Category: Nacelle Reports

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

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

Hello all, well summer fizzled out with a few damp days, but what a fantastic riding season we’ve had this year and August saw the branch very busy, yet again.  With what’s become the norm of having two ride-outs a week, we’ve had rammed weekends, too.

The first Sunday of August saw 13 riders thread their way to Sammy Miller’s museum in New Milton for Triumph day.  An excellent event and an establishment that seems to have grown new buildings every time I go there.  It was good to chat to Tracey, Dave and Simon from the South Hants branch and we hope to see you again soon.

The following weekend was a long one for some, commencing on the Thursday, erecting the branch stand at Thruxton for the BSB.  We were restricted to pre-2000 bikes for our display in the classic bike arena.  So it’s a big thank you to those members who ventured out on their “classic” pre-2000 bikes to the event.  It’s your involvement that makes these displays and we try to make ours outstanding.

For the bank holiday weekend the branch displayed bikes at the Swallowfield show.  Again, blessed with fine weather, we were on parade and interviewed by the MC both days in the show ring.  Now, not a lot of people know this, but this country show has been in existence since Gottlieb Daimler was granted a patent for the world’s first ICE motorcycle: 1885.

Looking forward to Saturday 27th September, when we will be holding our Autumn Bike meet at the BCSA, James Lane, Burghfield.  All are welcome and all the usual amenities will be available; we hope to see you and your friends there.

Finally, a warm welcome to Lee, Ian and Scotty who all joined TOMCC’s premier branch in August.

Ride fast & safe

Bibendum

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

Greetings readers, with the mid-summer upon us, mostly fine weather has seen branch ride-outs happening twice weekly.  So if you fancy joining a ride-out, with like minded Triumph owners, but not necessarily riding a Triumph, check out the “Runs WhatsApp” group for details.  If you’re not a member of the group contact Collin Fox to be added.  There’s also a Social Group for non-runs related messages.

The month started off with the annual barbecue on the first Thursday at the BCSA.  As “chef” I was glad that everyone seemed to enjoy the food, but overjoyed that I didn’t actually poison anyone!  Bruce Lee and his superb TR6C took the honours for the Steve Butcher Trophy, well done Bruce.

A MAG protest ride took place 2 days later, in Reading, regarding bus-lane usage and parking restrictions in the town.  Unfortunately, regrettably and embarrassingly my trusty ‘79 export Bonnie broke down when it ran out of sparks mid-route; a dodgy battery proved to be the culprit.

A fortnight after the barbecue saw a new event for the branch in the form of a Summer Bring & Buy.  We were blessed with a fine, dry evening and it was just a case of throwing a sheet on the lawn outside the BCSA and displaying your motorcycle related wares.  Much haggling took place with the buying and selling; I know, I did both.

With the final Saturday of July it was a ride-out to the massive Calne bike meet for many branch members.  Many went from the branch and surely had a great time.

A late call now for the Swallowfield Show taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend.  If you wish to join the Branch Stand and display your bike at the event you’ll need to have registered it through Collin Fox.  If you haven’t registered, please contact him directly with your details.

Saturday 27th September (pray for good weather) we’ll be holding our Autumn bike meet at the BCSA.  Any bike, any make, any age, anyone, all are welcome, the more the merrier.  This is not restricted to members only, so tell as many friends as possible to make this a huge event.  The BCSA bar will be open as usual for refreshments, starts at 11am.

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the August 2025 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in June 2025

What a busy month June has been.  It seems like it’s been one event after another and with fine weather it’s meant good riding conditions.

A small group of branch members ventured to the Ace Café for Triumph day and we never touched a motorway all the way there.  An event, now a shadow of its former self due to ULEZ.  There must be about 30 years of bikes missing due to the fact that they’re not exempt or compliant and the rider rightly refuses to pay the unjust fee.  I’m a firm believer that all motorcycles should be excluded from ULEZ restrictions.

Then a ride-out to The Classic Motor Hub in the Cotswolds, with it’s fantastic range of cars and equivalent fantastic range of prices. The third weekend saw our branch stand at the Thruxton Retro Festival, thanks to all who came to support the event.

The month topped out with our annual show, The Old Bike Gathering.  It was much appreciated by all who attended and congratulations go to those well deserved winners of one of our unique triangular plaques.  

Swiftly followed by ride-outs to Crofton pumping station on the Kennet & Avon canal.  “In steam” on the day of the visit, where it was possible to see a beam engine over 200 years old in action.  And finally, Cassington Bike night, and to all who attended, well done, because it was a particularly hot and sweaty one!

Looking forward, the branch will be at Thruxton for the BSB on 8-10 August and we’re looking for bikes specifically registered before the year 2000 to be exhibited on the stand.  If you’re interested in attending please contact a member of the committee regarding your intentions, so as to arrange ticketing.

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum

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

As the dry weather continued into May, our first outdoor event of the season, The Spring Meet, saw well over 100 bikes in attendance.  As is with all our meets and show we had a charitable collection and on this occasion it was for Blood Bikes.  There were 2 riders from Blood Bikes, with their machines on display, to answer questions about the organisation and a total of £188.68 was raised.  With the BCSA bar and Natalie’s Catering purveying sustenance and the fine weather, a great time was had by all who came.

A couple of weekends later was the DGR and several distinguished members of the branch joined up with Bulldog Triumph, who had organised a ride-out to White Waltham, home of the West London Aero Club.  Over £1200 was raised here for this motorcycling charity which supports the Movember Foundation.  Well done to all who gave and participated.

The same weekend saw 4 branch members (El Zorro, Steelie, Ton-up Ted & Bibendum) depart on a weeks tour of Northern Ireland.  Much to their surprise waterproofs were unnecessary in the province and a grand time was had by all riding over 1500 miles during the week.

Looking forward to future branch events, we’ll be holding our annual Barbecue on Thursday 3rd July.  So come along for some great food, superb raffle prizes and sparkling conversations.  If you come by bike you may well be surprised and be the recipient of the “Steve Butcher Award”, for best branch member’s bike, which will be presented on the evening.

Two weeks later a new event will be held at the BCSA on the 17th July; an evening Autojumble.  So come along to club night and bring along those items you wish to move on.

Evening events officially start at 8pm, but the BCSA bar opens at 7pm for those with a thirst…

Ride fast and safe.

Bibendum

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

With spring now in full bloom, the weather having been mostly dry and recently glorious, many branch members have been really busy out on the roads.  With ride-outs on every Sunday, apart from Easter when the branch had a representation of members at the MAG show held at the BCSA, why not join the regulars in future, the camaraderie is good for the soul. There have also been further ride-outs mid-week by those lucky SOB’s who don’t have to work!

So the fun started on the first Saturday of April with our stand at the local Triumph dealer, Bulldog, open day.  The new bike show stands were proudly on display (these state specification and history of the owners bike), so look out for these at future events, a great conversation starter. 

The following week both Collin (Treasurer) and Nick (Chair & Webmaster) rode to Rotherham for the National AGM.  Well done lads, but no you can’t claim the petrol money off the branch!

Good Friday was the Berkshire Egg Run, which was well attended by the branch.  A worthy charitable event.

Looking forward we’re holding the Old Motorcycle Gathering on Saturday 28th June at the BCSA starting at 11am.  The chosen charity for this event will be the TV Air Ambulance.  Please make every effort to attend the branch’s main event of the year, all makes welcome and most importantly it’s FREE to enter.  Refreshments will be available, as ever, in the BCSA clubhouse.

Ride fast and safe

Bibendum