THEJOURNAL £3.00 Magazine of The BMW Club November 2017

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01775 680881 WWW.MOTOBINS.CO.UK The Editorial Team Editor: Debbie Sampson. ‘Trevilla’,18, Contents The Journal Ropehaven Road St. Austell PL25 4DU. From The Editor’s Desk 4 07762 347 768 [email protected] November 2017 Features/Articles: Please contact the Editor President’s Platform 5 until further notice. Torque Reaction: Paul Nadin, 49 Berkshire Torque Reaction 6 The Official BMW Club within the UK and Drive, Congleton, CW12 1SB. 01260 279 Republic of Ireland Pride and Prejudice 8 www.thebmwclub.org.uk 443 [email protected] ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood The K1600B 11 Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, S63 9GD 07752 904 334 [email protected] From Pillion, to Biker 13 Commercial Display Advertisements: Amanda Langan - marketing@bmwclubuk. Tour of the Alps on BMW R65s 14 net Small Business Advertisements: Amanda Only a Galah Rides Too far - Pt 4 16 Langan - [email protected] Correspondence on any Journal matter not covered Section News: Steve Foreman 07770 827 Framlingham National Rally 20 by the officers listed here should be sent to the Editor 574 [email protected] who will forward it as appropriate. For general Club The Sections 28 administration and membership matters please see the Diary of Events: Bob Barker. list of Club officers on this page. [email protected] For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, Around The Compass 30 Around The Compass: Bob Barker (see please contact your Section Membership Secretary. Should there still be a problem then contact the National above). Diary of Events 32 Membership Secretary whose contact details are listed Club/Section Display Ads: Piers Kurrein. on this page. 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November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 3 The second one is a reminder from the General Secretary Stewart Lowthian, to amend your club or personal account signature to our change of companies’ house solicitor name and address as detailed on the Contents page [3] in the box under the Club logo. My archive choice this month is taken from the July 1993 issue, a Spring National event hosted by the Oxford Section and it their first one, a very much so ‘back to basics’ rally, other than the luxury of Trish and Bob Smith’s services to and fro the village hall. Those were the days! Hello Readers, meeting that if I do intend to give up the seat Enjoy reading the articles in this issue then By now most sections would have held then our members need to know sooner it will be time to make a start on your wish their AGM and if anything like the South West rather than later should someone wish to be list for Santa as Christmas will again soon of who I represent at the National committee my successor although this would not stop be here…. Those attending the Motorcycle meetings, I do hope yours went as well as anyone in proposing their name forward to Live Show at the NEC will I am sure have a ours which turned out a most pleasant the General Secretary should they wish to long list of goodies on their return. Go careful afternoon gathering especially when we challenge my position. Going by the past to those hardy bunch of you who ride in all end the meeting with tea and yummy cakes years record of electoral candidates, I will weathers this time of year. provided by our lady members, while we chat only express at this stage that a third year Debbie. and discuss ideas for our next year’s social of my Editorial duties is probably going to diary. happen so watch this space please for a Last weekend I attended the last of our further update…. NCM discussions for 2017 and we all went I have two notices to bring to your attention away with thoughts on new challenges and reminder this month. The first is from our ahead for the club. In The Journal last month, National Treasurer Jim Lepley for all Section Jim Bettley indicated in his Social Scene TREASURERS: IF YOU HAVE NOT report that I am considering standing down SUBMITTED SECTION ACCOUNTS as your Editor at the National AGM 2018. FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30th SEPT The question arose by a section rep at the 2017 – PLEASE DO SO NOW.

4 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 As this year’s riding season draws to a close for many I hope, like me, you can look back and reflect on some good day rides the enjoyable longer weekend and possibly holiday trips. Not the best year for weather, but maybe next year will be blessed with endless blue skies, fewer or no working days and a lottery win to fund ever more biking trips. For those who use the bike for daily commuting even through the winter months, take it easy and stay safe on the inevitable early frosty mornings. At least I now have the freedom to choose when and if I take to the road on the new GS. Yes, alright, I traded in the previous one for a shiny new model. BMW be a few more to plan in and book ahead. as central as we can be reasonably priced now produce a seemingly endless number One note of concern I currently have on the and moving the location for every meeting of new models, variations and upgrades all club’s behalf and share with the national would mean more work for the General of which look particularly attractive to lure social secretary Jim Bettley is that at the Secretary and Treasurer along with likely the unsuspecting. So, when on a visit to my point of writing this edition we still do not have increased costs when we are trying hard to dealer I spotted a new, just pre-registered an August National Event for 2018 because manage these down, with no significant or GS Adventure looking somewhat lonely in no section has offered to take the lead. After perceivable advantage. It has always been the showroom with a just too good an offer the recent well publicised success of the club policy that any member may attend to pass by, or at least that’s what I convinced Framlingham weekend that is more than a these meetings as an observer. I for one myself. That and the fact there was an MOT little disappointing. When I look back to when would like to see more members attend on and large servicing due on the current the club put on four national events a year these occasions. Whilst they can take no version, it just had to be mine. Deal done the of which the August bank holiday weekend active part during the meeting there is always subsequent collection and ride home was, as was always the largest and known as the the opportunity beforehand and during the always, sheer joy. It took only the one trip to “International Rally” it is rather sad that we lunch break to have a brief chat with your and from Framlingham to arrive at the first appear unable to organise just the one per representative or any of the National Officers. servicing which I had booked when I collected year now. So, my plea is for a group to come Following my visit to Herbert Kennard a it from the showroom. The miles are steadily together and have a go. I know it can be seen couple of months back I recently received a clicking over and the latest weekend away as a daunting task and suitable venues are short handwritten note from Herbert thanking with section friends saw it dealing with the becoming increasingly difficult to source, the club for presenting him with his Honorary autumn leaves and truly christened in rain but there is help and experience around Membership and saying that even though and mud. I look forward to many more happy the membership to succeed. In the end the his riding days are long past he still greatly miles and a decent trip abroad next year. success of any event, section or national, is enjoys reading The Journal to keep up with Most sections will have completed their down to having a good attendance and that club life. I intend to keep in regular touch with Annual General Meetings by now so there is down to each and every member of the Herbert. will likely be some new faces in office for the club. Active participation will expand your This month will see Motorcycle Live at the first time. If one of those is you,”welcome to enjoyment of the club and enrich your band NEC, Birmingham 18th - 26th, where we will the fray”. Once you get your feet firmly under of friends. What is easy to see is that people have our usual club stand so be sure to pop the table you’ll find it is not quite as bad as it who join the club and leave after a year along and at least say hello to the volunteers may have first appeared and there will be lots have mostly never attended any organised manning it each day. The club’s reduced price of friendly faces supporting your new plans event. Their loss you might say, but it is tickets offer helps to fund the stand. Even if and ideas. Section 2018 event calendars a real shame and when you read a letter you’re not in the market for a new motorcycle will be topical and the social secretaries will from a longstanding member that had never there is always plenty to see at the show and no doubt have been gently twisting some previously attended a national event before usually lots of bargains to be had. Whatever arms to organise or run some event for all Framlingham. It only serves to illustrate that the weather the show is a good day out. to enjoy and if again you’ve never taken on you often get a lot more out of it than you put Make the most of the remaining good days such a task, then have ago by starting with in but you do have to to make the effort in the folks. something that you particularly enjoy and it first place. Ian will seem so much easier. The whole social October will have seen another National ethos of the club and what has made it so Committee Meeting with a full agenda take successful over the past 66 years is the place and your representative will have wide variety of activities and social functions had an opportunity to voice your section’s organised and put together throughout the view on any number of the agenda items club. Joint section activities have always so don’t forget to ask him or her for some proved successful and the bonus is that the feedback. On that subject I was slightly organisers can share out the workload a bit surprised, although perhaps I shouldn’t have more. Certainly the Scottish section seem been, when a new member asked if the NC to be well ahead of the game as they were meetings could be held in a different section advertising their popular Gretna Hotel W/E on each occasion so that ordinary members for 2018 in the September Journal so by the could attend. I hope that they will understand October and this edition there will no doubt that the current location is in practical terms November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 5 Please send all submissions for Decembers Torque Reaction to Paul Torque Reaction Nadin (details on page 3) before the 5th of November please.

Retirement! Great week-end at the Three expression of membership which, in the Magpies. opinion of many, cannot be replaced by a After 62 years of motorcycling and aged 79 collection of pixels on a screen. in December I sadly have finally had to call Thanks are due to Keith Thomas, sidecar What we propose to do is to send a short a halt and give up riding. With a combination Register Secretary, for a very thoughtfully email to every member who has given the of major heart surgery last year and now arranged week-end’s camping at the Three Club an email address. We will endeavour chronic kidney disease it has left me with Magpies, Sells Green. to do this just before this Journal arrives. balance problems and severe fatigue. The social marquee, reading matter, We expect some of those addresses to be So after firstly belonging to the Midland kettle/tea/coffee/biscuits and all attractively Section in 1977 then the Western Section illuminated for late night gatherings or “I need out-of-date, in which case we will remove for 20 years and now a member of the a bit of peace and quiet” moments during the them from the membership database. If you Yorkshire Section I will now have to belong day were spot on. There were enthusiastic prefer the Club not to contact you by email the ‘Caravan and Motorhome Section!’ Lol!! reports from those who visited WASP HQ then simply send a reply to this effect when Over the years we have toured most too. you get the email, it will be noted and your of Europe and Morocco, Jody and I first With a good pub a few yards away, well address removed. travelled to Spain and Portugal in 1983 for a worth another visit. For the vast majority, however, it will allow month’s camping on an R100S. My first trip June Lukins Herefordshire. us to send you documents such as those was to the FIM Rally in Yugoslavia in 1981. listed above without incurring any costs, Having been in the club for 40 years it which is surely an attractive option. The was good seeing old friends at Framlingham Why we would like to email initial email is obviously experimental as we recently, and although we may not be on a every member. need to develop ways of doing mail-outs to bike any more you’ve not seen the last of us all members using our own resources as our yet! At the time of writing over 90% of Club privacy policy precludes using the paid-for Mike and Jody Grinter. members have given us an email address. services of an external supplier. Yorkshire Section. Some sections already use email to keep in touch with their members, but we would like So if you haven’t received the email to expand this to the whole Club. from me by the time you read this then that Cameras in Spain. This gives the possibility of saving money means we almost certainly do not have your by electronically distributing important but current email address on record, so it would Just as I’m off to Spain (where I was fined €100 unexciting documents such as the accounts be really helpful to the Club (for the reasons for stopping on a white line last time!) there’s and agenda before each AGM as an mentioned above) if you could contact me by info on the Petrol Prices website about new alternative to putting them on our website email giving me your membership number and sneaky-beaky types of cameras and the or printing and posting them. It might well and your current email address so we can fact that European authorities can now track also be an easy and convenient way to issue start to send you emails. UK drivers via vehicle registrations (DVLA) - membership renewal reminders without Please rest assured that we will never but not the other way round it seems! Fines paying our mailing house to put them in the give out your personal details to any third of up to £600 apparently. envelopes with The Journal. parties, we will only use the email address to The URL for the page is below - although What it is not, for two good reasons, I’m not sure if you need to be a member to is the introduction of an electronically- keep you abreast of Club information. If you use it. circulated Journal. The technical objection have any questions then please contact me www.petrolprices.com/news/640-fines- to distributing The Journal by email is that it at “[email protected]” speed-cameras/ would require a very large attachment even Many thanks. Neville Dalton. Oxford Section. for a very grainy and hard-to-read version. Dik Langan. Secretary, More importantly, The Journal is a tangible East Anglia Section.

The Rhino Rally at Bedgellert

The camping in the forest site at Bedgellert has been sold to log cabin developers and will close on the 31st October 2017, so regrettably this brings to a close the Rhino Rally at that location. However, some of us are seeking (and hopefully will identify) an alternative location before the year end. In the meantime, many thanks to all those who have supported the event over the last twenty-seven years. Garth Forbes. Northampton.

6 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 7 Pride and Prejudice R1200GS Rallye 2017 and S1000XR Comparison Test Bob Mack, Steve Martin and Steve Moxey

Signs in the Hampshire district of Basingstoke and Deane Both the R1200 GS Rallye and the S1000XR have a well have recently been re-branded as the ‘Home of Jane Austen’ in documented history and are top selling motorcycles, in one form or celebration of the 200th anniversary of the famous author’s death. another. It appears that the Rallye has been introduced to bring the Bahnstormer Motorrad in Farringdon is in fact just a couple of miles GS to customers who would like some GSA features but prefer the from the village of Chawton where Jane Austen lived and which is GS package: the styling and option packs reflect this. At the same now home to the Jane Austen museum. time self-levelling suspension has been introduced to the 2017 GS With apologies to Jane Austen, a paraphrasing of the opening but will doubtless be extended to other models in time. The Rallye lines of Pride and Prejudice sums up the predicament facing colour scheme is very striking but if you prefer something more many prospective BMW owners quite well: ‘It is a truth universally conservative, BMW also does the R1200GS Exclusive model. acknowledged that a motorcyclist in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a new BMW. However little known the feelings or views of such a person may be on first entering a BMW dealer, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the sales manager, that they are considered as the rightful property of someone or other of their sales team!’

The continued dominance of the BMW R1200GS/GSA seems assured so the purpose of this test is two-fold: to review the latest 2017 GS variant, the ‘Rallye’, and also to see if the S1000XR could make a case for an alternative - the XR was described by MCN as the best motorcycle in the world after all. Bahnstormer Alton provided us with new a 2017 R1200GS Rallye and 2017 S1000XR for the test and many thanks are due to Eddie and John for arranging the test and answering our many questions The XR, on the other hand, seems to be much the same as about the bikes. As with any review you have to make up your own before, but with new colour options and some niggles addressed; mind but hopefully this article will be useful. Two of us rode the test in particular the handlebars are now rubber mounted to reduce bikes and have accumulated plenty of GS experience on air cooled, vibration. oil cooled and water cooled GS models. We also have some input Riding impressions: Anyone expecting the S1000XR to be a very from Steve Martin, a long term XR owner, to ensure balance. fast GS or GSA will be disappointed. Although the XR is a very 8 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 fast and capable motorcycle it really doesn’t feel anything like a BMW GS or GSA Motorcycle. It would be absolutely essential to have more than one test ride on an XR before committing to one. Climbing on board the XR, which had a prominent step in the seat, it felt a bit short of space for the rider and as the footpegs were high compared to the seat base this gave a rather cramped riding position. Other seat options would need to be explored for riders over 6 feet tall. On the other hand the GS, and in particular the Rallye, is now so refined it’s difficult to see how anyone could fail to get on well with one, the riding position was good, not cramped, and comfortable; the GS is very user-friendly. The S1000XR provides a mixed bag of impressions to the rider. Initially it feels very refined but once on the move there is a harshness that is reminiscent of older four cylinder engines, in frames that didn’t absorb vibration very well. Rubber mounting the handle bars has dealt with the vibrations that many riders disliked although not everyone had noticed that problem. Generally speaking the XR is easy to ride, well balanced and takes no effort to manoeuvre. By contrast the smoothness of this latest generation of the liquid cooled boxer engine and gear box, fitted to the R1200GS Rallye, was quite a surprise and overall the GS was a very easy motorcycle to ride and was very well balanced. Both motorcycles had Gear Assist Pro which performed effortlessly throughout the rev range on the XR but needed more thought to get the best out of the system on the Rallye. Overall Gear Assist Pro makes gear changing a very easy action. As far as engines are concerned the two engines are chalk and cheese. The XR has a detuned version of the S1000RR which leads one to wonder why BMW felt the need to detune it? In the S1000RR it is a wonderfully smooth, flexible and powerful power plant; in the XR it seems to have a more peaky power delivery and has also gained some vibration. The GS has the latest development of the liquid cooled boxer twin which has gained flexibility and driveability and is a noticeable improvement over the previous Euro 3 model and even last year’s Euro 4 version. The engine is certainly powerful enough for the job and would work well off road. There are rumours of more powerful boxer engines in the pipeline but to be honest why would BMW need to bother? It would certainly be a big mistake to chase horsepower that few people will ever use and sacrifice the overall experience. Handling and road holding are different but are worth mentioning together. Both these motorcycles have various electronic aids which are there to help make them as safe as possible, within the laws of physics. Today we tend to take ABS brakes for granted, but in truth we rarely experience their intervention under most driving conditions. Electronics and monitoring systems, on the other hand, have moved on to the point where damping can be varied electronically and intervene continuously. Both bikes benefit from this and deal with rough and smooth roads equally well without the rider having to make any adjustment, and as a result handling is excellent considering the weight and size of the bikes. The Rallye many superbikes. Its power, torque and performance figures are now has the latest self-levelling ESA suspension which alters the well documented. On the road performance is not intimidating and spring preload for you. Previously, on ESA equipped machines, the smooth power delivery meant that overtakes could be made very the rider would select a preload before moving off: Rider, Rider & easily, safely and quickly - it does make you smile. The R1200GS Luggage, Rider & Pillion. If the rider forgot to do this the handling Rallye isn’t short on power or a slow machine either and despite not could be effected. With the self-levelling suspension, set to Auto, being the most powerful machine in the market it delivers its power sensors determine the load and adjust the preload to suit. in a really controlled way. Overall power delivery and engine braking Roadholding - or the ability to stay on the road when centrifugal are much smoother than previous liquid cooled boxer engines. forces are trying to unstick the tyres from it - increases hugely Both motorcycles have ride-by-wire throttle systems and simply because the suspension allows the tyres to stay connected previous versions have been criticised for making it difficult to to the road more firmly. Both machines enjoy good roadholding, regulate the engine at low speeds, resulting in a jerky ride. This considering their weight and size. could have been caused by either poor calibration of the moving The S1000XR is a very powerful machine and will out-perform parts, or bad fuel mapping, or both. In any case BMW have worked November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 9 to refine the systems and both bikes have good twist grip to engine Item GS vs XR Item GS vs XR reaction, making for jerk free progress at low revs. Engine perfor- XR Pillion comfort EQUAL* During this short test the GS appeared to be the more comfortable mance machine, and also has a vast array of BMW and third party options to tailor the bike to an individual customer’s preference. The XR Fuel consumption GS Instruments GS is a large enough bike so it should be comfortable for longer trips Handling, suspen- EQUAL Mirrors cover- EQUAL and could also be improved by changing screens, seats etc. The sion age, location weather during the test was dry so we did not test rain protection. Steering EQUAL Windscreen GS We did not evaluate luggage on this short test, but to summarize protection the options: the GS has the expandable plastic luggage available which seems to be well liked by many riders (you even see a few Brakes GS Controls GS adventure owners with these cases fitted) and there is the option switches, lever to have the aluminium pannier fixings and panniers from the GSA Riding position, GS Seat height, GS fitted if more capacity is needed. There is a wide range of third party seat comfort reach to ground options available as well. The XR uses the same BMW panniers as the latest R1200R and R1200RS, and whilst not exactly beautiful Ride quality GS Build quality GS these cases are very effective and have the clever idea of a tray which stops things falling out when you open the pannier - very R1200GS Rallye and S1000XR Rating (GS, EQUAL, XR) *Not useful. With a top box and panniers either bike would be suitable tested. for commuting or touring but the GS has many more options for Overall Test Conclusions owners. To ensure the test was not too GS-biased we asked Steve Martin, a satisfied XR owner for his perspective. Good Vibrations - S1000XR Owner’s View: My initial introduction to the XR was a test ride at North Oxford when it first came out: I thought the marriage of an S1000R engine in a GS style package would be a great combination. My initial impressions were that the bike had thrilling performance, it was great dynamically and was relatively comfortable, but the vibrations that appear between 70-85 in top gear, just where you don’t want them, would be too much for me to live with. I decided it was not for me. So fast forward 9 months and after a bad experience with a Ducati, I found myself back at North Oxford buying the bike and hoping I could get on with the vibrations. Having searched the forums on managing the vibration issue, the first mods were fitting bar end weights,checking the torque settings on the bar clamps and fitting “Grip Buddies” (a neoprene wrap that goes around your grips). I can honestly now say I don’t notice the vibration at all. They are still there, but the mods have vastly reduced them and as the mileage on the engine increases, currently 6,500miles, feel them less and less. So having addressed the main complaint, what is the bike like? I use it for Sunday blasts, occasional commuting and touring. As a Sunday machine and for commuting it is great, the performance is outstanding and the XR delivers the thrills of a sports bike with the comfort of a GS. For touring it is more compromised. When two up and loaded with luggage, it is at the limits of what the Semi Active suspension can deal with, the gearing is low, it is chain drive and if We were somewhat surprised by the BMW R1200GS Rallye, you use the power it eats tyres. quite simply this is the best boxer twin BMW has yet produced. It is like all bikes in that it’s a compromise, being towards the Compared to the first incarnation the new XR has improved, but sporting end of the spectrum, rather than a tourer. So it depends not to the same extent. If you are looking for the more flexible what you are looking for from a bike as to whether it’s for you. I have motorcycle, and perhaps the best machine in BMW’s range, it would owned the bike for just over a year, covered over 6,500 miles, 2,000 have to be the GS. The XR makes more sense for a rider coming of that being a two up European trip on which the XR performed from a sportsbike where the transition to a GS maybe too big a faultlessly. The performance is remarkable and you will always step, although we suspect that many owners will upgrade to a GS have fun with it, at the expense of practicality when compared to later once they have acclimatized! Jane Austen perhaps summed say a GS. That said, surprisingly for me, my partner Louise rates up the GS/XR debate very well in another quotation from Pride and this as her favourite ever bike, previous bikes include GS, GSA and Prejudice: ‘The power of doing anything with quickness is always a few touring Harleys, so I guess it comes back to your personal prized much by the possessor, and often without any attention to preference and what you are looking for from your bike. the imperfection of the performance’. Comparison Test Ratings (GS vs XR): At the end of the test, over It is also fair to say that long-term owners will adapt to their bikes a couple of cups of coffee, we scored the GS and XR against some and also adapt their bikes to their specific needs. Every motorcycle semi-objective criteria to see how the two bikes scored! has its limitations and our advice would be that it’s more profitable to find out what your bike does well and do more of that! 10 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 The K1600B and further updatesJohn Bentall

