This is going to become the GOSSIP AND CHAT page.

( when someone gives me anything to publish !)

PETROL PRICES ARE GOING UP !!

Easter at Netersel Holland

2nd - 5th April

Us getting stuck into one of the wonderful meals the BMW Club Oirschot put on

Well, what a weekend that was! It's 400 miles from Sidbury to Netersel but it was worth it. Sally and I had a dry ride on Thursday to Dover where we stayed the night after spending the evening with our friends Cas & Paul from the S.E.Section. Friday morning at 7:30am saw us on the ferry to Calais with more old S.E. friends – Ian, Rod and John B. Arriving at Netersel at 4:00pm and still no rain. On Saturday went in to Oirschot to do some shopping ( for cheese ) and have lunch at the cafe where the club meets (see below). Saturday evening was disco dance night, Sunday recover and go for a walk and a gentle ride around the local countryside. Awards are presented in the evening and Sally got the prize for farthest travelled lady.Then Monday start the two day dry journey home.

John Dyke's Rideout

11th April

On a glorious Sunday, 11th. April, 16 BMW Club members gathered at the Woodleigh Coach House Cafe, Cheriton Bishop, for a rideout planned by John Dyke. This number included the usual suspects who attend many of our events, but we also welcomed Mervyn and Debbie with their 2 lovely shining bikes. We rode via pleasant motorbiking roads via Whiddon Down, North Tawton, Winkleigh, to join the A377 at Eggesford Station, north along the Taw Valley to join the Mole Valley to South Molton, then west along the B 3227 to our lunch stop at the lovely Gables Tea Rooms at Umberleigh Bridge beside the River Taw. We were then joined for lunch by a good looking couple on a new BM, (whose names I forgot to get!). After noshing we continued along the switchback section of the B3227 to Great Torrington, down the steep hill to Taddiport, the old town leper colony, and through Watergate where the single track of the Hatherleigh to Bideford railway line used to run, through more twisties to Langtree annd Stibb Cross and on to Bradworthy villlage. We stopped on acres of flat tarmac to admire to largest village square in the southwest of England(see picture) and then on the last couple of miles to our destination - The Bradworthy Transport Museum. Dyke the Bike tried was also alarmed to discover that his 1992 R100RT was the oldest machine - & he the oldest rider. Such is Life.

Dave Coopers Exmouth F 'n' C

Look who was there.

None other than Helen Beer - WELL DONE

Who along with 24 others ( new faces as will as old ones ) gathered out side our usual seafront takeaway F 'n' C shop, which was shut - as usual.

You will have to do something about that Dave! Sally and Jane Madge collected our orders, went to the shop in town and frightened the life out of them

by ordering over £ 100.00 worth of fish, chips, sausages, mushy peas, chicken and cans of drink. This was all consumed sitting at the tables behind

the shut takeaway where we had a lovely view of the calm sea with the setting sun glistening on the water.

Camping at Sixpenny Handley

30 April - 3 May

Most arrived on Friday and got their tents up while the sun was still shining, then off to the site café for fish and chips in the evening. Saturday was showery which delayed those wanting to go for a walk etc. The evening was chilly so we nattered and quenched our thirst in the café with the local beers etc.The Sunday Ride Out was good and also damp at times, and everyone arrived back in time for afternoon tea of homemade cake and hot drinks to warm them up. The quiz prizes were given out, some took advantage of a lap top to get their answers, so they were banned. Where they found space to put a lap top for a camping weekend on a bike, who knows! A few went to the pub in the evening but most of us knew the pub was shut, but they didn't and when they got back a short while later they got cheers and boos.. About 40 people enjoyed the weekend dispite the weather. Big thanks to Paul and Rick from Southern section for doing the Ride out again this year. Bigger thanks to Jen for doing all the bookwork etc and making the super bread pudding that didn't last long. The phrase of the weekend was..''If I lift my bum, you pull the sleeping bag''. Draw your own conclusions!!!

