The Journal The BMW Club magazine November 2015 £3.00 2 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 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 November 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 A Hebridean Odyssey 9 Republic of Ireland [email protected] www.thebmwclub.org.uk Obituary 13 Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood General Enquiries: 0800 0854045 Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, S63 9GD Down the Dolce Vita 15 All Rights Reserved 07752 904 334 [email protected] Past but Present 22 Commercial Display Advertisements: Please contact the Editor until further notice. The Sorebutts Rally 24 Small Business Advertisements: Charles The Social Scene 27 Knight, 4 Homelands, New Road, Porchfield, Isle of Wight, PO30 4LS ,01983 520 847 The Sections 28 07521 695 992 [email protected] Around the Compass 30 Section News: Steve Foreman 07770 827 574 Correspondence on any Journal matter not covered [email protected] Diary of Events 31 by the officers listed here should be sent to the Editor who will forward it as appropriate. For general Club Bob Barker. Diary of Events: Section News 34 administration and membership matters please see the [email protected] list of Club officers on this page. Around The Compass: Bob Barker (see Mutual Aid (Club member ads) 43 For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, above). please contact your Section Membership Secretary. Small Business Advertisments 45 Should there still be a problem then contact the National Club/Section Display Ads: Piers Kurrein. Membership Secretary whose contact details are listed [email protected] on this page. The Editor reserves the right to alter/amend any item or image submitted to The Journal. Such amendments will usually only be to make an item more readable or easier to understand. 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 Saffron publication articles and letters written in good faith; Treasurer: Jim Lepley. 7 Landale Gardens, 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, 24250 [email protected] professional motorcycle engineer carry out the work for 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 Alan Orme. 01159 469 542 alan.orme1@ The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of times. btinternet.com The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd. Vintage & Classic Register Secretary: Brian HQ Register Secretary: Dick Boyd. Stewart The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, The BMW Club Journal, Price. 99 Neath Road, Rhos, Pontardawe, it’s Editor and Officers accept no liability in respect of Place, South Road, Garmouth,IV32 7LX. Swansea, SA8 3EH 01792 862 152 vintage@ loss or damage occasioned directly or indirectly as a 01343 870 389 [email protected] bmwclubuk.net result of the publication of any advertisement in The Delegates to other organisations BMW Club Journal or Website. Sporting Register Secretary: Robert Bensley, Ian M Dobie. 01793 729 016 or Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham BMF: 07803 206 893 [email protected] NR16 2HS 01953 888 415 [email protected] Vehicle dating & DVLA enquires: Robert This month’s cover photograph from Freeman. 169 Creek Road, March, PE15 8RY Sidecar Register Secretary: Keith Thomas, Brian Garforth is of Jill Boreham 01354 656 569 [email protected] Hawkbarrow Cottage, Gosforth, Cumbria and Tim Bolderston and was taken CA20 1ER FBHVC: Robert Freeman (as above) during the Oxford Section Search for 01946 725 152. [email protected] Paradise in Scotland.
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 3 From The Editor’s Desk
Situations Vacant the telephone nowadays, and far quicker than the traditional posted letter, there You already know that I’m stepping down are so many ways of doing it that it’s very as Editor at the AGM in April next year. difficult to produce a detailed beginner’s There has not, so far, been a frantic rush guide to the systems that the Club uses. of members wanting to succeed me. Also The alternative to mastering the Club’s stepping down, by the next AGM at the facilities, which use Google’s remarkably latest, is Chaz Knight, who for the last reliable mail service, is for everyone to use A competition: and a prize 9 years has looked after Small Business their own email address. There are two Advertisements for us. Both positions immediate problems with this. The first I’ve been sent a copy of Ian Falloon’s new need filling. Neither of the is a role that is that telling the world that you’re joe. book, entitled The Complete Book of BMW you’d expect to step into and be fully fluent [email protected] tells every purveyor Motorcycles and subtitled Every Model overnight. That’s why both of us are giving of questionable personal services how to since 1923. It’s a mighty work, which will sufficient notice that our successors can pester you. I receive many such unwelcome take me a long time to read before I can work with us to learn what’s involved to offers, including some apparently from make any realistic attempt to review it. I’ve allow a seamless transition. We do not want me, it being a relatively straightforward also been offered a copy to give away so, a repeat of the circumstances under which matter for the unscrupulous to fake an although competitions in The Journal aren’t I became Editor. My predecessor chose to email address. The second is that it’s a something I’d run often, this is too good a withdraw his nomination just before the legal requirement to put the details of the chance to miss. I’d like to see more in The members vote that would have confirmed limited company that we are at the end Journal about fixing and improving our him in office. This left the Club with no of every item of correspondence. It’s easy motorcycles so the book will be awarded Editor and no means, short of an extremely enough to do but far easier if you have to whoever sends in the best technical expensive Extraordinary General Meeting, separate addresses for Club and personal. tip received by the 10th November. It of electing one. I was appointed (in other Also, using the Club facilities as they were can relate to any BMW motorcycle, words I attended National Committee designed to be used means that when a independent of it’s age or number of Meetings but had no vote), with no previous position changes hands the new incumbent cylinders, or an accessory (commercial or experience, so the first thing I needed has immediate access to any outstanding homemade) for one. There have been some was an expensive two-day course to learn correspondence. good ideas on the Forum recently (the the fundamentals of Adobe InDesign. two that spring to mind cover lighting on Knowing that Editors don’t grow on trees Club Events black-and-white boxers and fixing a fault has forced me to make up my mind about with aftermarket luggage for the GS range) retiring well in advance to allow a successor Following on from last month, now and now is the opportunity to share them to learn what’s involved. Chaz has done that the Section AGMs are over and Social with every member. Every article will be the same. Rather than suddenly saying Secretaries confirmed in office, it would published as space allows, starting with the “That’s it” he’s given us the best possible help those who need to plan their lives winner. There’s no minimum or maximum opportunity to replace him while he’s still well in advance if Around the Compass for word count, but remember that a picture available to train and assist his successor. To December, ideally, or at the latest January, tells a thousand words, so plenty of them find out what’s involved in either role, feel listed every major event for the forthcoming will improve your chances. free to contact us. We both have telephone year. Those members with limited funds or numbers and email addresses listed on Page holiday allocations who enjoy Club events 3 of this edition. need to know what’s on as soon as possible. Following on from this, I’ve been, a Welcome to new volunteers couple of times, surprised to see things in the Diary of Events that I didn’t know were It’s that time of year again. The time when coming up but which I might have liked to volunteers who’ve served their sentences attend. Overseas trips in particular need of service to the Club should be allowed plenty of notice so it puzzles me why that to enjoy their retirement. It sometimes notice, either via Around the Compass or happens. The Utopian situation where a display advertisement, wasn’t given. I’m there’s a queue of people willing to stand not the only National Committee member for Section committees doesn’t seem to be who’s concerned with what is, or is not, a happening. There are, however, some new Club event so it’s on the agenda for the next people putting their heads over the parapet. meeting, which takes place about the time Please give them time to settle into their this edition comes through your letterbox. posts before In particular, please give them All being well there’ll be a report about it time to sort out their Club email addresses. next month. Although email is almost as common as 4 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 The President’s Platform
I said last month it was time to get out the a fault on the outer fly sheet. Once again warmer clobber, but , pleasingly, we have Cotswold Outdoor changed the tent. The had a couple of perfect riding weeks, cool unfortunate thing is the tent is no longer mornings and wall to wall sunshine in the available so we were given a full refund, afternoon. All good things come to an end that’s what I call service. We now start and at the time of writing (5th Oct) we are again, plenty of end season bargains about, back to normal autumn weather, its wet but unfortunately not the one’s we want. and I can get on with this update on all At last a Section has taken advantage of not a surprise to me that the consumption things BMW Club without looking out of the 50/50 promotion scheme between the figures we are given are done under strict the window and cursing not being out on Dealer, Motorrad and Club. Bahnstormer conditions because if you read what is the bike. at Alton have involved us in their usually the final paragraph it says that “ The Western Section Sorebutts rally Oktoberfest which will have taken place these figures can vary depending on, the went down well with GS, Sidecar Register by the time you read this. Hopefully it will weather the way the vehicle is driven, in and visitors from Holland giving the promote the Club and in turn introduce town or the country etc.” us souls can only event an international feel. I would never new members. I was intrigued by the name treat it as a guide and most of the time have thought that anyone would consider of the evening Speaker at the event, her the manufacturers figures are better than strapping a sidecar onto the RnineT, they name is Squash Falconer and she is quite a we can get. With vehicles we get yearly have and it looks the part,also displayed character, if you look her up on the www new model upgrades that talk about, vast was a GS combination which also looked she comes over as a fun loving Gal but very improvements, better handling, improved great, both would require deep pockets to focused on her adventures. suspension, marketing speak I expect purchase and I expect there will be some I have mentioned that The BMW Car they call it. I’m still undecided about my takers. The ride out had it’s own police Club would like us to be involved in their R1200R change and reading through escort across the moors, (I have to come 100th anniversary of BMW production. different specifications of manufacturers clean on the escort, he was off duty) it was The site they were looking at, Bicester bikes came across one interesting enough led by serving officer Dave and pillion Anita Heritage, was found to be unsuitable and for me to wonder what it means. It goes doing their bit for the Section, nobody got they have now made the decision to stay and I quote “ Thanks to it’s relaxed sporty lost and all enjoyed themselves. Thanks to with Gaydon the venue they use for their seating position and it’s perfect wind and all for their hard work to make every one big weekend each year. The provisional weather protection, the bike offers an welcome over the weekend. dates are 13/14 Aug 2016 more details will entirely new ride feel when travelling fast” We have had a bit of a “Tent” episode follow. unquote. That’s something to ponder about in the quest for a rag home we can stand VW have been in the news about their, on a windy rainy day like today, surely they up in, we have failed so far. The chosen shall we say, economy of the true facts, wouldn’t be exaggerating would they? model (exactly what we wanted) purchased with diesel car emissions and I wonder Don’t forget we need an EDITOR from Cotswold Outdoor had faulty poles how the can is going to bounce to other Mike and was changed without any quibble manufactures and the way they give us info for another similar model, this one had to lure us into buying their vehicles. It’s
We need your photographs
The Club is planning a new recruitment but for all aspects of Club publications. you are happy for the images to be freely brochure for 2016. It falls to me as What I’m looking for, above all, is pictures used for Club activities. I, of course, graphic designer for the Club to design of members enjoying social activities. and undertake to keep them secure and not and produce it. What I’m always short preferably with plenty of motorcycles in distribute them to any third party or of for our design work is decent pictures view but also showing hotels, camping, use them for any other purpose than of Club activities. I’m sure there are and great views of famous or less famous Club business. hundreds of you out there who have venues and views. If you could help with Here’s hoping that many of you get literally thousands of images between this I’ll be most grateful. Might I suggest back to me and thanks in advance. you which help to show just how active that you send plenty of images initially in and successful our Club is. Please; please lo-res so that I can get back to you for hi- Piers Kurrein would you kindly send me over some res versions if I’m going to use them. I guess 07866 622 196 images, not just for the new brochure, you should also confirm in your email that [email protected]
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 5 Please send all submissions for December’s Torque Reaction to Paul Nadin (details on page 3) Torque Reaction before November 5th please.
“Hi-de-Hi”. Apparently the problem is the door hinge has fallen off the van! hydrocarbon emissions of large bore Keep the black bits pointing downwards At the Hampshire Hoedown. Didn’t it go engines which needs to be met. Catalysts and look out for the blind tin toppers! well. Big thanks and credit to the southern will require extra precious metals such as Andy Stork. Gloucester. boys and I hope all enjoyed the annual rally. platinum and palladium and may be bigger Camp site and accommodation were and more expensive, and after that there More on Frank Cox. more than good. A great welcome and are twin spark and surface treatments to friendly help on arrival. Saturday saw me engine internal components, all of which Reading Robert Freemans article “The on the pillion of a super bike trip to the is do-able! Air cooled engines will continue Early Years” (October Journal, page 22) Sammy Miller Museum. Not having ridden to 2021 at least. brought back a few memories. so, I aged a bit more! Other manufacturers are also developing I too remember Frank Cox and his Saturday evening at bar and social room, new engines to comply. BMW’s air cooled emporium. I too was also privileged to see live music event, not the usual thrashing range is limited to the R 9 T retro roadster, behind the scenes. I certainly remember guitars and 100 watt amps: - no a really which for the second year has been the how proud he was of his 3D Hitler picture, good folk/dance band that had all on their fourth best selling bike in Bee Emms range, as well as the photo of his pin-up, Eva feet and completely exhausted. Even the behind the R120O GS and its sister models Braun. I had heard of this photo so, when idiot who stepped in with band to play the RI200 GS Adventurer and the SI000 he pointed it out over the door, I was able harmonica spot (though I should own up R. to impress him (?) with the comment, to that). Albeit air-cooled engines are part of the “Isn’t that Eva?” “Yes” replied Frank, Best wishes to you all. company’s product ranges, but the water enthusiastically. George Potter. Southern Section. cooled variants are now used in the RI200 Eva was the one on the very rear of the GS, the GS Adventurer, RI20O RS and the Ardie. Anyone who knew Frank will not A day out at RI200 R. be surprised to hear that the R51 parts I Snetterton. This engine is a completely new was after, he had somewhere out the back. design, was introduced in 2010 and was a Ring me in two or three weeks. I did this I am now taking payments directly into my considerable change for BMW. Some small three times, after which I gave up. More bank for the car track day at Snetterton on tweaks have been made since then to the ‘modern’ parts were always despatched Sunday December 6th. I realise that in this engine, along with fuel efficiency according fairly promptly. Despite his extreme views, modern age so much is done on a mobile to reports. I think he meant well – in his way. phone, if it is easier for you, please reply The R1200 GS and some other water- Regarding the mention of £2 replica letting me know your name, the type of car cooled models using the 125bhp motor silencers, even I surprised myself a few you intend to drive and which group you still win many tests. However if 125bhp weeks ago when I unearthed a pair in my would most like to be in. isn’t quite enough for you then try out the basement! Yes, they’re still available at £2 Payment of £80 can be made to the S 1000 XR. each! following account - sort code 40-19-18 acc. Similarly there are changes ‘a-foot’ to the All the best. no. 41541773. If this event fills in good R1200 engine in the next few years, with John Lawes time it will give me confidence to book a power increases and better fuel economy. Ashbourne. day at Cadwell Park for next year. Given the price of petrol, anything helps! Lastly, here’s a link to a YouTube video I’m sticking with my R1I50 GS with its 3rd Old Journals of Harry Gres taking a passenger for a lap wheel as it saves me from falling over!!! available. of the ‘Ring’ recorded by our friend Crispin If you fancy a few days ‘indoor camping’ during the bikes only Motorrad event in at Filey next year, let me know and I’ll keep If anyone is interested I have a August - a smoother, flowing lap would be you posted. Now where’s the welder - the number of old Journals available. hard to find!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v DJftJaRdE8&feature=youtu.be If the link does not work look for crispind123, even I can find it that way! Thanks. Robert Bensley Sporting Register Secretary. The Boxer lives on.