The Russian firm Comsar Invest are helping bringing a multi-million Euro new production underway and into top gear through the quiet struggling MV Agusta to buy back the 25% of facility and warehouse on-line have led to gearbox, the Bavarian 6-cylinder impresses the company currently owned by Mercedes- the current crisis. The workforce returned to with powerful and refined Coolness. Usually Benz off-shoot AMG. BMW Motorrad are work on the following Monday out of loyalty 1,400 to 3,000 revs are sufficient to make celebrating their fifth successive increase in and the insolvency team are hoping to put good progress, but there is real grunt from world-wide sales in the first half of 2017, with the company back on a firm financial footing 4,000 rpm onwards. Anyone who takes deliveries of 88,389 motorcycles (including as soon as possible. the engine to its 8,400 rpm limit needs the C650) of which 14,461 were to Germany. Wunderlich have brought out an under- to be in a serious hurry as the otherwise This represents a 9.5% increase over the seat mounted locking system for two helmets well-mannered chassis then reaches its same period in 2016. to fit the R1200R LC and R1200RS LC limits. Slight, un-worrying but noticeable A new semi-active suspension damping models priced at €60 plus delivery. movements in the chassis at high autobahn system using technology from the car The smaller BMW GS twins are to be speeds explain why the Bagger is limited to industry has been developed in Italy by the completely revised for 2018. The engine 125mph, which it can achieve in 4th gear. In Mupo Company. The system is similar to capacity will be increased to somewhere view of this limit, it did not really matter that the Magnetic Ride dampers used by Audi between 850 and 900cc. The 750GS should the test machine appeared to be missing 8 of and others, where the damping fluid is receive a 10PS power hike to 85 PS, leaving its claimed 160 horses. The radio or tracks infused with magnetic particles. The head of room for the more powerful 800GS model on the USB stick can be heard at speeds up damper piston contains an electro-magnet to compete with the Honda Africa Twin and to just over 60 mph, but really it is the engine which stiffens up the damping according others. The tank has been moved forward that supplies the music. to the current applied. A side-by-side test and will be filled from the top rather than the The K1600B handles A- and B-roads well. ride with an identical bike revealed that the side. The exhaust and chain have swopped Granted that narrow lanes are not its natural deeper the ruts and the higher the speed, the sides and a new aluminium frame replaces habitat, but the machine rides with far more more noticeable is the improvement over a the tubular item. agility that its dimensions would suggest until conventional semi-active suspension. The BMW are making a renewed onslaught the footboards begin to grind on asphalt. We system is quite expensive at €3500 before into the American Cruiser market with the head back home in the sunset using the seat fitting. K1600B (B stands for Bagger). Motorrad heating to keep warm and the adaptive HID Cash-flow problems have forced German staff manged a brief test ride and made a headlight to illuminate the way. firm Touratech to apply to the local courts few observations. The response to throttle In summary, the K1600B is a cool addition for insolvency proceedings/protection on inputs is a little tardy which, when combined to the K1600 family that not only looks and Thursday, 10th August. The firm has a very with a clutch action without a decisive bite sounds good but is also rewarding and fun healthy order book, however problems with point, makes rapid starts quite tricky. Once to ride. November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 11 Natalia Bartolomé Díez. determined to learn all the necessary From Pillion, to Biker information to do well and pass the test. Always one to please and, let’s face it, a massive nerd, I wanted to get the top grades and do well. As the rain chundered down, it was time to get on the bikes. Suddenly, I was ever so slightly nervous at the thought. Everything had led up to this moment, but now the vehicle began to look slightly intimidating. Was this man really trusting and letting me ride this thing by myself? Was I really going to be in control of a motorised machine? It seemed like a lot of responsibility to me. What if I lost control and hit a car? I mounted. My instructor explained how to get into first gear, where the clutch was, the throttle and most importantly, the brakes. He instructed me to ride forward slowly and stop after a metre. Talking myself through the process I began… Clutch in. Foot down into first. Release the clutch slowly. OH, OH MY GOODNESS! I WAS MOVING! I DID NOT STALL! And stop. AGAIN! I wanted to do it again! And off I went, metre at a time, around the pad. After a lap, he announced that I could go off around the pad by myself. FREEDOM. Off I set, moving slowly around the pad, gathering speed each time, before I got bored and began to incorporate changes of direction, cone work and even second gear. Forget Iñigo and how happy he would be if I go my CBT, this was bloody fun! I was having the time of my life. Twist, turn; stop, start; right, left; figures of eight – this was AMAZING! I was gliding around. I would even say I was half good at it. Before we What exactly does one think of when they bikes direction, manipulating the ride as I headed onto the roads my instructor turned hear the word ‘biker’? A tall, hairy, well built, wanted. The solution was rather simple: I got to me and said “it is obvious to me you are perhaps ever so slightly overweight, leather my CBT. going to enjoy this, you have not stopped wearing male? I think most of us do, at least Covered up in bed and hidden by the smiling all day”. those of us who have never been exposed duvet, I secretly began to search places Roads. Roads are BRILLIANT. Far better to the world of motorbikes; it is after all the to do my CBT from my parents, but mostly than slow riding pads. On roads, you can hit image that most films and the media portray Iñigo. I had two thoughts running through 30mph! I could not have imagined anything to us. However, that’s not to say that all men my mind, first, I wanted this to be a trail to better! Off I zoomed, immediately being told ride Harley Davidson’s, that all bikers are as see whether I would enjoy motorbike riding to slow down through the radio, practicing good looking as George Clooney, or even that as much as I had enjoyed being a pillion, junctions and bends. It was phenomenal fun. all bikers are men. Nevertheless, I cemented particularly having been so against the idea I got it, I completely got it now (in hindsight, my decision to change the definition of ‘biker’, just a few months prior. Secondly, I wanted it having ridden a BMW G650GS on my A2 to one where I was included, whilst acting as all to be a surprise from the boy who thinks, course, I did not get it then, the feeling 650cc pillion on Iñigo’s R1200GS, during a ride out. dreams and talks bikes all day. I could only gives in comparison is shameful). This is The way these men dominated the road, sped imagine his face when I appeared with a why people ride motorbikes, screw being by like a flash of lighting, controlled every CBT; imagine his euphoria when I revealed pillion, this was far better. I felt empowered bend in the road, but most importantly did so my desire to ride bikes. Just the thought of and the rush that was ignited as a pillion was with utter joy on their faces, left me wanting how happy he would be, bought elation to me now exploding like a firework within me. The more – the mere two-hour trip was simply no as I impulsively booked myself in for the day. course had finished. longer satisfactory. I wanted control of the I rolled up in my little red car and parked. As I rushed back to my car, certificate bike. I wanted the independence. I wanted Dressed in my horse riding waterproof, black in hand, I received a message from Iñigo the fun of the chase; a fun which is only wholly skinny jeans and Gore-tex walking boots, saying something along the lines of “you achieved and felt by the regulator of the my mismatched outfit reflected the weather have not spoken much today, been riding all wheels. Considering the thrill I was receiving perfectly. Into a shed we were stuffed and day?” I simply replied “I kind of riding” with a just hanging on behind, I craved and could soon our lesson began. The gentleman photo of my CBT. only imagine the power and burst of energy began to explain all the essentials, from legal For more content, please visit our website: that I would receive if I was orchestrating the helmets, to the controls. Intently I listened, www.itisridingtime.com 12 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 Obituary - Daves Last Lap Reg Moule. Western Section

Long standing BMW Club members will Resident in the island from 1985 The family decided the final resting be sad to hear that Dave Dickenson until 1999, when they moved back to place for Dave and Mary’s ashes should has completed his final lap of the Isle Wales, returning in 2013 after Mary be on the TT Course on the Mountain of Man TT course on 11th October 2017 passed away in 2012. Resident at as a passenger in a Funeral Hearse Ramsey he still rode his collection of Section near to Joeys bend, a fitting powered by a Suzuki Hyabusa in outfits up until April this year when a tribute carried out with reverence and typical TT weather, wet and very windy fall and subsequent illness lead to Dave dignity. accompanied by 13 Motorcycles. passing away. Dave will be remembered for his BMW dealership at Tintern Garage, Monmouthshire alongside the River Wye in sight of Tintern Abbey, ably assisted by his wife Mary (The Dragon) who provided copious supplies of tea for BMW owners while Dave worked his magic on their bikes in the workshop. BMW Club Western Section Meetings were held at the Garage. Dave first rode in the TT in 1968 and competed in 14 races until 1979, his best result being 21st in 1975 on an ex Siegfried Schauzu (Sideways Sid) Rennsport averaging 75mph, but most races were on traditional flat twin pushrod machines built and developed by himself.

November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 13 Tour of the Alps on BMWMichael R65s John Underhill

At 7-30am Monday 07th August 2017 I fired- I am posing for the emotional re-union with warm sunshine. In the Alps it was cold and up my trusty old bike. A heavily laden, BMW this location. I had cycled here in 1983 and I snow was on the ground. Each evening we R65 (1979 model) and set off to meet my was amazed at how much I had remembered relaxed with good food and the odd spot of mate Graham also aboard a BMW R65 (1982 of the climb. Graham and I had agreed, for plonk too. model). Our destination the high Alps. the sake of our machines and ourselves, Overall an excellent trip without incident. We are both re-tired chaps with a great to limit our riding to stints of approximately Both bikes ran beautifully and this is thanks sense of adventure and had planned to pick 50miles then a short break and to keep road to Graham’s skill in setting up both machines up and follow my route as a cyclist way back speeds of about 60mph. before the trip. We found camping for ten in 1983. An early start every day and then ride nights, moving on each day, a tough, though The Col-de-I’seran at 2770m is the until about 4-00pm looking for the nearest rewarding experience. highest road pass in the Alps and is located campsite. Camping throughout out tour was Our old bikes vibrate and rattle when between Lanselbourg and Val-d’-Isere. Here very good and reasonably priced. Our skills compared with more modern machines but we are almost at the top of the Col, Graham in French are virtually non-existent but at all it was comforting to know that we could still on board his machine. We did find that times we were able to communicate very well manage to do our own maintenance at the at this altitude the bikes lacked punch and with everyone we met. The roads in France roadside if necessary. My machine has done needed to be gently ridden up the slopes. We were really good and in our opinion French 93000 miles and used nearly one litre of oil; allowed ourselves ten days for the tour and drivers were very good and tolerant of Graham’s bike didn’t use a drop. Both bikes camping each night meant we had a very cyclists and motorcyclists. We have arrived ran like a dream and as mentioned earlier we strenuous trip. Both bikes performed well and at ferry terminal in Dover. No prior booking did 1670 miles at 58 mpg. without fuss; we covered 1670 miles and my just pay-up and get on. We endured mixed machine did an average of 58.56 mpg. Here weather, heavy rain strong winds and very Simply Brilliant!

14 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 15 Ian Johnson Only a Galah Rides Too far - Pt 4

Philip Island to Sydney – 2,250km hour upon hour. It was only when we stopped wasn’t moto-sport related but the opportunity Ever since passing through Ceduna (at the for lunch at (yes, you’ve guessed it), a bakery to watch the breeding little (fairy) penguins eastern end of the Nullarbor Desert) the for a pie or two, that I realised that the bridge come onto the beach at Penguin Parade at sense of riding through an uninhabited, I was looking at was the approach to Philip sunset. By the time we got there at 2000hrs land had disappeared; whilst we still had Island. What an idiot! I couldn’t understand the temperature was already falling rapidly some super long days, the availability of why Philip Island felt so large. I had thought but wrapped up in our motorcycling gear we fuel stations and places to eat other than Sorrento was on Philip Island itself; the were probably some of the more comfortable at transport Roadhouses had increased dangers of relying on a large scale 1:4m participants. However, the stars of the show massively. In addition, traffic densities were map (covering the whole of Australia on one were the penguins; thousands of them. If you slowly increasing. Now, having ridden down sheet) were thus magnified. ever go to Philip Island do not miss out on the Great Ocean Road towards Melbourne On crossing the bridge to Philip Island Penguins Parade. Expensive but worth every it really did feel like the adventure was we briefly paused to look at the statues in cent. The only disappointment is the inability coming to an end. The familiarity of the honour of Gardiner, Doohan and Stoner to be able to take photographs as the flashes roads between Melbourne and Sydney to the before then going onto our accommodation from cameras disrupt the Penguins. three Aussies on the trip now meant that this at Cowes (having already passed the The following morning conformed to was almost in their back-gardens; I still had signposts for Cowes!). Now Philip Island has the norm for Philip Island. Strong winds 2,250km to go but in a country the size of a certain reputation for being squally. It didn’t interspersed with showers meant that it was Australia, all is relative! disappoint. The afternoon was dominated by a pretty cold ride north out of Philip Island The last Monday in October saw me bright (but cold) sunny weather interspersed towards the Snowy Mountains and the towns re-joining the Aussies at Queenscliff ferry by incredibly sharp showers and an evil wind. of Bairnsdale & Omeo. We were now in terminal to cross Philip Bay. I clearly hadn’t Naturally we paid a visit to the MotoGP prime motorcycling country and the Aussies been paying attention as I thought the ferry circuit (and associated museum), where knew this area like the back of their hands. was going to take us directly to the fabled there was a motorcycle track-day in progress. At Bairnsdale we stopped to meet up Philip Island. However, after an very choppy It would have been great to ride around the with Gavin. Gavin was one of the original journey (which meant we had to initially stay circuit but a 16 year-old GS with aluminium survivors from our 2011 Kudu Trip from the with the bikes as the ferry had no tie-downs), panniers would have looked somewhat out of UK to Ulaanbaatar and was also part of we disembarked on the east coast of Philip place. I guess this is just one of those tracks the original “brains trust” for the entire Lap Bay at Sorrento, into the cool (read bloody that will elude me (and Robert Bensley?). of Oz ride, but had immediately before the cold!) but sunny morning. We then rode for The highlight of Philip Island though trip decided to sell-up his house in Sydney and become one of the Grey Travellers that circulate around Australia. He had, however, obtained a “pass-out” for a few days and had freed his LC1200GSA from its trailer to ride with us up the Snowy Mountains. So now there were 5 of us; all on BMW GS’s of various vintages. After Omeo the road climbed and climbed. It wasn’t too long before the width narrowed, the surface deteriorated and the bends started to tighten up. It was, however, a brilliant, if challenging ride. The “inner boy” was well and truly at play as we hooned around tight bend after tight bend, with 16 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 sheer drops if you got it wrong. This was as it has been 304km (189m) since our last could enjoy the challenges of the Snowy real footrest down territory. In Europe, these service station, and we had been giving it the Mountains without having to worry about roads would be absolutely swamped with beans over the mountain passes in-between where we stopped. There was only one small motorcycles but out in Australia we had the time; this was my highest fuel consumption niggle, and that was Gavin’s “keyless” fuel road to ourselves. Magnificent. By the time all trip with a usage of 43mpg compared to cap wouldn’t unlock; however, the extended we pulled into the Laurel Hotel in the centre an average for the whole trip of just under range of the GSA meant that we were not of the “town” of Mitta Mitta my knees ached 51 mpg. concerned, reasoning that it would have from the constant moving around on the GS. It had been an early, and cold start so we reset itself by the time of our next scheduled Despite the bitterly cold weather it had been just had to stop in Tallangatta for a coffee fuel stop at Tumbarumba. 660km of sheer joy. at (yes, you guessed it) the local bakery Leaving Tumbarumba we hit our first In order to economise on the and stock-up on lunch supplies so that we section of un-metalled trails; this was more accommodation costs we had elected to take one of the Hotel’s bunk rooms with 4 single beds and 2 bunk beds. By the time we had piled all our motorcycling gear in the room as well, it was a bit of a squeeze. However, we managed to blow all our accommodation savings on red wine, beer and fine food; some of the best food we had all trip and a blessed relief from Roadhouse Fare, whilst sat in front of an open fire. It was a perfect end to a stunning days riding. We even forgave Gavin for waking us all at c 0230hrs with his blood-curdling nightmare! Next morning was no warmer as we set off down the valley, in thick mist towards the town of Tallangatta. It was, therefore, with some relief when we pulled into Tallangatta with the low fuel light blinking on the GS, November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 17 Having spent a good 5 hours in the museum the highlight for me was being approached by a 95-year-old WW2 veteran (replete in blazer and campaign medals) who on seeing my UK plates came across for a chat and to tell me how his motorcycling was restricted these days to a super-scooter. Way to go; if I’m still motorcycling at 95 (even if on a super-scooter) I will be well pleased! The final 2 days of the ride, from Canberra like it and it was clear that everyone was we wound our way down the Alpine way, it to Sydney were spent substantially on my having serious “off-road” fun as we headed was clear that now we were back into New own. Jerry had provided me with a more towards the headwaters of the Murray River South Wales speed limits were again being detailed map and potential routes from and on towards the Snowy Mountains. rigidly enforced. Canberra and the ACT, back into New South Pulling into “Tumba Bloody Rumba” as it By the time we pulled into Jindabyne Wales and the coast, including some off-road soon became known, and fuelling up once everyone was relieved as it had been a cold, sections on the road to Bulli. more it was clear that Gavin’s “keyless’ cold day. I guess the clue is in the name To be riding on my own at long last felt fuel cap had still not cured itself. Fruitless “Snowy Mountains”? very liberating, and knowing that Sydney telephone calls to the BMW main agents in Jindabyne is one of the service towns for was now close merely highlighted that an Sydney brought no comfort and no solution; a number of the Australian ski-resorts so we amazing journey was coming to an end. in the end, therefore, we resorted to taking were lucky to squeeze into the motel there The penultimate night was hosted by Jerry, our Torx bits to the fuel cap in order to free it for our final night together as a group. It had in a typically generous Aussie fashion at his as by now even the big GSA was on fumes. been a great few days and we had ridden beach-side house in the coastal town of Bulli. Deeply frustrating and a clear demonstration some amazing roads Leaving with Jetty on the final morning I just of the vulnerabilities of the newer generation Next morning Lyndon rode with me into had one more place to visit before returning of bikes if the technology plays up! Canberra (and a new Statre – the Australian to Sydney. Once fuelled up we then headed towards Capital Territory), to guide me to the National I wished to visit the small-arms factory at the border with New South Wales via a Memorial before he too set off for Sydney. I Lithgow. Established prior to WW1, Lithgow cabled-operated ferry. The scenery was had planned 2 days to explore the Australian had served the both the UK and Australia stunning and it was a great (if unorthodox) Capital, on my own, before then setting off with distinction in both world wars, churning way to cross the State Border before then for Sydney. After nearly 6 weeks of shared out SMLE’s, Bren Guns and Vickers machine embarking on the next section of off-road accommodation it was, therefore, very guns before then post-war producing FN riding. strange (but also something of a relief) to derived SLRs. It was, therefore, sad to see After hooning in the dirt and the dust we have a room to myself for the 2 nights I spent this amazing complex now reduced to a then re-joined the tarmac to climb the Snowy in the Australian National University. complex of redundant and partly-demolished Mountains. Yet more magnificent views as we Most Aussies are very dismissive of buildings. climbed and climbed and climbed to not only their capital. Its history, structures and The ride down from Lithgow, through visit Australia’s highest town (Cabramurra concentration on governmental entities do the Blue Mountains, back to Sydney was at 1488m), built and manned to operate the lead it a rather artificial feeling. If for no other again, however stunning. If it wasn’t for the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme, reason though I wanted to visit the National rigidly enforced speed limits I could have but also to ride down the Alpine Way (with Memorial. Built initially as a memorial to the been quire naughty on this road; as it was Australia’s highest mountains snow-capped WW1 “Diggers” it offers a unique perspective the group of sports bikes that sped past me on the horizon). on Australia’s military history; you cannot go were in their turn passed by me as they were The riding was again magnificent but as to Canberra and not visit it. being “interviewed” by a NSW State Police

