Category: Nacelle Reports

Below is the report published in the August 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in June 2026

The riding/event season is well underway now and weekends seem to be crammed with events to display your bike or ride-in meets.  So when we moved our annual Old Bike Gathering from it’s usual Father’s Day Saturday to the following weekend Sunday, due to a clash with other events, the committee was concerned that our normal healthy attendance would suffer.  Furthermore, as we were setting up on the day the sky darkened and then came the rain; not a downpour, just enough to dampen our bikes and our spirits.  But it lasted minutes and by the 11am start time all was dry, sunny and it turned into a splendid day.

There was a cracking display of Triumphs and Greg, who was judging Best Triumph, had a very difficult decision to make.  Nonetheless, the 3 judges decided their categories and together made a joint decision for Best in Show.

Prizes awarded as follows:

Best British – Alan Monger, 1961 BSA B40

Best Foreign – David Cox, 1977 Kawasaki cafe racer Z750

Best Triumph – Ben Woodcock, 1968 TR6 Trophy

Best in Show – Dave Guttridge, 1976 Triumph Trident T160

Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to all who attended the event and also to those who donated to “Blood Bikes”, our chosen charity for the show.

Numbers were  slightly down, but there was a VMCC event on that day, which probably accounted for no pre-war bikes or the fact that there were only 3 British bikes to choose from.  All in all, it was a great success and many, I’m sure, will be looking forward to next year. 

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the July 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in May 2026

Summer is now here and that itch to get out on a bike every day is now tickling and I so want to scratch it.  I know there are other branch members with the same cravings because the twice-weekly ride-outs are being supplemented with members seeking others to join them for “ad-hoc” rides during the week.  You’ve only got to follow the WhatsApp Berkshire TOMCC Runs Group to witness it and possibly join in.  So get out on your pride and joy and, well, enjoy!

If you’re reading this before the end of June you may not have missed our annual show, The Old Bike Gathering, which takes place at the BCSA on SUNDAY 28 June.  Full details are available on our website.  Needless to say, the usual facilities shall be present at the BCSA.

On Thursday 2 July you must come to the BCSA for the annual barbecue.  The finest burgers and long-dogs will be served from 7:30pm.  With a raffle for fantastic prizes at only £1/ticket, it’s an absolute steal when you could be walking away with champagne or Swiss chocolates.

Another date for your diary on Saturday, 11th July is Wings & Wheels at the Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop.  I’m sure that there will be an organised run to the event, more details nearer the date.

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum 

Below is the report published in the June 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in April 2026

The glorious spring weather towards the end of April was well received as our first outdoor event of the season took place; the Spring Meet.  An excellent turnout made for a great day to all who brought a fine selection of all makes and models of machines.

Thanks to all who gave their time to make this event happen and to BCSA for supporting the meeting by providing refreshments.

Earlier in the month saw branch members on the Reading Egg Run.  One member even experimented with running his Rocket on diesel.  But the less said about this committee members actions the better!

A couple of weeks later and the Branch stand was at Bulldog Triumph supporting their open day.  As ever, the Sunday/mid-week ride outs remain popular and well attended.

Now looking forward, our annual show, The Old Bike Gathering, will take place on SUNDAY 28th June. All age/makes of bikes are welcome to attend, but to enter a bike in the show, with a chance to win a much desired unique prize, the bike needs to be of an age that makes it tax exempt and RIDDEN in.

June will certainly be a busy month, I’m sure many Branch members will be interested in going to The Ace Cafe for Triumph Day.  Last year saw a great ride there and back without touching a motorway.  Also there’s the Wokingham Lions Classic Motor Show and Old Basing Carnival, both being held on 20th June.

Then there’s the bun fight of the year, our annual barbecue, but I’m getting ahead of myself, that’s for next month…

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the May 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in March 2026

You may have noticed that Steelie has got his feet well and truly under the table with some great ride-outs each week since he took over the role of Runs Co-ordinator.  I hope all those attending said runs are having a good time.

Mid-week rides are also going great.  Were you one of the lucky ones to see The Flying Scotsman at Alresford?  It looked like you missed a fine day if you didn’t.