According to Mr. BMW, the Boxer is to live on to at least 2021. This is despite pending tough new emission regulations, and from this date such will be much stricter. 6 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 Number of copies by year are: - (15/08) to raise money for Blind Veterans BVUK centre then pop over to Eastbourne 1985:2 ,1986:8, 1987:9, 1988:9, 1989:7, UK, the national charity for blind and on the Sunday for the Air show. 1990:9, 1991:8, 1992:10, 1993:8, 1994:5, vision-impaired ex-Service men and Eon Matthews 1995:18, 1996:2,2008:1, 2009:14, 2010:3, women. 2011:1 The bikers raised more than £2,500 The Journals are free to collectors but for the charity during Ride for Life could be mailed if the postage were paid. Beyond Sight Loss, the charity’s annual Peter Hill motorcycling event. 369a Crewe Road Most met at the Fire training college on Wistaston the Friday night for a few beers and a hot Nantwich meal, on the following day, breakfast was CW5 6NW had and we split into 2 groups of around 25 01270 567 374. each. Two groups of riders left the Fire Moroccan memories. Training College at Moreton-in-the-Marsh, Gloucestershire, and rode via a scenic route Reading Will Spray’s article on his trip to to Loomies Café in Hampshire, after the Morocco reminded me of a trip we did 26 short break and meeting up with riders that years ago in1989. joined us at Loomies. It was along more We were living in Bristol at the time and scenic routes down Shoreham where both had 3 weeks to do our trip. We loaded the groups joined so as to ride along Brighton bike and trailer and set off for Dover. We sea front together to Blind Veterans UK’s then camped down through France and Brighton Centre for a barbecue. Fifteen Spain and 5 days later were at Algeciras ex-Service men and women with sight loss where we caught our ferry over to Cueta welcomed them at the finish. and our first stop Fes, hotels in Morocco. Rachel Chitty, regional fundraiser for From there on south through Tinerhir Blind Veterans UK, says, “The barbecue and Ouarzazate and our destination was just a good old-fashioned opportunity Zagora. We spent a few days there and to sit down and talk. Everyone enjoyed then left to go over the Atlas Mountains speaking to the veterans at the centre and via the Col-du-Tichka Pass (where my the atmosphere was brilliant throughout wife experienced the world’s worst toilet the day.” facilities!!) Stayed at Marrrakesh and then Dianne Heydon, 54, and a biker from at the seaside in a hotel just south of Rabat. Nottinghamshire, says, “We spent the From there back up the coast to Cueta and evening at the Centre drinking, socialising all points north. and chatting with a number of the veterans The bike? A 2 year old standard and they had some wonderful tales to tell. Kawasaki GTR1000-brilliant! (Bike and Not to mention the odd saucy joke! trip). She adds, “To anyone with a motor bike Mike & Jody Grinter. out there, Ride for Life Beyond Sight Loss is an annual event open to all riders and the Ride for Life Beyond proceeds go to a great cause.” Sight Loss Next years event is planned in for August 12,13,14 which is the same weekend as the Celebrating 100 years Eastbourne Airborne so if you wish to of Service make a weekend of it join us at Moreton in Marsh where accommodation will be Nearly a hundred motorcyclists rode across available ride down to Brighton where there four counties to Brighton on Saturday is a possibility of camping at the Brighton
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 7 ****
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8 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 A Hebridean Odyssey In Search of Paradise – Brian Garforth
So we are agreed, we want to go to Scotland the end, to go with. I won’t bore you with F800GT, KTM1190 Adv. and a Harley - a chorus of wine-and-lager-fuelled the details, but we decided we just wanted CVO Road Glide Ultra. Before we could responses broke above the general chatter to be led by someone who knew where they begin our quest we were in need of an that comes free with every bottle of wine were going - no pressure, no stress and more education ... and so a visit to the Famous and can of lager. It was Steve’s fiftieth time to soak in the scenery. Grouse distillery is our first stop. birthday weekend bash, and as always I’ll give the haggis a miss and go for Our distillery tour was led by a ... “very happens when bikers get together, much the Cullen Skink soup. I don’t know what nice man” ... who had partaken of his silliness and banter and talk of bikes and it is but it sounds interesting. Well, the company’s products many times. ... His trips we wanted to make. Between us we had first mouthful tasted of the sea, not too knowledge seemed to have no end, and it travelled all over the place, Europe, USA, salty. The haddock, freshly smoked, made was beyond our comprehension to even Canada - but the north of England always me crave for a second and then a third. wonder - very much as an apprentice to a seemed just too far - or was it the thought This dish must surely be in the top three Buddhist monk - we could partake ... but of ‘Jurassic Park’ midges! My only previous Scotland ‘signature’ dishes - together with would we ever understand? He left us with trip to Scotland was way back when me porridge and haggis. his mantra, which he advised we should and a mate decided we would go to John “So, Louise, you chose Scotland to celebrate speak only when we knew the moment o’Groats. ... It rained every day, and, pre- your fiftieth birthday.” ... “Well, not exactly was right. ... “The head is for thinking and Gore-tex, we got soaked. Stood under the CHOSE.” ... Steve, Louise’s partner, looked the feet are for dancing.” ... Only one of our signpost ... “More rain!” ... I shout. A local a little pensive. ... “It was Scotland or the party found this ‘Grouse moment’. If you walking past turns and replies ... “You’re in Caribbean - and I chose ...” .... “Scotland!”... haven’t guessed by now, I won’t spoil the Scotland!” ... Now many years later, I had a Steve spluttered through his Belhaven Best. surprise. ... and we have Paradise to find...... “Yes” ... or sort of, for another trip north, ... “Well, what does the Caribbean offer that ‘Tail-end-Charlie’ today, with six bikes at least enough of one to spur me on to find you can’t get in Scotland?” ... “Sandy beaches in front of me forming a serpentine convoy a bike trip to Scotland. ... and palm trees.” shouted Louise. In that down a single-track road with passing Eighteen months after Steve’s birthday moment our quest had been born - we were places, and Rob is waving to the sheep party - don’t we lead busy lives - here we in search of a little part of Paradise - sandy as we pass them by. He likes waving. We are dining at the Clan MacDuff Hotel, two beaches and palm trees. We later retired to don’t understand all of his hand gestures, miles outside Fort William on the shore the bar and savoured our Highland Park but some of them are easier to fathom than of Loch Linnhe. Steve, Louise, Paul, Sally, malt, watching the sunset behind the hills others. John, our leader, has perfected his Rob, Patrick, Tim, Jill, Lillian and myself on the far side of the loch and ... was that a technique to encourage oncoming vehicles are contemplating our first haggis. Patrick porpoise frolicking in the water ... maybe? to allow us to pass, in most cases, without would become our expert and eventually Our quest would take us from Loch stopping. Just a little sunshine and moisture eat five during the trip. Our trip included Linnhe to the Isle of Skye, and then by ferry in the air. the Western Isles and western Scotland, a from Uig to Tarbert on South Harris, then South Harris, perhaps most famous one-week tour led by our guides, John and Lewis and back to the mainland - before for its Harris Tweed and the ‘Golden Brigitte, who between them, run Wildcat returning to Stirling. Our bikes include an Road, originally built in 1897 between Adventures, the company we decided, in R1200GSA, 2 x R1200GSs, RT1200LC, Ceanndibig to Greosabhagh, and
Loch Linnhe The Famous Grouse
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 9 eventually completed, as it is today, in 1947. Our stop at the Harris Tweed shop earlier in the morning had tempted Rob to part with his money, whilst the rest of us accepted our ‘tweed day’ had yet to come. It was wet. The rain had caught up with us and there was no denying that it falls in big drops on Harris. It was time for a break, and perhaps we should try one of Queen Victoria’s favourite spots. ‘The Hotel Rodel’, wrote the poet Louis Macneice, who stayed there in 1938, ... ‘is at the end of everything.’ We entered, ten drenched and dripping motorcyclists, into the hotel bar. Our host’s initial reaction, as we flooded his gleaming polished restored wooden floor. ...“Take your clothes off!” ... After a few moments he regained his composure - and Steve pulled his trousers back on, not one to stand on At the End of Everything ceremony - and we sat on newspaper- covered chairs, drinking our hot chocolate and eating our freshly baked scones. As quickly as the deluge appeared it had gone, to be replaced with ‘Caribbean’ sunshine. We returned to our bikes, steaming in the sun. “Perhaps Paradise is not too far away?” ... I thought. I like being at the back of a group of bikes. It can be very relaxing watching other people ride their bikes, and this afternoon the pace was a little quicker now the sun had joined us. Pale blue sky, whispers of cloud and an empty road - I’m in the moment, the one that non-motorcyclists just don’t understand. ... “Look to your left” ... cried Lillian across the intercom. What! Have I run something over, missed a turn, not seen a furry animal - my mind checking through the list of possibles that Lillian’s shouting usually meant. I first glanced and South Harris Beach then stared across a deep blue sea, waves crashing - you guessed it, on golden sands, Paradise! Yes, South Harris is also famous for its numerous unspoilt, white sandy beaches. Job done - we can go home. “Err not quite yet” ... says Sally, as we make final preparations for Louise’s birthday party that evening ... “but I think we have it covered. Plastic blow-up palm tree and” ... the other essential paradise item ... “blow-up parrots!” We are sat on a long table in the restaurant of the Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert. Rob is at the head, finding things to do and places to put blow-up parrots, Louise is sitting in the middle in front of her birthday cake, which can only be described as ... “a paradise of Victoria sponge” ... admiring the blow-up palm tree, which has been weighted down to the table. Paul and Steve are contemplating their next attempt at finding their ‘Grouse moment’. South Harris Beach Patrick interrupts ... “I think the best haggis was the one in Portree at the ‘canteen’.” He 10 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 spared us the detail, but it was fortunate that he wasn’t sharing a room with anyone else on the trip.... Well Louise, Paradise found! We have sandy beaches, sunshine and palm trees. ... “Not quite, but thanks everyone for making my birthday special. I just love the cake ... and Rob ... stop playing with my parrots!” ... Palm trees in Scotland is a tall order. ... “Steve, Paul, Tim - any ideas?” ... John answers ... “Let me think about it.” ... a bit of local knowledge perhaps? Ride to Stornoway, catch ferry, onto hotel - this was the morning briefing given by John and Brigitte ‘on the back of a fag packet.’ My turn to ride within the group. I must concentrate a little more as we head north to Lewis. Curious how we refer to them as two separate places, but the island Louise’s Birthday Party of Lewis with Harris is the third largest in the British Isles, after Great Britain and Ireland. Harris is more hilly, with Lewis being very flat in comparison. Time for tea and cake at the café next to the Callanish Standing Stones. If you remember Ultravox (and the song Vienna) they used an image of the stones on the cover of their album - Lament. Not as large as Stonehenge, but the stone circle is connected by avenues of standing stones to form the shape of a crucifix. Lots of folklore is connected with them, and perhaps my favourite is that an entity known as ‘the Shining One’ walks the length of the avenue early on midsummer morning, and is heralded by the call of the cuckoo. As we walked the avenue I felt a shiver. What was that in the near distance? No it can’t be - surely not. ... I walk a little slower, my eyes closed Callanish Standing Stones against the sun. They regain focus, and before me is Steve, doing a jig and pointing to his head and then to his feet. A little closer and I can hear his chant ... “The head is for thinking and the feet are for dancing.” ... He had found his ‘Grouse moment’ - his eyes filled with the same glint that we first saw in our guide on the Famous Grouse distillery tour. (No photo I’m afraid but you can see the video here: https://youtu. be/9I-88IW1EHA). We reach the ferry port, only to be directed onto the pavement, and then off the pavement onto the car park. Despite our protest the man that was directing insisted we put the bikes on the pavement, but then another man insisted that was for cycles, not motorbikes, and being the boss, he out- ranked the first man. You can imagine the hand signals that Rob was contemplating as we dutifully followed each instruction. The crossing was very calm, and after Loch Ewe about two hours we were back on the bikes, November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 11 Eilan Donan Castle A Palm Tree in Scotland and the final part of our quest restarted. Our final day’s riding - and what a midges perfect. More hills, and as we drive Time was running short ... palm trees ... in long day it could be. We all agreed on a down into a small coastal village, we are Scotland? compromise between scenery and distance. greeted with a view across a Loch, the name The contrast between Lewis and the The next bend reveals the splendour of I forget, and a few moments more and we mainland was very distinct. The mainland Eilan Donan Castle, have ... palm trees in Scotland! has wooded hillsides and sweeping roads We had made a stop here on the journey A cheer from the group proclaims the that would take us to our final hotel before north, but today we can only see it from completion of our quest. Paradise found - the long trip tomorrow back to Stirling. a distance. More tree-covered hillsides, and would you believe it - we found it in With the sun-setting across Loch Ewe it sunny weather, no hint of rain and not a Scotland! Our thanks to John and Brigitte wasn’t time yet to reflect on our trip, not midge in sight. In fact, thanks to John and of Wildcat Adventures for a wonderful before we had exhausted our palm tree Brigette, we had missed the midge season tour. search. ... and got the balance between weather and Free Your Spirit! Celebrate Your World!
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12 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 Jeff Lane. 1931 – 2015
Long time member of the Mercia section Jeff Lane, passed away of direction was not one of his strengths though, and as he had suddenly in August whilst on holiday. not embraced the technology of satellite navigation systems he Jeff was a keen motorcyclist and started touring just after the would meticulously prepare any run he was leading and would Second World War when he bought a Triumph Tiger 100 that trace the route a day or so before. Where possible he would avoid took him and his new wife, Mollie, across Europe. The arrival of narrow lanes and this was probably as a result of an incident in the first of his five children sadly heralded the sale of his beloved North Devon when on a Club run he managed to get his bike Tiger 100 in order to purchase family squashed between an oncoming car and a transport. rock face, causing scuffing to the panniers. Motorcycling was in Jeff’s blood though For some years the Mercia Section made and around 1993 he returned to it when he charitable donations to the Air Ambulance bought his first BMW a shiny red R80RT. Service and one year Jeff was on a run He subsequently joined the BMW Club with other Section Members to deliver a and along with Mollie he became a keen cheque to them at their Strensham centre. supporter of the Mercia Section. Ironically during this run he was involved A BMW R1100RT soon joined the in an incident on the way there and was R80RT in the Lane stable and became the himself evacuated by the Air Ambulance steed of choice for the continental trips from Coventry. where he explored France, Belgium, Italy, Latterly Jeff was not able to ride his Holland, the Black Forest and Norway, bikes as much as he would like but he still many of the trips led by his fellow Mercia continued to support the social side of the Section member, Arthur Brown. section. He resisted all suggestion that he During the twenty plus years that Jeff was a member of the should dispose of his bikes even though they did minimal mileage section he supported many of the events that were held and between MOTs. He managed to hold on to them to the end, a enjoyed the hotel weekends and ride outs that were a feature of testament to his determination to stay a motorcyclist. club life. Jeff will be missed by his many friends within the Mercia In 2005 along with fellow retired section members he started a Section and the wider BMW Club, but most of all by his family. weekly run for those living in the Warwickshire area. Jeff’s sense May Jeff travel in Peace.
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November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 13 The Mercia Section are pleased to announce: FREE BUFFET LUNCH Please pre-book your free buffet lunch by completing this box and returning THE BMW CLUB NATIONAL to: Colin Ainsworth, 22 Marlborough Road, Breaston, Derby, DE72 3DD. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Alternatively you may email your request to [email protected] but please ensure you complete all information as below. Saturday 16th April 2016 Member Name...... ….……...... Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Packington Hill, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DF Membership Number...... ….………………...... Phone: 01509 672 518 Associate Name...... ….……...... Email: [email protected] Advise of any special dietary requirements. Enrolment from 10.00am. Meeting starts 11.00am prompt. GALA DINNER SATURDAY EVENING BOOKING FORM Please bring your membership card with you. This year’s optional Gala Dinner will commence at 7.30pm. The Free drinks and refreshments on arrival - free tea and coffee price for the three course meal is £25 per person and those wishing throughout the day. Afternoon refreshments following the meeting. to dine should complete the form below and return it, with a cheque Accommodation Information made out to ‘The BMW Club’ to Mercia Treasurer, Ian McNaughton, 25 Sunningdale Drive, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel DE7 4JQ. There will be a table plan and we will endeavour to put Located just two miles from East Midlands Airport, the hotel is members who wish to be seated with friends on the same table. situated within a mile of Junction 24 of the M1 Motorway; this If you wish to be seated with specific people, then please ensure provides easy access to all parts of the country. Members travelling all your booking forms are stapled together and sent in one from Junction 24 should head towards Loughborough on the A6 and envelope, together with the appropriate number of cheques. turn right at the lights to join Packington Hill. The hotel is situated We need you to submit this form by the end of February at the very immediately before the brow of the hill, on the right. Upon entering latest please. the car park, please park at the rear of the hotel. We’ve negotiated a special price of £42.50 per person, per night for Name...... bed and breakfast, based on two people sharing a room. Members should make their own arrangements regarding sharing of rooms. Associate Name...... We have been allocated 50 rooms at this discounted rate and they will be available until the end of February. After this date all rooms Membership No...... Phone:...... will revert to the hotel’s standard prices, so please make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. For single occupancy, the price Email...... is £65 per night including breakfast. Please book direct with the hotel mentioning ‘the BMW Club event’ and stating which nights you Gala Dinner Menu would like to stay. No deposit will be required upon booking to secure your room, however credit or debit card details will be Please choose one starter, one main and one sweet for each person. Put a 2 in the box if you both require the same choice. required. The balance will be payable upon checkout. Other Accommodation STARTERS If you would prefer to make your own arrangements, please put Tomato and Mozzarella - Basil, Balsamic Glaze www.visitderby.co.uk into your web browser. On this site you will Chilled Melon - Coriander, Mint find various types of accommodation to suit your budget. Broccoli and Stilton Soup - Croutons Alternatively, please contact the Derby Tourist Information Centre on 01332 643411 and book early to secure your preferred MAIN COURSES accommodation. Baked Chicken Breast - Mushroom & Smoked Bacon Sauce Poached Salmon Supreme - Dill & Lemon Veloute Camping Goats Cheese & Leek Cannelloni - Finished with Spinach Sauce Camping is available at the nearby Beechwood Caravan and Camping Site and is just over 8 miles from the AGM venue. Services SWEETS for campers are plentiful and include a Toilet/Shower Block, Pot Apple Crumble - Crème Anglaise Washing Room, Laundry Room and several fresh water points. Vanilla Panna Cotta - Biscotti Barbecues are welcomed so long as they are kept off the grass. The Glazed Lemon Tart - Lime Curd rate will be £15 per night per unit. Please book direct with Colin or Sharon Beech mentioning ‘the BMW Club event’. The campsite Meal price @ £25 per person address is: Beechwood Park, Main Road, Thulston, Derby, DE72 £ 3EQ - tel: 07973 562689 (Colin) and 07980 581693 (Sharon). Advise of any special dietary requirements. Your contact for this event is Jane Scott All Club members are welcome to Phone: 07968 266187 attend this meeting. We look forward Email: [email protected] to welcoming you!
14 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 Down the Dolce Vita Is this the end of a dream? David Tymm asks the question
“But they cost £175!” I protest. am sitting on the quayside in Nice enjoying a Petit Bouillabaisse “But they’re nearly five years old” he counters. washed down with some weak but tasty Provencal Rose. “I’ve got some BMW gloves that are ten years old and the After breakfast in the sunshine the next morning, I go to claim index figure on these hasn’t worn through. Surely, Rukka will my bike back and there it is, still on the transporter and stuck offer at least a gesture?” behind four Mercedes. Much shrugging ensues as various blokes “Nope” is the final word from my man in the shop on Great in SNCF boiler suits amble off for a coffee and a fag leaving a Portland Street and so I flounce out. I’m just about to go to Italy harassed Madame. She pulls the usual stunt with a linguistically- in late May so not about to buy a pair of winter gloves… challenged Rosbif by declining to offer any explanation. I phone Digging my K1600GT out of four-inches of snow just off the old Brenner Pass a couple of weeks later with hands protected only by dainty BMW ‘Summer Rain’ gloves, I was starting to question the wisdom of this decision. And it had all started so well… I’ve never ‘done’ Italy, only spending the odd night or two on business or weekend breaks in Venice and Rome and occasionally straying into it on the bike. But as a long-time admirer of much that is Italian, I was keen to see more. It’s a long way there so in the words of the World’s most notorious dead disc-jockey, I decided to let the ‘train take the strain’ by riding to Paris, depositing the bike at Bercy station and then wandering over to the Gare de Lyon to get the TGV and pick up my bike in Nice the next day. Booked in advance, 1st Class tickets are about £50 each way and with the bike costing around £100, it’s a great way of cutting out two days slog and squaring off your tyres on the Peage. Avignon is less than three hours away as we tear through the Auvergne but Nice takes another three. Even so, at nine-thirty I November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 15 perfection in the lower reaches and affording staggering views of the Alps to the North with far reaching vistas looking south into Northern Italy. It’s great fun too with third and forth gear blasts between the various twist and turns a welcome contrast to the Autostrada. A quick motorway blast and a pit-stop for food and fuel where a garage attendant lovingly frotts the bugs off the headlights and windscreen from two Ferraris with a devotion bordering the sexual. He haughtily ignores the Aston. The Grand St. Bernard pass beckons but two problems emerge. A smash towards the Mont Blanc tunnel has closed the motorway and so everyone is funnelled off to go over St. Bernard. The top-section is not yet open and the single-lane toll-tunnel is the only way into Switzerland. It takes the cars two hours to pick their way through while I skip to head of the queues. The descent down the St. Bernard remains glorious in the late afternoon sun and I arrive at our overnight stop in good time and am rested, a friend who has the benefit of a schoolmarm demeanour showered and sipping combined with having lived in Paris for thirty-years and so is a beer by the time they well used to putting up with all this Gallic nonsense. It transpires show up. nobody knows which keys are for which car as they have all been Martigny to Davos slung in a bucket like some bizarre automotive wife-swapping does not look like entente. One by one, the blokes saunter back and by process of much of a route on the elimination work out which keys go with which car and I get on map but it’s easy to my way, two hours late. underestimate these I’m heading for Alba in Northern Italy across the San Remo seemingly straight mountains meeting two companions who have slummed it down routes and focus in an Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 360. We have a wine- fruitlessly on searching tasting at a vineyard in the Langhe Hills and then dinner at out something with the celebrated ‘Il Duomo’ restaurant. I’ve been before when the bends. As a general rule, young chef had just been awarded his first Michelin star. It was if it looks twisty on a very, very good and now he has three stars, expectations are sky- map, it will be really high. Il Duomo is fantastically unprepossessing being on the first hard work hauling a floor over a bar accessible through a small door down an alley. big touring bike up Sadly, such a quaint location means they are not in control of and down it and it every part of the experience and the evening is marred - no, make sometimes makes sense that ruined - by truly hideous pounding techno music being to trust the Satnav, even the hopelessly over-priced, profoundly- played outside the bar until midnight interfering with all sensory unstable, rebadged Garmin unit that BMW peddle. perception. An unbiased comment on the restaurant is all-but If you punch in ‘Davos’ when starting in Martigny, after a bit impossible but I don’t think it was any better than last time but of pristine Swiss motorway, you will be guided towards route it did cost three-times as much. Good but not great: it’s not one 19 that leads to the Furka Pass. This is wide, fast and flattering to hurry back to. motorcycling at its very best. At this time of year, the top-section Next morning, we set out towards Turin with two specific is still frozen but this is Switzerland so a man with a toothbrush routes in mind. A pricey Italian clothing dynasty (Ermenegildo moustache in a neat suit and cap sells you a ticket for a twee little Zegna) much favoured by our man in the Aston originates from train to take you and your vehicle through the mountain and out Trivero. They have used some of their considerable fortune to the other side. We are now in the canton of Graubünden, the area sponsor and maintain the SR232, now known modestly as where you can hear the bizarre alloy of German and Italian that the ‘Zegna Panoramic Route’. It is magnificent; manicured to is Romansche spoken.
16 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 It is also home to the most obscenely-named village in the they set off unsteadily down the Old Brenner Pass towards the world. Yes, ‘that’ word but with a ‘y’ on the end. Type it into motorway: all zero traction-control, massive road tyres and a Google if you don’t believe me but don’t do this at work and do combined 1000 horsepower between them… ignore most of the search results… More importantly, the superb Meanwhile, I ponder my fate. The weather forecast changes route 417 takes you to Davos and then to the magnificent Fluela hourly and it’s all going Pete Tong with the temperature set to Pass, regarded by many as the finest driving road in Europe. It’s drop from midday and then TWO more days of snow. Although up there with the very best no, question, and as a further bonus, Italy is only 2 Km. away, it’s starting to seem as remote as the the most direct route to Bolzano from the end of the Furka will other side of the world. At 11:30, I decide to make a break for not disappoint either. the border and get all kitted up. In the intervening time, the road A wrong turn causes us to lose Mr. Aston who wisely ends up becomes blocked. No matter, I’ll go the other way and pick up going the long but fast way to our overnight stop. The 360 and the motorway at Mattrei where it should be moving with all that I hack it over the Gioven Pass as the weather closes in. A nasty, traffic on it. But it isn’t. Snow is settling around the cars and trucks frustrating road at the best of times, today its slippery surface and and starting to freeze again. I’ve never seen the market appeal of savage turns go on and on offering little to the recreational driver. the ‘Slush-Puppy’ and less inclined than ever to try one after this. As we roll into Gries-am-Brenner in the late afternoon, we have An hour and a half of filtering later, I am now on the same latitude really had enough. with Gries again. Back where I started in other words. Another hour and the snow turns to sleet for which I am pathetically grateful. At 15:30, I’ve done about 70 miles and am shivering, miserable but slightly amazed I’ve escaped without binning it. Although not marketed as a selling point, a fully-laden K1600 is probably the ideal bike for these conditions as the Herculean weight combined with the low centre-of-gravity gives a minimal but crucial amount of purchase. I abandon any thoughts of visiting the magnificent Grossglockener (literally ‘Big Glacier’) and pick a way past Cortina on my way to Rewardingly, the Gasthaus Alte Post is as wonderful as ever. Cormons near The first time I went, we were ‘welcomed’ by Gerhard, the ‘Jolly Trieste. My Austrian’ who now he has got to know us a bit is charm and regular touring helpfulness personified. He can cook as well so after Knödel companion has (heavenly garlic and parmesan dumplings), grilled Bambi & a pathological Chips, Apfelstrudel, a superb Austrian Red (don’t laugh; the loathing of Austrians wisely keep 95% of wine production for domestic Italy and with consumption) and a local Schnapps, he tells us that there may great foresight be a little snow on the way but as it’s very late in the year, it will has wisely surely be melted by morning… decided to go Welcome to the Winter Wünderland that is Gries in late-May. to sunny Croatia instead and is now making his way back home. The cars are heading home today so Gerhard digs them out and We have agreed to meet in this obscure corner of Italy having read about a place lyrically described by AA Gill in The Sunday Times. It does not quite live up to expectations but it’s the grisly conditions that have soured the experience more than the place itself. Definitely needs another go but it’s a long way from anywhere else you might want to visit. A blat around the Venetian Gulf in warm sunshine gets me to Bologna by early afternoon and so with time to kill, I swing by the Ducati factory to see if I can join a tour and museum visit. There is no uniform for the security guard at this Holy of Holies but a Ducati-branded polo shirt, Diesel jeans, red Ducati sneakers and the obligatory sunglasses and cigarette. Improbably, this get-up manages to convey great authority and gravitas as he solemnly explains I am welcome to join the tour but there is no way I can park my BMW motorcycle inside the gates. “I used to have one before it got stolen” I blub but he’s having none of it, shaking his head without a trace of sorrow. There’s nowhere to park and it starts to rain again so I abandon the plan and head into Bologna. November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 17 It’s a strange perched on top of a hill with large open squares and avenues with place, quite few visitors at this time of year. Next morning, I wander into a shop forbidding with specialising in truffles and buy a few little pots and bottles of the many of the stuff in various guises. What is it about truffles? That elemental, streets covered elusive, elegiac whiff of diffused perfection that confounds the by extensions senses. Like a to the first floor piano playing in of the buildings a faraway room, creating faint yet distinct, canopies then gone. m a k i n g It’s only south for a dark, of Perugia on claustrophobic the way to the a t m o s p h e r e . seaside resort The B&B owner of Pescara do recommends the weather and the oldest pub in roads improve. I Bologna dating don’t think SS17 from the 15th and SS153 have century. It’s a a special name of complete dump, frankly, and full of students who have brought sorts but they are their own food and drink. The barmen don’t seem to care about fast, dry, largely this or anything else so I down a bottled lager and try out another traffic-free and of AA Gill’s finds and this one is a gem. snake through I had tried to make a reservation at the Drogheria Del Rosa a series of wide for 20:00 only to be told they don’t open until 20:30 so will see valleys from Terni me then. I turn up at 20:30 on the dot and the place is rammed, before becoming clearly having been open for an hour or more. They have no SS153 for a final, record of my reservation but of course I can have dinner, the swoopy ten miles owner seeming offended that I think he may turn me away. So until the Autostrada to Pescara on the Adriatic coast. they put me on a table in an alley and randomly bring me things Slightly out of season seaside resorts tend to feel a bit forlorn. to eat and drink. No menu is offered but read out so I order. I ask Pescara is no exception as it appears completely deserted. I eat at what wines they have by the glass and am told to choose from any Cafe Des Paillottes, the best place in town and straight out of bottle on the list. Goodfellas or The Sopranos. Everything about it is ‘heavy’: the art, the furniture, the abundance of mirrors. The locals are all dressed to the nines, immaculately coiffed, groomed and smelling divine. And that’s only the men…There is even a cabaret singer, a stick-thin, pouty girl looking like a witness in a Silvio Berlusconi trial who warbles her way through some Lana Del Ray covers accompanied by a Karaoke machine. I feel a little out of place as the owner at the door eyes my jeans and floral shirt with thinly disguised contempt while making a series of intemperate phone calls, all of which are dialled for him by a waiter as he seems incapable of using a mobile phone other than to shout into it. The food is excellent but the reverence with which the diners are treating the whole experience is borderline comical. I leave before I say something stupid and end up in the foundations of a local estensione autostrada.
