Category: News

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

Here we go, rocking all over the world!! The room was buzzing at our Thursday Branch meeting when “Glorious Adventurer”, Pete Rowe, gave a presentation about motorcycle tours in India. His fascinating talk fired our imaginations and several members chatted to Pete later in the evening.

Our first ride of the year was on the 7^th January, when eight of us rode to Thruxton in freezing conditions following a week of torrential rain. All was fine until we came to a heavily flooded road. Three riders bravely rode through it, while the others, put off by the large bow waves created by the first riders, turned back and found another route. Happily, all were soon reunited at the Jackeroo Café for breakfast.  

The following week we rode to TJ’s Café, and the week after that, rode to the Army Flying Museum. The last Sunday of the month the weather was dry and mild, so we set off for Loomies MotoCafe.

We had several new members joining our rides this month. A warm welcome to you all.  

We’re having an indoor bring and buy sale for motorcycle related paraphernalia at our Branch night on the 7 March. If you have any motorcycle clothing, parts, tools, accessories or books that you no longer want, bring them along, lay them out on a table and see if anyone wants to buy them. Or just come along and browse through what is on offer. You might grab a bargain!!!

Keep on rolling!

Ton-Up Ted

Below is the report published in the February 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in December 2023

It was a very good year for the Berkshire Branch. We’ve seen lots of new faces at both our ride-outs and club nights. We’ve met every Thursday with turnouts of 20 plus in the winter months, around 40 on soft summer nights and more than 50 turned out to hear Norman Hyde speak in March. Collin, our runs leader has excelled again, with 44 rides organised this year. We’ve also had two lunchtime bike meets, our own Old Motorcycle Gathering and we’ve taken our Branch stand to several other shows including the Swallowfield Show and Dr B’s. We started December by joining over a thousand other bikers for the annual Reading Toy Run in aid of Dr Barnado’s, riding with toys, acting as marshals and Derek using his van to provide extra transport.

We had a good turnout for our Special Christmas Club night, with music, a raffle and free hot Christmas buffet for members and partners.

We managed to fit in a couple of rides as well. Dire forecasts meant only four people turned up for a ride to Savage’s garden centre. They set off optimistically in the dry, but a deluge of rain meant they all got completely soaked. However, the following Sunday, with fine weather forecast, we had a good turnout for a dry run to the H Café and browsing in the motorcycle accessories shop next door.

We’re looking forward to another very good year, with lots of activities being planned.

Keep on rolling!

Ton-Up Ted

Below is the report published in the January 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in November 2023

So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun!!

We kicked off November with a ride to Triumph Oxford to look at the new Triumph 400s they had for the day.  We looked at them, sat on them and talked to their staff about them. The consensus view was they were good looking bikes that were comfortable to sit on and reasonably priced. The real test will be when someone gets to ride one. Afterwards, a few of us rode on to the Court Hill café near Wantage for refreshments.

The highlight of this month was our Thursday night annual quiz when teams competed to answer a tough set of questions set by our chairman Bob. We had an excellent turn-out and everyone enjoyed the evening. Congratulations to the winning team.

Despite a lot of wet weather, we managed to fit in some more rides. We had a mid-week ride to Thruxton. We also had a Sunday ride to Chopper’s Café, but arrived to find it closed. Undeterred we set of for a repeat ride to Thruxton and a late breakfast at the café there. Remember, we continue to have rides throughout the winter.

Thursday evenings continue to be well attended, although almost everyone is coming by car now the evenings are cold and often wet. We have got some interesting Thursday evening events lined up for the winter months including some visiting speakers and an autojumble. Keep your eye on the website for details.

Keep on rolling!

Ton-Up Ted