18 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 Patrol with all its blue lights flashing. A very trip I guess one of the key questions out there real reminder that the adventure was now all will be “What did it all cost?” but over and I was back in a highly populated, We could have done it cheaper by rough metropolitan area. camping but quite frankly rough camping By the time I had returned to Kirribilli and and long hot (or cold!) days has never taken the final farewell photos of the bike, appealed when there are more comfortable with Sean, fresh back from his additional tour alternatives. That being said, excluding of Tasmania, and before delivering both our subsistence and accommodation expenses, bikes back to Hornsby for shipping home, the costs for the trip were as follows: my bike had covered a total of 17,714 km in R1150GS All in just 6 weeks. Using just 150ml of oil in that Initial Purchase and Prep Costs = £3,449.00 distance, the R1150GS proved itself to be the Less: ideal bike for the trip. Not too expensive to Sales Proceeds on return = £3,000.00 buy, insure and provide a Carnet de Passage Depreciation = £449.00 for it has proved entirely reliable, very Seafreight to Sydney = £675.00 comfortable and and awesome companion Customs Clearances = £481.93 for the trip. Prior to this trip I had always Seafreight to London = £1195.00 been a bit sniffy about the R1150GS but it Carnet de Passage = £260.98 proved to be a near-perfect bike for the trip. Air Fare = £620.00 Those who are holding onto their R1150GS’s Fuel = £933.14 certainly know what they have got. Total Cost = £3,061.91 Leaving the bike in Hornsby (for shipment Fuel worked out at an equivalent GBP price back to the UK) certainly brought home that of £0.93/ litre. the trip was now at an end. Not cheap but for a six week trip of a However, what an awesome trip; thanks lifetime, well worth the expense. guys. Postscript Just do it! Other than the time needed to make the November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 19 Framlingham National RallyDik Langan

I started writing this on the Tuesday after of them featuring broad smiles) certainly not have happened without you THANK YOU! the Rally and by then I had already received enough to dampen any spirits. So I can now give you some stats, but I many emails congratulating the East Anglia As a volunteer-run event it was a given will leave you to analyse these for yourselves section for a well-run and very enjoyable that there would be hiccups, some of our (I mean draw your own conclusions): We rally. I am polishing off the writing just as the own making and some from the facilities but I had 266 people stay for one or more nights: October Journal hit my mat and have seen really do hope they were on the whole minor 100 of them in tents, 29 in camper-vans & the lovely words written there. Clearly the and did not spoil anyone’s visit. The event caravans, 137 in rooms. We didn’t record the weather helped, I can’t remember the last really could not have happened without the day visitors but on the Saturday I met with time a whole bank holiday weekend passed great team of volunteers - I have to send out 10 personally and signed one up as a new without a drop of rain on the rally site. I a huge thank you to everyone who helped member. On the Sunday I met a further 12 understand some of the ride outs met with over the weekend. Some people worked people and signed up two of these as new small showers but not enough to get wet tirelessly from start to end, others stepped in members. We had hoped for more attendees even and having seen some photos from just as another was in dire need of a break and indeed had priced the weekend with those rides (most involving ice cream and all and I can truly say that the event would not that in mind. As we didn’t hit our targets then the weekend did in fact cost the National coffers some money (the exact details will be presented at the next National Committee Meeting and then will be reported here in the Journal shortly afterwards). One financial figure I have to hand indicates the generosity of our Club and especially the members who attended the National: our chosen charity is The East Anglia Air Ambulance, the auction was run in their name, there were collection buckets around all weekend and many chose to donate the cash remaining on their special payment cards. When added up this resulted in a donation of a whopping £629.59 for which they were really very grateful! If you are reading this and have not attended a National Rally before then maybe I can tell the tale to give you a feel for the events and atmosphere. 20 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 The team of volunteers arrived on site return from the meal when Cathy tripped but I cannot imagine that truly being the case Thursday, you would perhaps be surprised at a very awkward angle smashing her for some time while it heals. Everyone sends by just how much paraphernalia is involved shoulder on a step. We called the emergency their very best gentle hugs for a speedy in such events and I personally had to make services, first the paramedic arrived then recovery Cathy. two trips in a car packed to the gunnels with he summoned an ambulance. Just as he everything from raffle tickets to boxes of finished warning us that the ambulance may BMW Club regalia. We were setting up the be 2 hours, it turned up, it had just finished a signs to guide the visitors to the site and shout in the next village. Poor Cathy was in meeting with the college staff to make sure absolute agony and whisked off to hospital everything was aligned. As a team we then having apparently broken her upper arm in had a meal together in Framlingham town, two places and also dislocated her shoulder. much of the meal spent discussing the final As I type this she is still in hospital awaiting an details of the weekend ahead. It was on the operation described as being “comfortable”

On the Friday we did not plan to open the gates until 2pm and I had emailed everyone attending to let them know this. It gave us the whole morning to set up the remaining

November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 21 22 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 signage, work out the finer details of the marshalling rota, familiarise everyone with the site and set up the welcome tent. The college kindly provided a sandwich lunch for the volunteers although we did find one or two visitors arrive early and take advantage of this (thankfully the college over-caters and there was enough for everyone). We were then all hands-on deck as we marshalled the arrivals and pointed them off to the right locations around the campus. We did hit our first major snag at this point as it transpired that the college had not correctly programmed the access cards for the rooms. This in itself would not have been too bad but they had also allowed their only staff members who can re-program the cards take the weekend as a holiday leaving the poor housekeeping staff to find a solution. The result was that some of the rooms (about 20%) were not lockable. The areas of the buildings where the rooms were located were still isolated with pass-code and did exactly what the Club is intended: locks on the doors providing a good barrier sealed bonds between fellow BMW Bike to opportunist thieves and I don’t believe enthusiasts. The college laid on a brilliant this spoilt the weekend for those Club fish themed supper which everyone declared members affected – I do have to thank you was great value for money, and set the theme for your understanding about this if you were for all the meals they provided. impacted. Another minor issue also raised its Indeed, breakfast the next morning set us head in the camping area where the camper all up with the energy for the day’s events, vans and caravans were being asked to park though the people in rooms in the main on the hard standing. It didn’t take much building did get a “fresh” wake up with there persuading of the college staff to allow them being no hot water first thing. The college to park on the grass which is just as well as I soon sorted that out. The ride outs set out believe we had 10 vehicles parked up. Again, almost on time and I don’t think anyone was if you were one of the early arrivals and were left behind either at the college or en-route. involved in the shuffle that ensued thank you The people who didn’t join the ride outs filled for your patience. their day in a variety of ways from walking to That evening we had no special events the town, taking themselves on a ride around arranged as we were expecting people to the area, playing golf, swimming in the pool, arrive right in to the night but this did not wandering around the trade stands or indeed matter as everyone gathered in the bar area just sitting and chatting. and caught up with old friends, made new Saturday night is typically the night of great entertainment and I really can’t have described it any better than Jim Bettley did in his write up last month (thank you Jim!) with Robert and Elvis making it a very memorable evening for all. Sunday dawned and the sun was once more shining – we set this day up for people to have plenty to do on site. I won’t go in to detail about the VCR Bike Show as that was brilliantly covered in last month’s Journal (I have one picture of it here just in case anyone missed it). I truly can see this becoming a main-stay of all future National Rallies, what a great idea! The Skool Sports day proved as popular as it ever has in previous years and got everyone giggling in preparation for the Random Skills Test (I’m sorry, I just couldn’t come up with a more accurate yet snappy title). I did find time to watch a few rounds of this and between our lovely Dutch visitors dressing up as what is best described November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 23 as “fairy knights” and Cynthia navigating for one of the younger drivers, I can honestly say I have not laughed as much in a long time. As Maurice mentioned in his lovely letter to Torque Reaction last month, we also showed some motorcycle-centric films in the cinema and whilst there were some hiccups with the projector these were appreciated as a pleasurable excuse for a sit down. That night Robert presented the prizes for the Skills Test with Kees and Mars winning a special prize for their dressing up. Then Keiron & Sharron presented the prizes for the Skool Sports which everyone enjoyed. At that point the mic was handed over to me to run the quiz and suddenly it dawned on me I hadn’t organised a volunteer to keep score – major panic, slight loss of cool, and then saved by a lovely lady who would not let me say her name but without whom I would have struggled so a big THANK YOU to you :) At the end a prize was awarded to the winning team and I was very pleased with the scores as it showed what a very intelligent bunch we are in the Club (either that or I set the questions too easy). On the Monday everyone packed up their rally T-shirts (which by the way were made from bamboo this year so a very high quality item and mine will be getting very well used as it is very comfortable) and then headed home taking with them a lot of happy memories. I hope some of the above, along with the lovely comments in last month’s Journal, will encourage you to come along to the next National Rally. It is not the events and activities that make the weekend enjoyable, I would say it is the lovely people that come along and enjoy themselves – looking forward to meeting up with all of you again! PS: Most of these pictures are mine but the best ones were provided by Steve Lindsell – thanks mate for making me look good!

24 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 25 BMW CLUB MERCHANDISE www.thebmwclub.org.uk/merchandise

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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’. From Oct 2017 The submission lead-in time for the Journal means I am putting this together on the first day of October although it won’t appear until the November issue, so I can tell you that up until today the weather has remained mild enough with enough dry days that the miles have continued to click up on the bike which passed its MOT without any issues - not bad considering it’s 11 years old. As a bit of a treat for the RT I replaced the suspension with some built to our specifications (well after some very helpful guidance from the manufacturer). I can’t believe the difference. I suppose you get used to the handling as it slowly changes was the odd hiccup here and there, as there over time but the sudden transformation is bound to be with such an event, but these host of other things. It has not been an easy as a result of the change has been a real were quickly overcome and resolved by ride but it is easy to see the hard work going eye opener. Something to consider if your team, who remained flexible and pragmatic into getting it right, with Bob Barker and Dik machine feels a bit sloppy or, as in my case, throughout the weekend. Langan taking on the lion’s share. a bit of a harsh ride? Jean and I were able to slip away for Lastly, don’t forget that if you have you Some serious progress has been made half a day on the Sunday having fulfilled out been considering a visit to the National with the Dunchurch Park Hotel (CV22 6QW) gate duties on the Saturday. We indulged Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West with a provisional contract agreed for the my interest in WWII history and visited the Midlands, B92 0EJ, or have you been and AGM from 2018 until 2020 inclusive. The museum of the 100th Bomber Group at would like to go back, I am in possession of venue includes on-site camping and will Thorpe Abbotts, about a half hour’s ride from loads of vouchers which give admission to accept caravans and motor-homes as well as Framlingham. This has the original and fully the museum for only £5 (almost half price) offering the usual hotel accommodation. The restored control tower as well as a wealth of which are valid until December 31st. If you venue for the meeting itself is self contained fascinating information in the surrounding would like some for you, or your section, to and there is plenty of parking as well as buildings and we both thoroughly enjoyed our use please just contact me (details in the plenty of hotel rooms. I will publish some visit. Indeed this ability to discover something Journal) and I will post them out - and I have more details as well as some photographs new is the very reason we like to visit the so many we are not likely to run out. All you in due course as I am due to visit the hotel different areas offered by the National Rally. have to do is take the voucher with you and again straight after the National Committee Let’s hope a section comes forward, at least present it at the payment desk. I will renew Meeting which is only around 30 miles away. for 2019 even if not for next year. at the end of the year so we should get the Hopefully the more central location will Next on my agenda is the National same offer again for 2018. Maybe a chance enable more people to attend the AGMs. Committee Meeting in two weeks time but to tie up the AGM with a trip to the museum? On a less positive note, I have still not had this will have been and gone before you I hope you have been enjoying your any firm takers for an August National in 2018 read this. There are some key items on the motorcycling this year and I hope you will which could see us without one for the first discussion table at the moment including make the best of all our Club has to offer, time in years. Being a club which is run by the new Club database which is aimed to whether on or off the bike. volunteers this is always a risk but does not simplify membership payments as well as a Jim Bettley detract from the hundreds of social events and get togethers which are organised by volunteer Club members month after month, year after year. You may also have read some of the feedback sent in by those attending this year’s National at Framlingham. There is no doubt that this event was well run and well received by those that chose to attend, as the very positive comments attest. There