Murder Mystery Trail

Sunday 9th May

Here are the 9 detectives whose job it was to find out who did it with what

We set off from Tavistock across Dartmoor eliminating suspects and weapons as we went,

following a well laid out set of clues until all we were left with was one person and a weapon

Just like a great big game of Cludo, really, the only thing missing was the room.

But guess what! even that was provided by the ever resourceful

Bryan the organiser Boothby of Fowey

At our last set of clues stop in the village of Lustleigh there is a tea shop and Bryan took all the finishers in and treated then to a cream tea

I had had such an exhausting day all I wanted was a pint. No said Bryan you will come with me and have a nice cup of tea.

Great fun a really good day,

Well done Bryan

report by John Robinson

Midsummer Rally at

Tiverton Rugby Club

11th-13th June

The 2nd Mid Summer Rally was held at Tiverton Rugby Club, the weather was sunny and hot on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, being in the Exe valley we were protected from the northerly wind that seemed to plaque the rest of the UK. Thanks to all who came especially Neil Hopkins who travelled all the way from Colchester in Essex(270 miles) and won the prize for the longest distance travelled (a wind up camping lantern courtesy of Les at Traveldri-Plus). Some ventured out for rides around Exmoor and into North Cornwall, others strolled along the Grand Western Canal Towpath and Country Park, while some of us just sat in the sun and gently cooked. Thanks for taking part in the lucky dip as an alternative to a raffle, which raised £ 24-00 for our section charity account. It was great to see Helen Beer back on her bike, for her first unaccompanied and unescorted ride since her accident, late last year. Daisy 2 looks really smart, I hope you enjoyed your visit, the chips and the ride home. We were also pleased to see Dave and Anita who visited on Saturday evening to find us scoffing a fish supper. Talking of the fish supper, the mobile chippy excelled himself again, serving pieces of fish that resembled the side of a whale accompanied by a half ton of chips, buckets of mushy peas and gallons curry sauce. Which we washed down with a beer or two while commiserating with the England football fans who'd just watched their team draw with the USA. Thanks to all who came, keep your eyes on the diary of events for next years dates, we look forward to seeing you again.

Chris & Sylv

Tiverton Canal Cruise and Cream Tea

11th July

11 of us met at the canal basin in Tiverton for the cruise on the horse drawn canal barge. The weather was hot and sunny. Before we boarded the barge, Phil Brind (the owner) publicaly welcomed us with some degree of performance to the amazement of the rest of the public waiting to board the barge. The cruise was peacefull as we travelled gently along at walking pace. We were able to see some of the canal side wildlife, and spent time feeding the ducks and moorhens as we went. It's amazing that with all the space on the barge that most of our party congregated in the area of the bar. At the turn around point the method of propoulsion, the horse was given a rest and we were able to stretch our legs and have a walk along the towpath. Then it was back on the barge and we started the gentle journey back. On the return leg the crew ask for a couple of minutes silence, giving us the chance to appreciate the silence, punctated only by the bird songs, the water gently lapping against the barge and the hoof falls of the horse on the towpath. On our return to Tiverton, we walked along the towpath to the Canal Side Tea Rooms, where we were treated to freshly cooked scones, served with jam and cream, and accompanied by pots of tea. Thanks to all those who came, Sylv and I are pleased you enjoyed yourselves.

Concours & BBQ

25th July

The annual concuors and BBQ was held at the Weary Traveller, thanks to all those who came and entered. The weather was sunny and hot this year which helped to bring a good turnout. Our thanks to Graham from Grahams Motorcycles, our guest judge and to Barbara his wife who kindly presented the trophies to the winners. Congratulations to the winners (can you get a VAT receipt for the engraving when you get your details put on the trophy and forward to the treasurer), also remember to return the trophy to the Social Secretary in time for next years event. There was a sidecar outfit, trike and a good selection of bikes on show, the oldest dating from 1959. After the judging and presentations we sat in the pub beer garden to enjoy the fine BBQ cooked by the Steve the landlord.

