left a void in The will be announced at the National AGM in Journal which I believe needs filling. I had April. There’s more information on page 21, been making unsuccessful enquiries as to and feel free to contact Tony if you have any how that might be achieved, when lo and questions. behold, completely unsolicited and by pure Mutual Aid changes conicidence, Western Section member As you are no doubt aware, Mutual Aid is the Paul Rodriguez sent in some samples of a name which we have given to our ‘Members cartoon strip called ‘Sorebutts’ which he has ads’ pages, at the rear of each Journal. Many created. club members read the MA pages first to The first one appears this month (p52), and see what bargains may be available, and as I firmly hope that it will become a regular 4 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 feature within the Journal’s pages. My fault, more that the entire puzzle had to thanks go to Paul for offering his services in be ‘transposed’ to make it fit in with the this way. Can you help in a similar way? Our software used to produce The Journal. I can club display ads guru (Piers Kurrein) is happy provide copies of the original information to produce Section and National adverts for should anyone wish to contact me, if you use in the Journal, but even he admits that haven’t already pulled out all of your hair. sometimes a picture or design may be needed which is outside his ‘comfort zone’. Do you The National AGM looms large have the necessary skills and graphic flair to The National AGM will be upon us very be able to help ut (occasionally) when such soon, and in order to comply with our rules a project crops up? If so, please let me know regarding providing you, the members with so we can have an informal chat about what the requisite information, the General may be involved, before you commit to it. It secretary (Dave Cooper) has asked me to is your magazine, after all. point out that the March issue of The Journal Long live the V&CR will be delayed slightly to allow the AGM booklet to be sent out with it, including as Whether it was appeals in recent Journals or whether it was simply what would have it may, some relevant information from the happened anyway, I’m delighted to inform National Committee Meeting which takes you that volunteers have come forward to place in the Midlands on February 20. ensure that the Vintage and Classic Register Delaying The Journal in this way will save will continue into a new decade. You can the club a considerable amount of money read the full story in the V&CR report in in postal costs, and we hope that having to this month’s Section news area of ‘Out and wait another few days does not cause you About’. any inconvenience. Malcolm will no doubt still figure greatly in MCN awards the V&CR, but should now be able to relax a little more, and let’s face it, it’s no more than The MCN awards (which took place last he and Wendy deserve. November) found the K1300S winning the Best Sports Tourer award for 2009, while Puzzling the F800GS scooped the Best Trailie award The December and January issues were for the second year running. definitely a trip into the unknown for Whatever your opinions may be of MCN as me, and I hope that the intended mix of a publication, its awards are widely regarded information, comment and humour helped as being ‘the’ ones to win, and BMW must while away a few hours as you waited for consider themselves privileged indeed to the snow to thaw. Unfortunately, there win such accolades. were a couple of errors here and there, most noticably with Peter Vaughan’s logic puzzles. Sales for the K1300S are 70% up on the sales Get the odd letter wrong in a page of text of the K1200S models in 2008, while the and it can still usually be deciphered, but F800GS is the fourth best-selling Adventure get a number wrong and the entire meaning Sport bike in the country, coming closely can be changed! This is what happened with behind its Boxer-twin engined stablemates. one of the items in question, and I apologise It’s also the best seller in the mid-sized if it caused you any grief. It wasn’t Peter’s category. Long live innovation. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 5 BMW Club Officials National and other officers Section Secretaries
PRESIDENT: Dick Boyd, Stewart Place, Garmouth, East Anglia: Mark Weavers, 25 Hill Avenue, Morayshire IV32 7LX Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6HP (01343) 870389 [email protected] 01493 600585 [email protected] Secretary: Dave Cooper, Greensleeves, Exmouth Irish: TJ McHale Tavanavghmore, Foxford, Co Mayo Road, Exton, Exeter. Devon EX3 0PQ 087 2470111 [email protected] (01392) 876991 [email protected] London: Nick Fry, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors EDITOR: Martin Ellis. Contact details on page 3 Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 4TE 01438 749 913 [email protected] Mary Crompton, 117 Andover Avenue, Treasurer: Colin Ainsworth, 22 Marlborough Road, Alkrington, Middleton, Manchester M24 1JQ Mercia: Breaston, Derby DE72 3DD (0161) 653 0998 treasurer@bmwclub .org .uk 01332 874935 07799 653789 Social Secretary: Paul Brown, 33a March Road, e-mail: [email protected] Wimblington, March, Cambs PE15 0RW Midland: John Winn,16 Ardington Road, (05603) 168734 [email protected] Northampton, NN1 5LJ. 01604 631043 Membership Secretary: Liz Sandland, [email protected] Freepost, The BMW Club, Stewart Place, South Road, Garmouth. IV32 7LX(0800) 085 4045 North East: Philip Oughtred, Ponteland Cottage, Pipe [email protected] Bridge, Rowland Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 1PQ 01207 544851 [email protected] Standing orders: Keith Wills . 01289 382247 [email protected] Northern: Lynn Tagg, 63 Ambrose Court, Moss Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25.4XA. POST/5 Tool Hire Secretary: Mike Delacoe, 4 Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Daventry [email protected] 01772 431324 NN11 3TA Oxford: Tim Read, 15 The Limes, South Cerney, (01327) 360945 [email protected] Cirencester, Glos GL7 5RF 01285 869 320 [email protected] Pre/5 Tool Hire SecRETARY: Peter Dunn, 101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks RG19 4QH Scottish: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, Glasgow (07941) 075165 [email protected] Road,Sanquahar, Dumfrieshire, Scotland. DG4 6BZ [email protected] Merchandise SecRETARY: Cath Broughton, 17 Strawberry Hill, Northampton NN3 5HL South East: Brian Shears, 100 Park Avenue, (01604) 416896 [email protected] Northfleet DA11 8DL 01474 566142 [email protected] Vintage & CLASSIC Register Secretary: Malcolm McNair, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport Pagnell Southern: Dave Williamson, Hollywater House, MK16 0JU Standford Hill, Standford, Hampshire GU35 8QU (01908) 216623 [email protected] 01428 751756 [email protected] Sporting Register Secretary: Robert Bensley, South West: Dave Little, Corner Cottage, Yarcombe, Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham NR16 2HS Honiton, Devon. EX14 9BD 01404 861285 (01953) 888415 [email protected] [email protected] Bob Barker, 88 Browns Bay Road, Sidecar Register Secretary: Tony Robson Ulster: (01729) 825862 [email protected] Islandmagee, Larne, Co Antrim BT40 3RX 028 9338 2558 [email protected] GS Register Secretary: Terry Ryan, 257 Western: Ron Elmslie, 8 Cleeve Lawns, Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Bradford BD11 1EB Downend, Bristol BS16 6HJ [email protected] 0117 9569209 [email protected] Assistant Secretary for America: Yorkshire: David Milne, 132 Sandgate Drive, Position currently vacant. Kippax, Leeds LS25 7QR 100,000 MILE AWARD: Ian Collins 01132 860604 [email protected] (01270 781097) [email protected] HQ Register: Tony Painter [email protected] WEBMASTER: Nick Fearn 01823 253897 After Midday only please [email protected] TECHNICAL OFFICER: Mike Fishwick Delegates To Other Organisations Sirgon, 24250 Daglan, France. [email protected] BMF: Primary contact: Tony Cartmell – Other delegates; Vice-Presidents:Tony Cartmell, 28 Houseman Place, Lisa Parker, Paul Devall, Jeff Dymond, Richard Powell, Blackpool FY4 5AE Peter Mapes and Paul Brown . (01253) 768421 [email protected] FBHVC: M McNair - Details on left Dennis Crompton, contact details as National DVLA: Brian Price 01792 862152 Treasurer, above. e-mail: [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 • February 2010
President’s Platform
HI, Well Christmas came and From what I saw of the went, and fat from the goose campsite there last time (full of got transferred to my carcass. grasshoppers) I’ll be booking So welcome to the New Year hotel accommodation. If and another slimming course. you’re going to ride up the I’m typing these first few mountain to purchase a tee- sentences on New Year’s Eve shirt, a bike without an engine while we’re still snowed in. Of belly pan is really required, so course now that I have a 4.5 I was thinking of doing the kilowatt standby generator Stella on my 1985 R80RT for use at home, the mains are which is just a hack and has unlikely to fail, so that’s one no fairing, but is fitted with problem covered. leg shields and a screen. I get Bad weather such as we’re having now really this bike out occasionally and thrash the guts does remind you of the jobs which should out of it, don’t ask me why but it seems to love have been done over the summer period. It hard use, doesn’t leak (apart from the forks, also makes you look to what you will be doing which I will rectify before the next outing) this coming year. Venice again possibly and and always gives me a good ride. It used to stop certainly Florence for me after seeing Kevin within five minutes of encountering rain but McCloud’s program on the TV. I love Italy a new ignition coil to replace the old cracked and its architecture, and for the last four or one soon sorted that. I most probably could five years I’ve toured the mountainous areas. have got away with filling the cracks with This gets you away from the hoards of tourists RTV silicon and know someone who would and allows you to find the real Italy. I’ve never have done that, but I know that a new item had trouble getting accommodation on spec. will keep the bike reliable and going for many in Italian villages but then I do normally go more years. Another problem with touring about the end of May before it gets too hot, on an old bike is that the recovery firms won’t and before the main tourist season which is recover bikes over 11 years old, or some of really a little later in the year. them won’t, so check the small print before It’s January the 7th now and I’m back at the you take that channel crossing just to ensure keyboard and still snowed in. Summer looks a that you are fail-safe. long way away when I look out of the window Lastly, I would just like to wish you a prosperous at the snow, but I’ve already had the maps out and successful New Year, and I hope that you and the satnav open to try and get some notes all participate and enjoy some kind of biking down – must visit Mike Fishwick this year adventures during 2010. Also thanks for as I’ve threatened to do for years. I may also continuing to support the club, as you must possibly revisit the Stella in north west Italy have renewed to be reading February’s Journal. (Bardoneccia - see the website at http://www. May the force be with you. lpmcc.net/rallies/rally_stella.htm ) Dick Boyd BMW Club Journal • February 2010 7 8 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
Letters
The Torque Reaction deadline for Torque the March issue is February 10th. All submissions to Paul Nadin, Reaction please. Details on page 3 Repossession Order Irrespective of the various merits of American Football over English football, I can sum up Just a note to say how much I (and friends I my justification for the above comments in read it to!) enjoyed the ‘Repossession Order’ just five words – Gascoigne, Posh, Becks, item in the December issue. It was quite Rooney and, of course, W.A.G.’s in general. brilliant. Just because the USA is late for every war, is Whoever wrote it really should share it with there any need to inflict them so? the nation, perhaps by submitting it to some Bryan Duncan - East Anglia Section national papers or magazines -- the Guardian weekend supplement springs to mind, or the Oops New Statesman, or wherever. May I add my name to the long list of Appreciation too to Editor Martin Ellis, for members who instantly contacted you while including this gorgeous article in December’s reading their December issue of the Journal, issue. to point out that the headlamp depicted on The only downside of this piece was that the page 61 is not an R45 unit, but that of Mike’s author’s name didn’t appear? Unless it really R60/5. An R45 switch, yes, headlamp, no. was written by Her Majesty, in which case I Apart from that, a good job done. (You were guess anonymity was reasonable, please can in fact, the only one, Gerry! - well spotted we be told? (I think it was by A.Non - Ed) - Ed) Stan Walinets - Northern Section. Gerry Douglas-Sherwood And again A thank you from Helen I read with interest the article about As most of you are aware, Daisy and I reclaiming the colonies. I was totally with parted company in September of last year. you until you started to delve into flights of Fortunately for me I have no recollection fancy; I mean, swapping American football of the incident. Nor can I recall the events immediately prior to leaving home that (an action packed game for real men, where night and for several days afterwards... but anything can happen up to and including my work colleagues are taking great delight the very last second of the game) with in telling me that I called my boss a tart! English football (a game for 22 overpaid Three very special members of D.A.M. primadonnas where a player justifies his attended the scene and looked after me zillion pound a week pay by faking a foul following the incident to aid a speedy transit and getting away with it, and where the to hospital where the emergency team that game often becomes so boring that people night worked their magic. I’m really lucky to drift out of the ground 20 minutes before be here and am looking forward to brighter the end) – you were joking, right? (Er... Ed) days on Daisy II. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 9
Letters I’d like to thank all those members who a back wheel hung out on a limb. Exposed visited the hospital or sent messages, texts, engines are fine in the right context. If you cards and gifts. Some travelled many miles can change all the spark plugs without to cheer me up and eat my grapes. I feel removing anything else, that’s what it’s very fortunate to have not had a single day about; practicality, not styling. The only without visitors - the bedside entertainment reason the engine is on view is because kept me sane during my long stay in NHS wrapping it in plastic would make the bike care. as wide as a tank. One friend took great delight in reading my Bikes are not just for display in a showroom. notes, and telling anyone who cared to listen Some of us ride them and sometimes it rains. that I might not have been conscious initially The roads get dirty and so does the bike. Just but I was very vocal..... nothing changes. look at that back wheel. Where’s the muck The treatment I recieved has been brilliant, going to go? All over the rider, the rear and my recovery a testament to the skills suspension and the fancy silencers. I don’t and care of the employees of Exeter and want to clean it. A straight six engine is a fine Derriford Hospitals, to whom I will be thing for a car or a 1930’s aeroplane but it’s eternally grateful. the wrong shape for a bike. The advertising I escaped from Knapp Ward on Dec 27, and copy-writers can praise it to the heavens. It if any of you wish to drop by for a cuppa you doesn’t impress me. Tear it up BMW, and are more than welcome... sadly no cake for start again. a while though! Ride safe out there and see John Osborn. Bristol. you all soon. (It has to be pointed out here that the actual Helen Beer - SW Section bike shown as The Concept 6 will never go into production. The intention (as was R100 sidestand revisted mentioned in the text) is to use the engine I read the query by John Parker from Swansea in a ‘K’ series luxury tourer - Ed.) about a side stand. I have the same problem and found the following e-mail address on That Spares Puzzle the UKGSer website - [email protected] Re. Peter Vaughan’s “Spares Puzzle” in the Apparently a new batch is being produced January issue, having tackled the puzzle (and right now and I am hoping to receive one yes, I had plenty of “goes” before I gave up), I soon (€210). Might be worth getting in find that despite it being clearly stated in the touch. clues that the fuses are in a corner drawer, in Phillip Gipp. King’s Lynn. the answers they are in drawer number 9! My logical brain tells me that where twelve The Concept 6 drawers are arranged in the manner shown in So BMW want to sell a six cylinder machine. the diagram, then surely the corner drawers Not to me they won’t. It’s an absolute pig’s are numbers 1, 3, 10 and 12. breakfast. Gentlemen, has April fool’s day come early, There’s all that plastic wrapped around the or am I missing something? front, an exposed engine in the middle and Andy Scull. Yorkshire Section. 10 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
Letters More on GS raison d’etre? Given the fairly inclement weather there, wjen it did rain it really rained, but only With regard to the letter in the January issue for a short time until the other weather (despite it still being December!), a GS is just front coming in the opposite direction over- another motorbike, or is it? powered the one which had just drowned me The only one I ever hankered after was and drowned me again. That’s how it was! the R100PD Classic, which was a limited Most of the roads in NZ are sealed and in edition of only a hundred bikes if I remember a fairly good state of repair, but the further correctly. out into the sticks you go, the tarmac stops Despite trying to find one back in 1996, and you’re then on volcano rubble. Small there turned out to have been none brought stuff mostly, with the odd ‘lump’. With little in to the UK according to the info I was or no traffic though, opposite kerbing was given. So that was the end of that idea! not a problem when the going got a bit iffy. Sound familiar? I was clocking up five to six hundred miles Early in 1997 I was fortunate enough to be a weekend and never ran out of somewhere offered a two year contract in New Zealand, different to go. Same main roads around which needless to say I grabbed with both ‘home’ of course. hands/wheels/feet. So off I went. Set off on I was then informed by him-who-most- the Saturday, arrived on the Wednesday people-ignored, that I was to go out to all of and went to the BMW dealer in Auckland the dealers to train up their engineers on all (called Holeshot) to see what was on offer. of the latest white-goods products. Not a lot really, as although a BMW dealer, “Do you want a car or a van to go in?” “Umm they also sold almost every thing else - no thanks, I’ll go on my bike’’. “OK, keep all limited market I suppose. So I was on my your receipts for fuel and accommodation way out of the showroom having supped the and I’ll square up with you when you get back’’. Right! free coffee, when I saw some thing covered Twelve weeks later I came back, having been up in the back of the showroom. “What’s all over the north island visiting every town that?’’ I asked - “Oh, just a sample model”. in every direction, on tarmac, rubble and So off came the cover and yes you’ve guessed even sand roads. I also did the same on the it, a brand spanking new R100PD Classic. south island via, dare I say, an antique ferry Yippee! “How much?” I enquired - “$5000 boat which had a steam train on the car deck on the road” was the reply. “Um.. now along with the rest of us! There were not so how many of them dollar thingies is to the many roads and/or people on the South pound?’’ “Two and a bit” was the reply”. Island but the distances were very similar, “Right, when will it be ready?” The rest (so the down side being that the petrol stops to speak) is history. were typically 300 miles apart once ‘out of Given that it was to be my only transport town’. So a one gallon can was essential, even apart from a ‘Rent-a-wreck’ firm’s van, it though the bike had a big tank. was in for some serious work, although at Having re-scheduled appointments there, the time I wasn’t aware of this. So I ran it I worked Tuesdays Wednesdays and in and took it back two weeks later for its Thursdays, then went biking everywhere and service, then hit every road I could find on anywhere, for four days a week. Incredible every weekend for several months. scenery (and roads you wouldn’t believe BMW Club Journal • February 2010 11
Letters were supposed to be roads) but this new toy got stopped for allegedly speeding once in GS thingy was, even to me, unbelievable in NZ, but as Mr Plod was running fast with its ability to go anywhere I pointed it. lights and sirens on through a mile or so of One ‘outpost’ was along a sand road, but twisty bits (proper roads), I legged it to get fortunately it had rained the day I went down out of his way. So why stop and give me a it and had been packed down a little. Had I roasting? not done trials riding and grass track racing The R100PD Classic eventually went to a in the past, I have to admit that I would’ve new owner, and I tried the ‘all new’ 1200. been struggling on some of the surfaces, but Um, how do I put this without getting not on this GS thingy. lynched? Um, Yuk? Yeah YUK. Totally Bring It On! This thing goes anywhere, different in every respect, so it was only the regardless, and at real road speeds on sand, half day test ride for me on the 1200. gravel or anything which half resembles a I opted for the 1150GS, new. Had to wait road. No traffic either. Eureka. No...! this is a while, still have it and it goes like... the work! Yeah? Yeah! This is/was real ‘Eureka’ R100 GSPD Classic - a bit faster, handling is stuff - believe me. Nowhere in Europe have I superb solo or two up, so it…. um does what been which is anything like NZ, so what are it says on the tin? you waiting for? Would I change it, not likely, although... but Why was this bike so different? Firstly it that’s just a dream at present! had the bigger diameter front wheel which ‘T, Upside Down Tyke apparently made a lot of difference when sliding about on gravel and sand, and as long In Praise of the GS. as you kept some power on, it eventually After many years reading motorcycle went where you pointed it. The additional publications (and the odd ‘comic’ on the weight of the bigger tank also helped and it subject), covering all journeys of two didn’t (strangely)feel top heavy. wheeled pleasure, I feel for the first time most I eventually got back to Auckland and compelled to put fingertips to keyboard and replaced the tyres. They’d suffered badly, respond to the letter from David Stevenson with lumps of tread missing altogether, and (TR Jan). Having been riding motorcycles I submitted my expenses accordingly! for thirty years (seventeen on both R and K At the end of my time there I flew the bike model BMWs) and owning an 1150GSA for back directly to Italy, (cheap deal through the past four, I feel qualified to comment on our NZ transport company) and set off what David had to say regarding the GS. back to England, going in as many different Firstly I would like to express my one and directions and through as many cities and only gripe (although not a gripe about the towns as I could fit in, and up a few mountain bike itself I must say), as for me the big GS tracks to boot. As before, this un-failing GS is the most complete motorcycle I have ever thingy just did it! ridden. All year round I can commute, tour I kept it for quite a while here, but two-up and simply joyride on a machine which fits riding resumed, (YES!) and after so many me like a glove, never lets me down and gives miles solo I just couldn’t get used to the me the greatest of pleasure merely looking at difference in the handling. Not the bike’s it. fault, probably too many solo miles and The fly in the otherwise perfect bowl of pushing the limits quite a lot as well! Only soup has to be the poor frame and engine 12 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
Letters paint finish. I know I’m not alone in my F800R but currently have no use for one. disappointment, having spoken to many Having to collect it and then have the hassle a GS rider on my travels who have owned of selling a nearly new high value bike would bikes with paint flakier than a recent Prime mean that winning it would be a very mixed Minister. The finish is dreadful for BMW’s blessing to me. I can’t be the only one who reputation of durability, and on a bike which wouldn’t have chosen this bike and who cost just over £10,000 in 2003, with its latest wouldn’t have wanted to try to sell it. incarnation costing over £12k and in excess By all means let’s have small raffles with of £15k you go for one with all the bells and donated prizes to raise cash. But if you must whistles. have high value raffles, at least offer the cash I also own a K75S of 1988 vintage and the instead. Yes I do realise the proposed raffle only paint deterioration suffered has been was ‘free’ but who do you think pays for it? stone chippings on the forks and a little rust Ian Cummins. Oxford Section. bubbling through on the frame beneath the seat. David’s only real criticism appears to be Arms race that of weather protection. Why are BMW trying to compete with the Dave Gibson. Northallerton Japanese manufacturers? They lack vision. Raffle problems The current arms race of ‘over-the- top’ motorcycles must come to an end. I read with dismay that not only did the raffle Virtually every motorcycle of over 800 at the August ’09 summer national rally lose cc is unnecessary. Their performance is money, but that yet again a high value raffle an irrelevance and they are a huge waste for members was even considered in the first of resources. BMW should challenge place. Royal Enfield on the grounds of weight, One reason I didn’t book for the National maintainability and, most of all, economy. Rally was because a raffle ticket had to be purchased as part of the booking. I like the John Osborn. Bristol.
Technology shouldn’t necessarily change the way you read your Journal Geoff Bateman - HQ Section
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 13
Letters
StarAs chosen Letter by The Editor Speed Limit Signs speed limits and perhaps your area has too but you don't know it. The usual mistake is Now that local authorities have the power to have one sign, not two. Sometimes the to introduce some inappropriate lower signs are so dirty that they are illegible. speed limits on our roads, I think we all The most recent error I have observed is need to be aware of the legality of some a 60mph limit which has been lowered speed limit signs. to 50. When leaving the existing 30mph When I took my advanced IAM test a limit there are signs indicating thatthere’s couple of years ago, I was criticised by the a 50 mph limit in place. Travelling from retired Class 1 police examiner for suddenly the opposite direction however, the road braking as I approached a speed limit sign. is joined directly from the motorway, and We were not in a built-up area, but were as there are no signs to indicate a new out in the country. At the last second I had speed limit, it must be assumed to be the just seen the nearside-placed 30mph sign as national limit. We therefore have a road I approached from the 60mph limit. This with a 50mph limit in one direction and was the only sign visible. The offside sign, a 60 mph limit in the opposite direction! which would have been more in view, was Don't ask me how this would stand up in completely hidden by overhanging foliage. court. I have no intention of ending up in The police officer's comment was that for the dock in order to find out. a speed limit to be a legal limit there must For more information on the complex be two visible signs, one on each side of the system of speed limit signs and their road, so braking was not necessary. legality, visit The Association of British A friend had a similar experience during his Drivers website abd.org.uk and click on IAM observed training rides, the currently Speed Limit Signing Requirements. It could serving police observer overtaking him in save you receiving three points and a fine. a temporary 30mph speed limit within a Have fun observing. 60mph zone and urging him to get on with Bob Harrison - Chorley it. There was only one 30mph sign, not Bob’s letter has won him a pair of the superb two, so the limit was not legal. That ‘road conditions were not appropriate to a 30 Moto-Safe hearing protectors supplied by mph limit’ was the officer's comment. My Nippy Normans (www.nippynormans. friend and I both passed the IAM test. com) and as soon as he contacts me with So when I’m out on the road now, I am his address, they’ll be winging their way to of course putting into practice my IAM him without delay. Your letter could just training, one of the key features of which is as easily be chosen next month, so why observation. My local area has lots of illegal not get typing? Ed.
