Category: Nacelle Reports

Below is the report published in the May 2025 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in March 2025

While Digger and I have been touring over 4,000kms of southern India it’s been a busy March back at the branch. John Bottomley’s talk on Ducati development and GP racing was well received and well attended early in the month.

The lack of an official Runs Co-ordinator seems to have focused the faithful and a run has taken place every Sunday, with bonus rides mid-week as well.  Special mention for Graham Steele and his leadership on several occasions.  There’s been new destinations too, so why not join a run one Sunday and give it a go, who knows, you might even enjoy it!

Meanwhile… Graham King, Mick Bennett and Terry West have been touring Spain and happened to bump into Triumph factory representatives who were out there testing new machines.

Looking forward, the first Saturday of May (3rd) sees our first outdoor event of the season, the Spring Meet.  Held at the BCSA from 11am, open to all and most importantly FREE!  Refreshments will of course be available in the clubhouse.

For full details of all our events check out the branch website.

Ride fast and safe.

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Below is the report published in the April 2025 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in February 2025

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz,… etc.  At last we’ve left winter behind and can look forwards to better days for riding Triumphs.

Our AGM had only one change to committee membership and that was the resignation of El Zorro as Runs Co-ordinator; and with no takers it remains a vacant position.  However, the runs continue every Sunday with members stepping up to the plate to lead a ride.  So if you fancy a ride to somewhere and would like to lead, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.  Talking of which, on Good Friday (18th April) there will be an organised ride for the Easter Egg run; see our website for up-to-date details of the ride.

Looking forward and slightly later than we would normally hold it, is our Spring Meet which will be held on Saturday 3rd May.  For this meet, which is free to all, we will be holding a collection for a new (for us) charity, namely Blood Bikes.  Our Regalia officer, Chris, is a Blood Biker and put on a presentation at the recent AGM about the organisation.

Finally, I managed to catch our Chairman in his alter ego, a Rock star, a musical maestro, Axe-man and Keyboard Warrior for that little known band Cheap-day return, only kidding Nick, the band is called Off-Peak Return and playing at a venue near you soon…

I’m off to Southern India for a bike tour, but will catch up with you next month, ride safe and fast.

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Below is the report published in the March 2025 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in January 2025

With a few bright days at the end of January and the first appearance of snowdrops in the hedgerows, spring is finally in the air.  By the time you read this I hope winter is a dim distant memory.  But we’ve been making the best of the dark evenings and held our annual Bring & Buy sale in mid-January. If you were there I hope you grabbed a bargain.  I know an absolute bounder who snaffled a rare Smiths instrument, less said, the better. A good evening with a presence of over 40 members.

A fortnight later saw Richard Wheadon present a talk on his role within the TOMCC; that of Machine Registrar.  Richard described the necessary forms to be completed in the pursuit of obtaining a registration, either repatriated machines requiring age related plates or a “home” barn-find with an old-style log-book to retain an original registration.  He touched on dubious stampings and emphasised the importance of doing your homework on the machine before parting with your hard earned cash.  He further explained how matching numbers had become so desirable, that the temptation to doctor numbers to match one another, now appeared to be on the rise.  So, branch members, hope for another presentation by Richard on fakes; perhaps next year.

March’s presentation will be by John Bottomley, VMCC, on “The development of Ducati Racing machines” and will held on 6th March.

Meanwhile, weekly ride-outs continue, albeit it’s been a little nippy…

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Below is the report published in the February 2025 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in December 2024

Happy New Year!  I guess I should have started last month’s report with this, but I’m sure you’d have read the report before Christmas had even taken place, so that would have been a little previous.

December started with the Reading Toy Run which many branch members either attended or marshalled.  The weather could have been kinder, but it’s winter, what do you expect?

Mid-month and the Christmas buffet at the BCSA saw nearly 70 members and plus-ones enjoying a great evening together.  The raffle had some tremendous prizes and if you were lucky enough to win, then I’m sure you were well pleased.

By the time you read this the Table-top Bring & Buy sale would have taken place, did you snaffle a bargain there? 

