The Journal The BMW Club magazine July 2015 £3.00

The Editorial Team Editor: Stewart Lowthian, 29 Wagg Street, Contents The Journal Congleton, CW12 4BA. 01260 279 126 [email protected] From The Editor’s Desk 4 Features/Articles: Peter Wright. features@ President’s Platform 5 July 2015 bmwclubuk.net Torque Reaction 6 Torque Reaction: Paul Nadin, 49 Berkshire The Official BMW Club within the UK and Drive, Congleton, CW12 1SB. 01260 279 443 Obituary 12 Republic of Ireland [email protected] www.thebmwclub.org.uk The Summer National: Places to visit 13 Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood General Enquiries: 0800 0854045 Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, S63 9GD Ride for Life beyoun Sight Loss. 15 All Rights Reserved 07752 904 334 [email protected] Turkey Motorbike Tours 17 Commercial Display Advertisements: Jim Bruce, The Firs, Bayview Crescent, German Jottings 21 Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9D 01471 820 Past but Present 22 408 [email protected] Small Business Advertisements: Charles The Social Scene 27 Knight, 4 Homelands, New Road, Porchfield, The Sections 28 Isle of Wight, PO30 4LS ,01983 520 847 Correspondence on any Journal matter not covered 07521 695 992 [email protected] Around the Compass 30 by the officers listed here should be sent to the Editor who will forward it as appropriate. For general Club Section News: Steve Foreman 07770 827 574 Diary of Events 32 administration and membership matters please see the [email protected] list of Club officers on this page. Diary of Events: Bob Barker. diary@ Section News 36 For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, bmwclubuk.net please contact your Section Membership Secretary. Mutual Aid (Club member ads) 43 Around The Compass: Bob Barker (see Should there still be a problem then contact the National above). Small Business Advertisments 45 Membership Secretary whose contact details are listed on this page. Club/Section Display Ads: Piers Kurrein. club. The Editor reserves the right to alter/amend any item or [email protected] image submitted to The Journal. Such amendments will usually only be to make an item more readable or easier to understand. Submission of items/images will be taken as acceptance of this condition. We (The BMW Club) are the owner or licensee of all Intellectual Property rights in this publication. You may not copy or distribute its contents without the express written permission of National and other officers GS Register Secretary: Nev Jones. 2 Pentwyn, ourselves or the original author. President: Mike Warrilow. 32 Fairthorne Way, Radyr, Cardiff, CF15 8RE The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Shrivenham, Oxon, SN6 8EA. 029 2084 2224 or 07860 532 876 Motorcycle Club Ltd; Registered in England; Registration 01793 782 428 [email protected] [email protected] Number 4261129 whose Registered Office: c/o Veitch Secretary: Anita Johnson. c/o 10 Saffron Road, Safety officer: Colin Bembridge Penny LLP 1, Manor Court Dix’s Field Exeter Devon England EX1 1UP Tickhill, Doncaster DN11 9PW. 02089 538 807 [email protected] DISCLAIMER: The BMW Club Journal accepts for 01302 743 032 [email protected] Events Logistics: Brian Johnson. c/o 10 publication articles and letters written in good faith; Treasurer: Jim Lepley. 7 Landale Gardens, Saffron Road, Tickhill, Doncaster DN11 9PW however, the views expressed in articles and letters Burntisland, Fife KY3 9HN. 01302 743 032 or 07950 319 197 which are published are not necessarily those of the 01592 874 592 [email protected] [email protected] Editor of The Journal or those of The BMW Club or its Social Secretary: Jim Bettley. 1 Green Walk, Marketing/Commercial Sales: Position Vacant officers or members. The information, including advice and suggested Fareham, Hants. PO15 6AZ. Assistant Secretary for America: Position modifications published in the The BMW Club Journal 07920 147 908 [email protected] vacant. has not been approved, tested or otherwise checked Membership Secretary: Bob Barker. 88 Browns 100,000 MILE AWARD: Jason Goodwill. by The BMW Club Journal or The BMW Club. Before Bay Road, Islandmagee, Larne, Northern 01847 893 935 [email protected]. acting on information, advice or suggested modifications Ireland, BT40 3RX Webmaster: Nick Fearn [email protected] published in The BMW Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate have a 028 9338 2558 or 07770 746627 Technical Officer: Mike Fishwick. Sirgon, [email protected] professional motorcycle engineer carry out the work for 24250 Daglan, France. you. Tool Hire Secretary: Mike Delacoe. 4 [email protected] The BMW Club Journal and The BMW Club cannot Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Daventry Forum Administrator: John King. accept liability for any loss, damage or claims occurring NN11 3TA [email protected] as a result of any modifications or work or other action 01327 360 945 [email protected] Forum Address: http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk carried out on the advice or based on the suggestions Merchandise Secretary: Cath Broughton. 17 given in any article or letter published in The BMW Club Vice-Presidents: Strawberry Hill, Northampton NN3 5HL Journal and (save for death or personal injury arising Cliff Batley 01604 416 896 [email protected] from The BMW Club Journal’s negligence) all such [email protected] 01787 372 901 liability is hereby excluded. See Merchandise advertisment for contact Graham Walker. 21 Whitehouse Ave, The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of times. Burnhope, Durham DH7 0AJ 07931 710 991 The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd. Vintage & Classic Register Secretary: John [email protected] The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, The BMW Club Journal, Wheeler. 1, Dell Cottages, Honey Lane, Hurley, Alan Orme. 01159 469 542 alan.orme1@ it’s Editor and Officers accept no liability in respect of Maidenhead, SL6 6RA btinternet.com loss or damage occasioned directly or indirectly as a 01628 822 754 [email protected] result of the publication of any advertisement in The HQ Register Secretary: Dick Boyd. Stewart BMW Club Journal or Website. Sporting Register Secretary: Robert Bensley, Place, South Road, Garmouth,IV32 7LX. Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham 01343 870 389 [email protected] This month’s cover photograph from NR16 2HS Delegates to other organisations Mick Welch wasn’t taken in Provence 01953 888 415 [email protected] BMF: Ian M Dobie. 01793 729 016 or but in London...just! It’s an unusual Keith Thomas, Sidecar Register Secretary: 07803 206 893 [email protected] and very popular place to visit and Hawkbarrow Cottage, Gosforth, Cumbria Position vacant unlike some other lavender fields CA20 1ER FBHVC: 01946 725 152. [email protected] Vehicle dating & DVLA enquires: Robert visitors are permitted to walk between Freeman. 169 Creek Road, March, PE15 8RY the rows when the lavender is in 01354 656 569 [email protected] bloom.

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 3 From The Editor’s Desk

A trip to the dealer at a price competitive with phoning an independent and paying postage. Although this column is entitled “From the Having seen the RT owner collect his Editor’s Desk” this isn’t entirely true this motorcycle, I didn’t have to wait long for month. I started typing it in the customer mine. The original aluminium rear brake waiting area of Williams Motorrad in flange had been replaced with a stainless profits. Manchester while the GS had a couple steel component. The fuel pump problem I’m unfamiliar with the area around of recalls looked at. There’s a fuel pump will require a return visit as mine turned Williams’s showroom and workshop so issue, which I wouldn’t have known about out to be cracked and needed replacing. I let the Garmin guide me there and left without the recall letter and the widely- Apparently most are fixed by adding a home a lot earlier than it thought I needed publicised rear brake flange. As far as I support to the pump but whether by to. Even at 8:00 a.m. the traffic was slow- could tell the GS didn’t have either of the misfortune or mileage, mine was beyond moving and congested. There’s no way I’d problems it was in for but, prevention being reclamation. While I’m there I’ll be having want to drag through it any more often better than cure, they were being looked the brake fluid changed as I have the than absolutely necessary. Living within at. At the next table was a gentleman with infamous servo-assisted ABS. In theory walking distance of the modest part-time a R1200RT of the same age as my GS I know how to do the job myself but past job that supplements my meagre pension who’s here for the same recalls as me and experience of trying to undo bleed nipples has its compensations. next to me was Soji from the East Anglia after a few years left to their own devices section collecting an R1200GS . It’s a small makes me somewhat cautious. This month’s edition and friendly world. While I was waiting I Given how much correspondence I print took the opportunity to buy myself an oil from members who feel BMW’s standard This edition will probably come through filter and all the crush washers needed for of service falls short of their expectations your letter-box a little sooner than you changing the engine, gearbox and final it’s good to be able to present an alternative were expecting as we’re going on holiday drive oils. All available, as I’d expect, and and more positive perspective. My GS and for a couple of weeks in June. Making the aforementioned holidays and Journal printing deadlines gentleman’s RT are match is something of a challenge. This both coming up for month isn’t too bad: I’m finishing this on ten years old and well Friday morning and it’s due at the printers and truly out of any on Sunday night for approval on Monday sort of warranty but morning, the day before we go away. BMW are still taking This edition is crowded. My customary them seriously. How longwindedness is constrained by the much these two fixes need to fit all sorts else in. Section News are costing them is a photographs are positioned next to the text matter of speculation that refers to them and without captions but presumably to save as much space as possible. Section they consider the events are advertised instead of Mike’s potential damage to and my pearls of wisdom. There’s surely their reputation to something the Club is doing right when be more serious than have to I struggle to make everything fit in. the damage to their

4 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 The President’s Platform

That time of the month already and the without any discomfort. I think, unfairly, 2nd of June with rain and wind blowing so BMW Motorrad came in for criticism, hard that a ride out, unless necessary, is not how on earth can they design and cater the thing to be doing. for all bums ? There are so many factors I retired from the day job at the end of to take into account and I don’t think March which means I can now ride the there will ever be a perfect seat. I reckon motorbikes, cycle and walk during the if someone comes up with perfection in week when all is calm and quiet in the local seats they will make a fortune. I find that Cotswold villages. We can plan tomorrows a part cure for numb bum is to stop, have than previous models and those bikes had trip but no matter, if the weather turns a coffee a chat and rest for a few minutes, brilliant comments. The new bikes have foul it can be cancelled to another day, it’s it works wonders. You then have to stop been in the Dealers showrooms for sale a strange feeling but one I am sure I will and have a break when the liquid works it’s before the official Launch which seems get used to. The downside is that now I way through the system, another rest and strange, the inconsistency being caused by don’t have any excuse not to catch up with maybe a coffee a chat and so on. late delivery apparently. The plus is that domestic maintenance. I wonder if part of the sore backside the new bikes are now available as demos. The tension at the Feb NCM was not syndrome is caused by the Gortex Check with your Dealer. reflected in the May meeting where we membrane not being able to work correctly Maybe see you out on the road enjoying managed to get the business side of the whilst being suffocated between your your BM and the Club. It’s fun to take part, Club sorted in a more relaxed way, this in backside and the plastic covered seat, you know it makes sense. Nearly forgot turn allowed us to finish earlier and get causing sweat to be trapped and in turn the to mention “The Hampshire Hoedown” home in a reasonable time. Thank you all. soreness. Maybe that’s why the sheepskin the National in August, time to get your The BMF list of Club Delegates on page cover works for some. Any thoughts out bookings in and a time to support the 3 of The Journal is way out of date. Ian there ? efforts of the Southern Section organisers. Dobie has offered to find out more about Whilst looking at design, do you think Mike what is required of BMF Club Delegates we will ever be able and our involvement with the BMF. The to get a really quiet National officers have agreed to make Ian helmet. Unless you our BMF liaison officer on a temporary have an RT type screen basis to let him get the info he needs on the bike ear plugs from the BMF office. When Ian gathers are a must. I would the information we will need interested have thought at £400 members (3 at the moment) to volunteer to plus we could expect a be Club Delegates. More info to follow. little more shush !!! Who would have thought that The new models motorcycle seats could become such a first test rides have sensitive (excuse the pun) subject. Well, had good road reports, it was on Facebook recently, a person the S1000XR and complained bitterly about the seat on their R1200RS, bike test bike being uncomfortable after a few miles, reporters find the it was answered by someone with the same way the bikes go, stop model bike saying how they can ride all day and handle better

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 5 Please send all submissions for August’s Torque Reaction to Paul Nadin (details on page 3) before Torque Reaction July 5th please.

The Club & Europe for themselves. Have they complained? Less need for change? There may be those who yearn for the Within our Club and The Journal we only quality journalism of the past. Do modern I read the letter by Ian Ross in the previous seem to address what is going on in the UK, magazines on motorcycling match the (May 2015) issue of The Journal - my first Round the Compass lists all UK events and quality publications of our youth where the magazine as a new member. He raises some we also get an advert for them all as well written word did not need to be enhanced interesting and diverse points. within The Journal. by word art, coloured pictures and home My take on this is: So how do we find out what other BMW video? He says that until those who promote Bike Riders Clubs in Europe are doing? Many of us enjoy the benefits of the the image from a by-gone era leave, things What events they have, where they are, who modern technological revolution and can will never change. Surely it’s better for those do we contact? I am of course assuming live happily with the written word in the “bygones” to change, rather than leave? that other countries in Europe have BMW multiple formats available, and with Mr He mentions females being described as Clubs similar to ours. I have looked on the Ross’s modern views he can be a guide to “my favourite pillion “ or “she who must be BM Riders Club web site where there are a future that may attract his virtual friends obeyed” which he seems to find offensive. many links to many BMW Clubs. to join. Each to his own. I am all for equality. How about starting a section within It would be nice to think that whilst he However I still stand up for a lady who is ‘The Journal’ and also on our Web Forum steers from the front those who have the standing and wants a seat and I open the that addresses European and International time to enjoy looking around at the passing door for them. I still refer to them as the events and clubs? Such information may be of time from the rear seat can enjoy being fairer sex and shall continue to do so. Does helpful when planning a European holiday pillion and not excluded from the ride he not like that either? My girlfriend is just and encourage ideas across all borders. altogether. So while those who are waking that… A ‘girl’ friend. Yes, in those respects, Dave Foster up and enjoying the coffee, there is still I’m probably sexist! Scottish Section room for those who would prefer a pot of He is a member of another premium tea with a cup and saucer. Italian motorcycle brand owners club (are Time for Change. Perhaps Mr Ross does not make a very all the other Italian bikes sub-standard if good pillion, as a poor pillion can ruin an his is ‘premium’?) which costs nothing to Scottish independence seems to have given experience for both but one who excels join yet gives out a whole load of goodies - enlightened thinking to Mr Ross (see letter as part of a team, who with his or her which presumably cost money. The funding on page 7 of the May Journal) as, post rider can make for a most memorable ride for that comes from somewhere. I think election, we are all giving consideration to and enjoyable journey through a life of it unlikely that BMW are about to start the voice north of the border. But there is motorcycling. Hopefully the varied palates doing that for members and, even if they an alternative view, consider the success of of club members, who are not sold solely on were (and as it would seem to only apply to the Union with its historical past. brockwurst and sauerkraut, can contribute those who buy the latest ‘premium’ model) Perhaps the ‘time for change needs to cuisine suggested for the future? it is of no use to the rest of us that ride old to be considered’ but does it have to be So to all pillions I say, favourite or beat up and well worn machinery… (with described as a relic from the past because otherwise, we love riding in partnership worn splines, but more of that later). If the of the written word in a paper format? through life and miss you when you’re gone. membership is provided by the Premium The Journal may be a comfort to many If Britain is the success of its diverse manufacturer, then the bike buyers pick up whose wealth of experience can be shared parts, then perhaps a club that can use its that tab ultimately. There is no free lunch. with comrades whose life of riding has diverse parts can also have a bright future - He mentions committee meetings in contributed to a BMW Club we have all or do we need a referendum to decide? posh hotels. I am actually the National chosen to join? Jill Bickerstaffe Chairman of another motorcycle owners The First Minister of Scotland would South East Section. not be offended by being described as a favourite of the nation, so why would a devoted pillion who has enjoyed the dual partnership of riding together with her other half take offence at being favourite pillion. Was Mr Ross wrong to assume that all pillions are of the same gender, could he not be considered to be a favourite pillion until his own licence enabled him to enjoy the sport many Journal reading riders have enjoyed for generations. Some pillions do have a licence of their own but choose to ride as part of a team. Not all can enjoy a fleet of vehicles. Solo or pillion enjoyment translates the same and pillions can speak 6 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 club (not Italian and not Premium brand) on, because they have sufficient interest to motorcycle even at 10% discount! and during the last 8 years of my tenure become a member it shouldn’t matter what There is another reason people leave. we haven’t had a committee meeting at all. they own or how they turn up - interest in They no longer have BMWs and feel that With the Internet such as it is and email BMWs or the Club Marque should surely they are no longer welcome. Why do they such as it is, all our ‘committee meetings’ be enough. no longer have BMWs? Because BMW are done by email. Free of charge. Regarding the comment about The deny reliability problems. Electronics and It seems that all types of bikes are Journal being a relic from the past; if you spline failures seem commonplace. I have to present at the Italian motorcycle Premier remove the trips to Bavaria or Italy or grease my K100 LT rear drive splines with brand owners’ club meetings. It would be wherever it begs the question as to what Honda Moly grease because A: the splines interesting to know whether he means all else is going to go into the magazine! The are poorly made and B: the BMW grease ‘types’ or all ‘makes’. I used to own two editor, after all, only edits the magazine isn’t much use. Please don’t tell anyone that rotary Nortons and I was a member of the and does not write it. Perhaps the comment my BMW has Honda lube or no-one will Norton owners’ club. Woe betide anyone should be, “Yawn, not another trip to Italy speak to me! BMW, wake up and smell who turns up at a Norton Owners Club or Bavaria.” The answer to the moaners the coffee! Honda Moly grease, for Honda meeting on anything other than a Norton is quite simple, “Get writing your own splines… Hondas don’t strip splines. (cars and vans accepted but any other bike articles”. Perhaps BMW should employ some Honda is strictly verboten). I didn’t renew my Re: making the website open to all spline and electronics engineers and if there membership. including non-members, I have experience is a well publicised problem, admit it and My experience with the Pan-European of this. If a website is completely open to all, don’t gag dealers. (I have owned three) owners club wasn’t including non-members, then membership The BMW engineers can then make the good either. I once sent them an email will fall as there is no need to join the Club. coffee, for everyone else to wake up and when the European meeting was being held There do need to be certain ‘members only’ smell it! not far from me and I asked (as they had sections of the website such as events and James Mather. North Wales. taken over the whole of a hotel in the local articles for sale and suchlike. It’s interesting city centre) where the camping was. I would that this point has been raised because I Time for less change? like to say that I got a short email back or am a new member of the BMW Club and even a two line email but I didn’t. I actually didn’t even know that there was website I read with interest Ian Ross’s letter in the got a two word email back. Nothing more. and don’t know how to get into it! I am on May Journal ‘The Time for Change’ and I No ‘Yours faithfully’, nothing else, just, the K100 forum and have had untold help have to say that, largely, I don’t recognise two words… ‘No camping’. There was a from the guys on there - and it’s free. the BMW Club as described by Ian (and big argument within the club at the time And finally, something which was a number of other contributors in recent as to whether owners of the new ST 1300 completely unnecessary, was the little bit of months). should be allowed into the club because a poke in Ian Ross’ eye by Stewart pointing There may be good reasons for this. Ian they weren’t ‘real’ Pan Europeans. I didn’t out that the previous author’s name is in the Scottish Section whereas I’m in the renew membership of that club. (referred to in the article) was not Ian but Western Section. My partner and I are in the I haven’t been to a BMW meeting yet Len. Totally unnecessary in my opinion. main “armchair members” at the moment but I would be interested to know whether All Stewart needed to do was edit the as we have three children so the amount I would be ignored if I turned up on letter. After all, as I said earlier, that is what of experience that we’ve had in taking part anything other than a Premier (or ratty?) editors do, edit... or are supposed to do. Club events is limited. Highlights of our BMW. Suppose I turned up at a camp but in Perhaps you can see now why participation are two Boreen runs and a my car or on some beat up old piece of rusty (worryingly) the membership (I am told) fantastic trip to Lake Garda led by Steve non Bavarian (non Premium) or even (date has fallen from 7,000 to 3,500. Yes, do Foreman of the Midland Section as well as I say it?) Japanese ironwork? Would I still wake up and smell the coffee and welcome a few pub lunch meets, ride outs etc. We’ve be welcome? Please bear in mind that I’m anyone in, whatever they ride. We can’t all always found the membership friendly and not looking for what the answer should be, afford (or even want) to spend over 10k welcoming; not the least bit elitist as Ian I am looking for what the reality is. To my on a new Beemer and get it serviced even has experienced. Incidentally Mike Nobbs mind, if someone is a member of the Club, with the (wow…10%) discount. Personally in his very enjoyable article in the “Past it doesn’t matter what they turn up in or I wouldn’t trust a monkey to work on my but Present” makes a similar point about snobbery related to the ownership of the latest machinery: again this is alien to me. It is interesting that Ian is a “member of another premium Italian motor cycle brand owners club” that is free to join but gives members a welcome pack. I do wonder how such a club is funded. Ian’s views on The Journal seem to be at odds with those of many of the membership as I get the impression that they (and I) regard it as one of the best features of being a Club member, but I’m sure Ian is correct when he says that it’s expensive to produce when compared to an online magazine. Regarding Ian’s comments about the Forum, is it true that most of it cannot July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 7 ****