A good Sangiovese is plonked down with the instruction to help myself. Grappa is bought without request and when I’m trying to pay a stupidly low, unitemised bill (€40) for a truly superb meal, the owner mildly b*ll*cks the waiter for giving me a Grappa he considers inferior to his preferred distillation so I have a second ‘Grappa Barrique’ with him. He has been overrun with Sunday Times readers for the last few years and proudly displays the review over the bar. The B&B owner suggests I take the ‘Futa’ to Perugia as this is Italy’s most famous road. It should have been memorable but rain, fog and cloud conspire to make it memorable for the wrong reasons. Perugia is delightful though, an elegant Umbrian town 18 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 Back on the wonderful SS17 the day after, I make fast Country, the presence of a bidet in their hotel bathroom (“Wove progress towards Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. The famous nuvver rully yoused uh bouyday uv we luv?”…“Now, now, we road through Amalfi and Positano is something to be behold. It uvnn’t”) as the first of three glasses is poured… has to be ridden but it’s torture. Even out of season, it’s busy like So did it live up to the memory of that first encounter? I’ve had you cannot believe with innumerable Fiat Viano, a stupendously it many times since and so the answer would have to be ‘not quite’ ugly people carrier styled on a furniture van and driven by hen- but all are magical and match the rustic simplicity of the food. Il pecked, ancient and incompetent Neapolitans, sucks the pleasure Poggione 2010 in particularly has a grace and power that is humbling from the experience. However, Sorrento is pretty and bustling and takes me back to that Scene from an Italian Restaurant all and dinner at Il Bucco is superb. There are not many Michelin- those years ago. starred restaurants where the public amble through the dining I walk back room - albeit an outside one - with their dogs and kids in tow but to my hotel this is Italy after all. contented on all The next day, I extricate myself from Sorrento and realise I’ve counts. done it the wrong way round as the best views are if you ride anti- Montalcino clockwise from Naples. Regardless: I’m heading north towards to Portofino Rome then Tuscany and a destination I have been looking looks good in forward to for nearly twenty years… print, sounds In the late-nineties, I was having Sunday lunch with some good to say and friends and their neighbours at the American Hotel in Sag is good. Gently Harbour, Long Island. Two of the group were long-time friends u n d u l a t i n g of Billy Joel. He lived nearby and called during lunch to invite roads across the everyone round for a drink at his home afterwards. Now I have rolling Tuscan heard that you should never meet your heroes but based on this Hills towards single encounter, I would disagree. I managed to avoid squeaking the coast, a “I’ve-got-all-of-your-albums-on-both-vinyl-and-CD” and it turns sprint up the out he’s a really nice down-to-earth bloke, a keen biker and a Autotrada and generous wine-buff to boot. Much like many of us in other words then off on Via but unlike most, he happens to have sold 200 million albums. Aurelia. That There is no denying there is an aura that surrounds him although it’s called SP1 he did his best to dim the obvious wattage. gives you a clue The afternoon progressed and he suggested we go down to his that it’s brilliant local Italian for an early supper. Before leaving, he disappeared in the same way that California’s Route 1 is. Shame the UK’s into his cellar and emerged with two magnums that were very-own A1 ruins this otherwise profound observation but there presented to the restaurant owner with a request that they be you go. SP1 really is one of THE great European biking roads. It served. Don’t try this at your local Pizza Express, by the way. I might lack the spectacle of Stelvio or the Grand St. Bernard but had one sip of what was poured and it was like no wine I have ever these are proper corners; lots of them and not a car in sight. tasted. I turned to my friend and said: “What on earth is that?” The view from the terrace of the Cenobi dei Dogi at Comogli My mate knows a thing or two about vino and replied: “It’s a near Portofino is almost CGI in it’s improbable perfection. Brunello di Montalcino. There’s never very much of it and when Sipping a Negroni as the sun goes down is one of those minor it’s good, it’s very, very good. And that’s about as good as it gets.” highlights that you know will linger long in the memory. so as I pass the road sign for Cite de Montalcino, I wonder if the Portofino itself is undeniably lovely and it would be churlish to town, the food and the wine can live up to the weight of my complain about the Billionaires’ yachts (strike that: small ocean expectations. liners) blocking the view. It does put one in mind of the late, great Osteria Porta Al Cassero is a simple trattoria that offers the Jim Bowen’s rejoinder on Bullseye (“Look what you could have opportunity to try - by the glass - various vintages from a selection won…”) in terms of assessing ones own modest achievements. of producers of the fabled stuff. Two couples from Birmingham This is not having your nose pushed up against the window but at the next table discuss at length in that bemused lilt of the Black being thrown through plate-glass and coming face-to-face with November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 19 ageing population from a dwindling tax base so even the not-so- picturesque places are busy - maniacally busy - and often drab. A bit like Britain actually; perfectly pleasant overall but not the Promised Land. And then there’s the driving. It’s a cheap jibe I know but it really is atrocious with the Autostrada being particularly gladiatorial. Everyone thinks they’re a lion and everyone else a Christian. Near Naples, a blacked-out Jeep flashed past me at over 150 Km/h followed by a Fiat Panda two metres off its rear, like a pair of feral dogs with the smaller runtier one trying to sniff the larger ones bottom. At the same time, one of those scooters that are ridden half lying-down snaked it’s way in and out of three lanes of traffic like a viper… a degree of extreme wealth that is otherwise unimaginable. Predictably, there’s carnage. In the same short stretch, four Weathered, teaked, miserable-looking men in the autumn of collisions bring the traffic to a grinding halt as we all file past. their years, hair sprouting from most visible orifices, grunt their Three of them seemed minor enough, just a lot of Italians milling thanks to deckhands as they shuffle down the gangplank in around shrugging in a manner that suggests that this is to be creased leisure-wear leaving behind them lithe, leggy tanned girls expected on a Monday morning but one of the shunts had taken who can “open doors with just a smile” to strut around the top out a whole crash barrier and the scene looked like a war-zone. deck in insouciantly non-matching bikini tops & bottoms. They In Britain, this would be a hi-viz jacket-wearers love-in, all tape- have so many, you see, it’s easy to get them mixed up… measures, road-closures and Radio Two’s Sally Traffic lowering Skirting Genoa the next day on the way back into France, her voice by at least half an octave. Here? Just two sad looking the excellent A8 swoops round the Ligurian Coast. I’m still blokes with brooms undecided about Italy as it’s always promised more than it presided over by a brace actually delivers. I’ve been lulled into thinking it’s a heaven on of Carabinieri admiring earth. After all, any country that can spawn Venice, the Ferrari each others uniforms. 458, the MV Agusta F4, Zegna shirts, Brunello di Montalcino As a motorcycling destination, it comes up slightly short on pretty much every count apart from the wide availability of AGIP’s 100- octane rocket-fuel that makes your bike go like stink. Specifically, it lacks the expansiveness of France, cannot hold a candle a Germany’s shiny perfect road network, does not have the Trumpton-like charm and efficiency of Switzerland and gets the fag-end of the mountains compared with Austria. At all price points, the food is not up to Spain but this is more a reflection of Spain’s excellence on and Reggiano Parmesan must be perfect, right? But it’s just not. this measure at the moment than being an outright criticism. To a degree, Italy is a victim of its own export success in that The roads are on a par with the UK which means occasionally many of it’s charms are too readily available without needing brilliant but mostly poor in terms of grandeur and maintenance. to actually visit the place. Take the food for instance. In most restaurants, it’s not deceptively simple, it’s just simple and combine a trip to Waitrose and Majestic Wine with the River Cafe Cookbook and you are 90% there. OK, the ingredients might not be quite as good as you can get fresh from an Orvieto market stall but it’s close enough for jazz. At the other end of the scale, like the haemorrhoids that nearly form while you’re waiting for the last of twenty-two amuse-bouche to be served at Il Duomo, these restaurants are so far up their own fundament, the experience is more of an irritation than a pleasure. Only the bottom-end occasionally brings up the side: some Ciabatta and Bresaola, a few bits of Ruccola and a good slosh of olive oil at a deserted road-side cafe near L’aquila had me almost in Meg Ryan mode. The iconic destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Portofino are weepingly beautiful. They must be seen but are, inevitably, year-round busy. The rest of it? Well, much of it looks a lot like any other middling European country trying to support an 20 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 The Regent Cinema in Cranleigh is long since gone but I remember being transfixed there by Fred Zinnemann’s 1973 film of ‘The Day of the Jackal’. I’ve seen the film countless times since and it’s become a minor obsession. It’s peerless: a masterpiece in linear story-telling with an economic script letting the Kodachrome-hued, 1970’s cinematography do most of the talking. There is a pivotal sequence midway through where Edward Fox’s white Alfa Giulietta comes to a halt where the ‘Midi’ and ‘Grande’ Corniches meet, high above Menton on the Cote d ’ A z u r near the Italian Border at Ventimiglia. A road sign points one way to Italy and the other to Paris. He swings the car towards Paris, never to return. L i k e many other not- terribly- useful categorisations of the English as a divided nation (those who like Lord or the Rings and those that don’t; those that like motorhomes, those that don’t etc. etc.), I’d always felt most people had a moderate to strong preference for ‘France’ or ‘Italy’ over the other and I was firmly of the Italian persuasion. As I head back onto the A8 towards Nice and the Autotrain back to Paris, I’m no longer so sure.
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 21 Past but Present Brian Price’s Tale of the Acquisition & Restoration of a 1958, 250 cc Single-Cylinder R26 Part 1 – The History of the Bike – and a Startling Revelation
The story started just over ten years ago when I decided I would number ...) – they eventually released the registration number to like to get hold of an Earles fork BMW to restore. After much me. searching I came across the very sorry-looking bike shown in I then applied for the new logbook and also managed to the pictures. There wasn’t much going for it ... except that it was do a HPI check. I also obtained information from the police cheap! It had many parts missing and no documentation. confirming that the bike had never been reported stolen. Would After fetching it home and having the usual ... “You paid you believe it, the DVLA still refused to issue a V5 for the bike! HOW much?” ... from the boss, I set about doing some research This time they informed me that, as far as they understood, I was regarding where the bike had come from. I fired an email off to not in possession of a complete bike. ... the BMW archive chaps in Germany and they informed me that I challenged them again on this and, after much grumbling on the bike had been sold to AFN in the UK. The frame and engine their part, they sent two inspectors out to my house. These two numbers did not match, but both numbers referred to bikes gents obviously did not know one end of a bike from the other, delivered to AFN within a week of each other, so I suspected that excepting for the fact that bikes had two wheels. One week later I the engine was swapped by AFN for some reason. got the V5 with the transferable original registration. The next thing was to find out if the bike was on the DVLA Now while all this was going on, out of the blue I had a phone computer, which I thought would make it easier to get a V5 call from a lovely lady in her late eighties. The call was in response document. On the plus side, a copy of a letter came with the bike. to the letter I had sent to the address of the gentleman who I It looked like the letter was from one of the previous owners, thought was the previous owner. I probably spent a couple of asking the DVLA for a replacement V5. The letter included the hours on the phone chatting with her. The gist of the story was name and address of the letter writer, so I decided to write to him that I had sent the letter to her husband, who had died a number on the off-chance that he had more information about the bike. of years ago. I felt terrible that I may have caused her some upset, In particular I was trying to find out the registration number. but she assured me that, although it was a shock to get the letter, The registration was required, as the DVLA were starting to be she did appreciate the sentiment and wanted to tell me the story awkward about supplying me with a replacement V5. of the bike. The status with the DVLA was that they were absolutely She told me that her husband and her son had both owned refusing to tell me the registration number of the bike, let alone BMWs. Although she did not know the models, she did issue me with a replacement V5. What they told me I should do remember that one had a sidecar. She talked a lot about the very was to completely restore the bike, get an MOT, and then apply enjoyable holidays they had as a family, in the New Forest, on the for a non-transferable age-related registration. When I asked if bikes. The part of the story that really hit me for six was when she they could search their database, based on the frame number, told me the story of her son. ... especially as I was now the owner of the bike, they refused - Apparently he lived in a flat on his own. One night the people hiding behind the Data Protection Act. When I challenged in the flat above him were having what sounded like a very loud this and asked what a registration number had to do with the party. Her son went upstairs to ask them to turn the music down. Data Protection Act, they said that I might be a criminal - and He knocked on the door and got no answer, but as he turned to flatly refused to release the information to me. At this time the walk away from the door, it burst open, and the male resident Freedom of Information Act had recently been released as a new of the flat ran out into the hall-way. He was carrying a Samurai piece of legislation, so I made a formal request under that Act for sword, and he struck her son on the back of the neck with the them to tell me the registration. ... They again refused. ... To cut sword and killed him. ... Now if this wasn’t enough, her husband a long story short – the story involving my MP, the Transport did not cope very well with losing his only son and his health Minister and a top civil servant in the DVLA (who I annoyed deteriorated rapidly. Within eighteen months he too died - greatly because I managed to get hold of his direct telephone basically of a broken heart. The words that have always stayed
22 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 The Notification of Vehicle Arrivals Scheme Robert Freeman (DVLA and FBHVC liasion officer). Importing BMWs seems to be a popular ‘hobby’, so here is to most This does mean that there might on occasions be confusion and up to date information for assistance to club members. Given some delay in the operation of the system and we would ask those a number of inputs from members, the time may have come to dealing with it to understand this and be patient. remind those of you who are affected, of the requirements of the The process, which has in our experience generally worked (NOVA) system. To remind you, NOVA came into force on 15 well, is that where the formal documentation is lost, HMRC will April 2013. It is a joint HMRC/DVLA system which in all usual accept a NOVA1 notification form from the current owner of the cases works automatically and without a problem. vehicle completed as far as possible. It is important to use the If you are importing a vehicle from within the EU, whether you paper version as the electronic form will not accept incomplete are a business or an individual and whether or not the vehicle is answers or, in some cases, answers which are correct for the new, you must notify HMRC of the importation within 14 days. purpose. The NOVA1 should be accompanied by a letter of This would apply even if the vehicle was a restoration project. explanation and any available information regarding the history DVLA will automatically be aware of this process, whether or of the vehicle. This procedure should be followed even if the not the vehicle is immediately presented for registration. There owner has a VAT 415 form for the vehicle. The aim of HMRC is were transitional arrangements for vehicles imported just before simply to ensure that HMRC are aware of the vehicle. introduction of NOVA but these should no longer be needed, HMRC will input the information into NOVA. At the outset except for the following: there was a 14 day service standard date on inputting NOVA1s The Federation identified from the inputs of members that and we have not been notified that this has changed. If further there was an unforeseen problem and advised HMRC. There information is required the HMRC Officer will contact the were (and no doubt still are) a number of vehicles imported as owner and advise them of what is required. Once HMRC is restoration projects prior to the inauguration of NOVA. If satisfied the applicant will receive a confirmation letter. It is then restoration took a number of years, it would be a while before the responsibility of the applicant to provide the HMRC letter to they were ready to be registered with the DVLA. Particularly DVLA to be able to register the vehicle. where the unrestored vehicle changed hands after import, details When the scheme started the address to send the form was of the importation might be lost. the Personal Transport Unit at Dover, which the DVLA website The Federation negotiated a transitional procedure, which may suggests is still valid. We have been advised by some members yet have several years to run before all projects become complete that handling of these arrangements has moved to Salford but and registration is applied for to DVLA. This procedure is for that ought not to affect its operation. We are checking this out. these very exceptional cases only. We all need to be aware that this Used by permission of the Federation of British Historic is an important concession we have received to benefit affected Vehicle Clubs. members. Thus it is not built into the normal automated system. with me were that she was ... “glad that I was going to fix the bike that she just wanted to get rid of the bikes, and she let the two up.” ... callers have them for nothing. Both bikes had sat in her garden for many years - I later obtained Now you can imagine that I needed a lie down after all this - information from the DVLA confirming that the bike had last but I now felt there was an unspoken promise to get the bike back been taxed in 1979. Eventually a couple of gentlemen called at on the road. her house and told her that they were motorcycle enthusiasts, and Part 2 of this story will be the Restoration Plan. ... asked her if they could have the bikes. At that stage she told me
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 23 The Sorebutts Rally 17th to 20th September 2015 Paul and Jenny Rodriguez organised it