Were you at the BCSA when John Bottomley did his presentation on “The evolution of the motorcycle”?  It looked like a pretty full house, but I’m sure that there’d have been room for a small one!  The committee tries to keep everyone engaged throughout the year, hence presentations, quizzes, etc.  But if you have any ideas for a Thursday evening, especially during the “off-season”, please discuss it with any member of the committee.

A couple of reminders now, hopefully you’ll be reading this before our Spring meet on Saturday 25th April at the BCSA.  So let that be a prompt for you to turn out and meet with like minded people, all are welcome, yes even BSA riders.

Later in May, Thursday 21st, we have another Bring & Buy sale at the BCSA on a normal club night.  Anything motorcycle related please and you could either turn that unwanted article into cash, perhaps pick up a bargain or even both!

Failing that, it’s up to you to drag a bike out, from winter storage perhaps, and just ride.  They won’t ride their selves…

Ride fast and safe.

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the April 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in February 2026

Our AGM took place on the 12th February, at the BCSA, where the old committee resigned and were replaced by the new, however most of the old committee remained in post with the exception of Graham “Mr Wobbly” King as Vice-Chair and Graham “Steelie” Steele as Runs Co-ordinator.  For full details of the new committee please refer to the Branch website.

This coming season’s branch outdoor events were discussed along with the charities that we would support at said events.  Proposals were agreed by a majority show of hands.  The first of which, our Spring Meet, will take place on Saturday 25th April.  Donations will be taken for TV Air Ambulance on this occasion.  Normal facilities will be available at the BCSA, bar and kitchen, so why not come along with your pride and joy, friends and family, as all bikes are welcomed.  Keep fingers crossed for a fine day.

Earlier in April on Good Friday, the Reading Egg Run will be held.  If you’re interested in joining in the fun, check out the runs WhatsApp group for details of a branch meet.

Finally some advice for anyone intending on attending the AGM on Sunday 19th April.  Our Chair, Nick, is keen to attend, so if you fancy going along and fancy some company, why not contact him?

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the March 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in January 2026

With snowdrops and daffodils blooming on verges and in gardens, these sentinels of spring promise winter is in the rear view mirror and warmer roads ahead.  Weekly ride-outs are still well attended even though the weather, at times, remind us that it’s still well and truly winter.

From a recent committee meeting I was actioned to relay the following advice:  A branch member was in need of a special tool for his Meriden twin and spoke to a committee member regarding the purchase of the tool for the branch’s use.  Well it was assumed by said committee member that the branch member had consulted the tooling register for an existing tool and/or contacted Mike Ryall, Tooling Registrar and subsequently gave the “go-ahead”.  On presenting the tool and receipt for refund it was discovered, you’ve guessed it, the tool already existed on the register, so now we have 2 off.  The lesson to learn here is, please check the register on the branch website, Go Menu, Resources, Tools, here, TOMCC Berkshire Club Tools (latest version shown); or, of course, check with Mike Ryall.  Please, before you purchase a tool on behalf of the branch, check, because you may well be disappointed…. Action complete.

Now coming up on 5th March, at the BCSA, is a presentation by John Bottomley: “The evolution of the motorcycle”.  John was well received with his presentation last year and we asked him back.  This time he chronicles inventions and innovations necessary for the development of the motorcycle (including cars), starting in 3400BCE.  My first thought was that must refer to the “Flintmobile” that Fred drove!  However, I could be proved wrong…

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum 

Below is the report published in the February 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in December 2025

Well, I hope everyone is settled into 2026 and haven’t broken any resolutions made (rashly in some cases, like my own) on NYE!

December 7th saw a cool, damp, Reading Toy Run.  This was well attended by branch members who were either marshalling or joining in the fun on the run itself.  Well done to all who made the effort to make a difference to under-privileged children across the region.

On the final club night of 2025, at the BCSA, we held our annual festive Christmas buffet.  An event gratis to branch members + 1.  Quite simple cuisine was served by BCSA’s new caterers and feedback from those in attendance would be appreciated.  Just make your comments (sensible please!) known to any committee member.  These will be reviewed at the next committee meeting to seek improvements for this year’s event.  Whatever your thoughts, there was the usual raffle with great prizes, were you lucky enough to win one?

Just because the weather can be rather inclement, Sunday ride-outs continue, so if you need to blow some cobwebs out of either you or your bike why not join in the fun…

Get your diaries ready to note the date of the Branch AGM on 12th February.  Please consider joining the committee, we’re short of members and some are currently covering more than one role.  It’s your branch so why not join the committee where you can influence its future.