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BMW Club Journal • February 2010 15 The New GS The ‘New’ GS The ‘new’ GS hits the streets (and the back lanes). What follows is a report based on a BMW press release, to explain what changes have taken place. New drivetrain It delivers its maximum output of 110 hp by Introducing the new BMW R1200GS and increasing engine revs by 500, to 8,500 rpm, the new R1200GS Adventure, moving on and with an even broader range of engine from the former generation which already speed, the new GS models are even more offered supreme power and performance as dynamic, powerful and muscular in terms well as a very broad range of practical riding of both torque and acceleration throughout qualities for long the entire speed tours and winding range, thus setting roads alike. the standard In its construction once again for principle and basic the grand touring layout, the new enduro. flat-twin power New DOHC unit is the same heads as the DOHC engine on the Designed and BMW HP2 Sport. built from the Marking the start for higher new generation engine speed, the however, the new power unit engine has been (like the power carefully updated unit in the BMW and optimised for HP2 Sport) the R1200GS and comes with two the Adventure, overhead, chain- being tailored driven camshafts to the specific per cylinder. requirements of The valves are a grand touring operated by very enduro. light rocker-arms With the 1170-cc Boxer engine of the able to cope (through their low weight alone) former models already ensuring supreme with even very high engine speeds. power under all conditions, the new R1200 Radial arrangement of the four valves is GS has even more to offer in virtually every ensured by the very compact combustion respect, thus: chambers. Retaining a feature from former 16 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 The New GS
models, the fuel/air mixture is ignited by and exhaust valve, and due to the radial two spark plugs (The HP2 Sport has only arrangement of the valves, the cams come one spark plug). The compression ratio of with a conical profile. 12.0:1 remains the same as before. To increase both output and torque, gas Thanks to efficient knock control, both throughput has been increased throughout models are able to run on regular unleaded the entire speed range by increasing valve fuel with an octane rating of 95-98 RON plate diameter over the former models from (maximum output is measured at 98 RON). 36 to 39 millimetres (1.42–1.54”) on the Under certain conditions there may be a very intake side and 31 to 33 millimetres (1.22– small loss of torque and a slight increase in 1.30”) on the exhaust side. fuel consumption as soon as knock control Intake and exhaust timing on the two cuts in. On long tours where the rider might camshafts has been optimised in particular be required to use inferior fuel, the engine for supreme power at low and medium may also run on 91 RON regular fuel, using engine speeds and for even faster, free- specific running data available as special revving engine performance throughout the equipment free of charge straight from the entire range. To increase the free valve cross- factory. section, valve lift is up by 10.54 mm (0.415”) Horizontal arrangement of the camshafts on the intake and 9.26 mm (0.365”) on the in the direction of travel gives the new flat- exhaust side to 10.8 mm (0.425”) on both twin power unit two particular technical sides. Valve clearance is compensated by features: Each camshaft controls one intake light semi-hemispherical shims. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 17 The New GS lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. An oil cooler ensures stable thermal conditions even when riding to the extreme. In all, the modifications to the powertrain provide a significantly more homogeneous flow of power and torque throughout the entire speed range. In this process of technical development, the engines now feature magnesium-coloured cylinder head covers with two (formerly More power four) fastening bolts, and come in new, even The existing ratio of bore and stroke of more dynamic design. A an aluminium or 101:73 millimetres (3.98:2.87”) remains the plastic valve cover guard, and/or chrome- same as before, as does the engine’s cubic plated aluminium cylinder head cover may capacity of 1170 cc. Other features likewise be retrofitted as special equipment. carried over from the former power unit are the crankshafts and connecting rods, along with their mounts and bearings. The two new cast-aluminium pistons have been re- designed to match the change in combustion chamber geometry. The upgraded intake system now features black instead of silver throttle butterfly manifolds as on the former models, measuring 50 mm (1.97”) instead of formerly 47 mm (1.85”) (HP2 Sport: 52 mm/2.05”) opening clearance, and with newly designed Mellifluous exhaust note intake air funnels and an air filter element Moving on to the exhaust system, the two with higher throughput, the engine now manifolds are the same length and diameter develops maximum output of 81 kW/110 PS as before, while a modified interference pipe at 7,750 rpm and peak torque of 120 Nm/88 caters for the change in vibration conditions in the exhaust system. Featuring an exhaust flap controlled by an electric motor (along with opening and closing cables), the new models provide a particularly throaty boxer sound, while still retaining full compliance with legal standards. To reduce ram pressure and improve the sound of the engine even further, the rear silencer remains the same in design as on the former models but comes with a completely new interior structure. 18 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 The New GS Transmission upgrades Power is transmitted as before by the proven six-speed gearbox, but with larger bearing diameters and a modified distance between the individual shafts (which had previously already been upgraded technically for the 2008 model year). In the process, the gear ratios were once again adjusted and the secondary transmission has been modified from i=2.82 to i=2.91. suspension, the front wheel guidance with In conjunction with the new, even more the unique BMW Telelever and the rear powerful engine, this once again means wheel incorporating the BMW Paralever, significantly more torque and pulling force guarantee first-class and absolutely safe throughout the entire rev range. riding qualities, even with the new engine offering more power and torque. In conjunction with optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, extremely powerful brakes serve additionally to provide maximum safety even in critical situations. Finally, optimum environmental compatibility is also ensured also on the new boxer engine through the most advanced exhaust gas management and a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter.
The new R1200GS and R1200GS ESA Adventure also benefit from optimised shift Designed and built for the specific kinematics with an optimised power/travel requirements of a grand touring enduro, curve for precise gearshift and clear feedback Enduro ESA Electronic Suspension at all times. Adjustment is available on the latest version The maintenance-free driveshaft to the rear wheel also remains unchanged, relieving the rider of annoying and time-consuming maintenance requirements, particularly on long tours. Suspension and brakes Like their predecessors, the new models offer an almost perfect synthesis of off- road and onroad riding qualities. As in the past, the stiff and torsionally-resistant BMW Club Journal • February 2010 19 The New GS of the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure Practical features as an optional extra straight from the Made of a heat-treated aluminium tube, the factory. This allows adjustment of the high-quality and sophisticated handlebar running gear under all kinds of running may be fitted in two ergonomically different conditions and loading levels, simply by positions. While the rear handlebar position pressing a button. An important feature (for riding onroad and in less demanding is that Enduro ESA offers both an onroad terrain) ensures optimum ergonomics and off-road modes, where the rider is able particularly for the shorter rider, the front to adjust the suspension even more precisely handlebar position offers advantages in to specific needs and requirements. particular when standing up on the machine in rough terrain. As usual, Enduro ESA meets the particular The hand protectors (available as special requirements made of a grand touring equipment for the new GS) are fitted as enduro by additional electrohydraulic standard straight from the factory on the adjustment of the spring base on the front Adventure. In the process of technically spring strut. When riding off-road, this upgrading the successful R1200GS models, ensures a far smoother ride without the the instrument cluster has received a new wheel breaking through, and without the dial and a new design. And last but not least, disadvantages (such as shorter negative the screen now comes with larger hand- spring travel or greater seat height) bolts with even better grip, for adjusting its otherwise experienced onroad. position with greater ease.
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20 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Competition
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 21 BMW Motorrad History 40 years of BMW Motorcycles In 2009, BMW Motorcycle division celebrated forty years of production. This is how it happened... Munich/Berlin. But in May 1945 some 100 employees at BMW Plant Berlin, where all BMW the plant were already producing various motorcycles are built, now looks back at a utensils for daily use, and after the currency tradition of no less than forty years, with reform the Berlin Plant began to build tools more than 1,882,400 BMW motorcycles for BMW AG in Munich. coming off the production lines to date. Production of motorcycles components for What started in 1969 with 400 employees the BMW’s Main Plant in Munich started and 30 units of the new BMW /5 model in 1949 as the first step in gradually moving series built per day, had however already motorcycle production from the River Isar contributed through efficient production to in Munich to the River Spree in Berlin. And the success of the BMW Group in the three as of 1958, BMW car components were preceding decades. also built to an increasing extent in Berlin- How it All Started Spandau. Berlin-Spandau became a BMW AG The move to Berlin. production plant back in 1939. Up to that When BMW’s managers in Munich started time the plant had belonged to Siemens & to consider the option to move motorcycle Halske, which back then had built their new production from Munich in the mid-60s due aircraft engine production facility where the to the significant increase in car production, BMW Plant is today, producing famous Berlin with its well-trained workforce was an engines such as the Sh-14a radial power obvious choice. So in 1969 the Berlin Plant unit for the famous German Bücker 133c started production of the all-new BMW “Jungmeister” aerobatics biplane. /5 Series, a completely new design and In 1936 the Siemens Aircraft Engine Plant construction following a modular principle was transformed into the independent all the way from the suspension to the flat- company Brandenburgische Motoren twin power unit. Werke GmbH, which also built aircraft BMW Motorrad started out back then with engines now under the name “Bramo”. In three new models in the market: the 32-hp 1939 Bramo became part of BMW AG R50/5 intended especially for the authorities and served until the end of the war as the such as the police, the R 60/5 very popular production plant for BMW aircraft engines among touring riders with its 42-hp power including the nine-cylinder radial power unit, and, ultimately, the R75/5 featuring units for the legendary Junkers JU 52. a 50-hp flat-twin for sporting riding After the war the plant in Berlin-Spandau – dynamics, a top speed of 175 km/h or 109 like other factories and production facilities mph, and outstanding sales success in the in Germany – was dismantled by the Allies. international market. 22 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 BMW Motorrad History With the motorcycle – which, in the 1960s, This new model series again achieved had been almost forced out of the market outstanding success in sales, making it by the automobile – starting to re-gain imperative to enlarge the Plant in Berlin- popularity in the early 1970s, production Spandau. A new Assembly Hall was therefore figures at BMW Plant Berlin began to built to expand the production facilities, increase rapidly. In 1970 no less than construction work starting in a symbolic 12,287 units came off the production line ceremony in the presence of Walter Scheel, and by July 1973, when the /5 model series at the time the President of the Federal reached the end of production, a significant Republic of Germany. The purpose of the volume of 68,956 motorcycles had left the DM 200-million investment is to build Berlin Plant, production increasing five-fold up to 60,000 BMW motorcycles a year in within just three years. Another highlight Berlin-Spandau from now on, creating new celebrated at the time was the completion jobs in the process. of the 500,000th BMW motorcycle in the In 1978 BMW Motorrad again enlarges its history of the Company. model range through the introduction of the The new /6 model series upgraded in R100RT, a full-fairing motorcycle closely numerous features and, as a particular related to the R100RS, but focusing fully highlight, the legendary BMW R90S, on the needs of the touring rider in terms were presented on the occasion of the 50th of aerodynamics, ergonomics and comfort. anniversary of BMW Motorrad in autumn At the same time the so-called “small Boxer 1973. Displacing 898 cc, the flat-twin power Series” makes its entry into the market in unit featured in this most powerful BMW the guise of the R45 and the R65, once again by far delivered maximum output of 67 hp, boosting both production and sales figures. sufficient for a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and very sporting riding dynamics, The BMW Motorcycle Plant in Berlin- without missing out on the all-round and Spandau also helps to use synergies touring qualities so typical of a BMW. within the BMW Group, taking over the production of brake discs for BMW cars in Rapid Growth 1979 as another major activity. The 100,000th BMW built in Berlin- Berlin-Spandau Spandau comes off the production line in January 1975, the famous BMW Boxer flat- The 250,000th BMW motorcycle built twins reaching a new level of development in Berlin comes off the production line in just one year later marked by the introduction 1980 – a special machine built for the palace of the /7 model series. Apart from the motorcycle escort of King Hussein of Jordan. R60/7 and the R75/7, BMW Motorrad In the same year Rolf Witthöft brings home also introduces the R100/7, living up to the the European Offroad Championship on general trend to build larger motorcycles an 800-cc BMW, and shortly thereafter with a full litre engine capacity. And the R80GS makes its debut with relatively launching the R100RS, BMW also presents modest 50 hp engine output. Combining the world’s first production motorcycle with innovative suspension technology weighing full fairing able to reach a top speed of 200 just 186 kg or 410 lb, the R80GS offers km/h or 124 mph with its 70-hp power unit outstanding qualities not only in offroad while at the same time offering protection riding, but also in everyday use and as an from wind and weather never seen before. ideal partner on motorcycle tours. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 23 BMW Motorrad History A particular innovation hitting the motorcyclists at the latest after his famous headlines at the time is the single swinging film Easy Rider, visiting the BMW Plant in arm or BMW Monolever on the rear wheel. Berlin on 23 February 1990 on the occasion The biggest enduro motorcycle at its time in of his 50th birthday. terms of engine size soon sets the foundation One million BMWs for a brand-new segment in the market, the large-capacity Grand Touring Enduro. Just one year later the 1,000,000th BMW motorcycle comes off the production line Yet a further milestone in the history in Berlin-Spandau, with the production of of BMW Plant Berlin-Spandau is the BMW motorcycles in Berlin in the course introduction of the new BMW K Series with of the last 22 years now exceeding the mark its water-cooled straight-four power unit of 500,000 units. fitted flat within the frame and featuring fuel injection for the first time. This new The introduction of a fundamentally new machine also marks the start of the new design and construction principle following Assembly Line and the new Machining the concept and configuration typical of Shop, a DM 500-million investment serving BMW marks the 70th birthday of the BMW to integrate modern industrial production Boxer in 1993, the 90-hp BMW R1100RS facilities in the buildings protected by the making its debut with a top speed of 215 government as national monuments. km/h (133 mph) and full fairing to the benefit of the rider. The flat-twin power unit Seeking for ongoing innovation in now comes with chain-driven crankshafts technology, BMW Motorrad subsequently positioned half-way up the engine, four launches the BMW K1 in 1988, a truly valves per cylinder, and fuel injection. outstanding machine offering a whole range of highlights in technology. This is the To this day this construction principle sets first production motorcycle from BMW to the foundation for all BMW Boxers. feature four valves per cylinder, maximum The R1100RS also introduces outstanding output of 100 hp and sophisticated innovations in terms of its suspension aerodynamics providing a top speed of 240 and running gear, becoming the world’s km/h or 149 mph. The most important first production motorcycle to feature the feature, however, is the introduction of ABS Telelever, a ball-joint longitudinal arm fork anti-lock brakes for the first time ever on a separating the spring/damping functions, motorcycle as a world-first achievement. To on the one hand, from the process of this day, in fact, BMW Motorrad remains wheel guidance, on the other, and thus the leader in riding safety also through the clearly standing out from the conventional use of sophisticated ABS technology. telescopic fork. Indeed, this opens up a new To an increasing extent BMW motorcycles dimension in terms of response and smooth not only have an excellent reputation handling, at the same time ensuring very worldwide in terms of quality, riding well-balanced brake performance with dynamics and comfort, but also make a automatic anti-dive. substantial contribution to the image of the The new Boxer series again proves highly BMW brand. Many celebrities enjoy Sheer successful, BMW Motorrad building and Riding Pleasure on a BMW, US actor Peter selling more than 50,000 motorcycles for the Fonda, for example, very well known to first time in 1995. A large number of these 24 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 BMW Motorrad History machines are BMW GS models consistently What the future holds developed not only in technical terms since With the success of BMW Motorrad and their introduction in 1980 and therefore BMW Plant Berlin continuing unabated, the acknowledged the world over as “the” grand foundation stone for a new Production Hall, touring enduro. Building 7 completed just two years later, is The last BMW with the ‘old’ flat-twin laid in May 2001. In all BMW invests Euro engine comes off the production line in 280 million in the new Assembly Hall, an automated Paintshop and new machining 1996, the R80GS Basic concluding the facilities from 1999 – 2003, thus making highly successful chapter of BMW’s two- a clear commitment to the Berlin-Spandau valve Boxers after 27 years of production. Plant as the Group’s motorcycle production Always a Step Ahead – also in Terms facility. A BMW R1100RT for the Red of Quality of Work and Environmental Cross comes off the production line in the Protection. same year as the 500,000th BMW with The innovative power and clear focus on the ABS anti-lock brakes. future of BMW Motorrad is not limited In the years to come, not only motorcycles, but also production conditions continue to to the Company’s two-wheel products shape the destiny of BMW Plant Berlin. A alone. On the contrary, quality of work new, environmentally friendly Paintshop, and environmental protection are likewise for example, is opened in 2004, followed indispensable parts of the Company’s by the introduction of environmentally- philosophy. So it is no surprise that in 1997 friendly one-way and recyclable motorcycle BMW Plant Berlin is acknowledged as the packaging just one year later. first motorcycle plant in the world to fulfil The first version of BMW Motorrad’s new, the international standards for labour and fourth model series – the F800GS – comes environmental management, after having off the production line for the first time in switched over the in-house supply of energy 2006, featuring a water-cooled straight-two from oil to gas just one year before. power unit (the parallel-twin) and setting With the F650GS, BMW Motorrad the foundation for future models with this introduces its third model series in 1999, drive concept. supplementing the Boxer and the K Series. In Also in 2006 BMW Plant Berlin for the all the Company invests DM 4.5 million in first time builds more than 100,000 BMW the expansion of the new Assembly Line for motorcycles within one calendar year – and this single-cylinder built in Berlin-Spandau, the introduction of hydro-clear water-based paint in 2008 again confirms the clear with more models to follow in future. commitment of the BMW Motorcycle Plant Riding pleasure, quality and the image of to the cause of environmental protection. BMW motorcycles remain appealing to The 500,000 BMW bearing the famous celebrities everywhere, German actor Götz model designation “GS”, a BMW R1200GS, George, to this day a passionate BMW came off the production line on 12 May motorcycle rider, visiting BMW motorcycle 2009, with production of the new BMW production in his home city Berlin in the S1000RR, the first supersports from BMW late ‘90s. Motorrad getting underway too. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 25 Travelogue An Aegean Odyssey
A motorcycling trip to end all motorcycling trips, as recounted by Nick Van Zyl of the Southern Section Although it was well into October, the to capacity, and I resolved not to get carried temperature in the south of England was away speeding on the smooth well made still mild. Despite the lateness of the season French roads. we stood by our decision to travel to Greece, We reached the Portsmouth ferry terminal charter a yacht, and in good time. It had explore the Greek turned cool and we Islands. enjoyed the sunshine My suggestion to in the queue waiting travel by motorcycle to board. We arrived at first was made in in Cherbourg by jest, but when Lorna midmorning. As didn’t really object, I usual the unloading became enthusiastic of vehicles took about the idea. time but in the end Before I bought the we were on our way twelve year old towards Caen. The BMW R80 some R80 was zooming years ago, she had along as if she too been sadly neglected. felt the excitement After months of of a great adventure p a i n s t a k i n g lying ahead. The beat restoration she now of the boxer engine looked years younger was music to my ears and was ready to and at the slightest take on anything. encouragement the Now, some years little bike deepened later in 2002 we On the yacht... well.. someone has to! her beat and surged planned to travel by motorcycle through ahead despite the load she was a carrying. The France into Italy and from there by ferry to kilometres flew by and soon we were nearing Greece. Our itinerary allowed us a week for Caen. We had planned to get as far as Falais, the trip from home to Kalamaki, where we a small village fifty kilometres further, but it would take delivery of a Bavaria 35 yacht we had turned very cold. We had lost an hour, had booked for two weeks. being time difference between the UK and With the panniers packed to capacity and a France. It was getting dark and it was time bulging tank bag we certainly were loaded to find some where to stay for the night. 26 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Travelogue After breakfast we loaded up and after Visibility gradually improved allowing us to making sure we knew the way out of Caen, keep up with the traffic. By late afternoon we headed south towards Marseilles on a the road had dried and we could give the single carriageway. bike her head. We flew along and by late The drop in temperature to below zero afternoon we arrived in Chateauroux. made me realise that I had underestimated We enquired at an information centre as the European weather. We were committed, to where we could find accommodation. and despite freezing fog and sub-zero We were directed to a chateau in a densely temperatures, we pressed on. forested area. We arrived just before dark We hoped to get to Chateauroux by early and were met at the chateau’s heavy oak afternoon. The fog thickened and it became front door by an old lady. After formalities bitterly cold. A blanket of ice settled on us, she took us up a broad wooden staircase to making it difficult for me to see through my the second floor, then along a wide passage visor. Trying to wipe the ice off the visor with to our large musty smelling bedroom. She the back of my gloved hand hardly improved informed us that her family had lived in the my vision. Having to lift the visor from time chateau for more than two centuries. to time it felt as if my face was being dunked She recalled being told by her grandmother in an arctic ice floe. that according to legend, during the early As large trucks came thundering past they years of the 19th century, Napoleon’s splashed dirty icicles over us, making matters army had passed through Chateauroux on worse. There was no glimmer of sunshine to campaign and had encamped in the grounds give any us any hope that the weather would of the chateau, and the great man and his improve. officers had slept in the chateau. The pewter If the weather persisted we feared we would mug from which he’d drunk wine was still never reach Greece in a six days time to in the old family’s possession, safely kept take delivery of the yacht. We continued for posterity. We slept in a rickety four on at a slow speed in third gear. Lorna was poster bed and despite strange noises during frozen and my concern over her added to my the night, no ghosts of the past made any anxious frame of mind. By midday (since visitations. leaving Caen) we had travelled one hundred Very early the next morning we departed, and twenty five kilometres and we were taking the road to Marseilles. The wintry desperate to stop. Then through the fog I sun occasionally appeared in a grey overcast could see a sign indicating a roadside café a sky, but the temperature remained below little further on. After turning in, stiff and zero and despite thick gloves we often had to frozen we could hardly get off the bike. The stop to warm our hands on the exhaust gasses café was comfortably warm and the coffee from Gerty’s (our pet name for the R80) was the best I’d ever had. Life returned to exhaust pipes. When stopping for fuel I had our frozen limbs and once again we began to nothing but appreciation for the old bike. feel human. After an hour we knew we had She certainly was running smoothly and to leave, and plucking up courage we once despite being laden, the fuel consumption again took to the road. The weather had was frugal. I now had full confidence that slightly improved, giving us hope of getting we would get to Greece and back, dispelling to our destination late that afternoon. my initial concerns. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 27 Travelogue We made several stops at roadside services and enjoyed the food on offer, being typically Italian food. There was a choice of pasta or pittas filled with all kinds of good things, and good aromatic coffee. On the coastal road as we were nearing Genoa, it started raining again and our spirits fell. Tunnel upon tunnel came up and the motoring became fast and furious. It was getting late. We needed to find accommodation. After asking at a filling station we were directed to Hotel Rosina; a ‘pension’ in Casella, a small hamlet near Genoa. Tired and wet we settled into a dingy room. At a nearby tavern the good food and wine helped to raise our spirits. Early the next morning, as I awoke I could hear the squelching of car tyres passing our bedroom window. It was raining again. During breakfast we were told that the road Mont St Michel from Milan to Ancona would be heavily As the day wore on the temperature rose and congested with trucks. We were advised to for the first time since leaving Calais we felt head for Florence and from there to cross the less in doubt about the wisdom of our crazy Falterona mountain range, then continue on motorcycle adventure. to Forli where we would join the main road Our next stop would be Avignon, still to Ancona. 334km away. On the motorway we made When we reached Florence we stopped at good progress, so by late afternoon we a filling station and gained the sympathy reached Avignon, and after searching, we of the manager. He suggested we leave the found a hotel within our price bracket. bike under cover and after lending us an The next morning we awoke to the patter of rain on the window. Lorna and I looked at each other and we each knew what the other was thinking. We would once again be riding on the motorway with fast moving trucks soaking us with dirty rainwater from the road. Stoically we set off. By mid-morning it had stopped raining. The road dried out and we settled down to a good pace. The turnoffs to Aix, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo and San Remo flew past. On the quayside 28 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Travelogue umbrella, explained where to find a hotel. The next day dawned bright and sunny. From Florence we took a minor road through valleys and over mountains with Forli as our destination. The road was covered with fallen wet leaves making riding extremely hazardous, but the spectacular scenery made it well worth it. By mid morning we stopped at Muraglione, a small hamlet on a hillside. We found a tavern where we decided to have lunch. Inside on the walls were the mounted heads of wild boars, together with photos of men with their guns, each bearing their names and dates. After lunch we asked the owner (who spoke a little English) about the trophies. He told us that during the German occupation towards the end of WWII, partisans were very active in the vicinity of Muraglione. They were never caught, but there were reprisals against the population. After the Superb scenery war the war the partisans gathered once a As we left the valley behind us, the year to for a re-union, during which time topography changed. Industries sprang up they went hunting wild boar. Many a trophy and the magic of the mountains and vales was brought in and was mounted on the were lost. At Forli we joined the motorway. tavern walls together with photographs We still had 150km to ride before we reached of the old veterans. Over the years the old Ancona. veterans became fewer and the re-unions The trucks once again were a menace, but occurred less until their meetings were just now that the road was dry we could keep up a memory. and stay clear of the man-made behemoths. By late afternoon we arrived in Ancona. We tried to find our way to the ferry terminal and in desperation asked a local, who either out of ignorance or malice misdirected us. Having lost our way again we feared we would be too late to catch the ferry for Greece. We arrived just in time and were also fortunate to book a cabin. The next day by late afternoon we reached Patras, a large harbour on the western side The mountains near Torino of the Peloponnisos landmass. From the BMW Club Journal • February 2010 29 Travelogue