However, more importantly, on 13th February the branch AGM will take place and it has to be said that we need more committee members.  So why not put your name forward?  The role that really needs filling is Runs Co-ordinator, so if you’d like to lead any runs, why not have a go?   This could be a role filled by more than 1 person.  I know it would be difficult to outshine Zorro, who has done a fabulous job, but he’s also the Treasurer and needs a little slack cut.  Help and assistance would of course be given in any role, so please consider serving on the committee.  Do I sound like I’m begging?  You betcha!

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Below is the report published in the January 2025 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in November 2024

The first evening event of the off-season took place in November at the BCSA with Bob’s annual quiz.  With about 40 participants the quiz was hotly contested, however, the winning team of only 3, Bod, King Graham and Chairman Nick, took top honours. 

Now I don’t know who shouted “Fix”, just because the team contained two committee members.  I can assure all that Bob would not have any truck with shenanigans such as bribery (I’ve tried in the past!). 

I’m sure a very enjoyable evening was had by all attendees. If you missed it, don’t worry as there will be further events over the winter months.

The next event will be the Table-top Bring & Buy sale at the BCSA on 16th January.  Our branch AGM will take place in February followed by a presentation on “The development of Ducati Racing Machines” by John Bottomley on 6th March.  Finally, it is hoped that Richard Wheadon, Club Machine Registrar will put on a presentation on “Fakes”.  A fascinating and interesting topic, especially if you’re thinking about purchasing a Meriden classic; a date has yet to be set, but let’s hope Richard manages to fit it in.

Even though the weather has taken a turn for the worst, Sunday ride-outs still persist and some mid-week ones too (for those not affected by that filthy four-letter word, work).  This being for members who just can’t get enough of riding their Triumphs, well what else are they for, really…?

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Below is the report published in the December 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in October 2024

Winter feels like it’s well on its way since the clocks went back.  However, it’s not all bad news as the Sunday ride-outs are back to normal with the return of our Runs Leader, Collin, fit again after a few weeks out of the saddle.  If only Collin’s bike was in such rude health.  A recent ride-out saw Collin’s bike refuse to start, but with 10 branch members on hand to offer “helpful” advice, he was soon running again.  All he needed was a jump, I know the feeling…

Looking forward through the coming months we have a few events planned and a couple of others in the pipeline.  Firstly, the Christmas Buffet, which will be held on the 19th December, normal venue/time but with delicious food and fabulous raffle prizes.

Next up there’s the annual Table Top Bring & Buy sale on the 16th January.  This is a great opportunity to unload some of those parts, accessories or items of clothing that you’ve been meaning to ditch, but also to buy even more to take home and surprise the other half with!  I’m sure they’ll agree what a bargain purchase you’d made.  Helpful tip: Get there early.

Finally, we have our Branch AGM on the 13th February.  We need more members on the committee, so why not get involved, you may have some good ideas to improve the branch for the membership.  So please, as they say in the good ole USA, “step up to the plate”.

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And on the last page of Nacelle, in the 75th Anniversary Year Nacelle Front Cover Competition section was this photo, taken by Collin Fox at our September bike meet.

Below is the report published in the November 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in September 2024

With the arrival of September along came the wet stuff, then it rained and when you thought “surely it can’t continue to rain”, it turned to near monsoon conditions with thunder and lightning and the associated flooding.  However, throughout the month we still managed 5 Sunday ride-outs to Avebury, Popham, Petersfield, Bucklebury and Wycombe.  Further, a couple of mid-week trips, one being to Sammy Millers Museum.  Our runs coordinator, Collin, is a bit crook at the moment, so if there is anyone who would like to lead a ride-out please get in touch with Collin and I’m sure he’d help you to arrange.

So it was with trepidation that we approached the weekend of our Autumn Meet at the BCSA on the last Saturday of September, dreading what the weather might be.  But when the day arrived it was clear blue skies, dry(ish) roads and a warming sun; how the righteous are blessed.