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

November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 27 The Sections The Section Secretaries, Social Secretaries and regular meeting places. East Anglia Membership Secretary: As Above 9ED. Barry Warner 01617 611 702. Secretary: Dik Langan 6 Hazel Rise, Claydon, Ips- Social Secretary: Charlie Hall, Rosehall, 22 Cav- 2nd Sunday November to March, 13.00: Rixton Com- wich, IP6 0DB 07906 584 676 or 0845 003 688 046 endish Ave, Allestree, Derby. DE22 2AR. 01332 munity Hall, Manchester Rd, Rixton, Warrington. [email protected] 557625. Email: [email protected] 2nd Sunday April to October, 13.00: Knowle Green Membership Secretary: As Above See diary for dates and times: Repton Village Hall, Village Hall, Clitheroe Road, Knowle Green, Pres- Social Secretary: Cliff Batley. 07966 015 607 eastan- Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. ton, PR3 2YQ. [email protected] Every Wednesday, 09.30: Hoar Park, The Craft Vil- 3rd Tuesday, 19.30: The Highwayman, Peel, Isle of 1st Sunday: 12.00, The Cricketers, Spring Lane, lage, Nuneaton Road, Church End, CV10 0QU for Man. Harvey Garton 01624 625140. Fordham Heath, Colchester, CO3 9TG. breakfast. 1st Sunday, 10.30: Brunch/Breakfast at Barton Ma- Oxford 1st Wednesday: 12.00, The Three Tunns, Weathers- Secretary: Rosemary Hicks, 15 Orchard Rise, Ches- rina Tea Rooms, Barton under Needwood, Burton on field Rd, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NR. terton, Bicester, OX26 1US 01869 240 529 Rose- Trent Staffs DE13 8DZ 2nd Sunday: 12.00 noon, The Chequers, 7 Church [email protected] 2nd Wednesday, 19.00: The Clock Warehouse, Lon- Road, Wimbotsham. Norfolk, PE34 3QG Membership Secretary: As Above don Road, Shardlow, DE72 2GL. 3rd Sunday: 12.00, The Cross Ways Inn, Bridge Social Secretary: Dave Tomlinson, 07554 033284 2nd Wednesday, 19.30: The Dog, Henley Road, Road, Scole, Diss IP21 4DP Email: [email protected] Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. 3rd Wednesday: 12.00, The Lamb and Flag, Main 1st Tuesday, 19.00: The Dashwood Arms, Old Ox- 3rd Tuesday, 12.00: The Pensioners & Layabouts, Street, Welney, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 ford Road, Piddington HP14 3BH Pillaton Garden Centre on the B5012 just East of 9RB. 2nd Tuesday, 19.30: The Prince of Wales in Shippon Penkridge, Cannock Road, 2nd and 5th Sundays: Various Café and Pub meet- 3rd Tuesday 18.30: The Sun Inn at Coate Swindon Pillaton, Staffs. ST19 5RZ ings see diary of events for details. SN3 6AA. 3rd Sunday, 10.00: Salt Box Cafe, A511 Derby Road, 4th Wednesday 20.00: The Fox and Hounds at Sun- Irish Foston (near Hatton) Derby, DE65 5PT. Secretary: Pat Munnelly 00353 86 3383499 tap- nyside, Theale, Nr Reading, RG7 4BE. 4th Thurs- [email protected] Midland day: 19.00 The Red Lion, Evenley, Nr Brackley. Membership Secretary: Brian Clarke, 21 Broadway Secretary: Kevan Stevenson 8 Meden Road, Man- NN13 5SH Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. 086 4035758. sfield Woodhouse, NG19 8JJ 01623 479 152 mid- 2nd Sundays 14.00 (Winter): Uffington Village Hall, irish. [email protected] [email protected] Oxfordshire, SN7 7RA. Social Secretary: Pat Munnelly, Ballinasleva,Foxford, Membership Secretary: As Above Social Secretary: Jim Beach 01908 373 327 or Scottish Co Mayo.Tel: 00353863383499. Email: tapmun@ Secretary: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, Glasgow 07415 683 120 [email protected] hotmail.com Road, Sanquahar, DG4 6BZ 01659 50091 scottish. 1st Tuesday 19.30: The Three Kings, Saltersway, 1st Tuesday 20.00: Limerick meeting Woodfield [email protected] Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, 01529 240249. House Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick. Pat Mulcahy 00 Membership Secretary: As Above 1st Sunday October to March 12.00: Wollaston Cafe 353 87 2377312 Social Secretary: Judy Lepley 01592 874 592 so- Racer, BMW Wollaston, Bedford Road, Northhamp- 2nd Sunday, 10.00 March-November: Dublin ride- [email protected] ton.NN1 5SZ out, meet at The Lucan Spa Hotel. Jim Sweeney 2nd Sunday, 12.00: Powmill Milk Bar, Rumbling 2nd Sunday 12.00-15.00: Barnsdale Gardens Tea 00 353 87 2300736 [email protected] and Sean Bridge, KY13 OQG. Rooms, The Avenue, Exton,Oakham,Rutland, LE15 O’Briain 00353 87 2680120 sean.wiseeng@gmail. 2nd Monday, 19.30: Douglas Park Motorrad, 13 com 8AH Braeview Place, East Kilbride, G74 3XH. Ron Gow. 2nd Sunday and 4th Sunday February - November 2nd Thursday 19.30: The Old Reindeer, Main St., [email protected]. 11.00: Galway ride-out, meet at Sweeney (Maldron) Edingley Notts, NG22 8DE. 3rd Sunday, 12.30: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Forecourt, Headford Road, Galway contact: Ronan 3rd Wednesday 19.30: The Griffins Head, 28 Wilby Street, Moffat DG10 9ET. Gill [email protected] Road, Mears Ashby, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. 4th Sunday, 12.30: Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw 2nd Sunday: North West meeting. Pat Munnelly Road, Inverurie, AB51 4SR. 00353 86 3383499 [email protected], Mul- North East Secretary: Simon Johnston, 24 Stone Row, North len’s Spar and Filling Station, Donegal Road, Sligo Broomhill, Morpeth, NE65 9UE 07702 709063 north- Southern 11.30am Chairman & Secretary: Godfrey Potter, 20 St. James [email protected] Last Thursday 20.00: Dublin meeting, West County Avenue, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2TH. 02086 424 076 Membership Secretary: As Above Hotel. Jim Sweeney 00353 87 2300736 jimlucan@ or 07932 606 349 Social Secretary: Bradley Gane northeast.social@ gmail.com and Sean O’Briain 00353 87 2680120 [email protected] bmwclubuk.net [email protected] Membership Secretary: Bob Denman, 1 Mount 1st Wednesday, 19.30: The Mill House, Blackfell, Pleasant Close, Lightwater, GU18 5TP 01276 Chester Le Street, DH3 1RE - 0191 385 2631. London 475853 [email protected] Secretary: John Lynch, 166 Chaulden Lane, Hemel 3rd Wednesday, 19.30: The Shoulder of Mutton, Social Secretary: Erica Body 07528 873 056 so- Hempstead, HP1 2BT 01442 267694/ 07860 663092 East Rd, Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8SY. 01670 [email protected] [email protected] 788236. First Wednesday, 12.00: “Old Gits” Loomies Diner Membership Secretary: As Above All run start points are printed in the Diary. Please on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads A272 & A32, Social Secretary: Peter Jones 07762 205 660 or contact the ride leader if there is any doubt. Hampshire. 01923 270 838 [email protected] Alt Tuesdays, 2000: The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Section meets are as rideouts and are irregular. Northern Secretary: Ms Lynn Sumner, 63 Moss Lane, Ley- Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6DL. Please see the website and The Journal Diary for land, Preston. PR25 4XA. 01772 431 324 northern. Alt Thursdays: The Half Moon, 32 London Road, meets. [email protected] Petersfield, GU31 4BE, just North of Petersfield on Mercia Membership Secretary: As Above the old A3. Secretary: Keith Jackson, 213 Morley Road, Oak- Social Secretary: Robert Harrison 01257 793 209 3rd Wednesday, 12.00: “Old Gits” Loomies Diner wood, Derby DE21- 4TB. 01332 668159 & 07855 [email protected] on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads A272 & A32, 451805. Email: [email protected] 2nd Wednesday, 13.00: Settle Market Place BD24 Hampshire. 28 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 3rd Monday 20.00: Drusilla’s Inn, Wigbeth, Horton, 811 1st Tuesday 19.30: The Bull Inn, 152 Droitwich Road BH21 7JH. 01258 840297. ( A38), Fernhill Heath, Worcester, WR3 8RS. Ric 1st Monday, 20.00: The Cricketers Arms, 232 Chest- Ulster Secretary: Alan Cameron, 7 Lower Size Hill Road, Dentith 01905 754 674 nut Avenue, North Stoneham, Chandlers Ford, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, BT39 9RP. Tel: 07768 1st Wednesday, 19.30: The Lamb Inn, Wotton Road, SO53 3HN. 023 8062 9878. 886915. Email: Iron Acton, Bristol, BS37 9UZ. South East [email protected] 2nd Tuesday, 11.00: Dick Lovetts, Laurel Court, Secretary: Cliff Cakebread, Meadow Springs, Seve- Membership Secretary: Gordon MacFarlane, 2 Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. BS10 7TU. noaks Road, Otford, Kent TN14 5PA. 0797 3312983 Dorchester Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 3DE 3rd Tuesday, 19.30: The Pheasant, Heol Eglwys, [email protected] 07742 537927 Pen Y Fai, Bridgend, Wales CF31 4LY from April to Membership Secretary: John Hawker, 25 Pickering [email protected] September inclusive. Street, Maidstone, ME15 9RS, 01622 744665 south- Social Secretary: Kyle Thomson. Email: kthomp17@ 1st Saturday 11.00: Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, [email protected] hotmail.co.uk Cardiff. CF11 8AB Social Secretary: Debbie Morris 0208 301 1600 1st Tuesday except January, July & December, 4th Wednesday March to October 11.15: Old Barn [email protected] 20.00: Corr’s Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey, Co. Tea Rooms Ystradgynwyn, Torpantau, Merthyr Tyd- 1st/3rd Wednesdays, 20.00: The Bull, Lower Road, Antrim. East Farleigh, nr Maidstone, ME15 0HD Sunday 11.00: runs from Corr’s Corner throughout fil, Mid Glamorgan CF48 2UT01685 383358 2nd Friday, 19.30: The White Hart, Lower Horse- the year Yorkshire bridge, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4DJ. Wednesday between September and May, 11.00: Secretary: John Elvidge 2 Birstwith Grange, Birst- Last Friday, 20.00: Borders meet. runs from Corr’s Corner with, Harrogate,HG3 3AH 01423 770866 yorkshire. Last Sunday, 12.00: Lunchtime meet. See Diary for Tuesday between May and August, 11.00: runs from [email protected] details. Corr’s Corner Membership Secretary: As Above Wednesday evenings from beginning of May to end South West of August, 19.00: run from Corr’s Corner Social Secretary: Piers Kurrein. 07866 622 196 york- Secretary: Jim Isherwood, 01769 573258 or 07926 All runs are weather dependent. [email protected] 069777. Email: jamesisherwood551@btinternet. 1st Sunday 12.00: TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB. com Western (Village centre on B6265) Membership Secretary: Phil Sampson 07850 983 Secretary: Sue Ross 7 Pintail Grove Kidderminster, 2nd Saturday 11.00: The Ignition Coffee Shop, 256 144 or email [email protected] DY10 4RT. 01562 820 458 western.secretary@bm- Hull Road, Anlaby, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU4 7RR Social Secretary: Don Rabson 01840 212 913 south- wclubuk.net [email protected] Membership Secretary: As Above 2nd Sunday 12.00: Cubley Hall Hotel, Mortimer 2nd Tuesday 11.00: The Engine House Bistro and Social Secretary: Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 Road, Penistone, S36 9DF. Cafe, Compton Park, Nr. Callington PL17 8EA. Phil [email protected] 3rd Sunday 12.00: Howsteen Gorge Café, Loft- Sampson 07850983144 2nd Sunday, 13.30: The Hood Memorial Hall, house, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5SF. Last Thursday 12.00: The Fishermans Cot, Bick- Devauden, Chepstow. NP16 6PL. On the B4293 4th Saturday 12.00: Seaways Café, Fimber Road, leigh, Nr. Tiverton EX16 8RG Ron Lyford 01803 391 next to the Village Green. Fridaythorpe, YO25 9RX.

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November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 29 Around The Compass

Please send Around The Compass changes to [email protected] with “Compass” as the subject 17 - 19 November. Western Section Hotel Weekend: The Royal towels are not provided. Good toilets/shower blocks. Campers welcome. Norfolk Hotel, The Esplanade, Bognor Regis PO21 2LH. Entertainment Cost: £30 per person for bed/breakfasts/dinners –. Numbers limited Friday and Saturday night. Two nights dinner B&B, Double or twin early booking advised. To book please contact Jim before Wednesday 2 room, two sharing £76.00 per PERSON. Single and sea view rooms May: tel.no. 01592 874592/ email: [email protected]. carry a surcharge. Coach trip on the Saturday £6.00 pp. Contact Denis More information on www.thebmwclubscottish.com Click Calendar. Bradbeer 01454 775786 [email protected] for booking 18 - 20 May 2018. Northern Section Scottish Hotel Weekend: 3 form. nights, or fewer if you prefer, at Portsonachan Hotel, South Loch Awe 8 - 10 December. Scottish Section Tinsel & Turkey Weekend: Side, on the B840 3 miles from Cladich, PA33 1BJ. £33 pppn B&B. Waverley Castle Hotel, Melrose. Double/Twin Room 2 nights Dinner Contact Alison 01954 261205 or 07779 718701. Bed & Breakfast £105.00 per person or 3 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast 6 – 9 June 2018. Yorkshire Section Boreen Run: Two full days riding £115.00 per person. Single Room 2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast on the back roads of the Yorkshire Dales plus three night’s bed and £115.00 or 3 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast £130.00.To book phone breakfast with two evening meals at the Cairn Hotel in Harrogate. Further the Waverley Hotel on 01896 822244. After booking please let me details please see the advert in The Journal. To register interest and have your booking reference so that I can arrange for us to be seated booking: Piers Kurrein 07866 622196 [email protected] together for meals. Judy, Tel. No. 01592 874592 or email: social@ thebmwclubscottish.com 15 -17 June 2018. Northern and Yorkshire Sections Camping Weekend: Joint event at High Lanning Farm, Dent, Cumbria, 2 nights. 16 December. Yorkshire Section Christmas Dinner: The Cairn Hotel, No need to book for a tent. Motor homes and caravans need to be Harrogate, HG1 2JD. Book rooms (£42.5 pppn) direct with the hotel: booked in advance with the campsite. Breakfast buns available to order 01423 504005, quoting ‘The BMW Club’. Book dinner (£23pp) through with unlimited tea and coffee. Campsite contact 01539 625239. £9 pppn Social Secretary: 07866 622196, [email protected]. for tents and £19 per night for small motor home/caravan with 2 people. 5 - 7 January 2018. Scottish Section Bunkhouse Weekend: If you are coming please contact Paul Stewart mrpstewart61@gmail. Lochearnhead Log Cabin Bunkhouse “left overs” weekend.The basic com 01772 679198 at least 2 weeks before the event. accommodation is more than made up for by the superb location and At good company around the log fire in the old railway station. Cabins have 22 - 24 June 2018. Scottish Section Longest Day weekend: Dornoch Caravan & Camp Park, The Links, Dornoch, Sutherland 1V25 fan heaters and sleeping platforms (a sleeping mattress is definitely recommended). Bedding and towels are not provided. Good toilets/ 3LX. The campsite is situated on the North East Shore of the Dornoch shower blocks. Cost: £30 per person for bed/breakfasts/dinners Firth in Sutherland and has very good facilities. The section trailer and – Numbers limited. To book please contact Jim before Tuesday 2nd marquee will be there as a central meeting place for all attending. Free January: tel.no. 01592 874592/ email: treasurer@thebmwclubscottish. tea & coffee all weekend. Camping £7 pppn. More information on www. com. More information on www.thebmwclubscottish.com Click thebmwclubscottish.com Click Calendar or contact: Contact: Billy on Calendar. 07827012111 or email: [email protected] . 23 - 25 February 2018. Irish Section Mini-Thatch Rally: The Quality 29 June – 1 July 2018. Scottish Section Royal Deeside weekend: Hotel, Youghal, Co Cork. Price TBA. bookings/enquiries: book@ At Ballater Caravan Park. This excellent site has absolutely superb bmwclub.ie Payment can be made via online banking - ask Simon for facilities. The pretty conservation town of Ballater is located in the heart details when booking. of beautiful Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire and is the principal town of the eastern half of the Cairngorms National Park an ideal base for 16 - 18 March2018. Scottish Section camping weekend: At Glentrool exploring this beautiful part of Scotland and a great favourite of both Camping & Caravan Site, Bargrennan, Newton Stewart, DG8 6RN. walkers and cyclists. If you don’t camp there is a Hostel and plenty of Superb campsite with first class facilities in the magnificent Galloway hotels and B&Bs nearby.The section trailer and marquee will be there Forest Park. Pub and excellent restaurant 8 minute walk. Camping/ as a central meeting place for all attending. Free tea & coffee available campervan/motorhome: £8 pppn (additional £3 per night if electric hook all weekend. Camping £5pppn the best value anywhere. Contact: up used). No need to book. Contact: Marjorie Burnett tel. 01659 50091 Billy on 07827012111 or email: [email protected] . More email:Scottish.secretary @bmwclubuk.net. More information on www. information on www.thebmwclubscottish.com Click on Calendar. The thebmwclubscottish.com Click Calendar Sidecar Register will be joining us for this weekend. 4 – 7 May 2018. Scottish Section Hotel weekend: Gretna Hall Hotel, 3 - 4 July 2018. Northern Section Midweek Rhayader Camp: 2 nights Gretna Green, DG74 5DY. The hotel is situated just off the M74/M6 Tuesday & Wednesday at Wyeside Caravan and Campsite Rhayader and is a perfect base from which to ride glorious quiet roads in every Powys LD6 5LB [email protected] Bob Harrison 01257 direction. Many attractions to visit in the area. Cost: £135 per person for 793209 3 night’s dinner, bed breakfast based on 2 sharing. Single supplement £15 pppn. Deposit of £20 pp on booking. Full payment required 28 6 – 8 July 2018. Yorkshire Section ‘Heart of Wharfedale’ Camping days before event. To book telephone: 01461 336001 Monday to Friday Weekend: At Kettlewell, BD23 5PE organised by Chris Rodgers. Tents 9a.m. to 8p.m. please quote Ref: GA00008. More information on www. and small campervans. Sorry no motorhomes or caravans. £7 ppn plus thebmwclubscottish.com Click Calendar or contact Judy: tel.01592 £3 per bike or £5 per car or van. Book direct with the site: 07930379079. 874592 /[email protected]. Further details contact via Piers Mobile: 07930379079, email: yorkshire. [email protected] 4 - 7 May 2018. Ulster Section May Day Weekend: At the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel, Knockard Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5JH (GPS 10 - 13 August 2018. Northern Section Scotland Hotel Weekend: N5642230 W0034346). The hotel has an indoor pool, jacuzzi and The Invercauld Arms, Braemar, Aberdeenshire AB35 5YR a Shearings gym. The cost for three nights dinner, bed and breakfast is £160 per Hotel. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights half board for approximately person sharing – this includes staff gratuity and rally fee. All bookings £150 per person. Check the exact price when booking. shearings.com must be made through the Ulster Section organiser Jack Hunter before 0344 874 8200. Book by 13th November quoting DSD736 to secure 6 Feb 2018 – see Ulster Section website for application form and the best price. Early booking recommended because this is a relatively provisional ferry arrangements. Contact Jack Hunter 028 90506677 for small hotel. Alan Davies, [email protected] 01253 345 649 accommodation details. 17 – 19 August 2018. Scottish Section Camping Weekend: At 11 - 13 May 2018. Scottish Section Bunkhouse Weekend: At Sango Sands Oasis, Durness, IV27 4PZ. If you don’t camp there is Lochearnhead Log Cabin Bunkhouse. The basic accommodation is more the Lazy Days Bunkhouse, Youth Hostel, B&B, Hotels nearby. The than made up for by the superb location and good company around the section trailer and marquee will be there as a central meeting place log fire in the old railway station. Cabins have fan heaters and sleeping for all attending. Free tea & coffee all weekend. This is a stunning platforms (a sleeping mattress is definitely recommended). Bedding and location with wonderful quiet roads to ride. Camping £6pppn. Contact: 30 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 Billy on 07827012111 or email: [email protected] . More information on www.thebmwclubscottish.com Click Calendar 24 - 26 August 2018. Scottish Section Ullapool in August: Broomfield Campsite, IV26 2UT.Broomfield Campsite is on the banks of scenic Loch Broom. Camping £5pppn. No booking required for camping. An area will be set aside for the club. If you don’t camp there are Hostels and plenty of hotels and B&Bs nearby. The section trailer and marquee will be there as a central meeting place for all attending. Free tea & coffee all weekend.This is a superb location with wonderful quiet roads to ride and a good walking area. Contact: Billy on 07827012111 or email: [email protected] . More information on www. thebmwclubscottish.com Click Calendar 7 - 9 September 2018. Scottish Section: The Vicar & Beemer Ed Camping at Moffat. Camping & Caravan Club Site, Hammerland, Moffat, DG10 9QL. Campers book in as Backpacker between 1pm – 8pm. For info phone the Vicar 01434 683610 or email alan.redhead09@ btinternet.com 21 - 23 September 2018. Irish Section Thatch Rally: The Beach Hotel, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. 2 nights B+B and dinner on Sat night - Price TBA. bookings/enquiries: [email protected] Payment can be made via online banking - ask Simon for details when booking. 21 – 23/24 September 2018. Scottish Section Hotel weekend: At The Bay Caledonian Hotel, Fort William, PH33 6RW. The Hotel is situated on the edge of Fort William overlooking the shores of Loch Linnhe. 2 nights dinner bed & breakfast £85 per person or 3 nights dinner bed & breakfast £95 per person based on 2 sharing a room. Don’t want to share! single rooms available plus £5 per night. Fantastic value and superb location. Early booking recommended. Contact: Jim on 01592 874592 or email [email protected]. £25 per person deposit at time of booking (non refundable). Balance to be paid by 1st August 2018.The number of rooms we have reserved is limited so please book early. More information on www.thebmwclubscottish. com Click Calendar. 29 September – 1 October 2018. Scottish Section Camping Weeken: At Invercoe Caravan & Camping Park, Glencoe, Ballachulish, PH49 4HP. Tel.no. 01855 811210. Contact: Duncan on 07740020603 or email: [email protected]