Crossing the Ionian Sea harbour, looking northwards we could see Kalamakion (Kalamaki) in good time. the Greek mainland across the sea in the Losing one’s way in a city is usually quite distance. easy to do. Losing one’s way in a Greek city After leaving Patras we travelled on the is inevitable. The signs are unfamiliar and as motorway towards Athens, later crossing a far as we were concerned, ambiguous. bridge over the Corinth Canal which took us Although some Greeks could speak a onto the mainland. While on the motorway little English, asking served no purpose, as we were appalled by its poor condition. Little explaining a route through a city is at the less than half of the carriageway is divided best of times not easy. Eventually we decided off for slow traffic by a thick white line. that the only way to get out of the city was We were forced to use the slow lane. The to ask a taxi to lead us out. With this idea we speed limit in Greece seems to be the speed stopped, hailed a taxi and as we were about to at which the fastest car can travel, and explain our problem to him, a motorcyclist we were in no mood to compete with the stopped and in fairly good English said, ‘Just Greek drivers. They seemed without care, follow me.’ tending to cut in and swerve all over the He led us out of Piraeus and halfway to place. I got furious and Lorna turned off the Kalamaki. There certainly are some Greek communications system between us. good Samaritans. By sunset we reached Piraeus, and hoped that By this time it was past eleven, and we were we’d easily be able to pass through and reach desperate to find the yacht which we’d 30 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Travelogue
Fancy a dip, anyone? chartered. After riding along the coast for a sea front. We enjoyed the meal but when it few kilometres, we arrived at Kalamaki and came to paying we realised that the warning found the yacht basin without difficulty. we had about Greek restaurants had come There, Ms. Fotini informed us that Jannis, true. The bill was a fabrication of items the owner of the yacht we had chartered, and charges. After a hearted argument we was not available at that time of night. She realised that we were not going to win, and suggested that we find a hotel for the night. decided to pay. The next morning (after a restless night) we With sadness, we left the bike behind on the arrived at the yacht basin where Ms Fotini quay. The back wheel was chained onto a ring and Jannis were waiting for us. Ms Fotini set in the concrete. She was safe but lonely, collected her agent’s fees from us, and left. and as there were occasional bikers arriving Mounds of paperwork at the port authorities awaited me. With a certain amount of on the quayside, we felt she’d be OK. trepidation we followed Jannis to the Port We manifested our opinion about the Authority Offices. Much to our relief I was Greeks in a positive way. We were helped given the necessary certification to take the through Piraeus and the second good turn eleven-metre yacht out to sea. we experience was a clean Gerty when we In the evening evening we decided to go got back from our sailing. We heard that a out for a meal, and Jannis had strongly young lad had taken it on himself to wash recommended his cousin’s restaurant, and it her during our absence. We never found out was also within walking distance along the who it was. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 31 Travelogue Later in the morning we set sail for the having a good time. A young man came up Cyclade Islands. After a few days, we sailed to inspect Gerty and asked in good English westwards to the archipelago landmass, and where we’d come from and where we were after another week it was time to turn back heading. Most of the bikes were new, and to our base at Kalamaki. old Gerty stood out like an old lady amongst The next morning we packed the panniers youngsters. and the tank bag. Laden, we left. Gerty By late afternoon we reached Fidenza and started on the first touch of the button and after some difficulty found a mediocre we went through Piraeus without losing hotel. The motorbike was safely locked in our way. The late afternoon ferry departure an underground garage; by now she was time lent us sufficient opportunity to enjoy a pretty dirty and I doubted if anyone would slow ride over the 200 be interested in kilometres to Patras. abducting her, but We were happy to be being locked up was riding again and we reassuring. made several stops at Later, during the roadside cafes. We evening we strolled enjoyed the warm dry through the city. climate while sitting Some paved streets out amongst the olive were closed to traffic groves. and the evening We reached Patras by brought out many mid afternoon and Ma famille people wandering found a restaurant near the ferry terminal. about. We found a restaurant which looked While waiting to board the ferry we promising and enjoyed a really splendiferous met a group of Americans who had been meal. motorcycling around Greece. They were The next day we hoped would be our last a group from California who’d had hired in Italy. We made good time, and when bikes through an agency in Athens. The reaching Piacenza we skirted Milan to the bikes were all very old makes. There were south. The day was mild and sunny and a few BSAs, Nortons and a majority of we agreed it was one of our best days. We Triumph Bonnevilles, with one old Harley. increased our speed and made good time We exchanged names and addresses and with the old boxer never missing a beat. formulated plans to meet again in either in We had our communication system on and South Africa or in California. could chat as we went along. We left the The ferry crossing was once again very motorway and took a minor road, travelling enjoyable, and we arrived in Ancona at though beautiful countryside, amongst 11am. the next day. We made good progress fruit growing farms. Later we passed lakes to Forli, but instead of travelling to Florence while riding along roads carved into the the way we’d come, we headed for Milan. mountainsides. We stopped for lunch at roadside services In the distance we could see snow-capped where many motorcycles were parked. Young peaks as we slowly climbed towards the Italians were sitting out at tables on the grass escarpment. Further along, we rode through 32 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Travelogue a deep valley and freezing fog closed in Close to midnight we decided to venture reducing our visibility to a few metres. We back to the hotel, and we found the bike rode slowly, occasionally encountering an covered with a layer of frost. I started her and opposing vehicle, and its lights would glow let her warm up while we wiped off the layer in the fog ahead, sometimes seeming as if it of frost. We were sure that within minutes was coming straight for us. A slight unease we’d be home and dry. We realised that prevailed due to it getting late and we were we weren’t exactly warmly dressed, having making very little progress. thought that we’d not be venturing far from We had hoped to reach Chambray (a French the hotel. town) before nightfall as we encountered The worst happened. On the way back we tunnels taking us for very long distances got lost. The temperature was dropping and through the we were becoming mountains. After we h y p o t h e r m i c . passed thorough the Panic set in. I last long tunnel, we imagined the reached the Italian French newspapers French border. The the next day having fog had lifted and on the front page looking ahead at the heading, the road snaking “Foolish English through the valley, motorcycle couple we marvelled at the found frozen in a beautiful autumn The scenery just gets better.. ditch.” Then we splendour. From that point, the ride was saw it, a fluorescent sign with large pink from there on smooth and enjoyable. That’s letters, ‘Quick Palace’ standing high behind something to say about the French roads. rooftops in the foreground. Desperately we It was getting dark as we approached tried to find the turnoff to the hotel but Chambray and were thankful to end the kept ending up in a cul-de-sac. day’s riding. Not certain where to find a Then we took a chance. We turned off in hotel, we were pleased to see a large sign the opposite direction taking us under a advertising ‘Quick Palace,’ no doubt an railway bridge and on to a roundabout. economy hotel. That suited us, as in France Then it became clear which road we should we had previously been very satisfied take. The hotel could now be reached, and with similar reasonably priced, clean and none too soon we were parked at the hotel front door. We sat for a few moments on the comfortable accommodation. bike, too cold and stiff to get off. Lethargy After booking in and having a welcome set in and I felt sleepy, barely being able to warm shower we decided to go out to find a hold the bike upright. I realised that we restaurant. We found ‘Flunch’ a restaurant were suffering from hypothermia, and were of repute where one could select from a large showing typical symptoms. With a great variety of unprepared foods on show behind effort Lorna got off and I kicked the side a glass partition, having it prepared while stand out and slid off. Despite being in front one waits. of the hotel, we seemed to take ages getting to BMW Club Journal • February 2010 33 Travelogue the front door, not being able to understand Coast of France. In bygone days there had how the door opens. Once inside we sat in been no causeway. The tidal stream swirling the lounge and slowly warmed up. What a around the island kept the strait from silting, harrowing experience! I am now able to fully and consequently encouraged the growth understand how easily people fall victim to of vegetation. Then, the island had been the elements. separated from the mainland by an average The next day we rode over mountains and of two metres of water at high tide, this through valleys with the most beautiful adding to the security of the island dwellers. scenery. We passed through Bourge, and Buildings on the island consist of a complex on to Macon where we stopped for fuel and of terraced buildings with narrow streets buy food from a supermarket. Heavily laden winding steeply to the cathedral. Centuries with goodies (fruit in particular), we rode ago, when this citadel was the dwelling of out of town and found a stopping place for monastic priests, the church was the centre a picnic. of the commune. Then, the ordinary people By late afternoon we reached Avalon had made a living from some manufacturing and decided to make a detour of twenty trade. They would have been reliant on kilometres to Vezelay. This citadel was receiving produce from the mainland, which (in bygone days) a meeting place of the was only possible at certain times of the tidal crusaders under Richard the Lion Heart and cycle. Philip the King of France. Built in the first The next morning, on awakening we millennium by a premier Duke, the citadel despaired after hearing the patter of rain straddles a hill with a view overlooking the on the windowpane,and the howling of the countryside far into the distance. Walled wind under the eaves. Gerty was outside in to withstand the onslaught of enemies, life the rain, wet through; would she start? expectancy nevertheless was short in those We had a ferry booking for the same day days. Not only was disease a grim reaper, but and therefore we could not spend another warfare and pillaging was a daily event. day at le Mont St Michel. The prospect We only spent one night, and left early of motorcycling 150km in the prevailing the next morning hoping to get as far as weather held no attraction. Nevertheless, Chartres. The roads had now become very stoically we packed our belongings, dressed busy and riding was less pleasant. as warmly as we could and started out on By mid afternoon we rode into Chartres, our ride to Cherbourg. The dear old thing where we spent the night in a Campanile started, how reliable can you get? hotel. The next morning we looked forward We were blown all over the place by strong to getting as far as le Mont St Michel. gusting winds and despite our raingear we Misty conditions made progress slow but felt the clammy wetness soaking through. by the afternoon, towering ahead above a Halfway to Cherbourg we stopped at a blanket of mist we could see the spiral of the village where we bought French rolls and cathedral. We found accommodation in the cheese. By early afternoon the rain had small town lying on the shore opposite. abated and we stopped at a roadside rest The next day we rode across the causeway stop for a much-needed break. Further on, towards the citadel, high on a rocky outcrop we passed World War Two battlefields but and far out to sea. Le Mont St Michel lies could not afford the time stop. We promised about two kilometres out to sea on the west ourselves another visit in the future. 34 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Travelogue As we neared Cherbourg, the heavens steadily continued, but the motion was opened once more. Wet and tired, we disconcerting particularly on the slippery arrived in good time for the ferry. Sitting in road. We soon reached Le Harve and easily the departure lounge with a cup of coffee, found our way to the ferry terminal. To our we felt relieved to have come to the end of relief the ferry had not left. our journey. We had done enough. The last A sign indicated the under-roof waiting area stretch home from Portsmouth the next day for motorcycles. Also waiting to board were would be the very last. several motorcyclists, also in a dishevelled Then flashing on the notice board, the words state. After general commiseration, appeared, ‘Ferries have been cancelled due somebody suggested finding somewhere for to dockworkers strike.’ What a disaster! We a cup of coffee, and we pushed our way into a asked for clarification at the enquiries desk, very crowded cafeteria. Despite my aversion and were told that we would be able to wait to a fuggy, crowded atmosphere, I was only in Cherbourg until the end of the strike, but too glad to be somewhere out of the wind that it could last as long as a week. On the and rain, and to have something warm to other hand, if we were prepared to travel drink. to Le Harve to board the 23:00 ferry to Soon an announcement was made that Portsmouth, they could arrange it. Our only boarding was starting. We made our way option was to accept the offer to continue to back to the motorcycles to await our turn to Le Harve. board. Inevitably the motorcycles were last It was still raining hard and it was getting in the queue. After securely tying the bikes dark, so dispirited, we found our way out to the deck we climbed the stairs to the of Cherbourg. The dazzle on the visor from reception area and were allocated a cabin. the lights of oncoming cars made it difficult The centrally heated cabin and a shower to see traffic signs indicating the way, and were a sight for sore eyes; Bliss. Snug and we stopped in Caen to change our wet warm we fell into dreamless sleep and were clothing for something somewhat dryer. The awakened the next morning at six by the temperature had fallen and we were feeling Tannoy announcing that we were nearing very cold. Portsmouth and would shortly be docking. Later, out on deck we noticed that the We pressed on slowly, and Gerty never weather had cleared. After docking we rode failed us; reliably responding equally well to off the ferry, homeward-bound to Salisbury, sudden braking or emergency acceleration. sixty miles away. At home I mentioned to We were averaging forty miles per hour and Lorna that we should plan another long trip. I despaired, thinking that we might not I did really expect an answer, but the next arrive in Le Harve on time. day we both agreed that our trip certainly If we were to miss the ferry, we would have was worthwhile. (I’m amazed that Lorna to find accommodation, and late at night ever wanted to see a motorbike again! that may have proved difficult. At 22:00, My wife would have used it as a perfect we could see the lights of Honfleur on our excuse to avoid riding pillion in all but the left and I realised that we were nearing our sunniest of times! My thanks to Nick for a destination. The rain and wind had not let stunning story. See - long travelogues can up, and when we crossed the suspension be interesting... if they’re as good as this bridge spanning the Seine we could feel one. Keep writing, and don’t forget the the bridge swaying in the strong wind. We pictures - Ed). BMW Club Journal • February 2010 35 Competition The BMW Club 2010 Mileage Competition The Mileage competition is back, this time under the scrutiny of 2008 winner, and London Section member, Niall Mead. Here, Niall explains how it will work. The contest will run from April 1 to September To enter, we’ll need the information shown 30 inclusive, and will be open to all BMW club in the box, and at the end of the contest, we’ll members and associate members. need the end mileage of your bike confirmed E l i g i b l e by a photo mileage can 1) Your name of the be achieved 2) Your contact details (email, tel no, address) odometer. on ANY 3) Your membership no. (and section if applicable) If you’ve B M W registered 4) Your registration number motorcycle m u l t i p l e or BMW 5) Make (BMW, Grinnal etc) bikes, we’ll s i d e c a r 6) Model need proof outfit. The 7) Start mileage (confirmed by a picture of the odometer) of start definition and finish of BMW 8) Supplying dealer if a loan bike m i l e a g e s motorcycle includes trikes etc based on complete BMW for each, but we’ll accept written bikes (R1200C Grinnall etc), but not bikes like confirmation of service loans/demos as long the Scorpion, as that is not based on a BMW as the details listed above (the reg, the model, bike, but instead only uses a BMW engine. the start mileage, the end mileage and the BMW powered chops would be acceptable. supplying dealer) are furnished. In other words, if it’s more or less a complete I’ll be asking entrants for monthly updates BMW bike, trike or sidecar outfit, we’ll accept so we can publish this in the Journal – it. It must however, be a BMW and not a Ural monthly being at the end of each calendar etc. Please check with the organiser (before month. Another reason for doing this is that registering) if you are in any doubt. we hope to be able to provide spot prizes Service loan bikes or demo bikes qualify, as from dealers for monthly winners, and a they are BMWs. If you are submitting mileages prize for the overall winner. on service loans or demo bikes, you should record the model and year, the registration, the Don’t get too carried away, the spot prizes start mileage and the end mileage and the dates won’t be new bikes, or even a new jacket, on which the machine was used. but along the lines of a £5 voucher or a pen Please note, cars of any kind, including loan or a hat or such like – whatever I can prise or rental cars do not qualify even though they out of the dealers! While you’re sending in may be loaned or issued as replacement vehicles those monthly updates, how about some while your bike is unusable, even if they’re interesting stories or anecdotes, amd a photo BMWs. – we’re a motorcycle club after all! or two would be nice too. And while we’re
36 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Competition
A couple of views of the author’s K1200GT, one of the bikes which helped him win the 2008 mileage competition at it, dealers – how about a sponsor for the let’s not forget the airheads, the singles and whole thing – maybe you’d like to contribute the vertical twins – what do we call the a jacket or similar? BMW vertical twins? If you would like to take part, (and remember Please send any documentation to that you could be on for a monthly prize BMW Club Mileage contest even if you’re not the overall winner, so c/o Niall Mead loads of bragging rights to be had), just send in the info above to me by post, or to via 18 Beaconsfield Road e-mail; [email protected] My phone New Malden number is 07711 647825 Surrey KT3 3HY Will I be entering? Hmmm, not sure if I Don’t forget those photos of what you can if I’m the organiser, but hey, can’t do any get up to, and if you want to enter, that harm can it? confirmation of your speedo reading. Right then, off you go, it’s easy – and don’t This is NOT the Iron Butt or anything like forget the opportunity to win a spot prize, or it. It’s purely for fun, and the BMW Club the bragging rights of a slant K over a brick doesn’t condone dangerous or excessive K, or a hex head over an oilhead and please, riding. All mileage is at your own risk. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 37 Sporting Interest Motorcycle Grass-Track Racing
Although not specifically a BMW-only item, many of our beloved marque have taken part in this major sporting class. Southern Section’s Ray Cross explains... Motorcycle grasstrack racing is generally from Brands Hatch shows that in a post- accepted as having being first run at war meeting, it was Eric Oliver who was Cambridgeshire Agricultural Show in winning sidecar races, and he went on to 1923. It came of age in 1927 when the first be many times sidecar World Champion. proper meeting held under the auspices of Jack Surtees (father of John) was southeast the A.C.U. (auto cycle union) took place champion, and as I remember raced a at Addington Golf Club near Croydon. Vincent outfit. In those early days it would have been very At a recent grasstrack meeting held at Brands much a case of road machines being adapted Hatch, there were 18,000 spectators, and for racing, i.e. take off the lights and number Cyril Rogers’ solo race record was 60.39mph, plates etc., then race, put them back on and while Phil Seymour’s sidecar lap record was ride home! Early pictures have shown the 53.19mph. sidecar crews (as always) to be the innovators, Grasstrack today is a much more professional with many of the outfits being nothing like sport, and no longer can you ride your a road going combination but purely built to machine to the track and hope to be race. competitive. The machines today are very As things evolved, the machines slowly specialised ‘solos’ and are very much like a became very close to the speedway machines speedway machine; the major difference of the time. Typical engines being used would being a sprung frame with a single shock, be Rudge, Douglas, OK Supreme, Velocette, and front forks often being leading link with or Norton and some of these machines can rubber band springing. The rear springing still be seen racing at vintage motorcycle will be cantilevered and controlled by a club grasstrack meetings throughout the single adjustable shock, while engines will country. As is so often the case, one engine normally be JAWA, G.M. or Godden. All stands out - the J.A.P., and this became the are single cylinder four-valve, four-strokes engine of preference for many years, being typically producing over 60 bhp and simple, fast and reliable. It ran on Methanol running on Methanol, and all will be linked fuel and was lubricated with a total loss oil to a two speed semi automatic gearbox made system usually using a vegetable oil such as by Bewley, JAWA or Godden. This gives a Castrol ‘R’, and as anyone who’s ever raced low first gear for starting, and a virtually will tell you, once that smell of hot Castrol imperceptible change into second (top) gear ‘R’ gets in your nostrils you never forget it. which will then give you your top speed. It’s It may not be generally known, but two of worth mentioning that it’s not possible to our major road race circuits of today started change back down while racing, and the life as grasstracks; namely Brands Hatch machines have a very high power to weight and Mallory Park, and early race detail ratio which gives phenomenal acceleration. 38 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Sporting Interest
Riding style mimics speedway in that the inside of the corner and sidecar passenger machine is put into a high speed broadside virtually horizontal alongside the engine, to scrub off some of the straight line speed in an effort to keep the whole thing upright. and then powered round the corner in a It’s certainly one of motorsport’s most high-speed controlled (??) drift. dramatic sights to see three or more outfits Sidecars are thought by many grasstrack contesting for the same piece of track at very followers to be the most spectacular, with high speeds. most of the modern outfits following a Sidecar outfits on the continent are restricted similar design. Wasp motorcycles of Wilton to 500cc single cylinder, four-stroke engines (Wilts) were probably the most prolific of the chassis builders but there have been in an effort to reduce the ludicrous speeds others, albeit in a smaller way. Engines being attained on the very fast, smooth these days are mainly four-cylinder 1000cc 1000 metre long tracks. As is so often the Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda units tuned to case with clever design though, super- run on Methanol, with power outputs in the tuning more or less nullified this hope, and region of 150 bhp. The 1000cc outfits race in the 500cc outfits are now as fast on some a clockwise direction with the bike on the tracks as the bigger outfits; they don’t sound BMW Club Journal • February 2010 39 Sporting Interest as fast though! Some of the 500cc JAWA often somewhat different. and G.M. motors used are reputed to rev at In 1974, Ron Slater (manager at the time 13,000 rpm, which is incredible for a 500cc of Hughenden Motors) sponsored Roger single cylinder. Meason on a BMW-powered grass track Tracks these days are usually of an oval sidecar outfit which he rode for some six very shape with a lap distance of 500-800 metres, successful years, just missing out on a British and races are of four lap duration. Gone are Championship win. Roger told me that the the days when you could just put up a few engine was the one used in the Wasp motor pegs and race - nowadays the A.C.U. have cross outfit, on which Ron sponsored Terry in place a comprehensive set of rules and Good, again with a degree of success. regulations to which organising clubs must From memory though, the Achilles heel of adhere, these being necessary for the safety the moto-cross outfit was the inability of the of both competitors and spectators. final drive to take the punishment which Organising clubs will these days often roll sidecar moto-cross required. the track with heavy industrial rollers to Roger (who is also an excellent frame provide a flat surface which hopefully won’t builder) got the BMW to handle as he ‘rut’ or get too much loose grass on the liked, and tells me that they fitted American bends, and track preparation will take place enduro differentials, then tuned it to run on throughout the day in an effort to provide Methanol and went racing. Although the the competitors with a level playing field! motor was proving competitive, it was felt BMW motors were used in Germany for the that there was more power to be had, and sidecar units and there was a photo previously the promise of Krauser four-valve heads was in The Journal of a BMW-powered outfit made. This development never materialised which was of a leaning design, the amount of though, and the project was abandoned. lean induced by the passenger by means of a During the time which Roger raced the steering wheel linked to the bike and sidecar 1000cc machine, he also built a 750cc which I would assume to be a rack and pinion machine with a continental style right-hand arrangement. As they approached the corner sidecar, with which he competed against at some speed the passenger would furiously the continentals at Prestatyne; one of the turn the wheel to induce a broadside, which very first 1000 metre long tracks in Great would hopefully enable them to negotiate Britain. the corner - in theory! The practice was This has been just a short resume of the sport of motorcycle grasstrack racing, and if it’s in anyway whetted your appetite then it’s achieved what I wanted. Please let the Editor know if you’d like to hear more. Why not organise a club run to a meeting? Most events (especially the bigger ones) permit overnight camping, and often have a beer tent and entertainment. Details of forthcoming events can be found at http://www.grasstrack.net 40 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
National AGM News
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 41
National AGM News
42 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
National Rally News
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 43
National Rally News
44 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Websight Websight More pearls of Forum wisdom from Forum Admin - Phil Knight (PK)
Usernames & Passwords Well, you could just re-register – First, some information about but you’d have to use a different just what I can do (and what I username and email address. can’t do) to help club members The registration process will get to grips with the Forum. check to see if you are using an If you registered on the Forum existing username – and will some time ago, and now reject any attempt to make a you’ve forgotten your Forum duplicate, also (in common with password, then I can help. I all other forums), two accounts can’t tell you what it is, (they’re using the same email address is encrypted on the Forum not allowed by the software. If database) but I can reset it for you and send you haven’t used your Forum account for over you an email with the new password. If you’ve a year, then it will have been deleted, so you not used the Forum for some time, and have won’t have any problems re-registering. forgotten your username, things get a lot more Error Messages tricky. Occasionally you may get a problem with All of the search facilities on the Forum are geared up to search for usernames. So if you’ve a corresponding error message when either forgotten that, then it is really difficult for using the Forum, or just during registration. If me to find you in the Forum database. I can’t this happens, please drop me an email, but to search for your real name, or section, and as for help me to help you, I really need the full text membership number – forget it! The database of what the error message is saying. You don’t does not even store your membership number, have to re-type it – just highlight the error it just uses it on a once only lookup onto the message, then press the “Ctrl” key and “C” (separate) membership database to confirm together (This copies the highlighted message you are a member when upgrading your forum into memory). Fire up your email package status from basic to paid up member. (whatever you use) place the cursor into the As an example, I was able to help one club message section and then press Ctrl+V __ member recently as he was able to give me the together. (This pastes the message into another likely names (three possibilities if I remember application) The text of the message will then correctly) which he might have used. This, appear. plus two possible email address he might also have used, gave me enough to locate his Don’t forget, you can ask me any questions Forum account and reset his password, then about the Forum, whether this is to do with in my email reply, was able to tell him the joining it, or using it, by emailing me at forum. correct spelling for his username, and his new [email protected] and let me answer password. your questions and queries. Alternatively if So what to do if you once registered and have you’re already a Forum member, send me a no idea about your username ? private message (PM) to username PK. BMW Club Journal • February 2010 45 Competition December’s Competition
December’s caption competition sparked a flurry of similar entries along the ‘Gee Gee vs GS’ lines, but here are some of the ‘almosts’... I had hoped to be travelling in the recovery vehicle - not on it! - Edward West OK, I know... I should’ve gone to Specsavers! - Roy Eland I asked for a GS, not a Gee Gee - Phil Oughtred - N.E. section This month’s winner though is Tony Stafford (Mercia) with;
I don’t care if it is free road tax - have you seen the emissions!