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** Policies be viewed by non-members? It was my key start, but I’ve got great hopes for the as rounded a picture as possible I do need from understanding that all of the Forum was future with a lot of support and ideas now to talk to as many of you as I can, so I really £74 available to non-members apart from the coming in from around the world. I have would appreciate your contacting me. Working with ability to place adverts? been fortunate in gaining the support And don’t forget, it’s all going towards Mike Downing. Western Section. of both British and American big guns helping the Air Ambulance stay flying! such as The Amateur Mechanic, Craig Peter Ardron. Market Rasen. Where are they now? Vechorik, Bob Porecha, Tom Cropper and David Cushing. This has resulted not only My 650 Funduro. I joined the Mercia section in autumn in the growth being far greater than I had Classic benefi ts included*: of 2013 and I’ve found them to be a nice anticipated but, as the content is provided I own a 1994 Funduro and would like pleasant bunch of people. However almost exclusively by the subscribers, a far some more information about it if possible Classic insurance redefi ned. Salvage retention besides meeting up at Repton or Barton more international and thus a far richer please. The date of original registration was Shows and events I infrequently get to see them. The area ezine can develop. My only slight concern the 17th of May 1994, the Vin/Chassis Tailor your classic bike policy to suit your needs. Helmets & Leathers (up to a limit of £750) covered by my section is massive and I’ve about it at the moment is that foreign number is 0325760 and the engine number got absolutely no idea who all the members subscribers currently outnumber the Brits is 00368318. Wider eligibility cover now available for members of the BMW Club United Kingdom European motoring (up to 35 days per trip) are and where they’re located. by about four to one. So if you haven’t The information that I require is that all & Northern Ireland: Riding other classics I can imagine this is a very similar already heard about it (or if you haven’t got the Funduros that I’ve seen are fitted with • Young enthusiasts from aged 18 • Unlimited mileage available for older riders * position for the other sections. I’ve got no around to subscribing yet) please donate a clock on the left hand side but mine has • Bikes covered from 15 years old Cover options : idea whatsoever who lives nearby. There are a fiver to the Air Ambulance for a year’s a temperature gauge. The front indicators To discover the Footman James difference, call our friendly UK team for a quote today. Breakdown with options to include loads of BMW bikes locally, but besides subscription and help redress the balance! are built into the fairing, not on stalks. The European cover and Homestart banging on the doors I don’t know if they’re My real reason for writing this though registration plate has ‘BMW UK’ on the Agreed value members. is to ask for help with our ‘User/Rider bottom so I think that it was registered by Ride to work It would be nice if as members we could Reviews’. BMW UK? 0333 207 6068 Track day cover have a clue were compatriots live so we Do any of you have firsthand experience Several days ago I sent an email to could develop little riding groups etc. of any of the following:- BMW UK to see if they could give me any or visit footmanjames.co.uk Wedding hire cover Bryan Powell. Rugeley a. Long-term ownership of an R90S? information on its history but no reply yet. follow us @Footman_James Specialist rates for club members b. Ownership of a very late (post 1990?) One other thing is that I have bought Airhead Riders Help Airhead? a set of Craven Concorde panniers that *All cover is subject to insurers terms and conditions, which is available upon request. **1978 BMW R100RS 999cc. Value: £6000. Main policy only and does not include any FJ+ cover options. All premiums assume it is not the main vehicle and includes Insurance Premium Tax. Male rider aged over 25 years old, 2000 annual limited mileage, and full clean driving licence with no claims or convictions. Member of Needed Please. c. The new-type coil (with the additional I want to fit to the bike. The fittings that associated club. Postcode OX10, vehicle garaged with no modifi cations. Includes a £10 arrangement fee. earth-wire) for pre-69 bikes from Emerald come with panniers need extra brackets Footman James is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No.4043759. Registered Address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Telephone calls may be recorded. FP ADCLB206.11.14 Most of you know that since leaving my Island? to allow them to be fitted. Can a member VCR role I have started an on-line Airhead d. Any make of electronic ignition for recommend a fabricator who can make the Newsletter/ezine called, unsurprisingly slash 2s? brackets that I require? I need two for each ‘The Airhead’. If you haven’t seen this yet e. Any make of electronic ignition to side and they will need to be powder coated then please visit my site at www.theairhead. replace the ‘bean can’ ignition on post 70 in satin black and use stainless steel bolts, co.uk. Airheads? nuts and washers. The Newsletter is sent out as a PDF, I want to discover if these bikes, and the I also have an RS boxer fairing and an which means that I have no publication above after-market accessories, are living up RT fairing top. I need to know please are or distribution costs and it also offers to the hype. Is the R90S still a useable and the lower sections the same for the RS and users the advantage that, for those who enjoyable bike, or is it just an investment? the RT? don’t like reading things on screen, then Were the later bikes just for nostalgia Any help with any of the above would be it is easy to print off the copy to read at freaks or could they really provide good much appreciated. leisure. Subscribers who have no computers and alternative riding when compared to Raymond Randle. Nuneaton themselves can usually find a friend, the output of other manufacturers (and 02476 382980 neighbour or relative to print off the BMW themselves) in the 90’s? Emerald [email protected] newsletter for them. Island had a poor reputation for longevity This is a completely non-profit- on their first range of coils, but they’ve And even more on ‘Time making undertaking with 100% of the £5 made big claims about the new ones. Does for Change’. subscription fee being donated to the Air the product live up to their claims of easier Ambulance. The project has been created starting at slower kick-over speeds? And As a relationship manager with a national with the support of, and full authority from, according to a respected service engineer, insurer and the largest bike and car club the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air electronic ignitions are being thrown in the partner in the UK I take issue with much Ambulance. bin and owners are returning to original of what was said. The ezine is built around the belief equipment - is that your experience also? I manage the relationship with over 160 that Airhead owners aren’t really catered I hope to cover all these products soon enthusiast clubs, from those with 17,000 for much in the National Bike Press and but need as much information as I can. members to as little as 350, around 10% never can be; so we’ll just have to provide The only people who can definitively are in growth, and the rest maintain a for ourselves what isn’t being supplied answer questions like these are the owners plateau or are declining slightly. There are by others. The content is provided by the and users. So I would appreciate you help many reasons for this, indeed one of them readers and we’re getting a nice balance please. If you could drop an email to editor. might be poor club stewardship or lack of of serious spannering articles, anecdotal [email protected] or, easier still, member input, the key reason reported stories about Airheads, event reports and phone 01673 844519 giving your views though is the general cost of living and the useful tips. then that would be marvellous. You can need to sometimes cut back on expenses It’s early days yet and it’s been a low- remain anonymous if you wish, but to get or swapping manufactures, especially if July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 9 someone is a member of more than one membership, it’s not a business (despite the club or has other interests. (I am in Lodge, clear need to ensure a working profit for it Kayak regularly, Mercedes Benz Club to function) so the money spent should be member and fish). to the benefit of all, which as far as I can The second reason for some decline is see it is. that historically you joined a club to access I agree with the view that forums should technical support as much as social and be open to view and only members can media interests but now of course I can go participate, general feedback is that it does to YouTube and type ‘Change the oil on a encourage interest or membership where K1200RS’ and have hundreds of clips in the postings are interesting, informative real time. Clubs are only as contemporary, or entertaining. THEY ARE A DOUBLE interest or value as the members that EDGED SWORD THOUGH! Where support it, both in their time, interest and members with social issues feel the need to money! rant, be vitriolic, abuse or denigrate other The Clubs sector from my experience views or actual people, these put more off continues to be the best source of than they attract. (Except other Trolls). information, advice, camaraderie, Personally I like being a mild reliquary, organised events and social rides. Further most things of value with longevity in this there is a reason you have to pay to join a world I feel are usually tactile and real, club, forums are cheap, often worried by virtual platforms rarely are they are useful ‘would be’ enthusiasts who actually can’t but instantly disposable. As to enthusiasts afford a GS or Ducati, know all’s and even being ‘Dinosaurs’ the bike sector is often Trolls, the news and advice is often third complemented with those with small or fourth hand or even ‘My mate tried this knowledge and skill sets but enough income once and it worked for him’ postings. The to ride expensive bikes, they rarely last as 2007 R1200RT the other day I noticed two largest clubs in the UK, car and bike enthusiasts and clubs need enthusiasts not the rear bulb failure warning light come on with over 35,000 combined members do members expecting everything for nothing. close to the end of my ride and once home not operate a forum for this reason! The sector is 130 years old because of a quick look at the rear light showed that BMW Club. I am a member of 32 clubs the ‘Dinosaurs’ who tinker, rebuild bikes the offside bulb was out. I changed the bulb due to my role; enthusiast for two BMW and share their knowledge to the rest of us but noted that the bottom contact on the Clubs and a Mercedes Benz Club, BMWC using proven mediums for us to access. I for bulb had been eroded, with a build up of is one of the best run, most prolific for one thank them for often stepping up to be metal, presumably from the bulb on the events, information and inherent benefits officers and work evenings while I tinker bulb holder contact. for the money. The A4 magazine shows and watch Game of Thrones… This is not something I have come across its forward thinking and responsive, the Martyn Raybould. Chichester. before on any type of vehicle. The nearest posting in question was displayed for I have seen is when points (remember the very reason that the club is balanced It’s an age thing. them?) arced. Switching on the ignition and open to criticism, what more can one on the RT had both tail lights working as expect. I believe John King has it absolutely right was the failed bulb when checked using a Clubs still remain the most popular in his letter in the June issue about while spare battery. Being suspicious I started the platform generally for those willing to we need younger members, we should be RT up & observed both tail lights go out a invest a few pounds each year and more realistic about the age range we will attract. few seconds later. On checking I found the importantly participate. Nearing 50 myself, children in sight of nearside tail light also eroded, so this was Magazines versus E-news. I am 56 and going off to University/College, I can see replaced. am fairly IT literate, (Blackberry/HP Split/ myself attending far more events in a year Again the lights worked when switched ThinkPad for work) in fact I spend around or two than I do now, and I am attending on but failed shortly after firing up the bike. 6 hours daily at my desk using the laptop more now than I did a couple of years I concluded that the Can-bus system was and I like how tactile an A4 magazine is, previously. So especially as the age at which shutting the lights off, but why? Careful it’s filled with images, news headings and people start families is getting progressively examination of the bulb holders revealed events all of which I can peruse easily. later, I think we should be realistic about a small piece of metal (pictured under the Email and virtual platforms are useful too expecting people to move towards active bulb), presumably eroded from the bulb but do not meet every ones needs, even membership in their 40’s or even early caught between the positive & negative younger members, and certainly no-one 50’s. Of course we should ensure everyone supplies inside the holder. I am guessing who doesn’t have IT or broadband and is welcome (and the more in their 20’s and that the vibration when the bike started up there is still a lack of internet across the 30’s the better), but not get hung up about caused this to short the system. UK. chasing the “yoof” market. Has anyone else come across this type Smart phones are great for a quick My thanks and appreciation to all the of bulb erosion? Could it be anything to browse of a site but entirely useless for hard working volunteers who give so much do with the way the voltage is lowered in prolonged reading, further I access 4 of time to making the club work. the single filament bulb setup for the tail 160 clubs E-news letter and few members Keith Talbot. Oxford Section. / brake light on these bikes? If anyone has report preferring them due to varied any thoughts I would be interested to hear. screen specs and continual scrolling to find Bulbs and Contacts. Pete Constant anything. They simply save money, but club South West Section. money is mine and everyone else’s who pays Coming back from a family visit on my 10 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 A ‘Rob Roy’ Thank You. to have to pander to the needs of ‘real’ Increasing the motorcyclists who insist on getting their Membership We both would like to thank Jim and Judy feet wet and muddy. Lepley and everyone involved with the So after 64 years of motorcycling I have I think we are all in agreement that we organisation of the ‘Rob Roy’ for a great joined the scooter fraternity. Only it is not need to try and increase the membership weekend and for the help that they gave a fraternity, they are all individuals, unlike numbers. As was stated at the AGM, to Margaret, my wife, in accommodating bikers. And there lies my greatest regret; I BMW has the biggest bike sales in Europe her disabilities in such a meaningful and have become invisible to those hardy souls and the GS is THE biggest seller and most friendly way. The same applies to all of the who soldier on on what is often primitive widely ridden bike. Club members, visitors and staff. technology (how many cars still have chain Increasing the visibility and improving When you are disabled, as Margaret is, drive?). support of The Clubs GS Section has to it is tempting to think that you are just a But in my Yamaha X-Max 400 I have be a route by which we could increase nuisance to everybody and that Club life is all the performance I need at my age (86), membership numbers. Providing support over. However, it has been proven over the weather protection, economy, comfort to Nev Jones (GS Secretary) both in deed years that this does not apply to the BMW (well, on smooth roads at least, nothing’s and financially to run some GS events Club as a whole nor with our own Section perfect), reasonable carrying capacity which are open to all GS riders, not just in particular. under the seat and top box, light weight, Club members may be a way forward. So with that in mind we continue to low down stability and cvt transmission. Take a leaf out of the UKGSers events support the Club and the South East What I miss is the security of a tank and organise similar events may prove Section in whatever way we possibly can. between my knees, high speed handling, productive. When organising Track Days We enjoy the events and company that the and the ultimate in carrying capacity. for the Sports bikes are there any Off- BMW Club brings and we thank you all Until last year I regularly camped on a trip Road type venues within the race circuit for keeping the faith with a couple of long down to the Pyrenees to watch the Tour de or close by, Knockhill in Scotland is such serving’ dodgy but happy’ France, my F650 GS laden with expanded a venue, not sure if there are any others. Club Members. panniers and top box, a tank bag, and a roll The Scottish Section has joined forces Thank you all, best wishes and be safe bag on the pillion. If I had let it fall over I’d with MotoScotland a few times which has always. See you at the National? have had to call the breakdown service. proved encouraging, may a full on BMW Brian and Margaret Shears I started on a Matchless 350 in 1951, GS event with them, again open to all is Honorary Members rigid rear end with ‘pillion’ a foam block possible. South East Section. on the mudguard, on which my poor According to Motorcycle News, BMW brother rode down through France in the sold 1746 new bikes in first 3 months of Brilliant service. days before their roads recovered from the 2015 and in 2014 sold 6959, of which 2641 war. Then a succession of bikes, including where R1200GS variants, the R1200RT Just wanted to let my fellow members know twenty BMWs, from the R75 up to the being the next ranking. This is new bike of a company offering brilliant service. R1200RT and back down again as I sales, how many second hand are sold I recently took my 1200 GS to my local became increasingly frail. And NEVER through Dealers? BMW dealer for an MOT. My rear shock could I keep my feet clean! Still, I’ve had As a Club we are trying to improve was seeping oil from the bottom seal so it some fun. our relationship with BMW and all their failed the test and the quote to replace the Peter Taylor. Ilton. franchised outlets. A suggestion – ask shock was over £1,400!!!! that each bike sold (new or used) through I declined, and after a quick Google Touring modifications a BMW Dealership is given 1 years found Firefox Racing based in Keighley. wanted. membership to The BMW Club as part of They fitted new seals, refurbished the unit the sale. The £30 membership fee could and couriered it back to me for the princely I have recently returned from my first be paid by the dealer or funded by BMW sum of £189! European trip on the ST and whilst it UK, £30 will not affect the profit margin Their service was professional and performed very well on a variety of roads it that much. Say that 75% of new BMW efficient and I can’t recommend them is tiring on prolonged motorway spells. bike sales are to people that are not Club enough. Oh and my bike is only 5 years old A sports tourer can to be good at both Members and we could attract 20% of with 30,000 miles and the dealer said its tasks but excels at neither and I have these though free membership in their first normal to replace the shock around 20,000 decided to attempt to move the bike to the year, then we could potentially get 104 new miles!!! Why motorcycle manufacturers tourer end of the spectrum. members a year. find this acceptable baffles me but that’s a Have any club members any experience Could I respectfully suggest that if whole different subject. in the modifications that might achieve certain sections spent as much energy Bob Dennis. Mercia Section. this? on ways to increase membership as they Improved screen, raised bars, comfort have on trying to reduce operating costs A Niche Market? seat all spring to mind but there may be or amalgamating sections, we may have other aspects that are required to achieve greater numbers. Maybe a presentation to I give up. I have been waiting for ever for a what I’m after. BMW UK is called for! manufacturer to come up with a medium- I could buy the recently introduced GT Dave Foster weight touring bike with the protection of but I think I could get what I want without Scottish Section a scooter, but it would seem I am a niche too much expenditure. market of one! Your thoughts are welcomed at Even large specialised touring models [email protected] costing more than a family car seem Alan Davies. Yorkshire section July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 11 Rod Weight

It is with great sadness that the South talent for thunderous snoring which East Section records the passing of Rod even the best quality ear-plugs, muffs Weight, a great character, friend to all or even crash helmets could not and long-time member of the BMW compete with. He was also a big man Club. Rod was cremated at Croydon, and his fairly generous torso gave him Surrey, on Wednesday 3rd June 2015. a great advantage over everyone else In attendance were his wife and when night fell. family along with work colleagues, Rod had a laid-back approach to friends and club-mates as well as life. In many ways he was a private a large contingent of BMW Club person who worked hard long hours members. A cortege of BMWs from for his family and enjoyed a good the South East Section accompanied laugh and a pint or two with us all. He the hearse to the crematorium. was a big, lovely man with a laid-back, Rod began motorcycling in easygoing approach to life, his heart the early sixties on a low capacity was always in the right place and you DKW and joined the ‘Saltbox could not help but like him. Motorcycle Club’ in the company In 2014 Rod developed throat of Ian Campbell, amongst others. cancer which caused much distress He also had a great interest in other over a long period of time. After great bikes, Land Rovers, caravanning and work by the Royal Marsden Hospital camping. Then, over twenty-five years and a brave fight by Rod his condition ago Rod discovered BMWs, fell in improved to the point where a short love with the big boxers and joined time ago he was up-beat and talking the BMW Club. Rod then began a about getting out on his bike again... long association with the South East he was in remission. Two days later he Section, taking part in many BMW get a brew on, relax and chat was all that Rod died from a heart attack. Club rallies and events both in the UK and needed. But there was ONE problem, as To his wife Jacqueline, and to all abroad, either camping, using bunk-houses many can testify. If you had the misfortune members of his family, friends and or any available accommodation. The to share a room or any communal sleeping colleagues we offer our very sincere ‘Oirschott Rallies’, in Holland and ‘The arrangement with this lovely man you were condolences. Rod, may you Rest in Peace. Loft’ were two of his favourites but to Rod, guaranteed very blood-shot and baggy Brian Shears. (Hon Member, The BMW anywhere he could pitch his favourite tent, eyes in the morning. Rod had a prodigious Club).

12 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Trains, Boats, And ‘Planes And Quite A Few Bikes Bruce Preston suggests a few places to visit during the August National Rally

If you are coming from anywhere near Just in case you need a little more better book Southern Section territory the many motorcycling a return to the M27 travelling another week options for ‘seeing things’ might come as towards London then leaving just after or two’s holiday. a bit of a surprise. Of course the choice Winchester on to the A31 will soon bring If you feel that of many is to pitch the tent, unfold the you to New Alresford and the starting you need more camping seat (although many of us don’t point for the Watercress Line, also known invest in an fit into these as well as we used to!) and as the Mid-Hants Railway. The steam train Ordinance put the world to rights over a cup of coffee runs to Alton; from there the last train Survey map. or maybe a beer. For the more energetic leaves to return to New Alresford at 4 p.m. Sammy Millers there are plenty of options and, naturally so perhaps it might be a good idea to decide museum is the furthest away at 32 miles we’ll start with bikes with the magnificent which venue to visit as you might struggle so feel free to cherry pick the things that Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at New to fit ‘em all in and we haven’t finished yet appeal to you. There are many more to Milton, a relaxing 38 miles away through When you are in the New Alresford attract your attention like Thruxton racing the New Forest. There is a speed limit in area, as a complete contrast, it is only a few circuit and Preston Candover. No idea if the New Forest, often as low as 20 mph, for miles up the road just off the A31 is Jane there is anything interesting there but I like wild ponies and horses abound and regard Austin’s Home, in fact it is very close to the name and it is near Dummer..... the local towns and villages as their own! Alton. I know, real motorcyclists don’t do Postcodes for the Satnav! Great to look at but they will make a bit of museums like that. Well I did and enjoyed a dent in you and your bike if you are going it, and there is a good pub opposite it so Sammy Miller Museum BH25 5SZ too fast and bump into one. you can sit there and enjoy a beer whilst Museum of Army Flying SO20 8DY Sam Miller has assembled a mouth your partner is enchanted by Miss Austin. Winchester Cathedral SO23 9LS watering collection of motorcycling history A couple of miles south on the B3066 at Stonehenge SP4 7DE and I never tire of wandering around the Selbourne is the Oates Memorial Museum Salisbury Cathedral SP1 2EJ museum, even though I seem to see more (Captain Oates of South Pole fame) and the Beaulieu Motor Museum SO42 7ZN and more bikes I used to own! A recent Gilbert White Museum. Well worth a visit Watercress Line SO24 9JG arrival is a 1954 RS54 Rennesport BMW as it also has a cafe. Opposite the museum Jane Austin Museum GU34 1SD and on August 30 there is the Sammy is a very old interesting church. Broadlands SO51 9ZD Miller Run for older bikes. They have a Should you wish to use up a little more Portsmouth Historic Dockyard PO1 3LJ pretty good cafe there as well. rubber a 40 mile trip up the A31 then A3 Oates and Gilbert White Museum Lymington is worth a visit as you head will bring you to Cobham. Just off the GU34 3JH back towards Winchester, but it can get motorway is the Hilton Hotel but back in pretty busy. Before then the Beaulieu 1951 it was the home of Dr Roberts the first Motor Museum has enough to offer to club President and the first headquarters of make a hole in your day if you plan to visit the BMW Club, or BMW Society as it was National Rally Update both museums. Beaulieu was my first for a very short while. On second thoughts For all of those that are daring to venture visit to a BMW Club ‘national’ event, that might stretch things a little when you down south this summer to join in with although in those days there was only one consider our other suggestions. the festivities at Sparsholt please find below section and the club had just 80 members, Back at Sparsholt a ride to Winchester is a list of things to help you decide what to a sizeable number turning up at Beaulieu. just up the road and has a cathedral so good pack and what to do. I took my R67/Steib outfit, giving my that they even wrote a song about it. Just 1. All rooms booked will be supplied recently arrived daughter Jill her first taste 23 miles away is Salisbury Cathedral and with towels & bedding. of club life. That was in 1958! It is a very it certainly needs no introduction. Neither 2. Any room keys lost will result in a much larger museum these days. Near to does Stonehenge which is just a short hop bill for replacement of £10. Beaulieu is North Solent Nature Reserve north on the A360..it will be great when it 3. Walks are organised for both Sat & and Bucklers Hard with it’s Maritime is finished...! Just as you leave Salisbury you Sun and vary in length. Museum for boat fans. Back to the M27 will also pass Old Sarum. 4. Rideouts on Sat/Sun to varying des- and a quick blast to Portsmouth to look in One last suggestion, about a dozen miles tinations. on the Royal Marines Museum (another east of Stonehenge is the Museum of Army 5. All activities/Rideouts will need to family connection, my father was a Royal Flying at Middle Wallop. Motorcyclists be booked on arrival in reception. Marine and was killed at sea in 1940) and usually have an affinity with flying and this 6. Games of varying degrees of skill are visit HMS Victory and the Marie Rose. A museum will show that it wasn’t just the orgainsed for Sunday. short ride along the M27 them M275 will RAF that took to the air. 7. A rideout on Salisbury Plain with get you pretty close to both. Just north of So there you have your trains, boats, Wiltshire Trial Riders Federation the M27 near Romsey is Broadlands, the ‘planes and more than a few bikes. If you has been arranged for Saturday. Lim- home of the late Earl Mountbatten. want to visit them all perhaps you had ited numbers. July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 13 14 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Ride for Life Beyond Sight Loss - Saturday 15th August, 2015 Eon Matthews Invites you to Participate in This Year’s Event, and Provides some Background to his Involvement with the Blind Veterans UK Charity

As a BMW Club member and ex Royal who are blinded while in service. However Navy, I brought the idea of a charity it is only ex Armed Forces personnel that motorcycle ride to fundraising for the the charity looks after in their old age. charity Blind Veterans UK ... and the ‘Ride I started the idea of the motorcycle ride for Life Beyond Sight Loss’ was born. by putting-my-foot-in-my-mouth, as the Blind Veterans UK ‘Ride for Life saying goes. At the time I was already a keen Beyond Sight Loss’ is taking place on cyclist and a supporter of military charities. Saturday 15th August. This year is extra One day I received an email saying that special for Blind Veterans UK, as they are there was going to be a cycle ride to France, celebrating their 100th anniversary. involving blind veterans, to commemorate The ride will start at the Fire Training the hundred years since the beginning of College in Moreton-in-Marsh. The route WW1. will take you through some of the best After looking on the Blind Veterans UK countryside the UK has to offer, as you wind web site and reading the blurb, I enquired your way down to Ovingdean, Brighton for of the organisation’s head office why were a BBQ at the Blind Veterans UK Centre. they going from Folkestone and not from There will be a stop at Loomies Café, just Brighton. The reason for my enquiry was off the A32, south of Bahnstormers, to that I believed that Brighton would have refuel and to pick up additional riders made a good starting point for a ride, as the before setting off for Brighton. Blind Veterans Training Centre is located at The ride registration fee is £15, which Ovingdean - formally known to us ‘locals’ includes a commemorative badge and BBQ as St Dunstans. I then got put in touch at the finish. There is an opportunity to stay with the charity’s local fundraiser, Rachel, on the Friday night at the Fire Training who asked if I would like to ‘pop over’ for College. The tariff is £90 for a double and have a coffee and a chat. I did, and during £55 for a single, which includes dinner and the discussion I asked ... “Why Folkestone breakfast. Camping at the end of the ride at and not Brighton.” ... The answer was that Ovingdean is £10 per person. Folkestone was where most of the troops You can register for the ride at www. embarked from. blindveterans.org.uk/bikeride We carried on chatting and I commented How did I get Involved with Blind that participating cyclists would probably Veterans UK ..? prefer cycle-tops to tee-shirts, as they would I had known about the original look more professional - Forces training organisation as a child while in the local kicking in! sea cadets, when the charity was known Then mouth opens, words come out, I as St Dunstans. Later, as the chairman of mention the idea of a motorcycle ride and the Seaford Branch of the Royal Naval Rachel says ... “What a good idea - let’s do Association, we had to close down the it!” ... and I think to myself ... “What did I branch and had to find somewhere to lay up just say!” ... our standard. Blind Veterans UK was the So the idea was born to have a motorcycle obvious choice. After the service we were ride from Llandudno to Brighton, coast- given a guided tour of the Blind Veterans to-coast, in 2014. Rachel, not being UK Centre. I left with a greater respect of into motorbikes, asked me what similar what happens there - the training that the motorcycle charity rides were currently veterans are given was a real ‘eye-opener’. organised and run. I then told her about As ex-Forces myself, I personally know the Ride –to-the-Wall, Ride-of-Respect several people who have been helped by and a few other events. She asked me how Blind Veterans UK, and appreciate what many riders I thought that we would get. these individuals have achieved with the ... “Good question!” .... was the answer ... help that they have received from the charity. “Could be fifty, could be a thousand - who A lot of people are probably not aware that knows.” although the title says ‘Blind Veterans UK’, Anyway that was last year, and ... “The the charity also supports Police, Fire & rest is history” ... as they say! ... Rescue Service and Ambulance personnel July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 15 Free Your Spirit! Celebrate Your World!

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16 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Turkey Motorbike Tours - South Turkey Tour Part 2 of Stephen Thomson’s April 2014 Tour