-.-

THE TROPHY WINNERS WERE

Ocean Cup -.- Gerard Roberts

C W Trophy -.- Mike Williams

Howard Truscott Trophy -.- Mike Williams

Fred Secker Cup -.- Stephen Edwards

Best Modified Trophy -.- Chris Crocker

Best F650 Trophy -.- Ron Lyford

Parnell Trophy -.- Tony Painter

Vincent Jerrom Trophy -.- Trevor Martin

Members Choice -.- Stephen Edwards

Chris & Sylv

This is a view of the road along the Gorges Superiores du Cians that Pete Fletcher and John Robinson rode last year

An excellent surface all the way and very recently resurfaced to a great extent, as you can see from the photo. The only bumpy bit is just the very last bit after Beuil if you're coming from the north. The quite wide road is excellent; the surface is good and follows every curve of the river next to it, and this river curves big time. I don't think there's anything resembling a straight. There are tight flickable sections and tight sweepers, trees and cliffs. Everything. The red cliff face is on your right the whole way down. In places the road narrows and the cliff face overhangs a bit. Makes a fast right hand bend with oncoming traffic over the white lines, a real cheek clenching experience! 22km of biking heaven. Imposing scenery, superb surface and red rocks. We rate it as moderately difficult because of the speed you tend to go at combined with the tightness of most of the corners. Seriously recommended. Eventually the road snakes down to the main road the N202. There is nothing to recommend about the N202 itself except the occasional petrol station (Puget-Theniers), the interesting walled town of Entrevaux and it's also the way to the Gorges de Dalius.

I think the French build some of their roads just for the fun of it.

THE SECTION A.G.M.

Was held on Sunday 11th October 2009

At 2:00pm Cheriton Bishop Village Hall.

For those of you who missed it, the new committee is:-

Chairman: Dave Cooper.

Secretary: Dave Little.

Treasurer / Web: John Robinson.

Social Secretary: Sally Robinson.

Regaila / Tech. Bulletins: Nobby Donno.

BIG THANKS to retiring committee members and officers.

Dave Cooper has stopped being our sec. as he is now National secretary.

and Dave Little moves into that position from being a committee member.

Robin Wale has retired from the committee.

See the 'contact us' page for further details

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The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Cheriton Bishop Village Hall

on Sunday October 11th 2009 2.00pm.

have now been filed away.If you would like a hard copy please contact the webmaster.

They will be put up here again one month before the 2010 AGM to refresh your memories.

? FANCY A NICE R1100RT ?

R1100RT for sale – 1999 (T). 49,000 miles(ish). Partial service history, BMW Panniers + Hepco & Becker topbox. MOT to May 2011, Tax to November 2010. Offers around £ 2,750. Chaz 07521 695992 (Ashburton) – Member No. 7568

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Pete Fletcher has the following bits for sale

MRA Tinted Vario Screen for sale. Used for 2 weeks only on previously owned R1200GS. Worked well and looks good but couldn't keep correct position with satnav fitted. Has slight adjustment marks where screen slides. I've now got a GSA so don't need the screen. £ 60 incl. P & P Polished black glass fibre Pyramid hugger, looks really good when fitted. Slight scratch where hugger rubbed bottom screw on rear spring and slight mark where it rubbed drive shaft housing. £ 50 incl. P & P

Also for sale: OE screen for K1200GT SE standard size; OE handlebar and cables for Triumph Rocket 111 (2004 standard fitment)

radio tuner, speaker and valve box for 1950s Rover. Open to offers on all of these.

Tel/text. 07941 782 556

Works number 01749 842 004

e-mail. peterdfletcher@hotmail.co.uk

Past Journals for Disposal

John Hill, Tel. 01392 420268 has a load of Journals he has finished with

July'83 to Feb.'91 & Nov.'00 to Jan.'08

If you would like any contact him for further details

If he hasn't got the one you want. Try Geoff Novis on 01934 830016

He has Journals from 2001 to 2008 for desposal free to callers.(Yatton)