I already have Tony’s details, so his free BMW Club voucher (worth £25.00) will be on its way to him shortly. It really is easy, but as the cliche goes; “You have to be in it to win it!” Get those keyboards clicking, or those typewriter clacking. If all else fails - write in, but please remember to include your Section, along with your address and phone number in case you win.
46 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Competition The Caption Competition
Here’s your chance to win a BMW Club voucher valued at £25, simply for sending in a witty (and family-suitable ) caption for the above picture which was sent in by Irish Section member Alec Quinn. February’s competition is sponsored by the subject of this month’s dealer profile, James Sherlock. Entries should be sent by post or e-mail to the Editor (details on p3), and the cut-off date for submitting your caption(s) is March 1st
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 47
Profile The James Sherlock Story
Once again, Oxford Section’s John Boileau gives us some insight into how one of our major sources of parts came into being. Twenty two years ago, James Sherlock (a “Once I started working on BMWs and hard-up West Country student) was getting taking them apart, that was the end of a bit bored with his Norton Commando. British bikes for me because BMWs were He bought a crashed obviously so much BMW R100RT from a better built and put shop in Barnstaple to together, that there was do up, but it dawned no comparison. on him that it might be They were easy to work worth more in bits than on and designed with it was as a bike, so he set logic in mind; the nuts about dismantling it, and and bolts were all metric found there was indeed and not a mixture. They money to be made. were well bolted together James wasn’t particularly and didn’t go wrong. The looking to start a first bike I really started business; he just wanted to put miles on was an to make some money ex-police R75/6 and I while studying for his suddenly found that I had degree in biology. From a lot more time on my Monday to Friday he hands because I wasn’t studied books in Bristol, Tim Cox with founder, James Sherlock perpetually spannering!” but Saturdays and Sundays were spent It’s a surprise he ever got his degree, with bike bits in the garden shed at home because the part-time garden shed business in Devon. James Sherlock is still in Devon; boomed. James was methodical from the not important in Internet terms, but a very start, producing a two-page A4 price list nice place to visit if you fancy making use for the parts from that first bike. “My dad of the company’s newly-opened workshop was the church warden so I asked the vicar for a service, or fancy a look at the if I could use his photocopier. I had two interesting collection of BMWs for sale in sheets of A4 and I suppose that was the the even-newer showroom. first catalogue. My mum, bless her, would From the age of sixteen, James worked his take parcels in a wheel barrow to the post way through the usual biking catalogue, a office on a Monday morning when I’d gone Suzuki F1 50cc, BSA Bantam, sprung-hub back to college! Triumph, Honda 550/4 and others, but I had an ad in MCN - just a little classified his conversion to BMWs as a rider and a ad - and the phone rang a lot. I realised I businessman was profound and absolute. was on to something. I went and bought 48 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
Profile trips to Germany for parts, and around the UK to collect insurance write-offs - the mainstay of the used parts business. There’s a surprising amount of bureaucracy involved. Most insurance salvage is auctioned on the internet and to be a registered buyer you need all of the requisite licences. “EU directives say that any vehicle being salvaged is classified as hazardous waste and you have to store Tim Cox ‘operates’ on a donor bike and process the fluids in a certain way. We two more bikes and started selling more are licensed by the Environment Agency and more second hand parts. I bought my for that work, and we get on-the-spot first van and started selling consumables inspection”. like oil filters, The main brake pads, Haynes competition comes manuals and things from the internet. like that”. “E-bay is full of By 1989, just two second-hand parts years on from and the market is well dismantling that and truly saturated. first R100, James had We realised that to bought the premises compete, we had which the company to offer something still occupies in better; we have to South Molton, and If they weren’t good bikes, they’d be no good as parts go for the quality had been joined by end of the used Peter Doel, a friend from schooldays. The parts market, with parts checked over by premises have played an important part a mechanic. We are currently breaking in the company’s evolution; big enough an R1200GS with only 1700 miles on it. for sub-letting when not all the space was required, and now big enough for the re- entry into the motorcycle sales market, and the opening of a spacious, light and well-equipped workshop. “If I had my time again it would be nice to be in the middle of the country, because I spend a lot of time travelling. It would be more convenient to be near Dover but then for mail order you can be anywhere really.” When he isn’t at the office James is the ubiquitous ‘White van man’, with a Mercedes Sprinter. There are frequent Still life in engineering BMW Club Journal • February 2010 49
Profile What we’re not doing is breaking tired old everyday bikes; “Cheap to run and don’t motorcycles.” James’ record for highest- go wrong,” says James. quality used parts is a bike with just three The core business now is new parts, which miles on the odometer, written off by an make up 90% of sales. “Two main criteria unfortunate mechanic during pre-delivery when you need a spare part are price and checking. speed of delivery. Anyone who says price The workshop opened in March 2009 isn’t important is lying. Customers decide and is the domain of Tim Cox (43), who what we stock; if people want it, we will counts four years at Hughenden M40 and stock it. The things we sell most of are seventeen years at Slocombe’s on his CV. service parts, cables, the stuff that people His appointment was the key to James re- really need. We’re not into accessories or opening the service side of the business. books; why try and be Amazon? We try to “It took me a long time to find a technician, keep a focus on the business so everything but now we have Tim; the internet has made we sell is related to BMW; we sell lots and business very competitive and squeezed a lots of tyres but only for BMWs.” lot of profit out of it, but people can’t get their bikes serviced on the internet”.
Ready for the road There’s a buccaneering spirit in the Sherlock world which fits in with Devon’s Go on... choose! bold seafaring traditions. Some BMW Tim makes full use of the availability of riders will remember the company’s foray top quality used parts: “I know BMWs into importing new BMW motorcycles like the back of my hand. It is very useful from Europe in the 90’s, when exchange to be able to swap a suspected faulty part rates took franchised UK dealer prices with a good used part from stores to see to stratospheric levels. Those days are if that fixes it. Most dealers are not able to gone but the bikes in the showroom do that”. today are a mouth-watering selection of The business is still surprisingly personal BMWs covering the whole range of James and intimate. Ring for a part and you’ll Sherlock interest, from earliest /75 to latest speak to either James or Peter, and they’re R1200RT. The ideal find, says James is there to advise as well as sell. Peter is the always that one-owner low mileage bike. GS expert and owns an R80GS. It’s from He says with a smile that another new the first month of production and was the venture is on the cards, but at the time of first bike into the UK. Both ride K75Cs as writing was not ready to say more! 50 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 BMF News BMF News...!
As part of the British Motorcyclists research has shown that people are happy to Federation’s 50th year celebrations, the travel to attend BMF events and traders are BMF’s tail-end show is on the move! After keen to support the BMF, so relocating the ten years at Peterborough’s East of England tail-end show to Lincolnshire will not only Showground, the tail-end will move to the give visitors a change of scene, it also gives stunning Lincolnshire us an opportunity to Events Centre at BMF Events 2010; BMF Show 15-16 May innovate and put on the Lincolnshire Garden of England Show June 12-13 a new, reinvigorated Showground. Kelso July 10-11 show at an easily This is the first major Tail End September 18-19 accessible venue.” www.bmf.co.uk initiative from the Lincolnshire Events BMF’s new event organisers, the Mulberry Centre’s, CEO Mark Farmer said: “The Group and comes after a thorough review of BMF’s tail-end event coming to us is the whole of the bmf’s events’ portfolio. fantastic news. This prestigious event gives us a chance to demonstrate that this venue Signalling a complete overhaul for the show is second to none. There’s easy access with a new location, fresh layout and new from major routes but a wonderful rural attractions, the Lincolnshire Events Centre setting once you’re on the site. Lincoln (located on the main A15 just two miles and Lincolnshire are very welcoming to north of Lincoln) was readily identified as the motorcycling fraternity and we have being in the right place and with the right successfully hosted the European Lambretta facilities for this major initiative. Recently Jamboree in 2009, which showed how benefiting from a £7.8 million investment warm a welcome the area will give to those programme, the massive 205 acre site also attending the BMF event” offers over 3,000m² of indoor exhibition Utilising the venue’s award winning eco- space in addition to the external exhibition building, the EPIC centre (which showcases areas. the best in sustainable business practices), the BMF will also be highlighting The move will not only provide a fresh venue motorcycling’s green credentials with the for visitors and traders but gives the bmf the Mulberry Group working closely with the opportunity to introduce new attractions venue staff in evaluating the reduction, and offer additional benefits to its 80,000 monitoring and possible carbon off-setting members, including ‘members only’ access of the event. For full details of all events, points and reduced rates for camping and ticket options and on-line booking, visit day admissions. Commenting on the move, www.bmfshows.co.uk or book by ‘phone on Martin Chick from Mulberry said: “Our 08448 845151 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 51
German Jottings German Jottings More insight into the scribings found in Motorrad magazine, brought to you as always by John Bentall. Motorrad 01/2010 wished happy 30th measurements of 122PS at 7,500 rpm and birthday to the GS model range and 117Nm at 6,200. It is certainly good but celebrated with a ride on the new dohc nothing special considering the old 2009 model. The first thing one notices on starting model used as a reference machine pushed the new bike is a growl, as if somebody out 110PS at 7,700rpm and 117Nm at had forgotten 5,600rpm. More to tighten up 2010GS 2009GS important than the exhaust. Acceleration 0-62 mph (sec) 3.7 3.6 sheer numbers The new Acceleration 0-88 mph (sec) 6.1 5.9 is the way the bike has an Acceleration 0-125 mph (sec) 16.3 16.8 engine feels on electronically Acceleration in-gear 37-62 mph 3.8 4.0 the road – so time c o n t r o l l e d Acceleration in-gear 62-88 mph 4.0 4.1 to hop aboard. flap just before the end-can, Acceleration in-gear 88-112 mph 5.4 4.8 The instrument r e g u l a t i n g Top speed (claimed) mph 133 layout is different throughput Weight – fully tanked kg and the red-line a c c o r d i n g (with optional extras inc ESA, ABS pannier holders) 246 starts 500 rpm to engine further up the load, and scale. The roar this allows the boxer engine to produce a from the revised exhaust is pleasant and throaty sound in these times of restrictive exciting in the first of the many tunnels noise regulation. Unfortunately this flap around Lake Garda, but can also be cannot be retro-fitted to older models. rather irritating sometimes. Otherwise The new engine is claimed to produce everything else is typical GS. 110PS at 7,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at The new engine responds noticeably better 6,000 rpm, which is borne out by test-bed to the throttle, translating requests to P a u l
R o d r i g u e z
52 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
German Jottings 50mm from 47mm) and larger inlet and exhaust ports. The gear ratios have been changed again and the final drive ratio has been lowered from 2.82 to 2.91. Does all this amount to an advantage over the previous version? The answer is a clear ‘yes’ – even though the old motor churns out a little more power between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm – the new engine has advantages in driveability. When cruising or pottering about, and especially when travelling two- up, the new powerplant is more enjoyable to use. The improved power above 6,000 rpm (and the increased rev limit) give more reserve and thus more safety when overtaking. This overall impression is noticeable though not necessarily manifested in the raw performance figures (see left). It can be summed up by saying that those who have not experienced the new machine will not be disappointed by accelerate more evenly and spontaneously. the old one – and there is no reason for This is especially noticeable in the lower rev sadness if one has just bought the previous range - for example when accelerating out model. Luckily the increased power has had of hairpins. This is no surprise when one absolutely no effect on fuel consumption. examines the torque curves and discovers New customers will be pleased that the that the dohc motor puts out 16Nm base price has risen only by a mere €350 more torque between 2,000 and 3,000 to €13,000. The only losers in this model rpm than its high-cam predecessor. The upgrade will be the manufacturers of complex valve train certainly earns its keep aftermarket exhausts – no more noise is alongside the larger throttle bodies (up to needed at all!
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 53
How to... R1100 Swingarm Bearings
Mike Gibson (Northern Section) gives simple instructions for adjusting the wheel bearings on an R1100RS MOT time again, and the R1100RS passed, counter-holding of the pivot pin. Counter albeit with an advisory certificate being holding is necessary to maintain the preload issued. “There’s slight play in the rear wheel torque on the pivot pin and the taper roller bearing sir, but it has passed”. bearings of the rear drive box/Paralever As all you owners of oilheads and other joint. The Clymer manual is much better Paralever models out there know, there are in this respect, but it doesn’t point out that when undoing the left pivot pin, care must no bearings actually the rear wheel. Such in be taken not to strip the threads on either bearings as there are, are hidden away in the the pin itself (an alloy item, as it turns out) rear drive box, and are difficult to access and or the threads in the Paralever arm. You can adjust, so what could it be? use a 12mm hexagon socket, or a short piece After a visit to Roy Gardner Motorcycles of 12mm Allen key inside a 12mm socket, as in Lancashire, Roy told me that it was only I used, plus a 30mm or 1+3/16” AF, socket the rear drive box pivot pin on the Paralever for the locknut. which required adjustment (see photo 1), and he explained how it could be done , so I came away both educated and more confident that I could carry out the work myself. Thanks Roy, much appreciated!
Now, Haynes cover the subject reasonably well, but the preloading of the left pivot pin and the procedure for tightening its locknut is mentioned only briefly; there’s not a word of the BMW special tool used to allow 54 BMW Club Journal • February 2010
How to... However, both advise the use of a heat gun capable of 120oC to soften the thread locking fluid, which was used by BMW to retain the pivot pin. Haynes goes a bit further by saying that this only applies to the original locking fluid – subsequent applications of ‘Loctite’ (my word) may not need heat; indeed heat may be counter-productive in releasing the pivot pin. So, each manual has its plus and minus points, which we should already have surmised from past experience! manual under general information, torque adapters, pages 11 and 12 (another point to Clymer!). At this point I should mention two things - (i) I did remove the rear wheel for better access (obviously!), and (ii) it would have made using the special tool easier if I had removed the rear brake calliper and the ABS sensor. Still, we live and learn! Good luck, if you have to adjust your ‘rear wheel bearings’! I like to allow plenty of time for those little hiccups which can pop up so I allowed a full LOW MILEAGE day for the job. The adjustment went fairly smoothly, a large portion of the time being devoted to making the special tool needed to tighten the pivot pin’s locknut (see photo, above), or you could use BMW part no. 33 4 642 – available from Mike Delacoe, the Club’s post /5 tool hire secretary (details on Motorcycles p6 - Ed). Setting the preload to 7 Nm (or 5 ft.lb.) on the left pivot pin required a keen eye on my smaller torque wrench, which WALES only goes down to 6 ft.lb. WANTED Photo 3 shows the counter holding of the & pivot pin in action – the torque wrench ENGLAND being at 90o to the special tool (which is perhaps not too obvious in the picture), thus avoiding the need for a correction to Independent the torque setting for the pivot pin’s locknut (105 Nm, or 77 ft.lb. – it’s a high one) as SSpecialistpecialist mentioned in chapter one of the Clymer BMW Club Journal • February 2010 55
Job No: 02154 Date: 22.09.2009 Client: James Sherlock Media: BMW Club Journal Issue: October? Size: 47.0mm × 131.0mm File: JamesSherlockBMWCJ.pdf (Press Quality pdf) Design & A/w: Peter Bishop +44 (0)1769 574 263 Out and About 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?
57 Diary of Events - February and March 57 Find out what’s on in the next few days/weeks 61 Where we meet 61 A complete list of regular section events,with adresses, dates and contact details 62 The Social Scene 62 The National Social Secretary imparts his wisdom 64 Around the Compass 64 Events coming up which may need booking, including UK and European trips/weekends 66 Section & Register News 66 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 2010 BMF Discount Code = BMW10C849
This month we have a picture painted in 1989 by (then) 17 yo David Curtis, son of Western Section member Vian Curtis - good innit? 56 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Diary of Events DIARY OF EVENTS: February/March Feb = Mar = Weekends = Red Text Diary submission deadline for March Journal = Feb 5
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.