I’ve been camping at Mill Park in filled our car to bursting, Ray and Marg precariously narrow lane. Berrynarbor, North Devon for nearly 60 loaded their car to the hilt as well, Anita Mercia, Midland, East Anglia, Southern, years on and off. It’s always held a special had another car load and Denis and Jean South West and Yorkshire Sections were all place in my heart although there have been brought what was left over. The original well represented, as was our own Western many changes since the first time I camped plan was for Jenny and I to go down to the Section. there at the age of 4. In those days it was a site on Thursday to start setting up before Mars, Kees, Rob and Johan, four of dairy farm with a small field in the centre everyone else arrived on Friday. The fact our friends from BMW Club Oirschot being used for a few tents in the summer that we were going down early soon got & Omstreken in Holland arrived to months. I remember being woken up by around and I was bombarded with calls tremendous cheers, have some cake guys. cows tripping over the guy lines of our ex- The gazebos were put to the test on army bell tent on more than one occasion. Thursday evening when the weather Mornings were often spent helping with the decided to make our evening get together milking and fishing in the stream. When a very damp affair. However, Ian and Val’s our own children came along it was at Mill impromptu cabaret of falling backwards Park that my wife Jenny and I introduced off their chairs provided a few laughs. them to camping. On Friday the weather took a dramatic Nowadays Mill Park is a large campsite, turn for the better and by the evening most but the location is still very special. A of the 58 attendees had arrived with an stream meanders through the site feeding assortment of tents, caravans and campers. the beautiful lake which has a resident Even the glampods and cocoons on site kingfisher who skilfully fishes the lake were full of BMW Club members. every day. SBW Motorrad of Welwyn Garden City In addition to being able to cater for tents kindly showcased a couple of sidecar outfits and caravans the site offers cocoons and for us to look at, some awesome looking glampods for those who want the camping Paul Rodriguez with a well-earned beer machinery to say the least. Neville Jones experience without the bother of erecting a of The GS Register invited along some tent. There is also a 4 bedroom apartment from members asking if they could go down of his members as did Keith Thomas of on site for even more luxury. Mill Park is a day early as well. The Western Section The Sidecar Register. We were very lucky close enough to wander to the local village rallies all seem to be starting on Thursdays to see Keith as he had a slight mishap at of Berrynarbor, or if you can stretch your these days as most of us are retired. In the 70mph on the motorway on the way there legs a little further, Combe Martin is not end, Jenny and I went down on Wednesday when the wheel of his sidecar decided to far away. Add to all this the fact that there to start the setting up so that we were ready part company with the outfit. After an is an onsite bar and a pub where you can get for the first arrivals on Thursday. impromptu slide along the motorway on a good meal within 200 yards of the site, Anita was the first to arrive with one his backside Keith got the outfit repatriated all set amongst some the best biking roads gazebo, followed closely by Ray and Marg and came back down in the car wearing and around and you can see why we chose this with the others. The gazebos went up impressive bandage on his wrist, now that’s venue for The Sorebutts Rally. in super quick time with the help of all commitment! Friday evening a fish and Jenny and I had never organised a rally the early arrivals and the kettle was soon chip run to The Black and White chip shop before, so it was with some trepidation that whistling. Now I’m not sure if you’ve heard in Combe Martin proved very popular. We we made the decision to ‘have a go’. Having or not, but The Western Section is getting all sat around in a huge circle munching our already chosen the venue, the next decision a bit of a reputation as ‘The Cake Section’. way through 38 portions of excellent fish was what to call the rally. We settled on The whistling kettle was soon joined by and chips followed by more cake. Bingo was ‘The Sorebutts Rally’ after the characters I the first of about a dozen home made cakes the next order of the day and I was amazed pen for The Journal each month. supplied by members for the weekend, how many people actually wanted to play When you start taking bookings for a thanks for all your delicious contributions. bingo. We had to explain the rules to a few rally you never really know how many you As the morning progressed and more people who had never played it before (can will be catering for when the time comes. members arrived it soon became apparent you believe that??). We naively estimated about 20 to 30 people, that a temporary road closure near Combe The onsite bar came into play later as the but as the bookings came in, it was clear Martin for the whole weekend was causing rugby was on the box and a lot of members that we had seriously underestimated the attendees a few navigational problems. As retired to the warmth to watch the game numbers. Hasty plans were made for extra people arrived, each had their own horror and sample a few beers. The rest of us pulled gazebos, tables, lighting etc. The biggest story of diversions and sat-navs guiding our chairs into the now familiar circle and problem was how to get all the equipment them down narrow lanes before arriving chatted while we made inroads into the down to the site. As it turned out, the at the site. Denis had the worst experience huge pile of cakes. paraphernalia required to host the rally as he ended up towing his caravan down a Saturday dawned dry and sunny for 24 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 Woody Bay Dave & Anita ready for the off
Dave and Anita Holland’s rideout taking the ancient and rugged moor. We were and behold, guess who won first prize of in seaside and moorland, this is how they truly blessed with clear weather and blue £40 cash?? We did shake the tickets up, described the day:- skies providing awesome and beautiful honestly. “16 bikes and 22 people set out heading vistas. We then headed to one of the highest I had set a trivia quiz to run all weekend through Ilfracombe to Morethoe, where points on Exmoor where we stopped for a and gave out the results after the raffle. the coast road to Woolacombe provided group photo and to take in the scene laid Unfortunately, I think I made it a tad too spectacular views across the bay with the before us. It was clear enough to see all the difficult as we only had four entries. The beach and sea full of late season surfers. way to Dartmoor. Moving on, we dropped eventual winner was Keith Thomas. Neville Heading back up to Mullacott we made down to Simonsbath and turned towards and Keith then gave out some awards to our way across the downs passing through Brayford and the quarry. The winding and their members before we settled into the Stowford before turning left at Blackmoor empty road took us back to Blackmoor gate familiar circle to drink wine and eat cake. gate. From here we wound our way to the and on to Combe Martin before heading Sunday morning was going home time; Woody Bay narrow gauge railway station into Berrynarbor and back to the camp site. again the sun came out for us to dismantle where we stopped for coffee and took the 85 miles in all, empty roads and a clear blue all the tents and gazebos. A few people opportunity for a photo call. Suitably sky all day, wonderful! Many thanks go to stayed on for another night or two, but we refreshed we continued on down into Ian and Val Green from the East Anglia had to say a sad farewell to most. Lynmouth via Barbrook. The climb up section for taking up back marker duties Weekends like this can only happen Countisbury hill provided the riders with and for not losing anyone, cheers both.” with the help and support of all that spectacular views along the rugged high By the time the rideout returned the attend. Jenny and I were very fortunate and cliffs and across the estuary to Wales. The three barbecues were all in position and privileged to have so many lovely people A39 again had us heading towards Porlock, myself, Denis and Ray had donned our join us. We have already been asked if we and taking a right onto the high moor. There aprons ready for the off. The circle of will be doing it again next year. The answer we were treated to a wonderful experience, people was definitely getting bigger as the has got to be a resounding YES! If you a small herd of highland cattle with calves weekend went on, although the pile of attended and enjoyed it, join us again next of no more than two or three days of age. cakes was showing no sign of diminishing. year and invite your friends. If you didn’t We just had to stop and chuckle at the sight The Worzels played on the music machine manage to come along, make a diary note of these beautiful beasts. We pressed on while we cooked up burgers and sausages for next year; let’s make next year’s rally over the moor dropping down into Exford for everyone followed of course by…. even bigger. Yes, we will be starting the where we took the road to Winsford, there MORE CAKE! rally on Thursday, and yes, we will have we stopped for lunch at the Bridgehouse Sandy did a fantastic job all weekend, an abundance of cake next year as well, Café. Fed and watered we made our way parting people with their money for the after all, it’s what The Western Section are through the ford and on into Withypool. grand raffle. Martin Aves insisted that he renowned for. Turning right we climbed again up onto must buy the very last ticket sold, and lo
Preparing onions for the barbeque And the three chefs cooking them
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 25 OCT 2015
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26 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 The Social Scene
The next big event for the National thank the National Treasurer, Jim Lepley, Committee is the National Committee for taking on the role of all the bookings Meeting at the end of October and and reconciling all of the finances to come despite the fact we sometimes get mired up with a definitive sum. This system in seemingly tiresome, but undoubtedly works so well I would commend it to any thinking how far bikes and clothing have necessary, discussions about rules and one considering a National event. Thanks come since I first slung my leg over a two procedures, they are nonetheless the way Jim on behalf of the Southern Section - and wheeled machine in 1970 (!). the democratic processes work within the the Club. This now gives us something to I really enjoy my riding which is Club. ponder and may, I hope, prompt another enhanced no end by light, comfortable In my short time in post I have seen Section to step forward and put on an event helmets, warm and dry clothing and a the committee members apply checks and in 2016. superb motorcycle. Yes I love my 1991 balances to some quite radical (and in some No doubt further proposals concerning GSPD but behind the excellent fairing of cases quite daft) proposals but also generate National events will be put forward and the R1200RT with the heated grips on low or support innovative or progressive these will be discussed and debated in makes even my 6am ride in the pouring ideas. Often the analogy of the large ship the usual way. To me this is a vital part rain on chilly Autumn mornings a delight. changing direction applies - to begin with of a Club (not a business) as not everyone No wonder we ride for longer each year there is much noise and activity, then will agree with the proposals, or even the and perhaps this is partly why the calendar nothing seems to happen for a while but decisions, but at least proper Committee of events is so busy for so long. The Club then you look at the bow you can see it start debate through elected Club members gives has much to offer throughout the year so to swing as the beast begins to turn on to us all the best chance of progress within a I hope you are able to find something that its new course. democratic framework. suits you. This has brought us some steady and Perhaps now you can see why I actually Enjoy your riding and all our Club has well debated changes - the A4 Journal look forward to these meetings! to offer. and a rolling membership year being two Another pleasure for me which perhaps Jim Bettley examples. some others can understand, is actually National Social Secretary There are other issues on the horizon cleaning my bike (not polishing tons of and no doubt these too will be the subject chrome as per a HOG of much debate and discussion and one of member!) which is them will directly affect the position of just as well as this National Social Secretary and concerns the week’s commuting has National Rally. The Committee have been seen me ride through considering the viability of the National some truly awful rain event after some poor showings, but this storms. I was asked at year has brought us a rally which after every work what it was like penny spent and received has been counted to arrive first thing in has turned in a modest profit. In other the morning soaking words we have run a National event on wet. I replied that I behalf of the Club which actually cost ‘the wasn’t wet, but my Club’ finances nothing. I would here like to kit was, which got me
November 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 584 676 Hilton, Derby, DE65 5HS, 07968 266 187 Court, Moss Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25 or 0845 003 688 046 eastanglia.secretary@ [email protected] 4XA. 01772 431 324 northern.sec@bmwclub. bmwclubuk.net Membership Secretary: As Above org.uk Membership Secretary: As Above Social Secretary: Colin Ainsworth 07799 653 Membership Secretary: As Above Social Secretary: Cliff Batley. 07966 015 607 789 [email protected] Social Secretary: Robert Harrison 01257 793 [email protected] See diary for dates and times: Repton Village 209 [email protected] 1st Sunday:12.00, The Cricketers, Spring Hall, Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 2nd Wednesday, 12.30: Settle Market Place Lane, Fordham Heath, Colchester, CO3 9TG. Every Wednesday, 09.30: Hoar Park, The BD24 9ED. Barry Warner 01617 611 702. 1st Wednesday: 12.00, The Three Tunns, Craft Village, Nuneaton Road, Church End, 2nd Sunday November to March, 13.00: Rixton Community Hall, Manchester Rd, Rixton, Weathersfield Rd, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 CV10 0QU for breakfast. Warrington. 4NR. 1st Sunday, 10.30: Brunch/Breakfast at Barton 2nd Sunday May to October, 13.00: St. 2nd Sunday: 12.00 noon, The Chequers, 7 Marina Tea Rooms, Barton under Needwood, Michael’s on Wyre Village Hall, Blackpool Road, Church Road, Wimbotsham. Norfolk, PE34 Burton on Trent Staffs DE13 8DZ St. Michael’s on Wyre, PR3 0UA. 3QG 1st Tuesday, 19.30: New Inn. Wolvey Road, 3rd Tuesday, 19.30: The Highwayman, Peel, 3rd Sunday: 12.00, The Cross Ways Inn, Bulkington CV12 9JF. Bridge Road, Scole, Diss IP21 4DP Isle of Man. Harvey Garton 01624 625140. 2nd Wednesday, 19.00: The Clock Last Monday, 7.30pm: The Harraby Inn, 3rd Wednesday: 12.00, The Lamb and Flag, Warehouse, London Road, Shardlow, DE72 London Rd, Carlisle. Main Street, Welney, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, 2GL. PE14 9RB. 2nd Wednesday, 19.30: The Dog, Henley XFORD SECTION 2nd and 4th Sundays: Various Café and Pub Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 OSecretary: Rosemary Hicks, 15 Orchard meetings see diary of events for details. 7DR. Rise, Chesterton, Bicester, OX26 1US 01869 240 529 [email protected] RISH SECTION 3rd Wednesday, 12.00: Pensioners & Membership Secretary: As Above Secretary: Pat Munnelly Ballinasleva, Layabouts meet at Springslade Lodge I Social Secretary: John Broad 01869 324 008. Foxford, Co Mayo, 00 353 86 338 3499 Tearooms, Camp Road, Broadhurst Green, [email protected] [email protected] Cannock Chase. WS12 4PT. 1st Tuesday, 19.00: The Dashwood Arms, Old 3rd Sunday, 10.00: Salt Box Cafe, A511 Derby Membership Secretary: Paul Laffan 86 Oxford Road, Piddington HP14 3BH Road, Foston (near Hatton) Derby, DE65 5PT. Thornhill Meadows, Cellbridge, Co Kildare 2nd Tuesday, 19.30: Wagon & Horses, Ireland [email protected] IDLAND SECTION Southmoor, OX13 5BG Social Secretary: Chris Wright 00 353 83 Secretary: Kevan Stevenson 8 Meden 3rd Tuesday 18.30: The Sun Inn at Coate 0032400. [email protected] M Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 8JJ 01623 Swindon SN3 6AA. Every Tuesday, May to August, 18.30: Cork 479 152 [email protected] 4th Wednesday 20.00: The Fox and Hounds at meet at the Great Gas Station opposite the Membership Secretary: As Above Sunnyside, Theale, Nr Reading, RG7 4BE. Island Gate Restaurant. Tadgh Barry 00 353 87 Social Secretary: Jim Beach 01908 373 327 or 2nd Sundays 14.00 (Winter): Uffington Village 906 6722 [email protected] or Dave Power at 07415 683 120 [email protected] Hall, Oxfordshire, SN7 7RA. 087 783 3663 1st Tuesday 19.30: The Three Kings, 1st Tuesday 20.00: Limerick meeting COTTISH SECTION Saltersway, Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick. Secretary: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, 01529 240249. S Pat Mulcahy 00 353 87 237 7312 Glasgow Road, Sanquahar, DG4 6BZ 01659 1st Sunday October to March 12.00: 50091 [email protected] 2nd Sunday March to November 10.00: As Above Dublin ride-out, meet at The Lucan Spa Hotel. Wollaston Cafe Racer, BMW Wollaston, Membership Secretary: Judy Lepley 01592 874 592 Jim Sweeney 00 353 87 230 0736 jim@ Bedford Road, Northhampton.NN1 5SZ Social Secretary: [email protected] lucanstudios.ie or Sean O’Briain 00353 87 268 2nd Sunday 12.00-15.00 : Barnsdale 2nd Sunday, 12.00: Powmill Milk Bar, 0120 [email protected] Gardens Tea Rooms, The Avenue, Rumbling Bridge, KY13 OQG. 2nd Sunday and 4th Sunday March to Exton,Oakham,Rutland, LE15 8AH 2nd Monday, 19.30: Douglas Park Motorrad, November 11.00: Galway ride-out, meet at 2nd Thursday 19.30: The Old Reindeer, Main 13 Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 3XH. Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, Headford Road, St., Edingley Notts, NG22 8DE. Ron Gow 07973 408148 or ron.gow@ Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 099 5028 3rd Wednesday 19.30: The Griffins Head, 28 btinternet.com. [email protected] Wilby Road, Mears Ashby, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. 2nd Wednesday, 19.30: Meldrum Arms Hotel, 2nd Sunday: North West meeting. Pat Ceres, Fife KY15 5NA Munnelly 00353 86 338 3499 tapmun@hotmail. ORTH EAST SECTION 3rd Sunday, 12.30: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, com NSecretary: Simon Johnston, c/o 5 High Street, Moffat DG10 9ET. Last Thursday 20.00: Dublin meeting, West School Row, North Broomhill, Morpeth, NE65 4th Sunday, 12.30: Hopeville Social Club, County Hotel. Jim Sweeney 00353 87 230 0736 9TY 07702 709063 northeast.secretary@ Harlaw Road, Inverurie, AB51 4SR. [email protected] or Sean O’Briain 00353 87 bmwclubuk.net OUTHERN SECTION 268 0120 [email protected] Membership Secretary: As Above SChairman & Secretary: Gerri ONDON SECTION Social Secretary: Bradley Gane northeast. Chandler 01895 446896 social.assistant@ LSecretary: John Lynch, 166 Chaulden [email protected] thebmwclubsouthern.com or chairman@ Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2BT 01442 1st Wednesday, 19.30: The Dun Cow, thebmwclubsouthern.com 267694/ 07860 663092 london.secretary@ Primrose Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6DY, Membership Secretary: Bob Denman, bmwclubuk.net 0191 385 2631. 1 Mount Pleasant Close, Lightwater, Membership Secretary: As Above 3rd Wednesday, 19.30: The Beresford Arms GU18 5TP 01276 475853 membership@ Social Secretary:Peter Jones 07762 205 660 Main Street, Walton, Morpeth, NE61 3UZ 01670 thebmwclubsouthern.com or 01923 270 838 [email protected] 775273. Social Secretary: Erica Body 07528 873 056 Section meets are as rideouts and are All run start points are printed in the Diary. [email protected] irregular. Please see the website and The Please contact the ride leader if there is any First Wednesday, 12.00: “Old Gits” Loomies Journal Diary for meets. doubt. Diner on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads 28 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 A272 & A32, Hampshire. Social Secretary: Don Rabson 01840 212 913 775786 [email protected] Alt Tuesdays, 2000: The Seven Stars, Newark [email protected] 2nd Sunday, 13.30: The Hood Memorial Hall, Lane, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6DL. Don’t know day, 12.00: The Weary Traveller, Devauden, Chepstow. NP16 6PL. On the Alt Thursdays: The Half Moon, 32 London Station Rd., Cullompton, EX15 1BQ. 100 yards B4293 next to the Village Green. Road, Petersfield, GU31 4BE, just North of from M5 J28 on the A318. 1st Tuesday, 20.00: New Inn, Ombersley Petersfield on the old A3. 2nd Tuesday 11.00: brunch at The Engine Road, Claines, Worcester. Bob Dunn 01384 3rd Wednesday, 12.00: “Old Gits” Loomies House Bistro and Cafe, Compton Park, Nr. 390344 Diner on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads Callington PL17 8EA 1st Wednesday, 19.30: The Lamb Inn, Wotton A272 & A32, Hampshire. New meeting places are being looked for. Road, Iron Acton, Bristol, BS37 9UZ. 3rd Thursday 20.00: Drusilla’s Inn, Wigbeth, 2nd Tuesday, 11.00: Dick Lovetts, Laurel Horton, BH21 7JH. 01258 840297. LSTER SECTION Court, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. BS10 7TU. Secretary: Charlie McConnell, 6 Cameron 1st Monday, 20.00: The Cricketers Arms, 232 U 3rd Tuesday, 19.30: The Pheasant, Heol Park, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 1QJ. 02825 Chestnut Avenue, North Stoneham, Chandlers Eglwys, Pen Y Fai, Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY 647 730 [email protected] Ford, SO53 3HN. 023 8062 9878. commencing Tues. 21st May. Shane Noble, 149 Membership Secretary: Last Monday, 12.00: The Honey Cafe, OUTH EAST SECTION Sevenmile Straight, Muckamore, Co. Antrim, Bronllys, Brecon, Powys LD3 0LH Cliff Cakebread, Meadow BT41 4QT 07734 315 163 ulster.membership@ SSecretary: 1st Saturday 11.00: Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Springs, Sevenoaks Road, Otford, Kent TN14 bmwclubuk.net Road, Cardiff. CF11 8AB 5PA. [email protected] Social Secretary: Stuart Greig 02897 528 526, Membership Secretary: John Hawker, 25 [email protected] ORKSHIRE SECTION Pickering Street, Maidstone, ME15 9RS, 01622 1st Tuesday except January, July & YSecretary: John Elvidge 2 Birstwith 744665 southeast.membership@bmwclubuk. December, 20.00: Corr’s Corner Hotel, Grange, Birstwith, Harrogate,HG3 3AH 01423 net Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. 770866 [email protected] Social Secretary: Debbie Morris 0208 301 Sunday 11.00: runs from Corr’s Corner Membership Secretary: As Above 1600 [email protected] throughout the year Social Secretary: Piers Kurrein. 07866 622 1st/3rd Wednesdays, 20.00: The Bull, Lower Wednesday between September and May, 196 [email protected] Road, East Farleigh, nr Maidstone, ME15 0HD 11.00: runs from Corr’s Corner 1st Sunday 12.00: TJ’s Café, Cracoe,BD23 2nd Friday, 19.30: The White Hart, Lower Tuesday between May and August, 11.00: 6LB. (Village centre on B6265) Horsebridge, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 runs from Corr’s Corner 2nd Saturday 11.00: The Ignition Cafe, Anlaby, 4DJ. Wednesday evenings from beginning of Kingston-upon-Hull, HU4 7RR Last Friday, 20.00: Borders meet. May to end of August, 19.00: run from Corr’s 2nd Sunday 12.00: Cubley Hall Hotel,Mortimer Last Sunday, 12.00: Lunchtime meet. See Corner Road, Penistone, S36 9DF. Diary for details. All runs are weather dependant. 3rd Sunday 12.00: Howsteen Gorge Café,Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5SF. OUTH WEST SECTION ESTERN SECTION Last Saturday 12.00: Seaways Café,Fimber SSecretary: Debbie Sampson ‘Trevilla’,18, WSecretary: Sue Ross 7 Pintail Grove Road, Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX. Ropehaven Road St. Austell PL25 4DU. 07762 Kidderminster, DY10 4RT. 01562 820 458 2nd Saturday 11.00: The Ignition Café, 256 347 768 [email protected] [email protected] Hull Road, Anlaby, Hull, HU4 7RR Membership Secretary: Phil Sampson 07850 Membership Secretary: As Above 983 144 or email as above Social Secretary: Denis Bradbeer 01454