Ride fast and safe.

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the January 2026 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in November 2026

 By now many members will have, sensibly, tucked up their pride and joy for the winter.  Carefully cleaning and servicing the machines in readiness for the coming season.  However, those who need to ride, continue to scratch that itch.  So if you feel inclined on a dry, bright, winter’s day check out the branch WhatsApp Runs group for forthcoming destinations.  That said, I’ve opted for warmer climes for a few weeks, but can’t wait to get back to cold/damp/wet/slippery conditions!

  One recent ride took the group to CTL (Cherry Tree Lane) in the Cotswolds.  A very interesting establishment, part cafe, motor/m’cycle sales and museum.  So if you’re ever in the Cirencester area, look them up, you won’t be disappointed.

The following Thursday club night saw the event of the “off-season”, Bob’s quiz.  Although I was absent, Bob assured me that everyone had had a most marvellous time.  The questions, as per normal, were challenging and thought provoking.  Thanks must go to Bob for the time and patience in not only compiling questions, but also providing the prizes.  Just one thing, that question about the biker gang in “The Wild One”; there were two gangs, not just the Black Rebels, there were the Beetles as well… Just pointing that out for a friend!

Looking forward to the 15th January and the winter Bring & Buy/Swapmeet at the BCSA.  It’s a great opportunity to unload some unwanted motorcycle related parts, accessories and apparel or to snap up some bargains.  Hope you can make it.

Ride fast and safe.

Bibendum

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

“From the dew-soaked hedge creeps a crawly caterpillar and breeze blows leaves of a musty-coloured yellow, yes, yes, yes…”. (Credit to Ray Davies)  Autumn is well and truly here.  However, we’re a hardy bunch (well some of us are) at Berkshire and weekly ride-outs continue apace, so why not join us and blow some cobwebs out of those hard to reach places.

Early in October we rode to the Rawles Motorsport open-day in Upper Froyle.  High quality restorers of Austin “Big” Healeys, fantastic cars with accompanying prices of full resto’s (>£100K).  Mr Wobbly led us on an enjoyable bucolic route to the middle of Hampshire, although some may say it was a bit of a peregrination…

I hope you didn’t miss Mick Bennett’s engrossing presentation on riding Route 66.  Although the tour took place over 2 decades ago, his photographic odyssey and description of issues that the group overcame, in their 4,000+ mile trip, remain relevant today and hopefully inspired attendees to be more adventurous.  The old adage that the difference between our nations is that Americans think a hundred years a long time and British think a hundred miles a long way, springs to mind.

Whatever you do, keep the evening of the 18th December free so that you can join us at the BCSA for our annual Christmas Buffet, gratis naturally.  There will be a raffle with fantastic prizes, as you’ve all come to expect.  We hope to see you there.

Ride fast and safe.

Bibendum 

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

First off, a personal thank you to Digger Warwick for riding with me to Bavaria, where we met up with our Tiger Explorer riding, globetrotting hero, Jörg Balle, in his hometown of Sonthofen, the southernmost town of Germany.  Digger, you’re a great wingman.  Oh, that damp Belgian pavé, so slippery when wet!  I think Digger’s waterlogged boots finally determined that he needed new ones, which he duly purchased in the Held Superstore, otherwise he would have been better off on a barefoot adventure.

We held our Autumn Bike Meet at the BCSA on the last Saturday of September and had some great bikes in attendance.  Well done to all who helped at the event and, of course, all those that brought their bikes.

Ride-outs have continued twice weekly, such has been what seemed like an endless summer.  One midweek ride led by King Graham to Hamble-le-Rice saw a great route threading our way through the Hampshire countryside.  A stop to buy fish & chips and onto our briney destination where the Hamble converges with Southampton water, as calm a picture as you could wish for, so no chance to go surf crazy.  Why not join a ride-out on any Sunday/Wednesday/Thursday, check out the Runs WhatsApp Group for details.

Now don’t miss Bob’s famous quiz on 6th November!  I’m sure you’ll have to exercise those brain cells to win one of the fabulous prizes and perhaps even be pictured on these very pages.

Question 1: What’s the hidden theme in the report?

Ride fast and safe.

Bibendum