FEBRUARY 7 Midland A5 Rangers Clubhouse (Indoors with 1 Scottish Natter nite: Meldrums Hotel, Main St, hot snacks) Bottom of Islington Rd, Ceres. 19:30 Towcester, Northants. O/S ref: SP 69453 48384 12 noon to 3pm John/ 2 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs Cricketts Inn Burton Road, Acersford, Swadlincote. Janet Winn (01604) 631043 Derbys . DE12 8AP N. East Ride In Lunch Meeting at the Shoulder Midland The Three Kings, Saltersway, of Mutton, Longhorsely, nr. Morpeth. Threekingham, Lincs. NG34 0AU S. East Provisional Run.10.30am from lay-by (01529) 240249 Pub meet 7 .30pm on A20 at Jct with M26. Ring 0208 693 Ulster Club Meeting. Corr's Corner. 8:00pm. 0329 on the evening before to confirm run is on . Western Evening Meeting - New Inn, Claines, Worcs 20.00 hrs. Bob Dunn – 01384 S . West Pub Meet 12pm The Bowd Inn . 390344 Sidmouth,Devon. EX10 0ND John 3 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Three Tuns, Robinson 01395 597725 Wethersfield Rd (off the B1057 Dunmow Southern 2 .00 pm Winter Talk at Rake Village Road), Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex. Hall CM& 4NR. 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel: Western Bloodhound SSC 1000mph Record 07703 179062 . Project - John Piper Engineering N . East Durham Amateur Rowing Club 7 .30 Director takes us through this project. p .m . Club Night; Talk by Marty Bartiss; Meet 10 .30 hrs SS Great Britain Car history of the NEMRC . Park project visit will start at 11.00hrs S. East Club Night at 'The Bull', East Farleigh. prompt. Janet Wilson 01225 858876 8pm Yorkshire Village Hall Cracoe, Marigolds Southern Old Gits Loomies Café, West Meon Hut Hot Snacks plus Visit and Talk from A32/A272 . 14 Noon Yorkshire Air Ambulance from 12.30 Western Evening Meeting – The Lamb Inn, Iron 8 Scottish Monthly meet, Glasgow: Malletsheugh Acton. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer – Hotel, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, 01454 775786 Glasgow G77 6RT. 19:30 4 Oxford Natter night, George&Dragon, Erlestoke, Yorkshire Natter night Bear Inn, South Cave, Wilts 7 .00pm Market Place 8pm Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. 9 Oxford Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton 8:00pm Harcourt 7.30 pm 5-7 Northern Rhino National Camping & Hotel Southern The Phoenix Inn Twyford SO21 1RF, weekend at Beddgelert Rhys 8 .00 pm Jones 07765702276 robert.rhys@ Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. btopenworld.com 8:00pm 5 Northern 8 PM Evening natter meeting at 10 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Lamb & Flag The Briars Hall Hotel Vera Hunt Hotel, Main Street, Welney, Wisbech, 01257464429 Cambs, PE14 9RB 12:00PM Mark 6 Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby, Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. Northants . Pub Meet 7 .30pm . Steve Foreman 01536-722048 / Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The New Inn, The 07859909853 Wharf, Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Derbys. DE72 2HG 7 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Worlds End, Norwich Rd, Mulbarton, Norwich, N14 S. East Midweek Run, Cooper Tunbridge Wells. 8JT 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 Depart 10 .30am . 179062 . 11 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Dog, Henley London French Day ; Le Touguet-Paris- Plage Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, Endurance Race. Departure time and B80 7DR place will vary but would suggest an Midland The Reindeer Main Street,Edingley,N early Ferry for all . Please liaise with ottinghamshire,NG22 8DE Pub meet Peter Jones. 7 .30pm 01623 882253
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 57 Diary of Events 12 S. East 'The Green Man', Ringmer. 8pm. 23 Oxford Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley, 14 Northern 1 pm Bring and Buy at St Mary's Lowton nr Reading 8 .00pm Rhys Jones 07765702276 robert. Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. [email protected] 8:00pm E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Five Miles Inn, Yorkshire Natter night Conservative Club, Street Upware, Cambridgeshire. 12:00PM Lane, Gildersome 8pm Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. 24 E. Anglia Evening Pub Meet. The Compasses, Irish North West Meeting. Meet at: Coffee’s Littley Green, Essex. 7:30PM Mark Café, Carrick on Shannon. 12:00AM TJ Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. McHale. [email protected] 087 Mercia OAPs and Layabouts-wot-lunch 247 0111 12:30hrs Cricketts Inn Burton Road, Midland The Community centre, Great Lane, Acersford, Swadlincote. Derbys. DE12 Greetham, Rutland. From 12 mid day 8AP (Indoors with bar and hot snacks) Western Evening Meeting – 99 Neath Road . Graham Parker 01623-467852 Rhos, Pontardawe, Nr Swansea. 19.30 Oxford Colin and Dee Masters, long distance hrs. Brian Price – 01792 862152 travellers, Uffington village hall 25 Irish Leinster meeting . New members 2 .00pm welcome. Meet at: West County Hotel, Scottish Monthly meet: Katie's Tearoom, Perth Chapelizod. 8:00PM. Jim Sweeney. Road. Birnam. 12:00 [email protected] 087 230 0736 Western Easter Compton Meeting . 13 .30 hrs . 27-1 Irish Mini Thatch. At the newly re-furbished Talk by representative from SARA – "Old Deanery" holiday cottages, in Search & Rescue Association Killala, Co Mayo. Price €75.00 per Yorkshire Lunchtime meet Red Hart Hotel, Blyth. person to include dinner on Saturday 12noon 28th in the "Village Inn" . Payments 16 Northern 7 .30 pm Meet at The Creek Peel Isle by cheques/postal-orders/bank drafts of Man Andrew Brown 07624819088 payable to "BMW Club - Irish Section". Bookings to, Mr B.T. Lang, 34 Woodview Yorkshire Squires Cafe' Bar Sherburn in Elmet, Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15. Tel: 086 7pm 2555214. email: btlang@hotmail. 17 N. East Social Evening at The Waggon Inn, nr. com. Ponteland 27 Yorkshire Saturday lunchtime meet at The Bikers S. East Guest Speaker at 'The Bull', East Café, Fimber Road.Fridaythorpe. YO25 Farleigh . 8pm . 9RX 12 noon 18 Midland The King's Head, Kingsway, Tealby, 28 E. Anglia Sunday Café Meet. Rose's Café, Lincs. LN8 3YA (01673) 838347 Pub London Road, Widford, Chelmsford, meet 7 .30pm Essex CM2 8TG 10:00AM Mark Dutton, Southern True Lovers Knot DT11 9JG. 8:00pm Tel: 07703 179062. Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. Mercia Bring and Buy 10:00 for 10:30 Repton 8:00pm Village Hall. Askew Grove, Repton. 19 Northern 8 pm Meal at the Holden Arms Derbys . DE65 6GR Haslingdon BB4 4PD Alan Stretton S. East Lunchtime meeting at 'The Bull', East 01706656606 Farleigh, 12 noon. 21 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Shoulder of Scottish Monthly meet: Hopeville Social Club. Mutton, Fordham, Essex. 12:00PM Harlaw Road,Inverurie. 12:30 Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. Western Buffet & Skittles Match @ The Red Bull Oxford Sunday Lunch, Sudbury House Hotel, Inn, Bristol Rd, Malmesbury, Wiltshire Faringdon, Bob Mack 01235 767221 SN16 0RA – Buffet £5-50 per person S. East Cold Bum Run.10.30am from lay-by @13 00. hrs skittles afterwards numbers on A20 at Jct with M26. Ring 0208 693 required by Sun 21st. Granville & Jo – 0329 on the evening before to confirm 01666 841403 run is on . S . West Pub Meet 12pm The Weary Traveller . March Station Road, Cullompton Chris Crocker 01884 252759 1 Scottish Natter nite: Meldrums Hotel, Main St, Scottish New venue: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, Ceres. 19:30 Moffat 13:00 2 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs Cricketts Inn Southern Breakfast Run to Popham Airfield. Meet Burton Road, Acersford, Swadlincote. there, a further run may develop. Derbys . DE12 8AP Western Pub Meet for Lunch/Natter @ The Midland The Three Kings, Saltersway, George Inn, St Briavels, Lydney GL15 Threekingham, Lincs. NG34 0AU 6TA meet @ 12 noon - numbers (01529) 240249 Pub meet 7 .30pm required. Janet Wilson – 01225 Ulster Club Meeting. Corr's Corner. 8:00pm. 858876 Western Evening Meeting - New Inn, Claines, Yorkshire Lunchtime meet How Stean Gorge Worcs 20.00 hrs. Bob Dunn – 01384 Cafe, Lofthouse 12noon 390344 22 Northern Evening Meeting at the Harraby Inn 3 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Three Tuns, Carlisle John Bell 01228535173 Wethersfield Rd (off the B1057 Dunmow
58 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Diary of Events Road), Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex. Southern The Phoenix Inn Twyford SO21 1RF. CM& 4NR. 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel: 8 .00 pm 07703 179062 . Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. N . East Durham Amateur Rowing Club 7 .30 8:00pm p.m. Club Night; Neil Hamilton talks 10 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Lamb & Flag about 'Advanced Riding the Hard Hotel, Main Street, Welney, Wisbech, Way'. Cambs, PE14 9RB 12:00PM Mark S. East 'The Brain Drain'' at 'The Bull', East Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. Farleigh . 8pm . Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The New Inn, The Southern Old Gits Loomies Cafe A32/A272 GU32 Wharf, Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Derbys. 1JX. 12 Noon DE72 2HG Western Evening Meeting – The Lamb Inn, Iron S. East Midweek Run, Cooper Tunbridge Wells, Acton. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer – Depart 10 .30am 01454 775786 11 Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Dog, Henley 4 Oxford Natter night, George&Dragon, Erlestoke, Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, Wilts 7 .00pm B80 7DR Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. 11 Midland The Reindeer Main Street,Edingley,N 8:00pm ottinghamshire,NG22 8DE Pub meet 7 .30pm 01623 882253 5 Northern 8 PM Evening Meeting at the Briars Hall Vera Hunt 01257464429 12-14 Scottish Glen Luce Camping w'end. Camping £7 .00 pppn . Vans for hire . For details 7 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Worlds End, contact Mick Reed: 01461 201760 Norwich Rd, Mulbarton, Norwich, N14 8JT 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 12 S. East 'The Green Man', Ringmer. 8pm. 179062 . 13 Northern Section Meeting at St Mary's Lowton Midland A5 Rangers Clubhouse (Indoors with lecture on motorcycle lighting by Les hot snacks) Bottom of Islington Rd, Wassal . Stewart Lowthian stewart . Towcester, Northants. O/S ref: SP lowthian@talktalk .net 69453 48384 12 noon to 3pm John/ 14 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Five Miles Inn, Janet Winn (01604) 631043 Upware, Cambridgeshire. 12:00PM S. East Roger's Run. Depart 10.30am from Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. lay-by on A20 at Jct with M26. (Roger Irish North West Meeting. Meet at: Coffee’s Bickerstaffe 01322 554127). Café, Carrick on Shannon. 12:00AM TJ S. West Pub Meet:12pm Jamaica Inn, Bolventor. McHale. [email protected] 087 Nobby Donno: 01726 812471 247 0111 Southern Winter Talk by Sam Manicom at Rake Midland The Community centre, Great Lane, Village Hall. 2.00 pm Greetham, Rutland. Bring and buy sale From 12 mid day Committee catering Western Aviator Restaurant @ Gloucester Indoors with bar and hot rolls, coffee Airport, Staverton ,Cheltenham GL51 tea etc 6SP – Meet 11.30 hrs in café for coffee/ lunch/natter. Janet Wilson – 01225 N. East Ride In Lunch Meeting at The Wellington 858876 Inn, Riding Mill. Yorkshire Village Hall Cracoe. 12 noon Also Bring Oxford Indoor meeting, Uffington village hall, and Buy . Soup and snacks from 12 to 2 pm Scottish Monthly meet: Katie's Tearoom, Perth 8 Scottish Monthly meet, Glasgow: Malletsheugh Road. Birnam. 12:00 Hotel, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 6RT. 19:30 Southern Pioneer Run from Epsom to Brighton - make your own way there Yorkshire Natter Night Bear Inn South Cave 8pm Western Easter Compton Meeting . 13 .30 hrs . Talk/slides on Desert Rally Racing by 9 Oxford Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton Reg Moule Harcourt 7.30 pm
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BMW Club Journal • February 2010 59 Diary of Events 14 Yorkshire Bowling at Hollywood Bowl, Sheffield. 12 27 Yorkshire Lunchtime Saturday meet The Bikers noon. Contact Barry -0114 2475600 Cafe, Fridaythorpe all day. Yorkshire Lunchtime meet Red Hart Hotel, Blyth. 28 E. Anglia Sunday Café Meet followed by a ride- 12noon out leaving at 12:30. Destination TBA! 16 Northern 7 .30 PM Meet at The Creek Peel Isle Meet at: The Cabin Dairy, 17 High of Man Andrew Brown 01624819088 Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby, CM0 8AG 10:00AM Mark Dutton, Tel: Northants . Pub Meet 7 .30pm . 07703 179062 . Steve Foreman 01536-722048 / Mercia Tyre kicking 10:30 Repton Village Hall. 07859909853 Askew Grove, Repton. Derbys. DE65 Yorkshire Squires Cafe' Bar Sherburn in Elmet, 6GR 7pm S. East Lunchtime meeting at 'The Bull', East 17 N. East Social Evening at The Waggon Inn, nr. Farleigh, 12 noon. Ponteland . S. East Club Night at 'The Bull', East Farleigh. S. West Pub Meet Meet at: Exeter Inn, Bampton, 8pm Devon EX16 9DY 12:00PM Chris Crocker: 01884 252759 18 Midland The King's Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Lincs. LN8 3YA (01673) 838347 Pub Scottish Monthly meet: Hopeville Social Club. meet 7 .30pm Harlaw Road,Inverurie. 12:30 Southern True Lovers Knot DT11 9JG. 8:00pm Southern Ides of March Run by Nick Tucker. Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB. 01420 83161 . Time TBC 8:00pm Western Hop Pocket Craft Centre, north of the 19 Northern 8 PM Meal at the Holden Arms junction of the A4103 (Hereford/Worcs Haslingdon BB4 4PD Alan Stretton Rd) & B4214 (Ledbury/Bromyard Rd), 01706656606 meet 11.30 hrs for coffee/lunch/browse. 21 E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Shoulder of Jerry Riches – 01454 632811 Mutton, Fordham, Essex. 12:00PM 29 Northern 7.30 PM Evening meeting at the Harraby Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. Inn Carlisle John Bell 01228535173 London Visit to Foxton Locks leaving Hemel 30 Yorkshire Natter night Conservative Club, Street Hempstead at 0930hrs. Lane, Gildersome 8pm Midland Breakfast (9.30am)Jack Hills Café,Just 31 E. Anglia Evening Pub Meet. The Compasses, North of Towcester on the A5 Steve Foreman Littley Green, Essex. 7:30PM Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062. 01536-722048 /07859-909853. midlandsocialsec@ntlworld. Ride out afterwards, weather permitting S. East The 'March Hare Run'. Depart 10.30am from Cooper Tunbridge Wells . (Brian Shears 01474 566142) S. West Ride Out Meet at: Halfords Car Park, Kennedy Way, Tiverton. EX16 6FP 11:00AM Duncan Oxley 01884 243672 Scottish New venue: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, Moffat 13:00 Southern Blacksmith's Workshop. Booking Essential . Dave Wright 01428 684902 Western Brian’s Mystery Ride . Meet 10 00. hrs Tintern Abbey Car Park, stopping for pub lunch. Brian Harrison – 01594 530264 Yorkshire Lunchtime How Stean George Cafe 12 noon 23 Oxford Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley, nr Reading 8 .00pm . Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ. 8:00pm 24 Mercia OAPs and Layabouts-wot-lunch 12:30hrs Cricketts Inn Burton Road, Acersford, Swadlincote. Derbys. DE12 8AP Western Evening Meeting – 99 Neath Road . Rhos, Pontardawe, Nr Swansea. 19.30 hrs. Brian Price – 01792 862152 25 Irish Leinster meeting . New members welcome. Meet at: West County Hotel, Chapelizod. 8:00PM. Jim Sweeney. [email protected] 087 230 0736
60 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Where We Meet Where We Meet
Please send Where We Meet changes to [email protected] Don’t forget UK postcodes or GPS references where applicable. EAST ANGLIA: The Worlds End, Norwich Road, Tuesday Village Hall, Uffington, Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Mulbarton, Norfolk NR14 8JT, 12:00, 1st Sunday; The Five Sundays . Miles, Upware, near Soham, Cambs,12.00, 2nd Sunday; SCOTTISH: Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife, 19.30, 1st The Shoulder of Mutton, Fordham, Essex, A1124 12:00, Monday. Eagle Lodge, 2 Hilton Road, Bishopbriggs, 3rd Sunday; The Compasses, Littley Green, Essex,19:00, Glasgow G64 2PN, 19.30, 2nd Monday. Katie’s Tearoom, last Wednesday.The Three Tuns, Finchingfield, Essex, Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0AA, 12:00, 2nd Sunday. 12.00, first Wednesday. The Lamb and Flag, Welney, Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie, 12.30, 4th Cambs . 12 .00 on the 2nd Wednesday . Sunday; Glen Café Bistro, St Marys Loch, Selkirkshire IRISH: Dublin Meeting – 4th Thursday 8.00 pm, TD7 5LH, 12.30, 3rd Sunday. West County Hotel, Chapelizod; Jim Sweeney info@ SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants SO21 lucanstudios.ie 0872300736 . Limerick – 1st Monday, 1RF, on the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20.00 second venue details from Pat Mulcahy 087-2377312. North Tuesday. The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr Ripley West Meeting – 2nd Sunday, Coffey’s Café, Carrick-on- GU236JQ, 20.00, alt Tuesdays. The Two Counties Inn, Shannon, 11.30am; TJ McHale, 087-2470111 mctjrt11@ Rake GU35 7JB, on the B2070 between Liphook and hotmail.com . Petersfield, alt Thursdays. The True Lovers Knot at LONDON: Section meets are as rideouts and are Tarrant Keyneston, Dorset DT119JG, 3 miles east of irregular, please see their website and the Journal Blandford on the B3082 Wimbourne Road, 20.00 3rd Diary for meets. Peter Jones 07710887958, Nick Fry Thursday . “Old Gits” Loomies Diner on A32 at West 01438749913 for advice. Meon Hut cross roads A272 & A32, Hampshire first MERCIA: Repton Village Hall, Askew Grove, Repton, Wednesday, 12 noon. Derbys DE65 6GR, see diary for dates and times. The SOUTH EAST: Riano’s on A26 Maidstone Kent, 20.00, New Inn, 61 The Wharfe, Wilne Rd, Shardlow, Derbys 1st/3rd Wednesdays. The Green Man, Lewes Road DE72 2HG, 01332 793330, 2nd Wednesday, 1900hrs. (B2192), Ringmer, East Sussex, 20:00 2nd Friday. ‘The The Dog,Henley Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, Bull,’ East Farleigh, nr Maidstone on the last Sunday. B80 7DR 2nd Thursday, 1930hrs. Cricketts Inn Burton st SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: PL15 7TS. At Bolventor, Rd. Acersford, Swadlincote.DE12 8AP on 1 Tuesday at off A30 east of Bodmin (signed from A30) . The Weary 19 .30 and last Wednesday at 12 .30 . Traveller, EX15 1BQ, at Cullompton, 100 yards from MIDLAND: All year round gatherings The Three Kings, Junction 28 off the M5 on the A3181.The Weary Traveller, Saltersway, Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, 01529 Station Rd., Cullompton EX15 1BQ Tel 01884 32317 All 240249, 1st Tuesday 7.30pm; The Old Reindeer, Main St., meets 1200 as per calendar of events. Edingley Notts, NG22 8DE, 2nd Thursday 7.30pm; The ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim, 8.00pm Griffins Head, 28 Wilby Rd, Mears Ashby, Northants, NN6 on first Tuesday every month. Wednesday evening runs, 0DX 3rd Tuesday 7.30pm; The King’s Head, Kingsway, Corr’s Corner, 7.00pm from beginning of April to end Tealby, Lincs LN8 3YA, 01673 838347 3rd Thursday of August . Sunday morning runs from Sandy Knowles 7.30pm. Winter gatherings The Community Centre, Roundabout 10.30am most Sundays between July and Great Lane, Greetham, Rutland and The Rangers Cycle October. Clubhouse, off Islington Road, Towcester, Northants occasional Sundays, October to March. Alternating WESTERN: Easter Compton Village Hall on the B4055 Breakfast meets see Diary or Forum for details . (south of Junction 1 M48) 13.30hrs, 2nd Sunday. New Inn, Claines, Worcester, 2000hrs, 1st Tuesday. The Lamb NORTH EAST: The Durham Amateur Rowing Club, Inn, Iron Acton, 19.30hrs, 1st Wednesday. 99 Neath Green Lane, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3JU at 19.30hrs Road, Rhos, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3EH, 19.30hrs, 1st Wednesday of the month. The Wagon Inn, 3 miles 4th Wednesday . NW of Ponteland on A696, NE20 0DH, 19.30hrs 3rd Wednesday. Unless otherwise noted all runs start from YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265 north Durham Services, Bowburn J61 A1(M). of Skipton through Rylstone, 12 noon 1st Sunday, BD23 6LQ, The Bear Inn, South Cave, on the A1034 NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near from the A63, Brough, 8pm, 2nd Monday, HU15 2AS . The Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Friday; Chipping Village Hall Red Hart Hotel, Blyth, on the B6045 from Blyth services Chipping, Nr. Preston, 13:00, 2nd Sunday;The Holden on the A1, 12 noon, 2nd Sunday. Squires Cafe Bar, Arms, Grane Rd. Haslington Rossendale BB4 4PD 19.00 rd Sherburn in Elmet, on the B1222 from the A1 or the A162, 3 Friday Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2 miles west of M6 7pm on the 3rd Tuesday, LS25 5LQ. How Stean Gorge J42, 19.30, last Monday. The Creek, Peel, Isle Of Man rd Cafe, 12 noon, North of Pately Bridge near Lofthouse, 1930 3 Tuesday 3rd Sunday, HG3 5SF. The Conservative Club, Town OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm, Street, Gildersome on the B6126 between Morley and 1st Thursday; Waggon and Horses at Southmoor off New Farnley, 8pm on the last Tuesday.The Bikers Café the A420, 19:30, 2nd Tuesday Dog & Partridge, Riseley Fimbar Road Fridaythorpe Driffield YO25 9RX 12 noon (off end of Swallowfield by-pass (A33)) 19:30. 4th last Saturday in the month BMW Club Journal • February 2010 61 Social Scene The Social Scene What’ s happening out and About, brought to you by the National Social Secretary
With this month’s fully booked, although Journal you should camping is still available receive the National (see pages 43-44). Calendar of Main For all day visitors, or events supplement, those of you who may listing all our main prefer to seek your weekend events for the own accommodation forthcoming year. for this event at a This has been compiled hotel or B&B nearby, from information Broadway House have kindly supplied to me by kindly agreed to offer the various organising free daily entrance to sections. It has been club members upon kept brief and to the point for clarity, and production of their membership card. This the information therein should be useful will allow you to take advantage of all of the in planning your social year ahead. More park’s facilities, including the restaurant and detailed information will of course be bar. You will also be able to join in with our appearing in the Journal nearer the actual evening entertainment. dates. Please do remember to enclose a stamped Almost all sections are very keenly organising SAE for us to return your booking hotel, camping and B&B weekend events to information complete with a site map of the suit all tastes, so no matter which Section’s park. Retain this form to show at reception events appeal to you please go along and join when you arrive. in, we are of course all one Club. I’d like to urge those who wish to camp to You may find the activities of a neighbouring book now and take advantage of the club section more appealing than your own and discount, as control of all non-booked then consider, as several members already pitches will very soon have to be handed have this year, re-affiliating to another back to Broadway House for their own use. Section. A portion of your membership The Rhino is now only days away, and no subscription is returned to your Section doubt those who like to brave the cold to help finance them, so please do support weather are looking forward to this event your Section, whichever one it might be! I’m which traditionally marks the start of the sure that they’ll be pleased with the extra rally season. Don’t miss it! funding. Also in April (in Wales), will be the National All of the fixed accommodation for the AGM hosted by the Northern Section, and Spring National Rally at Broadway House more information on this event can be found over the weekend of May 28-31 is now on pages 41 and 42. 62 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Social Scene Steve Foreman’s Easter Bunny event on Editor, advertising your event couldn’t be Dartmoor is coming up too (April’s going to simpler. It’s just a phone call or email away! be busy by the looks of it), and last year the Please, for 2010 let’s see some good Journal weather was very warm and sunny, so fingers promotions to encourage our members new crossed! and old to go out on their bikes and enjoy At the Social Secretaries National meeting themselves. it was proposed that those club members I hope that our membership figures are who organise at least two (minimum 2-day) soon reflecting the keen work of our many events in a year be rewarded with a year’s enthusiastic members. I would like to thank free Club membership. I intend, while in them all. my post, to use my discretional budget to reward enthusiasm in exactly this way. I hope that those concerned will accept this as a measure of their Club’s gratitude. It is pleasing to note that sections are now finding advertising their events in The Journal far easier with the keen help of Piers Kurrein (Section Display Ads). He is really very helpful and able to produce splendid adverts from just your basic information. In conjunction with our
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 63 Around the Compass Around The Compass
February 27 – March 1 Irish Section ‘Mini D.B&B. Two or three nights. Contact Dennis Thatch’. The Old Deanery (refurbished) for details; 0191 3719610 Holiday Cottages, Killala, Co. Mayo; €75 May 14 – 16 Yorks Section Camping p.p. incl. dinner on 28 February at ‘The Weekend. Ferryboat Farm Fisheries, Village Inn’. Cheques etc. payable to ‘BMW Ferryboat Lane, Old Danaby. Doncaster. Club – Irish Section’. Contact B.T. Lang DN12 4LB. Join Joyce and Mick Scott for for details/bookings; 34 Woodview Park, the first event held here. Plenty of pubs and Castleknock, Dublin 15; 086 2555214; eating places nearby. Camping £6 p.tent. email [email protected] Site contact No: 01709 585092 June 11 – 13 S/W Section Camping June 11 – 13 S/W Section Camping Weekend. Mid Summer Camp at Tiverton Weekend. Mid Summer Camp at Tiverton Rugby Club, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon Rugby Club, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SG. Contact Chris Crocker 01884 EX16 6SG. Contact Chris Crocker 01884 252759 . 252759 . April 2 – 5 Midland Section Camping June 11 – 14 Midland Section French and B & B Weekend. Plume of Feathers, Chateau Weekend. Brix, Normandy. £35 Princetown, Dartmoor over the Easter pppn, half-board. Contact Steve Foreman Bank Holiday weekend. Camping, B+B and 01536 722048 or 0785 9909853 or email bunkhouse accommodation, pub on site. [email protected] Three cafes within two minutes. Featuring June 19 – 20 N/E Section Hotel Weekend. a pub Quiz, ride outs and comedian Reiver’s Boreen weekend event in Shep Woolley. Contact Steve Foreman Northumbria; starting in Wentworth car park, 01536 722048 or 0785 9909853 or email Hexham at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday; £150 for [email protected] all food and 2 night’s hotel accommodation. April 9 – 11 Midland Section B & B Nothing too rough! Contact Pete Cullen; Weekend. Graham Parker’s B & B weekend 01434 674295 at Ruskins, Monsal Head, Derbyshire, DE45 June 25 – 27 S/W Section Camping 1NL. Nine luxurious en-suite bedrooms. Weekend. Axmouth Camp at Axmouth Overlooking the Monsal viaduct, this is Camping Park, Nr Seaton, Devon EX12 the ideal base to explore the Peak District. 4BG. Contact Dave Little 01404 861285. Ride-outs and convivial company. Contact June 25 – 27 Yorks Section Camping/ Graham 01623 467852 Caravan Weekend. Serenity C&C Club April 30 – May 3 Joint Western and S/W adult only site, Hinderwell High Street, Section Camping Weekend. Church Farm between Staithes and Runswick Bay, North Camping and Caravan Park, Sixpenny Yorkshire TS13 5JH. On the Cleveland way, Handley, Nr Salisbury, Wilts. SP5 5ND in the centre of the village with pubs & shops Contact John Beer 07799666522 or Sally 5 mins. walk. Hotels and b&bs in the village. Robinson 01395 597725 . Contact Elaine/Stuart 01274 832309. April 30 – May 3 N/E Section Hotel July 2 – 4 Midland Section Oxford Chill- Weekend. Dennis Maggs’s Scottish Hotel Out Weekend. Camping (£25 .00 for the Weekend, St Fillans, Loch Earn; £51 p.p. w/e including meals Fri & Sat eve., and b/
Please send Around The Compass changes to [email protected]
64 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Around the Compass fast Sat & Sun. morn.), B & B (£35.00 pppn) at Waren, nr. Bamburgh, Northumberland. and s/c Studio flats (sleep two, £65 pn) on No booking needed . Google ‘Waren a delightful site in deepest Oxfordshire. Bar Camping’ and see what a fantastic place it on site. Pre-booking only. Limited Numbers. is. Probably (!) discounts available. Contact Contact Steve Foreman 01536 722048 or Graham Walker 07931710991 0785 9909853 or email midlandsocialsec@ September 3 – 5 Yorks Section ntlworld.com Marigolds Rally & Camping Weekend July 2 – 4 Yorks Section Camping Threaplandis Farm Cracoe, B6265 Skipton Weekend. Naburn Lock C&C Park, Fulford, to Grassingtion Road, BD23 6LD. Contact York. Quiet riverside site with a paddle boat 01756 730248. B&B at Devonshire Arms to take you into the City of York . Pub about Pub 01723 730237. Rally party Cracoe 1 mile walk serving food. Contact Elaine/ Village Hall on Saturday night with food, Stuart 01274 832309 . silly games and live band . July 16 – 18 Yorks Section Camping September 10 – 12 Yorks/Midland Weekend. Brookside C&C Park, Burton- Sections Camping Weekend Jubileee upon-Stather. BMW club members-owned Park campsite, Stixwold Road, Woodhall site. En-suite toilets adjacent to your tent, Spa, Lincs LN10 6QH. Contact 01526 piped music and fitted carpets. Contact 352448 Short walk to town centre, £8.p.night Dennis 01924 824088 . BBQ and marquee. Contact Steve 01536 August 6 – 8 S/W Section Camping 722048/Sue 01733 205927 Weekend. Slimbridge Camp at Tudor September 17 – 19 S/W Section Camping Caravan Park, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BP. Weekend. Rabbit Rally at Waterside Contact Keith Hackett 01743 356756. Holiday Park, Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth, September 3 – 5 N/E Section Camping Dorset DT3 6PP. Contact Mike Groves Weekend 14th Annual Camping weekend 01305 815361 .