The best bits are the smooth areas with the water flowing across Monday - Day 8 them, as they are grippy and warm. You are warned to avoid the We left at the usual time, (breakfast at eight a.m., leave at nine brownish parts as they can be slippery, and if someone was going a.m.), and went along a nice mountain road with sweeping to fall over, it had to be me. ... bends ... and got stopped at a police speed trap. This was a bit Tuesday - Day 9 confusing for both us and them. The Turkish police have a system where an officer with a radar gun sits at the roadside and Needing to backtrack a bit to find the road over the mountains, ‘clocks’ the speeding vehicles. He then radios to his colleagues we nearly lost David in traffic around a long stretch of roadworks. about a kilometre up the road, who then fine the offender. The Half the dual-carriageway was closed, and this time they meant confusion arose from the fact that we weren’t going that fast, and it! A good set of sweeping mountain bends took us to our turn- the officers were expecting two bikes – and there were three of us. off into the pine forest, and an interesting series of smaller roads It all got sorted amicably and we went on our way, stopping for that wound through the trees to our lunch stop at a good chicken chai and pastries in a tea-shop right by the highest lake in Turkey. restaurant. We continued on, having donned jumpers as it was a tad chilly. The roads were fine, if tiring, but Jan had had enough of the We arrived in Pamukkale at around two-thirty p.m., and smaller roads by now. So when Armagan offered the option of a were opposite the thing we had come to see - the thermal pools short-cut through a tunnel, we opted for that. The roads opened at the top of the big hill, right opposite the hotel. Having sorted up somewhat as we aimed for the tunnel and Jan was ready with ourselves out, the hotel proprietor gave us a lift up the hill to the the nine lire we needed to get the three bikes through the tolls. Roman ruins that contain the hot springs. For a very reasonable ... Except that the lady attendant then charged us four-and-a-half twenty lire you can swim in the thermal pools for as long as you lire for all three bikes, instead of the three each it was advertised want. at. Even Armagan wasn’t sure about that one. ... There is a long list of things that they say the minerals in The stop for the night was in the fishing port of Fethiye. Once the waters can help, or cure, but we just had a good time. The showered we walked into the town for a look round and a dining springs have been flowing for long enough to cover most of the experience that was very definitely a first for us. hillside in a thick layer of lime-scale, and the water is still flowing The centre of the town is a fish market of some size, with over it - with pools of water at several places on the hill. You are numerous stalls selling the fish caught that day. Around the sides encouraged to walk down the hill on the calcium-carbonate, but if the market there are a good number of restaurants. The practice you have to do it with bare feet, as shoes can damage the surface. is to decide which restaurant you are going to eat in, then walk round the market stalls to get your fish. At the point of purchase you tell the stall- holder which restaurant you will be in, and they deliver the cleaned and filleted fish to them for cooking! A very efficient and cost-effective arrangement for all concerned. Dinner was superb. Wednesday - Day 10 Our last day on the road. It is surprising how quickly this can come round, but we still had some great roads to ride and some amazing things to see. So... Leaving Fethiye we went through open countryside before turning off for some pretty good roads through forested countryside and into more rugged roads, and a stop at Saklikent Gorge. An amazing place. The gorge is deep, with near-vertical sides that spread after a few hundred metres into a gravel bank, with a few trees surviving the annual floods. Fortunately we were allowed to leave Hot Springs at Pamukkale jackets and helmets at the entrance, under the watchful eye of the ticket office. July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 17 Friend and Tour Leader, to see the place where St. Nicholas was Bishop in the 3rd Century Armagan at Saklikent Gorge AD - some three-hundred years after St. Paul changed ships here while on his way to Rome. The Roman town that St. Nicholas would have known is as you would expect it to be, but is well worth looking at. The thing to take from this place is that Father Christmas, Santa Claus - St. Nicholas, is: a) Turkish; and b) dead. So there, you can tell all the children you know now. Having had the obligatory ice-cream we were back on the bikes for the last ‘schlep’ into Antalya. When we got onto a reasonably quick, but quite boring, dual-carriageway, I thought that the fun bit was over, but no. ... Armagan turned off and put us back onto the lovely smooth and curvy road through the foothills of the coastal mountain range that we had ridden on our first day - all be it in the other direction. When the low fuel light came ‘on’ on Armagan’s XT, he pulled into a petrol station and asked how much we each had left in the tank. David’s light was also ‘on’, but with the Transalp’s tank having four-litres over the XT’s, I thought we could make it back with what we had. So Armagan put about ten lire worth in each XT and we set off to see how far we would get. The flowing nature of the road helped us for a while, but the nearer to Antalya the heavier the traffic, until we got stopped at a red light. The fuel gauge on the 700 was doing funny things, obviously trying to get me to put some petrol in it, but I just ignored it. ... I had to be gentle on the throttle as we set off from each traffic stop, as the bike would hesitate and stutter before Leaving the gorge we followed the river to the coast and rode picking up and going. to Kas for lunch. Although Kas is a tourist town, it is quite an up- In the midst of what was now the rush-hour traffic in Antalya, market one, with several yachts in the harbour worth well over we had the ‘low’ fuel lights glowing on all three bikes again. A £1m - plus quite a lot more that come close. We met Armagan’s rough calculation gave me about half-a-litre left in the Honda, best and oldest friend for lunch, and enjoyed his company before enough for about ten kilometres. wandering round some of the town to see what the place is like. I had zeroed the second trip-meter on the Transalp outside the We were now heading back into Antalya, and followed the hire shop before we set off. It had gone right round twice and was coast road that was all sweeping lefts and tight rights as it followed now showing over 700 kilometres. We had done a total of 2744.5 the contours of the coastline. The views across the Mediterranean kilometres - just over 1700 miles in ten days. to islands that are Greek territory were superb. The road finally Thursday - Day 11 turned slightly inland, and we stopped at Myra for a break, and So, having sorted our luggage the night before, we were up and back into the bike gear for the flight up to Istanbul. We had breakfast with Armagan but there was no sign of David, and we suspected that he was still asleep, as his flight home was not until later that night. Armagan and ourselves were flying up to Istanbul for a few days, taking advantage of the long Easter weekend. Armagan was going to see his mother and sister, and we were being tourists for a few days. Having shared a taxi to the airport, I was the only one of us that got stopped by the airport security. Taken into a small cubicle, I had to take off my boots and bike trousers ... and they were still getting a reading from their device - so it wasn’t me, but faulty equipment. We flew into the Asian side of Istanbul and got the Havatas bus from the airport. This took us across the main bridge crossing the Bosphorus and into Europe. Due to a road being closed, our taxi from the bus stop to our hotel could not access the actual road, and so our driver telephoned the hotel and they sent someone out to find us. In most cities the taxi driver would get another fare and disappear as soon as he could. This chap though turned down two fares in order to stay with us until the hotel man arrived. Jan with Santa, Myra Once checked in we had a short walk around the local area, dinner round the corner from the hotel, and an early night. 18 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 building. It is interesting and salutary to see the symbols of Islam Good Friday - Day 12 and the depictions of Christianity next to each other in the one We were staying in the Galata area of Istanbul in a hotel building, in many ways one complementing the other. If only owned by another of Armagan’s friends. Although I have to say people could live the same way. that we cannot recommend this establishment, as it left a lot to Having spent most of the morning looking at these amazing be desired. ... Anyway, we walked down to the river and across places of worship, and having had an early start to the day, we the Galata Bridge to the area with the markets, mosques and were quite hungry. Well I was anyway! So we selected one of the museums that are ‘must sees’ while in the city. many restaurants in the immediate area and had a rather nice Part way across the bridge the mild drizzle got serious, and lunch. Once rested we went to see what the queue was like for it started to rain properly. There were a number of street traders the Basilica Cistern. We decided that the queue wasn’t too bad, selling plastic umbrellas to locals, as well as to tourists, and they and since we had done rather well in the morning and we had were doing a brisk trade. All we had to do was look vaguely in the afternoon free, it didn’t matter that much how long we might the direction of one of these guys and he came running through have to queue. It was under half-an-hour and we were in, going the rain and offered us an umbrella for ten lire. Jan immediately down the stairs. This is quite fascinating as the cistern was built offered five lire - which was taken with speed. Over the next three to store fresh water for the city in case of siege, and was designed days we saw a great number of these white umbrellas in use. to hold 100,000 tons of water. The ceiling is held up by 336 We strolled through the Spice Market and along the narrow columns, all of which have been taken from other places, two of streets to the Grand Bazaar, and into a place that is really easy to them have Medusa’s head at the base. No - I have no idea why, and get lost in - which we duly did! Jan had a walking-tour guide of from what we found out neither does anybody else. the Bazaar, which we didn’t quite follow, as we had entered the The tram was used to get us back to Galata, and in a fit of ... Bazaar by a different entrance from the one specified. We picked “well, while we’re here” ... we walked up the rather steep hill to up bits of the tour and went round in circles a bit. We found a the Galata Tower. The plan was to go to the top of the tower to shop selling Turkish cotton beach towels and bought a couple. admire the ... so I’m told ... rather stunning view. However, this Standing by a lighting shop, looking confused, the shopkeeper was the longest queue we had seen all day, and it wound round asked Jan if we were lost. So in the Grand Bazaar she had a the tower square twice. So we went into the tea-shop for a glass of conversation with a Turkish gentleman in Spanish - like you do. chai and walked back down by a different route. To say we were We walked round to the Blue Mosque ... the queue was half- lost would be wrong, as we knew where we were going. It was just way round the building. We looked at the Hagia Sophia ... and that we didn’t necessarily know where we were. the queue was even worse. We went over the road to see what Sunday - Day 14 the Basilica Cistern would be like ... and the queue went past the sign saying ... ‘one hour’. Well stuff that! So we walked back Getting the tram in the morning we walked round Hagia to the hotel, whilst fending off the attentions of the persistent Sophia and joined the queue for the Topkapi Palace. Which is street hawkers selling ‘genuine’ Chanel and other perfumes for as accurate as saying Alhambra Palace. Topkapi is a complex of only ten lire. I had not been having a good day, and when I finally rooms and corridors around open courtyards and formal gardens. snapped and told one of the most persistent to ... “go away!” ... he threatened to give me another black eye. This from a man who claimed to be a gentleman. So after a lie down at the hotel, we took the tunnel funicular up to the Beyoglu district to have dinner at Armagan’s favourite Istanbul restaurant. On the way we walked past St. George’s Church. It was only when Jan saw all the people going in and out that she remembered it was Good Friday. The restaurant was everything Armagan had said it would be, and we had a really good meal for not a lot of money. Walking back to the funicular we found that it had shut for the night and we needed to get a taxi, sorry ... a taksi ... back to the hotel. This cost more than the meal we had enjoyed. Saturday - Day 13 We had agreed before going to bed that we would be up and out early on Saturday to try and minimise the length of the queues. The tram was easy to do once we understood the system. The tram from north of the Galata Bridge got us to outside the Blue Mosque before nine a.m. There was no queue and we went straight in to admire this amazing building. We joined the comparatively short queue for the Hagia Sophia and within half- an-hour were inside. Originally built as a cathedral to rival St. Peter’s in Rome, the Church of St. Sophia was converted to a mosque when the Muslim forces took over the city. They had all the portrayals of people either changed, the angels on the inside of the dome had their faces painted out, or painted over. When Ataturk created the modern state of Turkey, he decreed that it be turned from Angel on the Dome of Hagia Sophia mosque to museum, so that all might see this most beautiful July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 19 - you might even find some pictures of us! The Bike - Honda 700 Transalp As I have said, we weren’t altogether sure what we were getting when we booked. Armagan had been told that the bike-hire shop was looking at either a Suzuki 650 V-Strom or a Honda 700 Transalp. He knew that they had purchased one of them, but didn’t know which one. The Transalp came with the Honda side- cases and top-box fitted. The first problem was that the inner bags from my Hepco & Becker boxes didn’t fit. With a bit of lateral thinking, and squashing things a bit, Jan put the smaller bag in the larger side-case, the bigger bag in the top-box and our usual top-box things in the smaller side-case. So you can make it work if you try. The bike itself ticked all the boxes that Honda have marked ‘bland’. Don’t get me Jan at Topkapi Palace (Galata Tower in the Background) wrong here, the bike did everything we asked of it and took us round Turkey with no problems what-so-ever, once I had sorted the It is a magnificent place, but I found the patterned tiles to be tyre pressures. It just did not make an emotional connection in not only cooling, but at the same time blindingly reflective. The any way. patterns on these tiles can get repetitive and they all seem to be Weird bike though. It accelerated, sounded, and behaved just a bit ‘busy’. Having said that, I would not want to put you off like a big single - if I hadn’t known, I would have said that that visiting what is a magnificent and fascinating palace. The treasury is what was hidden under the bodywork. But it’s a V-twin. It just held a beautiful collection of artefacts ... and some surprises. didn’t sound, or go, like a V-twin until above 5500 revs. In the reliquary they claim to have Moses’ staff, (although to The only real issue I had with it was ground clearance. I my mind it was not long enough to be a shepherd’s staff), and a couldn’t work out how to wind up the rear spring, but since it relic of John the Baptist. Now while I’m not saying they aren’t handled quite nicely on the flat roads, the sweeping roads, and what they say they are, I have to ask - after all this time? ... Moses’ the mountain passes, I didn’t really want to change it. We did staff? ... Really? ground-out on four occasions when traversing cobbled hills. The The whole complex of buildings, gardens, summer houses and, problem seemed to be the large catalytic converter projecting of course, the harem - is a fantastic display of Islamic/Ottoman under the engine, which then had the centre stand resting art and culture. We had entered the main gate at 9:45 a.m. and underneath it - thus reducing the ground clearance by about four staggered out nearly six hours later. inches. ... Clang! The tram was put to use to get us up the hill to the southern I would be happy to ride another on a similar trip, but would I end of the Galata Bridge, where there are a number of restaurants buy one? Well, no. There are bikes out there that do the same job to choose from for a late lunch, followed by a gentle stroll across as the Transalp, but with a lot more enthusiasm. I’d rather have the bridge to sort ourselves for the flight home very early on one of those. ... Monday. The hotel, the Galata Palace Hotel, had boards out advertising it as a bistro, but when we enquired as to a light supper at about 8 p.m., we were told that they couldn’t do that as there was no food, and anyway no chef! But all the menu boards were still up telling the world you could eat there. ... So we had a drink and went back to the room and ate the large-ish macaroons we had bought during the afternoon. So an early night and the alarm set for 4 a.m. to get our 7 a.m. flight home. We had a great trip and cannot recommend Turkey Motorbike Tours highly enough. Armagan is a great guy and tour leader, who obviously enjoys showing people his homeland. The start of theWest Tour has been moved to Istanbul, and Armagan is now dealing direct with BMW Turkey for bike hire. This solves a myriad of problems, as well as making flights The Honda XL700 Transalp easier. Look them up on the web and Facebook 20 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 German Jottings The pages of Motorrad interpreted by John Bentall

The sporting rider will miss a little agility wears. Good grip and plenty of warning of Summer 2015 Touring Tyre Test in the twisty bits. Very stable at high speeds breakaway make the Z8 easy to control in This year’s Motorrad test (issue 12/2015) with an average performance in the wet. the wet. was conducted using 6 identical Yamaha Continental Road Attack GT: This Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT: The mixed FJR1300A’s to compare the latest batch of is a great tyre in the dry with impressive radial and cross-ply construction endows touring tyres in the sizes 120/70ZR17 & stability, good feedback, plentiful grip and the Michelin with great stability, but 180/55ZR17. The machines were ridden neutral characteristics. It falters on shimmy, leaves the handling on “B” roads rather 1,000 km from Stuttgart to the Corsican straight line stability and tendency to self- indifferent. There is plenty of grip even ferry in order to incorporate a 4,000km right when braking into corners. This tyre when cold and matters improve as the tyre wear test. In the dry there is little to separate is not up to the latest specification, so wet warms up. Initially the tyre reacts rather the tyres, with the Conti GT particularly road performance is untypical. sluggishly, but it finds its feet in harder suiting the Yamaha amongst the twisties. Dunlop Roadsmart 2: This is not cornering. It lacks a bit of steering precision It is worth noting here that this tyre did as agile as its competitors and there is a and neutrality so that mid-correction is not have the latest rubber compound and noticeable reluctance to turn in, such that required. An excellent performance under its replacement, the Road Attack 2 Evo constant correction is required through wet conditions. (in “C”-spec for the Yamaha) is not yet corners. This characteristic worsens Pirelli Angel GT: The “A”-spec tyre released. A stretch of Autobahn just outside noticeably when the tyre is part worn. used in this test is reinforced with a second Stuttgart was used by each machine in turn There is plenty of warning of breakaway in carcass layer. The Pirelli remains a very agile to do high-speed run with a pillion. There the wet, but the unresponsive steering does tyre even in this configuration, with great were no stability problems with any of the not help matters. steering precision and neutral turn-in. tyres, even with the Roadsmart 2 which Metzeler Z8 Interact: The extra carcass When worn there is a slight shimmy which Dunlop Germany has not released for the layer of the “O”-spec rear tyre make it suited is noticeable when braking for downhill FJR due to an apparent shimmy problem to the heavy FJR. The Z8 is great for the corners. In the wet there are good reserves (only the Roadsmart 1 is recommended). sporting rider thanks to its good feedback, of grip which equal the Metzeler, which The test team detoured to the Michelin neutral handling and steering precision, beats it on braking. test facility to perform a comprehensive wet- which is largely unaffected as the tyre weather evaluation. Testing the handling of Metzeler Michelin Continental Dunlop Pirelli Maximum Bridgestone Z8 Pilot a 290kg FJR is no easy matter, but the key Touring Tyre Test 2015 Road Attack Roadsmart Angel score T30 Evo interact Road 4 2 GT 2 GT is finding how the machine handles on the M/O GT limit and in particular to check whether Dry Test when new the manufacturers have balanced the tyres Handling 30 26 27 24 26 26 26 Steering precision 30 25 27 24 25 25 26 so that the rear breaks away before the Stability in Corners 20 18 18 17 18 17 18 front. All the tyres behaved in a predictable Grip on corners 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 manner in this respect. There was a greater Grip under acceleration in corners 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 spread of performance on the testing Straight Line Stability with load 10 9 8 10 9 8 9 Feedback at the limit 10 9 9 8 9 8 9 ground, with the best-performing Pilot Handling with Pillion 20 18 19 16 18 17 18 Road GT out-classing even the second- Tendency to self-right under braking in 10 8 9 7 8 8 8 placed tyres. The Metzeler was better under corners braking and acceleration whilst the Pirelli Total Score - Dry 150 131 135 124 132 127 132 Position 4 1 6 2 5 2 was quicker round the corners, but it was Dry Test after 4000km 150 127 128 119 128 122 127 clear that both tyres came from the same Position 3 1 6 1 5 3 stable. All of the above can be warmly Wet Track recommended for any rider seeking a good Handling 10 8 9 7 8 8 8 Steering precision 20 16 17 15 17 17 17 wet-weather tyre. The Bridgestone puts up Grip on corners 20 16 13 15 17 18 18 a good performance but could do better, Grip accelerating in corners 20 15 13 16 18 19 18 as the limit of grip is reached quite early. Feedback at the limit 20 17 14 17 18 19 18 The Dunlops have similar reserves of grip, Braking 10 8 7 8 9 10 8 Braking distance from 100Km/h 63.2 67.7 64.3 62.2 59.4 64.3 but are slower to turn-in. The Contis lose (meters) grip early and abruptly and are not really Speed in 180° curve (km/h) 69.6 63.3 65.9 71.8 74.0 73.7 “up-to-date” – it is not without reason that Total Score -Wet 100 80 73 78 87 91 87 Fastest lap 1:09.71 1:13.59 1:10.52 1:05.61 1:04.17 1:05.32 Continental were reluctant to supply a tyre Position 4 6 5 2 1 2 for this test. Judging by the tyre in standard, Front Read depth - new 4.5 3.25 4.25 3.7 4.25 3.6 non-reinforced spec that was used in last Front Read depth – after 4,000 km 2.4 1.3 2.2 2.3 2.45 1.8 year’s test (using the Honda CB1000R), the Rear Read depth - new 6.5 6.0 6.6 6.4 6.3 6.3 Rear Read depth – after 4,000 km 4.1 3.4 4.2 3.85 3.7 4.0 Conti Evo 2 should at attain the grip levels Wear Score 100 83 59 82 85 84 78 of the Dunlop and Bridgestone. Position 3 6 4 1 2 5 Bridgestone T30: A well-balanced, Grand Points Total 421 395 403 432 424 424 good handling and neutral tyre in the dry. Overall Position 4 6 5 1 2 2 July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 21 Past but Present

Bruce Preston had a GS before it was invented...... except that it was his ride-to-work BMW R51/3.

Naturally I never knew it was a GS but, as it was the only bike I around. He went on to become club President and Chairman had, I found that joining the BMW Club in 1957 opened riding whilst I became Editor. We had joined the club on the same opportunities that were a delight. First there were the road trials. night in 1957 and became firm friends. We were both in our early GS (Gelande Strasse, off road/on road) summed these up very twenties whilst the majority of the membership was at least twice well There were no sections in the club in those days (in fact there that. Sadly he died of a stroke when he was just 50. I lost a very were only 80 members when I joined) and we were affiliated to dear friend. the South Midland section of the Auto-Cycle Union (A-CU). Flushed by my Glow Worm success the Lands End trial Road trials, navigational trials with sneaky routes, were held, beckoned. I’d passengered for fellow club member John Rousell in our case in the South Midland region and most clubs who the year before so can’t say that I didn’t know what I was letting ran a road trial, including the BMW Club, tried to include an myself in for! John had an R67/2 with a Steib attached but half off road section. It was usually about ten percent of the100 mile way round an overtaking rider hit his leg, so John was despatched or so route; just enough to mess the bike up! The low centre of to the sidecar and I took over the bike. It was great fun and we’d gravity and forgiving nature of the engine made my R51/3 an ridden sideways up most of the hills but never won an award. ideal tool to tackle unmade roads like the Icknield Way and The Incidentally it was John who introduced me to the club. I hadn’t Ridge Way. It was great fun to sweep past Bonneville and Gold been home half an hour on my just acquired R67/2- Steib S501 Flash owners who sensibly approached the slippery or rocky outfit when he knocked on the door with a membership form in surfaces with more caution. Such bravado was rewarded with its his hand. He lived in the next street to me in Hammersmith! just deserts and more than once I found myself picking the long It must have been in 1962 that I was ‘encouraged’ to enter suffering BMW out of the mud. A little modification was called the Lands End Trial. By now I was club magazine Editor and for and a set of trials handlebars were purchased from Claude the membership was approaching 500, thanks mainly to the Rye’s magnificent emporium in Fulham. If I remember rightly efforts of President Keith Sanders. We had no less than nine club they cost me five shillings including levers and cables! Not that members entered in the trial, all on standard road bikes although these extras were much use on a BMW. There was a price to pay one or two had invested in knobblies. Someone loaned me a 400 for having bigger bars for whilst, most of the time, the bike was section rear knobbly but when it was fitted the rear wheel fouled more easily controlled I was now getting cocky and riding just the mudguard to it had to be abandoned. Naturally that was the beyond my abilities so, when things did go wrong, the inevitable day before the trial! Not as bad as a year later when, with 24 hours oopsie was at a higher speed. Fortunately neither I nor the bike to the start, I had an empty crankcase as the rear main bearing suffered any real damage. I usually found my way to the end and had failed (early R51/3s were reputed to do that every 10,000 sometimes finished with a minor award. miles)! My bike was rebuilt during the evening with Keith doing On one memorable occasion I actually won a trial but it was all the clever stuff .The engine was put back in the frame after I not quite run-of-the mill for it was called the Glow Worm 70 trial finished work the next day, just making the start near Heathrow (quite prophetic as it turned out) , a road trial of sorts but held airport. Well actually I was still sorting the carburettors out as I somewhere in Berkshire at night with observed sections to boot was flagged off. That was in the future. with the 70 in the title the distance we would cover if we didn’t Now we were leaving the start and heading west. Not quite to get lost. Candles in jars showed us roughly where the section was Lands End for that was no longer the finish, but to Newquay. Just and these were not too demanding except that, half way round, under 400 miles with numerous observed sections and a night my lights failed due, I later discovered, to worn out brushes. So I latched on to Stan Ducker from the Alperton and Wembley Club who obligingly shone the light on his Triumph down the section so I could attempt it. Trouble is, lights don’t see hidden streams and neither did I and landed in a heap. Fortunately I must have been out of sight of the observer for I heaved the bike upright, carried on my way, thanked the observer for his work and rode on. I was marked as having a clean! Thanks to Stan I arrived at the finish without loss of marks whilst he missed out on the awards! I won the best road class trophy and my good friend Keith Sanders, who was club Sports Secretary, won the off-road bike class as he had knobblies on his R50! Such luxuries were quite beyond my budget. Neither of us lost any marks but Keith had been faster in the special tests. He had the advantage of being able to see where he was going and, in any case, he was faster than me. At the finish, somewhere near Ascot, there was a magnificent hog roast and a bottle of beer. It was the pinnacle of my trials One of the BMW Club teams at the finish of the riding career. Keith offered me his fully charged battery and we Lands End. Malcolm Freeman, now retired in swopped with him leading the way with the R51/3 on sidelights Scotland, Bob Griffiths who returned to Australia to ensure we stayed more or less legal until I was home. There was and Bruce Preston, still a Surrey resident no speed limit in those days and Keith was never one to hang 22 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 ride which reached the first section in the dark. I rode in Motor it’s mettle in a long distance MCC trial. Later versions had (like Cycling Club (MCC but not the Marylebone Cricket Club) me!) put on a few extra pounds . events for a few years and as we crossed Salisbury Plain I always had the same thought as I did that first time. “What am I doing A ‘Works’ Off-Road Bike here at three o’clock in the morning?” Top of the range riding gear was the much loved Barbour suit. There were plusses; as long As a final rider to this story; later that year I wandered around as you kept it well waxed it didn’t leak, it was tough and less likely to MLGs for our usual Saturday morning tyre kicking session. to be damaged by passing blackberry bushes and it could stand It was a kind of informal club meeting and , as I lived in the up in a corner on its own. Sadly it didn’t compare with modern next street, I rarely missed it.. Sitting forlornly in the corner was riding gear when it came to keeping you warm. It could get very a 250cc trials bike. Apparently it had been built by BMW for chilly at 3 a.m. on Salisbury Plain on a March morning. Hans Haldeman to ride in the ISDT (International Six Days There were a series of observed sections including famous ones Trial). I wondered if it might to possible to give it an airing in the such as Beggars Roost, Crackington and Blue Hills Mine. Most forthcoming Exeter Trial? Charles Lock owned MLG and was a were easy enough if you hadn’t been riding all night and weren’t good friend and said yes I could if I could get it going. As I said shattered . I have always managed to get up Beggars Roost OK MLG was just around the corner so many, many evenings were and the bike cleaned Crackington in my first year. I didn’t! As spent fixing the bike. Not the least of the problems being that the the section ends card neared things got a little out of hand and piston was rusted into the barrel. Finally it was freed and rebuilt. the bike abandoned me and passed the section ends card on its It rattled a bit. Actually it rattled quite a lot but at least is was own. That was, apparently, enough for a clean and the marshals going. Using an R25 engine it had swinging arm rear suspension, retrieved the BMW before peeling me out of the mud and a 19” front wheel and later versions of the telescopic front forks. berating me for treating a BMW in such a way. As though I had Oh yes, and knobbly tyres. If you think that Salisbury Plain is any control! It didn’t help that I had clobbered a photographer cold in March you should try January! at the start and they made me start again. I’d have been happy to The Exeter Trial started in West London and finished in sleep off my fatigue in a muddy corner. Weymouth, not Exeter although it did circumnavigate Exeter. I Part of the route across Exmoor was on a quiet country lane really enjoyed the bike and it cleaned all the sections. Did I win that had a green triangle at a junction, ample room for a tent. Sure a first class, I hear you wondering? Well I would have done but enough as dawn broke we passed the triangle with a tent neatly not for the first time I failed to read the regulations properly and pitched. So did in the region of 400 motorcycles and cars at one thought the stop and restart on two of the hills was a special minute intervals. The campers never got much sleep that night! speed test. Reading instructions properly never was my strong The poor old R51/3 arrived at the finish looking a little sorry for point! I was quite proud of the way the little 250 zipped up the itself for the front mudguard had become detached following the hill but the marshals, little flags in hand, were not impressed and Crackington interlude and was now strapped to the pillion seat! I finished up with a third. I never learn! At least I returned the I finished with a third class and a few bruises. I think we also won bike to MLG in good working order. A few years later I was on the team ward. From memory the club members riding included Malcolm Freeman, Keith Sanders, Bob Griffiths, an Australian also riding an R51/3, Ken Vogl and Foster Williamson, riding 98cc Capriolo. The sight of Fosters large behind dwarfing the seat, indeed the whole bike, kept me smiling for weeks. Wally Freeman rode his R26 and I can’t remember the last member. The R51/3, unmodified except for trials handlebars, coped with on and off road going even on standard road tyres. Twenty years later I owned an R80GS and really enjoyed it but the bike, like me, had put on a few pounds and I had no inclination to test

Riding the R51/3 in the Lands End Trial at Easter 1963. Robert Wilson (?) at Crackington Note that the mudguard is now sitting on the pillion seat!

