May
Things are hotting up now, as the weather is improving and we are having more events. Starting on March 6th we saw the last of our winter talks, with a good turn out to listen to Ian Mutch who gave us a humorous account of his slow trip round New Zealand on a Harley. He also gave us a brief introduction to the benefits of being a member of MAG.
The Popham breakfast meet attracted 10 members, who enjoyed a great breakfast and a good chat. It was mainly the usual crew, but I understand a warm welcome was extended to Colin and Chippy, who hopefully will come and join us on some other events.
As a fairly new natter night venue, The Horton Inn is continuing to prove a popular meeting place.
Noel signed up two new members in March and also welcomed Ian Clarke and Barry Wilson who were members back in the 60's.
The Ides of March run gently tested the old grey matter with a sojourn round the quiet rural villages of West Sussex. There were 6 bikes with 8 contestants, and the winner was Larry, who according to Dave Williamson, was going round the course 'like a man possessed'. Due to family commitments, Larry had to leave early, but the losers all enjoyed a Sunday lunch at the Flying Bull. Thanks to Bob and Becky for a great day. Larry will now have the enviable task of organising the 'Ides' next year. At least he will actually get the trophy at the AGM. It had gone AWOL but has at last been 'located' and returned.
Noel reports:- The Afghan Heroes Ride of Respect was well supported with 11 members and a friend of Cliff Webb's on his orange Hyabusa. The day started with us all meeting up at the Premier Inn at Chippenham. We set off for the airfield at Hullavington where we were all marshalled together with the other 9989 bikes and riders. The ride was very emotional and the clouds responded with a small tear on our visors just before we entered Wootten Bassett.
If you want to wish Bon Voyage to Bob, Terry and Dave for their extended trip, please come to Saddlers at Send on 3rd May, where there will be a BBQ. Names in advance would be appreciated, so please let Gerri know, details at the bottom of news.
On the 8th May we have a visit to the Ace Cafˇ. This is your chance to attend a great day out (in the sunshine!) to a legendary London venue hosting a BMW Bike Day. To support this legendary brand and the BMW club, we are taking a run up from Bahnstormer (Lower Farringdon, GU34 3DJ) leaving at 10.00hrs. Your contact for this run is Noel on XXXXX XXXXXXX.
Due to the above Ace Cafˇ meet, we have changed the date of Peter Dunn's Berkshire lanes run. This has now been moved to the 15th May. Contact Peter on XXXXX XXXXXXX.
Alan and Carol's run to New Romney and Dungeness on 22nd May meets at the Whiteways Lodge car park at 09.30. Check the full write up in April section news, or ring Alan on XXXXX XXXXXXX for more details.
If you want to join Glyn and Janet on their day out to Thruxton, please ring them on XXXXX XXXXXXX to book yourself in and to make sure they have enough bacon and eggs on hand.
If you did not manage to get to the bike fest camping weekend in Paignton in May now is the time to dust off those tents. Southern are joining Oxford section at their camping weekend 3rd to 5th June at Lechlade. Your contact is Dave Hawkins, and he will be more than happy to give you details.
On 11th June there is a ride from Gosport to Popham Airfield to raise money for Help for Heroes. We will be meeting at 09.30hrs at The Bayside Diner car park in Gosport (Hants. PO12 2QT), ready to leave at 10.00hrs. You can always get there earlier if you decide to have breakfast first.
Closely following on the 12th, is Godfrey's run to Chatham docks. Meet at Newlands Corner at 09.30 for latest departure at 10.00hrs, he will be taking the scenic route expecting to be at the dockyard just after 12.00hrs. There is a cafˇ on site for lunch, then plenty of free time to wonder around until meeting at the pier at 15.00hrs for the trip on the paddle steamer. The boat will leave at 15.30 and the trip lasts 1.5 hours. At a cost of £9.00 per person sounds really good value. Please contact Godfrey if you want to go on the boat trip, as he does need to know the numbers in advance.
On the 22nd, it is that time of year again for fish and chips at Bracklesham Bay. Meet at Mrs Moby's at 19.30hrs or earlier if you are hungry, and follow this with a walk on the beach to burn off the calories!! On 26th June Rossana and Erica are taking you to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park for a BBQ. More information will be in the June Section News, or further details are available from Rossana on XXXXX XXXXXXX.
There is so much happening over the next couple of months, so go on, get those bikes out and enjoy yourselves.
More news and chat can be found in the Members-Only area of the Forum