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 65 Section News Section and Register News Please send all Section News entries and contact detail changes to [email protected] - not to the Editor, please. S/N sumbission deadline for Mar Journal is 23.59 on Feb 7 increasing, and many thanks to Mark Dutton for East Anglia Section spreading this initiative around the Club . It’s February already, and for those who tuck their Our Christmas lunch was at the Worlds End, bikes away for the winter it will soon be time to take Mulbarton on December 6. It was attended by around off the cover, make sure everything is as it should be fifty people who all enjoyed their buffet lunch. We and get riding again . As you will have seen from last had an excellent raffle with donations made to local month’s calendar of events for our section, 2010 is air ambulances. Cliff Batley was presented with an crammed with activities from our usual pub and café appropriately alcohol-based gift to thank him for his meets through to camping weekends and European sterling efforts as Secretary over the last five years. trips. Hopefully you’ll come along and support some Roy and Pat Laithwaite were worthy winners of the of these events, and if you are currently one of our “Hardman” and “Spanner In The Works” trophies less socially active members it would be especially respectively following their invaluable assistance to pleasing to meet you in 2010 . You’ll be made to the National at Framlingham . Ken Mullet and Anne feel welcome, and you’ll soon have a great network O’Reilly won this year’s East Anglia trophy . of friends with which to ride, to laugh, eat and (occasionally!) drink. Gerry Douglas-Sherwood has launched ‘Old Railway Treks’ for the 2010 East Anglia Trophy . There are Mark Weavers sent me his report of our attendance photographic clues to guide you to each of twenty at the Hippo Rally way back in November. He does locations, and when you arrive you’ll need to take ramble on rather , so I’ve had to edit it for fear of a photograph to show that you’ve been, preferably displacing the Irish Section News: with your bike in shot. Each location relates to a ‘The Hippo Rally on Bodmin Moor in November historic railway in our area, and I highly recommend proved to be a very successful weekend for the having a go as you will have some great days out, dozen or so EA Section members who made the travelling to places you would otherwise miss. Well long trip down there. Dean ‘Captain’ Kirk received done to Gerry for all the research. a £25 voucher for furthest travelled at over 400 Several of us East Anglians will be heading to the miles, but not including a very soggy twenty mile Rhino Rally at Beddgelert over the weekend of detour when he decided to head north up the M5 February 5-7. I’m not brave enough to camp, so at Exeter, not really that funny as I rode there with will be staying at the Saracens Head. It’ll be a good him. Our very own Treasurer, Jon Price took the £25 opportunity to meet up with old friends, as well as voucher for youngest person and is now seriously making new ones, have a good chat over a coffee or considering this as a career change, while Paul beer and plan my motorcycling year. I hope to see Round & Captain Kirk did well in the raffle. This is you there too. Take care, and ride safe. a fantastic part of the country and Saturday saw people heading out on various rideouts, while a Matt Butcher Assistant Social Secretary handful of us took our lives in our hands and walked Mark Dutton 01206 212244 – 07703 179062 up a very busy A30 to the Jamaica Inn for a beer or [email protected] two. Overall, a great weekend and many thanks to the South West Section”. – Mark Weavers Irish Section Sarah and I joined a number of the Committee at Hope you all had a great Christmas and a very Lind Motorrad in Norwich on December 5 to raise happy New Year to you all for 2010. First of all, I the profile of the Club and to recruit some new would like to apologise for the lack of Irish Section members at the S1000RR launch. Mark Weavers news in the January journal. Hopefully we are now had been there the previous evening and the back on track and we will have some news for you place was packed. We had a great response, for the rest of this year . with many Journals and application forms being We have a packed Diary of Events which you should given to potential members. Hopefully we’ll see all have received by now, and our first big event will our membership continue to buck the trend by be The Mini Thatch which will be held in the newly 66 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Section News re-furbished “Old Deanery” holiday cottages, in Following a day of rest, seven of us ‘party-goers’ Killala, Co Mayo on 27th February to 1st March. were joined by Rob Relton for the last ride of the Dinner will be on Saturday Feb 28 in the Village year – ‘The December mystery rideout’. Inn, and the cost for the weekend will be €75.00 per A short (100 mile-ish) rideout through the person . Enquiries to Dave Browne or myself . Buckinghamshire Countryside lead us to The Five As you know, Brendan Lang has agreed to be Elms Public House at Weedon, near Aylesbury, the Booking Secretary for the coming year and all where we enjoyed a second Christmas Lunch. bookings and payments etc. should be sent directly Being a popular dining venue, advanced booking to him. Please send in your cheques/postal-orders/ was necessary and having booked for six people bank drafts payable to ‘BMW Club – Irish Section’ (an educated guesstimate) we had a slight problem to Mr B.T. Lang, 34 Woodview Park, Castleknock, with eight riders turning up at the starting point . Dublin 15. Tel: 086 2555214 [email protected]. However, The Elms squeezed us in with all eight sat I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mary at a table for six, making for a very cosy affair. Connolly for all her hard work doing the bookings up In future I’ll seek prior confirmation of interest, to now for the Club, it was much appreciated. for similarly popular venues, so as to avoid We hear from Anne McDonald that the annual disappointment as a consequence of extra numbers, Christmas lunch in Old Conna Golf Club was well as was nearly the case in this instance. attended again, with thirty three members having The London Section ‘Pink’ 2010 Diary of Events Sunday lunch. Unfortunately the Connolly family should have accompanied the January Journal – couldn’t make it this year, as Mary wasn’t very well should anyone not have received their copy please and I am very glad to hear that she is now back to let me know. Why pink I hear you ask! Well there full health again . was a certain logic to this; I receive numerous Jim Sweeney had to cancel the lunch and annual e-mails and phone calls enquiring about rideouts, January hill walk in the Wicklow mountains, as the meeting places, times and dates; such that I believe leader who normally takes them out and organises people either lose or misplace their Diary of Events. the walk was away in New Zealand. The theory is that the chosen colour will be more Eight members are travelling to the ‘Elefantenttreffen readily visible amongst other items of stationery! A - the famous elephant rally held on from 29-31 further reason is that I like pink and purple! (they January on a mountain in Thormansbang-Solla match my Harley) Bavaria. There’ll be three BMW sidecar outfits of Should you still misplace your pink Diary, the various types, and eight Irishmen calling themselves Calendar can also be viewed on the Section ‘The Fathers Sons, Brothers and Others’. It’s going website, although not in such pretty colours (it does to be cold so let’s hope the electric gear works and have pictures though). The website is also updated the chilblains aren’t too bad. Hopefully they’ll tell regularly to confirm any changes and to correct any us all about it in a future issue, and we wish them omissions or errors within items published in The all the very best of Irish luck for a safe, successful Journal. adventure . Please take note of one change in the ‘Meeting Hopefully we’ll have a good Spring and it will be Places’, in that Denham has now been replaced great to see members taking part in the various with The Beaconsfield Services, M40 J2. events which the committee has organised this Many of you may have noticed that the January year . Journal Diary of Events (as opposed to our Section Notes by T J McHale Dairy of Events) does not list any activity for the 087 2470111 [email protected] month of February . Soc Sec Dave Browne [email protected] This is not correct. Our rideout for February will be to Le Touquet, France, to attend the famous beach London Section race on Sunday 7. Although the round-trip mileage At last, a Section Christmas Dinner was had without should not exceed two hundred and fifty miles, some any grumbles (except for ‘bullet’ Brussels (Nick) and of us; Sue and I, Blockbuster and AA have elected “What happened to the ‘spare’ fillet of beef medallion to extend the trip to three and two days respectively. ?” (Grahame) – I (PJ) ate it !) Anyone intending to join this run should make their I even received several e mails complimenting own crossing arrangements but make contact with the establishment upon the arrangements, quality me to arrange meeting places on arrival in the town. of food and service; and also commenting on the The town will be über full so we will need to keep in pleasant company which consisted of twenty six in touch once there. number, comprised of members, spouses and our One final note concerns Health & Safety. Those of guests of honour – our National Sporting Secretary you who attended the Section Christmas Dinner will and his good lady wife Anne . be aware of discussions held at the recent meeting BMW Club Journal • February 2010 67 Section News of Social Secretaries, where this (sometimes laughable but never the less serious) subject was discussed at length. It was made clear to us that to “protect” event organisers, and the club against possible litigation, certain procedures need to be implemented, followed and recorded (for audit purposes in the event of a claim against individuals or the club). There will follow therefore, risk assessments and method statements relating to forthcoming club Activities with this in More tea, Vicar? mind. For example : On our December mystery a fitting reward for turning up, and was enjoyed by all run, I (as the leader) used the drop-off system. I (although I feel that in the tradition of always having also frequently pointed skywards to indicate the one adverse comment I must say that it wasn’t presence of a Red Kite, Buzzard or Kestrel for the Lurpak for the toast). There were even seconds, and benefit of the ‘townies’ in the Group. doggy bags. The raffle was quite large, swelled by This did not mean, or be construed as, an instruction a number of members who brought in extra prizes. to stop there! Sounds daft but think about it and do Thank you all for such a good morning. not worry – it will only be a bit more paperwork . Go carefully Peter Jones. Peter Jones 07710 887958 peter .jones@bovingdon .net Mercia Section January 3 saw the end of the holiday season for most of us, after what was a fairly long Christmas break. It also heralded the first event of the new decade, our New Year breakfast, which was held at Repton Village hall .
Hmm... can I eat this too? During the course of the morning a couple of events were arranged but we could do with some more. You can either arrange the whole run, or give a place and time to meet, with people arranging their own route to the venue, or a combination of the two. There is no sense in travelling fifty miles north to a rendezvous only to travel sixty miles back in the general direction from which you have come. If you want any help sorting anything out just let me know . February’s event is the annual ‘Topbox and panniers’ sale, to be held at Repton on the 28th. The urn will be Breakfast The weather was a bit off-putting; it was freezing, on from 10:00 when we’ll be open for you to lay out your tables ready for selling to start at 10:30 Tables with the remnants of snow, frost and ice from a and floor space will be very reasonably priced. The few days of bad weather. Even so, a number of proceeds of the table and floor charges will go to staunch supporters turned up, with even one on a the county Air Ambulance, the Section’s charity bike (brave chap). The furthest travelled came were for this year. You can bring anything even loosely the Tucks, from Kings Lynn, and all together we had motorcycling related; clothing, GPSs, camping kit, about 40 - 50 diners. The full English breakfast was trailers, bike safes, and such mundane things as 68 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Section News spares and accessories. If you have any items for We have a lot going on this year, and all that the charity stall they will be gratefully accepted. is required to make the coming eleven months In March, Vi and Derek have organised a bowling exceptional is YOUR participation. There is nothing session at Strykers Bowl at Tamworth . The event worse than doing all the groundwork, only to be let is scheduled for the 14th. Times, costs etc will down by lack of attendees, so have a look at what’s be on the web page and in next month’s Journal. on offer and let’s see you out and about! The routine will be the same as last year, have a Firstly, thanks to John and Janet, Kath and Norman, laugh knocking some pins over and then round the and all who made the Towcester Christmas Special morning off with lunch if you feel like it. I went for such a success. Catering for 40+ people made to the first time last year - it wasn’t too serious and a look easy. Long may it continue! was lot of fun. (Hint – don’t bowl overarm – the ball Twenty five of us, including seven or eight on bikes, is heavy .) made it to Towcester on Jan 3, to enjoy the good There are the usual pub meetings, the locations and food, company and cakes to which we have come times are in the diary pages of the Journal, on our to look forward at this time of year . webpage and in ‘Where we meet’ on the club Forum. The raffle raised approx £35.00 for the Air Remember - we no longer meet at the George and Ambulance, and I won a bottle of wine.Result! Dragon, and the Bird in Hand meeting has moved to The Dog! Next, this from Sally and Graham Cluley, who I would like to thank for once again catering (along If you want keeping up to date by email with events, with helpers) the Xmas Greetham Bash:- and items of interest to bikers, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “The Christmas Lunch held at Greetham on UPDATE and I’ll add you to the list. Ride safely and Sunday December 6 was very successful, and a have fun, total of £445.00 was raised for the Air Ambulance. This amount was raised from the lunch, raffle and Sean Dodds 01332 723843 auction of a week’s use of a holiday cottage kindly [email protected] donated by Sam and Adrian Soutar . Thanks go to helpers, raffle prizes and Kath for her mince pies” Midland Section New Year’s day, and a few (OK, five) bikes met February already, and your Club Events Calendar at Donington services for a bimble through the should be inside this issue . countryside back to the Northampton and Lamport Railway . Though the Motorway on the way up was relatively ice free, the first A road we tackled was quite white, and as I knew we were going from there onto B roads and less, and discretion being the better part of valour, we returned via the M1. How disappointing to say the least, especially as the Trains weren’t running due to icing! Still, Altogether, fourteen of us had coffee at the station and a swift half in the pub - not such a bad way to kick off 2010! The next major event coming up is the Rhino Rally, Beddgelert, North Wales. Due to the onset of old age, and the prevalent weather, for the first time I have booked in a hotel, instead of camping (sorry Rhys!). I’d actually booked a room to share with a friend at the Saracens Head, but when confirming was told they only had double bedded rooms. Now, Jim and I get on well, but you have to draw the line somewhere! So we are in the Prince! Can’t wait, this is always a great rally . Coming up for the next few months are the lunch meets on the first and second Sundays of the month at Towcester and Greetham respectively, and it will be good to see you there. We accept all forms of transport, but any one arriving on camels will have to bring their own shovel . Meets start at 12 Christmas at Towcester mid-day. March 14 sees our last meet of the year BMW Club Journal • February 2010 69 Section News at Greetham, and the committee will be supplying pathetic headlights that BMW fit to their modern bacon rolls etc, as it’s also the bring and buy sale. breed of bikes . I personally have spent around £250 Usually a good turn out, so doors open 11am. upgrading my F650GS headlight to what I consider Two events for April; the Easter Bunny rally at to be a safe standard, but why I should have to do Princetown, Easter weekend, 2-5, and Graham that is a mystery to me . This promises to be very Parker’s hotel weekend at Monsal Head, a beautiful interesting talk so please come along and support spot in Derbyshire and ideal for rides across the it . Peaks and Dales. Weekend of the 9th-11th. The evening meetings are going ahead as advertised Finally, the bookings for the Chateau weekend, so if you fancy going along you will be made more (June 11-14), are going well. This is a great value than welcome. Don’t be shy and just make yourself break, at £35.00 pppn inc. breakfast and evening known if you haven’t been before . meal, with some wine thrown in. There are still That’s about all for now so ride safe and I hope four rooms left, so get in touch while they are still to see you out and about over the coming riding available . season . More info on these and other events in the enclosed Rhys Jones 01286 881076 Calendar, or ring/e-mail me with any questions. ‘Til [email protected] next month, Steve Foreman 01536 722048 – 07859 909853 North East Section [email protected] First and foremost a happy new year to each and every one . I hope the festivities of the Christmas Northern Section season doesn’t mean any of us have to pop out and Hi all, As I pen this it’s the 5th of January and -5 in buy the next larger size riding suit. (Mind you Hein the Snowdonia Mountains, outside my front door. Gerrike do have a few bargains this time of year for I have been unable to get my 1100RT to the MOT those who succumbed to temptation of food and as station for the last couple of weeks because of sheet a result have expanding waist-lines!) ice between me and the first gritted road, one mile Well, with the current spell of arctic weather which away. This is not a good situation, so I have decided we’re experiencing at the moment, and since before to pump as much CO2 as possible out of my bikes Christmas, I warrant that not much riding has been exhaust this coming spring and summer to stop it done . It’s bad enough keeping four wheels on the happening again next winter. I hope you will join my road, never mind two. Mind you, I did see a biker efforts to change the climate for the better, (but I riding a naked R80 in the centre of Durham a week suspect that a few polar bears will disagree) ago . Was it you? Jokes aside, we can look slowly forward to longer Last month we had the now annual quiz night days and better conditions so please take advantage followed by mince pies and a bit of friendly banter of the many events listed in your diary for 2010 . between the 25-30 of us present. The quiz was Get out there, meet people, make new friends, and good (only coz our team won!), and we have Peter above all ride our beloved bikes, whether BMW or Holley and Carol Tabiner to thank for their hard not . Your diary is a guide only to what’s going on so work . It’s not always easy to get an even spread please always check with event organisers because of questions to suit everybody. Thanks again, with things will change as the year progresses. hopefully more to come next December. So what’s been happening? December saw the last The last meeting of the year, the social evening section meeting at Hale Barns, it was well attended at the Waggon Inn, Ponteland saw seven of us and thanks are due to everybody who made the gathered to chat and to marvel at one member who effort to turn up and contribute to the ‘Jacobs Join’ turned up on a Velocette on a truly freezing night. It we all had a good scoff and a natter. was bitter! No fairing here, no heated grips just plain We’ve now moved on to Lowton for our winter and simple good old fashioned biking . meetings, and this month on the 14th we have our Now, pressing on with matters concerning the new annual bring and buy sale where you can bring season when the weather allows us to get out and along all that unwanted junk you got for Christmas about. Advance booking is required:- Peter Cullen’s and try and pass it on to someone else for a small ‘Reiver’s Boreen’ run (June 19-20) is going ahead sum of money. Motorcycling and camping articles as planned. It has always been oversubscribed, so are encouraged but we have no hard and fast rules. get in there early and put your name down . I don’t We will be serving free soup and rolls as well so it’s know of the route or the approximate route but well worth turning up . perhaps a call to Peter would solve this. In March at Lowton, we will have a lecture/demo Whatever, given reasonable weather this event has by Les Wassal, who will explain to us why we a reputation for being a cracking couple of days so can’t see where we are going in the dark using the don’t leave it until the last minute then hope you
70 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Section News may get a place. £150 for two full days including Frank Beck while admiring all the classic cars. lunches, morning coffee + sticky buns has to be a Back in December I had to go to a funeral of a good bargain at today’s prices. friend who was also a club member; Tony Searle. Likewise is Dennis Maggs’ Scottish weekend (April I had known Tony for many years, a dyed in the 30-May 3 incl). Bookings can be made for two or wool motorcyclist and BMW rider. Tony’s bike was three nights at £51pp per night . The diary entry a maroon K100RT . It was always dirty as it was shows the venue as Oban, but this is incorrect. The used every day, and the only times it was clean was hotel is now St Fillan’s at Loch Earn Head. Why the when his friend Mike Dore would service it. Tony change, I don’t know. Contact Peter or Dennis for drove a car but preferred his bike. At the meetings more details . at Riseley, Tony would always have funny stories We had a small problem with last year’s annual to tell and interesting things to talk about, often buffet night, namely the size of the venue It was just sourced from his work as a clock/watch repairer or too small and a few late-comers had to be refused. his other interest of singing in a male voice choir. As good as it was, we need a larger place to get Tony will be missed! us all in. We need seating for about fifty or so, the On February 14 we’re having a talk by section ability to provide a good buffet-style meal with the members Colin and Dee Masters about their trips cost as low as possible –ideally around £10 pp. to far flung lands. It will be at Uffington vllage hall Places which can accommodate that number are from 2 .00pm . not exactly dripping off the trees like melting snow, February 21 is the date for the annual Sunday but to save me (or the Section Secretary) a bit of lunch. Contact Bob Mack on 01235 767221, and if legwork, any suggestions would be very welcome. you’re lucky he still may have some spaces left. One E mail me at the address below if you have any other thing, when you go to NOG to buy spares, ideas. Details of where we have decided upon, plus accessories or clothing it is worth mentioning that a booking form will be included in the Journal well in you are an Oxford section member as there could advance of the date. be some discount to be negotiated. Almost at the end now, but a final note for those who John Hillier 01189 332152 are fans of ‘The Hairy Bikers’; they’ll be appearing [email protected] at the Durham Gala Theatre on Tuesday February 2 . I know of two members who are going . So go on get yourselves a bit of kulcha! Scottish Section By the time you read this the days should be getting We’ve all heard of ‘Mystery Tours’ – well we’re noticeably longer, if not warmer. Lochearnhead will having a mystery talk, as the speaker for February have been and gone and we’ll be looking forward to is new, what he is going to talk about is new (to a new season, planning tours etc. I hope you all had us) and I have no idea what it may be . – that’s the a good Christmas and new year . mystery side of it . But as he was booked by last year’s Social Secretary I am sure it will be good. In The natter nights and lunchtime meetings still have March we have one of our own Section members; a regular number turning out, and some of these none other than Neil Hamilton to give us a bit of a regular meets will be at new venues for this year, chat and guidance, but more of that next month. the details are in the diary . In February, we have the Rhino rally in Beddgelert Phew! That’s about it for now. Just wait until the to look forward to, though this isn’t a Scottish snow goes and it warms up a bit then we can all get section event, and in March there’s Mick out and about again doing what we like best . Take Reed’s Glenluce camping weekend. Further care all and ride safely. into the year is a bunkhouse event aimed John King 01677 425005 more at the GS fraternity, some information:- [email protected] “I’ve received an invitation to attend a bunkhouse weekend in the Lakes and Lancs area on the Oxford Section weekend of September 10-11. It has two four- On January 1st we held our annual meeting at the bedded rooms with en-suite facilities available (8 Lock, Stock and Barrel. It was well attended as people). The event is aimed at GS Riders, being a usual. Quite a few people rode to the event on their passes and narrow roads tour. Approximate cost will bikes even though it was a cold frosty day, though be £40 pp, which includes some food and excellent the sun did shine. Many others came by car. I can’t accommodation. It’s a popular event, and interested blame them as some of the country lanes were like parties should contact Scottish.Chairman@ skating rinks. Before I got to the pub, I was at the bmwclubuk.net or phone 01542 835282 asap. Phoenix at Hartley Witney for the new year’s day We asked in the December Journal if anyone was classic car meet, where I met up with Tony Young interested in a Scottish newsletter. This would have and Bill Barnes. I also bumped into Eric Hale and been useful for those members without internet BMW Club Journal • February 2010 71 Section News access. Those who have internet access can already is outstanding, as were the members’ waistlines get up to date information on the section website when they left! It’s all terrific value for money, the at http://scottish-section.bmwclubuk.net Only four surroundings are excellent and we think that it members responded however, and all of those would be difficult to find better. I usually use this had access to the internet. It would appear from get-together to hand-out the prizes for the ‘Clubman the response that there is no requirement for a and Clublady of the Year’ but due to circumstance I newsletter at this time . was only able to give the ‘Clublady’ winner’s award Jason Goodwill 01847 893935 to Rosemary Warner and the ‘Clubman’s’ runner-up [email protected] award to Lou Warner . The rest would have to wait until the New Year Party on the January 9. South East Section Well, 2009 has shot out of the door with the speed Just in case we forgot, Margaret and myself wish of a greyhound and I have no doubt that 2010 will you all a happy and healthy 2010 . do the same, so keep your eyes on your diaries. One or two events which we’ve done in the last few Sometimes I wonder just what people get for a years are missing, but this is mainly due to date Christmas present… so come on, tell me, did clashes. In the case of the Hendon ‘Bikesafe’ event, anyone out there buy their other halves a new BMW it’s been moved to the Midlands . and I don’t mean a toy? Answers please by phone, email or postcard. I bet nobody did … or did they? Our thanks go to all of our members who have volunteered or have been gently ‘persuaded’ to By the time you have the opportunity to read these organise a ride-out in 2010. Without them we would ramblings your ‘Diary of Events’ for 2010 should have a pretty empty looking ‘Diary’ . have dropped through your letterbox along with a letter from me . If it hasn’t I would guess that you Notes by Brian Shears (Secretary) haven’t renewed? I know you hate reading letters . Social Sec – Keith Morris 0208 0311600 I can tell by the amount of members that phone to ask me questions that are already answered in the Southern Section letter but please … just imagine the scene. There I There were no organised runs in December, and am; the wife is visiting her sister and I am lounging I expect that only the most hardy of our members on the sofa, Pimms No1 in hand and surrounded were out and about on their bikes . With some very by gorgeous girls . . when the phone rings; “Why seasonal weather, and all the grit and salt on the haven’t I got my membership card?”