A good turnout at Maidenhead with the forecourt crammed with people and bikes, not to mention the interior.
Three of the older models kept from new by BMW and released recently were on display with just a mile or two on the clock. Don’t get too excited though – they are all sold.
Plenty going on: free T-shirts, free draw for a new helmet and racer Ian ‘Hutchy’ Hutchinson holding court
And the panel for the HP4 was all about the price – around £69k!
Posted in Bahnstormer, BMW, BMW Dealers, BMW Motorrad
This weekend Bahnstormer Motorrad have 10th Anniversary events at Alton and Maidenhead click here for details.
Posted in Bahnstormer
BMW Club Oxford Section Report for July 2017
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2017 organising several social events. Most of these planned events taking place in various restaurant or eating establishments throughout the year.
SNR’s: Oxford section have also introduced Short Notice Rides, these tend to be mid-week events with a day or more notice, which have been very popular.
Sat / Sun July 1st – 2nd ACU Rally
Carterton Marshall Point ACU National Rally
Several members from the Oxford section manned the Carterton checkpoint from 2pm on Saturday until 7am on Sunday morning, much banter and refreshments with the arriving and departing motorcycles – a great way to meet people.
Why do they do it, some quotes from the arrivals: –
Because it is what I enjoy – riding my bike on different roads, in different parts of the country on one of the longest days of the year. Allowing me to meet old friends who compete in the rally, meet the volunteers who sand by the control and provide the witty banter and refreshments, which make the event what it is and at the same time making new friends as the popularity of the rally increases.
Because riding through the night from dusk to dawn on quiet roads with little or no traffic is a rare pleasure in this over populated, over congested country. Early evening Saturday the roads become less busy and you are able to concentrate on enjoying the ride more and worry about the traffic less.
Enabling an all too brief view of some stunning scenery. Choose the right roads, staying off the motorways and dual carriage ways, at the right time, of the day or night, you can literally ride for miles and the only vehicles you will see are other bikes on the event. With only a few hours of total darkness because it is mid-summer, late night becomes early morning very quickly and any signs of tiredness reduce as light increases.
Watch this space, the Oxford section may enter a team next year…..
Monday 3rd July – Ludgershall Bike Night – Dave & Rosemary Hicks
By the time john Broad arrived the team of Dave Shanks and Ian Cummins had already set the stand up and were getting to receive visitors. Like many of these events the numbers of people and bikes increases without anyone really noticing except that you become aware of the bike parking space rapidly being filled with some great machines. David & Rosemary arrived on their nice vintage BMW and immediately set about marketing the Club and section.
Having the stand next to the fish and chip wagon was just too tempting to ignore and, yes, the fish was very good. Another source of truly excellent food was the stand run by the locals selling fantastic home cooked cakes with a cup of tea and proceeds going to a charity. Right next to this stand the live musicians were pounding out all those toe tapping tunes from the rock and roll era.
Walking back to the Club stand takes ages as the range of machines require further inspection. Everything from our friend from Bicester, Norman Smith with his 1950’s Cyclemaster and the bicycle having the brushes and advertising for a chimney sweep, a lovely little Brockhouse Corgi and right up to some massive Trikes and custom Harley’s with everything in between.
Visitors to the stand showed interest in the range of BMW’s on show with the R Nine T attracting the eyes of young and old. This event is not so packed or frantic as Cassington but is a great place to meet old friends and make new ones.
Our thanks to John Broad, Dave hanks, Ian Cummings and of course Dave and Rosemary Hicks for organising and supporting the event.
Sunday 9th July Dead Sheep Mountain Ride [A4059]) rideout with David Lisk
Having found out 3 days before the ride that the planned route and roads around the South of Wales to venture upon where going to be closed due to a serious cycling event, an alternative had to be planned using the only road that was still open from the original planning, and with the first café informing me the day before that they decided that they could not facilitate a large group of bikes, all seemed to be going so well!
But perseverance paid off and a new planned ride entitled the ‘Brecon Loop’ as I like to refer to it was now the aspiration of the July Oxford BMW group ride out.
A majority of the group met at the Peartree Services area and were escorted to the second meeting point at the Burford Garden Centre, this was to be the starting point for the planned ride heading West into Wales. A fine group of merry folks arrived and seemed keen to take advantage of the glorious dry and the not too hot weather for the ride out.
Following a ride brief with details of the route and stops, the duration of the ride and also printed details of such, including a map were circulated for awareness should some be interested or have concerns regarding the venture.