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 23 holiday in Scotland and bought a copy of Motorcycle News. ‘My’ and I wouldn’t fancy riding it far in deep mud or seriously rocky ISDT 250 was in the for sale ads for £10. Unfortunately MCN going but on unsurfaced but reasonable roads in Africa it was, was a day late getting to Scotland and by the time I called it had for me, ideal. A few years back I took a well laden R100GS to the been sold. When you think about it the R25 might well have top of the 10,000 feet high Sani Pass, the highest unmade road been the rôle model for the Gelande Strasse. in Africa. Brenda was on the back and was a real help the couple Dave Mather’s contention, in the October issue, that the of times I got stuck! modern GS was unsuitable for serious off-road use is partly right

The main road to Lesotho: At the bottom of the Sani Pass and half-way up it. An Identity Crisis Mike Fishwick resolves it I was once asked why the ‘Five’ Series succeeded the ‘Two’ Series, The ‘/3 Series’ machines were succeeded by the Earles an innocent question which led to a rather involved discussion fork models in 1955, but they were not known as a ‘/4 Series,’ which may be of interest to others. This question was prompted and in fact were not accorded an unofficial ‘Series’ status until by the popular view that all pre-‘Five’ Series models must also 1960. In that year the R50 and R60 were modified and given belong to a Series – even though BMW did not share this idea! a /2 suffix, making them the R50/2 and R60/2. This was then While I appreciate that my reply may not agree with the view retrospectively applied by the ‘Series’ enthusiasts to all Earles fork held by many BMW enthusiasts, the simple fact is that in the models from 1955, so making a ‘/2 Series.’ days before the /5 Series a ‘slash’ and a suffix number was given The result was that the initial post-war machines were never to certain models (eg: R25/3, R60/2 etc) but this did not denote regarded as belonging to a Series, while the 1951 to 1955 models a Series, only signifying a major improvement to the basic model. were known as /3 models, and the 1955 to 1969 models as /2 For example, when in 1950 the pre-war R51 was modified models. These were then replaced by the (official) /5 Series. for production as the first post-WW2 BMW twin, various There was, however, never an official BMW /2 or /3 Series. modifications were made (such as new cylinder heads with Remember also that those who use these identifiers never angled inlet ports, two-piece rocker covers, and coil valve springs interpret any machine as being a /4 Series. The illogical nature of instead of the ‘hairpin’ type etc) with the result that the 1950 the unofficial /3 and /2 Series system never seems to be considered twin was listed as the R51/2. by those who promote the view. When in 1952 a new engine design was installed the R51/2 This confused and confusing idea can only cause problems became the R51/3. This /3 suffix was seized upon by some, who in the future, particularly when an early R50 is sold under the then considered that all machines up to 1955 were a ‘/3 Series,’ description of being an R50/2. including the R25/2 and R67/2. As a handy if unofficial means for describing particular eras of The pre-1952 models, the R24 and R51/2, were not, however, BMW motorcycle production this system has some merit, but its considered as belonging to a Series at all, even though by such application is illogical and its use fraught with problems. It can, a system they should have been regarded as a ‘2 Series,’ for they however, sometimes be useful to know what those who support came before the ‘/3 Series.’ this odd idea are talking about, even if it is grossly inaccurate. 24 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 A similar problem applies to the range produced after the /7 Series models during the 1981 to 1983 model years, when the ‘/7’ suffix was no longer applied by the factory. The RS and RT title was used in both periods, but from the 1981 model year the R100S became the R100CS, the R100T became the R100, and the R80/7 became the R80. While these models are visually very similar to their predecessors, there are virtually no identical components apart from the fuel tanks, seats, fairings, and mudguards. In most countries the R80 was restricted to police and military sales until the 1983 season, when the R80RT was introduced. This has meant that many owners have experienced difficulty in obtaining correct parts – usually by mail order – for machines which they had thought of as being the R80/7 or R100S. In several cases these machines had been registered in the older designations, but enquiries soon confirmed them as being R80 or R100CS models Is it an R60 /2? No, it’s just an R60 manufactured during late 1980 or early 1981. Others found that parts bought for their 1981-registered RS or RT did not fit, as it had been manufactured when completing the initial registration form, it could cause during the 1980 model year. Remember that the BMW factory some problems. begins production of a new model year in September, after the In such a case, the lack of a matching engine number would summer shutdown. Remember also that many dealers had stocks certainly discourage many potential buyers, who would obviously of the old model machines to be sold during the next model year. suspect that the engine had been changed. A roadside check by For example, an unsold late R100S (a ‘Seven’ Series) could the police could easily bring the owner under suspicion of using a have been registered in 1981, and although superficially similar, stolen engine, or worse! it is a totally different machine from the R100CS which was Owners of such machines would therefore do well to contact manufactured during that year. In the same way, it is possible DVLA with the correct engine number (i.e. the build code) but to see a 1980 model R100RT and a 1981 model R100RT which this will unfortunately be listed in the V5 as an engine change – share a ‘W’ registration letter. The situation is further confused so much for originality! when a 1980 model has been resprayed and fitted worthwhile Unfortunately the otherwise comprehensive data stored in modifications such as the 1981-model air filter, forks and Brembo the BMW (GB) computer system is unable to provide an engine brakes. code relative to a given frame number, but enquiries at BMW AG The R45 and R65 ranges also went through many similar detail confirm that such a match is often possible. changes during this period, but there are many points to confirm the true identity of these or any other BMW model produced during this period. At least the R80G/S and R80ST are easy to identify as belonging to the 1981-onwards period. Identification problems can even occur with the Monolever range, which was introduced during late 1984. From these machines onwards BMW ended their long- established practice of sharing common engine and frame numbers. The engine number was no longer stamped above the dipstick, and the factory engine build code – which since the mid-‘seventies had been stamped on a raised area at the front lower LH corner of the crankcase – was used instead. It has been known for the registration document of a Monolever model to carry an engine number identical to the frame number, which for a machine of this age would be totally false. Although the probable cause of such an oddity would be Is it a /7 Series? No, it’s an ’81 model. that the original selling dealer made a mistake July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 25 26 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 The Social Scene

The inevitable lead-in time for printing The The Journal. Journal means I will get time to remind On 10th May Jean and I took a ride everyone to get their place confirmed at the in glorious sunshine to the BMW day at August National at Sparsholt. Things have the Ace Café. There was the usual mix of come together well for this event so those bikes from old to new and almost every attending should be in for a cracking time. conceivable iteration from straight out of The ride-out locations are not to be missed the showroom to the truly outrageous. whilst there is so much in the area for those There were a few Club members we who want to explore on their own. All the recognised including our old friend John information will be available at the site. Hillier from the Oxford Section who hade done to a BMW car. The classic section By the way, if you are thinking of taking made his way there on a lovely old R100 is an event in itself. If you would like to a trip to the Isle of Wight can I urge you and was clearly enjoying himself! We soon come along please contact me by email or to make a ferry booking now. In August found ourselves chatting to people from telephone and I can arrange to get your free space on the ferries will be at a premium so vastly varied backgrounds but all with passes for the day. Vintage Register please if you fancy going overseas whilst you are in one thing in common - the love of bikes. note that bringing your pride and joy on a Hampshire, get your crossing reservations In amongst all the ‘Beamers’ (Piers take trailer is perfectly ok - just as long as I know. in place as soon as you can. And don’t panic note!) there was one of the new Triumph Why not come along? The museum itself is - the Isle of Wight International Scooter Explorers. A terrific looking machine and worth the visit. Rally is the weekend before our National! a heck of a lot for your money. Is this a Lastly, we still do not have any volunteers The recent National Committee serious challenger to the all-conquering to host an August National in 2016 so Meeting was memorable for all of the right GS? Well time will tell, but it’s great to unless a Section comes forward and offers reasons. A lot of day to day Club business have so much choice. to host it, the decision for next year will was dealt with quickly and efficiently as We have had a change in our biking have been made for us. I really do hope a our President managed the perfect balance lives. The GSPD has been in need of a Section volunteers or we really will lose one between keeping business moving whilst serious overhaul but as it was our only steed of the cornerstones of the social calendar. I letting people have their say. Whilst at it has been asked to keep on going on trips have no doubt the reason why we get back the meeting the Spring National for 2016 to Cornwall and Scotland, not to mention to the same places so often (e.g. Kelso and was confirmed, being jointly hosted by the taking me to work most days. Well, finally Framlingham) is that those organising North East and the Scottish Sections.. It it is to get the TLC it deserves. We have them find the experience so rewarding they will be a three-day event held over the last invested in a 2006 R1200RT to keep us on are willing to repeat it. Why not give me Bank Holiday weekend in May, again in two wheels whilst time and care is taken a ring and find out just how much help is Bellingham. More details will appear in over the GSPD. I have had an 1150 so all the available should you give this a go? electrics were not a complete In the meantime enjoy your biking and surprise, but the grin on Jean’s enjoy your Club, and if you recognise me, face as she settled onto a heated why not come and say hello! seat and the padded back rest Jim Bettley on the top box was. The idea is National Social Secretary to see whether we would like to move up to the new 1200RT in a year or so. I think I know the answer already. Now to August 16th and our invitation to join the BMW Car Club at their annual event at the Heritage Motor Centre Motor Museum, Gaydon CV35 0BJ. We have been invited back to take part in this mammoth all things BMW display and have been given our prime spot right outside of the museum. We have unlimited free access to the museum as well as a parade lap to take part in and a chance to browse exactly what can be (and often what shouldn’t have been) July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 27 The Sections

The Section Secretaries, Social Secretaries and regular meeting places.

AST ANGLIA SECTION ERCIA SECTION ORTHERN SECTION ESecretary:Dik Langan 6 Hazel Rise, MSecretary: Jane Scott, 31 Marston Brook, NSecretary: Ms Lynn Sumner, 63 Ambrose Claydon, Ipswich, IP6 0DB 07906 584676 Hilton, Derby, DE65 5HS, 07968 266 187 Court, Moss Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25 or 0845 003 688046 eastanglia.secretary@ [email protected] 4XA. 01772 431 324 northern.sec@bmwclub. bmwclubuk.net or eastanglia.membership@ Membership Secretary: As Above org.uk bmwclubuk.net Social Secretary: Colin Ainsworth 07799 653 Membership Secretary: As Above Membership Secretary: As Above 789 [email protected] Social Secretary: Robert Harrison 01257 793 Social Secretary: Peter Dutton 07950 631 735. See diary for dates and times: Repton Village 209 [email protected] [email protected] Hall, Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 2nd Thursday, 14.00: Settle Market Place 1st Sunday:12.00, The Cricketers, Spring Every Wednesday, 09.30: Hoar Park, The BD24 9ED. Barry Warner 01617 611 702. Lane, Fordham Heath, Colchester, CO3 9TG. Craft Village, Nuneaton Road, Church End, 2nd Sunday November to March, 13.00: Rixton Community Hall, Manchester Rd, Rixton, 1st Wednesday: 12.00, The Three Tunns, CV10 0QU for breakfast. Warrington. Weathersfield Rd, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 1st Sunday, 10.30: Brunch/Breakfast at Barton 2nd Sunday May to October, 13.00: St. 4NR. Marina Tea Rooms, Barton under Needwood, 12.00 noon, The Chequers, 7 Michael’s on Wyre Village Hall, Blackpool Road, 2nd Sunday: Burton on Trent Staffs DE13 8DZ Church Road, Wimbotsham. Norfolk, PE34 St. Michael’s on Wyre, PR3 0UA. 1st Tuesday, 19.30: New Inn. Wolvey Road, 3QG 3rd Tuesday, 19.30: The Highwayman, Peel, Bulkington CV12 9JF. 3rd Sunday: 12.00, The Cross Ways Inn, Isle of Man. Harvey Garton 01624 625140. 2nd Wednesday, 19.00: The Clock Bridge Road, Scole, Diss IP21 4DP Last Monday, 7.30pm: The Harraby Inn, Warehouse, London Road, Shardlow, DE72 3rd Wednesday: 12.00, The Lamb and Flag, London Rd, Carlisle. 2GL. Main Street, Welney, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, XFORD SECTION PE14 9RB. 2nd Thursday, 19.30: The Dog, Henley Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. OSecretary: Rosemary Hicks, 15 Orchard 2nd and 4th Sundays: Various Café and Pub Rise, Chesterton, Bicester, OX26 1US 01869 meetings see diary of events for details. 3rd Wednesday, 12.00: Pensioners & Layabouts meet at Springslade Lodge 240 529 [email protected] RISH SECTION Tearooms, Camp Road, Broadhurst Green, Membership Secretary: As Above John Broad 01869 324 008. Secretary: Pat Munnelly Ballinasleva, Cannock Chase. WS12 4PT. Social Secretary: I [email protected] Foxford, Co Mayo, 00 353 86 338 3499 3rd Sunday, 10.00: Salt Box Cafe, A511 Derby 1st Tuesday, 19.00: The Dashwood Arms, Old [email protected] Road, Foston (near Hatton) Derby, DE65 5PT. Membership Secretary: Paul Laffan 86 Oxford Road, Piddington HP14 3BH Thornhill Meadows, Cellbridge, Co Kildare IDLAND SECTION 1st Thursday 19.00: The Churchill Arms, at Ireland [email protected] MSecretary: Kevan Stevenson 8 Meden West Lavington (A360) High Street SN10 4JB. Social Secretary: Chris Wright 00 353 83 Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 8JJ 01623 2nd Tuesday, 19.30: The Harcourt Arms, at 0032400. [email protected] 479 152 [email protected] Stanton Harcourt OX29 5RJ. Every Tuesday, May to August, 18.30: Cork Membership Secretary: As Above 3rd Tuesday 18.30: The Sun Inn at Coate meet at the Great Gas Station opposite the Social Secretary: Jim Beach 01908 373 327 or Swindon SN3 6AA. Island Gate Restaurant. Tadgh Barry 00 353 87 07415 683 120 [email protected] 4th Wednesday 20.00: The Fox and Hounds at Sunnyside, Theale, Nr Reading, RG7 4BE. 906 6722 [email protected] or Dave Power at 1st Tuesday 19.30: The Three Kings, Uffington Village 087 783 3663 Saltersway, Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, 2nd Sundays 14.00 (Winter): Hall, Oxfordshire, SN7 7RA. 1st Tuesday 20.00: Limerick meeting 01529 240249. Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick. 2nd Sunday 12.00-15.00 : Barnsdale COTTISH SECTION Pat Mulcahy 00 353 87 237 7312 Gardens Tea Rooms, The Avenue, SSecretary: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, 2nd Sunday March to November 10.00: Exton,Oakham,Rutland, LE15 8AH Glasgow Road, Sanquahar, DG4 6BZ01659 Dublin ride-out, meet at The Lucan Spa Hotel. 2nd Thursday 19.30: The Old Reindeer, Main 50091 [email protected] Jim Sweeney 00 353 87 230 0736 jim@ St., Edingley Notts, NG22 8DE. Membership Secretary: As Above lucanstudios.ie or Sean O’Briain 00353 87 268 3rd Wednesday 19.30: The Griffins Head, 28 Social Secretary: Judy Lepley 01592 874 592 0120 [email protected] Wilby Road, Mears Ashby, Northamptonshire, [email protected] 2nd Sunday and 4th Sunday March to NN6 0DX. 2nd Sunday, 12.00: Powmill Milk Bar, Galway ride-out, meet at November 11.00: Breakfast meets: Occasional Sundays, Rumbling Bridge, KY13 OQG. Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, Headford Road, October to March: The Rangers Cycle 2nd Monday, 19.30: Douglas Park Motorrad, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 099 5028 Clubhouse, off Islington Road, Towcester, 13 Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 3XH. [email protected] Northants. See Diary or Forum for details. Ron Gow 07973 408148 or ron.gow@ 2nd Sunday: North West meeting. Pat btinternet.com. Munnelly 00353 86 338 3499 tapmun@hotmail. ORTH EAST SECTION 2nd Wednesday, 19.30: Meldrum Arms Hotel, com NSecretary: Simon Johnston, c/o 5 Ceres, Fife KY15 5NA Last Thursday 20.00: Dublin meeting, West School Row, North Broomhill, Morpeth, NE65 3rd Sunday, 12.30: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, County Hotel. Jim Sweeney 00353 87 230 0736 9TY 07702 709063 northeast.secretary@ High Street, Moffat DG10 9ET. [email protected] or Sean O’Briain 00353 87 bmwclubuk.net 4th Sunday, 12.30: Hopeville Social Club, 268 0120 [email protected] Membership Secretary: As Above Harlaw Road, Inverurie. Bradley Gane northeast. ONDON SECTION Social Secretary: OUTHERN SECTION LSecretary: John Lynch, 166 Chaulden [email protected] SChairman & Secretary: Gerri Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2BT 01442 1st Wednesday, 19.30: The Dun Cow, Chandler 01895 446896 social.assistant@ 267694/ 07860 663092 london.secretary@ Primrose Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6DY, thebmwclubsouthern.com or chairman@ bmwclubuk.net 0191 385 2631. thebmwclubsouthern.com Membership Secretary: As Above 3rd Wednesday, 19.30: The Beresford Arms Membership Secretary: Bob Denman, Social Secretary:Peter Jones 07762 205 660 Main Street, Walton, Morpeth, NE61 3UZ 01670 1 Mount Pleasant Close, Lightwater, or 01923 270 838 [email protected] 775273. GU18 5TP 01276 475853 membership@ Section meets are as rideouts and are All run start points are printed in the Diary. thebmwclubsouthern.com irregular. Please see the website and The Please contact the ride leader if there is any Social Secretary: Erica Body 07528 873 056 Journal Diary for meets. doubt. [email protected] 28 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 First Wednesday, 12.00: “Old Gits” Loomies Membership Secretary: As Above 2nd Sunday, 13.30: The Hood Memorial Hall, Diner on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads Social Secretary: Don Rabson 01840 212 913 Devauden, Chepstow. NP16 6PL. On the A272 & A32, Hampshire. [email protected] B4293 next to the Village Green. Alt Tuesdays, 2000: The Seven Stars, Newark Don’t know day, 12.00: The Weary Traveller, 1st Tuesday, 20.00: New Inn, Ombersley Lane, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6DL. Station Rd., Cullompton, EX15 1BQ. 100 yards Road, Claines, Worcester. Bob Dunn 01384 Alt Thursdays: The Half Moon, 32 London from M5 J28 on the A318. 390344 Road, Petersfield, GU31 4BE, just North of New meeting places are being looked for. 1st Wednesday, 19.30: The Lamb Inn, Wotton Petersfield on the old A3. Road, Iron Acton, Bristol, BS37 9UZ. 3rd Wednesday, 12.00: “Old Gits” Loomies LSTER SECTION 2nd Tuesday, 11.00: Dick Lovetts, Laurel Diner on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads USecretary: Charlie McConnell, 6 Cameron Court, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. BS10 7TU. Park, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 1QJ. 02825 A272 & A32, Hampshire. 3rd Tuesday, 19.30: The Pheasant, Heol 647 730 [email protected] 3rd Thursday 20.00: Drusilla’s Inn, Wigbeth, Eglwys, Pen Y Fai, Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY Horton, BH21 7JH. 01258 840297. Membership Secretary: Shane Noble, 149 commencing Tues. 21st May. Sevenmile Straight, Muckamore, Co. Antrim, 1st Monday, 20.00: The Cricketers Arms, 232 Last Monday, 12.00: The Honey Cafe, Chestnut Avenue, North Stoneham, Chandlers BT41 4QT 07734 315 163 ulster.membership@ Bronllys, Brecon, Powys LD3 0LH bmwclubuk.net Ford, SO53 3HN. 023 8062 9878. 1st Saturday 11.00: Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Stuart Greig 02897 528 526, Social Secretary: Road, Cardiff. CF11 8AB OUTH EAST SECTION [email protected] SSecretary: Jackie Lippiett, 38 Glover Road, 1st Tuesday except January, July & ORKSHIRE SECTION Willesborough, Ashford, TN24 0RF southeast. December, 20.00: Corr’s Corner Hotel, YSecretary: John Elvidge 2 Birstwith [email protected] Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. Grange, Birstwith, Harrogate,HG3 3AH 01423 Membership Secretary: John Hawker, 25 Sunday 11.00: runs from Corr’s Corner 770866 [email protected] Pickering Street, Maidstone, ME15 9RS, 01622 throughout the year Membership Secretary: As Above 744665 southeast.membership@bmwclubuk. Wednesday between September and May, Social Secretary: Piers Kurrein. 07866 622 net 11.00: runs from Corr’s Corner 196 [email protected] Social Secretary: Debbie Morris 0208 301 Tuesday between May and August, 11.00: 1st Sunday 12.00: TJ’s Café, Cracoe,BD23 1600 [email protected] runs from Corr’s Corner 6LB. (Village centre on B6265) 1st/3rd Wednesdays, 20.00: The Bull, Lower Wednesday evenings from beginning of 2nd Saturday 11.00: The Ignition Cafe, Anlaby, Road, East Farleigh, nr Maidstone, ME15 0HD May to end of August, 19.00: run from Corr’s Kingston-upon-Hull, HU4 7RR 2nd Friday, 19.30: The Golden Cross Inn at Corner 2nd Sunday 12.00: Cubley Hall Hotel,Mortimer Golden Cross Nr Hailsham, on A22. BN27 4AW All runs are weather dependant. Road, Penistone, S36 9DF. Last Friday, 20.00: Borders meet. 3rd Sunday 12.00: Howsteen Gorge Last Sunday, 12.00: Lunchtime meet. See ESTERN SECTION Café,Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5SF. Sue Ross 7 Pintail Grove Diary for details. WSecretary: Last Saturday 12.00: Seaways Café,Fimber Kidderminster, DY10 4RT. 01562 820 458 Road, Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX. [email protected] OUTH WEST SECTION Last Sunday 12.00: The Red Hart Hotel,Bawtry SSecretary: Debbie Sampson ‘Trevilla’,18, Membership Secretary: As Above Road, Blythe, Notts, S81 8HG Ropehaven Road St. Austell PL25 4DU. 07762 Social Secretary: Denis Bradbeer 01454 347 768 [email protected] 775786 [email protected]

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 29 Around The Compass Please send Around The Compass changes to [email protected] with “Compass” as the subject

3 - 5 July. Irish Section Airhead Camping Weekend: Lough Ree quiet family site so we ask you to respect that and no noise please after Yacht Club, Athlone, Co Westmeath. For full details see www.bmwclub. 10pm. Please set up your pitch before registering at the office (It’s easier ie Bookings/enquiries: [email protected] Tel: 00 353 (0) 87 that way). £6 per tent plus £3 per bike per night. Mainly for campers but 675 1673 smaller motorhomes may be welcome. Please book and check direct. Phone: 07930 379 079. Email: [email protected] Your Club 3 - 5 July. Midland Section Camping Weekend: This event has now been CANCELLED. contact is Chris Rodgers Phone: 0113 257 9859. Aberdare Park 3 - 5 July. Western Section Camping Weekend: Castle Brake 24 - 26 July. South West Section Camping Weekend: Holiday Park, Woodbury, Nr Exeter, Devon. EX5 1HA. Fun weekend in Races. Robin Wale 07791798704. See Section website. a beautiful location with superb facilities. On site shop, bar, takeaway 24 - 26 July. Yorkshire Section: Camping at Brookside Caravan and restaurant. Luxury hotel and static caravans available. £6.00 pppn and Camp site, Burton-upon-Stather, Scunthorpe, North Lincs, DN15 for a grass pitch with electric (includes tent/campervan/caravan and 9DH. We’ve been coming to this site for years now and it still gets good awning). Booking essential Contact Cameron Wills Tel. 07814487056 attendance. This year it’s a camping only event with bikes and tents email [email protected] please. Just £5 per tent per night. Adjacent to a well known real ale pub that now does excellent food too. No need to book. Just turn up 10 - 12 July. Southern Section: New Forest Camping Weekend at Nick & Sarah’s - see website for further details and enjoy the weekend. Your contact: Piers K. Phone: 07866 622 196. Email: [email protected] 10 -12 July. South West Section Lavender Rally: Cheristow Lavender, Hartland, North Devon, EX39 6DA. Tents £5.00 per pitch plus £3.00 31 July - 2 August. Yorkshire Section Yorkshire Day Camping: per person per night. Motorcaravans £5.00 per pitch plus £5.00 per Lord Stones Country Park, Chop Gate, N.Yorks, TS9 7JH. Perched person per night electric hook up free. Breakfast £5.00 if booked the dramatically on the edge of the North Yorks Moors high above the Vale night before. More details on Website Jim Isherwood 01769 573 258 of York and Teesside; this is a great site with good camping a café/ 07926 069777. restaurant and spectacular views and walks. Grand barbecue on Friday eve for £12 each. BMW Club steak dinner with a drink Saturday eve 10 - 12 July. Yorkshire Section Camping at Kettlewell: This is a new for £20. Camping is £15 per tent for two nights based on sharing one one for us and is situated in the heart of Wharfedale in the Yorkshire large pitch. Contact: Piers K. Phone: 07866 622 196 email: Yorkshire. Dales a delightful spot immediately adjacent to this pretty village which [email protected] The venue is nearer to Carlton-in-Cleveland has plenty of pubs, restaurants, B&Bs and café’s. All the pubs have than Chop Gate. Climb the steep scarp slope road from Carlton and it’s pleasant outdoor seating areas. There’s also a traditional village store. at the top where the Cleveland Way crosses this minor road. Way point The riding possibilities from here are endless with the entrance to N54 25.161 W001 11.606 (Approx!) dramatic Coverdale hidden away at the back of the village. This is a 7 - 9 August. South West Section Camping Weekend: Slimbridge Camping, Tudor Caravan Park, Slimbridge, GL1 7BP. Phil and Debbie Sampson, 01726 616 42 Mob. 07850 983 144. 7 - 10 August. Northern Section Hotel Weekend: At The Bay Dornoch Hotel, Dornoch, Sutherland. £112 per person for three nights dinner bed and breakfast two people sharing. £5 supplement per night for single occupancy. On Friday the 7th the highland games begin at 10- 00 am. Saturday night the Dornoch Pipe Band will be playing in the main square. Destinations for ride-outs could be salmon spotting at the Shin Falls, dolphin spotting at the point on the Black Isle and John O’Groats is a short ride. Then there’s the mound where the flood gates hold the salmon back until the water has enough force to let them run up the river Fleet. The old jetty on Loch Fleet and Dunrobin castle will be open to visitors. Dornoch’s cathedral is where Madonna was married and the Northern Section Treasurer was christened, so a place of considerable note. Contact the hotel directly on 01942 823322 Customer Services and quote code CLDORR3. Event contact is Alan Davies 01253 345649 [email protected] 29 August - 1 September. London Section Hotel Weekend: Blakeney, Norfolk. Contact Peter Jones for details : [email protected]

30 July 2015 1 - 12 September. Oxford Section trip to northern Spain: Rob Allin a special rate for Bed & Breakfast in the Hotel at £76.50 per room per 01235 850111 or [email protected] night based on 2 sharing please book direct with the Hotel quoting BMW Motorcycle Club. Tel. No. 01855 831539. Early booking is advised. Full 4 - 6 September. Midland Section Hope Valley Camping Weekend: Hardhurst Farm is the venue for this ever popular event. Bookings to details can be found on the Scottish Section website. Steve Foreman. See Journal for Details. 25 - 27 September. Southern Section Dartmoor Weekend: At the East Dart Hotel, a 19th century coaching inn. 5 double rooms, 1 twin, 4 - 6 September. South West Section Dartmoor Rally: Harford Bridge Holiday Park, Peter Tavy, Tavistock, PL19 9LS. Cost per person 2 singles at £35 p.p.p.n. Please contact Mike on mike1200rt@hotmail. per night in any unit is £7.50. Elec Hook up is £2.50 per unit pn. Pasty co.uk as soon as possible to confirm your interest & Puddn supper on Friday is £5 per person. Bookings in advance of 25 - 28 September. Oxford Section Isle of Wight long weekend: rally appreciated. See SW Section website for further details on Sunday David & Rosemary Hicks 01869 240529 Concours categories & BBQ. Debbie Sampson 07762 347768 and Phil 16 - 18 October. Irish Section Leenane Hotel Weekend: Killary 07850 983 144. Harbour, Connemara, Co Galway. €110.00 pps includes two nights B&B 11 – 13 September. Scottish & North East Sections joint weekend: and two evening meals. Bookings/enquiries: [email protected] Tel: 00 Moffat Manor Country Park, Beattock, Dumfries DG10 9RE. An area 353 (0) 83 0043775 will be cordoned off for the BMW Club. There is a bar and restaurant 16 -18 October. Northern Section Hotel Weekend: At the Cottage on site. The site is 2 miles from the centre of Moffat. Camping price Inn, Dunstan, Craster, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3SZ (www. £7 per night per person. Static caravans available for weekend hire. cottageinnhotel.co.uk) A country hotel with a restaurant and pub. Cask Caravan sleeping up to 6 = £70 per night Sleeping up to 8 = £80 per conditioned ales and recommended in The Good Beer Guide. The prices night. To book statics phone. 01683 300313. Quote BMW Club. For for sharing double/twin room - £19.95 pppn bed & breakfast, hence other info Contact: Judy or Jim Tel. 01592 874592 or email social@ £39.90 per person for the weekend, single occupancy of double/twin thebmwclubscottish.com room - £24.95 pppn bed & breakfast, hence £49.90 for the weekend. 11 - 14 September. Mercia & Yorkshire Sections Saltburn House Deposit £15 per person to Bob Crawley, 3 Station Road, Kelso, Scottish Hotel Weekend: 3 Nights bed, breakfast and evening meal. Guide Borders, TD5 8DQ 01573 223203 [email protected] Early Price: £35 per person per night with no supplement for two nights or for booking advised for this popular event. single occupancy. Based in the resort of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the hotel 23 - 25 October. South West Section Hippo Rally: North Tawton is well-suited for visits to the museums at Beamish, Hartlepool, Hutton- Rugby Club. Ring Jim Isherwood to book 01769 573 258. More details le-Hole and Malton and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering, on website Whitby and Scarborough. The accommodation will be en-suite, double- or twin-bedded rooms with TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. There is 27 – 29 November. Western Section Hotel Weekend: At the Cavendish a large bar/function room but also a separate, quiet lounge for guests. Hotel, Exmouth, Devon. 2 nights bed, breakfast and evening meal, Ride-outs will be arranged on Saturday and Sunday. The annual including entertainment both nights, standard twin or double rooms Saltburn Hill Climb will also be taking place. For details contact Keith at £150 for the weekend, singles £85. Sea view add £6p.p. Optional Jackson, 213 Morley Road, Oakwood, Derby, DE21 4TB. Mobile: 07855 coach trip to Sidmouth and Exeter, guided walk and grand raffle. £10 451805 email: [email protected] per person deposit by 1st September and final payment by 1st October. For further information and booking form contact Denis Bradbeer Tel. 18 - 20 September. Western Section SOREBUTTS Rally: Mill Park 01454 775786, e-mail [email protected] Full information Touring and Camping Park, Mill Lane, Berrynarbor, Nr Ilfracombe, North and downloadable booking form on the Western Section website. Devon EX34 9SH www.millparklimited.co.uk £8.00 per unit includes 2 persons, tent /camper/caravan and awning. Cocoons & Glampods, B&B, Self Catering and Hotel Accommodation also available. BBQ Saturday Night, Saturday Rideout. Booking ESSENTIAL. Contact Paul Rodriguez 07979 974005. See Section website for further details www.sites.google.com/site/bmwclubwesternsection All club members welcome at this event. 25 - 27 September. Irish Section Thatch Rally: Durrus, West Cork. €124 pps includes two nights self-catering and evening meal plus lunch on the Sat ride-out (some single rooms available). Bookings/enquiries: [email protected] Tel: 00 353 (0) 83 0043775 24 – 27 September. Scottish Section Gathering in Kinlochleven: MacDonald Hotel & Cabins & Camping, Fort William Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4QL. Superb venue Camping, Cabins, Hotel, B&B, Restaurant, Bothy Bar all on the One site. Excellent camping facilities for 2 man tents along with low priced Cabins for hire suitable for 2/4 persons with electric and heating. Numbers are limited so Camping and Cabins must be booked as soon as possible. Please contact Judy tel.01592 874592 or email: [email protected]. We have negotiated

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 31 Diary Of Events: July & August July = August = Weekends = Red Text Diary of Events closing date is the 5th of each month These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club. All organisers are covered by our insurance, provided the event guidelines are followed.