- “Did you read roads, I think the majority of bikes were sat happily your letter” - “What letter” - “The one I sent with your in their garages keeping warm and dry . Diary” - “No, I always throw it away” Me, now feeling Forty six members met up to enjoy the Christmas decidedly useless, cocked my revolver! dinner dance at the Gatwick Manor. It’s been a Our original guest speaker (booked for the December couple of years now since we have had a ‘posh 2 of last year) was unable to carry out his promised do’, and it went down very well with those who appearance due to various difficulties, one of which were there, with lots of merrymaking and dancing. was the lack of a projector for his computer discs. It helped that for the people who decided to stay It seems that everyone has a slide projector for the the night, the accommodation was within staggering good old-fashioned media, but now that the digital distance. Following on from comments on the night, camera and discs or other storage devices have we will definitely put the venue down as a place to hit the streets we are scuppered! However, all is visit in the future . not lost and the event has been re-scheduled for the February 17, so let’s keep our fingers crossed! Looking forward, if anyone wants to join Bob and Luckily for everyone we still managed to have have a go at indoor skydiving you must pick up the a guest speaker on the night, thanks to the last phone and book you place in the next few days. minute combined effort of Cliff Cakebread and our Although it is not until April 25, we need numbers Social Sec. Keith Morris. A few years ago these two and commitment for Bob to book a slot at the right gentlemen just happened to be involved in first aid, time for us . Please ring him on 07966 214365 . and using their contacts were able to coax a highly On February 7, we have Matt Bailey giving a talk at qualified instructor from the London ambulance Rake village hall at 14 .00hrs . Our winter talks are service to come along and give us a talk. It was a last always interesting and well attended, so do come minute thing but it was received very well, although along for the afternoon. On the subject of talks, we I think that the description of what happens to a also have Sam Manicom giving us another one of head hitting a solid object at low speed encased in his fun talks. This is a month later on March 7; same a crash helmet surprised one or two of the ladies! time and place. Seventy members attended the Christmas lunch and On February 21, there is a breakfast run meet at everyone seemed to enjoy themselves . The quality Popham. The café does really good breakfasts, so and amount of food that comes out of the kitchen come and meet up and have a chat. 72 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Section News On March 21 there’s a ‘Blacksmith Workshop’ open rubbish. Compliments of the season to all, my new day. Booking is essential for this, so please ring year’s resolution is to lose weight, become fit and Dave Wright on 01428 684902 and he’ll give you generally brilliant. My new year’s prediction is that more details . I’ll just make do with the brilliant bit! All being well, your calendar should have arrived The Section Christmas dinner at Corr’s was attended with this Journal. Please have a look through for a by fifty seven persons, well up on last years lowest run or event which appeals to you, and come and ever turnout of thirty six. Asking for payment and join us. You can visit us at a natter night, or join in firm bookings appears to have paid-off. We had a any of the events . A lot of work goes into organising good night with excellent food and service, and an different runs and it is lovely to see other members interesting illustrated talk from Kenny Moore about enjoying themselves . You’re guaranteed a warm a group of his friends and himself trekking up Mount welcome, whatever event you decide to attend. Kilimanjaro, raising funds for a childrens school in We look forward to seeing as many members as Africa. possible this coming year. If you are new to the club It was an excellent talk and changed my perception and are not sure about a social event, call or e-mail of a trek, as not all of the party made the final myself or Trish, and we will be happy to help you. ascent. It certainly looked daunting, with the last Enjoy your biking and stay safe . day being sixteen hours to enable the group to Trish 01372 378196 [email protected] make the summit and get back to the safety of the Gerri 01895 446896 (not after 20 .00hrs please) top camp. The elation of reaching the top (with its [email protected] . famous signpost) was tempered by the short stay before having to start back down again. Thank you South West Section Kenny for your efforts, and for sharing them with Recent reports from Helen says by the time you all the Section. read this she should be at home and hoping we will Charlie McConnell (on behalf of McCarroll all call in and make her a cup of tea. Sure will Helen, McConnell Ins. Brokers, Ballymena; sponsors of our see you soon . Photo Comp’09) did the honours in fine Blue Peter Our Christmas lunch at The Weary Traveller was style, presenting all finishers with a commemorative enjoyed by fifteen members, with most eating too badge . Thank you Charlie for your support of this much, but never mind. It was good fun as the pub event . was beautifully decorated and playing lots of festive Charlie Carruthers is at present, I understand, to music in the background. be setting up this years comp. We also had the The post-Christmas pub meet saw nine members traditional ballot at the dinner, which proved the old all glad of some fresh air and some adult chat after adage - ‘fact is often stranger than fiction’ – or - you all the grandchildren had gone home. could never write the script; as the winner of the first prize also picked their other ticket for second February has a pub meet at The Bowd, Sidmouth prize but politely declined to accept it. Having sorted and another at The Weary Traveller . that out I turned to Janet Thomas to make the next March includes the first rideout of the year, to be draw, with the warning not to pick her own ticket. taken by Duncan Oxley. Let’s hope the weather will She didn’t, but she did pick her husband Colin’s have started to warm up by then . ticket! Again a good sport or just too embarrassed, The first camping weekend (bit chilly to think about he too declined to take the prize. The last draw was this at the moment, but the sun is nice) is April 30 controversy-free, and funds were raised to pay for – May 3. While we’re still in winter mode, it would future room rental . be a good idea to count them tent pegs and guy The New Year’s Day run was supported by five ropes etc. hardy souls - yours truly, Alan Stewart, Rory Bradley, I’m looking forward to seeing lots of you out and David Hill and Leslie Allan. The weather was cold, about in the months to come, cos the weather is (about -4oC) rising to a high of 5oC. Luckily, I had going to be fabulous this year . Cos I said . salted my drive and the road the night before, or I don’t think I could have got out to the main road. I Sally Robinson 01395 597725 met Alan and Rory at the Albert Clock, Belfast, and [email protected] we then made our way to Ballygally, meeting Leslie and David. As I said, it was cold (freezing actually), Ulster Section. and that, along with the fact that the coast road was A lonely figure hunched over an ancient typewriter blocked by a rock fall at Garron Tower, helped us in a cold draughty garret, struggles to make some reach the conclusion that a short run up the coast copy for the BMW Club Journal; well it might be to Carnlough, and the comforts at the Londonderry if I made any effort . I promise that the rubbish I Arms Hotel was in order. Also, Alan’s GS had decided come up with this year will be good quality current that having no back brake would keep him on his BMW Club Journal • February 2010 73 Section News toes. Settled down in front of the fire, we enjoyed tea/coffee, scones and Christmas cake. Rory, a Yorkshire Section new-ish member got to know us a little more and As I write, it’s snowing and we haven’t been able very generously paid for our refreshments, ensuring to open the garage door for two weeks . No doubt he’ll return at a later date for the compliment to be many of you will have had much of the same, but repaid. Warmed, we headed down to the harbour at least if you can’t get it out then you can’t wash it to watch that other New Year bout of madness; (the bike, I mean). swimming in the sea . This made us feel a lot better as we headed home after a much shorter run than Section Christmas dinner was almost oversubscribed normal of eighty-odd miles. The look on motorists’ with seventy of us enjoying the seasonal fare which faces on seeing us helped us feel a general sense was really well presented, and thanks go to Dave of achievement, as opposed to being disappointed and Doreen for another good night out . This year at not giving it a go on such a harsh day. the Pat Milner Trophy went to Sue (Stuart’s better half) as she’s always on hand to help out when Really Quite Useless Section. This month we have a look at disc locks. They’re very handy and effective, needed. So if you want a chance to polish this next helped by those bright plastic bits you drape over year, better get in shape and don your Marigolds. your controls as a reminder. Hot Tip, having adorned your bike with these reminders, please fit the disc lock to the front wheel of your own bike! Last month I mentioned our section having a ‘duck do’, in answer to those who have asked what’s a duck do? The answer is ‘Quack’, honest, the old ones are the best. February’s meeting will be a talk by W. Wright, of Wright-Bus, Ballymena. March’s meeting is a presentation of the Tracker security system . Norman Shearer [email protected] Western Section Our Christmas meeting at Easter Compton was very well supported by some sixty five souls - well supplied with refreshments too. A lively raffle followed with most of the prizes Our new year buffet was enjoyed by approx seventy being donated by members themselves. All proceeds five brave souls who made it, mostly by car. We did were donated to SARA (Severn Area Rescue have one outfit and two solo bikes though – well done Association), and as with any of our big meetings, to you. There was plenty of chat about the coming be they at Easter Compton, Brockweir, Chepstow year’s activities so I hope there’ll be something to or anywhere else, I just marvelled at the scene and wondered if indeed this must be the best motorcycle suit most of you. I feel we’re lucky in that we do club around. Of course we all know that it is. have a positive interest in our section towards all of The icy weather failed to prevent us having a really the club’s many varied activities, unlike some of the good skittles match and buffet at the Old Royal Ship, moaners, who send letters into The Journal, and do Luckington. Not good weather for a motorcycle nothing but expect someone else to accommodate though . A smart venue this . The alley is in a large their wants . room. Very new, very smart, with central heating Dates for February; 7th Cracoe Village Hall – usual and nice pink, rubber balls. So much superior to hot food plus Yorkshire Air Ambulance visit. On the the old establishments with no heating and wooden 27th we have a Saturday lunchtime meet up at the balls . Mind you some of us old ‘bikers’ were well Bikers café, Frydaythorpe. You can buy me a bun used to being cold and suffering wooden balls. as it’ll be my birthday . . I cannot write much more due to a shortage of reports and it is the end of the year . The following Sunday (March 7) at Cracoe Village Jan and Ian’s events , to Hestercombe hall sees the Bring and Buy as well as the usual Gardens, and Breakfast meet went well I hear. hot snacks. Sunday March 14 we are at Hollywood By the time the Journal goes to print it will be late Bowl, Sheffield with a 12 noon start. Call Barry January. More reports for 2010 please. on 0114 2475600 . All these events have more information in last month’s Journal. Notes by Chris Bates Janet Wilson 01225 858876 Hopefully we will make the Alpine on Sunday April [email protected] 11, so I’m looking forward to that.
74 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 again . There will be a quiz on Friday evening, three rideouts, the usual sit- down evening meal on the Saturday (to help please book your meal with the Manor in advance), plus a raffle and awards for various classes of machine. Although the Manor is fully booked, a call on 01239 820498 will confirm whether there are any cancellations. There are caravan and motor-home plots with power points which should be booked before the date, and great camping facilities on a picturesque site. Members start to arrive from the previous Sunday so if you fancy a week in a beautiful part of the country, you won’t be alone. Any questions just contact me. You should by now have received the section Diary. (Items are required for the raffle so if Due to print deadlines etc there are a couple of you have any unwanted Christmas presents errors/additions . you could put them aside for June! Thanks.) July 30-Aug 1 - Marigolds Rally at Cracoe Village The charity money collected by the Register Hall. This event has been rescheduled for during 2009 (from the raffle, the rally and September 3-5.. Saturday night party in Village hall various events during the year) amounted followed by usual Sunday meet . to £292 .00 . This sum has been given to the October 17, 2010. Section AGM Cracoe Village Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Hall. Ambulance. Since this organisation was set up back in 2003, over eight thousand missions More information on our section activities will be put have been flown and many lives saved. into Around the Compass . For those who went to the race night in honour of the late Bill Woolin a note of thanks from Winnie, WILDCAT ADVENTURES Bill’s wife . On Winnie’s behalf we’d also like to thank everyone who supported the race night at Carr Gate 24 YEARS EXPERIENCE WM Club . A staggering amount of £1036 .70 was raised for Cancer research. EASTERN TURKEY Road Cappadocia and the Black Sea Coast Elaine West 01274 832309 19 AUGUST-11 SEPTEMBER 2010 [email protected] MOROCCO Road Atlas Mountains Raid REGISTERS 11-27 APRIL 2010 Vintage and Classic 19 SEPTEMBER-05 OCTOBER 2010 I am glad to report that the position of Register MOROCCO OVERLAND Offroad Secretary has now a candidate, being Robin Desert and Mountains Raid Walker. Robin has confirmed that if elected 27 APRIL-08 MAY 2010 he will team-up with a helper, John Wheeler. 05-16 OCTOBER 2010 Both these people have been Club members MOROCCO OVERLAND Offroad for many years and have supported the Atlantic to the Sahara Vintage & Classic Register enthusiastically. 16-31 OCTOBER 2010 Robin will be known by many as he has worked for the Club in the past . We will be TUNISIA Road happy to help them both if everything works Roman Sites and Sahara Raid out at the AGM . 22 OCTOBER-04 NOVEMBER 2010 Although I will not be the Vintage & Classic For DETAILS & PHOTOS please visit Secretary when the 9th Vintage & Classic Rally www.wildcat-adventures.co.uk takes place at Llwyngwair Manor, Newport, in Phone: 01786 816 160 (Office) S.W.Wales over the weekend of June 17-20, Mobile: 07802 470 880 Wendy and I are happy to organise the event Email: [email protected]
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 75 Well, Father Christmas really surprised me this miles now that I will have more time, which year when he (no, actually it was her!) gave brings me to the next subject that makes me a copy of ‘BMW/2 Motorcycle Restoration my ‘blood boil’ - road conditions. If you live and Service Manual’ from the Barrington in a part of the Country with road conditions Motor Works . This is the book I mentioned in like my area you will be aware of the danger the October Journal and has been bought by of potholes and sunken manholes etc. The a few members already . I must say that it is local councils claim they cannot afford the well worth the money ($105 plus postage) and repairs at this time and would appear not is an essential addition to the official BMW to care less about the extreme danger to workshop manual . For owners into major cyclists and motorcyclists. I find that even restoration or just doing basic servicing on in the car I have to take great care to avoid their machine this book is a ‘must have’. The damage. Anyway, I’ve just read in the Daily title which makes mention of the ‘/2’ machines Mail about a motorcyclist who was injured is slightly confusing to many as we consider quite badly when he hit a pothole and then Earles machines manufactured from 1960 to ran into a car. The police knew what caused have the /2 designation, whereas in fact the his accident but charged him nevertheless title refers to machines from 1955-1969, plus with dangerous driving . I’m glad to say that of course the pre ‘55 engines. A book long he took legal advice and they immediately overdue and well worth considering. dropped the charges. I wonder nowadays Over the past year a considerable number about British law and those who make it, of requests have come to me from members but I hope the motorcyclist in question takes and non-members, seeking early machines. action against the council responsible for the Now, whether this is because people are road condition. Rave over! putting their money into old machines as an I’m preparing one more issue of the ‘Vintage investment rather than the banks I don’t know & Classic News’ before I stand down so but prices have been rising everywhere. please, please let me have any articles you I only hope that machines are ridden and would like included; asap would be good. master just ferries logo 7/10/09 09:08 Page 1 not just tucked away until they have risen Malcolm McNair 01908 216623 in value; I know my 69S will see many more [email protected] Sporting Robert Bensley 01953 888415 [email protected]
WRGB08_Regs_02_MotorsportTravel:WRGB08_Regs_02_MotorsportTraveljust ferries 10/3/08Sidecar 3:21 PM Register Page 1 WRGB08_Regs_02_MotorsportTravel:WRGB08_Regs_02_MotorsportTravelf 10/3/08 3:21 PM Page 1 j Tony Robson 01729 825862 WRGB08_Regs_02_MotorsportTravel:WRGB08_Regs_02_MotorsportTravel 10/3/08 3:21 PM [email protected] 1 k GS Windmills of Kent run . This is a *_Road Ride_* on Sunday April 25, with a start time of 10:00 (tanks full please). The meeting place is the American Diner, Bybrook Barn, Ashford Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9JZ. The finish point is Gorrell Tank car park, Whitstable. There will be a stop at a DISCOUNT FERRIES cafe for lunch and a few smoke breaks along WITH ALLDISCOUNT THE MAJOR FERRIES COMPANIES WITH ALL THEDISCOUNT MAJOR COMPANIES FERRIES the way. The route is roughly 150 miles, and • Dover – Calais: Sea FranceWITH • ALL Portsmouth THE MAJOR – Lehavre: COMPANIES LD LinesI • think the title tells you what you might be • Harwich• – Dover Hoek: – Calais: Stena Sea • France Channel • Portsmouth Islands –– Lehavre: St Malo: LD Lines Condor • Linesseeing. • The run will be led by Paul Devall, • Ireland:• Harwich Irish• Dover Ferries, – Hoek: – Calais: Stena Stena • Sea Channel • Isle France Islands of Man • – Portsmouth St except Malo: Condor TT and– Lines Lehavre: Manx • GPLDand Lines • do • we have any volunteers for the back •• Ireland: Harwich Irish Ferries, – Hoek: Stena Stena • Isle • of Channel Man except Islands TT and Manx– St Malo: GP • Condor Lines • • Ireland: Irish Ferries, Stena • Isle of Man except TT andmarker Manx GP job • (route will be supplied depending BOOKINGS & INFORMATION: on GPS)? Drop off system will be used, so if BOOKINGS & INFORMATION: Tel: 01759 301010BOOKINGS Fax: &01 INFORMATION:759 301030 you don’t know how this work please listen to email:Tel: [email protected]:0175901759 301010 301010 Fax: 01759 Fax: 30103001759 301030 the briefing before the ride starts. www.motorsport-travel.comemail:email: [email protected] [email protected] Terry Ryan Emailwww.motorsport-travel.com [email protected] [email protected] Webwww.motorsport-travel.com site www.just-ferries.com
76 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 motorsport travel-white.indd 1 23/10/2009 16:12:00 Mutual Aid 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 available to trade advertisers. 1 . Note – adverts are NOT accepted over the phone – send them membership number; these will not be published (unless to the Mutual Aid Officer:MAUR ICE WELDON, 21 Lawnwood requested) but we will check membership. Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham. South Yorkshire S63 9GD, or by e-mail: [email protected] (please remember 6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion only . Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of to include your full postal address) . the advertiser . 2. All adverts should be readable, well punctuated and 7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand unambiguous. If writing, olease use capital letters for clarity. which edition it applies to before querying why your advert If e-mailing, please only use a simple font such as Arial or doesn’t seem to have appeared . Please submit your advert Times new Roman. NO SCRIPT FONTS PLEASE! well before deadline date if at all possible .The BMW Club 3. The maximum length is 65 words, excluding your phone cannot be held responsible for the quality or availability of items number and name . If you wish to use more than 65 words or goods or for any arrangements for delivery or payment . your option is to pay for the advert at 20p a word (plus VAT) 9. Adverts from non-club members may be accepted in special for the whole advert. In that case, we would need payment circumstances. For information, please contact the Mutual Aid with the advert when submitted . Note – one advert/month per Officer. Mutual Aid category. Adverts may be edited where deemed Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 necessary by the Editor. Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of 4. In your advert, please include your forename, ONE phone goods being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this number and an email address if available. Extra phone fact. This applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf numbers, times to call, e-mail addresses, web sites, etc, will or for another party . If you have reason to believe that you have been be excluded. misled as to the status of any advertiser, please inform your local Trading Standards Department and the Editor immediately. The fine 5. You must include your name, full address, Section and for breaches of this order is up to £1,000. Note: March Journal copy deadline is Feb 7th Service Book, pump and toolkit. £1,750. Tony Motorcycles For Sale 0161 748 8241 (Manchester). R1100RT - 1999 - 50,000 miles. Glacier green. F Series Recent service, tyres, battery and starter motor. Not immaculate but in good condition. Complete F800ST - 2009 (April) - Blue metallic. One owner with original panniers, H&B top box and Starcom from new, 2,400 miles. ABS, heated grips, on intercom. £3,250 (will deliver to England for board computer, pannier rails, centre stand, full asking) UK VAT paid. Chaz 07797 730008 white lenses. Immaculate condition. £6,495 o.n.o. [email protected] (Jersey). Would consider part exchange F800GS. 07747 R1150GS - 2003 ‘53’ - Blue and white, 45,000 024783 (Lincolnshire). miles with F.S.H. Usual high spec with ABS, heated grips, full luggage etc. Fastidiously maintained K Series and in excellent condition. Open to any inspection. £4,250 o.n.o. Willie 01383 830866 (Fife). K1100LT SE - 1996 ‘P’ - Silver. ABS. Electric R1150GS ADVENTURE - 2005 ‘55’ - One owner. screen. Radio/cassette. Heated grips. 70,000 20,500 miles. Silver. FSH. Engine bars, heated miles. MoT and tax. Good clean tidy bike. £2,100 grips, BMW touring panniers, full Remus titanium o.n.o. John 01202 582662 (East Dorset). exhaust (plus original), Starcom II intercom, Givi rack top box and backrest. LED taillight. 139 db R Series Nautilus air horn. K&N filter Ultraseal tyres.T&T. Very good condition. £6,995. Gavin 07816 827370 R75/6 - 1975 - Red. 30,000 miles. One owner [email protected] (Co Durham). from new. Twin disc, small/large tanks, rack, panniers, cockpit fairing, stainless pipes/silencers. Bits & Bobs Unused for 30 years with full history. £2,000 o.n.o. The bike belongs to an ex BMW club member in BAGSTER BAGLUX TANK BAG - 1150GS Carlisle . For more info Keith 01384 271767 (West Adventure (cost £100) complete with tank bag Midlands) . (cost £80), £60 for the pair plus P&P. Alan 01275 R100RT - 1979 - Smoked red. 48,000 miles. 372637 (Bristol) . Nice condition. Krauser panniers, almost new BMW /6 /7 - Single disc under tank m/cyl, needs tyres, original invoice. New silencers and shock seal kit but good bore condition, £20. BMW E46 absorbers this year . Brakes overhauled . Full - 328ci headlight glasses, £35. K&N filter for the service at 47,631 by BMW dealers. Most MoTs same, £20. All plus post. Chris 01225 722247 from 1988, rider’s handbook, BMW Europa (Bath) . BMW Club Journal • February 2010 77 Mutual Aid BMW O.E. TANK BAG - Fits all F650GS METZERLER TOURANCE FRONT TYRE - To fit singles. BMW Series 5 Helmet, size 60/61, matt R1200GS 110/80/R19TL59V (brand new still in magnesium, new and unworn, still in bag and box, packing), £50. Remus Titanium Can to fit F800 unwanted gift . Individual offers . Bob 0116 236 S or ST, excellent condition, £200. 07747 024783 2873 [email protected] (Leics). (Lincolnshire). BREAKING - R1150GSA, K1100LT, R850R, all parts. Mick Kendrick 07828 281003 (North East). R1100GS BITS - Maxton rear shock with remote preload, adjustable and serviceable, Ohlins quality CLYMER MANUAL - 1970-1996 Twins as new, but British built, £350. Hagon front shock, little £13. Three fork stanchions, one brand new in used and boxed, £200. Pyramid rear hugger, £60. maker’s wrapper, two as new, suitable R65, R80, All plus P&P. Peter 01606 782159 (Cheshire). R100, £25 and £15 respectively. One x speedo, one x headlamp reflector/glass off 1983 ST, £35 TOURATECH STAND - For F650GS (single and £25 respectively. All plus postage. Geoff cylinder model) part number 01-300-0140-0. 01444 455438 (Sussex). Excellent condition. £100. Steve 07802 287265 F650GS ’05 (SINGLE) BITS - Low seat, little (Milton Keynes) . use, £65. BMW top case, £125. Hepco & Becker pannier frames, £75. All plus P&P. Caroline 07896 Wanted 301481 (Cheshire) . KEIHAN HEADERS FOR R1200GS - With centre FOR R850 OILHEAD - BMW coil, BMW plug hanger bracket, brand new and unused, fits all leads, alternator plus alternator belt and pulleys, models 2004-2009. £200 plus P&P or may be pair Bing 40mm carbs, throttle/choke cables with able to deliver . Paul 07974 407352 paulneal2@ two into one junction box. Janet 01225 858876 ntlworld.com (Cambridge). [email protected] (Bath). LARGE BOOKS - Suzuki Service Manual by the Suzuki Motor Corporation for SV 1000 S, £12. LUGGAGE RACK FOR R51/3 - The small pressed Illustrated Motorcycle Encyclopedia, £10. Haines steel carrier on top of rear mudguard, similar to Manuals (hardbacks), Yamaha FZR 600, 750, one for R25/2, R51/2-68 (and anything pre /5 I 1000, Fours, 87-96, £8 and Yamaha XJR 1200, think). For the project in the shed - any condition 1300, 95-03, £8. The World of Harley Davidson considered. Jonathan 07774 698847 or (hardback), £5. All as brand new. Brian 01539 [email protected] (London). 441130 (Cumbria) .