We approximated that over 80 bikes visited with a dozen different manufacturers represented.  The BCSA clubhouse was serving drinks and Natalie’s Catering hot food.  This, apart from on-going Sunday ride-outs, was our last outdoor event of the season and our attention is now looking at Thursday evenings at the BCSA.  The first event being Bob’s Annual Quiz, to be held on 7th November and followed by the Christmas Buffet on 19th December.  In the new year we plan a Table-Top Swap meet, the date of which is yet to be arranged.

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Below is the report published in the October 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in August 2024

August was a hectic month for the branch, commencing with the Popham Megameet held on the first weekend. It was a cold night there, but it soon warmed up on Sunday morning, with plenty of members visiting our stand and, as always, promoting the benefits of membership. It’s a great event with a large autojumble and always the opportunity to bump into old friends.

The following weekend, we attended the three-day BSB races at Thruxton.  Although dogged by rain when we set up, the races were never affected, and the sun was cracking the flags for the superbike races. The support races had Triumph ST765RS’s and Daytona 660’s in the SuperSport and Sportbike classes respectively, with excellent results in both.  It was a great weekend, which we hope to attend again next year.

For the Bank Holiday, our stand was at the Swallowfield Country Show.  This has a large contingent of classic vehicles on display.  For some obscure reason, our stand is always near the traction engines and I swear I can still smell the smoke from those coal fires that drifted constantly across our stand.  However, with arena processions for the bikes, our members were proud to “show what we brung”.

With ride outs on the Sundays in between the weekend events it was a full on month of Triumph.  Finally, a reminder that we have our Autumn Bike meet at the Burghfield CSA on Saturday September 28^th.

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Below is the report published in the September 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in July 2024

“In the summertime when the weather is high, …”, well we won’t be doing a ton or a ton twenty-five, but the Sunday branch ride-outs have been speeding along many a lane.  So if you’d like to ride with other enthusiasts get in touch with Collin, the Runs Coordinator.

Our summer barbecue took place in mid-July and thankfully we were blessed with a fine evening.  I hope everyone enjoyed the food, they seemed to as everything was consumed, I promise there’ll be more “long dogs” next year.  With great raffle prizes for a lucky few, the evening concluded with the Steve Butcher Trophy for Best Branch Member’s Bike.  Awarded to Brice Haines and his impressive 1938/39 5T Speed Twin, chosen by the current holder of the trophy, Jim Biggs. 

The last Saturday of July saw a few branch members cruising off to Calne, Wiltshire, for the “Largest free-to-attend motorcycle event in Europe”.  I had been to this event many years ago, but it’s huge and takes over the whole town (the last time I had seen a town taken over by bikes was the Guzzi centenary celebrations in Mandello Del Lario).  With bands performing, food vendors, trade and club stands dotted around the town it’s a fantastic event.  If you’ve never been put it on your bucket list for next year.

Finally, we’re having a bike-meet at the BCSA on Saturday 28^th September.  As usual, all marques and models will be most welcome.

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Below is the report published in the August 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in June 2024

By mid-June the sun was appearing more often, which bode well for our Old Motorcycle Gathering.  On the day rain clouds burst over us as we set up, but by late morning the sun broke through and the bikes arrived in droves. 

I was judging “Best Foreign”, but by far and away the most difficult category to judge was “Best Triumph”.  Poor Bob C had a tough time deciding, but I think he made the right choice and Bruce Lee’s 1972 TR6C took the honours.   Digger was on “Best British” and although there was a mint HRD 1000, he picked Peter Broom’s 1972 Export BSA Rocket 3, 5-speed.   I plumped for a 1975 Kawasaki 900 ZIB, Steve Emery’s pride and joy.  So, it came down to the wire with arguments over B-I-S between us three judges.  But showing no prejudice or favouritism, it went 2 to 1, the HRD just missing out again and Roy Keegan’s 1975 Suzuki RE5 stole top honours.  I don’t think I’d ever seen one running in all my time and this one ran real sweet.  Well done to all who entered and helped make a great show.

A Monday evening branch ride-out to Cassington saw us lost in a sea of all makes of motorcycles; a huge event and a “must-go-to” if you’ve never been before.  The last day of June saw the branch at Dr. B’s (Barnardo’s) show in Wokingham which was well attended by our members, despite the rain, we even won Best Club Stand.

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