BMW Club Oxford Section Report for November 2016
A beautiful, crisp late autumn day on the 23rd October was just right for a ride to the Wellesley Arms, Sutton Benger in Wiltshire for the annual battle between the Oxford Section and the Western Section at that most important activity of skittles. After fuelling up on the special sausages and chips battle commenced.
Our ace sports reporter Marion Allin sent in the following: “So many Oxford Section and so few Western Section what to do? ….. The football ‘loan’ system came into operation! The results were close, a margin of four points decided the winners as the Western Section (plus ‘on loan’ players from Oxford Section) were declared this year’s champions. The ‘sudden death’ competition was won by Helen Tunstall with Patrick Davey second and Gerry Fredericks (a popular new member) third. It was however a ladies day as top scorers were Joan and Marion with 8 skittles each! Well done to the ladies”. The Western Section will of course try to defend their win next year on the 22nd of October 2017. Will they need the support of the Oxford Section members though to help them again? Everyone from the Oxford Section who attended said they had a great time playing the games and meeting the members of the Western Section for this friendly rivalry.
As befits a motorcycle club, Dave Shanks led a group of riders to the National Motorcycle Museum on the 9th October as the last regular ride out of the year.
Dave reported “On a sunny October fresh morning 13 bikes & 16 bodies met at 0930 at Peartree services, Oxford for the last ride out of the year. A varied route of 66 ‘smiles’ through the North Oxfordshire lanes touching on the edge of the Cotswolds took us into South Warwickshire skirting Stratford upon Avon to reach the National Motorcycle Museum. After refreshments, a trip around the museum brought many a memory back from the vast selection of British Motorcycle history. Several prototypes were spotted with many a remark of “If only they were made ten years earlier””. I’m not sure if Dave meant to say ‘smiles’ but it fits well with biking on such a sunny day.
There have been many SNR (Short Notice Rides) over the last month as members have taken advantage of the fine autumn weather.
With very little wind to blow the leaves off the trees this year has been superb for the autumn colours, which prompted Bob Mack to organise a SNR to Stourhead arboretum on the 17th October. As he noted, the head Gardner is also a motorcyclist and so there is good bike parking available. A nice short ride to see such wonderful colours on the trees makes people feel good.
An unusual bike show took places at Olympia in London on the 29th October called ‘Kickback London’ and Chris Bond led a SNR for those interested in these ‘chopped’ pieces of motorcycling art. Chris’ instructions for this ride were “For those expecting a carefree ride through leafy lanes then this ride isn’t for you but if you want to orgasm in a plethora of chops and shed builds then read on. An early start from Peartree Services then a quick run in fog to the Ace Café for one of their famous breakfasts. After filling our boots it was a short ride to Olympia where parking was free for the day”. They called in the H Cafe on the way back for a welcomed brew.
Following the Five go Massif in France there came the follow up Five go mad in Devon but it turned out to be more like Five survive Devon as they took on the Hippo Rally.
I’ll let the leader, John Ottaway tell the story reproduced from the Facebook page where he called it “I survived the ….Hippo Rally. In summary, the Famous Five adventurers’ met up for a weekend Rally with intent to. 1) Camp in the cold. 2) Ride around Dartmoor. 3) Celebrate my birthday with drinking beer, listening to a brass band and in company with other like minded members. Only it didn’t work out like that!!
First, on the way, Ian misjudged a bend and went all woodland on us!! Ambo called and a visit to Exeter A&E. Bike recovered to campsite. Second, it was Bl***y freezing cold night camping (although beer was £2 pint). Third, the Sat morning ride out saw two more of the now Fabulous Four have a close encounter with the resultant closer inspection of Dartmoor tarmac!! Bikes looking a bit second-hand; but better with tape, cable ties and sympathetic treatment. Retreat to campsite for sacking and return to home. Night ride endured by the now ‘Odd Couple’. Adventure ..huh ….can’t you wait for my sixtieth next year!” Another report from Phil Carter added “Despite the chaos our leader (John Ottoway) led us on some wonderful rides. A memorable weekend! Good and bad! It ain’t gonna stop me enrolling for future outings (preferably ‘ice- free!’) An appreciative participant” They even managed to stop off for some skittles on the way home as well; well done chaps.
Maybe this is the time to mention again the ‘Biker Down’ workshops, the last one for the Oxford Section took place on the 10th of November. I have received a message from Julie who organises these workshop with the sad news that due to County Council funding cuts they may have to look for unpaid volunteers to deliver these workshops in future. Julie said “Might there be some appetite from your group (Oxford Section) to become Biker Down presenters – following training? Depending on interest, individuals wouldn’t need to commit more than one evening a month to deliver the BD workshops. I’d hope that from those who’ve been before, plus those visiting The Slade on 10th November, we’d potentially get a small bank of volunteers. Many thanks, Julie”. The call is out therefore for volunteers please.
Most of the pub socials are working well with members enjoying meeting up to chat and even have a spot of dinner. We have however decided to move from the Waggon & Horses in Southmoor to The Prince of Wales, 60 Barrow Road, Shippon, Abingdon, OX13 6JQ as of the 10th October; this being a more central location for the section. Good food and CAMRA approved add to the pubs charms.
By the time you read this Christmas will be upon us and so may I wish all the members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To get you underway the pub social locations have special dinners arranged and on the 11th December the Uffington meeting will feature Christmas food from 14.00 onwards.
Your excellent team on the committee have already put together a superb year of events to go to or ride on with trips all over Europe and the UK.
I wish you all good and of course safe riding.
John L Broad, Dave Tomlinson
I wonder if The Biker down possibly moving to volunteers might also find another evening as my Thursdays are busy