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 29 Around The Compass Please send Around The Compass changes to [email protected] with “Compass” as the subject
27 – 29 November. Western Section Hotel Weekend: At the night.Deposit of £20 per person at the time of booking. Full payment Cavendish Hotel, Exmouth, Devon. 2 nights bed, breakfast and evening required 28 days before event. The hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea meal, including entertainment both nights, standard twin or double and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and wireless internet.To book rooms at £150 for the weekend, singles £85. Sea view add £6p.p. telephone Vicki Waugh on 01461 338257 or email Vikki at groups@ Optional coach trip to Sidmouth and Exeter, guided walk and grand gretnahallhotel.com quoting the BMW Club. The hotel is situated just raffle. £10 per person deposit by 1st September and final payment by off the M74/M6 set in 10 acres of land. A perfect base for rideouts 1st October. For further information and booking form contact Denis to see the many attractions in the area. See the Scottish Section Bradbeer Tel. 01454 775786, e-mail western.social@bmwclubuk. website for details or contact Judy on tel.01592 874592/ email:social@ net Full information and downloadable booking form on the Western thebmwclubscottish.com. Section website. Single and twin rooms still available. 29 April - 2 May 2016. Ulster Section May Day Weekend: Again at the 4 - 6 December. Scottish Section Turkey & Tinsel Weekend: Waverley Castle Hotel, Melrose, to allow us more time to explore this Waverley Castle Hotel, Melrose. TD6 9AA. 2 nights Dinner, Bed & lovely region. Three nights dinner and B&B £125 per person sharing. Breakfast £89.00 per person based on 2 sharing. Price includes 1 Single room supplement £5 per night. Details on website or contact traditional turkey dinner, 1 afternoon tea and a complimentary glass Jack Hunter on 02890506677 or Charlie Carruthers on 07711435211. of wine each. Single room supplement £10 per night. Limited number 20 - 23 May 2016. Yorkshire Section French Chateau Weekend: of rooms available. Please book now by telephoning Daniel, Rita or At Chateau Le Mont Epinguet, a few miles from Cherbourg. Three James (General Manager) at the Waverley Hotel on 01896 822244. nights B&B £145 per person, including wine at dinner. Book your own After booking please let me have your booking reference so that I can ferries. A deposit of £25 per person is required. Please contact Piers arrange for us to be seated together for meals. Judy, Tel. No. 01592 by e-mail or phone for further details and to make your reservation. tel: 874592 or email: [email protected] 07866622196 or e-mail: [email protected] At Beddgelert, 19 - 21 February 2016. Northern Section Rhino Rally: 20 - 28 May 2016. Northern Section Poppy Camping Tour: 3 nights North Wales. Rhys Jones 07765 702276 [email protected] in Ypres Belgium, 3 nights in Verdun, Lorraine and 3 nights in Albert, 8 - 10 April 2016. Northern Section Camping Weekend: Ratlinghope Somme. Commemorating 100 years since WW1. This is a bikes YHA Long Mynd Shropshire. Campsite is only for tents, not suitable and tents only tour. Bob Harrison 01257 793209. northern.social@ for vans or cars. £8 pppn. Dormitory accommodation available in the bmwclubuk.net hostel, £32 pp for Friday and Saturday nights, £19 for Saturday night 9 - 17 September 2016. Mercia Section French Chalet Weekend: By only. Bedding supplied. Book accommodation direct with the hostel, special arrangement with Benodet Breaks based in Benodet, Southern phone Angela on 01588 650656 (please mention BMW Club). Full Brittany, in self catering, well appointed, holiday chalet accomodation. 2 use of hostel facilities for all participants. Meals available. Limited bedroom chalets starting at £320 and 3 bedroom chalets starting from B&B available at the nearby Bridges Pub. Details at http://www. £400 for 8 nights, including the first two persons for the eight days. thebridgespub.co.uk/accommodation-at-the-bridges. Bob Harrison Ferry bookings extra with a 20% discount offered through Benodet 01257 793209 or [email protected]. Breaks. Book direct through Benodet Breaks on 01543 473 089. 29 April - 2 May 2016. Scottish Section Hotel weekend: Gretna Hall Proprietor Steve Jackson will make the necessary arrangements and Hotel & Blacksmiths. Cost: £126 per person for 3 night’s bed breakfast offer further information. Contact Colin Ainsworth for more info 07799 and dinner based on 2 sharing. Single supplement £15 per person per 653 789 - [email protected] Diary Of Events: November & December November = December = 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. November. Entry Forms and details at gs-register. November org.uk or contact Nev at [email protected] mob 1 E. Anglia Cricketers, Spring Lane, Fordham Heath, CO3 9TG. 07860 532 876. 12:00 noon 2 Southern 8pm The Cricketers Arms, 232 Chestnut Ave, North Mercia Breakfast / Brunch, 10am Barton Marina Tearooms, Stoneham, Chandlers Ford, SO53 3HN Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs, 3 Irish Limerick Meeting, 8:00pm, Woodfield Hotel, Ennis DE13 8DZ. Road, Limerick (Opposite GAA Ground). Pat Mulcahy Midland Wollaston Café Racer, BMW Wollaston, Bedford 0872377312 Road, Northampton, NN1 5SZ. Meeting starts at Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm New Inn, Wolvey Road, 12:00 till 3:00 Bulkington, CV12 9JF. Western 12.00 The Old Royal Ship, Luckington, Wiltshire. Midland Pub Meet : The Three Kings, Saltersway, SN14 6PA Meet for Lunch and a chat Numbers Threekingham, Lincs.NG34 0AU Start 7:30 Required. Contact Denis 01454 775786 western. Oxford Pub Social – Dashwood Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH [email protected] Ulster Club Meeting 8pm Corr’s Corner Yorkshire TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB. 12.00 noon. Western 20.00 New Inn, Claines, Worcs. WR3 7DH 1st 1 - 30 GS Register The Remote Places Challenge (the club’s own Tuesday of the month Bob Dunn 01384 390344 competition). Entries are open until the end of 4 E. Anglia Three Tuns, Wethersfield Rd, Finchingfield, CM7
30 November 2015 4NR. 12:00 noon Road, Foston (near Hatton), Derby, DE65 5PT. N. East Natter Night – The Dun Cow, Primrose Hill, Houghton S. West Wetherspoons Union Rooms, Plymouth PL1 2SU Le Spring, DH4 6DY 12.15 pm. Northern Midweek Run from Kirkby Lonsdale 10:00 am Mike Scottish Lunch meet @12:30 Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Gibson 01229 582787 emmandemm@btopenworld. Street, Moffat,Dumfrieshsire, DG10 9ET com Yorkshire How Stean Gorge Café, HG3 5SF. 12 noon. S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm. 17 Northern The Highwayman, Peel, IOM 7:30 pm Harvey Garton Southern 12 noon ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, 01624 625140 West Meon Hut, GU32 1JX Oxford Pub Social – Sun Inn, Coate Water, Swindon, SN3 Western 19.30 Lamb Inn, Iron Acton BS37 9UZ 1st Wednesday 6AA of the month Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 Western 7.30pm. The Pheasant, Heol Eglwys, Pen Y Fai, 5 Southern 8pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY GU31 4BE 18 E. Anglia Lamb and Flag, Welney, PE14 9RB. 12:00 noon 7 N. East End of Season Buffet – Ravensworth Arms, starts at Mercia Pensioners & Layabouts, 12 noon Springslade Lodge 7pm Tearooms, Camp Road, Broadhurst Green, Cannock Western 11.00 Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, Cardiff CF11 Chase, WS12 4PT. 8AB First Saturday of each Month for coffee and Midland Pub Meet: Griffens Head, 28 Wilby Road, Mears biscuits. Ashby, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. Start 7:30 8 Irish Galway ride out 11.00am Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, N. East Natter Night – Beresford Arms, Main Street, Walton, Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 Morpeth, NE61 3UZ 0995028 [email protected] S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. Irish Nth West Sunday Run - Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 “Rose’s Beetles”. 8pm. or [email protected] Southern 12 noon ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, London Ride-out for lunch at The Bluebird Café, Worthing. West Meon Hut, GU32 1JX Leaving the A3 Services at 1000 hrs. 19 Southern 8pm Drusilla’s Inn, Cranborne Road, Wimborne Midland Barnsdale Gardens Tea rooms, The Avenue, Exton, Minster BH21 5AD Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH 12:00 till 3:00 Southern 8pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, Northern Monthly Meeting with complimentary soup, Rixton GU31 4BE Village Hall, WA3 6JZ 1 pm Bob Harrison 01257 22 Irish Galway ride out 11.00am Sweeney (Pillo) Forecourt, 793209 [email protected] Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan Gill 087 Oxford OXFORD SECTION AGM – Uffington village hall, 0995028 [email protected] SN7 7RA. Sausages in buns, bacon rolls, tea, coffee N. East Ride in Lunch – Gibraltor Rock, Tynemouth, 1pm and biscuits at 13:00; AGM at 14:00. Scottish Lunch meet @ 12:30 Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw S. East “Daylight Saving Ride” with Chris Knight. Depart Road, Inverurie AB51 4SR Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham (A20/M26). 9.30am 24 Southern 8pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, Scottish Lunch meet @ 12.00 Powmill Milk Bar, Rumbling GU23 6DL Bridge, KY13 OQG 25 Oxford Pub Social – Fox & Hounds, Theale, RG7 4BE Western 13.30 Hood Memorial Hall. Devauden. NP16 6NX 2nd 26 Irish Dublin Meeting. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. Sunday of the month On the B4293 next to the Village 8:00 PM Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 email: jim@ Green SECTION AGM come along and support your lucanstudios.ie Club Buffet included. 27 S. East THE MONUMENT, Whitstable, CT5 1PH. 7.30pm. Yorkshire Cubley Hall Hotel, Penistone, S36 9DF. 12.00 noon. S. East THE KINGS ARMS, Biggin Hill, BR2 6DU. 7.30pm 9 Scottish Natter nite. 7.30pm in the Club Room at Douglas 27 - 29 Western Hotel weekend at The Cavendish Hotel, Esplanade, Park Motorrad, 13 Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 Exmouth, Devon EX8 1BE. Full details in Around the 3XH. For more information contact: Ron Gow Tel.no. Compass and Western Section Web Site. Contact 07973 408148 or email [email protected] Denis Bradbeer [email protected] 10 Oxford Pub Social - Wagon & Horses, Southmoor, OX13 01454 775786 5BG from 19:00 hrs 28 Yorkshire The Biker’s Café, Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX. 12 noon. S. West Brunch Meet 11.00 am Engine House Bistro and Cafe, 29 S. East Lunch – Brookside Garden Centre, E. Peckham TN12 Callington, PL17 8EA 5JG. Run 1pm Southern 8pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, S. West Pub Meet 12.00 Noon. Jamiaca Inn, Bolventor PL15 GU23 6DL 7TS. Western 11.00 Dick Lovett Motoradd Cribbs Causeway Bristol Yorkshire The Red Hart, Bawtry Road, Blythe, S81 8HG. 12noon BS10 7TU Monthly meeting for coffee and cakes. 30 Northern Natter Night, The Harraby Inn, Carlisle 7:30 pm John 11 Mercia Natter Night, 7pm Clock Warehouse, London Road, Bell 01228 535173 Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL. Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm The Dog, Henley Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. December Northern Gathering at Settle Market Place 12:30 Barry Warner 1 Irish Limerick Meeting, 8:00pm, Woodfield Hotel, Ennis 01617 611702 Road, Limerick (Opposite GAA Ground). Pat Mulcahy S. East Midweek Run from COOPERS, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 0872377312 3UE. 10.30am. Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm New Inn, Wolvey Road, 12 Midland Pub Meet :The Old Reindeer, Main Street, Edingley, Bulkington, CV12 9JF. Notts, NG22 8DE. Start 19:30 Midland Pub Meet : The Three Kings, Saltersway, Oxford North Oxford Garage Go-Kart Challenge; TBC, 01865 Threekingham, Lincs.NG34 0AU Start 7:30 319000 for confirmation and details Oxford Pub Social; Christmas meal special – Dashwood 13 S. East THE WHITE HART, Lower Horsebridge (A271), BN27 Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH. Contact Rosemary 4DJ. 7.30pm. Hicks to book and for details on 01869 240529 or 15 E. Anglia Chequers, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Norfolk [email protected] PE34 3QG. 12:00 noon Ulster Christmas Dinner – Charity Presentation – Photo E. Anglia The Crossways Inn, Scole. 12:00 noon Competition Awards. Venue to be confirmed Mercia Breakfast Meet, Salt Box Café, 10am. A511 Derby Western 20.00 New Inn, Claines, Worcs. WR3 7DH 1st
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 31 Tuesday of the month Bob Dunn 01384 390344 hall; minced pies, cake, etc from 14:00. 2 E. Anglia Three Tuns, Wethersfield Rd, Finchingfield, CM7 S. East “John’s Jaunt”. Depart lay-by Oakdene Cafe, 4NR. 12:00 noon Wrotham (A20/M26). 10.30am N. East Natter Night – The Dun Cow, Primrose Hill, Houghton S. West Christmas Lunch at The Cockhaven Manor, Le Spring, DH4 6DY Cockhaven rd, Bishopsteignton, Devon TQ14 9RF S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm. 12.00 for meal at 1.00pm. Please ring Bryan on 01726 Southern 12 noon ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, 833 554 to book and for more details or see section West Meon Hut, GU32 1JX website. Western 19.30 Lamb Inn, Iron Acton BS37 9UZ Lambers Scottish Lunch meet @ 12.00 Powmill Milk Bar, Rumbling Christmas Dinner. Booking essential. Contact Bridge, KY13 OQG Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 or western.social@ Western 13.30 Hood Memorial Hall. Devauden. NP16 6NX bmwclubuk.net 2nd Sunday of the month On the B4293 next to the 3 Southern 8pm The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, Village Green Christmas Party. Raffle contributions GU31 4BE appreciated. All proceeds go to Charity 5 Western 11.00 Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, Cardiff CF11 Yorkshire Cubley Hall Hotel, Penistone, S36 9DF. 12.00 noon. 8AB First Saturday of each Month for coffee and biscuits. 14 Scottish Natter nite. 7.30pm in the Club Room at Douglas 6 E. Anglia Cricketers, Spring Lane, Fordham Heath, CO3 9TG. Park Motorrad, 13 Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 12:00 noon 3XH. For more information contact: Ron Gow Tel.no. Irish North West Christmas lunch – details Pat Munnelly 07973 408148 or email [email protected] – [email protected] 15 Northern The Highwayman, Peel, IOM 7:30 pm Harvey Garton London Pierre’s mystery run. Leaving Hemel Hempstead at 01624 625140 1000 hours. Oxford Pub Social; Christmas meal special – Sun Inn, Coate Mercia Breakfast / Brunch, 10am Barton Marina Tearooms, Water, Swindon, SN3 6AA. Contact Ian Dobie on Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs, 01793 729016 or [email protected] to DE13 8DZ. book and for details. Midland Barnsdale Gardens, Tea Rooms,The Avenue, Exton, Western 7.30pm. The Pheasant, Heol Eglwys, Pen Y Fai, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH. 12:00 till 3:00 Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY S. East Christmas Lunch at Poult Wood Golf Centre, 16 E. Anglia Lamb and Flag, Welney, PE14 9RB. 12:00 noon Tonbridge, TN11 9QR at Noon. (Book with Social Mercia Pensioners & Layabouts, 12 noon Springslade Lodge Secretary by 18th November). Tearooms, Camp Road, Broadhurst Green, Cannock S. West Pub Meet 12.00 Noon. The Weary Traveller, Chase, WS12 4PT. Cullompton, Devon EX15 1BQ. Midland Pub Meet: Griffens Head, 28 Wilby Road, Mears Yorkshire TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB. 12.00 noon. Ashby, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. Start 7:30 7 Southern 8pm The Cricketers Arms, 232 Chestnut Ave, North Stoneham, Chandlers Ford, SO53 3HN N. East Natter Night – Beresford Arms, Main Street, Walton, Morpeth, NE61 3UZ 8 Oxford Pub Social; Christmas meal - Waggon & Horses, Southmoor, OX13 5BG from 19:00 hrs. Contact Geoff S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. Clough for details and to book your place on 01865 “Festive Fun”. 8pm. 820874 or [email protected] Southern 12 noon ‘Old Gits’ Loomies Diner, Loomies Cafe, S. West Brunch Meet 11.00 am Engine House, Bistro and West Meon Hut, GU32 1JX Cafe, Callington, PL17 8EA 17 Southern 8pm Drusilla’s Inn, Cranborne Road, Wimborne Southern 8pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, Minster BH21 5AD GU23 6DL 20 E. Anglia The Crossways Inn, Scole. 12:00 noon Western 11.00 Dick Lovett Motoradd Cribbs Causeway Bristol E. Anglia Chequers, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Norfolk BS10 7TU Monthly meeting for coffee and cakes PE34 3QG. 12:00 noon 9 Mercia Natter Night, 7pm Clock Warehouse, London Road, Irish Christmas Lunch - Old Conna Golf Club Bray at Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL. 2:00pm Anne McDonald mcdonaldglenlucan@ Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm The Dog, Henley Road, eircom.net Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. Mercia Breakfast Meet, Salt Box Café, 10am. A511 Derby Northern Gathering at Settle Market Place 12:30 Barry Warner Road, Foston (near Hatton), Derby, DE65 5PT. 01617 611702 Scottish Lunch meet @12:30 Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High S. East Midweek Run from COOPERS, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UE. 10.30am. Street, Moffat,Dumfrieshsire, DG10 9ET 10 Midland Pub Meet :The Old Reindeer, Main Street, Edingley, Yorkshire How Stean Gorge Café, HG3 5SF. 12 noon. Notts, NG22 8DE. Start 19:30 22 Southern 8pm The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, 11 S. East THE WHITE HART, Lower Horsebridge, (A271), BN27 GU23 6DL 4DJ. 7.30pm. 25 E. Anglia Happy Christmas “Stay at Home Rally”, Eat and drink 12 N. East Section Xmas Dinner – To be confirmed, please see as much as you buy! Forum and Journal for details 26 Western 12.00 Bikers Gathering at the Whitminster Inn, Bristol 13 Irish N.W Area Meeting - Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 Rd, Whitminster, Gloucester GL2 7NY or [email protected] Yorkshire The Biker’s Café, Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX. 12 noon. Mercia Christmas Lunch, 12 noon onwards Appleby Inn Hotel, 27 S. East Lunch – Highgrove Garden Centre, Staplehurst, TN12 11 Atherstone Road, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote, 9BT. Run 1pm. DE12 7AP. Food orders at the bar please. Scottish Lunch meet @ 12:30 Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Midland Wollaston Café Racer, BMW Wollaston, Bedford Road, Inverurie AB51 4SR Road, Northampton, NN1 5SZ. Meeting starts at 12:00 till 3:00 Yorkshire The Red Hart, Bawtry Road, Blythe, S81 8HG. 12noon Northern Monthly Meeting with Jacob’s Join, Rixton Village 28 Northern Natter Night, The Harraby Inn, Carlisle 7:30 pm John Hall, WA3 6JZ 1 pm Bob Harrison 01257 793209 Bell 01228 535173 [email protected] 31 Southern 8pmThe Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, Oxford CHRISTMAS INDOOR MEETING, Uffington village GU31 4BE 32 November 2015 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.