July 10am. Western 12.00 Fenny Castle Tea Rooms/Restaurant Castle 1 E. Anglia Three Tuns, Wethersfield Rd, Finchingfield, CM7 Lane, Worth, Nr Wookey, Wells, Somerset BA5 1NN 4NR. 12:00 noon Janet Wilson 01225 858876 Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm Oswald’s Cross Pub, close to Yorkshire TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB. 12.00 noon. the service station on the A5 at Oswestry, SY10 8NN. 6 Oxford Ludgershall bike night. Section stand. (John Broad N. East Natter Night – The Dun Cow, Primrose Hill, Houghton 01869 324008 & Dave & Rosemary Hicks). Le Spring, DH4 6DY Southern 7pm The Cricketers Arms, 232 Chestnut Ave, North S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm. Stoneham, Chandlers Ford, SO53 3HN Southern 11am ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, West 7 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Meon Hut, GU32 1JX Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave Western 19.30 Lamb Inn, Iron Acton BS37 9UZ 1st Wednesday Power 0877833663 of the month Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 Irish Limerick Meeting, 8:00pm, Woodfield Hotel, Ennis 1 - 30/11 GS Register The Remote Places Challenge (the club’s own Road, Limerick (Opposite GAA Ground). Pat Mulcahy competition). Entries are open until November. Entry 0872377312 Forms and details at gs-register.org.uk or contact Nev Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm New Inn, Wolvey Road, at [email protected] mob 07860 532 876. Bulkington, CV12 9JF. 2 Northern Classic Bike Nights, Bridge House Farm Tearooms, Midland Pub Meet : The Three Kings, Saltersway, Wray, Lancaster LA2 8QP 6.00pm to 9.00pm Bill Threekingham, Lincs.NG34 0AU Start 7:30 Smithson 01539 736454 wjsmithson@btinternet. Oxford Pub Social – Dashwood Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH com Southern 7pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, Southern 7pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, GU23 6DL GU31 4BE Ulster NO CLUB MEETING Yorkshire Lunch Meet, The Jenny Wren Inn, East Ferry Road, 8 Mercia Natter Night, 7pm Clock Warehouse, London Road, Susworth, Lincs, DN17 3AR. Contact Peter 01904 Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL. 672883 [email protected] S. East Midweek Run from COOPERS, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3 - 5 Irish Airhead Camping weekend - see Compass and www. 3UE. 10.30am. bmwclub.ie for full details Scottish Natter nite 7.30 Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife KY15 3 - 5 Southern Hog Roast and Camping Weekend, Andover - Non 5NA BMW Club event Western 10.00 Ride around Wales Meet at ASDA Coryton, 3 - 5 Ulster BMW Biker Days Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Cardiff CF14 7EW. J32 M4. 95 miles approx Contact 3 - 5 Western Camping at Castle Brake Holiday Park , Woodbury, Neville Jones 07860 532876 Devon EX5 1HA www.castlebrake.co.uk Contact 9 Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm The Dog, Henley Road, Cameron Wills 07814487056 Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. 4 S. West Brunch Meet plus ride. 11.00, Lifton Farm café, Lifton Midland Pub Meet :The Old Reindeer, Main Street, Edingley, PL16 0DE. Ring Don Rabson 01840 212913 Mob Notts, NG22 8DE. Start 19:30 07884266340. Northern Gathering at Settle Market Place 2:00 pm Barry Western 11.00 Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, Cardiff CF11 Warner 01617 611702 8AB First Saturday of each Month for coffee and Oxford North Oxford Garage ride - White Horse Safari. Call biscuits. 01865 319000 for details 4 - 5 Oxford ACU Rally, Carterton Checkpoint from 10 am Saturday 10 S. East THE WHITE HART, Lower Horsebridge (A271), BN27 through to 8 am Sunday. Please volunteer and 4DJ. 7.30pm. contact Andy Lawson on harvest.moon@ntlworld. 10 - 12 S. West Lavender Rally, Jim Isherwood 01769 573 258. com or 01993 212561 for details. 10 - 12 Southern New Forest Camping Weekend at Nick & Sarah’s 5 E. Anglia Cricketers, Spring Lane, Fordham Heath, CO3 9TG. 11 London Ride-out to Mallory Park for the Festival of 1000 Bikes. 12:00 noon Leaving Hemel Hempstead at 0900 hrs. Mercia Breakfast / Brunch, 10am Barton Marina Tearooms, Yorkshire Ignition Café, Anlaby, HU4 7RR. 11.00am. Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs, 11 - 12 Yorkshire Camping at Kettlewell. Contact Chris Rodgers 0113 DE13 8DZ. 257 9859 Midland Baston Classic Car & Motorcycle Show. very 12 E. Anglia Epping and Ongar Railway, Station approach, successful 1 day Show. Contact Bill Rodgers. Tel Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 9AB, 11am. Vintage 01526 834480 Mob 07557 668223 E mail bill- trains and buses. Parking at two car parks near by. [email protected] See E & O web site for more details. N. East Led Ride Out – Out and about – Meet at Waggon E. Anglia Alternative meeting at the Chequers, 7 Church road, 10am Dicka - 07906892824 Wimbotsham, Norfolk, PE34 3QG. 12 noon. Northern After Breakfast Run Rooster Café Off J40 M6 8:00 Irish Galway ride out 11.00am Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, - 9:00 am John Bell 01228 535173 Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 S. East “Thomas’ Travels”. Depart Godstone Duck Pond. 0995028 [email protected]

32 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Irish Leinster Ride-out Spa Hotel (near Lucan) 10.00 am Scottish Inverness Ride out. Meet B&Q Inverness @ 9.45. Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 [email protected] Depart 10 a.m. sharp. Irish Limerick Sunday run - Pat Mulcahy 0872377312 Western 0930 The Big Ride Leaving Dick Lovetts Bristol at Irish Nth West Sunday Run - Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 0930. A 300mile ride in Wales ending at The Hilton or [email protected] Hotel Cardiff. Contact Randy Driggs 07788 395583 Mercia Trough of Bowland Ride Out. Meet at the Little Chef for full details M6 Junction 16, Crewe CW2 5PT. Leave 09.15am 19 E. Anglia Chequers, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Norfolk sharp. For details please contact Tony Sedden on PE34 3QG. 12:00 noon 01270 258062 or mob 07973 214347. E. Anglia The Crossways Inn, Scole. 12:00 noon N. East Un-Led Ride Out – Meet at Scotch Corner 10am Mercia NEW! Breakfast Meet, Salt Box Café, 10am. A511 Northern Monthly Meeting, St Michaels on Wyre Village Derby Road, Foston (near Hatton), Derby, DE65 5PT. Hall PR3 0QA 1 pm Bob Harrison 01257 793209 Midland Andy Pilkington Rideout to Hardwick Warbirds private [email protected]. Talk given by aircraft hanger & Bomber Command Museum near Bowland & Pennine Mountain Rescue Team. Norwich. If time allows, watering hole / lunch stop en- Oxford RIDE OUT: Herefordshire. Start at The Sun Inn, Coate, route. Meet at services on Holdingham roundabout Swindon, SN3 6AA at 09:30 for a 10:00 start. Willem on A17/A15 Sleaford at 0900 depart 0930. Tel: 01529 van Zyl ([email protected]) 241092 S. East Alfriston, Sussex with Cliff & Julie. Depart lay-by N. East Led Ride Out – Laurie’s Magical Mystery tour – Meet Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham (A20/M26). 10am. at the Lakeside Hotel (premier inn), Woodhorn, Scottish Lunch meet @ 12.00 Powmill Milk Bar, Rumbling Ashington 10am Laurie Hunt - 01670860042 Bridge, KY13 OQG Northern Ride Out - M6 Burton Services Northbound between Western 13.30 Hood Memorial Hall. Devauden. NP16 6NX 2nd J35 AND J36 175 miles Cleveland Way and N Yorks Sunday of the month On the B4293 next to the Village Moors 9:30 AM Bill Smithson 01539 736454 Green Bring a posh picnic, table cloths, candelabra, [email protected] wine, etc a prize for the poshest who come by bike. S. East Stow Maries WW1 Aerodrome Revisited with Keith Ring Denis 01454 775786 & Debbie. Depart Thurrock Serv. (Petrol). 9.30am. Yorkshire Cubley Hall Hotel, Penistone, S36 9DF. 12.00 noon. Scottish Lunch meet @12:30 Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High 13 Scottish Natter nite. 7.30pm in the Club Room at Douglas Street, Moffat,Dumfrieshsire, DG10 9ET Park Motorrad, 13 Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 Ulster Meet and Eat 11am Corr’s Corner/ 1pm Kilbroney 3XH. For more information contact: Ron Gow Tel.no. Forest Park Rostrevor 07973 408148 or email [email protected] Yorkshire How Stean Gorge Café, HG3 5SF. 12 noon. Sporting Cadwell Park ‘Ride Friendly’ track day. £120, details 20 Yorkshire Ride-out to Bolsover Castle via Conisbrough Castle [email protected] 01953 888415 21 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Yorkshire Ride to Cadwell Track Day from two starting points. Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave See Journal for details. Power 0877833663 14 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Mercia Charlie’s Chip Shop Run - Meet at McDonalds A38/ Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave A52 junction, Derby at 6.15pm. Contact Charlie 01332 Power 0877833663 557625. Oxford West Hagbourne Bike Night, Section stand. (Rob Allin Northern The Highwayman, Peel, IOM 7:30 pm Harvey Garton 01235 850111) 01624 625140 Oxford Pub Social - Waggon & Horses, Southmoor, OX13 Oxford Pub Social – Sun Inn, Coate Water, Swindon, SN3 5BG from 19:00 hrs 6AA Western 11.00 Dick Lovett Motoradd Cribbs Causeway Bristol Southern 7pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, BS10 7TU Monthly meeting for coffee and cakes. GU23 6DL 15 E. Anglia Lamb and Flag, Welney, PE14 9RB. 12:00 noon Western 7.30pm. The Pheasant, Heol Eglwys, Pen Y Fai, Mercia Pensioners & Layabouts, 12 noon Springslade Lodge Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY Tearooms, Camp Road, Broadhurst Green, Cannock 22 N. East Ride Out – Wed Eve 5pm ride, Meet at Washington Chase, WS12 4PT. Services N/bound 5pm – Malcolm Barlow - Midland Pub Meet: Griffens Head, 28 Wilby Road, Mears 01913888021 Ashby, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. Start 7:30 Oxford Pub Social – Fox & Hounds, Theale, RG7 4BE N. East Natter Night – Beresford Arms, Main Street, Walton, Western 12.00 The Greedy Goose, at Gatcombe Farm, Long Morpeth, NE61 3UZ Ashton, Nr Bristol BS48 3QT Contact Alison 0117 Northern Midweek Run from Kirkby Lonsdale 10:00 am Mike 9657757 Gibson 01229 582787 emmandemm@btopenworld. 23 Yorkshire Ride to MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern com Art) and the famous Transporter Bridge. Meet at S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. “Best Helmsley Market Place (YO62 5BL) 09:30 for a 10:00 Bike”. 8pm. depart or at MIMA (TS1 2AZ) ) at 11:00. Back over S. West Fish and Chips 7.15 pm. Meet at The New Cornish the North Yorks Moors to Helmsley. Contact: James Services nr Roche just off the A30. Then on to St 07711659373 Merryn for fish and Chips. Will meet at 7.00 and leave 24 N. East Ride Out – Fish & Chip Run – Thou shall have a fishy by 7.15. £10.00 for furthest travelled. on a little dishy – Meet at Washington Services N/ Southern 11am ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, West bound 7pm – Roger Barr - 01912575989 Meon Hut, GU32 1JX 24 - 26 S. West Aberdare Park Races Camping Weekend. Robin Wale Southern 6pm Fish & Chip Meet - Jack’s, Bagshot 07791 798704. Western 12.00 Lunch at the Hollow Bottom Inn, Guiting Power, 25 Oxford Calne Bike Day - Section stand. (John Russ 01380 Cheltenham. GL54 5UX Booking required contact 726376) Denis [email protected]. Southern Worthing Show - On 2 Wheels (Non BMW Club event) 16 Southern 7pm Drusilla’s Inn, Cranborne Road, Wimborne Yorkshire The Biker’s Café, Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX. 12 noon. Minster BH21 5AD 25 - 26 Yorkshire Camping at Brookside C&C Burton-upon- Stather, Southern 7pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, DN15 9DH Dennis 01924 824088 GU31 4BE 26 E. Anglia Café Meet, Waterside Café, Waterside Visitor centre, 18 N. East Section BBQ – Phil & Marjorie’s 2pm, Camping Marlow car park. Graffam, Huntingdon. PE28 0BH. Available tel: 01207 544851 10am. July 2015 33 Irish Galway ride out 11.00am Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, Southern 7pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 GU23 6DL 0995028 [email protected] Ulster Club Meeting 8pm Corr’s Corner Midland Normans Rideout,Norms ride to RAF Cosford, Western 20.00 New Inn, Claines, Worcs. WR3 7DH 1st Museum, this will be along country roads,with a coffee Tuesday of the month Bob Dunn 01384 390344 stop, Meet 9:30 at M42/A5 Services, junction 10 on 5 E. Anglia Three Tuns, Wethersfield Rd, Finchingfield, CM7 M42. 4NR. 12:00 noon N. East Un-Led ride Out – Meet at Washington Services S/ N. East Summer Buffet – Ride in to the Dun Cow for 8pm bound 10am S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm. S. East Lunch – Coastguards Tea Room, Fairlight, TN35 4AB. S. West Fish and Chip in Tavistock. Details to follow. Don Run 2pm. Rabson 01840 212913. £10.00 for furthest travelled. Scottish Lunch meet @ 12:30 Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Southern 11am ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, West Road, Inverurie AB51 4SR Meon Hut, GU32 1JX Ulster Treasure Hunt and BBQ 11am Corr’s Corner Western 19.30 Lamb Inn, Iron Acton BS37 9UZ 1st Wednesday Yorkshire The Red Hart, Bawtry Road, Blythe, S81 8HG. 12noon of the month Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 27 Northern Natter Night, The Harraby Inn, Carlisle 7:30 pm John 6 Northern Classic Bike Nights, Bridge House Farm Tearooms, Bell 01228 535173 Wray, Lancaster LA2 8QP 6.00pm to 9.00pm Bill Western 11.00 The Honey Cafe Bronllys, Brecon, Powys LD3 Smithson 01539 736454 wjsmithson@btinternet. 0LH Last Monday of each Month April to September com 28 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Yorkshire Lunch Meet, The Farmers Arms, Gatherley Rd, Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave Brompton On Swale, DL10 7HZ Contact Peter 01904 Power 0877833663 672883 [email protected] 30 Irish Dublin Meeting. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. 8:00 7 - 9 S. West Slimbridge Camping, Tudor Caravan Park, Slimbridge PM Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 [email protected] GL1 7BP. Debbie Sampson 07762 347768 and Phil Midland AJ’s Diner, Nene Motorcycles, Leyland Trading Est, 07850 983 144. Wellingborough, NN8 1RT. Meet ride in to this 50’s 7 - 10 Northern Dornoch Hotel Weekend, 3 nights for the Highland style cafe for tea and ride out if weather is good. Games. Alan Davies 01253 345 649 adavies2@sky. Oxford BBQ Bike night at North Oxford Garage. Call 01865 com 319000 for details 8 Yorkshire Ignition Café, Anlaby, HU4 7RR. 11.00am. Southern 7pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, 9 E. Anglia Museum of power. Langford nr Maldon, Essex. contact GU31 4BE Mike or Peter if you want to have your bike on the 31 S. East THE MONUMENT, Whitstable, CT5 1PH. 7.30pm. stand. S. East THE KINGS ARMS, Biggin Hill, BR2 6DU. 7.30pm E. Anglia Alternative meeting, at the Chequers, 7 Church road, 31 - 2/8 Yorkshire Yorkshire Day Camping at Lord Stones Chop Gate, Wimbotsham, Norfolk, PE34 3QG, 12 noon. N.Yorks, TS9 7JH. Piers 07866 622196 Irish Galway ride out 11.00am Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 0995028 [email protected] August Irish Leinster Ride-out Spa Hotel (near Lucan) 10.00 am Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 [email protected] 1 Western 0930 Group ride to Sidmouth to enjoy the Folk Irish Limerick Sunday run - Pat Mulcahy 0872377312 Festival. Meet at Dick Lovett’s (see where we meet) Irish Nth West Sunday Run - Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 09.30 to leave at 10.00. Denis Bradbeer 01454 or [email protected] 775786 N. East Un-Led Ride Out – Meet at Castle Square Morpeth Western 11.00 Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, Cardiff CF11 10am 8AB First Saturday of each Month for coffee and biscuits. Northern Monthly Meeting, St Michaels on Wyre Village Hall PR3 0QA 1 pm Bob Harrison 01257 793209 2 E. Anglia Cricketers, Spring Lane, Fordham Heath, CO3 9TG. [email protected] 12:00 noon Oxford RIDE OUT: to Section BBQ at Postern hill, Savernake Mercia Breakfast / Brunch, 10am Barton Marina Tearooms, Forest, Marlborough. Meet at McDonalds at Tothill Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs, Services on the A34 RG20 9BX, 10.00 for 10:30 DE13 8DZ. start. Arrive at Savernake 12.00 (Steve Moxey 07771 N. East Led Ride Out – Over the Dales, Meet at Bowburn 663915) Services 10am Paul Taylor 07778591823 Oxford Section BBQ – Postern Hill, Savernake Forest, Northern After Breakfast Run Rooster Café Off J40 M6 8:00 Marlborough, SN8 4ND. Food from 12.00. - 9:00 am John Bell 01228 535173 S. East “Journey with the Jones’. Depart Godstone Duck S. East WK VMCC Int. Rally, The Friars, Aylesford, ME20 Pond. 9.30am. 7BX. Display your bike with John. Scottish Lunch meet @ 12.00 Powmill Milk Bar, Rumbling Ulster Hurst’s Breakfast Run 9.30am Hurst’s BMW Motorrad, Bridge, KY13 OQG Mallusk Southern Rideout - organised by Nick Tucker - Meet at Yorkshire TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB. 12.00 noon. Bahnstormer at 10 a.m 3 Southern 7pm The Cricketers Arms, 232 Chestnut Ave, North Western 13.30 Hood Memorial Hall. Devauden. NP16 6NX Stoneham, Chandlers Ford, SO53 3HN 2nd Sunday of the month On the B4293 next to the 4 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Village Green Cream Teas with Jean Cox. Come and Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave sample the finest scones in the West with jam and Power 0877833663 Clotted Cream. Irish Limerick Meeting, 8:00pm, Woodfield Hotel, Ennis Yorkshire Cubley Hall Hotel, Penistone, S36 9DF. 12.00 noon. Road, Limerick (Opposite GAA Ground). Pat Mulcahy 10 Scottish Natter nite. 7.30pm in the Club Room at Douglas 0872377312 Park Motorrad, 13 Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm New Inn, Wolvey Road, 3XH. For more information contact: Ron Gow Tel.no. Bulkington, CV12 9JF. 07973 408148 or email [email protected] Midland Pub Meet : The Three Kings, Saltersway, 11 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Threekingham, Lincs.NG34 0AU Start 7:30 Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave Oxford Pub Social – Dashwood Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH Power 0877833663

34 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Northern The Highwayman, Peel, IOM 7:30 pm Harvey Garton Western 7.30pm. The Pheasant, Heol Eglwys, Pen Y Fai, 01624 625140 Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY Oxford Pub Social - Wagon & Horses, Southmoor, OX13 19 E. Anglia Lamb and Flag, Welney, PE14 9RB. 12:00 noon 5BG from 19:00 hrs Mercia Pensioners & Layabouts, 12 noon Springslade Lodge Southern 6pm Poole Quay Fish & Chips Meet + Bike Night Tearooms, Camp Road, Broadhurst Green, Cannock Western 11.00 Dick Lovett Motoradd Cribbs Causeway Bristol Chase, WS12 4PT. BS10 7TU Monthly meeting for coffee and cakes Midland Pub Meet: Griffens Head, 28 Wilby Road, Mears 12 Mercia Natter Night, 7pm Clock Warehouse, London Road, Ashby, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. Start 7:30 Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL. N. East Natter Night – Beresford Arms, Main Street, Walton, N. East Led Ride Out – Lucky Few ride – The Four Valleys, Meet at the Waggon 10am Derek Proctor Morpeth, NE61 3UZ 07703422326 Northern Midweek Run from Kirkby Lonsdale 10:00 am Mike S. East Midweek Run from COOPERS, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 Gibson 01229 582787 emmandemm@btopenworld. 3UE. 10.30am. com Scottish Natter nite 7.30 Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife KY15 S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm. 5NA S. West Midweek ride out. Start TBA. Dave Cooper 01392 13 Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm The Dog, Henley Road, 877 886. Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. Southern 11am ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, West Midland Pub Meet :The Old Reindeer, Main Street, Edingley, Meon Hut, GU32 1JX Notts, NG22 8DE. Start 19:30 Western 12.00 Sharpham Tea Gardens, Sunnyview, Northern Gathering at Settle Market Place 2:00 pm Barry Warner 01617 611702 Sharpham, Street, Somerset BA16 9SF Bookings required Contact Dave and Anita 01884 829295 Southern 7pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, GU31 4BE 20 Midland Ride In To Pavlilion cafe, Wilton Park, Leicester Road, 14 N. East Ride Out – Fish & Chip Run – Something Fishy! Melton Mowbray,Last Tea and Talk. Meet at Washington Services N/bound 7pm Bradley Southern 7pm Drusilla’s Inn, Cranborne Road, Wimborne Gane – 07971839785 Minster BH21 5AD S. East THE WHITE HART, Lower Horsebridge (A271), BN27 Yorkshire Ride-out to Bolsover Castle via Conisborough Castle. 4DJ. 7.30pm. Contact: James 07711659373 15 S. East SE Section 40th Birthday Party at Matty’s, Paddock 21 N. East Ride Out – Fish & Chip Run, Meet at Durham Services Wood, TN12 6QQ from 4pm. (Book by 5th). 7pm Neil Langsley 07815597120 Western 10.30 Street Bike Show, Corn Street, Bristol. Meet outside the Corn Exchange at 10.30hrs to view bikes. 22 Oxford BMW Club Open Day at Maidenhead Meet again 12.00hrs outside Corn Exchange for S. West Saturday ride to finish in Padstow for fish and chips lunch. Graham Wiltshire. Tel 07786 182610 www. at 5.30. Details on start to follow. Don Rabson 01840 thebristolbikeshow.co.uk 212913. 16 E. Anglia The Crossways Inn, Scole. 12:00 noon 23 E. Anglia Café Jacqui, North Street, Sudbury. CO10 1RD, E. Anglia Chequers, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Norfolk 10AM. PE34 3QG. 12:00 noon Irish Galway ride out 11.00am Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, E. Anglia Oakley bike festival, Oakley Bedfordshire, Meet at the Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 Birchanger Services, Jnc 8 M11 for 10am departure 0995028 [email protected] for ride to Oakley. N. East Un-Led Ride Out – Meet at Wynyard Services 10am Mercia Breakfast Meet, Salt Box Café, 10am. A511 Derby Road, Foston (near Hatton), Derby, DE65 5PT. S. East The Long Shop Museum, Leiston, Suffolk with Ron. N. East Led Ride Out – Mystery Tour to Somewhere Depart Thurrock Serv. (Petrol). 9am. interesting – Meet at Bowburn Services 10am - Scottish Lunch meet @ 12:30 Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Graham Walker 07931710991 Road, Inverurie AB51 4SR Northern Dales Run. Start 9.00am Barton Grange A6 Preston. 25 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Oxford Popham Megameet (in conjunction with Southern Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave Section) Power 0877833663 Oxford Brackley Festival of Motorcycling. Section stand. John 26 N. East Led Ride Out – Wed Eve 5pm ride Meet at Washington Broad 01869 324008 & Tim Read Services N / Bound 5pm Jack Lawrie 01914105369 Scottish Lunch meet @12:30 Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Oxford Pub Social – Fox & Hounds, Theale, RG7 4BE Street, Moffat,Dumfrieshsire, DG10 9ET 27 Irish Dublin Meeting. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. 8:00 Southern All day POPHAM MEGA MEET & AUTOJUMBLE - Where: Winchester, SO21 3BD, Popham Airfield PM Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 [email protected] Southern BMW CC National Festival, Gaydon, Warwickshire Southern 7pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, Southern Brackley Festival of Motorcycling - 8am. Meet Jack’s GU31 4BE Fish & Chips 44 London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, 28 - 31 All BMW Club National Rally. Sparsholt College near GU19 5HL Winchester. See Journal for details. Ulster Donegal Run 9.30am Corr’s Corner or 11am Foyle 29 Western 12.00 Meet for snacks on the canal at The Stables Bridge *Bring packed lunch* Cafe Sandfield Bridge, Canal Bank, Saul, Gloucester Yorkshire How Stean Gorge Café, HG3 5SF. 12 noon. GL2 7LA 17 Sporting Snetterton ‘Ride Friendly’ track day. £130, details Yorkshire The Biker’s Café, Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX. 12 noon. [email protected] 01953 888415 29 - 1/9 London Hotel Weekend in Blakeney, Norfolk. Contact Peter 18 Irish Cork: 6:30pm Great gas station opposite the Island Jones for details : [email protected] Gate Restaurant Tadhg Barry 0879066722 or Dave Power 0877833663 31 E. Anglia Fenman Classic Bike Show, Wimbotsham, Norfolk, Oxford Pub Social – Sun Inn, Coate Water, Swindon, SN3 Opens at 10.30. possible ride in if interested. Contact, 6AA Peter 07950631735. Southern 7pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, Northern Natter Night, The Harraby Inn, Carlisle 7:30 pm John GU23 6DL Bell 01228 535173 July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 35 Section and Register News Please send all Section News entries and contact detail changes to Section News (see page 3 for details) - not to the Editor please.