November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 31 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. email [email protected] Mullen’s Spar and Filling November Station, Donegal Road, Sligo 11.30am 1 E. Anglia Three Tuns, Finchingfield. 12:00 noon London Visit to the National Motorcycle Museum leaving N. East Section AGM – The Mill House, Blackfell, Chester-le- Beaconsfield Services at 1000 hrs. Street, DH3 1RE. Starts at 7:30pm prompt. Midland Barnsdale Gardens, Tea rooms, The Avenue, Exton, Northern 10:00 Midweek Run, Devils Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH 12:00 till 3:00 [email protected] Mike Gibson 01229 582787 Northern 13:00 Monthly Meeting Rixton Village Hall WA3 6JZ. S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm Soup & Roll. [email protected] Lynn Southern “Old Gits” Loomies Diner midday Sumner 01772 431324 Western 12.00 Meet for lunch at the 3 Shires Garden Centre, Oxford OXFORD SECTION AGM – Uffington village hall. Food Ledbury Road, Newent, Gloucestershire. GL18 1DL at 12:00; AGM at 14:00. 12.00 Contact George and June Lukins 01432 830287 Scottish Powmill Milk Bar Lunch Meet Western 19.00 Wednesday evening pub meet at The Lamb Inn, Western 13.00 The Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden SECTION Wotton Rd, Iron Acton, Avon, Bristol BS37 9UZ 19.30 AGM come along and support your Club, Buffet included. 2 Southern Pub Meet - The Half Moon 8pm Yorkshire Cubley Hall Hotel, Penistone, 12.00 noon. 4 Oxford Dinner & Disco at the Oxford Belfry Hotel, Milton Common, 13 Scottish Natter nite, East Kilbride 7.30pm Thame OX9 2JW 14 Oxford Pub Social: - Prince of Wales, 60 Barrow Rd, Shippon, S. West Lunch meet 12.00 noon at The Wharf Bude Canal various Abingdon, OX13 6JQ. eating places ring Don Rabson 07884266340 for details S. West Tuesday Brunch 11.00 Engine House, Compton Park, Western 11.00 Saturday meeting at Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, Callington, PL17 8EA Phil Sampson 07850 983 144 Cardiff. CF11 8AB 11.00 Western 11.00 Monthly meeting at Dick Lovetts, Cribb Causeway, 5 E. Anglia Cricketers, Fordham Heath. 12:00 noon Bristol. BS10 7TU 11.00 Mercia Breakfast / Brunch, 10am Barton Marina Tearooms, Barton 15 E. Anglia Lamb and Flag, Welney. 12:00 noon under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs, DE13 8DZ. Midland Pub Meet: Griffens Head, 28 Wilby Road, Mears Ashby, Midland Wollaston Cafe Racer, BMW Wollaston, Bedford Road, Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. Start 7:30 Northampton, NN1 5SZ, Meeting starts 12:00 till 15:00, N. East Natter Night – Shoulder of Mutton, 7:30pm onwards. Come and have lunch and a chat. S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. “Rose’s S. East “Old Crocks Rally” with Paul McEwen. Depart Godstone Beetles”. 8pm Duck Pond. 9am Southern Old Gits’ Loomies Diner midday Yorkshire TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB 12.00 noon. 16 Southern Pub Meet - The Half Moon 8pm 6 Southern Pub Meet - The Cricketers Arms 8pm 17 - 19 Western Hotel Weekend at the Royal Norfolk Hotel. The Esplanade, 7 Irish Limerick Meeting, 8:00pm, Woodfield Hotel, Ennis Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 2LH, United Kingdom. Contact Denis Limerick (Opposite GAA Ground). Fran McCarthy, 00353 Bradbeer 01454 775786 [email protected] 87 6751673 [email protected] 18 Western 11.00 Monthly Sat meeting at Cotswold Motorrad, Midland Pub Meet : The Three Kings, Saltersway, Threekingham, Corinthian Way Cheltenham GL51 6UP New premises Lincs.NG34 0AU Start 7:30 11.00 Oxford Pub Social: Dashwood Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH. 19 E. Anglia The Crossways Inn, Scole. 12:00 noon Southern Pub Meet - The Seven Stars 8pm Mercia Breakfast Meet, 10am Salt Box Café, A511 Derby Road, Ulster Club Meeting 8pm Corr’s Corner Foston (near Hatton), Derby, DE65 5PT. Western 19.30 Tuesday evening pub meet at the Bull Inn. 152 S. East “Campbell’s Capers”. Depart lay-by Oakdene Cafe, Droitwich Rd, Fernhill Heath, Worcester WR3 8RS 19.30 Wrotham. 10am 8 Mercia Natter Night, 7pm Clock Warehouse, London Road, S. West Sunday Pub Meet 12.00 The Dolphin Hotel, Station Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL. Square, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AL Las Madge 01647 24523 Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm The Dog, Henley Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. Scottish Buccleuch Arms Hotel Lunch Meet @ 12.30 Northern 13:00 Gathering at Settle Market Place Barry Warner Southern Slot Car Racing organised by Chippy 01617 611702 Yorkshire How Stean Gorge Café, HG3 5SY. 12 noon. S. East Midweek Run from COOPER, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UE. 20 Southern Pub Meet - Drusilla’s Inn 8pm 10.30am 21 Mercia Pensioners & Layabouts, 11am Pillaton Garden Centre 9 Midland Pub Meet :The Old Reindeer, Main Street, Edingley, Notts, on the B5012 just East of Penkridge, Cannock Road, NG22 8DE. Start 19:30 Pillaton, Staffs ST19 5RZ. Western 12.00 Visit to the Mechanical Music Museum at Oak Northern 18:30 The Highwayman, Peel, IOM Harvey Garton House, High Street, Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 01624 625140 3ET Booking for tour required Contact Denis Bradbeer Oxford Pub Social: Sun Inn, Coate Water, Swindon, SN3 6AA. 01454 775786 or [email protected] Southern Pub Meet - The Seven Stars 8pm 10 S. East THE WHITE HART, Lower Horsebridge, (A271), BN27 22 Oxford Pub Social: Fox & Hounds, Theale, RG7 4BE. 4DJ. 7.30pm 23 Oxford Pub Social: The Red Lion, Evenley, Nr Brackley, NN13 11 Yorkshire The Ignition Coffee, HU4 7RR. 12 noon. 5SH. 12 E. Anglia Chequers, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Norfolk 24 S. East THE RED LION INN, 75 High Street, Bridge, Canterbury, PE34 3QG. 12:00 noon CT4 5LB. 7.30pm E. Anglia Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR 25 N. East End of Season Buffet – Ravensworth Arms. 7pm onwards. Irish Nth West Sunday Run - Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 Contact Ashey Gane on 07960 105602 to book. 32 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 Yorkshire The Biker’s Café, Fridaythorpe YO25 9RX, 12 noon. Oxford CHRISTMAS INDOOR MEETING, Uffington village hall; 26 E. Anglia Krazy Horse Café 10.00. Empire House, Lamdin Road, mince pies, cake, etc. from 14:00. Quiz Ian Dobie Lark Valley Business Park, Bury Saint Edmunds IP32 Scottish Powmill Milk Bar Lunch Meet 6NU 01284 749645 Western 13.00The Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden Christmas S. East Lunch - Tenterden Garden Centre, Tenterden, TN30 7HT. Party. Raffle contributions appreciated. All proceeds go Run 1pm to Charity Scottish Inverurie monthly lunch meet @ 12:30 Yorkshire Cubley Hall Hotel, Penistone, S36 9DF 12.00 noon. 30 Irish Dublin Meeting. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. 8:00 PM Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 email: jimlucan@gmail. 11 Scottish Natter nite, East Kilbride 7.30pm com; Sean O’Briain 087 268 0120 email: sean.wiseeng@ 12 Oxford Pub Social, Christmas meal special: - Meal Prince of gmail.com; Wales, 60 Barrow Rd, Shippon, Abingdon, OX13 6JQ. S. West Thursday Pub Meet 12.00, Fishermans Cot Bickleigh Nr. S. West Tuesday Brunch 11.00 Engine House, Compton Park, Tiverton EX16 8RG Ron Lyford 01803 391 811 Callington, PL17 8EA Phil Sampson 07850 983 144 Southern Pub Meet - The Half Moon 8pm Western 11.00 Monthly meeting at Dick Lovetts, Cribb Causeway, December Bristol. BS10 7TU 11.00 2 Western 11.00 Saturday meeting at Riders of Cardiff, Sloper Road, 13 Mercia Natter Night, 7.30pm The Dog, Henley Road, Cardiff. CF11 8AB 11.00 Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR. 3 E. Anglia Cricketers, Fordham Heath. 12:00 noon Mercia Natter Night, 7pm Clock Warehouse, London Road, Mercia Christmas Lunch Appleby Inn . 11 Atherstone Road, Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL. Appleby Magna Swadlincote. DE12 7AP Lunch from 12 Northern 13:00 Gathering at Settle Market Place Barry Warner noon 01617 611702 Midland Wollaston Cafe Racer, BMW Wollaston, Bedford Road, S. East Midweek Run from COOPER, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UE. Northampton, NN1 5SZ, Meeting starts 12:00 till 15:00, 10.30am Come and have lunch and a chat. 14 Midland Pub Meet :The Old Reindeer, Main Street, Edingley, Notts, S. East Christmas Lunch at Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge, TN11 9QR at Noon. (Book with Social Secretary by 15th NG22 8DE. Start 19:30 November) Oxford Pub Social, Christmas meal special: Meal The Red Lion, Yorkshire TJ’s Café, Cracoe, BD23 6LB 12.00 noon. Evenley, Nr Brackley, NN13 5SH 4 Southern Pub Meet - The Cricketers Arms 8pm Southern Pub Meet - The Half Moon 8pm 5 Irish Limerick Meeting, 8:00pm, Woodfield Hotel, Ennis Road, 16 Oxford Saturday Pub Social, Christmas meal special: Meal Fox Limerick (Opposite GAA Ground). Fran McCarthy, 00353 & Hounds, Theale, RG7 4BE 87 6751673 [email protected] Southern Christmas Party at North Hants Golf Club Midland Pub Meet : The Three Kings, Saltersway, Threekingham, Western 11.00 Monthly Sat meeting at Cotswold Motorrad, Corinthian Lincs.NG34 0AU Start 7:30 Way Cheltenham GL51 6UP New premises 11.00 Oxford Pub Social: Christmas meal special: Dashwood Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH. Western 12.00 Labels Outlet Shopping Ross-on-Wye M50 / J4 Southern Pub Meet - The Seven Stars 8pm Herefordshire Sat Nav: HR9 7QQ Meet in Cafe 12.00 Ulster Christmas Dinner / Charity presentation / Photo Competition Awards etc. Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick. Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 or western.social@ 7:30pm for 8:00pm. bmwclubuk.net Western 20.00Tuesday evening pub meet at the Bull Inn. 152 17 E. Anglia The Crossways Inn, Scole. 12:00 noon Droitwich Rd, Fernhill Heath, Worcester WR3 8RS 19.30 Mercia Breakfast Meet, 10am Salt Box Café, A511 Derby Road, 6 E. Anglia Three Tuns, Finchingfield. 12:00 noon Foston (near Hatton), Derby, DE65 5PT. N. East Natter Night – The Mill House, Blackfell, Chester-le-Street, N. East Lunch Time Ride-in – The Dun Cow, 1pm DH3 1RE. 7:30pm onwards. Scottish Buccleuch Arms Hotel Lunch Meet @ 12.30 Northern 10:30 Brunch meet at Great House Barn Cafe, Rivington Yorkshire How Stean Gorge Café, HG3 5SY. 12 noon. Lane, Bolton, BL6 7SB. Bob Harrison 01257 793209 18 Southern Pub Meet - Drusilla’s Inn 8pm S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm Southern “Old Gits” Loomies Diner midday 19 Mercia Pensioners & Layabouts, 11am Pillaton Garden Centre on the B5012 just East of Penkridge, Cannock Road, Western 19.00 Wednesday evening pub meet at The Lamb Inn, Wotton Rd, Iron Acton, Avon, Bristol BS37 9UZ 19.00 Pillaton, Staffs ST19 5RZ. Lambers Christmas Dinner. Booking essential. Contact N. East Natter Night – Shoulder of Mutton. 7:30pm onwards. Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 or western.social@ Northern 18:30 The Highwayman, Peel, IOM Harvey Garton bmwclubuk.net 01624 625140 8 S. East THE WHITE HART, Lower Horsebridge, (A271), BN27 Oxford Pub Social, Christmas meal special: Meal Sun Inn, Coate 4DJ. 7.30pm Water, Swindon, SN3 6AA. 9 S. West Christmas Dinner Party 18.30 Fishermans Cot, Bickleigh Southern Pub Meet - Drusilla’s Inn Nr Tiverton EX16 8RG details on website Southern Christmas Party at North Hants Golf Club 20 E. Anglia Lamb and Flag, Welney. 12:00 noon Yorkshire The Ignition Coffee, HU4 7RR. 12 noon. Midland Pub Meet: Griffens Head, 28 Wilby Road, Mears Ashby, 10 E. Anglia Bull Hotel, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO9 9JG 12.00 noon Northamptonshire, NN6 0DX. Start 7:30 Irish Christmas Lunch - Old Conna Golf Club Bray at 2:00pm S. East Club Night THE BULL, E. Farleigh, ME15 0HD. 8pm Anne McDonald [email protected] Southern Old Gits’ Loomies Diner midday London Pierre`s annual mystery tour for lunch. Somewhere “near 24 Scottish Inverurie monthly lunch meet @ 12:30 or far” depending on the weather and who turns up! 26 Western 12.00 Bikers Gathering at the Whitminster Inn, Bristol Leaving Beaconsfield Services at 1000hrs. Rd, Whitminster, Gloucester GL2 7NY Midland Barnsdale Gardens, Tea rooms, The Avenue, Exton, 28 S. West Thursday Pub Meet 12.00, Fishermans Cot Bickleigh Nr. Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH 12:00 till 3:00 Tiverton EX16 8RG Ron Lyford 01803 391 811 Northern 13:00 Monthly Meeting Rixton Village Hall WA3 6JZ. Jacobs Join (bring food to share with others) northern. Southern Pub Meet - The Half Moon 8pm [email protected] Lynn Sumner 01772 431324 29 S. East THE KINGS ARMS, Biggin Hill, BR2 6DU. 7.30pm November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 33 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. discounts for those groups that stay for more than happen! So it’s goodbye from me for another month. East Anglia 4 nights, so with the agreement of the EA Secretary .Keep yew a troshin’ bor. and the Social Secretary, the EA section provided Hello one and all an accommodation subsidy of £2.50 per night, but Kieron Haines 07725659630 First things first a big thanks Dik for last months only for BMW Club members who provided their news. I think you will all agree it made for a very membership number. As the subsidy was agreed [email protected] pleasant change from my ramblings. But I think it’s after the advertisement appeared in the journal, time to say a very well deserved thank you to Dik for most attendees had a pleasant surprise at the end Cliff Batley 07966015607 over seeing the National Rally at Framlingham. So of the Rally. three cheers to Dik, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, The Gazebo was well used, and participants [email protected] hip hip hooray. I have seen for myself how much enjoyed the free tea and coffee (sorry only Dik puts into making it the success it was. I’m not instant!), biscuits and cake. A ride out and ride in going to say anything about the Rally as I know were arranged but not required as the weather Irish there is an article to appear in the club Journal was fine enough just to sit and chat. The Sports very shortly. Talking about the Journal the October Club Bar and Restaurant were well used, and the Hi all. As another biking year comes to a close, addition has a real East Anglian feel to it. What with food was thoroughly enjoyed and of good quality. shorter days, cold & wet, the bikes will be getting a a very interesting item on the Classic bike show. Unfortunately, a full breakfast could not be provided break so this is the time of year to be planning next Congratulations to all the winners, runners up and there, so on the Saturday morning 6 took the years’ trips. Let us know what you have in mind to all those that entered a bike. I for one would like riverside walk into town, to be joined by a further give us time to book our annual leave. this to be a part of all future Nationals. Also nice to 4 for a wonderful Weatherspoon’s breakfast. This We had the Thatch Rally in The SliabhBeagh see the positive comments in Torque Reaction. That operation was repeated on the Sunday. Hotel, Knockatallin, CO Monaghan on the brings me to the great article written by Amanda. In my opinion a good, relaxing End of Season 22nd/23rd Sept. It was a very successful event. 26 This all happened thanks to the efforts of Cliff so Rally, with plenty of socialising, and most there people booked in and 3 day trippers. A group of 18 well done mate. Myself and Sharron had a fantastic voiced their desire for a repeat next year. .Facts and bikes took to the roads and boreens of Monaghan time and made so many new friends and got to Figures:4 stayed in a B&B just a short walk from the & Fermanagh on a nice dry, breezy day. Club catch up with old ones. Make sure you read the Race course.2 stayed in rooms at the race course.2 member Brendan Smyth, a local to the area, led article and book yourself on the next trip to Ypres. If came with a mobile home.9 slept in tents.6 visited the ride out that had a little bit of everything. You you can’t make it, let a mate know or sign up a new for the day. Subsidy paid on showing membership might ask “What the hell is in Monaghan”? Well, I member so they can enjoy the fun. Please keep an number £40 in total.2 from Yorkshire Section.1 from didn’t see a straight bit of road all day. 260kms of eye out for newbie’s as we have signed up quite Kent”. twisties, up hills and down valleys with amazing a few in the last month or so. Give them a warm views along the way (so the pillions told us!). We welcome and make them feel at home. had a visit to ’BRIXMOTO’, a shop that sells biking Belgium, Easter 2018- clothes, boots, helmets, blue tooth equipment and a Ypres has a lovely market square surrounded whole range of work wear. They also have an online by bars and restaurants, it’s a short walk to the store – www.brixmoto.com –worth having a look at. Menin Gate from the square where the last post is Brixmoto also served the group with complementary sounded every evening at 8pm, 365 days a year. tea/coffee and sausage rolls. On we went zig There is loads to do in Ypres and the surrounding zagging over and back the border of Fermanagh area, there are too many war graves to visit, after and Monaghan an to our lunch stop in The Pillar visiting places like Tyne Cot it’s good to relax in the House, Glaslough which was first class. Castle evening with one of the many fine Belgium Beers Leslie was right next door so yer man on the red and some good company and conversation. Yamaha had to go in and take some pictures, we all If you would like to join us I have 10 rooms followed. A fabulous building that hosts a lot of VIP booked at the Albion hotel for Easter 2018, 5 rooms We had a great day at Copdock considering weddings, with beautiful grounds and amazing gate are already booked, the Albion Hotel is really good, the gloomy weather forecast – we reckon the house. Jim had some more shots of the gate house it’s close to the market square and the Menin Gate attendance was down below 10,000 people but it’s to take until finally his battery went and on we went and it has decent secure bike parking. If you would a great sign that we still managed to enrol 3 new for another 120 kms of enjoyment. like to join us in Ypres for the Easter weekend members (the same as last year) as well as make The hotel itself is the only one of its kind in please contact me on 07966 015607 or email me on a good impression on several others who took Ireland. It is owned, run and staffed by a community [email protected] or eastanglia.social@ forms away and said they would sign up online. cooperative. They run it with passion and made us bmwclubuk.net Huge thanks to all those who helped on the stand, so welcome. The standard of food was excellent As we are in a jolly mood how about the Christmas especially those who brought their bikes and spent and the staff treated us like family. They had a huge lunch. This can get booked up so please don’t delay the whole day there. A big shout out to Cathy and Liz garage we could park in if we wanted to. There was any longer. See the section web page for details. both of whom spent a long time with us on the stand music on Saturday night in the bar with Hobo Joe Sunday 10th December Christmas Lunch at the despite both being “physically impaired” (Cathy with and one or two club members were spotted on the Bull Hotel, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO9 9JG - 12:00 her arm in a sling and Liz in a wheelchair with pins dance floor later in the night. So a big thank you to noon. Book with Dik before December 1st! (*NOTE: in her foot!). I will publish a fuller report on the web the TheSliabhBeagh Hotel. We will be back. Also Change of venue*) site with lots of pictures but here is the best one I a big thank you to Brendan Smyth for organising So what else can we tempt you out off your have of the stand.” Thanks Dik for this one. and leading a great ride out and congratulations to armchair with? Well the Pub and café meets are as Charlie Dolan and Ann Nugent for coming all the usual the weekly staple see diary of events in the way from Cork and receiving the Furthest Travelled club Journal. Ian’s post on facebook would seem to Award! suggest they are as popular as ever. If you would In the North West we had a nice ride out on the prefer to ride the bike then maybe Sunday the 12th second Sunday along the coastal roads of North Remembrance Sunday at Duxford, 09:30 Ride in Sligo and South Donegal. It was a nice run if a little from Newmarket services, A14 Westbound, CB8 damp. 0XG. Or meet at Duxford IWM, CB22 4QR. Also the The Leinster Section Sunday run from the Spa NEC Motorcycle Live show 18th to 26th November hotel 8th October went to the Military Museum near get your tickets through the club at £17.50 each. Collon Co Meath. The weather was poor but we had I should of course mention the camp at a good turnout. We travelled through Fairyhouse, Fakenham but Hugh has penned a report so over Slane and the Boyne valley. We met up with some to you Hugh. “ Fakenham: 22nd to 24th September. more lads at the museum. The ever popular East Anglia Section End of The Museum is an insight of the first world war Season Rally. This year was different in that whilst second world war with the Vietnam war covered I, Hugh, worked on the National Rally Vintage and and all the guns, armour, tanks and paraphernalia As always if you have any suggestions, time or Classic Bike Show, Heather liaised with the Staff collected privately (making bike collection look ideas, please let your committee know, that goes at Fakenham and planned the whole weekend. for ongoing club events to. If we don’t know, it won’t very simple) The tour guide had real interest and The camping site at the Racecourse only give rally knowledge of the history and armour. I would really 34 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 recommend this Irish Military War Museum. When show as usual. we left, lunch was high on our minds and we headed As we are now going into the winter period there to Collon to eat and discuss the day. The weather is not to much going on so please keep supporting was deteriorating so we all made or own way home. the pub meets and the two Sunday Meetings, no Remember that the most dangerous part of a shame in turning up in the tin box most of us will be motorcycle is the nut connecting the handle bars to and its the support that counts. the seat! Although a little on the early side, may I take this Jim Beach opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Safe Riding always 07415 683120 Regards, 01908 373327 Pat