All gathered we started well maintaining a reasonable formation for a large group heading West to eat the miles along the A40 to get into Wales as soon as we could, to then enjoy the roads and scenery. Blessed with light traffic we arrived at the first stop at the Fairview Garden Centre North West of Gloucester in good time. Although a small café on site it provided a reasonable service for all and a welcome leg stretch and of course some did take advantage of cakes even though lunch was only over the horizon, so to speak.
We all left the spacious parking area and headed out for the scheduled midday lunch stop, a well-known and highly recommended café called the ‘Steel Horse Café’.
We were not disappointed with the chosen lunch stop, the food was excellent, freshly cooked and tasty, with a pleasant service and biker kindred spirit for those who ride the steel ‘horses’. Some did choose to return home at this point due to other commitments and journey times, but seemed to have enjoyed the ride and food stops voicing their gratitude.
Leaving, the group made their way, after a short detour with the leaders SatNav automatically rerouting back to Oxford! To then travel on to the desired route West and then North up the A4059. This A road was the whole aim of the ride to experience an enjoyable bendy road with little traffic, just traffic savvy sheep wondering freely across the land! Recommended in the AA Bikers Guide, it did not disappoint. Joining the main A470, after the ‘twisty’s’ the group then stopped at Hills café at Bishops Meadow, just North of Brecon.
This was the final stop and sitting on a sun blessed terrace the remaining group were able to relax and reflect upon the day’s ride, eating and drinking. This was to be, by general consensus, the desired end of the ride with each choosing to ‘bomb burst’ away on chosen routes back to their own homes, enjoying which ever roads that were taken.
It was an enjoyable days riding and all seemed content that they had taken part in some or all of the route planned, with more importantly all being impressed with the mid-day lunches that were ordered!
Our thanks to David for an excellent day out and the kind weather conditions!
Tuesday 11th July – West Hagbourne Bike Night – Rob Allin & Graham Chapple
Unfortunately, Rob was incapacitated for this year’s event, however Graham very kindly stepped into the breech.
The Oxford Section was duly erected for the bike night, Unfortunately the weather spoiled the event and the evening was quite quiet with a distinct lack of bikes and visiting public due to the torrential rain, but who could blame them.
Many thanks to Graham and Rob for their stirling efforts putting this event together and manning it.
Saturday 15th July – 50th Anniversary Barn Dance – Wendy Ottaway
One of numerous special evenings to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the section, well organised and supported and a great evening had by all who attended the Barn dance in Wootton. Thanks also to Dave Shanks for dealing with the kitchen… Wendy Ottaway for her endless energy in organising the event and being a lovely hostess.
In her own words………
Another one of our 50 year celebrations… Something a bit different (for most of us) A barn Dance.
I’ll start by thanking those who made the night a success. Firstly, and most important “All “of those who attended, special thanks to the helpers in the kitchen, Big and little Dave, Rosemary and Fiona, also Sue, Jean, Bob and Geoff for security and setting up. Sorry and thank-you if I’ve forgotten anyone else.
The band Ted Morse and his band were very patient and forgiving of our lack of understanding of simple instructions, a bit like a ride out really.
The Dancing, I use the term loosely, holding hands, skipping arm in arm, whilst dozy doeing, through chains under arches and swinging one another round and round, even us girls managed to get in and have a go with them!!.
All of those who could, had a go, and from the number of smiles and laughter, seemed to be enjoying themselves, although a small amount of alcohol consumed may have had something to do with it. All in all new experiences and an enjoyable evening out with mates, thanks again to all those who participated.
Saturday 29th July – Calne Bike Night – John Russ
Martin Skennerton kindly brought the Oxford Section gazebo, banners etc. With help from other members we had the stand set by about 8:15 am. It was a bit quiet until about 10:30 when a few more Oxford members joined us later. It was a busy day we had quite a few enquiries from various potential members. We took it in turns to look around the town many bikes of all shapes and sizes. We managed to get everything packed away just before the rain came and looking forward to better weather next year!
Many thanks to John, Martin, Ian and Daffyd for their stirling efforts putting this event together and manning it.
Oxford Section Sat Nav Project and Survey
Earlier in the year we announced the start of the Oxford Section Sat Nav Project between the Oxford Section and North Oxford Garage. The aim of the project is to improve our collective knowledge of how to use our Sat Nav’s and to help members get the best from them.
We have established a small ‘Expert User Group’ of experienced Sat Nav users and James McMinn hosted our first meeting at NOG. The meeting was very useful and we have a preliminary plan.