the most remote and senic bohreens I have ever decided on a quicker route to the Port from East Anglia Section seen, to have lunch in Ollies Hays pub with none the junction of the A23 and the A27 by heading I am sure that when Cliff and Jenny planned other than Barack Obama. Feed and watered west toward Brighton ! A speedy about turn at their open day to be at the end of May they really we were about to leave when what decended on the first Roundabout and back along the Dual were expecting it to be a bit better weather than the bar, but a bus of beautiful ladies on a hen Carriageway, in an easterly direction, got us to we had, however their main target audience was party. So after taking some pictures on the bikes the Port after the time checking in should have adventure riders and sure enough, despite the our dedicated group declined there offer to join closed ! Luckily we were not the only people late and so we had no trouble getting aboard. early downpour and intermittent showers, there them for the evening, and off we whent up the Following a smooth crossing the second really was quite a reasonable turn out. Cliff very Devils Bit mountains, a good name because it was pretty devilish terrain suited best to GS with “interruption” came upon us in that John Lynch`s kindly set up his show-gazebo for us to share nobbles on, so no doubt a few hairy moments R110RS had suffered a Battery failure during the with the travel-writers along with a table so that was had by Ken on his f800ST and John and crossing . The `bike was pushed off the Ferry meant I just needed to strap the Club banner to Sarah on their 1200 GT (well done on staying and after several attempts at bump starting the the bike, fill the panniers with my membership upright). breakdown people were called upon – they paraphernalia and get myself down there in After all that we were back to the Rackett Hall managed to jump start the `bike only after we good time. Shortly after I arrived I was joined Hotel in Rosgrey to brush off some dust and a had removed most of the Fairing to get to the by Kenneth and the pair of us did a double act bit to eat, and were intertained by a Finish brass Starter Motor ( the Battery being hidden under all day: luring riders over using the Club’s raffle band that were touring Ireland and were staying the Tank ) Next morning the Battery was no prize bike as the main attraction (well, let’s be better so the recovery people were called again for John`s `bike to be taken to Hospital for a transplant – the net result of all of this is that it cost John about five hours lost over the two days and a hefty repair bill. This is the 6th time, in the last five years, that Battery failures have caused disruption on Section weekends or events among only five members – always batteries !! Duncan`s Hotel choice was not to every ones liking prompting us to have dinner in a neighbouring Hotel for two nights but overall, our Hotel was, how can I put it, quaint , especially the bathrooms which only had bathes at four feet six inches long - too short to soak in or even get into ; there were however shower fittings over the baths but no shower curtains or screens so when used the bathrooms floors became flooded ! Duncan did a splendid job as “ Tour Guide” conducting us around Chateau De Chenonceau on Saturday and Chinon Castle on the Sunday. honest they weren’t coming over for my looks) in the hotel and gave us a taste of their music for In all it was a good weekend in good weather, and at the same time acting as traffic controllers, free, very intertaining I must say. good company and, good food and wine. guiding bikes to the ample parking (hence the Day 2, on the road at 9am for another day Hopefully August in Blakeney will be an equal fluoro-vests as you can see Kenneth sporting in of surprises with some of the steep climes not success. the picture). suitable for a few of us on our road bikes we The next Ride-out will be to Mallory Park ,for The bacon butties were exceptional, bolstering opted to have our own adventure and meet up the Festival of 1000 Bikes, on Saturday 11th, but our enthusiasm along with the attendance of at lunch in Rear Cross where we had lunch, I do not have a volunteer to lead this run and a good handful of existing members popping after a chat with the bravehearts we made the so those turning up will need to make their own over to say hello. By the end of the day we had right decision. From thre we got a tour of the arrangements on the day. signed up four new members which I believe is Silvermine mountains and a lap around Lough For our “mid year” dinner I have booked as good as last year’s event. Derg. We returned bck to base, a lot of tired Biggles Restaurant for Saturday 25th July but as Many thanks to Dik Langan, for this report faces but everyone had a great two days of they are very busy the earliest booking I could and the picture of the bike for the National Rally adventure. One rider said it was the two hardest get was for 2100 hrs – I will try and change this raffle. and enjoyable days he had since he joined the to Friday 24th or Friday 17th. You will need to 12th July, we have a ride into the Epping and army some years ago, that sums it uo for me. contact me if you are interested. Ongar Railway at Chipping Ongar.More details So thats about it, I would like to thank Chris are on the East Anglia web site. On the same Wright and Simon Porter for a great weekend, Peter Jones day we have an alternative meeting at the great accomidation, bohreens and roads, a lot of 07762 205 660 Chequers Wimbotsham. work went into this weekend. These weekends 01923 270 838 26th July. We have a café meeting at the dont just happen over 1 year of planning went [email protected] Waterside café at Graffam water.For more into this. I would also like to thank 3 UK lads details of these and other meetings go to the that traveled to this event, well done and last East Anglia Section Web Site. Mercia Section our Ulster Section who always gives us great Peter Dutton support thanks lads. And don’t forget the airhead First two reports here, are courtesy of John Social Secretary, East Anglia Section camping weekend 4th-5th of July at Athlone Humpherson: Yatch club, Athlone. Once again another good turnout for the Pensioners & Layabouts at Springslade Lodge Pat Munnely Irish section Tea Rooms on Cannock Chase. Considering the [email protected] cold weather it wasn’t surprising that half turned Hello all, As I am writing this note, just back from up in their cars, well done those that arrived on our bohreen run on a very windy and wet June the bikes. Joining the eleven regular members bank holiday Monday. Just what was needed London Section and their associates for the first time were Terry to wash man and machine after an amazing The Section`s ( Duncan`s) May French weekend and Sue Slack, it was good to see them both and bohreen run started on Saturday morning in was a great success despite sods law trying I hope they will come again in the future. Portlaois led by Chris Wright. We had a great to “unsettle” things along the way : firstly, Will members please note that if you are run over the Sleve Bloom mountains to one of our Run Leader ( you don`t want to do that planning to attend one of the Pensioner & the photo points and on to Moneygall on some ) down to Newhaven for the Ferry crossing, Layabouts meetings we can only reserve three 36 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 tables (12 seats) therefore we can’t guarantee Wednesday afternoon, with a blustery and wet countryside. We stopped off at the Naseby Battle that you will be able to be seated. This is less ride up the M1 to Chesterfield,where we stopped Monument and looked across the rolling fields of of a problem on warm days as there is plenty overnight with friends Angie and Phil Johnson. the battle ground, then onto Pitsford Reservoir of seating in the gardens. If you want further The next day we all travelled together up the for more tea and cakes. information contact John Humpherson 01922 A1 and A19 to Edinburgh this proved to be a On the 31st Andy Pilkington led a ride out to 710694. great ride along the east coast. We stayed at a private car collection near Market Harborough, Considering it was a very damp Bank Holiday the Sonas Guest House where we were made 4 bikes and 6 people turned up at Colsterworth Sunday, a turnout of nine members at the really welcome by Irene the owner. Once settled services on a not very pleasant day and off we Cottage Kitchen, wasn’t bad. Andy Williams into our lovely room it was off for a meal with the went through some lovely country roads. On and Garry Manifold arrived from Sheffield, other eight people on the weekend, as we knew arrival we were met by the owner and shown John and Freda Taylor from Rugby and finally them all no introductions were necessary. The around the collection of cars and bikes, some the more local members, John Humpherson, Friday saw Teresa and I back out on the bike to of those with us even remembered some of the Sean Dodds, Michael Rose, John Beer and Rosslyn Chapel, only 6 miles away, the last time bikes, not mentioning any names ‘Eddie and Teresa Watkiss. This will be the last visit by the we were there in 2009, the chapel was covered Terry’. After coffee and biscuits Teresa and I section as we are transferring to the Salt Box in scaffold and undergoing restoration,this time decided to head off home. Whilst the others went at Hatton. The reason for the move is twofold; no scaffold and a lovely guided tour. It was then for lunch at a local retreat centre. The new GS is although the refurbishment is very nice the place back to the hotel and a walk into Edinburgh, this looking a sorry state again. has lost some of its atmosphere and one or time we had a tour underground to Mary Kings For all these events a big thank you to all those two members have found the service wanting, Close, this has been featured on the telly when that turned up to help make them a success. including myself, they lost my breakfast order visited by The Most Haunted team. This was Now looking ahead George’s camping and I had to wait over half an hour to eat, pity. a most enjoyable walk, walking along ‘buried’ weekend has been cancelled on 3-5th of July And this report about one of the organised streets. That evening was another group meal and Steve Foreman’s rideout to the Long Mynd runs at the Tricky’s Cornwall weekend, kindly this time a Scottish Curry. Friday also saw on the 23rd August is also cancelled due to a prepared by Ian Scott: another couple arrive Mick and Sue who we also forthcoming operation. Keep a lookout in next Rideouts were arranged and led on each of knew, this now made our group a grand total of months section news as this may get replaced Saturday and Sunday by Cornwall residents and twelve. For Saturday Bill had a rideout planned by a short local rideout. friends of the Mercia Section, Colin and Chris to the Falkirk Wheel, once there ,the engineering July sees Andy Pilkington lead another rideout Camp. We certainly benefited from their local admired by all, especially when they started to on the 19th to a private Warbirds aircraft hanger. knowledge as both runs took advantage of some move with the boats in. From here it was back The meeting place is the services on Holdingham wonderfully flowing back roads that succeeded on the bike then along a bit further to the Kelpies, roundabout A17/A15 Sleaford. 9-9.30am start. in showing off the area’s beautiful scenery to Unfortunately I am on holiday that weekend and good effect. Saturday’s outing had a westerly will not be able to go. bias, taking in Marazion with lovely views of St. On the 26th Norman leads a ride to RAF Michael’s Mount, Land’s End and lunch at St. Cosford. Meet at M42/A5 services at 9.30am. Ives. Sunday’s run was a more eastward foray; The 30th there is another midweek ride into after a slightly later start to allow the worst of AJs Diner and if the weather is decent a short the weather to clear, the route included stops ride into the countryside. at Falmouth, Newquay and Padstow. Both runs I think thats all for now. were well supported, including some “point-to- point” participation by certain of the car-borne Jim Beach members(!). Many thanks go to Colin and Chris, 07415 683120 as well as son Steve and his girlfriend Katie who [email protected] joined the Saturday run, for giving us the benefit of their company and taking the time out to help Northern Section make our brief stay all the more memorable. To add to Ian Scott’s report. I must add my July’s meeting at St Michaels on the 12th features thanks on behalf of the Mercia Section, to Dave a talk by The Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Harris. He’s been arranging this Cornish break Team. The two team members attending, Iain for the last 12 years. The food supplied is superb, for those that don’t know these are 30 metre and Simon, are both motorcyclists. Bowland and portions large. I have no idea how they can high horse head sculptures made from stainless Pennine MRT provides a 365 day Mountain deliver it to the table so hot? We were treated to steel. They commemorate the horses that pulled Search and Rescue service in both the rural and some great entertainment on Friday evening by barges on the canals and worked on the farm urban districts of Lancashire, and beyond when a Duo. A warm welcome to Geoff Mitchell from land in the area. After admiring these fantastic assisting other teams. Lancashire Police or the the Southern Section. It’s always good to have sculptures it was back to the hotel for a quick Ambulance Authority will call out the team when visitors from other Sections and hello to Adrian shower and change then out for our last meal their services are required. The area covered by Kriss and partner Maria Androsova also joining in Edinburgh. Next morning it was load up the the team is vast from the Cumbria border in the the weekend company. bikes and follow Bill back down the A68 back to north, to the coast in the west, east to the A59 And now for a few notes on events coming England, 9.5 hours later and 339 miles we were & south to the West Pennine Moors. The last this month, details are in The Journal on the few years have seen a considerable increase th back home after a great weekend. diary page. 12 July Tony Sedden is taking a run Wednesday the 13th May saw 20 or so of in the number of requests by Lancashire Police through the Trough of Bowland. for assistance in non-mountain or open country th us enjoy Wollaston’s hospitality in the form of 19 July will be the first meeting at the Salt a BBQ for the Midland section, one or two took environments. These requests have included Box Café. This venue will replace the Cottage bikes out for a test ride while the rest was testing searching for elderly, confused or potentially Kitchen and Tony’s Diner, and will be on the burgers and sausages, all very well cooked by suicidal people missing from their home or place rd 3 Sunday of every month, possibly through Richard Higgs and a big thank you to him and of residence, or searching snow-bound roads the winter period too if it’s well attended. The his staff for making such an enjoyable evening. for stranded motorists. In addition to the Police, menu here is quite extensive and they also offer The next weekend 15-17th saw the Midland they are regularly asked to provide cover for the Sunday lunch. section at Woodland Waters, Ancaster. On the Ambulance Service during periods of particularly And finally for this report. Charlie’s Chip Shop Saturday morning there was a rideout led by bad weather, their work load increasing st Run on 21 . July. This is something new - if only Bill Rodgers, this was through the Lincolnshire proportionally to the depth of snow falling. So, because it’s an evening run. countryside to Wainfleet and Batemans Brewery if you are elderly and confused and let’s face it, who isn’t in The BMW Club these days, this Colin Ainsworth visitor centre, where Bill had arranged for a guided tour. This was my first brewery tour and could all be useful and beneficial information. 07799 653789 I really enjoyed it, then back to the campsite Sunday the 5th sees the first of John Bell’s [email protected] to get ready for the evening BBQ. Thanks to breakfast runs. The meeting point is The Rooster Twitter – AinsworthColin@BMWClubMercia Graham and Ann Parker for bringing the food Cafe just off Junction 40 of the M6. John’s run and cooking with the help of assistants Kev and introduces a new format in that riders meet for Midland Section Ian with Val doing sterling work swapping money breakfast at the cafe between 8am and 9am. for tickets, a very enjoyable evening was then John will then lead a run terminating at Kirkby This months section news should read like War had eating and drinking. On the Sunday the new Lonsdale. It is up to you how you join in. Come And Peace as there has been that many events marquee was taken down and packed away in for breakfast and socialise or turn up just in in May, but with me writing it, it won’t be nowhere George’s van. time to join the run. The choice is yours. John’s near as long. On the 27th, 7 bikes turned up at AJ’s Diner second run is on the 2nd of August, again from The first event was Bills Rodgers long weekend in Wellingborough, after tea and coffee, 6 of us The Rooster Cafe. to Edinburgh, for Teresa and I this started on the went and rode through the Northamptonshire Sunday the 19th of July is the date for Bill July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 37 Smithson’s run to the Cleveland Way and North the month at the Dun Cow, and it was the first alongside the big wheel before dispersing for Yorkshire Moors, leaving M6 Northbound Burton meeting where we spent most of the evening in food, drink, ice creams, donkey rides (really? Services at 9:30am. the car park and enjoying the evening sunshine – JLB) or alternative pursuits. Some of us went Friday the 7th of August sees the majority admiring some Bavarian metal, both 2 and 4 to the Helicopter Museum at Locking; a very of the committee at the Bay Dornoch hotel wheels, Arthur joined us on a very nice example interesting museum and bike friendly – well in Dornoch in Northern Scotland. I think I am of an early GL1000 Goldwing, that drew much worth another visit”. It was good to see Stuart correct in saying that is the most northerly admiration from the neighbouring Pan Rider Thomas on the run as he only joined the Club the Club event of the year. Contact Treasurer Alan group that uses the same venue. I think summer day before; welcome Stuart, glad you enjoyed Davies if you fancy joining in this event. Most could finally be here! the run and the company and your thanks are participants have extended this weekend to I had a very interesting chat with a group of always welcome. Stuart sent in a photograph of make it a mini-holiday, well it is a long way and our section members exploring ideas for next the beach and the donkeys but didn’t volunteer why hurry past all that lovely Scottish scenery year’s Diary of Events and have come up with to say whether he rode them! Thanks must also when you don’t have to. According to Alan we some new ideas to keep the section appealing go to David Shanks for his work as tail end. Geoff have 32 members booked in but there’s room to both existing and new members. So come commented that they called in at the Bear Hotel for more. Alan told me that we had eight Section on, get your thinking caps on. What would you in Devizes on the way home looking forward to a members at the Scottish Section’s Aberfoyle like to see happen in 2016? All ideas are invited cream tea like the one they had on the recce’. I weekend and that Bernadette made an offer and welcome, and we need to move forward and guess the cream tea was off the menu as Geoff that couldn’t be refused for a charity cuddly evolve. Have a chat with me or Roger and share said “This time Quel Horreux! Rien de scones! We had to make do with Tea or Coffee and item and who could possibly refuse Bernadette, your ideas. cakes. Um! I had the black forest gateaux. Now especially Mr Bernadette (Graham) Fell who Reports back from The Scottish Weekend was need to ride the B500 to exercise the calories!” paid the generous cuddly item raffle fee. all very positive with a good ride up and back Google translate suggests this is a mixture of The Section’s trailer has been sold, the end and the ride on Saturday was spirited to say the least, with some turning to the left, instead of Italian & Basque languages, ’so I can’t tell you of an era and many thanks to Rhys and Wula what it really means but I guess he wasn’t too Jones of North Wales for towing it round the going right. You know who you are! Simon has already been asked about doing the same again unhappy having to eat the gateaux. countryside and storing it in their garden over next year, but adding an extra day, so watch this On the same day, 10th May it was BMW Day the past few years. space. at the ACE Café in London with a run organised Bill Smithson’s report on the Chocolate and Here is another reminder to book up for by North Oxford Garage. As I’ve never been to Cheese run May 2015. the joint Camping Weekend with the Scottish the ACE I thought I would join them. Although 10 riders and one brave pillion set off in cool Section on the 11-13th September. This will be at there was a bit of a hiccup at the start a good windy weather from Barton Grange Garden a new venue at the Moffat Manor Country Park ride taking in some of the back roads to Long Centre with Graham Fell leading due to Phil (Change of name), Dumfries, DG10 9RE. So Crendon, Thame and West Wycombe; a short Cosgrove unfortunately being unavailable on the keep this date free in your diary as this should run up the M40 and the North Circular brought day. We soon left the main roads behind, taking be a great weekend. us to the ACE. For me it was an interesting place to the back lanes and passing the Grizedale Bikewise is happening! Sunday 19th July at but I was a little disappointed that there were not reservoirs before Quernmore, Caton, Hornby Durham Police Headquarters. We will be having more BMWs or dealer support. and Gressington where we said hello to mile our usual stand there showcasing the BMW John Ottoway’s ‘Welsh wander’ round the after mile of freshly gravelled roads before Club and hoping to pick up some new members circling Kirkby Lonsdale. Travelling up through on the way. Put this in your diary as when the the Old Scotch Road and passing Killington Section Diary went to print, we were still unsure Lake, we continued to Tebay and our coffee stop Bikewise was actually going ahead. On Saturday 18th July we will once again descend on Chez Oughtred for our Section BBQ that starts from 2pm. This is always a great time together and lots of laughs are to be had. Camping is available if you would like to bring your tent and make an evening of it. Please let Phil and Marjorie know if you are coming for catering numbers and especially if you would like to camp. There number is in the section diary. Please check the diary for July’s ride-outs as we have our Sunday ride-outs, a Wednesday Brecon Beacons area from the 14th May proved 5pm Evening ride-out and a Fish and Chip run a great success once the very heavy rain had along with an Un-led ride-out so there is the full tested the waterproofing properties of the at the Orton Scar Café just across the road from range available. riders clothing. Good customer relations from the renowned chocolate factory. After coffee and That is all for this month, wherever you are North Oxford Garage for Dave Shorten as they cakes we continued on minor roads through the heading on your pride and joy, have a great time replaced his leaking Street Guard jacket under two Musgroves, Little and Great, before Brough and bring back some good stories to a Natter and over a very windy Tan Hill to Arkengarthdale warranty without him even asking. As Steve Night. Moxey pointed out the next day, “nice weather and Reeth. In Reeth we were treated to the sight Stay safe and shiny side up. of a group of nicely turned out vintage bikes as today after the rain. Buddy system failed at the they were leaving their lunch venue. We pressed Bradley Gane first turn when the last three riders went the on via Redmire and Askrigg to a very busy [email protected] wrong way! The rest waited on the Senny Bridge Hawes and lunch at the Wensleydale Pantry military road” suggests the drop off system is still located over the Spar shop on Main Street, the best. At least one of the places they stayed where Graham had reserved a long table for us Oxford Section at produced some excellent food as the photo’s on the facebook pages show them tucking into all. The café has a wide choice of meals and as Here we are at the halfway month of the year huge platefuls! I recommend you to look at the I was unsupervised for the day I threw caution and the main talking point of the British is still facebook pages as there are many more photo’s to the wind and enjoyed a tasty beef burger. the weather! According to the weather people, of this superb trip although many of them seem After lingering over lunch, Eddy and I left for our the month of May was colder and wetter than it to be good adverts for the BMW Clubstar Hi-Vis respective homes while Graham and the rest of should have been which makes the successful vests in all colours. the contingent went off to visit the cheese factory rides so far very lucky. Both the pre-arranged The end of the month (29th – 30th May) had prior to riding through Dentdale and Dent to the and the spontaneous rides over the last month the hardy folks camping with Dave Hawkins at finishing point at Devil’s Bridge. have been very well supported with good Lechlade for a long weekend. Dave reported “In Many thanks to Graham and our back weather, if a little chilly. all there were 3 sidecars and 1 solo with trailer markers for organising the run and all the other Geoff Clough led 22 bikes, plus 1 extra at as well as the usual loaded up solos. Martin participants for your very pleasant company, you Avebury and 2 more in Calne, to the seaside and Angela from Oxford Section are seasoned made my day! at Weston-Super-Mare on the 10th May by campers but this was their first camping trip a wonderfully devious route to stop for tea on a bike. We were all impressed by Martin Robert Harrison and buns at the West Somerset Railway near finding room for the bike cover along with all the [email protected] Shepton Mallet. Geoff had not planned any rain other gear on his 1200GS”. I did hear a rumour but a shower occurred anyway for a short part that they had the bike cover but didn’t pack North East Section of the run across the Mendips, Cheddar Gorge any clothes! We really have to thank Dave for and on to Weston Super Mare. As Geoff said arranging these camping weekends as he has to I have just come back from our first meeting of “We helped to fill up the Bike Park on the front book holiday time from his work to run the event. 38 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 It was good to see visitors from as far afield as dam in Glen Lyon from where we were back on were 4 members from Southern Section at the Cumbria on the site and they were made very to minor roads to a cafe and some more riding event. The following weekend, 12 of us went welcome. to Fortingall (and the yew tree, Europe’s oldest to The East Dart Hotel in Dartmoor for a great Dave said “11 bikes in all had a leisurely ride living thing) and Aberfeldy and south to a view couple of days. Five bikes with 9 people met over the Lambourn downs to the Ridgeway point giving views back toward the mountains up on route, and we met the other 3 attendees Centre at Court Hill for tea and cake before and Schahallion. Then into the Stewart Crystal at the hotel. The ride down for us was lovely, returning to Lechlade via White Horse Hill and shop/cafe and back Lochearnhead.” with a nice stop for lunch at on the way. We Faringdon, with some of the day trippers peeling Big Dave’s 1st One Day Ride out from just had a bit of rain the last hour of riding, but off and heading for home along the way”. Dave Inverness: with the lovely hot drying room at the hotel, our thanked Mark for the tail end job. Dave reported An early start, at 07:30 I met Martin in Huntly, gear was soon ready to wear again. Erica came that “After a hearty meal of fish and chips brought he is a club member from near Turriff, North of across from Plymouth, and also got a bit wet on back to the camp site from the local chip shop Aberdeen, this was his first Club event. A fine her journey. We were given a lovely welcome it was back in to town for a few beers, then a ride up to Inverness via Grantown, Carrbridge by Paul and Rosie, the hotel owners, and their walk back across the cow field to the camp site. allowed us time for tea and bacon roll’s in hospitality during our stay was second to none, Watch your step and don’t forget the torch!” The Inverness where we met Billy Gregor (Doric comfortable rooms, good food and real ale on hazards of camping at night eh! The campsite is Bingo Man) and Ian. Arrived at B&Q as planned tap, all the makings of a good weekend. On happy to have us back next year and so put the at 09:45 where Duncan & Elspeth were waiting Saturday the bikes were mounted and moved dates of the 3rd to 5th June 2016 in your diary for us, but no one else!! from the undercover parking to assemble at the now. At the appointed time, 10:00, we had a quick front of the hotel. We had an enjoyable ride to Looe in the sunshine (yes, the sun decided to I must reiterate the pleas for volunteers to help briefing on the route and left at 10:05, just the 5 show itself). We had an enjoyable three hours out at the amazing Cassington Bike night (29th bikes. The ride to Lochinver via Bonar Bridge, wondering around Looe, helping the local June), names to me please, and for the ACU Invercassley was along some great roads, nice bends and some fantastic views, only a couple economy by sampling the Cornish Pasties and Rally checkpoint at Carterton (4-5th July) with Cream Teas, and dodging the seagulls. On names to Andy Lawson (01993 212561). of short rain clouds to pass through. The clouds passing over the hills gave some great images arrival back at the hotel some of us went for a Due to the trip to Berlin the June ride-out led by walk by the 13th century Clapper Bridge along Ian Dobie to Portsmouth was on the first Sunday, that would have been worth capturing in photo. At Lochinver Larder (aka The Pie Shop) there the East Dart River, and popped in to the visitor 7th June and I’ll report on that next month. The were a number of bikers taking a break during centre. Sunday morning, and we said goodbye July ride out will be on the 12th led by Willem van their touring holiday, needless to say BMW GS’s to two couples who were visiting family, and 8 Zyl into the wilds of the Welsh borders, should were predominant. Following a hearty lunch and of us enjoyed the ride home. We stopped at be fun and interesting. discussion on forthcoming events at Ullapool, The Coach and Horses in Winterbourne Abbas, A quick forewarning about the Section BBQ on Ballater, National Rally and holiday plans, the where, in Southern Section tradition, we enjoyed the 9th August to let you know that it will take ride to Ullapool gave us a challenge for a short a lovely Sunday lunch. We all said our goodbyes place back at Postern Hill, Savernake Forest, period of some strong winds and rain (not as and made our way home. Thanks to Mike Cross Marlborough and not as advertised in your bad as Rob Roy on the Sunday though). From for organising this weekend. It was the first one section calendar. there on the weather improved; the roads more he has done for our Section, and hopefully will I’m reminded of an advert for SAAB that I think accommodating to a progressive ride back to not be the last. On the Sunday we were coming we could adapt “Go swift, Go safe, Go BMW Inverness, where a stop for coffee and cream home, some of our other members were heading (SAAB)! Doesn’t quite work but the sentiment is cake’s was in order. to The Ace Café for the BMW day. Chris said the same to ride safely. Duncan & Elspeth had a short ride rode home it was busy as usual. They did not manage to sign up any new members, but three, although John L Broad as they live just out of Inverness, the remaining 4 of us filled up the tanks and headed the 100+ not our section, were going to join when they got [email protected] home. or check the website at bmwcluboxford.com miles home via Nairn, Grantown on Spey, B9102 north Spey road, Dufftown and Huntly; where we Dean sent me a write up on the Ride of & https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Respect on 17th May. bmwoxford/. then said our goodbye’s and went our separate ways. ‘Thirteen members attended the Ride of Inverness to Lochinver and back to Inverness Respect. Fortunately, for me, only 9 of the Scottish Section was some 190 miles, the 4 early starters covered section members and not the thousands nearly 400 miles and got home about 18:00. A attending the event accepted the offer of starting from my house with a bacon butty and a brew Rob Roy Hotel weekend left overs. Billy’s Bingo good day out despite a little bit of rain. to help us through the day. Leaving Tidworth in the Doric raised £46 & Tony’s Auction of The 2nd Inverness One Day Ride out will at 09.30hrs we rode up to The Pit Stop, just Sue’s knitted Beemer Bear raised £50 a total be on 18th July. Route Inverness-Helmsdale- off the M4 to meet the other 4 members before of £96 has been donated to The Kirsty Bryden Altnahara-Lairg-Inverness = 180miles Gather heading off to Hullavington Airfield for our arrival Memorial Trust (Kirsty’s Kids). The Raffle raised B&Q Inverness at 09:45 for 10:00 depart, ETA slot at 11.00hrs. Once congregated on the a further £140 which has been donated to the back Inverness 16:00. airfield we managed another drink (never turn Scottish Air Ambulance Start with Full Tank & MT Bladder!!!! down the chance of a brew) before departing Reminders: I am told that the May Lochearnhead was “a in the last group at 12.30. This last group, due 18th July: Big Dave’s 2nd Inverness One Day to the vast numbers attending and the timings Ride out. Dave’s Ride outs are brilliant. Put this slipping slightly, contained everybody who was date in your diary and join him. left on the airfield (estimated 1500 bikes). We 28 – 31 August: The National Rally at Sparsholt did get parted just prior to the start but managed College, Hampshire is shaping up to be an to regroup. Having a large Royal Engineers excellent weekend. Several Scottish section flag flying from my bike helped and acted as a members have already booked so why not get marker for us all keep together. The ride this your booking in come along and have some fun year was back to its original route which took us and meet up with old friends and hopefully make through Royal Wooten Bassett (RWB). Again some new ones. the locals came out in strength to show support As always please check for latest news or and clap us along the way. Banners were flying information, if there is any, on our website and people of all ages cheering and high fiving. www.thebmwclubscottish.com or Facebook or This did cause the odd bike to do a bit of a Scottish Forum wobble in front of us. The end of the ride took Ride safe. us into the RWB Academy where music, food cracking” weekend.. The catering team of Uncle Judy and merchandise stalls were all at hand. After a Hughie, Lighthouse Bill, Fiona & Alan Myles did quick walk round and an appreciation of the size a superb job and kept 20 folk well fed and happy 01592 874592 [email protected] of the queue for food, Noel and Ann very kindly all weekend. offered us a brew and cake back at their house Duncan Colborn reports that “Saturday’s ride just 10 minutes away, and 10 of us accepted the out went well. Good weather saw 8 people and 7 Southern Section offer. A big ‘thank you’ to Ann who supplied us bikes off up Glen Ogle and turning right into Killin with, what everyone agreed, was the best carrot and then just as we were starting to leave Killin There were quite a few events in May, so lots to cake and banana cake we had ever eaten. All in turning left on a minor no-through road between tell you about. I understand the three section all it was a great day out for a very worthy cause, the mountains. But rather than doing a U turn camping weekend at Sixpenny Handley was with friends old and new. I am already looking John Hutchison and Drew Nicholson led the good as usual, even though a bit cold and wet forward to next year.’ way, open and closed gates, to lead us up and on the Saturday night. I wasn’t able to attend, I haven’t had any feedback from Nigel about over a private very badly pot holed road to the but from information I have gleaned, I think there the 3 Country Inn camping, but I expect it was July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 39 good as usual. I know he was expecting quite a The 19th sees Keith and Debbie’s second visit day and we had a comfortable journey home. few members to attend. to Stow Maris WW1 Aerodrome, Essex leaving Nineteen members met for lunch at Brookside Now, if you get this Journal early, don’t forget Thurrock Services (Petrol) at 9.30am. This run Garden Centre arriving on/in various modes of Paul Bateman’s run on 28th June. Meet at coincided last year with the ‘tail end of Hurricane transport (7 cars, 5 bikes and 1 outfit). Shaun Newlands Corner for a departure at 10.30 for a Bertha’ and was cut short because the wind was and Brenda on the outfit led a motley crew of run to Kent. getting up and storm clouds were approaching. five bikes and two cars on a short but enjoyable JULY The venue for our lunch meet on the 26th is the jaunt down to Headcorn Airfield for the usual hot The Hogroast, a non BMW event is being held Coastguards Tea Room overlooking the sea beverage and an eccles cake. Our luck ran out in Andover on the first weekend of the month. I at Fairlight. Run departs at 2pm. The border and the ride home was a damp one. have never been, but I know it is very popular meets this month are The White Hart, Lower and details are on the website. We have Nick Horsebridge on the 10th and The Monument, Debbie Morris and Sarah’s camping weekend 10th to 12th but Whitstable and The Kings Arms, Biggin Hill both 0208 3011600 please contact Nick on 07775 702265 to book being on the 31st. [email protected] your place. This is always a great weekend in One of our longstanding and highly valued a lovely part of the country. You can even talk members, Rod Weight sadly passed away in South West Section to the resident Alpacas. As Jack’s fish and chip May he will be sorely missed by his close friends shop in Bagshot is still open (there were rumours and many members of the South East Section. We start May with The 3 Section Rally and Jim it was going to close) we will be meeting there “The Three Amigos” Rod on the left with has put fingers to keyboard and sent in his report at 18.00hrs for dinner on 15th July. We were Dave Streeter and Ian Campbell. of events at the Sixpenny Handley Rally 1st to expecting to have our archery day again on 4th May 2015 :- 18th, but unfortunately, there is a problem with Considering the weather forecast before the the venue and we are now trying to find another weekend I’m surprised that more people didn’t suitable date. I will update you when I know bottle out of the 3 Section Rally but we had 27 more. Also, due to Chippy going on a well- units attending what turned out to be a very earned holiday, the Clay Pigeon shoot on 26th pleasant weekend. A bit chilly but Ne’er cast is off for this year. Hopefully this event will be a clout ‘till May is out. The on site bar took a re-instated next year. good bashing on all 3 nights as we attempted AUGUST to ensure that the Sixpenny Brewery was kept in On 9th, if you want to go on Nick’s run, meet business for the foreseeable future. Thanks go to at 10.00hrs at Bahnstormer, Alton for a run to Woodhenge and Amesbury. The aim is to be back at Alton at 16.00hrs. On 16th, there is a choice. The Popham Mega Meet is on at Popham Airfield, and there is the Brackley Motorcycle festival. All details on website as Fifteen bikes met at Maidstone Services usual. Erica is going to Shoreham Airfield to see for Richard Filipczak’s “Mystery Ride to North the Avro Vulcan. If you fancy joining her, contact Kent” on the10th May. It was a lovely day and her for details. I know she has already bought as Richard weaved his way up through Kent her ticket! Now, I hope I do not have to remind traversing the lanes and by-ways we passed you about the last weekend of August and Our several wooded areas with bluebells as far as National. Jim Lepley has told us that bookings the eye could see. Our mystery destination are going really well, so please come along and was the Chislehurst Caves, nr Bromley. The support us. It is a lot of work to run this event, Caves are a 22 mile long series of tunnels so we really want it to be a success. entirely man made, dug and used as chalk and SEPTEMBER flint mines. The earliest mention of the mine is This month is looking quite quiet. I think we 1250 and believed to have been last worked in the 1830’s. The temperature is a constant 10 are all expecting that we are going to need a Keith Davis of the Western Section for taking us degrees Celsius. During the last 100 years the long rest after the National weekend!! The only on a rideout on Saturday which, after a regroup, caves have been used in a variety of ways, an listed event is Dave Wright’s Forge Day on 27th. we replanned to avoid the horrendous traffic on ammunition depot during WW1, mushroom This is always a really interesting day so if you the A31. Tom Atkinson’s newly acquired R100R cultivation in the 1930’s, air raid shelter during want to come along ring Dave on 01428 684902. made it all the way without having to have one of Now looking even further forward, we have WWII and a music venue in the 1960’s. Kevin Goldfinch led 16 bikes from Coopers on it’s header pipes kicked back into position which booked a venue for our Christmas Dinner. It th he had to do on the journey across country. will be at The North Hants Golf Club in Fleet the 13 down to The National Memorial to the Few at Caple-le-Ferne situated on the White Great to see you rallying again Tom although on Saturday 5th December. It is very close to you’re still ugly. Fleet Station, and there is a Premier Inn really Cliffs between Dover and Folkstone. After a brief stop we moved on to the nearby Clifftop Thanks also to Gail Hynard of Southern close and a Travel Lodge a little bit further away. Cafe for lunch. We sat outside in the sunshine Section for taking us all on a walk to Milford and I know Chris Tite has already booked his room admiring the breath taking view, well worth a the snootiest pub I’ve ever been in: The Museum at the Premier Inn for £35.00. Please keep the visit! The last stop of the day was Beech Court Inn. date free, and there will be more details to follow. Tea Room at Challock. John and Sally Robinson are now back in the Well, I think that is enough waffle from me for The evening for Dave Deacon’s annual Fish action again after John’s new hip. Good to see now. Have fun and stay safe. & Chip run from West Malling to the famous you back and we’re all looking forward to seeing th your newly triked GS. See the current Trike Erica Pilot Inn, Dungeness on the 16 could not have magazine for a comprehensive write up. 07528873056 been better. Dave led a stream of 16 bikes (24 Reg Moule brought a barbecue which was [email protected] members) for their fishy treat. On their arrival they were met by a further 10 members and available for campers to use all weekend partners who for varying reasons travelled by - thanks. A great Rally I think, not a single Gerri car. Amazingly, it was so calm and warm many complaint all weekend ! 01895 446896 sat outside in the pub garden eating their meal. So it’s over to Southern or Western Section [email protected] Phil and Sue’s “Chalky Dorset” weekend 22nd to do the organising for next year which I’m told – 25th was attended by eighteen members. Ten will have some celebrations going on on a 70’s South East Section of us met at The Orchard Cafe, West Grinstead theme. and travelled down together to The Premier Inn, Thanks for coming, Jim . The summer continues and here we are in July. Yeovil our base for the weekend. We met up with Bryan Mystery Ride was a trip to Poldark The first Sunday run on theth 5 is “Thomas’ the remaining eight for a pre-dinner drink. Old SE country. The tv series inspired the trip to Travels” with Alan and Linda as yet a destination Section members John and Sally Robinson who LEVANT TIN MINE where there is a National has not been divulged and will depart from now live in Yeovil joined us for both the Friday Trust working beam engine as used in the days Godstone Duck Pond at 10am. Followed swiftly and Saturday evenings. Saturday was a brilliant of tin and copper mining in the 1800’s. Sixteen by the Midweek Run from Coopers on the 8th. day and we had a very scenic ride through the members met at Morrison’s car park in Bodmin Cliff and Julie Cakebread are taking a run down to Somerset and Dorset countryside eventually and after a couple photographs left for the tip Alfriston, East Sussex on the 12th departing from arriving in West Bay for lunch and a wander. On of England via the original A30 joining the dual the lay-by opposite the Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham the Sunday we made our way down to Seaton carriageway at Indian Queens picking up two at 10am. It is the “Best Bike” competition at with the intention of getting back before the rain, more members waiting in a layby. Leaving the Club Night on the 15th, an opportunity to show unfortunately, after a couple of sat nav moments A30 at it’s end we took the road to St Just and a off your ‘pride & joy’ and perhaps win a trophy. we did’nt quite make it! Monday was a better few miles further on veered off to BOTALLACK 40 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 and via a rough track arrived at the CROWN next months report, and will be on the website his car keys into a cattle grid where they lay MINES which are built on rocks a few yards from at www.thebmwclubsw.org.uk/ and for Bryan’s submerged out of reach in the watery glar and the sea. To follow the ore the miners dug down latest emails [email protected] I may have got clabber below. His wife appeared well-pleased about 500 metres and out under the sea for a Bryans email wrong in previous reports. as she sat disconsolately with the rest of their quarter mile! The two beam engines that were family in the car. Our riders set about applying there pumped out water and raised the ore to Don Rabson their fishing skills using sticks and bungees but the surface. The miners climbed down ladders 01840 212913 without much success. Hardly even a nibble. then walked to the ore face before starting work [email protected] Trying another angle, Oliver ‘Bear Grylls’ using tallow candles to see by!! Having taken a Hyndman sourced a length of barbed wire from a group photograph we rode a short distance to Ulster Section nearby fence. “A reel expert can tackle anything,” LEVANT mine for a pasty organised by Hilda he said as he fashioned a hook at one end. and afterwards a guided tour by Richard which Opening with the good news, the escaped “Stand back – this is one that’ll not get away!” showed the dire conditions under which miners topbox mentioned in this column last month Then, after some patient hoking and poking, worked and told of a disaster that killed many! has been recaptured, complete with contents, “Got them,” he grunted (in Triumph), reeling-in There was a visit to the beam engine which was after it was found resting in a roadside verge the keys to wild whoops from the driver’s jubilant put in motion with an in depth explanation of it’s near Lockerbie and taken into police custody. children. Good deed done, our group resumed working, along with the steam boiler and drive It has been reunited with its owner and Gordon its journey to the Fishery where Oliver spun a to the massive pulleys which by the 1860’s was says a few well-placed spouting-bolts should line as to how he once trawled for, hooked and connected via hemp rope to the lift system to discourage it from going on-the-run in future. landed a bunch of keys from the stormy waters the bottom of the mine shaft. Previous to that As members of this Section are only too below a cattle grid on Binevenagh Mountain. He miners would be lowered to the mine face by acutely aware, accidents involving motorcyclists has been nominated for our Armitage-Shanks stepping off and on every three metres onto commonly happen at roundabouts, or when ‘Endeavour’ Bowl. small platforms connected to a conrod the length drivers emerge from junctions into your path, The smell of free bacon and eggs was enough of the depth of the shaft!! jumping back into or are caused by farm machinery or animals. to lure around twenty-eight of our members to small recesses waiting for the next platform on This was the preface to the talk delivered by AJ’s Café in Crossgar on the Bank Holiday the downstroke!! Quite a few places around the Dionne Darragh at our Club meeting in May. Monday at the end of May. The huge group of mine were used in the filming of ‘Poldark’ with riders assembled at 8.30am outside the locked nearby Manor Farm as ‘Nampara’. The weather gates of Stormont (where, given the location, by now had turned colder and windy so Zennor their stomachs appeared to be the only things was our next stop for ice cream or for some a protesting) and, after a leisurely ride, all sat down hot drink in the village cafe/ toilets. My planned to order various selections from the breakfast visit to St. Senara’s 14th century church to talk menu. Some fearlessly wrestled with full Ulster about the ‘Mermaid of Zennor’ and the famous Fries while the wimps, who reckoned the mini- carving of her was put aside for another time, as fry was sufficient to assuage their hunger pangs, some members had another 100 mile ride back. were obliged to watch on in awe as the ‘gorby- Seems the trip was enjoyed by all. .. Bryan from guts’ struggled-on and manfully finished their Fowey. slap-up, complimentary meals. Afterwards, the A try out for a new venue for a fish and chip assembly split into a few smaller groups each meet was Newquay, on the 20th, the start was a going on separate runs. Some of us were led by bit disjointed as there was confusion as to which Bill Sheldon and went on to take the ferry across car park to use and which shop would take our the Lough from Strangford to Portaferry, with Bill money, but eventually eight members did enjoy generously paying the ferry charges, then up the fish and chips from the same shop. We are still Ards Peninsula to Groomsport. Thanks to the looking for that perfect fish and chip meal and Dionne, who rides a Harley, is a solicitor based Section’s annual largesse, many of us enjoyed location in Belfast and is part of a specialist litigation a breakfast ‘on-the-house’ followed by a fine, Coming up in July we have a Saturday Brunch team dedicated to the needs of motorcyclists. morning ride-out. at Lifton Farm shop at 11.00 followed by a ride She gave professional advice to our meeting All good things must come to an end….and out hopefully travelling South taking in the parts about the important details a rider should record that is why this report could go on forever but of Dartmoor then on to the South Cornish at an accident scene, including taking photos there are just a couple of final points. Please coast and finishing somewhere near the Devon and noting particulars of any contributory road note that there will NOT be a Club meeting in Cornwall border to split the travelling home conditions. A driver’s customary defence when the month of July. There will, though, still be lots distance. On the 10th/12th Jim has his Lavender involved in a collision with a motorbike is either happening such as the ride to Kilbroney Forest Rally, lots of details are in The Journal and on that the rider was speeding or his conduct on Park near Rostrevor at the foot of the Mournes the websites, Jim has put a lot of work into this the road was lacking and, if such an allegation for our Meet and Eat at 1pm on Sunday 19 July with something for everyone, a well packed can be proven in Court, the costs awarded to and please try to get along to the Treasure Hunt weekend, his number is 01769 573258. The 15th the motorcyclist will be reduced proportionately. and BBQ in aid of our annual charity. Starting at Robin’s regular fish and chip meet at St Merryn, Emphasis is therefore placed on the importance Corr’s Corner at 11am on Sunday 26 July the but has a new starting point The New Cornish of seeking early legal advice in order that all the Hunt will finish at Lylehill Young Farmers’ Club Services just half mile closer to the A30, meet at issues relating to the accident may be adequately Hall, Templepatrick where a full barbeque will be 7.00pm and will leave by 7.15pm and finally the resolved in favour of the injured party. We heard laid on. 24th/26th Robin’s Aberdare Rally taking in the how expert medical and engineer reports can Stuart Greig Aberdare Park Races, same again all the details be arranged through a solicitor and about the 07738596878 are available on the website but Robin’s number likely time frames for legal process in various [email protected] is 01363 775267 or 07791798704 cases. Afterwards Dionne took time to fully Debbie and Phil Sampson have given up their answer questions from the floor. We are grateful BT land line and using only mobiles Debbie’s is to her for delivering such expert legal advice to Western Section 07762 347768 and Phils 07850 983144 our Section members and it’s good to know her More details of the BBQ and Concours locally-based team are available to bat for us A last minute decision for a Spring Hotel d’Elegance event. should the worst happen. weekend was blessed with beautiful blue skies. Concours event this year is at a new venue A reminder that our Wednesday evening runs It was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. at Harford Bridge Holiday Park, Peter Tavy, have started, departing Corr’s Corner razor- Each night had full entertainment by resident Tavistock. PL19 9LS on Sunday 7th September sharp at 7pm and, because of this, the usual band and dancers, a magician and comedian from 12 noon. Entrants in Concours (South Wednesday morning runs will now alter to with a Phil Collins tribute band on Saturday West members only) shall be entitled to a free become Tuesday morning runs for the duration night. Saturday gave us a glorious ride out along Hog roast barbeque lunch, other SW member of the summer, still meeting at Corr’s at 11am. the Jurassic coast of East Devon and Dorset non entrants shall be subsidised at £5 for lunch Clear as crystal? I hope so. Talking about runs, finishing at Lyme Regis for coffee and crab and their guests pay £10 (includes tea / coffee while being led by Leslie on the ride to Moorbrook sandwiches. Sunday we were taking part in rifle ). Bookings for Hog roast in advance of event Fishery near Castlerock on Sunday 10 May for shooting, archery, swimming and green bowls would be appreciated as we need numbers for the ‘Meet and Eat’ our riders were called upon to ending in an “exhibition” of fencing between the outside caterer who is also providing seats aptly tackle a call for help as they approached Michele and Tony who were both fencers in their and under cover if weather is poor. We shall also a scenic mountain spot overlooking Downhill on teens. As already said, this was a last minute have our own gazebo still in situ after weekend the north coast of County Londonderry. No, they event for this year all done in a rush to check out rally at the venue. Please contact Don Rabson had not been hailed by a (mer)maid in distress what is on offer. Next Spring we hope to make your Social Secretary for bookings and further but were instead flagged-down by a despairing this a fixture in the sections events to allow us details. A guest judge for trophy winners is to driver who’d ‘got a quare gunk’ when he dropped to get away as an end of winter 3 day weekend be announced. A list of the awards will be in July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 41 event and another choice for Western section booking of the restaurant for the Saturday night; were sat in the pub on Friday night when the members to socialise. So keep an eye out for that’s 25th July. There’s no need to book the management kindly relayed the message from the September advert in The Journal. Cameron campsite, you can just turn up, but if you’d like the campsite that our tents were at risk of blowing and Graham. to join us for dinner at the pub please advise in away, so we hurried back to find the marquee With a weather forecast saying it was going advance or at least let us know on arrival. Should trying to get airborne and several tents in various to be a great day amongst many rotten ones the be a good evening! states of collapse due to a strong wind funnelling section event on the 13th May was a winner. This Journal may just arrive in time for me down the valley and through the campsite ! Half About twenty jolly members arrived at Symonds to remind you about our Classic and Vintage a dozen of us struggled to get the marquee back Yat East to find lovely bike parking spaces ride-out to the Lake District Motor Museum on to earth, in the wind / rain / evening darkness, especially reserved just for them. Inside the Sunday 28th June. This is a good museum with eventually managing to drop the adjustable Saracens Head Inn a table for 16 people had plenty of interesting motorcycles amongst all poles to waist height and secure it. The likewise been especially booked for lunch. The the cars and memorabilia. The café can also be scattered contents of the marquee we gathered food, service and company were all first class, recommended. Join me at 10.30am for the ride in up and slung in the back of my car…….and then feeling fully relaxed we all took up residence at from Devils Bridge or just turn up at the museum returned to the pub. One of the rally attendees the tables outside right on the Riverside to soak around lunch time. As usual, all members and was rather worse off – the wind snapped his up some sunshine, some of us shared a table guest on any kind of bike are welcome to join in. main tent pole in two, but luckily the site were with two holiday makers who had brought their See the separate small advertisement in earlier able to lend him a ‘spare’ tent (read more about birds of prey with them a White faced Owl and Journals. that on the ‘Sidecarland’ website). On Saturday a Kestrel both of which seemed quite content to Two more ride-outs for your diaries are both to morning we able to re-erect the marquee and just sit on the table and bask in the attention they be run by our esteemed treasurer James (Jim) most of the contents dried out ok, but for the were getting. 2.00pm and the call of Ship Ahoy Ingham. On Monday 13th July Jim will lead rest of the weekend a weather eye was kept on was heard and we embarked onto our Cruise a ride (like last year) to our Club Track Day at tree-tops for fore-warning of any repeat of the Ship and took up our especially reserved seats Cadwell Park. The starting point is the northern sudden strong winds. ‘Furthest Travelled Outfit’ to be floated off down the River Wye. Thanks to car park of the Humber Bridge at 10.30am. award went to Martyn Aves who had travelled all who came to make it a great day out. Dennis. There’s free entry to the circuit and paddock over 300 miles on his Yamaha XV1900 & EZS The outdoor life is well under way and area and refreshments are available. Everyone Rally custom, and ‘Best Outfit’ award went to continues with Camping at Woodbury, Devon.So who went last year said it was a great day so Paul Ennis and his K100 & Martello outfit. ‘Same mark the diary for the first weekend of the month. please try to join in if you can. It’s spectating only place, same time’ next year – so put it in your Cameron is on duty so it will be good. here unless you’ve pre booked to ride with the 2016 diaries, and hopefully next year’s rally will Janet Wilson tests our taste buds by booking Sporting Section. be more like the beer & skittles of the Slimbridge Fenny Castle Tea Rooms near Wookey On Thursday 23rd July Jim leads another run rally ! Holeon the 5th. She knows a decent eating starting in Helmsley town square at 09.30hr for By the time you read this, the Sidecar establishment to suit us all. depart at 10.00hr. Destination is an exhibition by Register’s Scottish rally will have been and gone Fancy a ride in Wales? Have you nothing to do Mexican artists at the Middlesbrough Institute at the end of June (we’re kindly invited to join on Monday 8th. Then join Neville for a 95 mile of Modern Art (MIMA). This is followed by a trip in with the Scottish Section’s ‘Royal Deeside ridestarting from ASDA in Cardiff for a scenic day round the corner to the remarkable Transporter Weekend’ near Aberdeen) – I hope to have out. Expect a large dose of scenery and a good Bridge. There’s a café at MIMA and free bike met some more SCR members there. And, time. parking at both venues. Return trip will be over looking forward a couple of months, there is the Are you Man or Woman enough for 300 the North York Moors via Castleton & Hutton-le- Sidecar Register’s ‘Southern Rally’ courtesy of miles in Wales? Yes? Then be at Dick Lovett’ Hole. Sounds like a thoroughly good day out! If the Western Section’s ‘Sorebutts’ rally in North at 9.00am on Saturday 18th. This should be a you’d like a more detail of this run please email Devon on September 18-20th – clear your good day out, and even better if it stays dry. Jim at [email protected] calendar for that now, and I’ll see you there ! Give Randy a ring for further details on 07788 Not much else to cover right now. 395583. At the time of writing we have plenty of ‘pre- Keith Thomas Allison is keeping it local on Wednesday 22nd bookers’ for the Black Bull Rally so that should 01946-725152 by hosting a midday meet up at The Greedy have been a success by the time you read this. [email protected] Goose in Bristol. Come along for a decent natter We are still looking for commitment by and nosh. She is on hand with Chris to do the members to book the Lord Stones camping Vintage Register same at weekend at the beginning of August. The Honey Café in Bronllys, Brecon on the Finally would those who asked us to organise Last month I went to Montlery near Paris to a 27th. This is a permanent meet up on the last a return to the French Chateau weekend for May pre-war car and bike meeting. It was like the Monday of each month from April to September, next year, please commit to this sooner than Goodwood Revival event, but much more laid and is always a cracking place to go. later by emailing me for a booking form! back. One of our members [Alistair Gibson from At least five new members made themselves Brackley] was there with his beautiful 1936 R5 Richard Frost known to us at Fridaythorpe Café on 30th May! showing a good turn of speed on the banked 01275 472797. Good to meet you all and hope to see you track. around regularly. The VMCC have their annual one day show at Stamford Hall near Leicester on Sunday 19th Yorkshire Section Piers Kurrein July. We will have a stand there, and I have 07866 622 196 Firstly I need to correct an omission from the May some free tickets if you want to display your bike. [email protected] Section News. The picture of our late colleague Please ring me –first come first served! www.thebmwclub.org.uk/yorkshire/ Steve Barber appeared but the accompanying This is being written before the Welsh Rally, so wording seems to have been edited out. Here it there will be a report on that next month. is to put things right. “Sadly I have to report that Sidecar Register Any ideas for other events or get togethers another Yorkshire Section member of our Club please give me a call. has recently passed away. Steve Barber died on Just a quick update on rallies past & future: I 15th February after a fairly long illness. Steve attended the Hedingham Sidecar Owner Club’s John Wheeler was a well-liked and active long term member rally at Slimbridge in Glos back in April, and v 01628-822754 of our Club and will be sadly missed. His funeral enjoyable it was. Nice site (eg flat & within 5 [email protected] was attended by many of his good friends from mins walk of the pub), good ‘facilities’, loads of within our ranks.” sidecars turned up (including over a dozen BMW I reported last month on the success of our outfits), there was a welcome cuppa always Rob Roy event in Aberfoyle. The profit from available in the rally marquee, the weather the grand raffle has been divided between our stayed fair, and Alan the organiser had arranged Section and the Scottish Section and we’ve a skittles evening & raffle at the pub on the both chosen our local Air Ambulance charities to Saturday evening. Marvellous. receive payment of £140 respectively. Fast forward a month to The Sidecar Our regular annual gathering at the Brookside Register’s own Lake District rally in May: nice flat Campsite, Burton-upon-Stather takes place site, good facilities, pub 5 mins walk away……. towards the end of the month. I’ve been talking and there the similarities between HSOC’s rally with Club members Kev and Ross (who live just and the SCR one ended ! Firstly v few outfits up the road from the site) about the Ferry Inn turned up (4 including mine !), however numbers pub which is immediately adjacent to the site. were thankfully slightly increased by attendees They heartily recommend the food and the real on a couple of solos, and a couple of 4-wheeled ales there and so we’ve decided to take a block vehicles; secondly the weather was not fair – we