[email protected] Mercia Robert Harrison www.bmwclubmidland.com Not much to report on this month folks. So it’s 01257 793209 time for some reflection. By the time this lands on your doorstep a new committee will be in situ. Facebook The BMW Club Midland Section I’ve been here now for 27 years since first setting [email protected] about forming Mercia as a new Section. During Northern that period, we’ve seen many members come and North East go. I’ve made many friends through the Club, now I’ll pre-empt the October AGM and assume there has to be the best time ever to thank every one of was no last minute competition for the various Hi everyone, by the time you read this our AGM will you that’s assisted me during that time, this is my committee positions so you are probably stuck with have been done and dusted, and hopefully it would final report for the Mercia Section. We’ve had many us lot again. Any earth shattering changes will be have been a productive meeting and seeing the great runs, visits, holidays and parties over those covered in the December News. section moving forward in a positive way into 2018. years, thank you. Thank you to the organisers of the regular #A final reminder is for our end-of-season buffet The Section is still going thankfully, we have monthly events for sending me their dates for 2018 at The Ravensworth on 25th November at 7pm. As a new committee, hopefully new ideas for your which all helps in the early production of the 2018 I asked in last month’s section news, please have entertainment, give them your support and keep the Diary of Events. your booking forms and payment sent to Ashley Section as active as possible. At the moment we have camping events next Gane by Wednesday 15th November as that allows Although a little on the early side, may I take this year at Dent in June and Rhayader in July. The Dent us the time to give the Ravensworth the numbers, opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas event will be in conjunction with Yorkshire Section and especially if there are any dietary requirements and a very Happy New Year. Safe Riding always in an attempt to increase the attendance. The needed. The booking form can be downloaded on popular Scotland hotel weekend will be in August Colin Ainsworth [email protected] the Forum, and please make the cheques payable from the 10th to the 13th at The Invercauld Arms, phone 07799 653789 to: North East Section Events. Remember to bring Braemar and if you are coming then it’s a good idea something gift wrapped for the raffle and your to book before the 17th of November to get the best thinking caps for the quiz. Twitter – AinsworthColin @BMWClubMercia price (I quote from the Shearings hotel brochure). We had a great time at the Teesside Classic Bike A relatively small hotel dating back to 1645 in a Show at Coulby Newham. We had a good selection Midland lovely part of Scotland only 10 miles from Balmoral of Airheads, Oilheads and K series machines on the and good rideout opportunities. Also an event at stand and we used both shelters which gave us a September started with another double booking for the Portsonachan Hotel, Loch Awe in May. See good presence at the show. Ashley Boal supplied the first weekend, Wollaston was as normal on the Compass for details. a real topic of interest and conversation by bringing Three members of our Section attended the first Sunday of the month, the first weekend was his R25 and the remnants of the engine after it’s Scottish Section’s traditional (meaning a bike with also our visit to Hardhurst Farm in Hope Valley, I untimely demise. The idea being to show a before a tent on the carrier and no cars, vans, caravans believe that there were not to many people at the and after, so the R25 will rise from the ashes next or motor homes) September Moffat camping event, Cafe’ Racer. My thanks go to those that did turn up. year being in full working order and looking lovely the third man being Barry Warner on his trusty Hope Valley was again a very popular weekend with its original patina. No pressure Ashley! with I think just under forty people enjoying the K75S. Barry mentioned that he has been to the IoM BBQ on Saturday night, ?This was followed by a TT for fifty consecutive years and I seriously doubt if quiz later in the evening, quiz master was Steve anyone else can claim such a record. Foreman and the winner was Andy and his team. Mike Gibson’s September run report. A small, but It has to be said that Andy did let everybody now select (!), gathering set off from Devil’s Bridge and headed eastwards along the A65. After a short stop that he had won. Hope was a different experience to eject a wasp from Colin’s helmet, we found the for Teresa and I this year after thirty two years of Anchor Inn at Gargrave for our coffee break. Duly caravan ownership we were back under canvas. It hydrated our route now followed the country road couldn’t have been that bad as we stayed for an to Cracoe, and the Wharfe valley to climb over into extra night, next year hopefully we will be able to the subsidiary valley leading to Wensleydale. (Nice tow the bike with us. road, this, in its lower reaches.) Picking up the main Sunday was spent drying and cleaning the dale road, we landed up at the Rose and Crown marquee ready for next year. Steve was involved The bad news is that we did not scoop ‘Best Club hotel for lunch. next weekend as well with a rideout to Bosworth Stand’ this year. We were told they don’t normally Our afternoon route started along the minor road Battle Fields site. Four bikes met at Twycross give that out 2 years running, but being ever so on the northern side of Wensleydale where we then Zoo where we had a coffee to start with while also slightly biased, we had the best stand. The good picked up the Buttertubs pass into Swaledale. Now keeping a look out for the Snow Leopard. We then heading up the dale the scenery changed from news is that we did scoop two prizes for ‘Best set off across country for a brief visit to the National lush valley floor into exposed high moor. Along this Emerging Classic’ for Phil Oughtred’s lovely R80GS Aboretum at Airewas this really needs a full day. We stretch we came across 5 or 6 cows, along with and my newly acquired K1100RS, which was a then moved on to a canal side Tea Room for more two calves, taking a leisurely stroll on the road. pleasant surprise for me. A big thank you to those tea and cake, and it was decided here to call it a This ‘obstruction’ required patience and caution to who came and brought their bikes and showed day and start to make our ways home, Rumour has negotiate, but the hiatus was soon overcome and them for the day, and to our friends in the section it that neither of Steve’s ride’s this year have made we continued our way to Kirkby Stephen. Turning who turned out to support the show and our stand. it to their destination. An update to this is that we westwards, we joined the delectable A683 through did make it to Bosworth Battle Field but it was two Sedbergh and back to Kirkby Lonsdale. Fortunately weeks later and we arrived by narrow boat after four (!), the forecast rain held off until we were all days cruising on the Canals. returning home, so a ‘dry run’. That about covers the activities for September Rivington Brunch event at the end of September other than the regular pub meets. By the time you went well with fifteen members and one guest (ex- get to read this the AGM will have been and gone so president Geoff Wilson) appearing so it might well next month will have a report of this and some very happen again. Picture attached. interesting news. Don’t forget anyone going to the November’s monthly meeting is at Rixton on the NEC bike show, if you get your tickets from the club 12th, soup and bread to celebrate. they are a little bit cheaper and it helps the club, I will hopefully be there on the last Sunday of the November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 35 As the colder weather descends upon us, keep were sitting there, a lone Spitfire fly over the site, their adventures including Steve from Stoke on safe and I look forward to catching up with you at turned around and gave us a victory roll as it left – his Kawasaki with an adapted top box so his Jack a Natter Night. amazing….. Again a few members then went onto Russell could accompany him. Garth made it there other sites of interest whilst a small group made but had lost his top gear on route and was also Bradley Gane their way to the narrow gauge railway at Dymchurch struggling to find 3rd. Alan and Eddy were obviously where a train ride for some to Dungeness ensued. up from Northumberland and our old friend Richard [email protected] Others rode to Dungeness for a superb fish lunch in was up from Warwickshire. Pam and Bob came a roadside café – wonderful. To be continued along on their Tenere and Barry was testing out his centre stand until he thought the side stand safer. Oxford Nick came up from somewhere down south and me To celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2017 and Elspeth came down from the north. Joe came organising several social events. Most of these across from Perth on Saturday just for the social planned events taking place in various restaurant or event. On Saturday 9 of us on 7 bikes rode across eating establishments throughout the year. wild borderland country on single track roads giving SNR’s: Oxford section have also introduced the nod to Eskdalemuir and arriving at Newcastleton Short Notice Rides, these tend to be mid-week for coffee. We then visited Hermitage Castle where events with a day or more notice, which have been only Elspeth and Duncan could secure entry with very popular. the correct passports. More lovely single track roads 19th John Ottaway Sorebutts Rally and a bit of the glorious A7 brought us eventually to A smashing time had at the camping rally with the cafe at St Marys Loch before we headed back Oxford Section Sat Nav Project and Survey the Western Section . Really happy with all the to Moffat. 120 miles with only a half hour of rain but Earlier in the year we announced the start of the arrangements . Ride outs / bingo/ raffle/ BBQ/ some fabulous roads, views and craic. On Friday Oxford Section Sat Nav Project between the Oxford booze with plenty of laughter. You have to come and Saturday night we ate and drank contentedly Section and North Oxford Garage. The aim of the along next year ! at Scotland’s narrowest hotel, The Star. Everyone project is to improve our collective knowledge of 27th: Steve Moxey – Nuffield Place left for home on Sunday morning except for Richard how to use our Sat Nav’s and to help members get We met up at the Waterfront Cafe for a ride to who was staying an extra day or two convinced that the best from them. We have completed the survey Nuffield Place to look at arrangements for a club summer was about to arrive. It’s fair to say we all with some interesting findings and will meet on the event in 2018 and then off to the Crown Inn at Pishill had a very good weekend and we left wondering 7th to compile an action plan to assist our members for lunch, which was very nice a total of 8.7 miles, whether next year will be a sizzler! Thanks to Alan e.g. training, help guides, Q&A forum amongst other Thanks to Tim, Jill and Andy for coming to the Crown and Eddy for sorting out the event. ideas. Drop me a line if you would like an insight into Inn, it was good to see Bob at the Waterfront Cafe. Kinlochleven Gathering: Jim and I had a slightly the results. We think SNRs with a lunch destination could be a damp ride up to join 25 folk spread between Future Events: October / November good idea so if you know any good pubs or cafes for camping, cabins and hotel for a brilliant weekend. 8th October Ride Out: Mystery Tour start 9.30am lunch this is your chance to organise an SNR. The weather was very good on Saturday and 17 at the Sun Inn, Swindon contact Ian Dobie mail: ian. September 10th – Ride Out Wessex Wanderings bikes headed off in various directions for a great [email protected] Thanks to Andrew Byatt for organising a great days riding. Most folk gathered in the Bothy Bar 22nd October Skittles Challenge: Western round Wiltshire ride out, with White Horses on view. Friday and Saturday evening for food, drink and lots Section vs Oxford. The Old Royal Ship, Luckington, The weather gradually deteriorated but did not spoil of chat. Thanks to Billy & Mandy and all attending Wiltshire SN14 6PA contact Dennis Bradbeer mail: the day. We had a great route and we’re very well who helped make it so good. [email protected] fed and watered. We saw some interesting parts Reminders: 4th November 50th Anniversary Dinner & Disco: of Wiltshire and the ride would be worth repeating 8 – 10 December: Turkey & Tinsel at Waverley Oxford Belfry Hotel, Milton Common, Thame OX9 during good weather. Andy did a very good job of Castle Hotel, Melrose. Quite a few folk have already 2JW contact Geoff Clough mail: geclough@gmail. leading and managing the ride. booked. Book now to avoid disappointment. com Friday 29th September – Weekend away to Rye As always please check for latest news or Don’t forget to make a note of the dates from – Dave Shanks information, if there is any, on our website www. the trifold calendar that you wish to attend into A merry band of members made their way to the thebmwclubscottish.com or Scottish Section on the your diaries and make sure you add in the special American Diner to meet up for the Rye Weekend, Forum or Scottish Facebook page. 50th events. We will also be updating the website after a refreshing coffee off we went to the hotel in Ride safe. regularly and posting on Facebook. Peasmarsh via an excellent route designed and led Here’s to safe riding and some good weather. Judy by Dave Shanks – a superb effort. Other members then started to arrive separately Dave Tomlinson 01592 874592 from all over the area and gathered for pre dinner drinks in the bar. An entertaining evening ensued [email protected] meeting both new and old friends. [email protected] or check the website at bmwcluboxford.com Southern