another peninsula to the Sheeps Head with During our visit to Bovington, Peter Ball East Anglia Section more amazing coastline. After a long day on the suggested a monthly, midweek, Ride – out for By the time you receive this copy of The Journal highways and byways, back to our houses for a lunch “somewhere”, the idea being that a venue the East Anglia section will have had its AGM quick turnaround it was off to the Sheeps Head would be announced and members would ride and I will have stood down as Social Secretary bar for dinner, some good food, refreshments there, either individually or in groups for lunch so I will take this opportunity to wish the new and friendly banter a good evening was had. and a chat. Sounds like a good idea and I Social Secretary and the rest of the committee Two members celebrated birthdays so cake and suggest we give it a try with the first outing good luck and I hope they enjoy their posts as candles were taken out, Ian and Tony, you know being on Wednesday 11th October with a visit much as I have over the last two years. who you are and we’ll leave out the number this to The Cross Keys, Great Missenden, Bucks Fakenham rally, while many of us camped in time!!! A presentation was had, Sean Mullens , for lunch at, say 1300 hrs. ( as before I will the grounds of the race course others stayed in the furthest travelled male with his K100it outfit not turn out unless I get a call from at least bed and breakfasts in the town, that was only all the way from the U.K and Sharon Woods the one person, the evening before, who is “up for a few minutes walk from the site and the race furthest travelled female from Northern Ireland. it” ) Your suggestions for future venues, which course social club. Twenty two of us enjoyed 42 members in total attended which was very may suite you better, would be appreciated for the social club food and drinks on the Saturday good considering John Mount had a group in inclusion into Section News each month. If you evening. Jamie who lives close by and knows Spain and TJ McHale had another group in the have any suggestions, please let me know by the area very well organised the ride out and led USA, hope to have a report from them on their the 5th of each month – this being the deadline seven bikes on a tour around the north Norfolk return. A great weekend was had and I would for submitting news articles for the following coast eventually stopping off at Norwich where like to thank Chris and Simon for their endless months Journal. some members went to Linds while others went work they do for the club, you couldn’t imagine Please note that The Section AGM will be held off sight seeing and done their own thing. A small the work that goes into organising these events. at 1500 hrs on Sunday 22nd November at The group of the others went off and enjoyed a ride Also thanks to Elaine for taking all the bookings Green Dragon Public House, Flaunden (as last out of their own, whilst Dave and myself walked and organising all the houses for everyone. year) Cucumber sandwiches, tea and biscuits into Fakenham and explored the town. Sadly, she was not able to be with us at the will be provided. Please let me know, by the 8th Copdock, East Anglia section had a stand at event and we would like to send her our deepest November, if you will be attending so that I can the Copdock classic bike show, again this year sympathy on the sudden passing of her Step- book accordingly. organised by Mark Dutton.,The show is always Mum in the UK. RIP. In the meantime, go carefully very popular and gets thousands of people Ronan tells me all is moving nicely in the Galway region. The Cork ride outs have finished Peter Jones through the gates. Dik Langan our membership 07762 205 660 secretary signed up a total of eight new members for the winter. Sean O’Brien says ride outs from the Spa Hotel in Dublin will continue weather 01923 270 838 and two associates we must be getting things [email protected] about right as a section to keep bringing in new permitting. By the time this goes to print, we will members when all you hear is that the club in have the next event on our calendar , which will general is loosing members. be our weekend in Leenane and I will be reporting Mercia Section Mike Davies has done one of his excellent on that next month. The North-West Christmas reports on the show with many pictures and can lunch will be held on the 6th of December, venue The first hotel weekend jointly organised be seen on the EA web site, Thanks Mike. to be confirmed later, all welcome, that’s all for between the Mercia and Yorkshire Sections was The Christmas lunch menu will be on the EA now. a great success. Held at the Saltburn House web site by now so make your choice and send Hotel, on Marine Parade at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Pat Munnelly your deposit over to Dik as soon as you can. The thirty one members and guests enjoyed each [email protected] Cock and Bell at Long Melford is always popular other’s company, excellent home-made food and and gets full up so don’t be left out. well-priced drinks. They gathered in a residents’ May all your journeys be safe ones. London Section lounge on Friday evening, old acquaintances were renewed and strangers soon became Peter Dutton Only one member showed any interest in the friends, as so often happens at one of our Club 07950 631 735 September Section Ride – out, to Duxford , gatherings. and that was that thoroughly nice bloke Damian The area is rich in attractions so, the following Irish Section Pinder George ( one of RB` s Track Day Team day, while some rode with Yorkshire’s Piers of Instructors) but I understand that by the time Kurrein on a 90-mile run over some of the lesser- Hi all. I’m just back from the biggest event on he decided to join in it was too late for tickets used roads on the North Yorkshire Moors, others our calendar ‘’The Thatch’’ which I can only say , the cut-off date being the 13th September. As visited the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Eden was one of the best events I have attended. The a consequence of this, I went on my own and Camp near Malton, the coastal village of Staithes weather was perfect 16 degrees and blue skies am jolly glad I did ; I doubt that one will get and the historic quayside at Hartlepool with the with the cream of Ireland’s scenery in the South, another chance to see 19 Spitfires, 3 Hurricanes 1817 warship HMS Trincomalee. That evening West Cork and Kerry coast lines. and a few Messerschitts all in the air together we had a choice of a return to the lounge or The Thatch Rally was held in Durrus West replicating dogs fights and not just for a few stay in the bar to listen to a local sixties band Cork, where Chris Wright led the group on minutes – Superb !! The Persuaders, who had everyone in the room the best scenic roads in Europe, every corner ( I took approximately 260 photographs to singing (including me!) and quite a few dancing you turned the views of mountains , lakes prove it Ian Marks please note ! ) (not me, I hasten to add!) and the rugged coastline was spectacular. The weather was kind to us for our October Sunday provided a real highlight. The Chris led us through Glengariff and out on the Ride-out to The Tank Museum in Dorset but the Middlesbrough and District MC’s annual historic Beara peninsula, over the Healy Pass into limited time that we had there was insufficient for motor gathering and pre-1975 hill climb is held Castletownbere for lunch in The Lobster Pot bar us to do justice to the excellently laid out exhibits at the sea-front. The Cat Nab car-park is taken and restaurant where the food was top-class, a and historical information on display – however, over as the paddock and spectators and entrants must to visit if you are ever in the area. the entrance fee ( £13 ) provides one with an mix freely and then watch as some very nice Everyone full and rearing to go, on we went “annual Pass” which entitles the holder re-entry cars and bikes went up the course. The event to Garnish on the tip of the peninsula to see the to The Museum, free of charge, for a period is non-competitive so there was room for such cable car that runs onto Dursey Island, a sight to of one year. This includes “Tank Action Days”. treats as a 1926 DeLarge car and a 1960 300cc behold, the local islanders even used the cable Good value I would say. Isetta bubble car as well as much more sporty car to take their animals to the mainland markets. You Committee will be meeting shortly, after examples on two and four wheels. Best of all, it’s Some of our members took the challenge and on you receive this Journal, to discuss next years entirely free. Long may it thrive! they went, an experience of a life time. The holy Diary of Events ; Please let me know if you have Thanks to all the attendees for making it so water and the prayer inside the car, everyone any requests, suggestions or ideas for Ride- much fun and for impressing the hotel owner, knew they were safe!!! outs, weekends, etc. as soon as you can after who said we’d be welcome back any time. From there back by the coast to Bantry on reading this. Good weather for our monthly meeting at the November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 33 Salt Box Café witnessed plenty of members there again. Great to see Bill and Sue Flaherty, first time joining us for Sue, welcome both. After the meeting some members headed off to Carsington Waters to enjoy a good ride out visiting and enjoying the annual event Derbyshire Day. All things produced in Derbyshire from Stilton Cheeses and wine to Bakewell Puddings and the Ashbourne Ginger bread. Barton Marina was absolutely heaving in October. Most sitting outside after breakfast. The sun was unseasonably warm and members sat around chatting until late lunch time. Now on to things coming up. You may have noticed there’s been a change of day and date for our Natter Night at The Dog? We have changed the night for the second Wednesday of every month. This month we will be having hot food at Repton, supplied as always by Lorraine, menu yet to be arranged, contact me if you need to know what’s cooking? Christmas Lunch will be at the Appleby Inn. This is a venue used by us many times in the past. If you intend joining us, please let me know so that seating is reserved with the main group. No need to pay, just order your own choice from Checking Bikes at Barnsdale the extensive menu. And finally for this month, you will already have an elected committee. Some posts may be held by new members but we all work together with an aim of making the Section as active as possible. We are all volunteers and time is often limited so if I can persuade any member to organise a run, hotel, camping weekend or a visit, please let me know. We need to make 2016 a more active season with maybe a little less eating? I’m struggling to get in my clothes! Colin Ainsworth 07799 653 789 [email protected] Twitter – AinsworthColin @BMWClubMercia Midland Section Its really where to start this month. The first thing is the passing away of long time member Bob Kirchin. Our thoughts and condolences go to Rose and their family. Bob will be missed at the camping weekends and the winter meets. The first outing for the section was the camping weekend at Hardhurst Farm in Hope Valley, once again this proved to be a popular At Wollastons location with 30+ people turning up. The weather
again was kind to us. Thanks go to Andy and Jane for leading the 10 bikes on a ride out on saturday, Andy managed to take them down some lovely country lanes, this was followed by the evening BBQ, cooked by myself and Ian Green, things started slow then we got into the swing of things and the food kept going into the marquee, the rest of the evening was then spent in the marquee and a quiz. Sunday people started packing away in fine dry weather. Next up was the ride-in to Barnsdale Gardens again the weather was good and we had about 24 people turn up. Graham Parker was there with the BMW diagnostic tool, he gave us a demonstration on how and what the machine could do, all very clever and revealing, this tool is available for hire through the tool hire secretary Mike Delacoe. We had tea and cake then there was a long slow ride home through the countryside in the late warm weather. The next big meeting for me was the Sunday meeting at Wollaston Cafe Racer. This was the first time we have used the Cafe for a venue, after talking with Richard Higgs, he laid on soup, roll and cake (which was delicious) for £2.50 for Hardhurst camping club members then donate the takings to the Air Ambulance. The weather once again was very 34 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 kind to us with very warm sunshine, we had Mike Gibson’s last mid-week run of the year greater turn out and we will be looking to have 30+ members turn up to make this first visit very takes place on Wednesday the 4th of November, on-site catering and the bar in the marquee. successful. My thanks go to the Cafe Racer staff 10:00 from Devil’s Bridge. Mike’s popular runs The challenge I put to you here and now is this: and Richard for making this a very successful will be on again in 2016. What can you bring to this rally? We all have first meet. Alan Davies will be organising another August something. More details to follow as we go Looking ahead now we should be settling Scottish Hotel Weekend. The 2015 Dornoch along. down into the winter meets, those going to the event was very popular so let’s hope 2016 will Our End-of Season-buffet is rapidly bike show don’t forget to order your tickets be just as good. approaching. It is taking place at the through the club to get your discount. I shall Considering the number of retired folk in the Ravensworth Arms Hotel at Lamesley starting again be volunteering to help on the club stand. Club we will be trying a mid-week two night from 7:00pm. There will be five dishes on offer Those of you that were looking forward to Bill camping event next year. Rest and recover on and a gluten free option too. As usual, we will Rodgers post christmas meal are going to be the weekend. have our quiz and raffle in aid of the GNAA and disappointed in 2016 as Bill has decided to give Those of you who look forward to and regularly the cost is £9.00 per person which includes it a rest, the good news in that it will return in attend the Scottish Section’s March Mick Reed tea and coffee. Booking slips are available to 2017 at a new venue. Many thanks to Bill. weekend should know that the 2016 event will download from the North East section page on We now have some ideas for next years diary, be in Glentrool. The Glenluce Kelvin Hotel is the Forum. Please can you send your booking I have had Roger Barnaby again volunteer to now closed and the campsite is undergoing slip to Ashley Gane (address on booking form) lead the first run of the year to Bourton On the change with tin sheds probably taking over the with a cheque for the required number of places Water, he has promised good weather to keep camping area. Glentrool has caravans for rent if please. Any queries, contact Simon Johnston on the GS clean, unlike the floods of this year. Many you are not a camper. 07702 709063 (before 9pm please). thanks to Roger. If you are fed up reading about my touring We have our ride-in lunch at the Gibraltar If anyone else would like to lead a ride please exploits why not offer some of your own for Rock at Tynemouth on Sunday 22nd November let me know. publication right here. Seeing your own words in at 1:00pm if you fancy having a nice Sunday For anyone wanting more news and general print can be very satisfying. lunch with the section? chit chat please come along to one of the It is a short and sweet report this month. If you Sunday winter meets at Wollaston Cafe Racer Robert Harrison are still out and about on 2 wheels, keep safe in Northampton or Barndale Gardens in Rutland. [email protected] and stay warm. Dates and times can be found in The Journal. That it for now North East Section Bradley Gane Safe riding. [email protected] I am writing this month’s section news after our Jim Beach section AGM has taken place. Thanks to those Oxford Section 07415 683 120 who came and supported the meeting as we [email protected] had some good input from our members for For a change, and because it has been such next year’s diary, which will improve on 2015 fantastic weather, I’ll start with the end of Northern Section and hopefully make 2016 more enjoyable for us September rides. Bob Mack organised another all. Following the meeting, the diary will follow of the “Short Notice Rides” (SNR) to the November’s monthly meeting will be at Rixton a different format. We are going to run the international helicopter museum at Weston where we will be throughout the winter, returning diary from March to March as this allows Roger Super-Mare on the 1st October with a stop off to St Michaels in April. I am writing this before and me to put the diary together and the ride in Bath for Bath buns. I can’t help smiling every the Section AGM but assuming no changes leaders who will be accosted, ahem, I meant time I read this new title as the letters ‘Snr’ your committee will comprise Lynn Sumner as approached, will have a better idea of dates so usually refer to us retired folk and with the runs Secretary, Alan Davies as Treasurer, myself we can reduce the number of changes of ride arranged for midweek those who can participate as Social Secretary with Jim Hough and Paul leaders due to holiday clashes etc. The idea of of necessity are generally of the Snr types! This Stewart as Committee members. forming another gathering around the Teesside museum is unusual in showing the development If you would like one of your photographs to area was welcomed as it was seen as a missed of helicopters from around the world in the one be displayed in the 2016 Section Diary then opportunity to spread out southbound and fascinating place. forward it to me and it may well appear in print. hopefully pick up some new members along the Working back through the month of All suggestions for runs and events are most way. We will now have 4 meetings a month at September the long weekend from the 25th to welcome so if you have a brilliant idea don’t different venues. It was a concern that these will the 28th on the Isle of Wight was also blessed keep it to yourself. I will be organising a nine day be poorly attended, but the meeting days and with superb weather. Some 38 people had a camping touring event in May 2016 visiting some times will vary and we are going to trial this to great time exploring this little piece of England of the WW1 battlefields in Ypres, Verdun and see if this works for us as a section. including rides right round the perimeter and Albert. This will purely be for bikes and tents, no Advance notice – as shared at the AGM, the finding interesting places all over. The Keats cars, caravans or motor homes. Hardly anybody North East Section will again be hosting the Green Hotel at Shanklin proved to be excellent in our Club seems to do bike camping touring Spring National Rally on 20th – 23rd May 2016. and ideally located for walks, views and the events any more, perhaps we are all getting too Please put this date in your diary as we will need starting point for trips out. With attentive and old for the challenge of the outdoor experience. as much help and support as possible. Based on friendly staff, good food every day and being Pam and I had a brilliant three weeks in the feedback from last year, we are expecting a biker friendly it proved an ideal location. Arriving September touring France, Spain and Portugal using the tent but with five nights in city hotels. The homeward bound ferry from Santander to Portsmouth had about two hundred bikes packed on the car deck but only a few carried camping equipment. Camping does ensure that you meet some interesting people with no hotel walls as a barrier to conversation. However, an air conditioned tent would have been handy with the Spanish heat to endure. Chatting to a group of young French motorcyclists returning from the MotoGP at Silverstone in the outward bound Portsmouth ferry queue raised the question “why are the British motorcyclists all so old?” We just are. At the end of September, Pam and I attended the Irish Section’s Thatch weekend in the south west at Bantry Bay and what a good do it was. The Saturday rideout was brilliant, being led and organised by Social Secretary Chris Wright. This was the first time I have had the Super Tenere’s footrest grinding the tarmac. The weather was superb with the waterproofs staying in the tank bag throughout the six day trip. Empty roads and great Irish hospitality make for an outstanding Good road to the Thatch biking experience. November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 35 on the Wightlink Ferry, the group managed to split up and some followed Rob Allin all the way to the Brading Roman Villa. Turned out to be an interesting site although the photo I took made us all look very studious as we listened to Helen Williams describing the history and renovation. On the Saturday morning we were slightly amused when one chap found that his bike, the only one in a row of bikes, had been severely attacked by bird droppings. As this was the only non BMW bike it was decided that the birds knew which one to use as a toilet! The BMW Club was not the only bikes on the island though as the hotel next door had a superb gathering of the Norton Owners Club machines. Elsewhere there was also a meeting of the BSA Owners Club altogether making some lovely vintage sounds and sights. A short walk from the hotel could be seen the remains of the wartime PLUTO project; an amazing piece of engineering. Now, if they could just get some of the road surfaces a bit smoother and less potholed it would have been perfect! The advertised “annual mystery ride” on the 13th wasn’t a mystery at all as Tim Bolderston led a group to the Watercress Line. He commented Brading Roman Villa, Isle of Wight that “Despite having a few members away in France and Spain this weekend we had a great turnout at the Waterfront Cafe of 20 motorcycles from vintage to the very latest. The forecast rain stayed away and we had some sunshine, but most importantly it stayed dry right up to the end of the run. The Watercress Line came up with extra parking and did a good trade in cheap lunches at the station buffet, with an authentic sooty flavour from the steam engines going past. All the riders managed to find their way with the drop-offs and no-one got lost, which was a minor miracle considering we were using unclassified roads a lot of the time”. It was an excellent day out with many thanks to Tim for arranging a varied route with an interesting destination. As mentioned above, a few members have been over to France and Spain with others going as far away as Corsica making the most of the last days of the summer. As this year we remember the many members of our armed forces a special ride to the commemorative wall at the National Memorial Arboretum took place on the 3rd October. Andy Lawson and many other members of the section joined the ride up the M40, M42 and M6 in large groups to gather at the wall to remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms. There The WightLink Ferry were around 7,000 booked to take part in the ride this year but some 20,000 are expected at the event. Looking towards the next couple of months you might have received this just before the Section AGM where we hope you have either been satisfied with the committee or have volunteered to help. I will be contacting those who ‘volunteered’ to lead ride outs next year for more details of their plans as I am compiling the calendar for 2016 ready for printing. As Christmas rapidly approaches the pub social locations will be arranging suitable festive meals, which I hope you will all support. Get your names down soon as there may be limited space in some places. The AGM on November 8th starts our winter meetings at Uffington Village Hall with the gathering on December 13th being a social event including festive food and maybe some fun and games. Now that autumn is upon us, watch out for those damp and foggy days with wet leaves on many back roads that are as slippery as ice. Stay safe out there. John L Broad [email protected] or check the website at bmwcluboxford.com The Watercress Line & https://www.facebook.com/groups/ bmwoxford/. 36 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 was one of the best weekends I have spent with On 13th September, thirteen people made Scottish Section the BMW Club. Photos are of Marjorie, Liz & their way down to Chiddingfold, many with a First off apologies to “Uncle Hughie” his scooter John Elvidge on the WHW and the view down picture of the item they wanted to make. I know Lochleven from the hotel car park. pictured in the October Journal is not a Bergman that Chippy was making a wellie boot holder on News from the Borders Sue MacDonald Lesley’s instruction! Nigel kindly brought along (that was his previous one) his latest is a Sym. broke her wrist in Stamford while getting off the his BBQ and supplied everyone with sausages Also Big ‘onsie’ Ron should have read Big pillion en route to the south of France early in and burgers. Thanks go to Dave for giving up his ‘Onesie’ Ron. Probably better not to ask! September. Being the girl she is, it didn’t deter Sunday to entertain us, and thanks to Nigel for It seems a long time ago since Jim and I her after being plastered up at the hospital in the cooking. meandered off down south to the National Rally. Peterborough, from getting on the bike the next Although not a BMW event, Erica has sent We spent a couple of nights camping near day and travelling over the following three days me the following report. ‘Ride to the Wall sees Glastonbury and then headed to Sparsholt and to Perpignan then getting on and off for the motorcyclists from all around the UK and the luxury of an en suite room. Chippy Carpenter remaining 10 days. Sue gets full marks for sheer Europe (mainly from Belgium) come together to and team did a grand job and the 12 Scottish determination and resilience. remember the names engraved on the walls of Section members some camping and some in As always please check for latest news or the Armed Forces Memorial. Well, it was a bit en suite accommodation thoroughly enjoyed information, if there is any, on our website of an early start, but well worth it. I met Dean themselves. On our meander back north a few www.thebmwclubscottish.com or Facebook or Carpenter (Chippy) at Chieveley Services and days later we dropped in on the Midland Section Scottish Forum we travelled on together to Cherwell Valley rally in Hope Valley where we were made to Ride safe. Services, where we met up with Godfrey and feel very welcome by Steve Foreman and Jim Chris Potter and Chris Tite and hundreds of other Beach. A grand 2 weeks down south apart from Judy bikers. After a well deserved bacon butty, we left the traffic clogged roads. 01592 874 592 for the long ride up to the National Memorial The weather was very much against us at the [email protected] Arboretum, arriving at 11am together with 7,100 “try out” weekend at Moffat Manor Holiday Park, other bikes for the events of the day. There Beattock. 8 members camping along with 6 Southern Section was a performance by the Royal Signals White members sharing 3 caravans taking advantage Helmets music from the Band of the Rifles and a of 2 day low cost hire. Paul Ennis of the Midland Hi everyone. I think Southern Section have gone flypast by both a Tiger Moth and a Dakota. After section joined us it was his 20th consecutive into hibernation following all our work for the a very moving service and tea and cake (for me), camping weekend and his 25 weekend camping National as I have only got one section event to we all made our way home. Thanks to Chippy with the Club so far this year. Is this a record? tell you about. I know Dave Wright has done his for organising this and we hope to include this in Paul was planning to attend the Sorebutts Rally Forge open day for a few years running now, but next year’s diary of events.’ the following weekend. Many thanks to Paul for this year seemed just as popular. Hopefully we will have had a good AGM, and rescuing our banner flag which we left behind in our rush not to get soaked as we packed up on the Sunday morning. We had a cracking weekend at the Kinlochleven Gathering. We arrived in the rain on Thursday and at least one member was very pleased to take advantage of a drying room that actually dried his wet gear. On Friday morning as I had gone in the car Jim was able to drive Marjorie, John & Liz Elvidge of the Yorkshire section and me back up through Glencoe to the Kingshouse Hotel so that we could walk the 8 miles back to Kinlochleven on the West Highland Way. The weather was damp to start off but dried up very quickly and we had a superb walk up over the Devils Staircase down into Kinlochleven where the track passes the Hotel. After a lovely shower with constant running hot water and relaxing with a beer on the small cabin veranda it was into the Hotel Bothy Bar for a good meal and excellent beer at very reasonable prices. Saturday morning saw groups going off in all directions. Having bagged another “Remote Challenge” at Ben Lora, Benderloch on Thursday Marjorie & Looking down the Loch Eric headed off to Eilean Donan Castle to bag yet another. Jim and I got on the GS and headed off to Lochgilpead via Oban.We came back on the other side through Inverary over the Rest and be Thankful to Tarbert, Crianlarich, Tyndrum across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe. It is many years since I have had the opportunity of riding pillion on one of my favourite routes. We had an absolutely brilliant ride in perfect weather. Saturday evening in the Bothy Bar Marjorie asked if we were going to walk next day – gulp – 13 miles to Glen Nevis. So off we went Sunday morning on the last stretch of the WHW again a superb day walking and Jim and Eric waiting with the car in Glen Nevis as we came off the hill. Jim spent Sunday sitting outside our cabin enjoying the view without a single midge to bother him. Over the weekend we had 11 members staying in the Hotel, 16 members in 8 cabins and 12 camping. We counted 29 bikes in the car park. It was a pleasure to welcome and spend time with members who we very rarely see as for various reasons they do not camp. For me personally to be able to stay in a superb location for 4 nights in a comfortable low cost cabin instead of a tent was an absolute bonus and to be able to meet up with everyone attending the event in warmth and comfort in the Bothy Bar was first class. The Managers of the Hotel Helen and Mark and their The Devil’s Staircase staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient. It November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 37 lots of members will have come up with ideas The “Senile Six” (two with attendant Chateau Thierry overnight. We arrived back at for runs and events for next year. For anyone responsible adults) attended the Rother Valley the Eurotunnel in plenty of time and knowing that who didn’t attend, I will give further details next Camping on the weekend of the 11th – 13th. The we had an hour delay. Just as we were called month. Well, sorry, but nothing else to say, except weather was kind enough to allow a dry ride out to depart Calais had a power cut and we were for those of us who are fair weather riders, there through the lanes of Kent and East Sussex to delayed at the final gate for a further two hours, may still be some decent days to get the wheels a favourite stop at Heaven Farm near Danehill we were undaunted and took it in our stride. A rolling, and for the people who ride all year, hope on the Saturday. Evening meals were enjoyed great holiday thank you once again Daryl and you don’t need your waterproofs too often! Look at the White Hart, Newenden and Sahebs at the Elaine. forward to seeing some of you at the Christmas campsite gates. Lydd Airport Nr Ashford was the venue for dinner on 5th December. Four bikes left the Hollyville Cafe, West our lunch meet on the 27th. Fourteen of us Kingsdown on the 13th led by Paul Ashby enjoyed lunch and a natter. Upon our departure Erica heading for Bressingham Steam Museum near we were privileged to witness the new Search 07528873056 Diss. It was a rather dull overcast morning and Rescue Helicopter take off. George Barlow [email protected] with the promise of rain in the afternoon. After led 10 bikes back up through Kent to one of our sailing through the Dartford Crossing we popular stops Headcorn Aerodrome (yes – two Gerri meandered through Essex to the picturesque airfields in one afternoon) where tea, coffee and 01895 446896 village of Finchingfield. Following a short break Eccles cakes were consumed while watching [email protected] we resumed our journey. Due to the impending the skydivers. bad weather it was decided rather than visit the Museum we should find a pub for lunch, during Debbie Morris South East Section which the rain started! Prepared for a wet ride 0208 301 1600 back we were surprised that after a couple of [email protected] Now that it’s November and winter is upon us miles we left it behind us and never saw another the diary is not so busy. Chris Knight’s “Daylight drop. We stopped at Thaxted on the way and Saving Ride” is on the 8th. For those of you enjoyed an alfresco coffee lapping up the late South West Section willing to negotiate the demanding road works afternoon sunshine. With autumn approaching, we close the summer at Coopers the Midweek run is on the 11th. Early on the 18th eleven bikes met at the with one of the highlights of the year the BBQ Friday evening at The White Hart, Horsebridge Eurotunnel for the start of our German adventure and Concours, this year for the first time, it is in is the 13th. We have “Rose’s Beetles” at Club led by Elaine and Daryl. Our outward journey conjunction with the Dartmoor Rally. Following is Night on the 18th which usually raises a laugh was slightly delayed by a “trespasser on the or two and will result in a prize or two! Friday line”. We made our way down to Cambrai for Phil’s report on the 2 events. 27th is the evening meets for The Monument, lunch before continuing to Chateau Thierry Debbie and I held our 5th Dartmoor Rally Whitstable and The Kings Arms, Biggin Hill. The for our overnight stay. Leaving at 9am we at Harford Bridge from the 4th to the 6th of last event this month is Sunday 29th being lunch continued our journey down to the Black Forest, September, some of us came on 3rd and left on at Brookside Garden Centre. arriving at our destination The Waldblick Hotel, 7th just to make a longer break.On the Thursday Christmas Lunch is on 6th December. Please Schenkenzell about 5pm. Unfortunately, David evening there were eleven of us four camper book with me as soon as possible. Thank You. Henderson broke down on route and he and his vans and four tents, the weather was mainly dry Our first run on 6th September was Richard bike had to be recovered. As it was Saturday but quite cold for the first three days. On Friday Filipczak leading 12 bikes from Maidstone afternoon dealerships were closed until Monday. morning six of us decided go to Winkleigh for Services to Brogdale Farm, Faversham. Elaine and Daryl’s planned route to Rote Lache a ride on very nice biking roads led by Peanut Brogdale is the home of the National Fruit for Sunday which included the well known arriving back at about mid afternoon and Collection and is one of the largest fruit D500 was slightly marred by road closures and joined the others for a cream tea at the gazebo collections in the world. We took advantage of diversions but their knowledge of the area won gathering. When we were out enjoying ourselves the warm sunny day and had our lunch alfresco the day. Monday we were taken to the Rheinfalls, Debbie went into Tavistock to see about the fish at the Courtyard Restaurant & Cafe. Richard’s Switzerland which is the largest plain waterfall in and chips for Saturday and do some shopping. route was hampered by a road closure and Europe and where Sherlock Holmes faked his Some more people turned up Friday and some diversion resulting in heavy traffic but not to be own death. David had now acquired a car and more on Saturday the total being twenty one beaten we battled through. was able to join us at the hotel. Tuesday was a including Malcolm and Annette who have a Chris Knight led thirteen bikes on the 9th delightful ride to Lake Titiseen - a beautiful spot. holiday home on the site. On the Saturday from Coopers weaving his way down to Beachy The car park had a bike only section together morning Dave Charlton was kind enough to lead Head. After a breathtaking ride across the South with a locker facility for helmets and coats etc the ride out, which was late leaving as Dave Downs we arrived at our ultimate destination such a good idea! On our return David was back Fox - Spencer only arrived at 10-20 and Bryan being East Dean for lunch. Five bikes for varying with his bike. As Wednesday was damp and from Fowey was in Tavistock in need of a push reasons made their own way back and Chris dismal twelve of us took advantage of the free start. The ride out went very well we went over took the remaining eight on a scenic route up train pass for the day and the remaining four the edge of Dartmoor to Ivybridge and then on to Standen House & Garden a National Trust went exploring on their bikes. Thursday was the to Kingsbridge and Slapton sands for lunch. property near East Grinstead for afternoon tea. start of our journey home stopping once again at Afterwards we headed to Dartmouth and Totnes
Elaine & Daryl ATrio of Boxers
38 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 then back to Dartmoor across the moor to Princetown and back to Harford bridge, I would like to thank Dave for leading the ride out and Peanut for doing the sweep. We think that every body enjoyed their pasties and puds that Debbie supplied on Friday evening and the fish and chips on Saturday. We would also like to thank the ladies and gent that supplied the cakes and every one that came and helped make it such a great weekend, we have booked the site for next year so hope that you can all come again then. Regards Debbie and Phil. The South West Section Concours - D’elegance and BBQ. On the Sunday afternoon of the Tavistock rally we held the South West Sections annual bike show and Hog Roast, it was a change to our normal venue we did not know how it would go but the weather was just great which helped. There was about 20 bikes that entered the show ranging from a 1959 R 50 to a 3 month old 1200 GS and most ages and models in between. James Sherlock was good enough to come and do the judging, James started the judging and had most of them done then had a break for him and his wife Katherine to enjoy their Hog Roast Five F’s with the others. After their lunch James finished the judging and at about 2-30 the trophies were awarded. Here is a list of the lucky winners. Ocean Cup Best Oil Head - Don Rabson. The C. W. Trophy Best Air Cooled - Paul Townsend. Howard Truscott Award Outstanding Boxer - Don Rolling. Fred Secker Cup Oldest Bike - Tony Harper. David Hornsby Award Best Modified - Ron Lyford. Best F - Helen Beer. James Sherlock Best Post 2006 K - Pete Frost. Grahams Motorcycles Best Gs. - Dave Charlton. Members Trophy Members Choice - Paul Townsend. Chris Crocker Trophy Best Three Wheeler - No Entries. Club Cup Best Pre 2006 K - Mark Godfrey. We believe that every one that came whether for the whole weekend or just for the day of the show enjoyed their selves, the Hog Roast also went down very well, so we shall hopefully do the same again next year. Thats all for now regards Phil and Debbie. The Engine House Meet on the 8th of Tony Harper won the Fred September. On the second meet at this new regular monthly meeting place saw six bikes turn Secker Cup for the oldest bike up followed by Jim and Hilda in their van making
Don Rolling won the Howard Truscott Outstanding Boxer Award
November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 39 eight people in all. Most of us had a breakfast read ‘notable’ Committee - is still operating in top and sponsored throughout the year by McCarroll of various sizes and a chat before Bryan had gear currently discussing the range of events McConnell Insurance Brokers will be handed out to head for home then the rest of us all headed and undertakings, visits and ride-outs for the and events organised for the incoming year will for home by 1-oclock. As the first meet only had 2016 calendar. Our popular, pocket-sized “Event be revealed. two turn up, this was definitely a good sign and Diary” for next year is already being worked on hopefully it will get more popular. Hope to see and, although it inevitably contains many old Stuart Greig you there next time. Cheers Phil. favourites, now is YOUR opportunity to add or 07738 596 878 The Pasty ride on the Saturday 12th, for those suggest any new locations or routes you would [email protected] who attended, they enjoyed a good ride out like to see. Please let me know soon after you for a couple hours on a nice mixture of roads, have read this edition of The Journal since Western Section Liskeard up to Tavistock, onto Okehampton the draft will probably go to the printers at the then we upped the pace on the quieter roads beginning of November (via Hurst Motorrad who The IIfracombe Bike Show is a regional event of North Devon before retuning to Cornwall via have been kindly sponsoring and producing the which is now in its second year and will only Launceston, then headed to Camelford by the Diary for us since ‘pussy was a cat’). get bigger. The main organizers are MAG and back roads of Egloskerry. On arrival we feasted The Section has again booked sole use of proceeds are always a different charity. These on fresh Pasties and cream teas, thanks to Tim the Waverley Hotel in Melrose, Scotland for gain by generous bikers who meet up and chat and Phil on the ride and Brian, Stella and Debbie next year’s May Day weekend as we feel there following a ride through this cracking part of who met us in Camelford, a special thanks to is still plenty of scope to explore the borders The South West, blessed by National Parks, Nic, and Dave for collecting and preparing the area. You will have already received the details moorland spaces and sea views. There was a Pasties and to Sue for cooking the scones for and a booking form with your September copy smattering of members who attended, with Janet the cream teas. of The Journal so please try to get your deposit & Patrick travelling all the way from Bath. Bryan and Stella hosted the Lostwithiel to the organisers as soon as possible. The The regular month end meeting at The Honey Fish and Chips meet on Wednesday the 16th, organising committee is currently looking at Café at Bronllys was the last one this year, and bringing along the drinks and chocolates, a very various activities and ride-out routes for that it was a well attended event held in beautiful pleasant evening with good company, nice food weekend and you will not fail to thrill to a rather sunny conditions. (You don’t get many of them in and sitting at the picnic tables along side the useful memento they are planning for all those Wales!) It is a lovely place, and we look forward river Fowey. attending the rally. Looking ahead as we must, to Chris and Ali hosting it again next year. Jim Isherwood, organized the tour of Wales an’ see yer talkin’ about weekends away, have The Sorebutts Rally at Mill Park was a between the 18th/ 26th I don’t have a report you any suggestions for a suitable hotel /location resounding success and you can read all the but Jim has put some photos on Twitter which for the 2017 May Day weekend? Furthermore, goings on and full details in a separate article. can be viewed on the southwest’s website, we are about to put together the Section’s third Coming up soon is the section AGM at but it looks like they all had a good time. Dave Annual Journal - a great means of cementing our Devauden, so please come along and have your Charlton hosted the Inn for All Seasons meet position within the Club as well as encouraging say. You don’t often get the chance to voice your at Redruth on Sunday 27th with 12 members new members and strengthening the Section. If feelings, so this is your chance. I hear the buffet including 2 new members; they all enjoyed the you would like to produce a short article about is not to be missed ! roast that was on offer. your recent motorcycling experiences or Club Above all is the very successful Hotel Weekend events e.g. a trip, visit or incident which might Coming up in November we have our now at Exmouth in the Cavendish Hotel. Two nights be included as information in our own handbook, regular 2nd Tuesday of the month visit to The top entertainment in a well proven place with please speak to me about it. Engine house on the 10th followed by Sunday optional coach trips as well. This one is a firm By the time you read this, our AGM will Lunch at the Union Rooms Plymouth on the 15th favourite with members, and I understand there have been and gone and although your 2016 at 12.15 on the top floor, and finally a Pub Meet are a couple of rooms still available. at the revamped Jamaica Inn on Sunday 29th committee will just be settling into their roles I am unable in this article to spell out any changes 12.00 noon. Don’t forget the Christmas Lunch at Richard Frost because the AGM occurred after the deadline for the Cockhaven Manor on the 13th of December! 01275 472 797 submission of this piece. If you missed/forgot- You must book with Bryan on 01726 833 554, about/avoided the AGM, all committee changes all the details and menu will be on the website will be revealed in next month’s Section News Yorkshire Section as soon as they are available, the website ramblings. Having carried out the functions thebmwclubsw.org.uk and for Bryan’s emails of Social Secretary for two years now, I was Thanks to everyone who came to our Yorkshire [email protected]. pleased to hear the committee has decided to Section AGM on Sunday 4th October at the Cracoe Village Hall. It was a pleasant day so Don Rabson make a collection of my work. They say it is in nice to be able to ride up there in the sun! In all 01840 212913 the process of being bagged-up and the council we had about 30 members and 3 or 4 guests [email protected] workers will collect it next Tuesday. For our November Section meeting we have present. That represents about 10% of the secured, at absolutely no expense, not one, not Yorkshire membership which is about average Ulster Section two, but three star speakers. A celebrity team for our AGM meeting. The agenda was pretty led by Jim Hill, dealer principal of Charles Hurst routine with nobody submitting any items for This has been a relatively quiet period because Motorrad our local dealership, has agreed to the agenda and nobody new wishing to stand our motorcycle undertakings have started to attend the meeting and deliver its side of the as an officer of the section. Happily the current throttle back a notch as the nights are quarely BMW motorcycling story. Showing great faith committee were willing to stand for re-election. drawin’ in an’ it’s getting’ a bit coul’ - albeit we in their product these specialists are prepared We agreed that a block vote would suffice for did have our full quota of summer weather tackle questions from the floor about all issues this and the vote to re-elect was unanimous in during the last week of the month. The main surrounding sales and servicing, parts and favour. So your elected officers are as follows: event in our programme for September was accessories. So we can look forward to a lively, Secretary and acting Chairperson: John Elvidge. the Meet and Eat run on Sunday the thirteenth constructive exchange on the night which I’m Social secretary: Piers Kurrein. Treasurer: James to the Ulster-American Folk Park near Omagh sure will lead to a greater understanding of our Ingham. Committee members: Alan George, in the west of the province. The weather was mutual positions. Towards the end of November Mike Dorking and Tony Robson (Web master). stickin’ out and ten bikes led by Chairman Paul a group of Section members will be heading to We had one resignation from the committee and journeyed there via the stunning Glenelly Valley Munich for a planned visit, arranged through our that was Stuart West who’s not been so well of route to meet with four other members who local dealership, to the BMW museum as well as late and wished to stand down. Stuart is a very arrived separately at the venue. It was great to sightseeing and making merry at some of that long standing and much liked member of our have Chris Roche (our adopted ‘Donegal tour- city’s Christmas markets. club together with his wife Elaine. Elaine was guide’) from the Irish Section join us on the run Looking further ahead to our final meeting our social secretary for about ten years until I and this time he was able to relax and enjoy the of this year, please note that the normal club took over the job two years ago. Many thanks scenery. Jackie Hunter once again displayed meeting on Tuesday 1st December is, as usual, to both of them for all the hard work they’ve put his unerring homing instincts by leading the replaced by our Section Christmas Dinner which in to support the Club and we hope to see them party back east via little-known, circuitous and will be held once again at The Templeton Hotel, around at events during 2016. picturesque tracks. Meanwhile, the Sunday and Templepatrick at 7.30pm for 8pm. The cost is Now; an important change to an advertised Wednesday ride-outs continue to be supported held at an incredible £15 per person and this event. We had planned to have a ride in to the by a significant group of members and these Christmas meeting is not to be missed; we will National Motorcycle Museum Open Day on 31st runs will carry on throughout the late autumn and be presenting a cheque for the final amount October with a start point of Tibshelf Services winter – whenever the weather permits. There raised over the year to a representative from our on the M1. Due to unexpected circumstances are still some good days to be had so, if you can, nominated Charity, ‘Make-A-Wish’ and holding this is now CANCELLED. That’s the ride in try to get along to any of these outings. our cracking ballot to start fundraising for the from Tibshelf, not the event itself. Some of us Despite this gentle deceleration in activities, new 2016 charity. Awards for the Photographic are still going to go but by car rather than bike your not able Committee - sorry, that should Competition organised by Charlie Carruthers (The nights are closing in and, personally, I don’t 40 The BMW Club Journal November 2015 fancy returning on the M1 in the dark possibly with iffy weather too!). If you still want to go, we’ll see you there! Our last main event of the year was the Saltburn House hotel event on 12/13th September which was run jointly with the Mercia Section. A very enjoyable event at a slightly quirky but pleasant enough venue. Thanks go to Dr Keith of the Mercia Section for doing almost all of the organising for this event. My ride out was rather spoiled by despicable rainy weather but we managed three bikes who completed the whole circuit of the North York Moors route and say they enjoyed it despite the drenching! Sunday’s classic hill climb event in the town must have been the highlight of the weekend with a lovely collection of old bikes and cars to watch. All very informal and relaxed as we were able to wander around the paddock (car park) at will. Highly recommended and we may well arrange a similar event in the area to coincide with the hill climb next year. The ‘new’ committee is already busy discussing our events calendar for next year and should be able to publish that some time in December so you can start planning your biking for next year. Adrian Stone: Best Prepared Bike We hope to have some new events at new venues for you though the Alpine Run in April is already set up and camping at Kettlewell on the 8/9th of July is booked with the site. We hope to see many of you at our regular gatherings in the next couple of months even if is getting colder and wetter now. Piers Kurrein 07866 622 196 [email protected] www.thebmwclub.org.uk/yorkshire/ GS Register The GS Southern Rally at Mill Park, Berrynarbor was a great success on the weekend of Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September. This was due in large part to Paul Rodriguez and his wife Jenny, assisted by a number of the Western Section members who ran the Western Section Sorebutt Rally and hosted the GS Register Southern Rally and the Sidecar and Trike Register Southern Rally at their event. For those confused by the Sorebutt name Paul is the author of the Sorebutt Cartoons regularly seen in The Journal. It seems only right that his Richard Taverner: Senior camping event should inherit the name! Veteran (Second from right) The secret Thursday start to the event caught a number of people out who had believed the standard press releases and came on Friday! Keith Thomas (Secretary of the Sidecar & Trike Register) was one of those “in the know” who decided to travel Thursday taking advantage of the unexpectedly good weather. Having got onto the motorway without his front brake seizing up (happened on the way to the last event) he was all set for an uneventful run down to Berrynarbor when his sidecar wheel came off while travelling in the middle lane; leaving him on the road while the outfit crossed the slow lane and parked itself on the hard shoulder. Thankfully he was ok and having repatriated the remains of his outfit he set out again on the Friday morning in his car. It had been decided to give a collectable to each GS Register member who attended and for this event the collectable was a GS Register key ring. These proved to be quite popular as I was pursued by people saying I had missed giving them a key ring. On Thursday four GS riders Mars Bruggen, Kees Dankers, Johan Jansen and Rob Davelaar all members of The BMW Club Oirschot & Omstreken in the Netherlands arrived. They Our Friends from the Netherlands. Kees Dankers, Mars Bruggen came to attend the Western Section Sorebutt Johan Jansen and Rob Davelaar all members of The BMW Club Rally, as members of the Western section had previously attended their Club’s events Oirschot & Omstreken in the Netherlands. (plus Bob Denman !) near Oirschot. Having seen the Sorebutt Rally November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 41 advertised they had incorporated it into a tour in event! Many thanks to Paul and Jenny and the the M6, when the wheel fell off my sidecar ! After the UK. Their presence certainly added to the Western Section members who worked so hard a short time sideways, then on its side, the outfit event and we hope to see them again in the to make it happen. neatly parked itself on the hard shoulder; while future. I picked myself up from rather further down the Copies of the Weekend Quiz were available Nev Jones M-way and jogged to the hard shoulder relatively for all to take in the refreshment area.It was Secretary GS Register unscathed. A combination of lucky circumstances immediately apparent that Paul did not want [email protected] meant that no real harm was done to either outfit anyone thinking it was going to be easy. The or rider, or anyone or anything else. Exactly how best minds and memories had plenty to work on Sidecar Register the sidecar wheel came off with no warning, I when not doing something active. have no idea – the wheel itself remains lost in Jenny obviously did not want anyone The Sidecar Register’s affiliation to the the chest-high undergrowth along the verge, collapsing of starvation as free coffee, tea and Federation of Sidecar Clubs was signed, sealed despite an hour + long search while I waited for a continuous impressive selection of various and delivered at the FoSC Annual Rally in the ‘tow-truck’. cakes were always available 24 hours a day. Bromyard 28-31 August. See www.sidecars.org. So once again, to my eternal shame, I On Friday there was a Fish and Chip supper uk for all that the FoSC offers; I’m afraid that our attended an SCR rally on 4-wheels rather than arranged which everyone joined in with. Later a affiliation doesn’t mean that every SCR member 3; the Western Section did us proud down in number of GS aficionados and like minded folk receives the FoSC’s monthly magazine, but if Berrynarbor – nice location and good facilities, retired to the nearby Sawmill Inn to watch the you now want to join as a full club member (and all-you-could-eat Saturday night BBQ and Rugby (and drink beer!!!!). receive the monthly magazine) your membership entertainment. The SCR turn-out equalled this In the middle of Friday night the SBW Motorrad fee is now discounted to £19.00 – which must year’s record rally turn-out eg 4 outfits; the SCR Team, Simon Newton (Marketing) and Wojtek be a bargain ! The FoSC rally itself was well rally awards went to those two rally stalwarts – Galach (Senior Technician) arrived. Not only had attended – 50’ish outfits – great to see so many, Furthest Travelled: Martyn Aves, and Best Outfit: they brought their latest GS Sidecar pulled by a and the rugby club venue was excellent. For Paul Ennis. 2015 water cooled GS Adventure but they had those SCR members not keen on camping, the That’s it for the SCR’s 2015 rally season (other brought a second fabulous outfit pulled by a jet FoSC organise various day ride-ins through the 2015 rallies are available); the 2016 calendar is black R Nine T. This looked like it was moving year – I’ll publish a list for next year when it’s already taking shape and will be published soon. rapidly when it was standing still. Excellent work available. On a personal note: does anyone know of a Keith Thomas for organising this on behalf of the The Sidecar Register’s ‘Southern Rally’ Martello single-seat sidecar for sale ?! Sidecar Register, who also had a number of their courtesy of the Western Section’s ‘Sorebutts’ Keith Thomas members in attendance. rally in Devon was not without incident: I was 019467 25152 Saturday Bob Denman and friends arrived 100 miles into my trip there, doing 70mph down from deepest Surrey. Hardened travellers to a [email protected] man, they opted for the Pods you could hire on the campsite. Also Steve Willis and his son Sam from South West section arrived to camp with us (in a proper tent!). On Saturday at 10.30 am we had an 80 plus mile ride out led by Dave and Anita Holland. We were joined by a local member Helen Beer riding a 650 GS. A mid-morning halt was at a narrow gauge railway Café for coffee and a cake. Lunch was in a great café next to a ford which we then found out was the start of the afternoon route. Late Saturday afternoon the BBQ happened and most of us probably ate too much of the great food. Then Paul gave out the Weekend Quiz answers and results – and who should win it but Keith Thomas!! After this we had the presentation of GS Register awards. The Furthest Travelled Award was won by Johan from Valkenswaard in the Netherlands, the Best Prepared Bike Award was won by Adrian Stone, Western Section and the Senior Veteran Award was won by Richard Taverner from Sussex. Congratulations to all three. Keith Thomas received The GS Challenge Second Quarter Award for best Sidecar and Trike. He then did an impromptu turn modelling the jacket he had worn for his OFF on the Thursday. The damage to it was stark proof of the old adage “Wear all the gear all the Time” as it had saved him from any injury apart from a strained right wrist. Keith then presented the Sidecar Register Awards. For the rest of Saturday evening many GS persons and the SBW Motorrad team et al took the short walk to the Sawmill Inn. Sunday morning the sun came out and the SBW Team were under pressure as people gave them a number of questions to answer about the two fabulous outfits they had brought for us to see. Some lucky people got to try out the sidecar and were given rapid transport around the surrounding area. Steve’s son Sam had a go being passenger and when asked did he want the slow or fast ride his dad said SLOW. When Sam got back the smile on his face made me think he might have received the FAST ride. Many thanks to Simon and Wojtek for taking the time to do this. As the day warmed up and tents dried out our thoughts turned to the ride home and the next
42 The BMW Club Journal November 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 7.Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand which by post or email to the Mutual Aid Officer whose name and address edition it applies to before querying why your advert doesn’t seem to are on 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 parts offered at £50 or less this is reduced to £5. For further to pay for the advert at 24p a word (including VAT) for the whole advert. information, please contact the Mutual Aid Officer. In that case, we would need payment with the advert when submitted. 9.Neither the Club nor the Mutual Aid Officer can advise advertisers Note – one advert/month per Mutual Aid category. Adverts may be edited regarding the value of goods offered for sale. Neither can the Club or the where deemed necessary by the Editor. Mutual Aid Officer recommend suppliers of goods or services to members. 4.In your advert, please include your forename, phone number(s) and an Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 email address if available. Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of goods 5.You must include your name, full address, Section and membership being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this fact. This number. These will not be published (unless requested) but we will applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf or for another check membership. party. If you have reason to believe that you have been misled as to the 6.Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion only. Any status of any advertiser, please inform your local Trading Standards subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the advertiser. Department and the Editor immediately. The fine for breaches of this order is up to £1,000.