42 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Mutual Aid Mutual Aid Adverts are to enable BMW Club Members to buy or sell motorcycles or related items that they own. The service is free but subject to the rules below, and is not normally available to trade advertisers. 1.Note – adverts are NOT accepted over the phone – please send them by 7.Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand which post or email to the Mutual Aid Officer whose name and address are on edition it applies to before querying why your advert doesn’t seem to page 3. Please remember to include your full postal address. have appeared. Please submit your advert well before deadline date if 2.All adverts should be readable, well punctuated and unambiguous. If at all possible.The BMW Club cannot be held responsible for the quality handwriting, please use capital letters for clarity. If e-mailing, please only or availability of items or goods or for any arrangements for delivery or use a simple font such as Arial or Times New Roman in normal sentence payment. case, NOT ALL CAPITALS. NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE! 8.Adverts from non- members are accepted at a fixed cost of £16 (including 3.The maximum length is 65 words, excluding your phone numbers, name V.A.T.) for up to 65 words plus your phone numbers, name and email and email address. If you wish to use more than 65 words your option is address. For further information, please contact the Mutual Aid Officer. to pay for the advert at 24p a word (including VAT) for the whole advert. 9.Neither the Club nor the Mutual Aid Officer can advise advertisers In that case, we would need payment with the advert when submitted. regarding the value of goods offered for sale. Neither can the Club or the Note – one advert/month per Mutual Aid category. Adverts may be edited Mutual Aid Officer recommend suppliers of goods or services to members. where deemed necessary by the Editor. Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 4.In your advert, please include your forename, phone number(s) and an Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of goods email address if available. being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this fact. This 5.You must include your name, full address, Section and membership applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf or for another number. These will not be published (unless requested) but we will check party. If you have reason to believe that you have been misled as to the status membership. of any advertiser, please inform your local Trading Standards Department 6.Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion only. Any and the Editor immediately. The fine for breaches of this order is up to £1,000. subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the advertiser.