I am pleased to announce that we are now ready to take the next step. We all decided that it is very important that we survey the Oxford Section membership to get some feedback on what people are using their Sat Navs for and what areas they find difficult. We will then aim to address these problems through training, help guides, Q&A forum amongst other ideas.
Future Events: September
10th Ride Out: Wessex Wandering start 10am in Marlborough contact Andrew Byatt mail: andrew.byatt@btinternet.com
29th – 1st October weekend away to Rye, Sussex contact Dave Shanks mail: dave.shanks@bmwoxford.com
Don’t forget to make a note of the dates from the trifold calendar that you wish to attend into your diaries and make sure you add in the special 50th events. We will also be updating the website regularly and posting on Facebook.
Here’s to safe riding and some good weather.
Dave Tomlinson
Posted in Oxford Section, Section Journal Reports
BMW Club Oxford Section Report for June 2017
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2017 organising several social events. Most of these planned events taking place in various restaurant or eating establishments throughout the year.
SNR’s: Oxford section have also introduced Short Notice Rides, these tend to be mid-week events with a day or more notice, which have been very popular.
Friday June 2 – 3rd Lechlade camping weekend with Dave Hawkins
This year’s camping weekend at Lechlade was supported by visitors from East Anglia, Oxford, South West, Western and Southern Sections. Plus 2 visitors from Continue reading
BMW Club Oxford Section Report for April 2017
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2017 organising several social events. Most of these planned events taking place in various restaurant or eating establishments throughout the year.
Saturday 29th April Sat Nav Experts User Group: What is it…….: The aim of the meeting was to set up a Satnav Expert User Group (EUG) that can help BMW Club Oxford Section Members to use their navigation devices more effectively. The meeting was held at North Oxford Garage (NOG) to take advantage of the involvement of the BMW Dealership who supply the devices and resolve problems their customers have in using them. 11 people attended with a further Continue reading
BMW Club Oxford Section Report for May 2017
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2017 organising several social events. Most of these planned events taking place in various restaurant or eating establishments throughout the year.
SNR’s Oxford section have also introduced Short Notice Rides, these tend to be mid-week events with a day or more notice, which have been very popular.
Friday 14th Charity event Berkshire Egg Run: 12 of the BMW Club left the H Cafe for a unhurried bimble, meandering through Wallingford, Woodcote Whitchurch on Thames and Pangbourne before arriving in good time for the start to the Egg Run in West Tilehurst.
Well over a thousand bikers left Norcot Road for another humbling run through the streets of Reading, Caversham and Emmer Green and finally arriving at the Continue reading
Posted in Section Journal Reports
The aim of the meeting was to set up a Satnav Expert User Group (EUG) that can help BMW Club Oxford Section Members to use their navigation devices more effectively:-
Sat Nav Experts User Group - April 2017Posted in NOG, Oxford Section, Sat Nav
The BMW Club Oxford Section Bike Skills Academy course took place on SATURDAY APRIL 22ND 2017 at the Stoke FC ground. The course was run by Craig Jones and Kevin Bryan of Bryans BMW Rider Training North, read on for the commando roll and videos:-
Slow Riding Course V2- 2017
Posted in Oxford Section, Riding
BMW Club Oxford Section Report for April 2017
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2017 organising several social events. Most of these planned events taking place in various restaurant or eating establishments throughout the year.
The second of these was a Sunday Lunch on the 19th March at the Windmill Carvery near Burford, a good number of hardy souls made the event and an excellent time was enjoyed by all.
March 12th was the last of the Uffington indoor meetings with a talk by Neville Dalton on his adventures in Norway. Neville’s talk was based around the first (of two) bike trips he did with World of BMW in June 2011 & June 2012. The talk followed the MapSource routes he used, illustrated with some of the photos he had taken.
There was plenty of interest from the audience, mostly centred around the timings and costs of the trip and, being Norway, the cost of booze.
The photos used in the talk were mainly Neville’s but supplemented from the Internet to illustrate the ‘finished products’ of road, bridge and tunnel changes that have been completed since 2011. As a personal note, Neville thinks that the tour route, though lengthy, is better without the more recent “shortcuts” as he’s not so keen on seeing countries from inside tunnels!
If Neville could he would go again tomorrow, he enjoyed the trip so much – as the planning etc. was all done for the group. Not having to coordinate ferries, hotels etc. is a big saving of effort. The trip was in June 2011, warm enough for Norwegian’s to be sunbathing in Trondheim but still very cold and snowy over the high ground!