& https://www.facebook.com/groups/ We had a busy month in September, so quite a few bmwoxford/. things to tell you about. Bob Melvin led an adhoc run to the Frogmore papermill on 2nd. There were Scottish 5 bikes at Newlands Corner, and apart from a slight detour due to Bob’s Garmin throwing a strop, I cannot believe that it’s time to put the section news they had an uneventful trip to the papermill. The together for the November Journal, where has 2017 fascinating tour took 2 hours, and further time was gone? Hope you have all had a good season riding needed to look at the static exhibits. The outbound your bikes. Since the August Bank holiday I have journey was dry, but homeward bound was slightly ridden over 3500 miles on the GS650 pillion and damp.The full write up is on the website, as are despite loving the bike and being very comfortable details of all our runs and weekends. my bones and joints are crying enough so the bike Bob was busy again on 17th, as he took over as gear is now packed away for a few months. run leader when Godfrey was out of the country. We Regret we didn’t make Ullapool in August as met at Bahnstormer, and 7 bikes left for a country we were at a family gathering in West Wales but I road route to go to Buckler’s Hard. Again Bob had am told that despite the weather it was a cracking a disagreement with his Garmin, and ignored the weekend with a very good turnout. Mandy & Billy instructions, apparently Sue said he is very good at did a grand job as they have done all year. doing that. We emerged onto the A30 where Mike Robert tells me that 5 met for lunch at the Cross took over the lead and took us to The Haven, Buccleuch in Moffat in September , David and Leslie well-known, and rather upmarket biker haunt. The following day it started a little showery, and from Dundee, Duncan from Annan and Barbara and Once we had eaten, I made the decision to leave as usual various trips had been organised. The himself. Good food and chat, bonus being a dry day. the ride, as I was very cold. I hadn’t realised how group I was with had decided to visit the Battle of Duncan’s Report on the Vicar & Beemer Ed miserable the weather was going to be when I left Britain memorial near Folkestone. Great parking Camping weekend in Moffat: The weather on home. (no linings in the bike gear!). The rest of the and a warm welcome saw us looking around the Friday was mixed but we put up our tents during hardy crew left The Haven, and even though Bob’s extensive site with replica aircraft on display. a dry spell.The grass pitches at Hammerlands Garmin continued to be awkward, Bob managed to Eventually the café beckoned so we went to the were wet but not so much as last year. Some get everyone to Buckler’s Hard, which is situated on first floor to enjoy the now sunny weather. As we other motorcyclists were also camping during the Beaulieu River. This is a preserved shipbuilding 36 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 village, with a good museum, and great views natter night at The Red Lion, Bridge on the 24th and 30th, plus we have a Sunday lunch meet at the across the salt marshes. Thanks Bob for stepping lunch at Tenterden Garden Centre on the 27th. Now Dolphin Hotel on the 19th meet at 12.00 if you can in a doing this run. that it’s winter the run will depart at 1pm. please notify Les you are going, it is very helpful call Out Again with Cliff & Julie was on the 3rd him on 01647 24523. September departing from the lay-by opposite the Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham. It was a “quality rather than quantity” run. Their report follows: Four bikes and seven of us eventually set off “safely” for Alfreston, although it was nearly only three, due to roads being closed. Unfortunately, there was an incident 50 yards away at the roundabout for the M26, involving the emergency services, including the Air Ambulance which landed on the slip road. We stuck to mostly country roads to avoid the main traffic but still ended up having to skilfully avoid horses and dozens of cyclists on a race day. Following a superb meal at The Smugglers Inn we left Alfreston and headed towards The 1066 Cafe via Upper Dicker to enjoy a final cup of tea. More than 20 members attended Mike Cross’s There was an excellent turnout for John Smith’s great weekend at The Bear Inn in Street, Somerset. Memorial Run on the 10th. It was an overcast day Well on this our 6th Dartmoor Rally the wet weather Mike led the bikes via a lunch stop in The Virginia with threatening black clouds but nevertheless really let us down, but that does not alter the fact Ash at Henstridge, and they arrived about Keith led twelve bikes from Godstone Duck Pond that we were let down even more by the member’s 16.00hrs at The Bear.There were a few members following John’s route down to Pett Level near that did not make the effort to come along. On that who arrived in cars, all the better to take all the Winchelsea. After negotiating a road closure and note we will still be doing the Rally again next year, goodies home once you had been shopping in the diversion we arrived at The Smugglers Inn for lunch but unless we have a better turnout next year it will adjacent Clarks shopping village. There was a mix where we were joined by a further four bikes. The be the last. Although the turnout was poor I think of accommodation, in the hotel and cottages, and group split after lunch and George Barlow led the those that came enjoyed themselves. We had Dave evening meals were laid on in the pub for us. There six remaining bikes to Tenterden for an afternoon from Scotland in the Shepherds Hut, Dave and was an organised run to West Bay on the Saturday, break at The Indulgence Cafe. Lavinia in one of the Pods, two /three /four van’s with great roads and good weather. On Sunday, the Unusually, there were only nine members at for various nights and two tent’s. In the evening’s bikers went home via the Middle Wallop Army Air Cooper on the 13th. After some discussion as to we took over the on site television room, which had Museum. Great weekend and thanks to Mike and where to go George Barlow using his “inbuilt” sat plenty of seat’s for all of us and a large table. On Jeanette for all their hard work. nav (containing 89 years of knowledge) took his the Thursday evening 4 of us went into Tavistock in On 1st October Erica led a run to Twyford fellow intrepid riders on a jolly jaunt round Kent and Debbie’s car for a meal at Wetherspoons, and the Waterworks for their open day. Erica and I had done Sussex to The1066 Cafe at Robertsbridge. rest did their own thing. On Friday everyone that a practice ride on the Saturday, and this did not The 14th-17th was John Burton’s annual “Rother was already on site also did what they wanted. In go to plan, so Erica had to go back to the drawing Valley Camping” weekend. Only two people booked the evening several of us enjoyed food from the on board and alter the proposed route. The run started in with him one from the East Anglia Section and site catering van. All though it was a small number, at Newlands Corner, with 3 members joining Erica one from the London Section. Sadly, this will be his 6 bikes and 7 people went on the ride out. We had for the fairly dry ride to the Waterworks. One of the last one as numbers have been dropping steadily only gone a couple of miles before the heavens kind organisers allowed them to ride in and park over the years. opened so Dave, who was leading the ride out as exhibitors, thus not having to pay the entry fee. Unfortunately, Richard Filipczak was unable for me, stopped under some trees for a while, but There was a fascinating guided tour round the to do his “Rove with Richard” on the 17th but the rain never stopped so we set off again and it works. Next year they will be ‘in steam’, so a definite Alan and Linda Thomas stood up to the plate and wasn’t long before the sun came out, so we carried for next years calendar. volunteered. Their report follows: 10.30am on a dull on to the Old Railway Station café at Okehampton Not much more to tell you about. We have our Sunday morning saw 9 bikes departing Maidstone where Debbie and her Mum met us for a drink Christmas dinner at the Northants Golf Club in Services for a ride through the Kent and Sussex and in some cases a bite to eat. After we had all Fleet on 16th December. You should have already lanes to a pretty spot on the South Downs. East finished we continued on the ride out to Holsworthy paid Erica for the dinner and also made your menu Dean is located just inland of Beachy Head where and then on to Great Torrington for our lunch stop choices, so look forward to seeing you at the dinner the group enjoyed a light lunch at the “Bikers Rest”. at the pannier market café. After lunch it was on to and celebrating Christmas. Although there are no After lunch the run continued in bright sunshine to Winkleigh where two of us went one way and the more organised runs this year, we still have our club Tottingworth Farm where the obligatory South East other’s went another, as Daves sat nav decided nights. If you have not been to a pub meet, come Section afternoon tea and cake was enjoyed by that some green roads were needed (grass down and join us, you will be very welcome. all. A special mention must be made to Shaun and the middle), so on to North Tawton and Whiddon Brenda in their combination who kept in touch with Down by which time we had caught up with the rest Gerri the group throughout in spite of the traffic issues again, then on to Mortonhampsted for afternoon encountered. tea and cakes. We were supposed to meet Debbie 01895 446896 Lunch on the 24th was at The Coastguard and her mum at the café, but they ended up in a Tearoom where twenty members had various different one to us but we did see them before we left. Then it was back across Dartmoor to the site, [email protected] alfresco lunches some light some not so! At 2pm Kevin Goldfinch led 12 bikes meandering across some of us via Yelverton and Morrisons at Tavistock country to one of our favourite haunts The Beech for fuel and beer. Saturday evening four of us went Erica Court Tearoom & Garden at Challock where for in to Tavistock for fish and chips. Sunday morning the second time that day we sat basking in the some packed up and went home while the others 07528 873056 sunshine. stayed for the bike show and hog roast BBQ (see Dons report).I would like to thank all of those that [email protected] Debbie Morris made the effort to come even with the poor forecast that was not as bad as we thought it was going to 0208 3011600 be, and especially to Dave for leading the ride out. South East Hope to see you all again next year, plus a few more. Thanks. Phil and Debbie. [email protected] Firstly, I would like to remind you about the On the Sunday of the Dartmoor Rally we held Christmas Lunch on the 3rd December. I have the Concours Bike Show Competition, followed by copies of the menu – please book with me by the South West the Annual BBQ. We could say we were unlucky 15th November – thank you. We start November with the weather but it has been a poor 2nd half with Club Night on the 1st. The first run is on the We have a new event to try out, November the 4th, of the year weather wise, and continued into our 5th and Paul McEwen will be departing Godstone meet at the Wharf on Bude Canal, meet at 12.00, bike Show, which resulted in a lower turn out than Duck Pond at 9am heading for Brighton for “The there are several eating places so we will see what last year, but it turned out to be fairly dry coming a Old Crocks Rally”. This is swiftly followed by the is available when we arrive, any questions ring me bit damp towards the end, but we are all bike gear, Midweek Run from Cooper. Friday night at The on 07884266340. what does it matter? The invited Judge was Martin White Hart, Lower Horsebridge is on the 10th. Rose There may be still time book the Xmas lunch, Pulman the Manager of Ocean BMW Motorcycles in will be hosting her “Beetles Night” at Club Night on we only have 30 places, check the website and Plymouth, his task was made easier by the fact that the 15th a very chaotic but enjoyable half hour! Ian get booked up, I do believe there were some some classes had only one entrant! The winners as Campbell will be leading a run leaving the lay-by disappointed members last year. follows, ‘Ocean Cup’ Best Oil Head Don Rabson, opposite The Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham at 10am. It’s We have our 2 regular meets the 14th and the ‘The CW Trophy’ Best Air Head, Paul Townsend, November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 37 ‘Howard Truscott Award’ Outstanding Boxer, Paul On the weekend of Fri 22nd to Sun 24th Note that the Wednesday and Sunday morning Townsend, ‘Fred Secker Cup’ Oldest Bike, Don September, some 12 Ulster Section members runs are continuing successfully, leaving Corr’s Rolling, ‘David ‘Hornsby Award’ Best Modified, Ron joined our friends in the Irish Section for the Thatch corner at 11.00am and of late have been well Lyford, ‘Best F650/800’ Andy Lobb,’ James Sherlock Rally in County Monaghan. The weather was kind to supported. Note that the summer season runs Trophy’ Best K Post 2006, Alistair Magor, ‘Grahams us for the ride out (of some 160 miles) on Saturday, (From May until August the midweek on Tuesday Motorcycles’ Best GS, Dave Charlton, ‘Members which took in some good roads, both North and mornings and Wednesday evening runs) have Trophy’ Members Choice, Alistair Magor, ‘Chris South of the border, with lunch at the Pillar House ended but the winter season runs (Wednesday and Croker Trophy’ Best Three Wheeler, No Entries, at the entrance of the Castle Leslie Estate in Sunday mornings) are in full swing. All runs are ‘Club Cup’ Best K Pre 2006’ No Entries. The day Castleblayney. Riders reported that accommodation weather dependent. So please feel free to come stayed dry for most of it, a light shower for the Hog was good and food was excellent. Hard to beat that! along and join us. Roast, when we all retired to the campsite’s cosy A message from Jim Sweeney of the Irish Section: Another reminder: Looking ahead to next year, clubhouse/ tv room to enjoy the Hog Roast, the “Thank you to all the members of the Ulster Section from 4th – 7th May 2018, the Ulster Section May room is plenty big enough even for a much larger that supported our Thatch Rally in Monaghan over Day Weekend will take place at the Pitlochry Hydro gathering, so next year don’t be put off if a bit of the weekend.” Hotel, Knockard Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 inclement weather is possible as there are plenty of The Ulster Section AGM took place in Corr’s 5JH (GPS N5642230 W0034346). The hotel has indoor facilities. Corner on Tuesday 3rd October. Some changes an indoor pool, jacuzzi and gym. The cost for three On Tuesday the 12th. September I went to the were made to the committee and the new office nights dinner, bed and breakfast is £160 per person Engine House for our monthly brunch meet arriving bearers are now as follows: sharing – this includes staff gratuity and rally fee. All at 10-55 and was the first to arrive, with the next Chairman: Paul Gregg; Secretary: Alan bookings must be made through the Ulster Section arriving at 11-15 and from then on it was a trickle Cameron; Treasurer: Gordon Magee; National organiser Jack Hunter before 6 Feb 2018. See the until a we had a total of 9, we had a drink on arrival Rep: Bob Barker; Club Activist: Alan Kane; Section Ulster Section website for further details, application and most people had a breakfast of one size or Webmaster: Shane Noble; Social Secretary: Kyle form and provisional ferry arrangements. Contact another, but some just had a drink and a cake. Thomson; Assistant Social Secretary: John Dowse; Jack Hunter 028 90506677 for accommodation We had 4 come by car and the rest by bike, after Membership Processor: Gordon McFarlane; details. a good chat it was time to head for home again and Committee Members: Jackie Hunter and Sam This is my last entry as the Ulster Section Social I got caught in a small shower on the way home, Mitchell. Secretary to the Club Journal, having been ‘at it’ for otherwise a good ride, hope to see you all soon Phil. On Sunday 8th October, the last “Meet and a year now, so those of you who may be weary of A New venue down west of the section was tried Eat” of the Ulster Section calendar year took my ramblings will be glad to know that my shoes on Sunday the 20thThe Half way House Penryn. place in the Bushmills Garden Centre at 1:00pm. will be amply filled by the new Social Secretary Kyle Arriving nice and early, we were soon to meet up Bikers left the usual starting point, Corr’s Corner Thomson, who was elected at the recent October with Charles who had travelled from South Devon, Hotel, at 11:00am to make their way in a generally AGM. Congratulations Kyle. I look forward to taking with the rest not far behind. A wonderful bright sunny meandering northwesterly direction to arrive at the a pillion seat and to reading your section notes. day, making it a lovely ride through the country side, garden centre at 83 Ballyclough Road, Bushmills on with a different route home, taking in some of the the scenic north coast. The garden centre boasts an Mike McGrath [email protected] old A30 before they dualled it. Customers started excellent range of plants, as well as other gardening arriving from 11.45 for tables that were all reserved, products. The centre is located a mile or so to Western we found the reason for this when we sampled the the west of the town of Bushmills and its famous distillery. Some would say a stone’s throw away, but carvery, which was absolutely superb. Several of Visit to the Internal Fire Museum of Power. I suspect that if they believe they can throw a stone the tables had more than two sittings.It was good Left home on a rainy drizzly morning to go the a mile, they would have been to the distillery first! to catch up with Charles, Lavinia, Dave and Robin. Abergavenny Waitrose to see if anyone turns up But now, since I have been sufficiently distracted Les Madge found a nice pub he thought would for the ride to the Internal Fire Museum of Power by measuring how far I can throw a stone, a few make a nice midweek lunch, the Harbour Inn, at Ceredigion Wales. Just about to leave Waitrose words about the distillery. I should start with a word his report follows: On Wednesday we attended and to my delight Dave Friswell and his teenage of warning; on the first page of the distillery website, the Harbour Inn at Axmouth for the advertised daughter Meghan arrived looking to get breakfast readers are asked the ominous question “Are you Brunch Meeting.Jane and yours truly were the only before we set off. Alas the cafe had a breakdown are of legal drinking age?” presumably referring to members there, but it was such a pleasant morning the drinking of alcohol (as opposed to a good old with their dishwasher so announced they were we enjoyed the ride there.It was warm enough to sit pint of milk) and also, but not necessarily, implying unable to do hot food. Why they couldn’t get a set outside and enjoy a crab soup and pesto beetroot that visitors to the site come from a country where of Marigolds off the shelf and a bottle of squeezy and goats cheese risotto, very relaxing. the drinking of such a ‘beverage’ is legal, otherwise washing up liquid beggars belief. So off we went For the first time I attended the The Fisherman’s entry to the website would appear to be ‘verboten’. and met up with Haydn Rees and Neville Jones who Cot meet, it is our regular Thursday meet, it was On examination of the same page more closely, had parked up at the roadside near the roundabout a lovely sunny day, good biking roads to ride, and there is a clue as to the need for the caution taken at Brecon. It was decided as the route was going several different routes I can take, I don’t know why by the distillery. They admit, albeit in small print at through Llandovery we would stop there for a cafe I haven’t tried it before! On arrival I met up with 10 the top of the webpage, that “We’ve been at it since break. On arrival at Llandovery we discovered other regulars who attend, they do a light lunch 1608”! Now, it’s been some time since I reached they were having their annual Sheep Festival menu, with a reasonable range and price, this is the the legal drinking age - and the legal age for lots consequently parking the bikes was a bit awkward. same venue as the Xmas dinner which we will be of other things - but what exactly is that claim Cafe stop over, we set off again and very quickly using, there may still be time to booked up for that supposed to mean? (Perhaps I watch too much got stuck behind a four or five cars following a one. Coronation Street?) massive lorry loaded with bales of straw, after about To check ‘what’s on’ look in the Journal, our If you click the ‘yes’ box, presumably in answer five miles of twisty roads at 25 mph I finally got my website and the newsletter email that is sent out to the legal age question as opposed to what you chance to do a bit of leapfrogging and eventually at the beginning of the month, if you don’t get the ‘it’ might have been ‘at’ since 1608, you enter into made it past the lorry covered in straw, as I was newsletter send me your email address to get it the world of the oldest working distillery in Ireland. leading the ride I knew it could time for my followers added to the list. Don’t forget to keep up to date with According to the website, it is a place where family to catch up and so they did. Neville told me later that changes as on the website, www.thebmwclubsw. and friends have worked for generations, in a small the lorry driver was being deliberately obstructive org.uk Mark’s email is webmaster@thebmwclubsw. Northern Irish village that for over 400 years has trying to prevent the overtakes clearly the driver was org.uk and my email is southwest.social@ kept to the philosophy that hand crafting small a **** of parentless origins. bmwclubuk.net batches is the way to produce beautiful smooth On arrival at the museum four more bikes were waiting for us and a warm welcome greeted us, I Don Rabson 01840 212913 or 07884266340 tasting Irish whiskey. I’ll drink to that – but definitely not if I’m on the bike. I’ll come back later with a was delighted to see these local Welsh members designated driver. of our section and a good chat was had by all. Ulster Upcoming events: The calendar for November is The museum proved to be a very interesting and quite empty apart from the regular club meeting on welcoming venue for us with friendly staff, the cafe Recent Events: On Sunday 10th September Ulster Tuesday 7th, when we will have a trio of speakers is basic and the food fresh and tasty. With some of Section members enjoyed another “Meet and Eat” from Module Road and Race who have indicated the big engines fired up we set off on a tour of the ride out, travelling through the Sperrin Mountains that they will bring along some demonstration exhibits, fantastic. Well worth the 250mile round trip along part of the Glenelly Valley, and ending at helmets and wet weather gear for members to and only a fiver entry fee. The journey home was the Ulster American Folk Park just a few miles examine. It promises to be another interesting uneventful and dry (thank goodness) My thanks to north of Omagh. The indoor exhibition at the Folk evening, so come along to find out more. Neville Jones, Haydn Reese, Hedley Evens, Dereck Park examines life in Ulster in the 18th and 19th However, looking ahead only a few weeks from Spooner, Dave and Meghan Friswell and Meyrick centuries. It reveals the reasons behind the exodus now, the annual Club Christmas dinner and charity Reynolds for making it such a good visit. and wave of emigration and shows how the settlers Presentation will take place in the Templeton Hotel Denis Bradbeer adapted to and impacted on a new and unfamiliar Templepatrick, on Tuesday 5th December. Mark the We met at Taurus Craft Centre for a very, very environment in the New World of America. It also date in your diaries and check the club website for leisurely lunch! All nine of us, with a good turnout of provides a great lunch for hungry riders! further details of the menu and how to book. bikes considering the numbers. 38 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 Later we went for a whole 2 mile ride! To Lydney to all those willing volunteers who helped to keep it September: the number of outfits attending was Harbour. Stopping on the way at one of the 2 Level running smoothly, I can’t wait for next year. in double figures (just) and one trike, a Can-Am, Crossings to let an Railway engine go by. also attended. The weather behaved itself for the Paul Rodriguez The picturesque Lydney Harbour was once a most part and dried out the field; there was a grass busy and thriving place, and still boasts great views frost one morning, but it always seems to be edging over the River Severn towards Sharpness and other Yorkshire towards frosty when I am camping! On the Saturday various Gloucestershire villages, along with the two several of us had a ‘ride-in’ to nearby Wasp Severn Bridges in the distance. There are boats At the time of writing (mid-September) we are just Sidecars, where we were given an informal tour of moored in the water, and for those who like walking back from our visit to the ChateauLe Mont Epinguet their workshops – very interesting. My long ordered/ there are several paths to follow and is ideal for Bird in Northern France. A total of nineteen members awaited Wasp road sidecar has now prompted them Watching too (of the feathered kind!) and colleagues attended and I think a good time to produce a batch of five sidecars, so if you fancy Ros Gwinnell told us of her daily train journey was had by all. The Chateau was just the same as one give them a ring – patience for the finished days across this famous River to get to Lydney it’s always been over the years! Totally informal and article may be required! ‘The Three Magpies’ pub School. Alas in bygone years the railway bridge was charming in its presentation with hearty breakfasts was a source of fine ale and food throughout our destroyed in a disaster, and sadly lives were lost. and dinners and plenty of wine. Most enjoyed visit, and can be recommended to any Section or Remnants of this bridge still remain. pleasant ride-outs through the day to points north Register casting around for a potential rally site. After a stroll and goodbyes a few of us went onto south, east and west. Fred Lee again took to the The above rally was the Sidecar Register’s last of Tintern to partake in Tea, at The Monks Tea Rooms. bike shed and refurbished more push bikes to ride 2017, so I ‘broke the seal’ on the NABD collection Thanks and appreciation to all those who came- around the lovely local countryside roads! The bucket that has been at all three of the Sidecar Chris, Patrick and Janet, Ros and Brian, Dave ( event seems to be ever popular with many more Register rallies this year – the contents totalled nigh on his Boxer, you know who you are!) and Dave enquiries than rooms available. At this time we are on £250 so I will be sending a cheque off for that and Tricia (possibly their 2nd BMW ride out) Alison thinking of maybe returning in spring 2019. So put amount to NABD asap. Huge thanks to anybody D’Rozario your names down with me whenever you like! The Sorebutts rally 2017 Mike Dorking has kindly sent us the following who put a contribution into the collection bucket report about the recent Brookside Camping event. through the year, and huge thanks in particular “The Brookside Caravan Park weekend at Burton to the Scottish Section who donated the entire upon Stather went very well despite a relatively proceeds of the raffle at their Ballater rally in June. poor turnout which could have been due to I expect that the Sidecar Register will continue their a forecast of inclement weather. In the event, the affiliation to NABD in 2018. weather was not bad; Saturday being, for the most Further sidecar rallies in 2017 are listed on both par dry in North Lincolnshire. There were seven of these websites: www.sidecars.org.uk or www. tents with eight people camping. This number was sidecarland.com bolstered by Kevin and Bob Gray and their friend Keith Thomas ‘The Doctor’ who all live nearby. Their partners also came down on Saturday evening to enjoy a good meal and get together in the Ferry House pub. It was [email protected] a pleasure to see Paul Eames from Birmingham attending his sixteenth rally of 2017. Paul provided an interesting insight into his racing and other bike Vintage related hobbies. It is always good to see the affable November marks 12 months for me having been in Ian Saunders up from deepest Norfolk. He covered the role or VCR secretary, doesn’t time fly! When I most of the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday putting in first volunteered to take on the task, I did so very plenty of miles on his new GS and trying to fathom tentatively. Conscious of the reception I may have the mysteries of his new sat nav. Regulars Chris received from the NC and club members, based on Rodgers and Mike McFarlane were first on site with me being so young in comparison to those who had Mark and his delightful partner not far behind. On held the role previously. As it turns out 1 year later, Saturday we were joined by Brian Sherriff. It turned out to be an enjoyable weekend primarily due to the I shouldn’t have been concerned in the slightest. good company and excellent service from the Ferry The welcome, support and encouragement I’ve House pub. Rumour has it that the camping field received has been fantastic. With many citing will soon be largely given over to static caravans so my age as a positive aspect, which will hopefully maybe we won’t be returning there again? help breathe new life and ideas into the VCR and The weather forecast didn’t look great heading About 25 members enjoyed lunch at the Ham & the club as a whole. I came into the role with no into the third Sorebutts Rally, but despite nearly Cheese Pub at Scagglethorpe today (5th October). great knowledge of how the club is run, so it has being re-named The Soggybutts Rally at one They looked after us well with good food and drink been quite interesting to learn more about that as time, the weather actually played ball most of the and a friendly welcome. Good to meet new member I’ve gone along. The role has also allowed for the weekend. Over 60 people turned out in a mixture Mick from Leeds on his rather nice white and red opportunity of new friendships to made on a national of tents, campervans, pods, cocoons and caravans. R1200R. Also there was Peter Lomax who’s moved level. As previously I only knew people in the North A few couples even stayed in hotel or B and B up to Yorkshire from Cornwall and is soon to transfer East section. I didn’t come to the role with any grand accommodation to be part of the rally. his membership to us. Steve Lane surprised us (Or masterplan and I still don’t have one now. My main Friday saw the usual fish and chip run which should that be has yet again arrived on a new bike!) objective was to ensure the VCR remained an active had Jenny Rodriguez and Marg Langford collecting by arriving on a lovely new RnineT Racer. Then part of the club. This I have tried to do by means about 40 portions from the local chippie, this was James Ingham came in on a Honda X-ADV; as of; arranging attendance at Stafford Show in April, followed by a game of bingo. sort of cross between a scooter and a trail bike. An getting sections to host & promote VCR friendly Saturday dawned bright and sunny for the rideout interesting machine but he says it’s only a courtesy events, regular updates in section news and also by led by Dave Fox-Spencer, while Anita and Dave bike whilst his Africa Twin gets a service. All in all a being at the end of the phone/email to respond to Holland led about 16 intrepid souls on a guided walk large selection of different models to view in the car any questions, suggestions and criticisms members around the beautiful Devon countryside. During the park. Nice sunny day for it too. have had. Going forward I plan to do very much afternoon Sue Ross organised a boules competition We’ve had to go to press just three days prior to which was won in fine style by Brian Morgan. the same. One thing that is high on the ‘to do’ list our own Yorkshire AGM so we’ll report back on that is to update and re-establish the VCR website, as Saturday evening saw a BBQ, expertly cooked by next month. head chef Denis Bradbeer and his apprentice Colin there is a lot of information and useful content on Don’t forget the Xmas Dinner on 16th December. there that I feel members sometimes forget about Ross, you’ve got some competition there Denis. Details in the Journal and online on the web site. (such as technical documents, bike specifications, A picture quiz ran throughout the weekend and There are still some places available. was won by Jan and Ian Hibbert. manuals etc). As always, if anyone has ideas of The raffle proved ever popular with Sandy Young Piers Kurrein. 07866 622 196 thing they would like to see happen, events they managing to extract money from all present at every want to see the VCR attend, or activities they want opportunity. [email protected] the VCR hold etc please don’t hesitate to contact Dafydd Jones of The Oxford section provided me. New ideas are always welcome. I hope by now some impromptu entertainment in the gazebo on you all have your winter projects ready and waiting www.thebmwclub.org.uk/yorkshire/ Saturday night in the form of Morris dancing tuition, in the garage or, like my R25/3, already underway! great fun was had by participants and spectators Spring and the better weather will soon be here! alike. Sidecar Sunday morning heralded a beautiful sunny day Ashley for packing away. The Sidecar Register rally at ‘The Three Magpies’ Thanks to all those who supported the rally and campsite, near Devizes, went well on 22-24 [email protected] November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 39 40 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 41 42 The BMW Club Journal November 2017