Note: Mutual Aid closing date is the 1st of each month

Motorcycles For Sale 100 miles from Exeter. Photographs available on Only 25,000 miles. Matching numbers. Three request. £3,700 o.n.o. Robin 01363 775267 or former keepers. Runs beautifully. Full Tax and 07791 798704 (Devon). Test. £8,300. Philip 07836 759302 (Cheshire). C1 “K” Series R80/7 - 1978/79 - 26,000 miles. Twin shock. Blue. Keihan exhaust, Windscreen, panniers, C1 FAMILY FRIEND - 2001 ‘Y’ (June) - 125cc new valves, springs and rings. One year MOT. scooter. Red. ABS, 11,400 miles. Comes with: K1200GT - 2005 - One previous owner. 12,745 Serviced. £2,300. On SORN. Ian 01775 768989 12 months MOT, original tool kit, manuals, miles. A host of extras. To be sold with a new or email [email protected] rear case, spare keys, fasteners replaced with MOT. Currently on SORN. Reason for sale, (Lincolnshire). polished stainless steel. Paintwork is perfect heart attack and subsequent doctor’s orders. with no damage, marks or scuffs. Main dealer £3,000. ALSO 1985 K100RT - Old but sound, R80RT - Registered 1983 - A Classic Bike. serviced. The scooter is in beautiful condition unlike its owner! 52,000 miles. All there and 798cc. Red/black. Very good condition. Spare with all component parts working perfectly. working. Recent MOT, on SORN. New tyres, tyre still in wrapping. BMW panniers. Recently £1,250. John 07772 437651 or email johna. battery, brakes, etc. £1,200. Both bikes have to overhauled and MOT until January 2016. 49,301 [email protected] (Worcestershire). be sold. John 01797 364011 (South Kent). recorded miles. Offers around £2,400. Enquiries 01704 513128 (Southport). “F” Series K1300S SPORT - 2012 - 15,000 miles. Red and black. Great condition with full dealer service R80RT - 1988 - Red. 65,000 miles. Personalised history. Quick shifter and heated grips. ESA plate (if wanted). Top box, panniers, cruise F800GT - 2013 ‘November’ 63 plate - 3,500 plus on board computer. Carbon hugger. Tinted miles. Serviced. Panniers and top box. Comfort control and heated grips. Recently restored but screen. Tank bag and full luggage. Michelin P3’s. pack and Dynamic pack. Genuine reason for regularly used. Reconditioned gearbox, bevel £9,300 (will deliver UK). Brian 01925 968777 or sale. Excellent condition. £7,750. Alan 01902 box and clutch. Lots of new parts including the 07837 915703 (Cheshire). 742418 or 07802 419245 or email head-alan@ receipts and serviced regularly. Great reliable tourer. Also full bike of spares including engine, sky.com (West Midlands). K1600GTL LE - 2012 - 12,000 kilometres. reconditioned gearbox frame, tank, seat etc. Altrider engine guards, Autocom Super Pro F800ST - 2008 - Blue. 29,600 miles. BMW Selling as a package. Please email for pictures. BTM 02A phone adaptor, high lever brake light. serviced. Fully loaded specification including: £5,100. Tony 07710 973840 or email tony@ €16,500. Georgie 00353 872 594259 or email MOT until April 2016, trip computer, tyre tcwindows.com (Cambridgeshire). [email protected] (County Limerick). pressure monitors, ABS brakes, centre stand, R90S - 1973/74 - Full rebuild 2014. New tyres low seat, mirror extenders, tank protectors, BMW “R” Series panniers with liners, BMW tank bag, BMW top on stainless steel spoked wheels. Stainless box and fender extender. New tyres at 29,300. steel exhausts. New smoke grey paintwork. R60/2 - 1969 - All original with Craven panniers. Throttle damper. K&N air filter. Can deliver up to Rebuilt carburettors. MOT to September 2015.

t: 01333 429451 m: 07734 683429 e: [email protected] w: scotiasidecars.com

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 43 27,000 miles only (previous MOT’s to prove Others Passenger back rest, locks on to original rear mileage). Nearly new panniers and frames. carrier, £70. Belly pan, no screws, £55. BMW Powder coated frame, swinging arm, seat frame. tank bag, £65. Child leather motor cycle trousers, HONDA DEAUVILLE 650cc - 2005 - One New seat. Stainless steel fittings. Books. Tools. XXXL, 24” leg, 14” hip and knee pockets for owner. Black, 11,200 miles. Large and small side Kick start. Frame/engine number 4072223. Tax armour. Two pockets and belt attached. Very panniers, screen and tank bag. All in very good exempt. Pictures available via email. £9,995. good leather zip for jacket attachment. £45. condition. Offers around £2,500. Phil 01963 Dave 01782 516161 or 07815 295774 or All plus P&P. Can all be collected if wanted. 364740 or 07910 621714 (Dorset). email [email protected] Frank 07886 326487 or email [email protected] (Staffordshire). Bits & Bobs (London). R90S - 1976 - Silver and black. Excellent K1600 - BMW tank bag. Pristine condition, only mechanical condition. Hepco & Becker panniers. BMW KLIMAKOMFORT 2 WATERPROOF used a few times. All fittings. £130. Gordon Aux power socket. Tool kit. Owned for 10 years. SUIT -Size XL. Black. Worn for 30 minutes only. 01582 881310 or email [email protected] Ill health forces sale. £6,100. David 01189 As new condition and unmarked. £250. (Cost (Hertfordshire / Bedfordshire). 790882 (Berkshire). 400 Euros in France on 2nd May 2015.) Alan Brand new and 07802 419245 or email [email protected] LUGGAGE & CLOTHING - 1996 - 14,177 miles. Metallic blue. unused BMW small Softbag 3 (£70). BMW R1100RT - (West Midlands). Kept in garage. Near immaculate condition. City Jeans complete with armour, size small, One owner. Health forces sale. ABS, heated CLEAROUT - Schuberth C2 (flip up), white with barely used and in as new condition (£30). All grips, new battery, BMW panniers, Givi top box. unique Union Flag design by Dennis Richens, items plus P&P. Photographs available. Richard MOT to 31st July. BMW Riders Manual. BMW size 60/61, in excellent condition, £75. Nolan 07771 916231 or email [email protected] technical booklet. BMW Repair Manual. Haynes N43E ‘AIRE’ open face, white, size large, ((Loughborough). Repair Manual; Rain cover. £2,500. Colin 01235 the ultimate summer helmet with outstanding R1150GSA/GS/ROCKSTER - BMW touring 521540 or email [email protected] ventilation, £75. Draggin Jeans, black denim panniers, excellent condition, two keys, £110. (Oxfordshire). jacket with armour, size XL (42”), excellent Catalytic converter, as new, £45. New BMW condition, used on one US tour only, £50. 2002 - Silver, under 20,000 miles. catalytic converter to silencer clamp, £30. Size R1150RT - All plus P&P. Adrian 01285 740279 or 07831 MOT and Taxed. BMW panniers and top box. 5 Hein Gericke boots (as new), £35. All plus 808710 or email [email protected] Excellent condition. Adjustable screen. ABS. P&P or buyer to collect from OL5 9GA. Geoff (Gloucestershire). Heated grips, new battery. £3,250 o.n.o. Brian 07528 826068 or email [email protected] 01670 788765 or email brianforster140@ F700GS & R1200GS - F700GS 2013 onwards: (Lancashire). btinternet.com (Northumberland). Wunderlich Iron Man screen. Three position Baglux tank bag, £120 o.n.o. BMW adjustment with full instructions etc. See it R1200R - 2011 - Tri colour. 8,000 miles. panniers barrels removed with two barrels R1200RT/SE - on Nippy Norman website. Unmarked. £50. Genuine full service history. Panniers and top included, £150 o.n.o. Dennis 01924 824088 R1200GS pre LC model: Genuine BMW part, box, twin auto com system, European satellite after 7 p.m. (West Yorkshire). carbon fibre rear mudguard. Immaculate, navigation, full SE specification. Also extra unmarked. £30. Both plus postage if required. R1200RT TANK BAG - Little used. Good low bench seat included. Excellent condition. Kevan 01622 728320 (Kent). condition. £60 plus P&P. Rob 01302 783665 or Garaged. Not used in winter. £8,750. Bill 07985 07834 608277 (South Yorkshire). 619034 or email [email protected] F800ST - BMW grey expandable panniers (Staffordshire). and top box (keyed alike), and tank bag. All in TOURATECH SIDE COVER SET - TAT-045-54 excellent condition. £220 plus P&P. John 07885 35 - To fit 2013 on R1200GS LC. Reduce the Sidecar Outfit 932837 (South Wales). effect of rear wheel spray to the bike and rider! Offers around £100 (which was approximately K100 - 1983/86 brake pads, Galfer top quality. 1981 - Genuine 23,000 half the new cost). John 01423 770866 or R45 COMBINATION - New in original packing. Full set for three calipers miles. Documents, history, bills, MOT etc. email [email protected] - G1054 street sport road semi metallic HH also Suspension sidecar rate high rise handlebar, (NorthYorkshire). fit K100RS/RT 83-86 plus RS/RT/LT 1987 on. box screen, electronic ignition. New at Vines. Recommended retail price £18 each. Sell full set Sidecar Steib chassis. 19 inch sprung wheel. Wanted for £30 including P&P. Haynes Manual 1983-93 Home built body. Also sprung to chassis. Has 2-valve models (including K75), £12 including easy enter side door and cover. £2,650 to good BMW - R65, R80 and R100 Basic, GS, RT and P&P. David 013618 84222 or email david. home. (Now take wonder woman camping.) Can RS models, any condition, cash waiting, can [email protected] (Berwickshire). deliver in south. George 07523 971861 (Surrey). collect. Ian 01694 723546 (Trader). K1200RS PARTS PLUS CHILD LEATHERS - F650GS (2003) - Rear rack or rack and top box. Geoff 01457 838858 or 07528 826068 or email www.bmboxer Looking for a used [email protected] (Lancashire). FOR EARLY BMW K100 - New or used part for a Boxer or K windscreen. BMW Part No. 46-63-2-303-245 series ? with or without fittings. (Not RS or RT.) Barry BMW Motorcycles For spares you can 01617 611702 (Lancashire). always rely on, take a LOWER RIDER SEAT - For a BMW 1100RT. Steve 07736 013041 (any time) (Kent). our look at R80RT 1990–1995 - Low mileage. Nice to have speciality www.bmboxer.com paperwork, MOT’s, service history, panniers. Looking to taking over a well-kept machine and to carry on in that tradition. If you can help, for over 30 years please contact John 01267 238731 or 07974 110065 or email [email protected] We service and repair all models from the F650, early (Carmarthenshire). airhead & oilhead boxers & K series to the present day WANTED - A good-looking and dependable drum braked BMW, preferably an R75/5 or twins, fours and sixes. similar. Cash waiting - about £2,000 to £3,000, in Notts/Derby/Leics if possible. Please contact For more information contact Ian on 01694 723546, .com check online at www.churchstrettonmotorcycles.com Val at 19 The Friary, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2PB or telephone 07751 177062 at any time. or visit us at Crossways(A49), Church Stretton Shropshire SY6 6PG

44 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 Small Business Adverts

Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact Charles Knight (details on Page 3)

Accommodation & Touring - Use of pool/hot tub. Evening meals available. SOMME BATTLEFIELD B&B AND TOURS. Covered parking. Tel: (0033) 241821184. www. Our quiet, secluded farmhouse is 100 miles theloireaffair.co.uk from Calais and close to the A1 autoroute. We UK & R.o.I. have B&B for up to 8 people and a self-catering GERMANY, WESTERWALD.Great stopover for apartment sleeping 4-6. Evening meals are destinations N/S/E .Great for the Dambuster run. B&B GLAISDALE. Near Whitby. 3 x twin available. We have secure, covered bike The roads are superb with virtually no traffic. rooms, en-suite. Garage for motorcycles. www. parking, a trailer and workshop for emergencies. Meals and Bar. For more information www. lanesidebedandbreakfast.co.uk Tel: 01947 897 Take a battlefield tour of Somme or Ypres with vinecottage.de 0049 274 291 1728 272 GS riding author and military historian, Martin LE MANS FARMHOUSE B&B AND GITE. B&B IN THE BORDERS. A68 Jedburgh. Quality Pegler, who will show you all the best roads! - www.lehamel.co.uk - 40 minutes to Le 4 Star accommodation. All rooms en suite/ Check us out on www.orchardfarmsomme.com Mans 15 minutes Alencon. Large cosy manor private facilities. Fabulous views over the town or Phone: 0033 (0)3 2286 5672 farmhouse(17thC) with 4 letting rooms set below and only a 5 minute walk to the centre. Secure Close Redon 3 the Perseigne Forest with miles of Green Lanes, SOUTHERN BRITTANY. off road bike parking. Friendly hosts Chris & spacious, comfortable gites, set in 3 acres of empty roads and a great location for touring the Amanda, Club Members. £29.50 - £45 pppn. Tel: tranquil grounds which may be rented separately South Normandy/Pays de Loire Area. Le Grand 01835 862216 Email [email protected] www. or altogether for a larger group: Sleep 2 – 16. Chauvel (15C.) is a three bedroom ( 2 ensuite) airenlea.co.uk Secure garage parking for bikes. Contact: Anne fermette 30 minutes from Le Mans with enclosed & Dave Chapman Tel: 01732-456459 e-mail: BED AND BREAKFAST MOFFAT SOUTHERN garden and situated next to the walled village [email protected] SCOTLAND. B & B, garage parking, wonderful of Bourg Le Roi. Both properties have been biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on sympathetically renovated. Tel: 0033 243 34 02 VALRÉAS PROVENCE FRANCE. Anglo- Edinburgh scenic route. Why not break your 59 Email [email protected] French Les Ecureuils guesthouse, 5 en suite long journey here or spend a few days riding rooms. Large tranquil private garden, secure NORMANDY/BRITTANY BORDER –Bed the local roads, enjoying the hills and bends. parking and pool. Ideal stopover or base when & Breakfast-. Close to Mont St- Michel. Club member. Chris 01683 220378 see www. touring southern France. Contact Mike and Individually designed en-suite bedrooms, guesthouse-moffat.com) Chantal @ www.rib84.com (01/16) guests dining room, drawing room, lounge and GLENCOE – HIGHLANDS. Ghlasdruim B&B.All conservatory for the comfort and hospitality of Services ensuite rooms, secure off road parking. Maureen our guests. Secure garage parking. Gourmet 01855 811593 [email protected]. dinners are our speciality. In the town of Saint- LYNBROOK INSURANCE. for Special co.uk James just off the A84 auto route, twenty minutes Member’s terms including Classic & Modern from Mont-St Michel and the beautiful coastline IRELAND. – Historic House B&B or self-catering Motorcycle Insurance (all makes) Tel 0845 130 with scenic routes and great biking roads. in centre of The Scenic Southwest of Ireland. 4662 or 01277 206285. Also Travel and Europe Tel: 0033 (0)233-589025,Email: petit-illyria@ Secure parking, garaging, tools etc. with bike wide Breakdown/Recovery Tel 0151 336 5881 wanadoo.fr Web: www.petit-illyria.eu.com owners and BMW Club members. Fantastic (quote Lynbrook) tours and roads abound just outside our front PYRENEES MOTORCYCLE TOURS. Stainless Steel Fasteners. Part or gates! www.glenlohane.com Tel: 353 029 50014 Farmhouse B&B with mountain views, attractive full kits available, most models covered. SAE [email protected] village location, escorted ride outs, home or e mail [email protected] for list. cooked evening meals, undercover secure LAKE DISTRICT. holiday bungalow – comfort Chris Shaw Engineering 24 Station Road, parking, bike wash, workshop facilities, clothes for four plus garage. Ideal touring location & Halton Holegate, Spilsby, Lincs, PE23 5PB Tel: drying room. Tel: 0033 562 450811 www. available April to November. Member owned. 01790 755515 Mobile: 07702 862508 www. pyreneesmotorcycletours.com Tel: 01695 422210 shawstainless.co.uk welsh borders - shropshire. Roseheart Kingdom B & B in the Redlake Valley with fabulous bike riding into Wales on the door step. Free secure parking, Free fast WiFi www. stayatroseheartkingdom.co.uk Free online booking. Tel 01547 530871 or 07721 739973 Singles - Small groups catered for.(09/15) Europe

B&B Normandy-France. 3 en-suite bedrooms, great roads, lovely region, perfect for weekend escape, 10% discount on B&B rates for club members, call 0033233640023 www. maisonlaudiere.com DORDOGNE A WEEK TO REMEMBER. Following the 6th successful week with the Southern section we are offering our biker weeks to all. All inclusive accomodation, as much as you can eat & drink. Visits,canoeing & more 2- 9 May 2015 & 19th – 26 Sep. Minimum 10 max 20 people £580 pp Tim & Sarah Austin [email protected] www.troismaisons. co.uk FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY. B & B plus ideal gite for two - north of Saumur. Tranquil location

July 2015 The BMW Club Journal 45 BMW Club Journal 210x297 44787_Layout 1 12/11/2014 10:07 Page 1

new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus JIM HILL MOTORBIKE SERVICES. (formerly OHV machines available. Machine tools for the t/a Mobile Motorbike Services). We offer small/home workshop, including Chester Multi professional repairs and servicing for all BMW Function lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pattern or models at realistic prices. We now operate from Fast, competitive drawing. S.A.E. for specification and services or Unit 2, Acton Street, Long Eaton, NG10 1FT. visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby DE1 Collection service available. Contact Jim 07971 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & w/ends 236087 www.ifixyourbike.com. international 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk NORTH EAST. Independent BMW Specialist. BEDS HERTS & BUCKS. - BMW motorcycle Full service & repair for all models up to present servicing and repairs - Motoscot Ltd (Steve day. Factory trained senior technician. Mobile shipping Grover - Senior BMW Technician with over 35 service within 60 miles of Sunderland. Now years experience) Loan bike available. Stockists breaking bikes. Call Mike Kendrick 0191 510 of Rukka, Schuberth & Daytona Tel: 01582 0265 or 07828 281003 419812 email [email protected] www. PORTSMOUTH HAMPSHIRE. Roger Downey motoscot.co.uk Motorcycles. Independent servicing, repair we go the BERKSHIRE. & Surrounding Counties. and MOT work shop. 10% discount on MOT’s BMW Motorcycle services. K, R & F Series. for Members. Very close to Portsmouth Ferry Independent BMW Specialist Servicing, Repairs port. Over 30 years experience. Tel 02392 extra mile & Spares. Collection & delivery. Weekend work 825515 www.rdowneymotorcycles.co.uk Email: & loan bike available. For all enquiries please [email protected] contact Garry Webb Tel: 01344 860580/07770 SCOTLAND - NORTH AYRSHIRE. Mostly 444794. Email [email protected] Bricks & Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS. Professional motorcycle servicing and repairs at All models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic realistic rates. Agreed labour cost restorations. Servicing equipment, ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Phone Jim Downie 01294 558638 or 07580 Servicing, repairs, insurance work.Tyres, spares 649664 www.mostly-boxers-and-bricks.co.uk ANDREW SEXTON. NORTH OXFORDSHIRE FROM stock. 5 star workshop - full facilities. email. [email protected] BMW authorised supplier.Bikes bought/sold - WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW see Biketrader web page. Jap & German 102 BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 237 2299, restoration and special tuning work, on all facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile www.japandgerman.co.uk models. Collection and delivery arranged. Tel service available within an 80 mile radius of 01608 730111 CRAY ENGINEERING. BMW Twins road & race Leicester. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 AVON - WILTSHIRE MOTORCYCLE TYRES. performance specialist. Fully equipped workshop 588076, www.boxerman.co.uk (12/15) n for servicing, repairs, rebuilds & engineering. UK’s largest Visit Carson Tyres, in Melksham for great deals THE WORKSHOP (YORK) NORTH Tuning packages to suit your requirements. New on Motorbike tyres, ride in ride out service and YORKSHIRE. Independent BMW specialist & used spares. Tyres fitted & balanced while you supplier of new tyres fitted to loose wheels. Always at least 100 based in York . Servicing, Repair & Restoration\ wait. (Callers by appointment only) Phone/Fax bike tyres in stock, Bridgestone main agents Bespoke projects. Over ten years working with 01795 538282 Faversham, Kent 1989 2014 other makes stocked. Visit our web site www. some of the best race teams in the British, AMA & and used parts. rideinrideout.co.uk for prices or phone 01225 709 INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST DORSET. the World Championships.Over 5 Years working 335 ask for David or Adrian our bike specialists. Servicing and repair centre. Qualified technician with the Metropolitan Police. BMW passport. B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: with 20+yrs experience. Diagnostic testing and Diagnostic equipment. For more information n Salvage collected Restorations, repairs & spares. Spares for after service date resets. Studley’s Motorcycles please visit www.theworkshopyork.com or call vintage/classic BMW’s from 1935. CJ750, in Dorchester, Dorset. Tel: 07884 180968 www. Paul on 07881798445 nationwide. copies of 1938 BMW R71, from £3,455. Some studleysmotorcycles.co.uk n After market parts and accessories from major manufacturers. n All models from 1970 onwards. n Knowledgeable staff always happy to advise! 01484 353 600 • 0845 458 0077 46 The BMW Club Journal July 2015 www.motorworks.co.uk BMW Club Journal 210x297 44787_Layout 1 12/11/2014 10:07 Page 1

Fast, competitive international shipping we go the extra mile

n UK’s largest supplier of new and used parts. 1989 2014 n Salvage collected nationwide. n After market parts and accessories from major manufacturers. n All models from 1970 onwards. n Knowledgeable staff always happy to advise! 01484 353 600 • 0845 458 0077 July 2015 www.motorworks.co.uk 47