Note: Mutual Aid closing date is the 1st of each month
Motorcycles For Sale R100RS - 1985 - Motorsport white. Super Corbin on request. Kevin 01614 390373 or email seat. Twin plug heads. Stainless steel exhausts. [email protected] (South Manchester). No corrosion. Documented history. Everything “K” Series F650/700 GS COMFORT SEAT - Excellent works, looks stunning and is always admired. condition, £140 (or near offer) plus carriage. Twin discs, Oddisey battery, Hepco and Becker 1985 - MOT April 2016. (May be able to deliver in south west). Peter K100RT CLASSIC - panniers and kept in heated garage. You will not Extras. £1400. David 07772 652528 (Perthshire). 01460 54799 or email peter.w.taylor@hotmail. be disappointed. £3,950. Robert 07710 118893 co.uk (Somerset). K1100RS - 1995 - White with BMW touring or email [email protected] (North panniers and small tail bag fitted. Heated grips. Yorkshire). F700/800/650GS PARTS - BMW Enduro bash 91,600 miles. MoT May 2016. Tyres are in good plate, £90. SW Motech crash bars, £120 (as R100RT - 1995 - 73,000 miles. Lovely condition. condition. New Spragg starter clutch recently new). MRA screen, £70 (as new). 1150GS hand Many extras. Much stainless including exhaust fitted. Full service history. This ‘K’ is in very guards but fit the 700/800/650GS, £50. All prices good condition and has been lovingly cared for system and pushrod tubes. Full luggage. Top end exclude postage. Paul 01772 679198 or email over the years. I purchased new from Linds of rebuild including Scriminger carburettor clean [email protected] (Lancashire). Norwich and it is now time to sell after 20 years and rebuild. New battery, new seat, Surefoot side stand. Led rear lights. K&N air filter. £2,550 F800ST - BMW grey expandable panniers and many happy miles. Richard 01394 410112 and top box. Keyed alike. Plus tank bag. All in for more details and viewing. o.n.o. Roman 01254 888250 or 07516 146977 (Lancashire). excellent condition. £220 plus P&P. John 07885 932887 (South Wales). “R” Series R1150RS - 2001 ‘51’ - Silver, 14,000 miles. Haynes Manual, £10. Panniers and top box. Full service history. FOR F650GS SINGLE - R45 - 1981 ‘February’ - 23,350 miles from new. Tank bag and fittings, £45 (used once). Inner Autocom. MOT’d. Extensive history folder. Previous MOT’s. Excellent mechanical order. bags for Vario panniers and top box, £75 (used Alarm. Must be best available. £3,050. Paul Full equal compression. Slight scuff marks to once). Clear three screw hole screen, £45 (slight 07901 977793 (Kent). fuel tank. Pot guards. Raised handle bar. Top marks). Touratech number plate reinforcement, box. Screen. Keihan exhaust. Sebac shocks. R1200GS - September 2009 - Dynamic and £10 (unused). Tail cover, £10 (unused). Three Original handbook with first aid kit. Boyer electric Premium packages. Titan silver.14,500 miles screw hole slipstream deflector, £15 (unused). All ignition, dealer fitted. BMW service tool, filter kit, by one mature owner. Vario panniers. Full BMW prices plus postage. Ian 01562 851602 or email spares etc. Less than 500cc? Don’t knock it service history. Good condition as summer use [email protected] (N. Worcestershire). the early BMW Formula engine. Low tax. Good only and never been used off the tarmac. A R1200RT LC - BMW tank bag to fit 2014 onward m.p.g. Good home for £1,000 firm. George (6 couple of scrapes on the cylinder heads where model. Brand new, never used. Still with labels p.m. to 10 p.m. only) 07523 971861 or 07591 it toppled over in the garage! £6,750. George attached. £180 plus postage. Dave 01514 606806 (Surrey). 01307 818791 (Forfar, Scotland). 761998 or 07833 383955 (Merseyside area). R100CS - 1982 - 50,000 miles. Stalled restoration project and garage space needed. Bits & Bobs VARIOUS - BMW GS1100/1150 tank bag, Bought 2010, ran through 2012 and then reasonable condition, £15. BMW Light and Easy stripped down. Frame, forks, swinging arm A GOOD CHUCK OUT - For sale: For jacket, size 56 Euro, hardly worn, £60. Heine stripped, repainted and new bearings fitted. R1200RT: Large top box, £145; tank bag, £45. Gericke Cruise Gortex® jacket, size 60 Euro, Wheels soda blasted, new bearings and tyres For R1150RT: Tank bag (large), £45; tank bag good condition, £60. Heine Gericke Gortex® fitted. Mainly requires reassembly and bodywork (small), £25. For R1100RT: Two pannier city lids, trousers, XL 36”, good condition, £50. Givi Rack repainted. Two previous owners, matching £30. Battery chargers: Optimate, £25; Taurus 4, for BMW 1200GS (not LC model), £25. Set of numbers, V5 present. £1,200. For further details £10. Satellite navigation: Zumo 550, £45. Car four white indicator lenses for BMW 1150GS, please contact Ian on 07814 073367 or email roof box: Thule Evolution 100 (370 litres), £75. possibly fit most other models, £10. Open to [email protected] (Dorset). All in very good condition. Photographs available offers. Allan 07731 851033 (Yorkshire). November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 43 Wanted BMW R1100RS - I am looking for a BMW top box, to fit the BMW mounting for this bike. I would prefer the box to be black, in good usable BMW - R65, R80 and R100 Basic, GS, RT and condition, with the key and a sensible price RS models, any condition, cash waiting, can please. If you can help please telephone Phil collect. Ian 01694 723546 (Trader). 01386 48621 (Worcestershire). BMW F800GS - Akrapovic end can (2009 Single seat sidecar. Keith 019467 model). Must be in excellent order. Mark 07747 MARTELLO - 25152 or email [email protected] 024783 (Louth, Lincolnshire). (Cumbria). BMW R69S - Anything considered. Will collect from any location. Stephen 07817 876380 (Cumbria).
t: 01333 429451 m: 07734 683429 e: [email protected] w: scotiasidecars.com
44 The BMW Club Journal November 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. 01790 755515 Mobile: 07702 862508 www. Covered parking. Tel: (0033) 241821184. www. shawstainless.co.uk theloireaffair.co.uk UK & R.o.I Servicing GERMANY, WESTERWALD.Great stopover for destinations N/S/E .Great for the Dambuster run. B&B GLAISDALE. Near Whitby. 3 x twin ANDREW SEXTON. NORTH OXFORDSHIRE The roads are superb with virtually no traffic. rooms, en-suite. Garage for motorcycles. WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE Meals and Bar. For more information www. www.lanesidebedandbreakfast.co.uk Tel: 01947 BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, vinecottage.de 0049 274 291 1728 897 272 restoration and special tuning work, on all LE MANS FARMHOUSE B&B AND GITE. models. Collection and delivery arranged. Tel B&B IN THE BORDERS. A68 Jedburgh. Quality - www.lehamel.co.uk - 40 minutes to Le 01608 730111 4 Star accommodation. All rooms en suite/ Mans 15 minutes Alencon. Large cosy manor private facilities. Fabulous views over the town AVON - WILTSHIRE MOTORCYCLE TYRES. farmhouse(17thC) with 4 letting rooms set below and only a 5 minute walk to the centre. Secure Visit Carson Tyres, in Melksham for great deals the Perseigne Forest with miles of Green Lanes, off road bike parking. Friendly hosts Chris & on Motorbike tyres, ride in ride out service and empty roads and a great location for touring the Amanda, Club Members. £29.50 - £45 pppn. Tel: tyres fitted to loose wheels. Always at least 100 South Normandy/Pays de Loire Area. Le Grand 01835 862216 Email [email protected] www. bike tyres in stock, Bridgestone main agents Chauvel (15C.) is a three bedroom ( 2 ensuite) airenlea.co.uk other makes stocked. Visit our web site www. fermette 30 minutes from Le Mans with enclosed rideinrideout.co.uk for prices or phone 01225 709 garden and situated next to the walled village BED AND BREAKFAST MOFFAT SOUTHERN 335 ask for David or Adrian our bike specialists. 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 B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Edinburgh scenic route. Why not break your 59 Email [email protected] Restorations, repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s from 1935. CJ750, long journey here or spend a few days riding PYRENEES MOTORCYCLE TOURS. copies of 1938 BMW R71, from £3,455. Some the local roads, enjoying the hills and bends. Farmhouse B&B with mountain views, attractive new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus Club member. Chris 01683 220378 see www. village location, escorted ride outs, home OHV machines available. Machine tools for the guesthouse-moffat.com) cooked evening meals, undercover secure small/home workshop, including Chester Multi parking, bike wash, workshop facilities, clothes GLENCOE – HIGHLANDS. Ghlasdruim B&B.All Function lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pattern or drying room. Tel: 0033 562 450811 www. ensuite rooms, secure off road parking. Maureen drawing. S.A.E. for specification and services or pyreneesmotorcycletours.com 01855 811593 [email protected]. visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby DE1 co.uk SOMME BATTLEFIELD B&B AND TOURS. 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & w/ends IRELAND. – Historic House B&B or self-catering Our quiet, secluded farmhouse is 100 miles 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk from Calais and close to the A1 autoroute. We in centre of The Scenic Southwest of Ireland. BEDS HERTS & BUCKS. - BMW motorcycle have B&B for up to 8 people and a self-catering Secure parking, garaging, tools etc. with bike servicing and repairs - Motoscot Ltd (Steve apartment sleeping 4-6. Evening meals are owners and BMW Club members. Fantastic Grover - Senior BMW Technician with over 35 available. We have secure, covered bike tours and roads abound just outside our front years experience) Loan bike available. Stockists parking, a trailer and workshop for emergencies. gates! www.glenlohane.com Tel: 353 029 50014 of Rukka, Schuberth & Daytona Tel: 01582 Take a battlefield tour of Somme or Ypres with [email protected] 419812 email [email protected] www. GS riding author and military historian, Martin motoscot.co.uk LAKE DISTRICT. holiday bungalow – comfort Pegler, who will show you all the best roads! for four plus garage. Ideal touring location & Check us out on www.orchardfarmsomme.com BERKSHIRE. & Surrounding Counties. available April to November. Member owned. or Phone: 0033 (0)3 2286 5672 BMW Motorcycle services. K, R & F Series. Tel: 01695 422210 Independent BMW Specialist Servicing, Repairs Close Redon 3 SOUTHERN BRITTANY. & Spares. Collection & delivery. Weekend work welsh borders - shropshire. spacious, comfortable gites, set in 3 acres of & loan bike available. For all enquiries please Roseheart Kingdom B & B in the Redlake Valley tranquil grounds which may be rented separately contact Garry Webb Tel: 01344 860580/07770 with fabulous bike riding into Wales on the door or altogether for a larger group: Sleep 2 – 16. 444794. Email [email protected] step. Free secure parking, Free fast WiFi www. Secure garage parking for bikes. Contact: Anne stayatroseheartkingdom.co.uk Free online & Dave Chapman Tel: 01732-456459 e-mail: CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS. booking. Tel 01547 530871 or 07721 739973 [email protected] All models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic Singles - Small groups catered for.(09/15) equipment, ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Anglo- VALRÉAS PROVENCE FRANCE. Servicing, repairs, insurance work.Tyres, spares French Les Ecureuils guesthouse, 5 en suite Europe FROM stock. 5 star workshop - full facilities. rooms. Large tranquil private garden, secure BMW authorised supplier.Bikes bought/sold - parking and pool. Ideal stopover or base when B&B Normandy-France. 3 en-suite see Biketrader web page. Jap & German 102 touring southern France. Contact Mike and bedrooms, great roads, lovely region, perfect for Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 237 2299, Chantal @ www.rib84.com (01/16) weekend escape, 10% discount on B&B rates www.japandgerman.co.uk for club members, call 0033233640023 www. BMW Twins road & race maisonlaudiere.com Services CRAY ENGINEERING. performance specialist. Fully equipped workshop DORDOGNE A WEEK TO REMEMBER. LYNBROOK INSURANCE. for Special for servicing, repairs, rebuilds & engineering. Following the 6th successful week with the Member’s terms including Classic & Modern Tuning packages to suit your requirements. New Southern section we are offering our biker Motorcycle Insurance (all makes) Tel 0845 130 & used spares. Tyres fitted & balanced while you weeks to all. All inclusive accomodation, as 4662 or 01277 206285. Also Travel and Europe wait. (Callers by appointment only) Phone/Fax much as you can eat & drink. Visits,canoeing & wide Breakdown/Recovery Tel 0151 336 5881 01795 538282 Faversham, Kent more 2- 9 May 2015 & 19th – 26 Sep. Minimum (quote Lynbrook) INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST DORSET. 10 max 20 people £580 pp Tim & Sarah Austin Stainless Steel Fasteners. Part or Servicing and repair centre. Qualified technician [email protected] www.troismaisons. full kits available, most models covered. SAE with 20+yrs experience. Diagnostic testing and co.uk or e mail [email protected] for list. after service date resets. Studley’s Motorcycles FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY. B & B plus ideal Chris Shaw Engineering 24 Station Road, in Dorchester, Dorset. Tel: 07884 180968 www. gite for two - north of Saumur. Tranquil location Halton Holegate, Spilsby, Lincs, PE23 5PB Tel: studleysmotorcycles.co.uk November 2015 The BMW Club Journal 45 BMW Club Journal 210x297 44787_Layout 1 12/11/2014 10:07 Page 1
JIM HILL MOTORBIKE SERVICES. (formerly and MOT work shop. 10% discount on MOT’s service available within an 80 mile radius of t/a Mobile Motorbike Services). We offer for Members. Very close to Portsmouth Ferry Leicester. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 professional repairs and servicing for all BMW port. Over 30 years experience. Tel 02392 588076, www.boxerman.co.uk (12/15) models at realistic prices. We now operate from 825515 www.rdowneymotorcycles.co.uk Email: Fast, competitive THE WORKSHOP (YORK) NORTH Unit 2, Acton Street, Long Eaton, NG10 1FT. [email protected] YORKSHIRE. Independent BMW specialist Collection service available. Contact Jim 07971 SCOTLAND - NORTH AYRSHIRE. Mostly based in York . Servicing, Repair & Restoration\ 236087 www.ifixyourbike.com. Bricks & Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. Bespoke projects. Over ten years working with international NORTH EAST. Independent BMW Specialist. Professional motorcycle servicing and repairs at some of the best race teams in the British, AMA & Full service & repair for all models up to present realistic rates. Agreed labour cost restorations. the World Championships.Over 5 Years working day. Factory trained senior technician. Mobile Phone Jim Downie 01294 558638 or 07580 with the Metropolitan Police. BMW passport. shipping service within 60 miles of Sunderland. Now 649664 www.mostly-boxers-and-bricks.co.uk Diagnostic equipment. For more information breaking bikes. Call Mike Kendrick 0191 510 email. [email protected] please visit www.theworkshopyork.com or call 0265 or 07828 281003 Paul on 07881798445 THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW PORTSMOUTH HAMPSHIRE. Roger Downey SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration Motorcycles. Independent servicing, repair facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile 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
www.bmboxer from major Looking for a used part for a Boxer or K manufacturers. series ? BMW Motorcycles For spares you can n All models from always rely on, take a our look at 1970 onwards. speciality www.bmboxer.com n Knowledgeable staff for over 30 years always happy We service and repair all models from the F650, early to advise! airhead & oilhead boxers & K series to the present day twins, fours and sixes.
For more information contact Ian on 01694 723546, .com check online at www.churchstrettonmotorcycles.com or visit us at Crossways(A49), Church Stretton Shropshire SY6 6PG 01484 353 600 • 0845 458 0077 46 The BMW Club Journal November 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 November 2015 www.motorworks.co.uk 47 020915 BMW CLUB MERCHANDISE
NEW
UTAG I.D. Tag Roll neck shirt £18.00 in black or navy NOW ONLY Promotional price £15.00 extended £17.00 MOTORRAD BRACES £24.00 Casual Shirt £25.00
Ripper Wallet Red only. £4.00 BMW Club Mug £6.00
Soft Shell Base Ball Jacket Hat £5.00 £36.00 NOW ONLY £4.00 Quality £8.50 grey NOW ONLY A4 size ‘T’ Shirt £7.00 Journal Binders £6.50 each
Compact folding Umbrella £6.50
Telephone sales, enquiries and sizing advice to Cath Broughton on 01604 416 896 Calls between 9.00am and 8.00pm. Email enquiries to: [email protected] Order on line at www.thebmwclub.org.uk/merchandise Order by post to:- Cath Broughton, 17 Strawberry Hill, Northampton, NN3 5HL. Please give your membership number when ordering by post. Cheques payable to ‘The BMW Club’.