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 available. £4,250. Martin 07771 613618 or email Trousers: Frank Thomas City Express size small, £30 [email protected] (Essex). o.n.o. Helmet: HJC ZF7 black crash helmet, again hardly used, size 54cm, £50 o.n.o. All items plus postage at cost. “R” Series R1200RT TWIN CAM - ‘63’ plate - Full BMW dealer service. 27,000 miles. ABS, ESA, ASC, cruise control, Peter 07710 014858 or email peter.stern1965@outlook. R80RT - 1995 - 31,600 miles. Red. Excellent overall heated seats and grips, radio and ipod socket, satellite com (NW London) condition. Always garaged. Good front plus new rear tyres. navigation mount, tyre pressure monitor, large BMW top PAIR OF GIVI TREKKER OUTBACK PANNIER RAILS - box, aluminium cylinder guards and protective film on BMW panniers and top box, tool kit, clock, voltmeter, fork For R1200GS LC, from 2014 model. Excellent condition. panniers. Very good condition. £9,000 o.n.o. Brian 01792 gaiters, Goodrich brake pipes and Keihan exhaust H-piece. Cost £180 new - £110 o.n.o. Allan 07731 851033 or email 850809 (Glamorganshire). Full MOT history to September 2016. SORNed since then [email protected] (Hull). so it needs a new home! Can email photographs and Bits & Bobs will MOT on sale. £3,000. Kim 01304 820181 or email SARGENT SEAT FOR R1200RT (LC) - 2014 onward. These seats (rider and pillion) have been used once and [email protected] (East Kent). BMW SOFT STYLE SMALL TOP BOX - Excellent are as new. They have heating elements fitted, so plug R90S - 1973 - Black silver smoke, recently repainted. condition with straps. £50 o.n.o. Martyn 07816 787669 straight into the bike wiring and also have Callisto grey Matching numbers. MOT. Recently completed general (Glamorganshire). piping. Cost £770. I would like £550. No reasonable offer overhaul including: Engine, Seibenrock 1,000cc power CLOTHING & BITS - Ladies Streetguard 3 jacket, size refused. Email me for photographs. Cliff 07709 209768 or kit, gas flowed heads and new valves, new Dellorto 44. One year old. Accept £300. Ladies BMW gloves, email [email protected] (Merseyside). carburettors. Complete new Kevlar clutch. Gearbox size medium, worn once. £25. Flip front Schuberth C3 complete overhaul, rebuilt alloy wheels and stainless Pro Woman, pearl white, size 54/55. Excellent condition. VARIOUS - BMW Repair Manual for R60/7-R100RS, spokes, new shock absorbers, saddle and many other Interphone F3 with two headsets and instructions included. £15. Haynes Manual for two valve twins, 1970-96, £10. parts. Rewired and new switches. Tyres less than 2,000 £80. Motorrad NavigatorV, one year old, boxed, all Motorworks Comfort Seat in as new condition, £50. miles. Classic panniers included. All in very good order. instructions. New £549, accept £300. Peter 07597 325547 Motorworks hinged rear rack, as new, £40. All items are £11,800. Peter 01494 711623 (Buckinghamshire). or email [email protected] (Tyne & Wear). plus P&P or buyer collects. Richard 01274 598405 or R90S - 1974 - Smoke grey. Excellent condition, American GENUINE BMW MOTORRAD TANK BAG - To fit F800ST. 07930 381401 or email [email protected] (West model imported six years ago. 53,920 miles. All MOT’s Used once. As new. £65 plus postage or buyer collects. Yorkshire). available. Serviced regularly. Electric/kick start, double Mark 07747 024783 (Lincolnshire). WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT - Working Colchester Bantam plugged, deep sump, Surefoot stand (original available). GENUINE BMW R1100RT TANK BAG - Only used twice lathe, 1965 approximately. 3-phase motor. Various chucks Original BMW tool kit, cloths and pump, handbook. Oil so condition excellent apart from foam protecting strips on and cutting tools. Photographs available. Martin 07808 pressure and temperature gauges added. BMW panniers. base which need replacing. £50 (postage, if required, at 580739 or email [email protected] (Oxfordshire). Reason for sale: I need a more upright riding position. cost). Vic 01772 312021 or 07746 861595 or email vic@ £9,950. Peter 01559 363761 or email [email protected] vicslater.co.uk (Lancashire). Wanted for photographs (Carmarthenshire). GENUINE BMW TOP BOX - To fit pre 2013 R1200RT. BMW - R65, R80 and R100 Basic, GS, RT and RS models, R1100RT - 2001 ‘Y’ - Owned from new. Dark red. BMW Colour black. Very good condition. You will need to get your panniers, top box and heated grips. Datatool alarm. 31,130 own lock and key. Pick up only. £145. Also Haynes hard any condition, cash waiting, can collect. Ian 01694 723546 miles. £2,200. Malcolm 07939 004431 (Cheshire). cover service repair manual for 2010 to 2112 R1200 dohc (Trader). R1150GS - 2003 - Blue/white colour scheme. Just 13,500 twins. £12 including P&P. Doug 01603 868368 (Norfolk). BMW REAR DRIVE BELT - For 2012 F800ST - Sought on miles. In excellent condition commensurate with the low JACKET, TROUSERS & HELMET - Ladies waterproof behalf of a Blood Bike charity group as a spare resource mileage. Full set of near new Jesse aluminium luggage. jacket and trousers. Very good condition, hardly worn. (yes, we’ve had one break in the past). Martin 07500 Full BMW service history. MOT to April 2018. Photographs Jacket: Frank Thomas AquaPore size medium, £40 o.n.o. 461035 or email [email protected] (Warwickshire). 44 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 November 2017 The BMW Club Journal 45 Small Business Adverts

Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact Amanda Langan - [email protected] Accommodation & Touring tranquil grounds which may be rented separately & loan bike available. For all enquiries please or altogether for a larger group. Sleep 2-16. contact Garry Webb. Tel: 01344 860580/07770 Secure garage parking for bikes. Contact: Anne 444794. Email [email protected] UK & IRELAND and Dave Chapman. Tel: 01732 456459 email: CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS. [email protected] All models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic BED AND BREAKFAST MOFFAT SOUTHERN equipment, ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. SCOTLAND. B&B, garage parking, wonderful VALRÉAS PROVENCE FRANCE. Anglo-French Servicing, repairs, insurance work. Tyres, spares biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Les Ecureuils guesthouse, five en-suite rooms. FROM stock. 5 star workshop - full facilities. Edinburgh scenic route. Why not break your Large tranquil private garden, secure parking BMW authorised supplier. Bikes bought/sold - long journey here or spend a few days riding and pool. Ideal stopover or base when touring see Biketrader web page. Jap & German 102 the local roads, enjoying the hills and bends. southern France. Contact Mike and Chantal at www.rib84.com Druid St, London SE1 2HQ. Tel: 02072 372299, Club member. Chris: 01683 220378 see www. www.japandgerman.co.uk guesthouse-moffat.com Services & Parts CRAY ENGINEERING. BMW Twins road and BED AND BREAKFAST IN RURAL race performance specialist. Fully equipped ABERDEENSHIRE. Two en-suite bedrooms. LYNBROOK INSURANCE. For Special workshop for servicing, repairs, rebuilds and Situated on the Castle Trail with easy access Member’s terms including Classic and Modern engineering. Tuning packages to suit your Motorcycle Insurance (all makes). Tel: 03451 to the Highlands. Lovely quiet roads with plenty requirements. New and used spares. Tyres interesting features. Free secure garaging 304662 or 01277 206285. Also Travel and fitted and balanced while you wait. (Callers for motorbikes. Sue: 01467 651438 www. Europe wide Breakdown/Recovery. Tel: 01513 by appointment only.) Tel/Fax: 01795 538282 knoweheadcroftbandb.co.uk 365881 (quote Lynbrook). Faversham, Kent. LAKE DISTRICT. Holiday bungalow – comfort Stainless Steel Fasteners. Part or full kits INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST DORSET. for four plus garage. Ideal touring location and available, most models covered. SAE or email Servicing and repair centre. Qualified technician available April to November. Member owned. [email protected] for list. Chris Shaw with 20+ years experience. Diagnostic testing Tel: 01695 422210. Engineering, 24 Station Road, Halton Holegate, and after service date resets. Studley’s Spilsby, Lincs., PE23 5PB. Tel: 01790 755515. IRELAND. Historic house B&B or Self Catering Motorcycles in Dorchester, Dorset. Tel: 07884 Mobile: 07702 862508. www.shawstainless. cottage in centre of the scenic South West of 180968 www.studleysmotorcycles.co.uk co.uk Ireland.Secure parking,garaging,tools,etc.with JIM HILL MOTORBIKE SERVICES. (formerly vintage bike owners and BMW Club members. Servicing & Repairs t/a Mobile Motorbike Services). We offer Fantastic day tours abound just outside our front professional repairs and servicing for all BMW gates!www.glenlohane.com Tel:35302950014. ANDREW SEXTON. NORTH OXFORDSHIRE models at realistic prices. We now operate from [email protected] WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE Unit 2, Acton Street, Long Eaton, NG10 1FT. BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, Collection service available. Contact: Jim 07971 EUROPE restoration and special tuning work, on all 236087 or www.ifixyourbike.com models. Collection and delivery arranged. Tel: NORTH EAST. Independent BMW Specialist. HOLIDAY COTTAGE- SOUTH BRITTANY. The 01608 730111. Full service and repair for all models up to Barn at hotel orio is a cosy get away for two [can AVON - WILTSHIRE MOTORCYCLE TYRES. present day. Factory trained senior technician. sleep 4] located about 90 minutes south,south Visit Carson Tyres, in Melksham for great deals Mobile service within 60 miles of Sunderland. west of st malo and about 45 minutes from the on Motorbike tyres, ride in ride out service and Now breaking bikes. Call: Mike Kendrick 0191 south brittany coast. Fully equipped kitchen,large tyres fitted to loose wheels. Always at least 510 0265 or 07828 281003. lounge diner,shower room and garden. Secure 100 bike tyres in stock, Bridgestone main undercover bike parking. Details: email- PORTSMOUTH HAMPSHIRE. Roger Downey agents other makes stocked. Visit our web [email protected] or call +33[0]223103087. Motorcycles. Independent servicing, repair and site www.rideinrideout.co.uk for prices or Tel: MOT workshop. 10% discount on MOT’s for B&B Normandy-France. Three en-suite 01225 709335 ask for David or Adrian our bike Members. Very close to Portsmouth Ferry port. bedrooms, great roads, lovely region, perfect for specialists. Over 30 years experience.Tel:02392825515 weekend escape, 10% discount on B&B rates B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: or email rdowneymotorcycles@gmail. for club members. Tel: 0033 2336 40023 www. Restorations, repairs and spares. Spares for comWeb:www.rdowneymotorcycles.co.uk maisonlaudiere.com vintage/classic BMW’s from 1935. CJ750, THE WORKSHOP (YORK) NORTH GERMANY, WESTERWALD. Great stopover copies of 1938 BMW R71, from £3,455. Some YORKSHIRE. Independent BMW specialist for destinations N/S/E. Great for the Dambuster new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus based in York. Servicing, Repair and Restoration/ run. The roads are superb with virtually no traffic. OHV machines available. Machine tools for the Bespoke projects. Over ten years working with Meals and Bar. For more information: www. small/home workshop, including Chester Multi some of the best race teams in the British, AMA vinecottage.de 0049 274 291 1728. Function lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pattern and the World Championships. Over five years LE MANS FARMHOUSE B&B AND GITE. - or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and services working with the Metropolitan Police. BMW passport. Diagnostic equipment. For more www.lehamel.co.uk - 40 minutes to Le Mans, 15 or visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby information please visit www.theworkshopyork. minutes Alencon. Large cosy manor farmhouse DE1 1JQ. Tel/fax: 01332 298523 evenings and com or call Paul on 07881 798445. (17thC) with four letting rooms set below the weekends 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk Perseigne Forest with miles of Green Lanes, BEDS HERTS & BUCKS. - BMW motorcycle empty roads and a great location for touring the servicing and repairs - Motoscot Ltd (Steve South Normandy/Pays de Loire Area. Le Grand Grover - Senior BMW Technician with over Chauvel (15thC) is a three bedroom (two en- 35 years experience). Loan bike available. suite) fermette 30 minutes from Le Mans with Suppliers of Rukka, Schuberth and Daytona. enclosed garden and situated next to the walled Tel: 01582 419812 email [email protected] village of Bourg Le Roi. Both properties have www.motoscot.co.uk been sympathetically renovated. Tel: 0033 243 BERKSHIRE. & Surrounding Counties. 34 02 59. Email [email protected] BMW Motorcycle services. K, R & F Series. SOUTHERN BRITTANY. Close Redon three Independent BMW Specialist Servicing, Repairs spacious, comfortable gites, set in three acres of & Spares. Collection & delivery. Weekend work 46 The BMW Club Journal November 2017 BMW Club Journal 2016 210x297 52344.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2016 15:05 Page 1

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