78 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Classifieds
Small Business Adverts
Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact: Charles Knight : La Petit Fosse : St Ouen : Jersey : JE3 2GN Telephone/Fax: 01534 485474 Email: [email protected] GREEN ROUTE MOTORCYCLE TOURS The Accomodation & Touring “Green Route” takes you on some of the most scenic drives in Ireland and Scotland. On roads less UK & Eire travelled so you can relax, enjoy great biking and experience some of the best scenery in the World. 4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE. Good accommodation close to restaurants and Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil pubs . “A journey is best measured in friends rather Balnaguard 5 miles South of Pitlochry. Wonderful than miles” www.greenroutesmotorcycletours.com breakfasts, spectacular views. £25-£30 pppn. £150- Tel +447914528782 (12/10) £175 per wk. Lockable garage for m/cycles. Ann LAKE DISTRICT holiday bungalow – comfort for Croft Tel 01796 482627; website www .balbeagan . four plus garage. Ideal touring location & available com (3/10) April to November. Member owned. Tel: 01695 5 Star AA & STB An Cala Guest House, Grantown- 422210 (12/09) on-Spey. Ideal base for Highlands. Kingsize LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ON- doubles and magnificient 4 poster. All en-suite. On WINDERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness site parking, also garage. £35-£40 pp b&b. 01479 and lake. En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. 873293 www.ancala.info (2/10) Leisure facilities. 015394 88658 Web: http://www. B&B DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY – 3 Star STB, abovethebay.co.uk (12/10) Trewan, Dalbeattie. Kingsize Adjustamatic Massage PLYMOUTH, En-suite accommodation very close to beds. Ensuite or private bathroom. Own entrance, continental ferryport. Secure parking for bikes. Early large car park, double lock-up garage. 5 minute breakfast for ferry passengers.Caraneal Hotel. 12 walk to town. Wonderful biking area, local, empty - 14 Pier St. West Hoe. Tel 01752 663589. email; roads and scenic routes to Ayrshire. 1 hour drive caranealhotel@ hotmail.com (11/09) from Carlisle. Large garden backing on to forest with use of BBQ. Tel: 01556 612337 www .freewebs . SOUTH SHROPSHIRE Clun Farm House, 16th com/trewan Century B&B situated in stunning South Shropshire hills. Village location, 2 pubs. House parties catered B&B IN THE BORDERS. A68 Jedburgh. Luxury for. Fantastic touring suggestions, great biking roads accommodation. Secure bike parking. Short walk to in to Wales. Secure parking. www clunfarmhouse. town centre. Friendly hosts Chris & Amanda, Club co.uk Tel: 01588 640432 (12/09) Members. From £25 pppn. Tel: 01835 862216 Email [email protected] www.airenlea.co.uk (3/10) Europe B&B PLYMOUTH, just 20 mins to Continental Ferries. Quiet location, en-suite, garaging for AE AVENTURES BASED NEAR TO SPA in a bikes . www.beckdaleguesthouse.com email: info@ quiet village providing B&B and half board, secure beckdaleguesthouse.com Tel Bruce on 01752 garaging, recommended touring in the Ardennes 881504 or 07929 222961 (10/09) & Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience. BED AND BREAKFAST, MOFFAT, SOUTHERN Motorcycling adventure only 3½ hours from Calais SCOTLAND, B & B, garage parking, wonderful that’s a bit special. See www.aeaventures.com biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh Phone/Fax Neil or Ann on 0032 80398788 email scenic route. Why not break your long journey here [email protected] (4/10) or spend a few days riding the local roads, enjoying AUSTRIA - S/C fully equipped Chalet & Apartment the hills and bends . Club member . Chris 01683 (Sleeps 2-6). Superb touring roads & mountain 220378 see www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk (2/10) passes. Excellent amenities. Secure parking. Close EXPLORE MID WALES--Holiday Bungalow, 2 beds Italy/Slovenia Discounts for bikers - phone/mail can sleep 5, quiet village location. Serene scenery, for details. Liz Cannard. Tel/Fax 0043 4769 26415 mind blowing mountains, crystal clear waters and www.alpine-dollshouse.com (2/10) the freedom of the open road, Ideal for Snowdonia B&B Germany. The Beautiful Westerwald. Tudor National Park . Member owned Please ring for Home. All facilities for Bikers, Drying room ,secure further information 07812 133753 (3/10) parking, Bar ,evening meals, all rooms on suite FERMANAGH NORTHERN IRELAND Wonderful .Fantastic roads great rides Mosel ,Rhein Valleys countryside B&B, en-suite quality rooms, secure The Dambuster Run, Nurburgring and much more... garage for bikes. Ideal for touring North & West of Special for BMW owners 5 nights for the cost of 4. Ireland. Club member. Tel: 028 895 31124 www . www.vinecottage.de email [email protected] aislinghousefermanagh.com (12/09) 00492742911728 (5/10) BMW Club Journal • February 2010 79 Classifieds
B&B Normandy-France. 3 en-suite bedrooms, tantalise your palate for a truly memorable dining great roads, lovely region, perfect for weekend experience. In the town of Saint-James just off the escape, 10% discount for club members, call A84 auto route, twenty minutes from Mont-St Michel 0033233640023 www.maisonlaudiere.com (2/10) and the beautiful coastline with scenic routes and BRITTANY - TOP QUALITY MOBILE HOMES great biking roads. Tel: 0033 (0)233-589025,Email: on coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal [email protected] Web Site: www.petit-illyria. for family holidays or Section rallies (as Western eu.com (4/10) Section June 04 & 07). Great biking area with NORTH PORTUGAL- MINHO VALLEY.Penedes masses to do and see. Big savings on ferry costs. Nation Park and Galicia. Interested? We offer www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve Jackson on farmhouse self catering and luxury B&B both with 01543 473089 (1/10) pools . Come and sample the real Portugal see FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION, Rural our Website . www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel Farm house B & B’s plus 2 gites sleeping 8 & 4, Maggie on 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351- near Chateaubriant, St. Malo closest port, great 912860707 (12/09) roads, little traffic, guided group ride outs by arrangement. Evening meals, private bar, swimming RIDE MOTORCYCLE TOURS - ADVENTURES IN pool, undercover parking alongside our GS. Phone EUROPE & THE UK Richard or Pat on (00 33) 2 40 97 08 44, e-mail Join us on an exciting biking holiday, relax and [email protected], Website www.la-janais.com ride the best roads through stunning scenery (2/10) staying in nice hotels while visiting interesting FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY - B & B plus ideal gite for places. Try the Spa Classic and Black Forest, two - north of Saumur. Croatian Adventure, 5 Countries Ride, French Tranquil location - Use of pool/hot tub. Evening Alps,Lakes & Gorges, Pyrenees, Moto meals available. Covered parking. Tel: (0033) Piston, Spains Picos de Europa. While at home why 241821184 . www.theloireaffair.co.uk (12/10) not try our 3 day taster of the beautiful Lake Disrict, FRENCH B&B BARN, POITOU CHARENTES. the fantastic NW200 road race in Ireland or ride Exclusive use of our converted stone barn in the some of the best roads in the world with scenery Vienne, 10km from the N10 south of Poitiers. Sleeps to match on our Scottish Highlands and West Coast up to 5, indoor parking, 60 euros per night for 2, 16 Tour . www.ridemotorcycletours.co.uk email: euros per extra person. Evening meals available. [email protected] Tel: 0191 522 0217. (3/10) www.bikers-bb-barn.com www.bed-breakfast-yurts. SOMME & YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS. Our com , Tel 0033 5 49 87 09 01, email kevin .lindsey@ secluded farmhouse B&B, 100 miles from Calais, aliceadsl.fr (12/09) has secure, covered parking and workshop. Evening GERMANY SPECTACULAR HARZ MOUNTAINS meals available. Your host is GS owner, author and TOURS. Biker only B&B established 15 years. Let historian . See World of BMW or www .martinpegler . Greg and his R1200S be your guide to some of the com . Phone 00333 2286 5672 . (3/10) best Biking roads in Europe. 200 year old beamed, SOUTHERN BRITTANY Close Redon 3 spacious, newly renovated 10 bedroom B and B . All rooms comfortable gites, set in 3 acres of tranquil grounds ensuite . Courtyard garden for drinks and food . BBQ evening Saturdays in the season. Local beers which may be rented separately or altogether for a and wine. Come and meet bikers from Denmark, larger group: Sleep 2 – 16. Secure garage parking Sweden, Holland, Germany and UK. Large locked for bikes. Contact: Anne & Dave Chapman Tel: garage for 20 bikes. Trained mechanic on call. 2 01732-456459 e-mail: anneanddave.chapman@ mins walk from lively local town with bars and virgin .net (12/10) restaurants. Run by bikers for bikers. Special rate for BMW club members. Email gregoryniven@t- Rest of the World online .de www.harzbiker.co.uk Tel 0049 5524 3749 (9/10) MOTORCYCLE TOURING HOLIDAYS IN ITALY – ABRUZZO REGION. Secluded & tranquil NORTHERN THAILAND. Based in the beautiful countryside farmhouse B&B only 30 minutes from old city of Chiang Mai, we offer a selection of Adriatic beaches or national park mountains. motorcycle touring holidays in the mountainous Fantastic roads, scenery, people & wildlife! For area of Northern Thailand. The roads are excellent, more information visit www.moto-abruzzo.eu or the scenery is stunning and we provide first class Email: [email protected] (12/10) accommodation. You will be looked after throughout NORMANDY / BRITTANY BORDER - Gourmet Bed the holiday by experienced English guides. We & Breakfast Close to Mont St- Michel large elegant offer either five day (touring only) holidays or longer 200 year old town house restored and renovated breaks which offer more time to explore the area. to a very high standard . Individually designed Hotels, meals, motorcycle and fuel are all included. en-suite bedrooms, guests dining room, drawing Reduced rates for pillions and up to 25% discount room, lounge and conservatory for the comfort now available for BMW Club members . For further and hospitality of our guests. With landscaped information please have a look at our website www . walled garden and secure garage parking. Gourmet thaimotorcycletouring.com, or telephone us on dinners are our speciality let us pamper you and 01260 279443 .(04/10) 80 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 Classifieds
FERALWORKS . 0794 1950 266 or 01454 851 461 Services Email; [email protected] (11/09) LYNBROOK INSURANCE for Special Member’s CARDIFF MOTORRAD Wales’ Number One terms including Classic & Modern Motorcycle Independent BMW Motorbike Specialists BMW Insurance (all makes) Tel 0845 130 4662 or 01277 Factory Trained Technician Services - Repairs - 206285 . Also Travel and Europewide Breakdown/ Diagnostics - Tyres - MOT’s All Makes Welcome Recovery Tel 0151 336 5881 (quote Lynbrook) 10% off labour to all club members Please call (12/10) Mike on 07843528377 or 02920 565666 E-mail: [email protected] (12/09) Accessories & Spares CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS - All models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic equipment, Stainless Steel Fasteners Part or full kits available, ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Servicing, repairs, most models covered. SAE or e mail info@ insurance work.Tyres, spares FROM stock. 5 star shawstainless.co.uk for list . Chris Shaw Engineering workshop - full facilities.BMW authorised supplier. 24 Station Road, Halton Holegate, Spilsby, Lincs, Bikes bought/sold - see Biketrader web page. Jap PE23 5PB Tel: 01790 755515 Mobile: 07702 862508 & German 102 Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 www.shawstainless.co.uk (12/09) 237 2299, www.japandgerman.co.uk (2/10) www.eBolt.co.uk For stainless steel nuts, bolts and CRAY ENGINEERING BMW Twins road & race fasteners, tools and consumables Tel 020 8133 performance specialist. Fully equipped workshop 5241(11/10) for servicing, repairs, rebuilds & engineering. Tuning packages to suit your requirements. New & used spares. Tyres fitted & balanced while you wait. Servicing (Callers by appointment only) Phone/Fax 01795 538282 Faversham, Kent (11/09) ANDREW SEXTON NORTH OXFORDSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE EURO CLASSICS. A small family firm dedicated BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, restoration to servicing, repairs and renovation of BMW’s. We and special tuning work, on all models. Collection build bikes to order (GS a speciality). Insurance and delivery arranged . Tel 01608 730111 (6/09)** work carried out. Supply and fitting of tyres. New & second hand parts. Exchange drive shafts, Varta B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations, batteries . BMW’s for sale . or sell your BMW at no repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s cost to you. Please phone Phil or Dinah on 01604 from 1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, from 591222 or www.euroclassics.co.uk . (04/10) £3,455. Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus OHV machines available. Machine GJB MOTORCYCLES BRISTOL. Service, repairs, onsite MOT’s and full diagnostics. Collection and tools for the small/home workshop, including delivery available. 10% discount on MOT’s for Chester MultiFunction lathe/mill/drill. Parts made fellow BMW club members. Telephone Garry on to pattern or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and 0117 9677016 .(12/10) services or visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby DE1 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & w/ends MOBILE MOTORBIKE SERVICES Professional 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk (1/10) repairs and servicing for all BMW models at realistic prices. We offer a mobile service within a 40 mile Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and surrounding radius of Nottingham. Call Jim Hill on 0797 123 6087 counties BMW motorcycle servicing , repairs & or 0115 9727153. www.ifixyourbike.com.(10/09) restoration Steve Grover t/a Motoscot senior BMW Technician (ex service manager at Slocombes NORTH EAST Independent BMW Specialist. Full of Neasden for over 20 years) BMW diagnostic service & repair for all models up to present day. equipment and special tools on site Loan bike Factory trained senior technician. Mobile service available collection/delivery service arranged. Will within 60 miles of Sunderland. Call Mike Kendrick also service/repair all makes, models Phone 01582 0191 510 0265 or 07828 281003 (12/09)** 419812 or Mobile 07843 056201 Email motoscot@ SCOTLAND NEAR GLASGOW Mostly Bricks & dsl.pipex.com www.motoscot.co.uk (1/10) Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. Professional BERKSHIRE & Surrounding Counties. BMW motorcycle servicing and repairs at realistic rates. Agreed labour cost restorations. Phone Jim Downie Motorcycle services. K, R & F Series. Independent 01505 850341 or 07973 326928 . bricksnboxers@ BMW Specialist Servicing, Repairs & Spares. aol.com (4/10) Collection & delivery. Weekend work & loan bike available. For all enquiries please contact Garry SERVICING, REPAIRS & SPARES: Boxer & K Webb Tel: 01344 860580/07770 444794. Email servicing. Breakdown & crash repairs. Pickup & [email protected] (4/10) delivery service. Weekend work. Loan bike available. BMW’s always being broken . Only BM’s worked on . BRISTOL BMW SPECIALIST Independent Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (SW London) (12/09)** qualified engineer & ex-racer with over 30 years BMW experience for all your servicing & repair THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW requirements. Regularly breaking airhead twins, SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration R80 / R100 bought for cash. All makes & models facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile service catered for but specialist in pre 90’s bikes & BMW available within an 80 mile radius of LEICESTER . twins. Collection available. 10% Labour discount Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 588076, to fellow BMW Club members! Contact Dave at www.boxerman.co.uk (12/09) BMW Club Journal • February 2010 81 82 BMW Club Journal • February 2010 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
• Established 1989 • 14 day satisfaction guarantee • Used parts carry a 6 month warranty • 10,000 new part lines on the shelf • 1,000s of BMWs broken • UK’s largest supplier of BMW parts • 12,000 sq ft of pure BMW • NEW, SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED BMW PARTS • • FAST MAIL ORDER • • SALVAGE COLLECTED NATIONWIDE •
We cover all BMW motorcycles from 1970 to the present day 1200GS etc. Remember-all our sales sta are riders themselves. Between them there is not much they don’t know about your bike! We are quite happy to give you the bene t of this experience and to recommend the best manuals and guides for your needs. There is usually no need to pay somebody else to do your servicing, upgrades or repairs when we can give you a wealth of experience and the choice of new, secondhand and reconditioned parts. Many of our new parts o er a huge saving on dealer prices. We can provide you with service items, replacement parts, accesso- ries and performance parts. We have the largest range of parts available anywhere in the UK - in fact we are not aware of anybody, anywhere in the world, who can o er our range and depth of stock. Planning a trip - ring us for advice on spares etc. to carry. Remember, we distribute world wide so we can deliver emergency parts to you anywhere. If you want it we’ve probably got it! If not and BMW make it we can get it for you. Try us! UTAG datatag • Odyssey Batteries • Remus • Ohlins • Carbtune Tyres • Ultraseal • Keihan • Ilmburger • Rugged Roads • etc. etc.
0845 458 0077 International: 00 44 1484 353600 Fax: 00 44 1484 353604 Visit ourwww.motorworks.co.uk new shopping basket site at
BMW Club Journal • February 2010 83