Category: News

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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Below is the report published in the July2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in May 2024

Well, the riding/polishing/showing season is well underway.  In May six branch members toured the north of England, stopping at Tan Hill Inn, Yorkshire Dales and moving onto Hexham and Penrith.  An unfortunate incident occurred overnight at Tan Hill where our leader’s Tiger was knocked over in the car park where the front brake lever, hand guard and mirror were broken off.  However, with some ingenious repairs Collin was able to continue riding.  The culprit has not been identified yet, but I hope they are hanging their head in shame.  On a positive note, the group spent a fascinating couple of hours at Mike Barry’s motorcycle museum, Scaleby Hill.  If you’re up in Cumbria, check it out.  

While three riders returned home directly, three diverted to the 75^th Anniversary celebrations at Shelsey Walsh.  If you weren’t there, you missed a great event and two branch members walked away with prizes.  ‘Best in Show’ went to Greg Wheadon and his fabulous 1965 Thruxton Bonneville; first of its kind off the production line.  ‘Best eighties’ bike went to Jim Biggs with a rare 1983 650 Thunderbird, which he’d ridden there and back.  Congratulations lads, lovely examples. 

Meanwhile, another group of branch members were in their finest attire for the DGR, visiting White Waltham airfield for tea; well done Graham, Paul, Chris, Tim and his better half for putting on the style. 

Why not check out our website for future events or come along to Club Night where you can view our new regalia range.

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