All he had to do was set up his sat-nav, remember to pack the (2) maps and go. The only ‘bad’ bit was having to trundle round the M25 and up the A12 – and back! Neville was fortunate with the A12 however, as the ‘leader’, Richard, passed him on that road and he spotted his World of BMW sticker and followed his (much quicker) progress!
Total distance in Norway was 1620 miles, although Neville added a few extra as he detoured to ride the 27 hairpins at Lysebotn on the last leg.
March 14th is the Prince of Wales, Shippon natter night where we had Nick Houlton along. Nicks talk was a lively and fun look at new technology for motorcyclists and includes BMW Assist, RealRider, and the development of body worn airbags. We enjoyed an overview of the various technologies different manufacturers are offering, with a deeper dive into those offered by Helite. Nick shared his experience of using these on Track, on Road, and on Terrain with photos and customer testimonials. This lively discussion also featured live demonstrations, check out our Facebook page for the result of this test on our Social Sec Dave Tomlinson!
15th March Culham Centre for Fusion Energy: – Around 22 members gathered at this long awaited trip to discover the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy which is the UK’s national laboratory for fusion research. CCFE is based at Culham Science Centre and is owned and operated by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.
The site was previously HMS Hornbill, a Fleet Air Arm airfield, and was converted to a purpose-built fusion laboratory between 1960 and 1965. Today the UK fusion programme is centred on the innovative MAST (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak) experiment, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the European Union under the EURATOM treaty. In addition, CCFE hosts the world’s largest magnetic fusion experiment, JET (Joint European Torus), on behalf of its European partners.
A very exciting and worthwhile trip that we are also organising for 2018.
SNR’s. Oxford section have also introduced Short Notice Rides, these tend to be mid-week events with a day or more notice, which have been very popular.
One ride was to Portsmouth Maritime Museum, Well done to the ‘Magnificent Eight’ who took part in the SNR to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard today. We all agreed to use the buddy system that worked well and of course all of these rides welcome pillions and Gill Mossman joined us on this SNR. The weather was mostly dry but quite misty and foggy on the way back.
We met at the Tothill services just off the A34, then Steve led the ride down along a very engaging and beautiful route down some very small and green lanes finally ending up for a well deserved break at Loomies, with tea and bacon helping resuscitate the “team”.We then set off along faster roads to Gunwharf Quays where we circled the car park for some time as the majority of bike spaces were used but eventually found some spaces at a reasonable £1 for the day.
The Historic Dockyard is well worth a visit on any day but be warned there is so much to see. The new Mary Rose exhibit is very good well worth a visit having watched it from its discovery and lifting phase to its semi dry structure today.Once we reached the Dockyard everyone headed to their areas of interest and as usual made their own way home afterwards.New SNR stickers were distributed to all attendees.
30th March Thanks to Bob Mack for arranging a good SNR to RAF Cosford. We scooted up the M40 to collect a pick up Dave Shanks and Andrew Lawson and then on to the RAF Museum at Cosford. This museum covers the Cold War period with interesting displays contrasting life in the East and West. The gift shop even has a large statue of Lenin to encourage shoppers! The displays are excellent including all three V-bombers and the museum needs more than one visit, fortunately it’s free but you do pay for the car park. We took a route back on A roads to avoid Birmingham and Bob and I had the best coffee of the day at the new Costa drive thru at Faringdon on the way back home.
2nd April 50th Anniversary Event – Hongxin Chinese restaurant: – A very nice lunch today at the Hongxin Chinese restaurant near Swindon. The weather was good, the food was good and the restaurant was well organised and very friendly. Many thanks to Martin Skennerton for arranging the event
9th April We have the first ride out of the season planned for a “mystery coast tour” with Phil Carter 07778 936424 departing from the Sun Inn, Coate Water, Swindon at 9.30 (allowing time for breakfast / coffee before departure)
14th May we have a ride out planned for Cheddar Gorge with Frank Butler 07833 469602 starting from North Oxford Garage.
With the 100th anniversary of the 1st World War this year it is very appropriate that the section has a visit to Ypres over the weekend of the 26th to the 29th May although this very full with a reserve listing.
Don’t forget to make a note of the dates from the trifold calendar that you wish to attend into your diaries and make sure you add in the special 50th events. We will also be updating the website regularly and posting on Facebook.
Here’s to safe riding and some good weather.
Dave Tomlinson.
Seems a very enjoyable run down to the South Coast with Phil and 28 others, some surprises, read on for more details:-
Mystery Ride Out Phil Carter - April 2017Posted in Oxford Section, Ride Outs
In 2017 the Oxford Section is collecting for SERV OBN. Please click to give generously to this good cause. Thank you.
